Watch The North Avenue Irregulars

The North Avenue Irregulars is a comedy movie from 1979 that stars Edward Herrmann, Barbara Harris, and Susan Clark in lead roles. The movie is based on the true story of a group of church volunteers who team up to fight against the local organized crime syndicate that has taken over their neighborhood. It is a hilarious and heartwarming story that showcases the power of community and good people coming together to make a positive difference in their lives.

Set in a typical American suburb, the movie follows the story of Reverend Michael Hill (Herrmann), who is appointed as the new pastor of the First Church of the Open Bible. The church is located on North Avenue, which was once a peaceful and prosperous street but has now become a hub for all sorts of nefarious activities. Hill learns quickly that the community is in dire need of help and decides to take action.

To do so, he enlists the help of a group of volunteers from his congregation, including Emily (Harris), the church's organist, and Vickie (Clark), a mother of two. Initially, the group is hesitant to get involved, but as they witness the negative impact of the local gangsters and loan sharks on their neighborhood, they make up their minds to take matters into their own hands.

What follows is a series of hilarious misadventures as the group comes up with creative and unconventional ways to outsmart the criminals. They use everything from hidden cameras and decoy cars to fake Tarot cards to expose the illegal activities of the gangsters. Along the way, they also learn how to work together, respect each other's strengths, and build a stronger sense of community and camaraderie.

One of the highlights of the movie is the chemistry between the three lead actors - Herrmann, Harris, and Clark. They play off each other's quirks and idiosyncrasies perfectly, creating a hilarious and heartwarming dynamic that keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie. Harris, in particular, shines in her role as the eccentric Emily, whose quirky personality provides much of the movie's comic relief.

However, the movie also has its serious moments, as the volunteers face the harsh realities of criminal activity, including death threats and physical violence. The North Avenue Irregulars doesn't shy away from the dangers of taking on organized crime, but it also doesn't dwell on them. Instead, it focuses on the positive aspects of the volunteers' actions and the positive impact they have on their community.

The movie is directed by Bruce Bilson and produced by Walt Disney Productions. Bilson, who is best known for his work in television, brings a unique visual style to the movie that enhances its comedic and lighthearted tone. The movie's soundtrack, which includes upbeat gospel and soul music, also adds to its feel-good vibe.

In conclusion, The North Avenue Irregulars is a timeless comedy that showcases the power of community and the value of standing up for what is right. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the underdogs. The performances of the lead actors, the witty dialogue, and the fun visual style all contribute to making this a must-watch movie for anyone looking for a good laugh and a feel-good story.

The North Avenue Irregulars is a 1979 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.