Don Knotts and Johnny Unitas

In Don Knotts' final episode as a cast regular, 'Opie Flunks Aritmetic' (April 19,1965), Barney shows his preferred way to throw a football (in the middle) compared to Opie's reference of Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts holding the ball at its end. Don Knotts later co-starred in

The Ash Grove and Whiskey a Go-Go

When the Taylors rode by the Whiskey a Go-Go club on Sunset Boulevard in 'Taylors in Hollywood' (11/1/1965), their tour guide bus driver called it one of them go-go clubs. The hip dancing there came by accident. A DJ started dancing during Johnny Rivers' set in July 1965, and the audience

June Vincent-Aunt Bee

I just received an autographed 3 x 5 index card for June Vincent-the actress who portrayed Aunt Bee (in an over-the-top way) in 'Taylors in Hollywood' (11/1/1965). If it is genuine (there's an accompanying UACC certificate of authenticity) she signed the card on October 25, 1965-when

One Final Request: Opie the Birdman

My last episode request would be 'Opie the Birdman.' Then I would give up the ghost and be interred at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA. As far as the 'Gomer Pyle USMC' out takes shown at Jim Nabors' and Ronnie Schell's shows, I e-mailed Paramount to include them for Season 5 of

Mayberry Magical Mystery Tour

Yes, it was Goober who called them 'The Beagles' but Opie corrected him with 'The Beatles.' Peace and Love. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/

Knott(s) Such a Bad Name For a Street

In Morgantown, West Virginia, you have Don Knotts Boulevard and even a smaller residential street named Fife St. Nearby, on I-68 is Cooper's Rock State Park, where (according to Knott's autobiography) he had a near death experience over the edge of a mountain. At the scenic overlook at

Aunt Bee the Juror (10/23/1967)

I believe 'Aunt Bee the Juror' (10/23/1967) is the TAGS episode with the most characters with dialogue in the history of the series. This episode has 11 angry men, 1 fair woman, and a judge who loved Bee's brownies. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Mayberry $20,000 Pyramid

All right, members of WBMUTBB Digest, I'll do my best to set up this word. On TAGS, when Opie went on overnight trips, Aunt Bee liked to pack him an extra pair of _. I always think of this when I pack for Mayberry Days. According to Harvey Bullock, Frances Bavier refused to appear in

Tol Avery

Character actor Tol Avery possessed tremendous girth;He would give Alan Hale, Jr. a run for his money on the biggest guest actor on TAGS. Aw! Big ain't the word for it! Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! ___ WBMUTBB mailing

Mr. Schwump on 'Gomer Pyle USMC'

Mr. Schwump appears in the Gomer Pyle USMC episodes 'Supply Sergeants Never Die' (10/22/1965) and 'One Of Our Shells Is Missing' (4/5/1967). Mr. Schwump smiles and nods as we FADE OUT. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest Fans!!! ___ WBMUTBB

A 1965 Christmas Story

If what Paul alleges is true, about Jack Burns being let go from TAGS on Christmas Day 1965, what a totally bummed out Christmas! Burns' comedy partner, Avery Schreiber, was a series regular on 'My Mother the Car', starring Jerry Van Dyke. Van Dyke claims he was considered for replacing Don

Mayberry Days Parade

For those of you attending Mayberry Days 2009, remember when you view the parade on Saturday morning, Main Street wasn't always one way. For 'Andy Griffith Day' in 1957 (when Andy was the focus of attention) his parade was traveling in the opposite direction. Brian Rodahaver One Of

96 Miles to Bakersfield

Vern noted that 'The Dillards' were practitioners of the Bakersfield sound; As a sideline, George Lindsey's second LP is entitled '96 Miles to Bakersfield.' Tom mentioned the humor of 'Family Visit.' Maudie Prickett and James Westerfield later played husband and wife again in the 'Bewitched'

Hello Doll! Pass Me a Krispy Kreme.

