What Keeps Mayberry Alive
Rebecca Spears/Lydia, you hit the nail squarely on the head with your assessement of why we all love Mayberry so very much. Here is a kind, gentle place where we can truly feel at home. Yes, we are, as you so aptly put it, all Ed Sawyers. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.wbmutbb.com/
(no subject)
Hello Maberrians, Opie may have covertly traversed the streets of Mayfield. ;-) Thanks for the correction. You're right, it was on Dennis the Menace in which Opie did all that building, much to Mr. Wilson's chagrin. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Opie/Dennis the Menace
Hello Mayberrians, I believe I saw Opie Taylor hobnobbing with the young urchins in Mayfield at least once. If memory serves, in this particular episode it seems they were building a bench for the mailman so he could rest his weary feet. The boards used had been 'borrowed' from good old Mr. Wilson. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
For Kids of All Ages
Want to find a wonderful show for your kids (and you)? I'd like to recommend 'Gospel Bill' created by Pastor Willie George and staff of Church on the Move from Broken Arrow, OK. Later episodes were entitled 'Adventures in Dry Gulch'. I stumbled upon this creative 'kids' show and enjoyed it so much myself that I felt it deserved recommending. Christian values are displayed in an entertaining friendly way ( much like the way they are on TAGS), in fact as I watched this morning, I thought how much this show is like TAGS. Here is a blip on it from Daystar: "Gospel Bill is a great show for kids of all ages. Gospel Bill gives your kids a great way to learn about social skills and self awareness based on biblical principles." Athough there are a number of episodes on YouTube, I'll warn you ahead of time, some of the comments aren't in keeping with good values or the 'Mayberry way', however it will give you a taste of the show. It also airs on the Daystar Channel on Sunday morning. 'Gospel Bill' offers a great jumping off place for discussions with your kids and grandkids. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Disappointment
Ken, I commend you for your wonderful presentations and I'm sure you've touched more than a few hearts along the way. I wonder if you've considered taking your presentations into nursing homes. I've often thought anyone with a talent to share with others could help those who are often times forgotten and very lonely to have a few moments of joy and some beautiful memories. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Prayers and a few thoughts
Charles Adkins, my prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Please know that your dear wife is in a better place and that you will see her again. Dave Quinn ( aka Orville Hendriks), TVLand has a few good shows, but the interruptions by commercials for the less desirable ones are the downside. Generally, AntennaTV, MeTV, CoziTV and TVLand ( at times) seem the best suggestions for family viewing. Dave McClanahan, typos happen to all of us. Remember we can disagree with our Mayberry friends and neighbors without being disagreeable. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Believers who make a difference
Orville Hendricks, I agree with your thoughtful comments. You wrote, "You can count on the fingers of your hands every person in Hollywood now a days who is not ashamed of their religion.Patrica Heaton, of "The Middle", and Kevin Sorbo of the movie "God Is Not Dead" leap immediately to mind. There are probably a few more." May I add Chuck Norris to the list of believers who use their fame to better the lives of others. Recently I've read three of Chuck's books (highly recommended) and found his honesty about his faith and his life truly inspiring. Some may know of his Kickstart Kids program http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL5A4E9F87BCA6A710&v=chI4CpaH2uwMany know Chuck from Walker, Texas Ranger and if you watch the show ( TVLand), you'll notice how often the stories display faith in God and good basic decency. Fame gives one a great opportunity to influence others; it's good to know there those who give to others when they have themselves been so richly blessed. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TVLand
Brian and Lucille, Agreed! I was a teacher for many years and can attest to the fact that most of the students today come from less than ideal home situations. Earlier in my career when writing to parents it was customary to address letters to ' Mr. and Mrs. ...' but that soon changed. I remember being surprised by the casual use of expletives during a conversation with a fourth grader until that night I went home and turned on a popular show and heard the very same words spoken. What we need on television and at the movies are good, solid role models and examples good parenting Kids deserve it; kids want it even if they don't realize it.. There are precious few shows currently that display either. It seems most try to outdo each other in their use of adolescent antics and verbiage. Thank goodness we have a bastion of decency in TAGS, Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, Dennis the Menace, The Waltons, Walker, Texas Ranger to mention a few. Decency, as we TAGS fans know, never goes out of style. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TVLand et al
