nedipooh's Full Review: Andy Griffith Show - 2 DVD Set
I was hoping that the day would come when I would be able to write a review about the manliest of men, the hunkiest of hunks, the ultimate in the world of masculine virility, my true hero, the one and only Barney Fife. Oh, Heart, be still.
Before I get into Barney-Ooogling, though, let me tell you about the other day while I was shopping at a discount department store....yea, yea, yea, you know which one. I happen to run across a 2 DVD set featuring one of my favorite television shows of all time, The Andy Griffith Show, for a mere $5.50. It not only contained 16 episodes of the show, but it also included some vintage cartoons and commercials. Hey, for a little over 5 bucks, it seemed like a good deal.
As I began this review I couldn't help but notice that it's easy to assume that your reader is going to be familiar with the subject at hand when you're discussing something that has essentially been around for the better part of your life. That is the case with me. As a child, The Andy Griffith Show was a staple in our home. My family watched it every single week. And of course, as the show went into syndication, I've had the pleasure of seeing it many times since.
The Andy Griffith Show was originally a spin-off. The characters of Andy Taylor, Aunt Bee and Opie Taylor were first seen in an episode of Make Room For Daddy(The Danny Thomas Show). It is the story of a widowed man that is serving as Sheriff in a small Southern town, Mayberry, North Carolina. While protecting his community, he is also trying to bring up his small son with a strong set of values and also dealing with a group of some unique characters that reside within his jurisdiction.
For someone that is not familiar with the show, please permit me to introduce the characters and the actors that are portrayed in The Andy Griffith Show, at least those that are presented in this particular DVD set. Over the 8 year stretch of the show's popularity, there were many other characters to be seen, but I'm only going to talk about those that are featured on this specific DVD.
First of all we have Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith. Andy is the Sheriff of Mayberry as well as Father to young son, Opie, Ron Howard. Tending the home fires is Aunt Bee, Frances Bavier, who is introduced in the very first episode of the show. And just for the record for those folks that are nit-picky about spelling, yes, I discovered with a bit of research that it is indeed spelled B-E-E, rather than B-E-A. Standing beside Andy is his trusty side-kick, with one-bullet-in-the-pocket, his Deputy, Barney Fife, Don Knotts.
There is also Barney's favorite gal, Thelma Lou, Betty Lynn, as well as Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors, a gas station attendant that is just one banana shy a bunch (a character which an entire new series was later created, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.). Then we have Otis, Hal Smith, a lovable drunk that makes the Mayberry jail his home-away-from-home. This DVD set also includes the introduction of Andy's true love, Helen Crump, Aneta Corsaut.
This 2 DVD set includes episodes that were originally shown in the third season of the show, 1962/1963. I've included the actual episode number of each one next to the titles. As you can see, on this collection they are not in chronological order, but quite honestly it doesn't make any difference as far as story continuity.
Each episode was individual, with the exception of the Darling family story. On the second disc, Andy makes a visit to them in the first segment, but the episode where he is "introduced" to the family isn't shown until 6th segment. That's not really a big deal as the story within each is separate. But for a first time viewer, it may appear confusing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disc One
Andy Meets Miss Crump(Episode 86)
The Taylors are sitting around the breakfast table and Opie is complaining about his new teacher, Miss Crump, and the homework assignment. Trying to be an understanding father, Andy remarks something to the effect that history isn't really important, anyway. This, of course, Opie repeats to his teacher. Fun to watch the sparks fly as Andy and Helen come face-to-face for the first time. Also, even more fun is watching Barney trying to explain the "Emancipation Proclamation".
English Butler Works for Andy(Episode 89)
An English fellow, Malcolm Meriweather (Bernard Fox), riding a bike through the streets of Mayberry has an accident. Rather than lock this fellow into a cell, Andy sentences Malcolm to labor to be performed at his own home while Aunt Bee is away, tending to a sick relative. Malcolm tends to take his responsibilities just a tad too far, though, when he requires Andy and Opie to behave in proper English manner.
A commercial break here where we see Andy and Barney boasting the wonderful tasti-ness of Post Toasties cereal, as well as Mr. Whipple begging, in opera fashion, for the ladies to "please don't squeeze the Charmin". Before we return to our regularly scheduled broadcast, there is a cute little Popeye cartoon to enjoy, entitled "The Nearly-Weds".