Speaking of a Krispy Kremes franchise in Mayberry, Jean Carson had a whole box she took with her for the morning autograph signing session at Mayberry at Meadowview III in 2000. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See

Mayberry Dental Surgery

Ken mentioned the idyllic thought of kids in Mayberry with good teeth. Actually, Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and Jim Nabors received veneers that looked better than their real teeth after TAGS' tenure. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **Can love help you

Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard in 'Headmaster' (1970)

Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard appeared in Andy's first series AFTER TAGS, 'Headmaster' in 1970, when Ronny was 16 years old. Even though, it lasted only 1/2 of a season, 'Headmaster' should be released on DVD as it shows Andy in the period after TAGS ended at the dawn of the 1970s. Brian

Andy and Ronny But Not Opie and Andy

Speaking of not answering questions posed, what series did Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard appear in but NOT as Andy and Opie Taylor? They were depicted as not being related. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy

TAGS Saga (1946-1960), (1969-1986), and Beyond

David Quinn poses some interesting scenarios for Mayberry fan fiction from 1946 to 1960. This would further include 1969, when we last see Andy Taylor on 'Mayberry R.F.D.' until 1986. (Where is Andy Taylor, Jr.?) In 1986, after 'Return to Mayberry', what happened after Andy and Barney were

Hey! Leave Ron Howard's Father Alone!

I saw Rance Howard in an episode of 'Lie To Me' on Monday night. It was pretty disturbing. The show's principle cops grabbed his cane and threw it away from him just to get his granddaughter's attention. I was yelling at the television (satirically); I know it's just a part. The series is

Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard

Trivia: In episodic television, what series had both Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard in roles OTHER than Andy Taylor and Opie Taylor from TAGS? Try submitting your answers before you check IMDb. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **Dell Days of Deals! June

Yuki Shimoda (Mr. Izamoto)

The best military film that Yuki Shimoto appeared in was 'Midway' (1976). Mr. Izamoto, as Barney's judo instructor in 'Barney's Uniform', was concerned about his pupil's well being. In addition to fighting Fred Plummer (Allan Melvin) on TAGS, Shimoda wanted to bring back Caine to China dead

Barney and the Spoiled Kids

I can't help but picture Don chasing those brat kids on Halloween like he did Arnold Winkler when he rode his bicycle on the sidewalk. However, Don Knotts was no Barney Fife. He probably shouted some superlatives at them. And if this took place either Halloween 1965 or 1966, he was no longer

June 1, 1926

Happy Birthday Andy Griffith (and Marilyn Monroe)! Though born the same day and year on different coasts, Monroe passed away in near proximity of Andy, some 13 1/2 miles from Desilu. Some of the actors on TAGS acted with MM, i.e. Casey Adams, Will Wright, Alan Hale Jr. The latter could

Mayberry to Gettysburg to Lancaster

Speaking of Gettysburg, Malcolm Merriweather was earning money from Andy to finance his trip there. That would have been a heck of a haul on his bike, especially before the modern interstates. Cyclists abound at the battleground today, probably more than 1964. Barney mentions 'The

The Race Horse (October 7, 1968)

Incidentally, behind the scenes during the filming of the 'Mayberry R.F.D.' episode 'The Race Horse' (October 7, 1968), Frances Bavier bashed George Lindsey on the head with an umbrella for cursing. Lindsey related this in the TBS produced special 'Thirty Years of Andy Griffith' in 1990.

The Andy Griffith Show: A Prequel

Seeing that 'Star Trek' was just released and depicts what happened before TOS debuted in 1966, it would be neat to see a prequel to TAGS. It would chronicle when Andy met his wife, the birth of Opie, et cetera. After Andy's wife dies, there would be a good dramatic scene with a lot of anger

Bettina Brenna a.k.a. Mrs. Richard O. Linke

TV Land has recently been airing 'The Beverly Hillbillies' episodes with Shorty Kellems (Shug Fisher) and Miss Gloria Buckles (Bettina Brenna). Brenna appeared in 8 episodes of 'The Beverly Hillbillies' from the 8th season. Bettina is now the wife of Richard O. Linke, associate producer of

Angels and Opies

Ron Howard has been criticized for his latest film 'Angels and Demons' as being detrimental to Catholics and the Vatican. The film is just fiction, entertainment. Opie attended the All Souls Church and Ron Howard was married in a Methodist church. After TAGS ended its run, Andy Griffith's

Aunt Pittypat and Mrs. Wiley

To my knowledge, Laura Hope Crews (Aunt Pittypat) and Doris Packer were not related. However, Packer's husband Rowland Edwards and Crews were born the same year, 1879. Mrs. Wiley's husband was 25 years her senior. Oh no! It's him. That animal. That creature! -Mrs. Wiley Brian Rodahaver One

Thelma Lou's Magic Trick

Betty Lynn just walked around the set. That was all. She exited the kitchen set and walked around the walls and entered the living room area. For another trick, check out 'The Farmer Takes a Wife.' Mary (Adoree Evans) answers the door but soon disappears from the hen party. Mysterious.

