I read the *Andy and Don* biography right when it came out and had a hard time putting it down.
Yes, some of the revelations about their personal lives are surprising, and a few are shocking. But the author, Daniel de Vise (Don Knotts' brother-in-law, BTW), presents a fair and balanced, as well as utterly fascinating, portrait of Andy Griffith and Don Knotts unlike anything I've ever read about them before (and like many of you, I've read a lot). Some *TAGS* fans' negative reactions to the book focus on these shocks -- on the revelations of both men's failings -- but de Vise doesn't sensationalize these shortcomings. He also portrays the positive qualities and immense talents of both Griffith and Knotts, with a continuing spotlight on the deep bond and friendship that cemented their relationship for so many decades. The book *Andy and Don* didn't change my lifelong affection for Sheriff Andy Taylor or Deputy Barney Fife one iota -- in fact, it deepened it, because it made me realize that behind our beloved icons were two men who could rise above their human flaws to create "real" characters and an endearing show that outlived them and will outlive us all. Michael Eury _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