Gomer Saves the Day(Episode 95)
Andy must leave to follow the path of some escaped criminals when Barney is left to guard the Mayberry jail, which is housing the co-horts of the escapees. Barney feels that he will need some help and deputizes Gomer to guard the jail. Together they manage to permit their jail-birds to escape 3 times, while Andy comes to the rescue and re-captures them every time. Very funny episode here.
Barney, the Matchmaker(Episode 92)
Barney has decided that Helen isn't the right girl for Andy when he finds that she does not want to cook and has no intention of learning how to. Underhandedly, he brings all of the eligible females of Mayberry to Andy's living room for Andy to "score and grade".
Another little commercial break comes here. There's an ad for Flintstone's Vitamins and also one for the Mattel "Super Spy Attache Case" from Sears. And one more cartoon, featuring Betty Boop, "My Friend, the Monkey".
Dog Gone Opie(Episode 93)
Opie finds a stray dog and brings the dog to his father at the Courthouse, begging to be allowed to keep the dog. The pup manages to run away, only to bring back all of his best Puppy friends. Meanwhile, Andy is awaiting a visit from an Investigator from the State Capital that will determine if the Mayberry Jail needs new funds. The dogs have to go, of course, and Barney thinks he's found the perfect solution. Until a storm rolls in.
Barney Buys a Car(Episode 90)
Barney decides that it is time to purchase some wheels for himself with his entire $300.00 in savings (boy, have times changed!!). After perusing the want ads, he finds the perfect vehicle, a 1954 Ford Sedan in mint condition, that has only been driven on Sundays by a meek little Church-goin' elderly woman. A woman that also happens to be the head of a Car-Theft ring.
Another commercial break here, featuring the brand new 1957 model Chevrolet, as well as one that I have to believe would be censored in today's market. It is for the Mattel "Tommy Burst Detective Set" which includes a tommy-gun and pistol for a mere $7.00!! The funniest part of this commercial is that of the "bad guy" that is shot down, played by none other than Hal Smith (yep, yep, Otis the drunk). And before we get back to the show, there is a classic Three Stooges cartoon, "Hair-Brained Barbers".
High School Reunion(Episode 82)
Andy and Barney run across an old High School yearbook and decide to host a reunion. They're both anxious to see their old high school flames and see if there are any sparks left to be rekindled.
Rafe Hollister Hoe-Down(Episode 83)
A local farmer, Rafe Hollister, is encouraged by Andy to try out in the auditions for a local musicale at the City Hall. This is the same musicale which Barney has been practicing for. Very sweet ending to this episode when Andy and Opie join together to sing "You get a line and I'll get a Pole".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disc Two
Andy Meets Ernest T(Episode 94)
We all see things differently, so you may not agree with me. Even still, I must say that I believe this to be the funniest, most enjoyable of all of the Andy Griffith Show Episodes. It is my favorite.
This is the one where Andy is called to the mountains by the Darlin Family to protect them from the assault brought on by a wild country man, Ernest T. Bass. It seems that Ernest T. is convinced that he can "wooo" the daughter of the Darlin clan, Charlene, into becoming his bride, if only given the chance. He refuses to accept her matrimonial state, until she is wed by a preacher, rather than a simple Justice of the Peace. Barney makes a most lovely Bride, in my oh-so-humble opinion.
The sound of the bluegrass music alone is enough to make this episode so very memorable as the "Darlin Boys" sing "Dooley". From what I understand, these fellows have had quite a successful recording career with their music, but I'm not going to go into detail here. This review is going to be long enough without delving into that aspect.
Bicycle Brat(Episode 84)
Of all of the additions to this DVD, this is my least favorite. Here, Opie is influenced by a new kid on the block that just happens to be spoiled rotten and used to getting his own way. Opie attempts to mimic this little monster in his endeavor to earn more than his usual 25 cent a week allowance. It's not exactly funny and one that I'll be skipping over when I pop in this DVD.
Another commercial break here with Andy praising the taste of Post Sugar Crisp cereal and then a Mighty Mouse cartoon, "Dead End Cats". Wow, did that bring back some memories! The break ends with a Bob Smith and Howdy Doody commercial for Colgate toothpaste.