George Kennedy's Flight to Mayberry

Speaking of the Airport films, George Kennedy (who appeared in TAGS' 'The Big House' (5/6/1963)), appeared in all of them as Joe Patrone. He even appeared in an airplane hostage scene in 'Delta Force' (1986). The Airport genre of films started out all right in 1970 with 'Airport', but

Opie the Birdman (9/30/1963)

'Opie the Birdman' (9/30/1963) was the ultimate tear jerker in the entire history of TAGS with the scenes of the chirping birds without a mother and the final scene on the Taylor front porch. A very close 2nd would be the bedroom scene in 'Mr. Beevee' where Andy told Opie that he believed

Mayberry R.F.D. on DVD

For those of you who love 'Mayberry R.F.D.' (the spin-off of TAGS), I'd suggest contacting Warner Brothers with your interest in having the series on DVD. If they get enough inquiries, I'm sure they will release it. Sorry if I teased anyone with the Subject line. Brian Rodahaver One Of

Ronny Howard (1972)

**Need a job? Find employment help in your area. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=employment_agenciesncid=emlcntusyelp0005) ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/

CBS Radio Gunsmoke

Speaking of OTR (Old Time Radio), CBS Radio's 'Gunsmoke' can be heard on Sunday nights on WAMU (American University-Washington D.C.). This past Sunday's night episode, from 1959, was centered on Doc-voiced by Howard McNear. And Parley Baer (Mayor Stoner on TAGS) is virtually heard in every

Mayberry Maladies

While the Digest was on the subject of various illnesses in Mayberry, let's not forget the very real ones. Andy wore a cast on his right hand in the consecutively filmed (and aired) episodes 'Aunt Bee the Warden' (3/12/1962) and 'The County Nurse' (3/19/1962). Ironically, tonight, during

Mrs. Schwump

Well, if Ken's wife smiles and nods in the affirmative to his physical description of her, then there's no problem. If not, he might experience a little adventure sleeping, even at the Taylor Home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Opie and the Carnival (4/26/1965)

I was watching 'Opie and the Carnival' (4/26/1965) on DVD yesterday, and the scene where Andy cleans house at the crooked shooting gallery elicited a good laugh. This was accentuated by the con-artists dejected reactions at Andy's marksmanship. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest

Doug Dillard's Back Pages

I have a CD of 'The Byrds' featuring Douglas Dillard on electric banjo playing at the Piper Club in Rome, Italy on May 2, 1968. His banjo accents the rock numbers like 'My Back Pages' quite well and is simply incendiary on 'Feel a Whole Lot Better.' Dillard's inclusion in 'The Byrds'

A Hanukkah Story

Happy Hanukkah (Chanukah) to all of the producers and writers who made TAGS what it is. Sheldon Leonard, the man responsible for the sheriff of Mayberry (and later his deputy) opens his autobiography with My parents were born lower, middle class Jews. When 'A Christmas Story' (12/19/1960)

Frost/Nabors

On Disc 3 of 'Gomer Pyle USMC' Season 1 is a special feature of Jim Nabors' appearance on 'The David Frost Show.' I would place the time frame at 1970/1971 judging by Nabors' look and Frost's mention of 'Gomer Pyle USMC' now being in reruns. Ron Howard's theatrical release 'Frost/Nixon' is

Sheldon Leonard

For all prolific fans of TAGS, I would recommend purchasing 'Gomer Pyle USMC' Season 5 on DVD, just recently released. (You know where to buy it! - Whose store is being robbed?) I like it for the sole reason of having Sheldon Leonard appear, playing a director in 'A Star is Not Born'

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! (Pink Floyd)

Gomer is heard on Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' (1979) on the track 'In the Flesh?' I once owned a Pink Floyd T-shirt in which Howard McNear was emblazoned in black on a hot pink background. It was available for sale in the 'Rolling Stone' magazine classifieds in the mid 1980s. Brian Rodahaver

Yom Kippur in Mayberry

Happy Yom Kippur to all of the production staff of TAGS for making it a classic, most notably Sheldon Leonard and Aaron Ruben. While I don't think there is a Temple Beth Shalom in Mt. Airy, NC, the Grace Moravian Church will most certainly suffice. Whether Mayberry is a New Jerusalem or an

Mayberry Hawthorne Village on the Edge of Forever

I have an excellent alternative for using the Mayberry Hawthorne Village buildings. Buy some 'Star Trek' (Original Series) MEGO action figures from the 1970s and make believe Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are energizing down to Mayberry like they did in 'City On the Edge of Forever' and 'Miri.'

