As an old Army Supply Sergeant, the scene in Black Day For Mayberry that caught my eye was when the Feds pulled away in their "Gold Truck" and left Barney with their weapon. Speaking as a former keeper of all the military property, I can tell you this is one of the biggest taboos in the military. An employee can get fired in a second for misplacing a military weapon. The hand receipt holder of the weapon can get a court marshal for losing government property. No federal employee with any length of experience would be so careless as to leave their personal weapon behind like they did in this episode.
Orville Hendricks - Mount Pilot Butter and Egg Man As a self-proclaimed trained noticer, I would like to nominate "A Black Day For Mayberry" as the best episode to train trained noticers. There have been many observations made and documented in the past, such as the different Treasury agent sitting when Opie crosses the room to talk to Barney (the actor who had the seizure while filming), but I am still making discoveries when I watch. Fairly well-known: - Only episode to feature Rance, Ronny, and Clint Howard - It's actually raining when Andy drives up, and enters the courthouse. Sprinkles can be seen in the pools of water. - Had nearly all the regular extras on set/on film. - The squad car/gold truck chase scene was run numerous times with the camera at different locations, but all occurred on the same short stretch of road. The tire tracks give it away. And, I just observed today: - Barney is holding a Mount Airy telephone directory while talking with the T-men. Not "Mt. Pilot," but what appears to be a real Mount Airy directory. The most logical way this could have come onto the set was from was Andy himself. Probably to keep in touch with folks from home. - When Gomer is looking for Regis, he is actually right around the corner; side of courthouse (appears in 2 instances). - Nice Dress Nellie must have a twin sister ;-) - she is also right around the corner in the same crowd scene with Regis, and then again near the front of the courthouse. - Ron Howard holds Clint's arm/hand (to restrain him, or direct him?) while they are atop the squad car when the gold truck is leaving. I like to think of it as Ron being a watchful older brother. I welcome others to offer more "notices" in this episode. For trained noticers, it's big. Really BIG. I'm going to extend my lunch break and watch it again right now. =) Curt Birmingham, AL _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
