"Give her a little sugar"
In response to JOE from G.I.'s query about the phrase "Give her a little sugar": Yes, "sugar" is "kiss" in Southern slang. As a child I was told to give my grandma some sugar when we visited. Also, lecherous men would ask, "Gimme a little sugar" when flirting with women... ...which reminds me of a story that dates back to the mid-1970s. Wanda, the secretary of the grocery store my dad worked at, rightfully got furious at a salesman who had hit on her one too many times, admonishing him in front of others, "Sex sex sex, women women women, sugar sugar sugar! That's all you study!" Wanda was a #MeToo pioneer, as she embarrassed that would-be Don Juan into avoiding her from then on! Michael Eury New Bern, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
TAGS CHARACTERS on other shows
I always enjoy spotting TAGS actors on other series, and enjoy reading folks' comments here when they spot them too. It's hard to see, say, Denver Pyle on PERRY MASON and not think, "Hey, there's Briscoe Darling!" But we're talking about the actors, not the characters themselves, so that got me "thankin'" (without a bucket over my head): How many times did TAGS *characters* (Sheriff Taylor, Deputy Fife, Opie, etc.) actually appear on other TV shows? Off the top of my head: We start with Andy and Opie on THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW (the TAGS pilot). Then Goober, Aunt Bee, and Opie guest-starred on GOMER PYLE, USMC (did I miss any Mayberry guest?). And it's been a while since I saw HEE HAW, but didn't George Lindsey play Goober there from time to time? Then there were parodies of TAGS characters, like Don Knotts as the lawman of "Juneberry" when he guest-starred on THE NEW SCOOBY-DOO MOVIES Saturday morning cartoon. Just goes to show you the far-reaching influence of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW and Mayberry's beloved citizens? Can y'all think of any others? >From the Mayberry-like New Bern, NC, Michael Eury -- Michael Eury Editor-in-Chief, *Back Issue *magazine 2019 Eisner Award winner, "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism" Editor-in-Chief, *RetroFan *magazine "The crazy, cool culture we grew up with" www.twomorrows.com www.retrofan.org ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
The Dump / inconsistencies
After repeated viewings throughout our lifetimes of the beloved episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, the mistakes (Barney's different middle names and years of service) and logic lapses (just how did Aunt Bee get out to the dump anyway?) seem to crash through our TV screens like a rock chucked by Ernest T. Bass. But let's not forget that back in the day, the focus of the talented TAGS writers was the production of a single quality episode, one at a time. If you laughed and were entertained during that half hour, mission accomplished. Today, of course, TV series' entire seasons are mapped out before a single episode is scripted, with interlocking story arcs and an ongoing continuity narrative, primed for a culture that binge watches and demands such attention to detail. Like the idyllic Mayberry itself, times were much simpler when they were making TAGS. No one involved could have predicted that a half-century later, we'd still be glued to this show. Instead of being pestered by these goofs, why don't we forgive the producers and writers for them and just continue to enjoy their fun in the spirit in which they were produced? Mayberry forever, Michael Eury ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
Betty Lynn, Andy Griffith Museum, and TAGS collectibles in new RetroFan magazine
The new pop culture magazine I'm editing, *RetroFan* (from TwoMorrows Publishing of Raleigh, NC -- "the state capital!"), goes on sale June 20th. My love for *The Andy Griffith Show* is evident in issue #1, as it includes my "RetroTour" of Mount Airy and the Andy Griffith Museum; an interview with our beloved Thelma Lou, Betty Lynn; and an article about the scarcity of original TAGS collectibles. Issue #1 also includes an interview with TV Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, the Phantom in Hollywood, the Star Trek animated cartoon, how a fan's meeting with Wolf Man Lon Chaney Jr. changed his life, a look back at Mr. Microphone, a Too Much TV Quiz, and more fun and informative features. I invite y'all to take a look at the online preview via the link below and hope you'll add *RetroFan* to your must-read list: http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info=98_152_id=1368=5538e85e765978ffa289f79cb865d099 Keeping Mayberry alive, Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