The Complete Book of Mayberry Running

Dan certainly has a nice route to run along. I think an even better jog would have been to run the entire perimeter of the old Forty Acres back lot. That would be a nice track! You could even break away from the outside track and run inside to the residential street, town street, and all

That Championship Season

From a true fan's perspective of TAGS, it's hard to narrow down a particular favorite season. Interestingly, according to the Nielsen ratings, the eighth and final season was ranked the best in the history of the series with 'Barney Hosts a Summit Meeting' being the highest rated single

Bob Denver: No Man is an Island

Dud Wash may have looked like he needed to reside on an island, but Bob Denver chose to live in the mountains of West Virginia. That lagoon quickly became Dodge City as needed-and accessible by train! (See episode '9:12 to Dodge.') Brian Rodahaver One of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Don Knotts Hometown Celebration in Morgantown, West Virginia

Anyone who will be able to attend the 'Don Knotts Hometown Celebration', (in addition to taking in the various events on High Street in Morgantown, WV), don't forget Cooper's Rock State Park (just off I-68). In his autobiography, Don (who had a near death experience on the rocks) incorrectly

Jim Nabors at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA

I had the pleasure of attending Jim Nabors' show in Lancaster, PA on July 9. He said it was probably his last. His song lineup was the same as it has been for the last 10 years BUT with a few different anecdotes and stories. His nudist experience in the south of France sounded interesting.

Tonight There's Going to Be a 'Jailbreak'

Don't forget. Thin Lizzy was an Irish hard rock band, much to Ernest T. Bass' liking. One of the band's greatest hits is 'Jailbreak', which is also an episode of TAGS (2/5/1962). Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **Get trade secrets for amazing burgers.

Andy's Birthday

You say it's Andy's birthday? Well, it's Marilyn's birthday too yeah! You say it's Andy's birthday? Happy birthday to you. Yes we're going to stag or drag party- Yes we're going to a stag or drag party- Yes we're going to a stag or drag party- Helen would like you to dance Take a cha-cha-cha

Earle Hagen: Not Just Whistlin' Dixie

For all of Earle Hagen's musical success with composing 'Harlem Nocturne', receiving kudos for his work on 'I Spy' and his more complicated compositions, he will always be remembered for a simple whistled 20 second piece- the theme to TAGS. He even made Sousa tunes work in tune (for 'Gomer

Roy Engel as Mrs. Perkins

I was watching 'Sam for Town Council' yesterday, and in the end credits Roy Engel was billed as Mrs. Perkins. (I thought Don Knotts was the only to dress in drag for TAGS!) On IMDB, someone didn't miss a beat and posted the typo verbatim in Roy Engel's filmography. Curious. Brian

Culver City Oil Drilling

Due to the outrageous gas prices across the U.S., some companies are drilling for oil around the Los Angeles area, most notably Culver City-where TAGS' exteriors were filmed at Forty Acres. They are even slant drilling at Baldwin Hills, located just south of the old Forty Acres lot. Just

No Drinks on the Taylor Table

As far as no drinks being on the Taylor table, that was prop master Reggie Smith's job. But, I'm sure Andy and Don consumed some beverages at local eating establishments after they finished filming an episode on several occasions. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Mayberry March Madness

I'm sure many of you might be selecting teams to win their respective brackets and ultimately the NCAA Basketball Championship in various pools and office bets. I couldn't help but think of the many Mayberry connections with the universities with Andy Griffith attending North Carolina, Don

Amen, Brother Paul

Our TAGS Trivia Guru Emeritus is right! I thank God I discovered TAGS on Washington D.C.'s (then independent, now FOX) WTTG Channel 5 for faithfully broadcasting TAGS in the 1970s and 1980s. TBS helped too with the exposure and nostalgic specials in the 1980s and 1990s. Brian Rodahaver One

Alan Rafkin's 'Cue the Bunny on the Rainbow'

Alan Rafkin wrote his autobiography 'Cue the Bunny on the Rainbow' in 1998. He has nothing but praise for TAGS. Unfortunately, that's not the case for a lot of the other series he worked on. I think Weaver's might still carry it. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Goodbye, Dolly: Goodbye, Dolly

