Herbert Scroggins

Reverend Herbert Scroggins was a secondary hero in the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.

Scroggins was the preacher of the local church in Whistle Stop, Alabama near Birmingham. He cared deeply about all the residents in the area.

When Idgie Threadgoode and Big George were arrested and taken to Valdosta, Georgia to answer for the death of Frank Bennett, Ruth Jamison reached out to Scroggins for assistance. He was named as a witness in the trial. When called to the stand Scroggins took his copy of Moby Dick with him. Claiming it was his bible he swore on that instead of the one the court official offered. Fortunately no one at court looked close enough to see that it wasn't a bible.

Taking the stand Scroggins claimed that both Idgie and Big George had been with him the entire time at a tent revival. When the prosecutor tried to object that the two could've left the revival and came back to town to murder Bennett Scroggins replied that the two were there the entire three days and three nights of the revival, with Big George running the barbeque as he had done for the past several years. With these revelations the case quickly fell apart. The judge said he believed Bennett had gotten drunk, drove into the river, and was eaten up by the wildlife a long time ago. He ruled Bennett's death to have been accidental and dismissed the charges.

In payment for saving Idgie and Big George following the trial Scroggins told Idgie he expected to see her in church the following Sunday. Ruth then revealed that she had suggested that be a proper penance for Idgie. For her part Idgie was not sure what was worse, going to Scroggins church or going to jail.

Trivia

 * Rev. Scroggins was portrayed by Richard Riehle.