TAGS articles and Betty Lynn interview in new RetroFan magazine, coming in June
I'm editing a new quarterly magazine for TwoMorrows Publications titled *RetroFan*, a celebration of crazy, cool pop culture, targeting those of us who grew up in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. The first issue premieres in June and features THREE *Andy Griffith Show*-related articles: a "Retro Travel" visit to Mount Airy, NC, and the newly renovated Andy Griffith Museum; my interview with the one and only Thelma Lou, the wonderful Betty Lynn; and a "Retro Collectibles" article about the scarcity of TAGS collectibles (from the years of the show's production). There's lots more fun and informative stuff in the first issue, too! You can learn more, order the issue, or even subscribe to *RetroFan* by visiting: http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info=98_152_id=1368=27d055c47ad3df896871a7c7c6213682 Keeping the spirit of Mayberry alive, Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
Hidden gems in color episodes
My favorite lines from color episodes: "In Mayberry, there are three main forms of communication: telephone, telegraph, and tell Floyd." "Somebody blackballed Howard Sprague!" Michael Eury ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
Andy and Don
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 WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
most-used Mayberry phrase?
Marie in Cajun country, when mentioned angry Andy telling Aunt Bee to Call the man! Just call the man!, says she still uses that phrase today. My wife and I do, too, whenever something needs repair around the house. Which leads me to this question: What's your most-used TAGS quote or phrase? Michael Eury in Concord, North Carolina, just two hours west of the State Capital ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
the best moments of the color episodes
Every few years, the topic of the color episodes resurfaces here and how they don't quite measure up to the first five BW seasons. Yes, it's easy to lament the absence of Don Knotts and criticize both the ill-fated addition of Deputy Warren Ferguson to the cast and the change in Andy's demeanor to grumpy old Andy. But Seasons Six through Eight of TAGS do offer some pleasures: * Howard Sprague: I found Howard to be a delightful character, especially in his earliest episodes when he was under his mother's thumb (too bad they married off Mrs. Sprague; still, the episode revealing Howard's bachelor pad was a hoot). * Howard the Comedian is a hilarious color episode exposing the pettiness of small-town grudges and featuring some side-splitting writing (Howard's joke about Mayberry's three main forms of communication -- telephone, telegraph, and tell Floyd -- makes me snicker just writing this.) * Floyd post-stroke: Howard McNear's beloved barber became, in some ways, funnier once his physical limitations and advancing age shifted Floyd's characterization from manic barber to senior busybody. (He steals the Mind Over Matter episode when telling Goober about Johnny Harris' accident.) * Aunt Bee's character was better developed in the color episodes, as was her friendship and occasional rivalry with Clara Edwards. (I defy you to hold back the tears when Clara concedes her rose award to Bee after Bee's hybrid flower was destroyed.) * Without Barney as a driving force for many of the episodes, the town of Mayberry became the focus of or backstory in several shows, and we learned more about its history. * Opie's aging: True, Ron Howard was no longer the adorable moppet, but the color episodes offered viewers the chance to experience growing up, Mayberry-style, as Opie got his first job, started to date, etc. Happy Labor Day greetings from Concord, NC, Michael Eury ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: Lessons from Opie
