Alan and fellow TAGS fans out there i just saw Guitar Man Returns and im looking at Dick Elliot the great character actor who was Mayor Pike 1960-61 til his sudden heart attack in December 1961. We never really discussed this have we? It bothers me because over the years i tried on my own in discussion with several character actirs, their impressions of this much forgotton actor who died at 75. Burt Mustin told me in 1972 ,there was an air of sadness very morbid among cast members when news reached the set of this death of as far as i know the only actor from TAGS who died during production. he said Dick as he called him was always playing Santa Claus on tv shows the last years of his life and was very jovial in real life. but Frances Bavier told me she had shared no scenes with him thus she cant recall him. she only recalled Parley Baer the great character actor as Mayor Stoner because of the episode of the bed jacket ,i think it was and that off the set Mr. Baer was very polite. they were about the same age.Another question as i dont have TAGS on dvd. is it true? Did Aunt Bee ever share a scene in a given episode with Mayor Pike? I honestly forgot. Walter Brennen the great character actor told me in 1970 he was often up for the same role as Mr, Elliot tho folks between you and i i often wondered how that could be when both men were as opposite as night and day but who am i , with the respect for WB to question anything this actor told me. If I had to pick an actor from TAGS who is long gone i wished i could had interviewed, and with such credits as his, its Dick Elliot the man without a name. is there anyone who knows if Andy Griffith or any cast members still with us who gave their impressions of our Mayor Pike? I know Will Wright died during production but he really wasnt even a semi regular as was Dick Elliot. For once i dont have the answer. tonight im the question man. Looking at Dick Elliot on the steps outside with a returning James Best, and looking at the fact he's very heavy, old and within a few more months abiout to leave us all, im thinking to myself , is there anyone there with memories of this gifted overlooked actor.?God bless and thanks Alan and everyone. PS I have to say this Alan. I been saying God bless and with belief and conviction. Well recently i been on YOUTUBE praising the old rocknroll & doo wop songs many of my generation just love. Horribly im getting several vile profane responses from people to never say god bless or thank the lord. They are not like you Mayberry fans. Ill say it again and with pride. YouTube or no Youtube. GOD BLESS ALAN and all of YOu. Tom Kessel Col Tims Protege Reject. _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
