i no sooner sent off my message that included Family Visit when low and behold what was on tvland but the episode Family Visit.There was James Wethersfield as Uncle Ollie blowhard and all so lovable and yet like a fork up against a knife still scraping away at others. this actor who sadly died 1971 with the great Maude Prickett/He could be cold and heartless in On The Waterfront or eery in Homicidal then be a lovable pest in Family Visit.very talented man.and if TvLand follows thru according to chronological order next episode for Fridayshould be Aunt Bees Romance with Wallace Ford.Im looking for ward to that classic scene the showdown of sorts between Andy and him. that line that stinging line "I just might have a hand in those penunias yet."then watch the look of utter contempt and hate in Andys eyes looking up..powerful rare and brilliantly played out.And bringing an end to the topic of character actors so beloved by us all let me tell you a story i thought id never ever repeat. youll see why. this grand character actor so forgotton having been from a different era soi forgotton and old had to play in my opinon the most thankless short 5 second shot ever in any TAGS episode ever and i mean 5 seconds folks. any other time this actor in such a mundane scene would be rightly totally forgotton. im not being cruel im just stating the scene lasted 5 seconds. it had no memorable line.the character actor none of you would remember because he wasnt that well known made films in the 40s in bit parts, did alot of television in the 50s but he left for me a memorable role as a nasty guard in a 1942 EAst Side kids film Mr Wiseguy as Jed Miller.When i saw the credits at the end i contacted Benny Rubin he forwarded a fan letter to the aging actor.im so grateful because he died a year later. look at Dont MIss a Good Bet and look at one of the last scenes at the depot with the crook getting the ticket he just purchased. .it pains me to say this but im sure youll know what im trying to say. in all due to respect to the cast and crew of TAGS this 5 second scene was thankless fast forgettable and not even worth discussion but the aging actor was Dick Ryan.Dont feel bad if the name doesnt ring a bell. it only did for me because i saw him in several East Side Kid films. i think youd get more mileage out of a walk on.this was less than a walk on.this was insignifiant.But leave it to me not to overlook the best in any character actor from a full blown part to a cameo or walk on or an unforgettable 5 second scene. but it was memorable to us Mayberry fans. He never got the attention respect of fellow character supporting actors like Charles Laughton Donald Crisp or Charles Lane but what a nice touch a fitting lasting image brief as it was for all fans of this type of actor to see Dick ryan brief as it was one last time. I often wondered if he knew this would be his last role. i could had written him thru SAG but Benny Rubin had his contacts.And he was best man at Jack Bennys wedding.So Dick Ryan I salute you sir.You do all of us proud. Its not the size of your role but your contribution. Even old age couldnt keep you down. and finally if i may venture a guess. i got a name of a character actor who made many episiodes of TAGS 1961-64 til he died 1965. if i may venture a guess ill bet had he lived he would had done msny more episodes.he was in Citizens Arrest The Cave In Gomers Houseguest etc. I saw him in 50's films. then one day i saw he wasnt on. anymore.i looked it up. ive never heard anyone including any books out there ever mention his name. Hey if im wrong please dont chew me out. But ill bet my show show business collection had he lived its a safe bet he would had done more shows. i never see his name mentioned and he had some memorable lines and scenes in classic shows. his name is Joe Hamilton, the aging white haired Mayberry resident often scene in many black white episodes. what a crying shaje he died at 65. i just know every Mayberry fan out there knows exactly who im talking about. My goodness his face was all over these episodes.I just wanted to tip my hat to his splendid character actor and denizen of Mayberry. He always wore the same sweater a beat up old hat and his voice that cackle was a dead give away.I salute you Joe Hamilton.Oh to have seen you in color had you lived a few more months. God Bless. Col Tims No. One Fan .Tom Kessel _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