Aunt Bee's Buzz(Episode 87)
Aunt Bee is feeling a little run down and a bit beyond her years. It just so happens that a traveling salesman, Colonel Harvey, is in town selling his "Indian Elixir" which promises to lift the spirit and restore a youthful feeling. It also contains 85% alcohol. Very funny episode here when Aunt Bee becomes quite tipsy and includes her fellow Ladies Aide Church Committee into the fray.
Opie's Spring Fling(Episode 91)
Opie experiences the pain of young love as the girl of his dreams pretends indifference. Thelma Lou's heart goes out to the young man and she takes him under her wing. It isn't long before Opie's attraction takes a turn and he becomes Barney's biggest rival for the affection of Thelma Lou.
For this next commercial break there is Bing Crosby in a boat, discussing Ducks Unlimited and then Jimmy Durante announcing the wonders of Scotties Tissues. Following is a cartoon that carries no familiar characters, but is clearly one of the earliest that was made, called "Redskin Blues".
Calling All Cars(Episode 85)
Wally's Filling Station is being robbed on a nightly basis and Barney is set to discover the identity of the perpetrator by using some modern technology. Being Barney, he, of course, catches his own face on film.
Andy Meets the Darlins(Episode 88)
This is the first time that we are introduced to the Darlin family. They've come to Mayberry to meet the bus that will be bringing home Charlene's (the only daughter in the family) fiance, Dudley. After a few scrapes, they eventually find themselves in the Mayberry jail. Again, it's the music that makes this episode special.
One final commercial break and once again, it's a Post cereal, Grape Nuts, which Andy and Barney are trying to sell. That's followed by a promo for an electric train set, the "American Flyer All Aboard". And finally there's a Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoon, "A Haunting We Will Go".
High Noon for Andy(Episode 80)
Andy receives a letter from a man, Luke Comstock, that he once shot in the leg during a robbery. At the time the man swore revenge and this letter says that he is coming to town to "set things straight". Barney decides that Andy needs protection, so he deputizes both Gomer and Otis to be bodyguards for Andy. This is an absolutely hilarious episode....one of my favorites.
Barney Gets the Goat(Episode 81)
A new road is being constructed near Mayberry and dynamite is being used to clear the path. A farmer's pet goat, Jimmy, manages to consume some of the dynamite and the creature winds up being a resident of the Mayberry jail, while Andy and Barney try to solve this "explosive" problem. It isn't over til Barney becomes the Pied Piper of Mayberry with his harmonica.
At first I wasn't sure if I really needed this DVD set, because after all, I've been a fan of The Andy Griffith Show as far back as my memory allows. There have been times that I tried to explain the show to folks that have never watched it before. It will be easy now to just pop in this DVD and let the show speak for itself. I won't have to sit back and just hope to catch it on one of the nostalgia networks that are still airing the show today. Now that I've watched it through (and that takes just shy of 7 hours, from start to finish), I must admit that I'm glad that I have it in my collection.
The role of Barney Fife garnered five Emmys as Supporting Actor in a Comedy for the wonderful Don Knotts. Three of those were during his short 5 year span on the show as a regular, and the other 2 were for his guest appearances. From my own personal perspective, the show was never the same once he left it.
One thing that is missing from this DVD is the traditional whistle of Earle Hagan of The Andy Griffith Show Theme Song(more commonly referred to as "The Fishing Hole Song") at the beginning of each episode. The music that is played here has a bit of a jazzy sound to it. It's not bad, but if you're expected to hear some whistlin', you'll be disappointed.
All 16 episodes on The Andy Griffith Show - 2 DVD Set are shown, of course, in black-and-white, and the sound tends to crackle in a few places. It's not distracting, though. I guess when you consider that these shows were filmed 42 years ago, it's to be expected. I mean, heh, when I've been around that long I'm sure I'll develop some cracklin', too. Ok, ok, ok....you can stop snickering now...
Watching the vintage commercials and the cartoons was like a real walk down Memory lane for me. When I was a little girl, my favorite cartoon was Mighty Mouse. I remember that it came on at 8am every Saturday morning. Isn't it funny some of the little things that your mind retains? It was a lot of fun to see it once again.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.