I commiserate with Aunt Bee in Orlando and agree wholeheartedly with her comments regarding TVLand. Altho' I watch TVLand at times, I always MUTE the commercials. In my area it is the only station that shows TAGS. Although they have some unsavory new shows, they also bring us 'Walker, Texas Ranger' three times per weekday, which displays good Christian values and a satisfying storyline. For those of us who lack MeTV, many have CoziTV which also has some decent programming. Perhaps more stations will heed the call for good, value-based television. Let's raise our collective voices to those who can make this happen. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Andy Clyde on TV
The very likeable Andy Clyde, who appeared as Frank Myers in Mayberry Goes Bankrupt, can be enjoyed nightly on The Real McCoys as neighbor George MacMichael and on Lassie as Timmy's friend ( in similar fashion to Gus the Fireman on Leave it to Beaver ). Both shows air around the dinner hour on COZI TV and are wonderful family fare. ( Note: COZI still doesn't have Lassie listed on their menu, but rather it says 'Cash Cab... however, when you see that, know it is Lassie that will be airing). Enjoy! Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Bad Language and Then Some
Yes, those doggone commercials can make watching TVLand a trial sometimes. Last week I decided to view two of their much hyped shows, Kirstie and The Exes. Can one wash one's eyes and ears with soap? From there, I happened upon a great old show, The Real McCoys, on Cozi TV, and my goodness how times have changed in what we're offered from Hollywood. Give me TAGS, The Real McCoys, Gilligan's Island, Leave it to Beaver, and all those grand old shows where cleverness and wit resided wonderfully well with morality. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
A true gem
Hi Neighbors, After a brief hiatus from The Andy Griffith Show, I found upon returning a renewed awe for the quality, genuine and eternal values displayed, and honest-to-goodness homespun and kindly humor shown to one and all who traverse the streets of Mayberry. Although there are many great shows from this era, TAGS stands alone in it's incorporation of so many virtues in just 30 short minutes. To all associated with this gem of a show, thank you. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
'Mother Figures' abound
Hi Fellow Mayberrians, It sure is interesting how often an actress is typecast as 'everybody's mother'. Our Mrs. Sprague ( Mabel Albertson) was also Mrs. Frank Stevens on 'Bewitched' and Mrs. Hollinger, Don's mother on 'That Girl' as well as a mother on the New Dick VanDyke Show. Similarly, another 'mother figure', Doris Roberts, although not crossing over the Mayberry town limits, was in 'Play the Game' along with Andy Griffith. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Meeting Andy
I met Andy, Don and Jim years ago when visiting CA with family, and am most grateful to been afforded this rare opportunity. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Andy Griffith
There are few words to express the deep sadness we all feel at the passing of Andy Griffith. Somehow, it seemed he would live forever, and of course will in our hearts as the all knowing, kind, gentle Sheriff of Mayberry and as the cantankerous yet loveable Ben Matlock. He gave us the gift of laughter, and through his characters, taught us lessons about friendship and caring for one another. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Jim Nabors
Hi Ken and All, Jim Nabor's official website says he's home from his heart surgery and doing well. Happy birthday, Jim and many, many more!! Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Jim Nabors
Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for posting the information and wonderful Jim Nabors' interview. I was unaware of Jim's impending heart surgery and I'm sure we will all be praying for a good outcome. As always, Jim is humble and right the money with his comment about how he would like to be remembered. True, it is not about the fame or the money, but about who you've been in your life. Spoken by a truly nice guy! In case any missed it, here is the link sent in by jgrit1 (arrived 5/26/12): http://www.wthr.com/video?clipId=7316276&autostart=true Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Alumni Sighting