'Goodbye, Dolly' was the title of episodes of both TAGS (March 6, 1967) and 'Gomer Pyle USMC' (February 23, 1968). I wonder if IMDB will accept screen credits from a horse? Curious. But that just might be beating a dead horse. Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

Dance Little Sister Dance

As far as comparing 'Dancing With the Stars' (I don't like the relative term stars;It should be celebrities.) and Mayberry, I would cite Gomer in 'A Date for Gomer' and Andy, Helen, Opie and others in 'Look Paw I'm Dancing' as good examples. Brian Rodahaver One Of maryland's Biggest TAGS

Another Stanza

Here's another stanza to tack on to Ken's Valentine's Day poem after a 5 minute brainstorm. Effie, a cherubic little girl with baby teeth The apple of her mother and father's eye; Hand in hand with Opie at Floyd's Barbershop Lead to 1960s orthodontics and 'Dragnet's' 'Juvenile DR-05. Brian

Another Mayberry Super Tuesday

Maryland had its Super Tuesday primary election on February 12. As far as Mayberry's Mayoral race, with all of the issues and candidates, it's going to be BIG! I am so stoked for the convention this summer. Each candidate is garnering their own delegates. With Mayor Pike, Mayor Stoner, Ellie

Mayberry Super Tuesday

After Mayberry's voting precincts for the Super Tuesday primary have closed (at Mayberry Middle School) these are the projected winners for the mayoral candidacy: Ellie Walker (D) 75% Flip Conroy (D) 10% Mayor Pike (D) 10% Mayor Stoner (Incumbent) (R) 5% Looks like this is going to be a

And Don't Forget Son, There Is Someone Up Above

As far as Biblical references on TAGS go, don't forget Howard Sprague looking up in the sky and saying Thank you! to God in 'The Church Benefactors.' Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

Reggie Smith: Cookin' in the Kitchen of Love

In reference to Randy's mention of his appetite for Bee's pies, I believe TAGS prop master Reggie Smith provided Aunt Bee's pies, as well as the other food used in the series. Frances Bavier probably didn't cook much, being a working actress, but she bought nice Christmas gifts for Ronny and

Word To Your Father

While we're on the subject of men posing as fathers on TAGS, don't forget the real fathers of Andy Griffith and Ronny Howard appeared on the show. Carl Griffith appeared on 'The Farmer Takes a Wife' and Rance Howard was featured in four episodes. We'll wait. - Treasury Agent (Rance Howard)

Black Friday at Weaver's

Customers are bum rushing Weaver's at an alarming rate today. Olive was pouring out the java at the Mayberry Diner at 5:00 a.m. this morning. (I can't speak about the parking lot capacities at the Mt. Airy Super WAL-MART and the nearest WAL-MART near the old Forty Acres lot). But I would

Olan Soule

Have you fellow members of WBMUTBB heard Olan Soule, John Masters on TAGS, as the voice of Batman on Hanna Barbera's 1970s Saturday morning animated program 'Superfriends?' It is a truly outstanding voice! It is so genuine, fully natural feeling, perfect pitch. For a guy weighing only 135

Margaret Kerry

I had the pleasure of seeing Margaret Kerry, (Bess Muggins in 'Christmas Story' and Helen Scobey in 'Andy's Forecloses', at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia for the Collectors Showcase of America show. (A few miles away is Dulles Airport, where the Clampetts flew in for the

Andy Lights Up

I've gotten so much glue from this dead horse, BUT here it goes. Andy smokes in the episodes' 'Quiet Sam', 'Jailbreak', 'Three's A Crowd', 'Cousin Virgil', 'Mr. McBeevee'. 'Andy's Rich Girlfriend', 'Barney Mends a Broken Heart', 'The Cow Thief', 'High Noon in Mayberry', 'The Great Filling

Mayberry Crash Test Dummies

There is a new commercial airing right now that features the talents of both Mayberry deputies, Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and Warren Ferguson (Jack Burns). The ad, featuring the two crash test dummies with one voiced by Jack Burns, combines footage of Barney Fife spliced from a scene of TAGS

WBMUTBB Exclusive: Otis is Out of Rehab!

