>>>No matter how many times I see it, I still get misty eyed when Ben is shown peeping through those bars, singing along with Andy and Ellie. WOW. You don't see that on tv anymore. I wish TAGS would have made one Christmas show each season.<<<<
You are so right "Weenie Man". Let me call you a Big Man, for this comment. It takes a big man to confess his emotional softness, but I stand right there with you. As Charlene would say..that one makes me cry. Before DVD or tapes, I would always count on watching the episode on Christmas Eve or a few days before. Scrooge, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Andy Griffith Christmas episode are on my must see list each holiday season. Lets talk about why. A few days ago someone suggested that we must have grow up in very humble means to fully appreciate that episode. I can't totally agree with that. I think it is so good that anyone can relate to it. Let's look at it a little more in depth. I believe these are the main elements of this timeless classic. 1) Its all about being with family. The early plot of the show is centered around the fact that Andy realizes how important it is that Sam be with his family. His moon shining arrest represents the obstacles that we all face at times being with family. When Andy figures out a creative solution, we all share in that triumph. Its better for them to be together in jail..than apart anywhere. 2) Ben Weaver--The story is really about Ben and his Ebenezer Scrooge type of transformation. He starts out as a stickler only focused on the almighty dollar--his liquor profits, but the love that he sees in the others seeps into that once cold heart--just like the Grinch, just like Scrooge. We all love to see a change heart and the Change in Ben Weave is heartwarming. It is the most compelling part of the story. 3) The simple things are what really matters (I think this is what the other writer was referring to about humble beginnings). There are not many gifts and very little decoration. There is food, fellowship of loved ones, and a little music. Those simple things are all that is required for a proper Christmas celebration. 4) Tradition--A big part of the Christmas Holiday is Tradition. They brought tradition into their celebration. Egg nog, a Christmas tree, an appearance by Santa Claus, Christmas Cards. These all reminded us of our favorite simple traditions. 5) Music-OK you've heard the story of how it was done, but what a perfect (and simple) sound track. It was beautifully simple and totally appropriate for the occasion. 6) The characters..Aunt Bee, above all had the gift of hospitality, and she showed that beautifully in that role. Ellie, the girl-friend and co-hostess, beautiful singer and the one who looked out for Be--to a fault. Andy and Barney, friends beyond working together. Opie, the humble child who was happy just being with his Paw and Aunt Bee. It was perfect chemistry with Sam and his family and Ben. Will Wright played the perfect Scrooge. Can you imagine the Shoplifter show Ben? Is just wouldn't have been the same. 6) Special Effects--Yes things were pretty low tech in those days, but a moment of camera brilliance was mentioned by Weenie Man above. The slow pan to Ben peeking through the window and hearing him Sing. It epitomized a moment of loneliness or jealously or not fitting in that we have all probably felt at times. Here was a man with everything in some ways--but so wanting in others. The second moment I get misty is when you hear Aunt Bee say "Ben" and hand him a plate. At that moment, at last, him dream had been realized. He was accepted into the family. 7) And they still found time for a little comedy--Andy Griffith style. Is this what you like about the show? Do you have other thoughts? Just some philosophical meanderings The Untrained Voice _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