Dave, I recently discovered I also have Antenna TV here in CT and have been enjoying immensely the great shows of the 50s and 60s. It's a shame Burns and Allen and The Jack Benny Show are slotted for 1 and 2 am tho'. I haven't seen Good Old Mr. Wilson in many months of Sundays, and what a truly delightful find that one was. In fact, I believe Howard McNear made an appearance. Now if only TV Land would harken back to its original intent: bringing the old shows back to life. I'm wondering if the programming director(s) are too young to understand what many of us consider to be older shows ( perhaps he/she is along the same thinking lines as the commentator on Fox News who felt Don Knotts will be remembered for his TC role). Older is not Everybody Loves Raymond! Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Don Knotts
Hi Everyone, Jess, I wholeheartedly agree with your views. Part of the problem could be that many today have a short term memory in that they recall only the most recent accomplishment(s) rather than the most important one(s). As time invariably marches on, some are too young to remember TAGS and our beloved Barney Fife. I wasn't aware of this Fox News segment. On the bright side, at least Don Knotts was mentioned. He must be listed among the comedic greats... Jack Benny, Groucho Marx (and his brothers), Burns and Allen, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Danny Kaye, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello and the list goes on. Personally, I think we need to see more of THESE folks on TV. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
George Lindsey
We love you and will miss you! In our hearts you will forever remain. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Joys of TAGS and Wodehouse
Hi Fellow Mayberrians, If you're down at the Mayberry Public Library anytime soon, please ask the librarian to direct you to the Ws. The W in particular is not Weaver, although Mr. Weaver may have written some humdingers; rather, it's P.G. Wodehouse, and he has definitely written some humdingers. For those of us who love the value based lessons, homespun goodness and joyful humor of Mayberry, I can't recommend highly enough the warm, humorous and language rich works of Mr. Wodehouse. There is a charm...a similar charm and a chuckle (sometimes under the breath; sometimes right out loud..although in the library, we must be somewhat quiet) that one gains by watching TAGS and by reading Wodehouse. Presently, this Mayberrian is immersed in the hijinks of Jeeves and Wooster down at the Mayberry Public Library. Hope to see you in the Ws. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TAGS to Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
Hi Greg, Thanks for noting these two wonderful crossover characters. I'd recently been watching several episodes featuring Lou-Ann Poovie, but hadn't realized that she was also a member of the TAGS team, but now I do recall how Mr. Sprague was much taken with her. Thanks for jiggling my memory. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TAGS to Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
Hi Vic and Everyone, First off, let me say you have an amazing memory! I've now purchased all seasons of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., watched the first three so far, and feel as tho' Mayberry has come to visit Camp Henderson. It's nice to see those wonderful familiar faces, albeit in different roles, but nice nonetheless. A couple of additions...can't recall her name on either show, but she was the female prisoner who got both Andy and Barn all hot and bothered and later had Sergeant Carter, Sergeant Hacker, and Gomer under her spell as the model. There are also Jay Novello (in the recurring shyster roll, a pickpocket in Mayerry, an ambulance-chasing doc in CA, Jamie Farr (as a carefree gypsy in Mayberry and as a captured Marine in Camp Henderson), and Joyce Jamison ( Skippy, the fun girl in Mayberry and Irene, the trying-to-have-fun girl in Las Vegas). Thanks for your list of characters, VicI'm keeping my eyes open! Anyone think of others we can add? Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Deputy Candidates
Right you are, Ken. It is interesting how no one individual would suffice, and it appears the ancillary characters were given a bigger piece of the action just to make up for the hole left with the departure of the one and only Barney Fife. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Tim Conway
Elizabeth, you are so right. Possibly Tim is the only man who could fill Barn's very large shoes. I wonder if he was asked. Would anyone know? Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Familiar faces crop up
Hi Fellow Mayberrians, Recently, I purchased the first season of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. and was happily amazed to see how many Maryberrians had traveled all the way to Camp Henderson, CA. I noticed Asa played a 'listening ear' to Gomer's love letter writing escapades and E.T.B's Romina had now become Sergeant Carter's best gal. As the plots thicken, I expect more characters will be making that cross-country trek. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Interiors
Ken, how about the interior of the garden shed out back where Opie and his pal kept the baby that one time? Has anyone mentioned that yet? Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
What's in a name?
