Don Knotts is one of the last great physical comedians, making movies in a time when physical comedy was on the wane. His face was a chaotic assembly line of expressions. In ten seconds he could express thirty different emotions, from abject terror to rage to calm certainty. Most of the humor in his movies is in how he reacts physically to a situation.This movie is no different. The man publishes a bird watching magazine. The magazine is going under, but is republished by an adult magazine publisher who wants to use it to display "birds" of his own. Knotts is then vilified as a sex maniac...horrifying some...fascinating others. It is a light satire.The Love God has the components of the other Knotts movies: Sudden change in situation, devoted girlfriend, misunderstandings, ostracizing former friends and reconciliation. Not as good as How to Frame a Figg...but fun nonetheless...

Clean and decent ornithologist Don Knotts (as Abner Peacock IV) is about to see his poor-selling bird-watching magazine peck it in. Meanwhile, smut-peddling publisher Edmond O'Brien (as Osborne Tremain) loses his magazine's license, due to pornographic content. To continue printing his bosomy babes, O'Brien tricks Knotts into turning over his periodical's editorial content. After sending Knotts off on safari, O'Brien turns the tame "Peacock's Magazine" into a titillating masturbatory aide.Knotts returns to find himself corralled into becoming the defendant in a "free speech" case. With assistance from enterprising editor Anne Francis (as Lisa La Monica), Knotts is transformed into a Hugh Hefner-type publishing giant. Then, Ms. Francis falls in love with playboy Knotts...Knotts can't help but be funny; this particular characterization was perfected in his role of "Mr. Furley" on the TV series "Three's Company". His "Abner Peacock" is little less sure, perhaps necessarily so, considering the times. Note, the screeching and shouting was not part of Knotts' later routine. Under-appreciated writer/director Nat Hiken cleverly mixes satire and sexy women. "The Love God?" is colorful, and features a delightful supporting cast. Unfortunately, by the last act, the film's direction, and humor, has pointedly unraveled.***** The Love God? (1969) Nat Hiken ~ Don Knotts, Anne Francis, Edmond O'Brien

I have to say I think this is one of Don Knotts's better comedy roles (certainly better than the horrendous How To Frame a Figg). I put it right up there with Ghost And Mr. Chicken...Jerry Lewis tried his hand at doing adult comedy (Dont Raise the Bridge..) and failed, but DK is perfect as the small town virginal patsy made to look like the world's greatest swinger. I defy anyone to watch Knott's little dance performance during the "Mr. Peacock" song montage and not laugh out loud. ..the only part of the plot that seems to falter is Anne Francis's character's relationship to Abner Peacock..does she love him or not?? ..and as a Mayberry trivia note, listen to the song the Choir is singing when the camera is showing the exterior to the church...is that not the "Ode to Jaunita" that Barney Fife was always singing ??

Unfortunately this is not one of Don Knott's better comedies. A lot of the jokes fall flat, especially the bird call jokes. I seriously doubt those were funny even in 1969. I love Don Knotts, don't get me wrong. I think the man is a great comedic actor and he does shine here, but the problem is he's the only thing that does really. The 'Icepick Charlie' character is the only other one with any charisma whatsoever. And what's with all the women-hitting in this movie? I'm no ultra-sensitive kneejerk reactionary but I found the three or four cases of men punching or slapping women to be unfunny and sadly out of place. It seemed they thought they'd get a cheap laugh. They didn't, at least not from me. See this only if you're a huge Don Knotts fan.