"Aunt Bee's Medicine Man" - The Andy Griffith Show (1963)

When the Patent Medicine Man arrives in Mayberry to sell his “cure”, the ladies all flock to him. With his pseudo-western clothing and knowledge of things unfamiliar in the small town he quickly becomes somewhat of a celebrity. And the women are all in a great mood! So, what’s up in Mayberry and who’s going to find out?

Between Barney’s suspicious nature, and Aunt Bee’s sudden desire to play piano and sing around the house, Andy is forced to do a little digging of his own. And when he’s done with his investigation there’s going to be a big crowd in the town jail.

Proving once again that although life may be complicated, Ockham’s Razor still applies in certain instances, Andy sees that Justice is done on all three fronts in this episode from Episode 3 of the iconic series.

John Dehner plays the role of the medicine man, Colonel Harvey. He began his show business career in an unusual fashion, working as an animator for Walt Disney.  He also worked as a disc jockey and professional pianist. With his deep and rich voice he appeared in about a dozen films during the 1940’s; mostly as a card sharp, or outlaw. He was also known for his work on the TV series “The Roaring Twenties” in which he played a crusading news reporter.

But this appearance made him a member of a very exclusive club from the Andy Griffith Show. Some very famous, up and coming actors appeared in Mayberry. Maybe next week I will post the one with Jack Nicholson. They’re all in Public Domain at this point. Meantime, enjoy the show!

The Andy Griffith Show - "Opie the Birdman" (1963)

All the Andy Griffith shows are like treasures to me. They harken back to a simpler time, when there were lines not to be crossed. Though things were far from perfect in many respects, sometimes it’s still easy to long for the sepia toned days of our not too distant past. But the entire myriad of social issues aside, there was more of a civility in the air of the times. Even the struggles for Civil Rights were tangible evidence that, for the most part, people were at least trying to get in touch with their “better angels.” Contrasted with today’s sharply divided nation, those times were less complex, and we could at least imagine a way forward.

This first episode from the 1963 season of “The Andy Griffith Show” addresses responsibility, a word which is rapidly disappearing from our vocabulary. After getting a slingshot; which was every young man’s dream back in the “old days”; Opie is at first content with shooting tin cans and other inanimate objects. But soon he sets his sights on a bird in the tree in front of his house, and without thinking about the consequences of his action, kills it. He is heartbroken and filled with guilt and shame. The chirping of the baby birds; who are unable to fly yet; as they await the return of their mother to feed them, eats away at him.

Andy; in his usual calm way; let’s the boy feel the pain he has caused and makes him provide for the baby birds until they can fly on their own. When the time comes to let them go, Opie has learned several lessons from his transgression. Beginning at the 19 minute mark, Andy explains to Opie about letting go. And that’s something we all have to learn how to do at some point.

"Andy Discovers America" - The Andy Griffith Show (1963)

I am an unabashed fan of the Andy Griffith Show. The earlier shows, from the first 3 seasons, contain all that you need to know about living in harmony with your fellow man. Although not overtly religious, these shows are like sermons, espousing a hard work ethic along with self-reliance and responsibility. Andy Taylor, the Sheriff of Mayberry, does all he can to instill these values into his son, Opie, who grew up to be the great film director Ron Howard. But sometimes even Andy speaks out of turn, and without thinking, winds up with his foot in his mouth, just like a politician.

In this episode from the 3^rd season, Opie is having a problem with his new teacher, Ms. Crump, and her lessons in history. When Sheriff Taylor agrees with him that history is unimportant, he unknowingly sets off a rebellion in Ms. Crump’s classroom, as the boys refuse to do their history homework. When Ms. Crump confronts Sheriff Taylor, he is at once speechless, and slightly smitten with her. Now, all he has to do is undo the damage he has done, while still saving face with his son and the other boys. And let’s not forget his need to repair his reputation with Opie’s teacher, Ms. Crump.

The Andy Griffith Show - "A Christmas Story" (1960)

This is one of my favorite TV Christmas "episodes". It's from the Andy Griffith Show and was aired during the first season in 1960. It's really worth the time to watch. The story is not unlike Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in some ways, while also reminiscent of O.Henry's "The Cop and the Anthem", in which the main character, "Soapy", tries everything in his power to get arrested in order to avoid spending the winter on the streets. Ironically, he is finally arrested and sent to prison for something he did not do.

In this wonderful Christmas episode, Sam, a local family man, played by Samuel Muggins, is caught by a local businessman, Ben Weaver, played by Will Wright, making moonshine for Christmas Eve. Just as Andy and Barney have paroled all the prisoners and are getting ready to close the Courthouse for the holiday, Ben comes in with Sam, and the evidence, in tow, forcing Andy and Barney to keep the Courthouse open over Christmas. But there is more than one way to skin a cat, and Ben finds himself outside, looking in, until he comes up with a plan of his own. Though it may mean spending time in jail himself, he does manage to learn the meaning of the Christmas Spirit.