Re the recent comments about some of TAGS' best life lessons coming from Opie: I couldn't agree more! During TAGS' original run I was a child a few years younger than Ronnie Howard, so back then Opie's life lessons were relatable to my own growing up. But having watched an re-watched the series throughout my life, it's the Opie episodes that still speak most to me. The adult characters on TAGS all went through stages (case in point: Andy from hick to voice of reason to angry Andy) and each had their weaknesses and foibles (such as Barney's ego). We watched Opie mature, but through those eight years he remained the most honest and sincere character on the show -- even during the times he was misbehaving. This is partially due to solid writing, but Ron Howard's acting, even when he was a wee lad, was among the finest of anyone on the cast. He wasn't a stereotypical sitcom kid -- Opie Taylor was a real person. And Opie will forever remain my favorite citizen of Mayberry. Hey from Concord, NC, Michael Eury ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Hidden History of Mayberry free program in Concord, NC, on 11-13-12
Those of you living within a commutable distance to Concord, North Carolina, should mark Tuesday, November 13th on your calendars and try to attend the free program below. Dr. Gary Freeze is extremely knowledgeable and is an engaging speaker. I'm looking forward to this! The Concord Library is located in downtown Concord, NC 28025, at 27 Union Street North. -- Michael Eury *THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF MAYBERRY PROGRAM -- Tuesday 11/13/12 *The Concord Library presents “The Hidden History of Mayberry” with Dr. Gary Freeze of Catawba College on Tuesday, November 13 at 6pm. Dr. Freeze is writing a book that shows how The Andy Griffith Show explains the history of Mayberry in key episodes. He will explore “why Andy didn’t carry a gun” will share these insights in an illustrated talk about the people places in the show. This program is free open to the public. For more information, call the Information Desk @ 704.920.2054. www.cabarruscounty.us/library www.facebook.com/cabarruscountylibrary ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Mayberry Rotary Club minutes of 9-15-65
At the Concord (NC) Rotary Club meeting of Wednesday, July 11th, I presented the Fellowship Report, offering a tribute to the late Andy Griffith. Part of my presentation was my reading of the minutes from a September 1965 meeting of the Mayberry Rotary Club, which I wrote in the spirit of both TAGS and Rotary. The Mayberry Rotary Club didn't exist but could very well have, since Rotary International's motto of Service Above Self certainly fits the kindness displayed by most Mayberrians. In these minutes, in a couple of cases I fudged the timeline -- by Sept. of '65 Barney had left Mayberry, and Howard Sprague had yet to be introduced (although when viewers first met Howard it was established that he'd lived quietly in Mayberry for years) -- so please enjoy the following not as a strict testament to continuity but instead as a tribute to the greatest television show of all time. One more thing: Are there any other Rotarians out there? --Michael Eury *MINUTES OF THE MAYBERRY ROTARY CLUB MEETING* *Wednesday, September 15, 1965* *Mayberry Hotel* *Recorded by Howard Sprague, Club Secretary* *Proofread by Howard’s mother* * * Meeting was called to order at 12:15 PM by President Andy Taylor. Lunch was prepared by Miss Bee Taylor, with Juanita Beasley from the Bluebird Diner waiting on tables. The menu was pot roast, stewed potatoes and carrots, and green beans. President Andy remarked that Aunt Bee’s lunch was “Mmmm-mmm-mmm.” However, her side dish of pickles was poorly received, with one Rotarian muttering under his breath that they were “kerosene cucumbers.” Reverend Tucker delivered the invocation, about the application of Rotary’s Four-Way Test to everyday life. When he discussed “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” he fired a deliberate gaze at Floyd the Barber and Mr. Foley from the grocery store, since they’d recently been arguing over a punch in the nose incident that took place nearly 20 years ago. Barney Fife attempted to lead the club in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, but couldn’t remember the words. Luckily President Andy was there to nudge him along. Goober Pyle presented the Fellowship Report, amusing his fellow Rotarians by taking off on Cary Grant—“Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy.” The club was pleased to welcome an unexpected guest, Gomer Pyle, home on leave from the Marines, who burst into the room shouting, “Soo-prise, soo-prise, soo-prise!” Mr. Meldrim the bank president recommended that the Mayberry