The "Andy Griffith Show" love thread

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:48pm

Okay, I'll start one.

This show is a vacation of the mind into "Pleasantville." I always think at first glance, "Oh, yeah, I've seen that, and... whatever."

Then I watch a little more, and I get hooked.

The acting is first-rate, the stories? Simple, honest, and they tap into basic human emotions.

The comedy? Subtle (except for Barny), and it resonates.

They can take the most mundane of situations and make "art" out of them.

I actually find myself tearing up sometimes watching this show. I love all the characters: Floyd, being my favorite. Andy, Opie, and dear sweet (not so, in real life) Aunt Bea. And Clara... and Helen. And Thelma Lou... and Gomer and Goober... and Howard Sprague and his mother. And Otis.



Yeah, they don't make 'em like they used to.

*zaps himself into Pleasantville for all-time*

[romantico]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:52pm

Andy Griffrith Vs. Patriot Act

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wL9Li0f1Po

Republicans would say Andy Taylor was a no-good commie!!! Bush would give Opie a cushy job with an outrageous salary and call him a good American.

I recently wathched Andy Griffith in a great older movie.

It's called "A Face in the Crowd" and I've been urging everyone to see it.

And if you do get the DVD be sure to watch the special features. It is very informative and gives a good bit of analysis of the movie, it's not just fluff and honest to g-d, Griffith drops the F-bomb. I was so shocked I about fell off the sofa. There are just some things you never expect to hear from some people.

Updated On: 8/28/08 at 09:52 PM

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:54pm

This show is like a warm snuggly pair of pajamas. I used to watch it with my parents growing up.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:58pm

It's the TV version of "chicken soup."

But I'm always amazed at the substance. It's not just innocuous fluff.

They can take a seemingly light subject and dig down deep to where few shows today would DARE go.

That's what I love about it. It entertains above all else, but it also educates and definitely touches the heart.

(okay, I'm way sappy now)

And I LOVE these "old school" houses. Sign me up for a real estate agent in Mayberry, STAT!

Updated On: 8/28/08 at 09:58 PM

[Mekroth]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:58pm

I love this show.

Fun fact: The man playibg Otis the Drunk, Hal Smith, later went into a succesful carreer in voice acting, credits including Davey and Goliath (goliath) and the Radio drama Adventures in Odyssey, where he played the lovable Mr. Whitaker.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:01pm

OMG, I had no idea Otis was Goliath! (both from my childhood)

So, he "sinned" first, and then he "repented."

I still catch Davy & Goliath once in a while on that Jesus channel (whatever the hell it is...) I love the Claymation, and some of the stories are sweet... if just a little creepy.

[Mekroth]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:03pm

Oh, and, he was the voice of Goofy.

[Juliash]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:06pm

YES. My Dad and I watched these when I was little, and the dog we had (who died when I was 60 used to recognize the theme song and come into the living room.

How can't you love Ron Howard as Opie????

[Juliash]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:06pm

Oh...double post.


Updated On: 8/28/08 at 10:06 PM

[Juliash]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:06pm

Aaaaaand triple post.

Updated On: 8/28/08 at 10:06 PM

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:06pm

Certainly among my top 10 favorite televison series, ever. The episode where Barney and Floyd are being held captive by the women convicts is probably my favorite one.

[NCGuy]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:06pm

That’s a great picture of Don Knotts and Frances Bavier (and I knew that Knotts had won several Emmys for the show, but I’d no idea Frances Bavier was an Emmy winner also).

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:08pm

Frances won once... and Don Knotts won FIVE times as Best Supporting Actor.

Wow!

Updated On: 8/28/08 at 10:08 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:13pm

This is a little scary...



Alexis Carrington and Captain Kirk visit Mayberry?

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:15pm

Oh, and here's another favorite...

Jack Nicholson shows up, too.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 11:31pm

I used to adore this show, and then I went to gay camp, and they ruined it for me.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 11:49pm

Why? Were you violated by a counselor that looked like Otis?

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:14am

And Andy Griffith is a PROUD Democrat!!! (I caught him on TV several times in the Spring when I was in North Carolina doing commercials to get votes for Bev Perdue for governor!)

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:18am

No, we were required to watch it so we could see "traditional family and christian values"

Part of the "De-programming."

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:20am

It apparently comes as something of a surprise to the people here at BWW, that many, many, many people in The United States of America cast their vote for a candidate, and not a party. I've voted for many Democrat, Independent, Green, Prohibition, Republican party candidates in my life. I vote candidate, every time. I have never voted party. Not once. I'm not going off on you Miss Pennywise, I'm just saying that most people here don't seem to be able to conceive of that concept. Anyway, Griffith being for a Dem in a state election doesn't necessarily make him a "proud Democrat." I voted for Mark Warner, and I'd be insulted if someone called me that.

[Chevstriss]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:20am

I'm going to Mayberry Days in 3 weeks. I play "fun girl" daphne in the parade.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:27am

JohnBoy, tonight, everyone is a proud Democrat!

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 12:30am

Fair enough!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 1:00am

In reality, Andy Griffith has been an advocate for the Democratic Party for many years. He has actively endorsed and promoted many politicians...all Democrats. Sorry, but it's true.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 1:03am

Actually, I know it's true. I was just using it to make a point, because I never understood party voting, and never will; and never do it!