I've got GREAT news for everyone. Otis Campbell is FINALLY out of his rehab program. Andy picked him up at the Cirque de Mayberry today. There's only one problem though. He's now eating way too much ice cream. Brian Rodahaver One Of Mayberry's Biggest TAGS Fans!!!

The Blu-Vue Motel, Mt. Airy, North Carolina

With the 2007 Mayberry Days fast approaching, let's not forget the memory of the Blu-Vue Motel in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. The Blu-Vue, mentioned in the TAGS episode 'Opie's Fortune' (November 16, 1964) was the first motel in Mt. Airy, built during the motel boom across the United States in

Win One For the Bix!

Renee Tufo of Watertown, New York has started a campaign to induct Bill Bixby into the Emmy Hall of Fame. Visit _www.billbixby-tributetoaremarkableman.com_ (http://www.billbixby-tributetoaremarkableman.com) to view her web site, sign the petition, and leave a comment. Her efforts have been

Jack Teagarden

Jack Teagarden's name appears in the end credits of the episode 'Sheriff Barney' (December 25, 1961), but he is nowhere to be seen. Jack Teagarden was the father of all trombone players that a 15 year old Andy Griffith was awestruck by in the film 'Birth of the Blues' in 1941. Presumably

'Headmaster' and 'The New Andy Griffith Show'

I'll really miss 'Headmaster' and 'The New Andy Griffith Show.' They just don't make them like that anymore. If it weren't for the CBS rural slaughter of 1971, who knows how long TNAGS would have lasted. But rest assured, they will eventually be issued on DVD. Hit the Play All on the menu

Tom Myers: Extra Money for College

Frank Myers, production manager for TAGS and other series, had a son, Tom Myers. Tom Myers earned money for college by working as an extra on 'Gomer Pyle USMC.' It's ironic that most men or women earn money for college through the G.I. Bill after joining the Marines, or other branch of

The Tennessee Ernie Ford Special (1967)

'The Tennessee Ernie Ford Special' originally aired on Sunday, December 3, 1967 from 9-10 EST. It featured Andy Griffith, Danny Thomas, The Dillards, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Goldie Hawn, briefly. Goldie, at the time, appeared on the sitcom 'Good Morning, World' starring Ronnie

Mother's Day 1966

I imagine Andy had a nice Mother's Day in 1966. That was the year he moved his parents out of Mt. Airy, North Carolina to California. It was in April 1966 when the move went down as TAGS was on hiatus after the sixth season. Now I found it odd that after many years of living in southern

Treasury Agent Stand-Ins on 'A Black Day For Mayberry'

Look at the scene where Rance Howard and the other gentleman portraying a U.S. Treasury agent enter the courthouse in 'A Black Day For Mayberry.' After saying We'll wait! to Barney, they both sit down. They remove their hats. Opie then enters the scene. Slow down your DVD as Opie walks past

Favorite Episodes Season By Season

Here are my favorite episodes of TAGS from each season: 1960-1961: The Christmas Story 1961-1962: The Pickle Story 1962-1963: Mr. McBeevee 1963-1964: Opie the Birdman 1964-1965: Goober and the Art of Love 1965-1966: Opie's Job 1966-1967: Big Fish in a Small Town 1967-1968: Opie's First Love

The Eight Best Feminist Episodes: Season By Season

I think a staunch feminist would select the following episodes season by season: 1960-1961: Ellie for Council 1961-1962: The Perfect Female 1962-1963: Andy's Rich Girlfriend 1963-1964: Barney and Thelma Lou, Phfftt 1964-1965: Opie Loves Helen 1965-1966: Andy's Rival 1966-1967: Opie's

1960s Teeth;1970s Veneers

Both Andy Griffith and Don Knotts sported their real teeth during TAGS. I believe by the 1970s, they both received veneers. Andy makes reference to Joy Ellison's missing teeth in 'Andy Forecloses.' She later went through the rigors of 1960s orthodontics later in the decade. But today, her

Lucille Ball and Don Knotts

Lucy is pitted against Barney Fife? How about Lucille Ball and Don Knotts on 'Here's Lucy.' Knotts appeared on the episode 'Lucy Goes On Her Last Blind Date' (1/8/1973). According to 'The Lucy Book' by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman, Knotts blew some takes mixing up his character's name of Ben and

Desilu Studios In Your Backyard

I was watching 'Opie and Mike' ,episode #248, recently. In the scene where new neighbors are moving in next to the Taylors, you can see the studio buildings across the road from the residential street on the Forty Acres lot. I believe you can also catch a glimpse of the buildings in 'The

The 'Stranger in Town' Ten Years Later (William Lanteau)

For a good look at Ed Sawyer (William Lanteau) ten years after he was in Mayberry, look at the 'Sanford and Son' episode 'Crossed Swords.' This is, incidentally, the first episode of 'Sanford and Son.' It was taped in late 1971. William Lanteau plays a clerk in a Beverly Hills antique shop.