Rotary Club take up a special collection to buy old Asa the bank guard a new gun, since his was all rusty and falling apart. Barney Fife passed around his deputy’s hat for the collection, at which time Floyd Lawson joked, “Don’t take any wooden nickels, Barney.” The club collected $12.38. Discussion was given to this year’s Mayberry Rotary fundraiser. President Andy suggested a benefit concern by Bobby Fleet and His Band with a Beat and Barney Fife suggested a Kissing Booth with the Fun Girls from Mount Pilot, but the club voted to adopt Gomer Pyle’s recommendation to sponsor a Halloween Haunted House at Old Man Rimshaw’s place. Today’s guest speaker was one of our own, Mayberry Deputy Barney Fife, with a program called “The Art of Self Defense,” where he dazzled the club with his judo moves he learned from his lessons with Mr. Izamoto in Mount Pilot. However, Barney’s presentation, and the meeting itself, was rudely interrupted at 12:45 by a rock thrown through the hotel window. Tied to the rock was a note with a crudely scribbled message: “You won’t let me join Ro-tar-y so here’s a rock from Ernest T.” President Andy quickly adjourned the meeting with a brisk recitation of the Four-Way Test and he and Deputy Fife darted out in pursuit of the rock-throwing Ernest T. Bass. On their way out, Goober Pyle called out to Andy, “Tell Ernest T. that Goober says hey!” *Meeting minutes respectfully presented by Howard Sprague,* *Secretary, Mayberry Rotary Club* ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Paying respects -- a busy weekend in Mount Airy
My wife and I decided to remember Andy by visiting Mount Airy this weekend. We weren't alone. The Andy Griffith Museum's parking lot was full, with many out-of-state license plates, and the wonderful museum staff seemed a bit harried by the never-ending crowd. From what I could see, though, visitors remembered the What's Your Hurry? sermon and were patient. The Andy and Opie statue in front of the museum was filled with flowers from those paying respects. Main Street Mount Airy and its shops were crowded with people on Saturday. I suspect that only during Mayberry Days had the town seen foot traffic like this. Instead of sadness permeating Mount Airy over Andy's death, I was pleased to see everyone sporting bubbling smiles of nostalgia. Since Andy brought us a lifetime of laughter, that's probably the way he would have wanted to be remembered. On this visit, we also went to Pilot Mountain, and while it wasn't the big city like Mount Pilot (I was hoping to grab a quick judo lesson from Mr. Izamoto), the mountain is one big rock (not to be confused with Warden Bee's The Rock)! After hiking, I'm plumb wore out. Beeeat! Rest in peace, Andy Griffith. You may have left us in body, but your spirit lives on! Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: SHAZAM!
Re Lou Tarnopol's post, yes, indeed, Gomer Pyle's favorite hero was Captain Marvel, hence his Shazam! catchphrase. Gomer mentioned The World's Mightiest Mortal on at least one episode of TAGS, when he said, in praise of one of Barney's ideas, Captain Marvel wouldn't'a thought of that! But even though Gomer (and cousin Goober) read comic books, Captain Marvel had to be Gomer's CHILDHOOD favorite. During the production of TAGS, CAPTAIN MARVEL ADVENTURES (and the other Marvel Family comics published by Fawcett) were no longer in print, having been forced off the stands in the mid-1950s due to a plagiarism lawsuit with DC Comics, publisher of Superman. Interestingly, for me as a child growing up in the '60s, I learned of Shazam! and Captain Marvel through Gomer Pyle, even though I was a voracious comic-book reader. It wasn't until I read a history of comics in the early '70s that I learned of the original Captain Marvel -- who was revived in late 1972 in a comic book titled SHAZAM! which was published, oddly enough, by DC Comics. Makes ya want to put a bucket over your head and thank, don't it? Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: TAGS spinoffs and a Hooterville crossover