Hello, Fellow Mayberrians, What's in a name? Would anyone know the origin of some of the more interesting surnames on TAGS? I harken back to Crumpacker, for instance, as a decidedly peculiar one. I've read that Andy Griffith often times used names of personal friends as character names on the show. Would anyone know more about this? Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
(no subject)
Rest in Peace, Jack Elinson. You have made our world a little warmer, a tad kinder, and brought a cheery smile into our hearts through your gift of writing. The joy and through-provoking moments you have given to us shall remain with us forever. Congratulations to Grandpa 'Opie'. Hard to believe! Where does the time go!! Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TAGS Chapters
Welcome Brian! I think the acronym POC, to which Clyde "Barn" referred, stands for 'Point/Person of Contact', and Floyd seems to be THE contact source for every single solitary chapter. Reminds me of Sarah. Goodness, Floyd must be busy! Well, Howard Spague said it best with his 'tag' line, uttered during his comedy show routine,... "...or ask Floyd." How does he keep up? POC: _floyd@iMayberry.com_ (mailto:fl...@imayberry.com) ( from the site). Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Warm and Fuzzy Moments
I'm of the opinion that 98% of the moments Barney and Andy spent together could be construed as warm and fuzzy. Those moments demonstrated what the word 'friendship' is all about: being there for the other no matter what, regardless of how foolish or how inept the friend. One in particular comes to mind regarding Andy's support for his dear friend: the little talk Andy gave Floyd in the courtroom concerning Barney's sensitive nature, in the wake of his off the wall behavior, during Barn's try for the elected office of sheriff of Mayberry. The show was about family, but just as much, it was about friendship and all that it implies. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Joplin Tornado
My prayers and thoughts are with Paul and all those whose lives have been touched by the devastating tornado in Joplin. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
TVLand
I couldn't agree more with Aunt Bee in Orlando's comments regarding TVLand's current fare. When this network started showing less than appetizing programming, 'Hot in Cleveland' being a prime example, although not limited to the newer sitcoms created specifically for and most likely to lure the 20somethings to their network, I found myself tuning in less and less often. The slippery slope began, in my opinion, with the inclusion of some of the 70's shows, where pushing the censorship envelope began and issues-oriented TV was favored ( possibly due to Norman Lear's influence) over values-oriented programs of the '50's and '60's. Issue-oriented shows, while nostagic, don't always stand the test of time, whereas values-oriented shows do and should. In its quest to swell the viewership with teens and 20somethings, TVLand's executives seem to have lost their way and lost many of us as viewers in the process. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Twilight Zone
I noticed two fellow Twilight Zone marathon watchers here. Although I was entertained by a good many of Rod Serling's excellent offerings, I missed the one featuring the much talented and quite prolific?Burt Mustin, however I did?notice every episode featured at least?one?well-known actor/actress. Ah, the good old days!! Lin ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
[no subject]
I agree with everyone who is concerned that TVLand will become a much to modern channel and will begin showing programs of the 70s and 80s at the expense of those from the 60s. As far as I'm concerned, a better scheduling decision would be to retain the 60s gems and add those of the 50s to the line up such as "The Jack Benny Show", "Burns and Allen", "I Married Joan" and some of those great western classics. Leave the 70s and 80s, and the 90s to Nick at Night. There are so many treasure from the 50s that are simply lost it seems as they don't appear to be shown on any channel at any time. Should a write in campaign be undertaken? Linda Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free. ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Where's Maverick on the dial?
Where are you watching reruns of Maverick? I'd love to find a channel other than TVLand, which is becoming increasingly too modern for me, that runs the old 50s and 60s shows. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Thelma Lou and Barney were in love
I have no doubt whatsoever that Thelma Lou and Barney were deeply in love but he had the proverbial cold feet to which many bachelors can attest. I agree wholeheartedly with Thelma Lou ( Janet) and her assessment in msg #9 dated 3/31. Smokey's song, "Tears of a Clown" is just the right way to put it and as always, Barney was trying to save face. I don't however understand why he hadn't written to her after leaving town and perhaps the writers could have added a bit more to explain that one. Possibly they didn't realize we would have the opportunity to view each episode a myriad of times and dissect each as we are now doing. Back then it was one show and maybe a summer rerun and that was about it. Using the same actors as different characters attests to that assumption. Anyhow, their love was deep in my opinion and the writers just plain goofed in not having Thel and Barn tie the knot. I can only assume they left the door open just incase or a return to Mayberry for Don. I wonder. Lydia, my apologies...now I know. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Thelma Lou was the right gal for Barn.
I am thoroughly enjoying reading comments posted but as a newcomer, this is my first post. bcq145 had it right on the money regarding Thelma Lou's deep love and acceptance of Barney. Another time I saw the same feeling of care and protection for him was the one where Barney has taken up residence in the back room of the courthouse, having been kicked out of Mrs. Mendlebright's rooming house, and Opie is standing beside Barn trying to tell him of the movie just seen with his dad. Barney has his head hidden in the files trying not to let anyone see his multiple lipstick marks planted there by an amorous Thelma Lou. Take a look at her face. It speaks volumes of her deep love for his good man. Good point too about Helen and Andy. I too don't see the same depth in the close ups. Helen comes off as more self centered than Thelma Lou. Yes, Thel and Barn are the perfect pair. Linda ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