Happy Birthday Ronny Howard!!! (March 1, 1954)

Happy Birthday Ronny Howard!!! (March 1, 1954). He celebrated with nice birthday cakes at Desilu on the TAGS set and on March 1, 1986 in Los Olivos, California on the 'Return to Mayberry' set. What parties! I wouldn't be surprised if at Opie's next birthday party, he shoots out the

Howard Morris Voices

Yesterday, I was surrounded by Howard Morris' voice in stereo as Hanna Barbera's 'Squiddly Diddly' was being broadcast on the 'Boomerang' channel on about 20 televisions at the local K-MART. It echoed quite nicely throughout the electronics department and into other departments as well in

Gomer Pyle USMC on DVD

Man, I thought Mike Creech's good news was that the second season of 'Gomer Pyle USMC' was being released. Stick around! Paramount will probably release the next four seasons on DVD eventually. I want to hear Jim Nabors' commentary on the Washington D.C. episodes. Maybe he and Frank Sutton

Mayberry $20,000 Pyramid: Joanna Moore and Jack Prince

Joanna Moore and Jack Prince Did they both have very intense family domestic disturbances? Brian Rodahaver One Of Maryland's Biggest TAGS Fans!!! ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com

The Oak Tree at Forty Acres

I like Ken's classic story about the consequences of either preserving the tree or removing the tree. But for all intents and TAGS purposes, they probably removed that oak tree when they razed the Forty Acres lot in 1977. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot, office buildings, and

Andy, what happened to your eye?

I wonder what Nurse Peggy's (Joanna Moore) first reaction would be if she saw her son's girlfriend's eye? It might echo what she said to Andy when he got his eye injured:Andy, what happened to your eye?!! Although when she utters the word eye, she might hang on to that syllable longer than

Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts

Don't forget on this Super Bowl XLI that Opie admired Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts as mentioned in 'Opie Flunks Arithmetic', Don Knotts last episode as a cast regular. Johnny U. held that football on the end. The Super Bowl debuted during TAGS' seventh season. The Baltimore Colts

Opie's Front Porch

Let's not forget Opie had a front porch in 'Return to Mayberry', which originally aired in April 1986. Andy and Barney had a nice conversation on it at NIGHT! Barney heard Good 'Ol 14A echoing in the distance. The filming technology had changed drastically from 1968 to 1986, so we could

Aunt Bee, Goober, Batman, and Robin

The same technique of using a stunt driver as Aunt Bee was used with Batman(Adam West) on 'Batman.' Goober, the passenger, was seen with a stuntman as Aunt Bee in the reckless driving scenes;Robin (Burt Ward) was seen as the passenger with the stunt driver as Batman in the fast driving

Miss Mayberry, Erma Bishop (Lillian Bronson)

On a recent post to WBMUTBB, someone mentioned seeing Miss Mayberry Erma Bishop (Lillian Bronson) in a film with some great Hollywood actors. Lillian Bronson went on to portray Fonzie's grandmother, Grandma Nussbaum, in the 'Happy Days' episode 'Fonzie Moves In' from 1975. And remember,

'Step Into Christmas'(1973)

On Sir Elton John's perennial Christmas classic 'Step Into Christmas'(1973), he is thanking his fans for a spectacular year. This might include the fans who attended his first U.S. Tour in 1972 with The Dillards as his opening act. You figure Elton recorded the track weeks before Christmas

A Very TAGS Hanukkah

Remember, while most of the cast and crew from TAGS were celebrating Christmas, most of the producers and writers were observing Hanukkah. Hanukkah is recognized over a period of eight days in observance of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. TAGS ran for EIGHT seasons! Brian

Don't Open Until December 25, 1961

While it is the Christmas season, many references are being made to the episode 'Christmas Story' (December 19, 1960). A year after 'Christmas Story' originally aired, a TAGS episode actually aired on Christmas night, December 25, 1961. That episode was 'Sheriff Barney.' It's a small shame

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