Re Rick Eastwood's spinoff dialogue: A Mayberry/Hooterville crossover would've been fun! Since The Beverly Hillbillies crossed over into the Petticoat Junction/Green Acres universe, it's surprising CBS didn't attempt a guest-star episode of TAGS with the Hooterville cast. I've pondered from time to time the idea of spinoffs from The Andy Griffith Show. Outside of the ones we got -- Gomer Pyle USMC and the TAGS continuation, Mayberry RFD -- the only other character I believe could've carried his own show was Barney. A Barney Fife, Man Undercover (or some such title) show would've no doubt been a hit, but since Don Knotts was already spinning off into movies, his own TV show was an impossibility. A dramatic Mt. Pilot series? That would've been a tough one to pull off as a spinoff without a carryover character (and none of the TAGS characters would've fit the drama genre). For years I've hoped that Andy Griffith and Ron Howard would executive-produce a new TV series called Mayberry, a contemporary show featuring small-town life in the 21st century. A TAGS carryover character would be a nice touch (George Lindsay as Goober?), with Andy and Opie helping launch the pilot, but the show would feature a new cast (of course, with a next-generation Taylor, Fife, or Lawson included). Since that show's unlikely, I'll just throw a bucket over my head and thank about it for a spell... Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: Return to Mayberry on DVD
While it's true that Return to Mayberry was released on DVD only as a bonus in the TAGS Complete Series DVD set, occasionally those Return DVDs are auctioned on eBay. I bought all 8 seasons of TAGS individually, like most of you, but last year won an eBay auction for a Return to Mayberry DVD ... and if memory serves, I paid only $8 or so for it. Incidentally, I've been on this list for a dozen years but silent for much of the past few, but this talk of Return to Mayberry has brought to mind a question: Does anyone know if there was a conscious decision not to include some of the actors who came into the TAGS/Mayberry RFD cast late in the cast of Return to Mayberry? Granted, Deputy Warren Ferguson might not have the largest fan club, and Sam and Mike Jones (as well as Millie from the bakery) came on board to fill the roles of Andy and family, but their inclusion in this one-time-only reunion film would have been welcomed (as would a cameo by TAGS' frequent drop-in actor Allan Melvin). Gotta go! Here's comes Otis in his Ice Cream Truck! Michael Eury Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: Favorite Season
My favorite season of TAGS is Season Five, the last BW one, and the last to feature Barney as a regular. By that point the writers were in their prime, and they and the actors fully understood the characters. Floyd returned, the Andy/Helen dynamic was strong, Barney was a sheer riot, Goober emerged as a break-out character, and the season sported some of the run's best episodes: The Education of Ernest T. Bass, Barney's Uniform, and my all-time favorite, Three Wishes for Opie, to name a few. Michael Eury from my own private Mayberry, Concord, NC ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: which Season to buy on DVD
Re the TAGS DVD Which Season to buy? dilemma: While most folks start with Season One, since it's customary to start at the beginning, if you want to start with the best season, I suggest Season Five. That's the last BW season, and the last with Barney as a regular. It's also the point when the cast and the writing had solidified to sheer perfection. The actors were comfortable with their characters, and no one seemed to be acting -- by this point, Andy, Barney, Opie, et al. were real people. And it's the season with Three Wishes for Opie, my all-time favorite episode! Michael Eury living in the Pacific Northwest's own Mayberry, Lake Oswego, Oregon... ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: My Name is Earl
Re Clint Howard, James Carroll wrote: He was a hoot on My Name Is Earl. He played Crazy Rodney to the hilt. If you haven't seen the show, check it out. It is one of the few shows on now that is worth watching. I have seen all the shows. It is not TAGS but then what is. My Name is Earl is the first new TV show I've watched regularly in years. It's the contemporary equivalent of The Andy Griffith Show in that each episode is a morality play, a television show type that, regrettably, died years ago. Its main character, Earl Hickey, is more Ernest T. Bass than Sheriff Taylor, but despite his thieving, no account past, he's genuinely trying to become a better person ... and through his exploits viewers can subtly learn a lesson. NBC Thursday night at 9 pm, if you haven't seen it yet. --Michael Eury ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
