It was just over a month before the election of President John F. Kennedy when the Andy Griffith Show debuted on October 3, 1960. A spinoff, of sorts, from The Danny Thomas Show, it was gentle sitcom that revolved around life in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
When President Kennedy was assassinated just over three years later, the cast was working on the Desilu set in Culver, City, California.
A table reading of an upcoming episode was cut short as the laughter quickly turned to tears. When the actors returned the next week, they felt strongly about carrying on, believing America needed to smile again – and escape to the wholesome and loving mountain community.
The Andy Griffith Show lasted 249 episodes before going off the air in 1968. It was the country’s number one program when it shut down, a distinction held only by I Love Lucy and Seinfeld.
Andy, Barney, Opie, Gomer and all the gang continue to teach, even in reruns. And while the series never jumped into presidential politics, its many themes and lessons can still help us navigate these uneven and even frustrating times.
Incidentally, Barney did run for Sheriff against Andy in Season Five. In true Deputy Fife form, he accuses his boss of 76 cases of malfeasance, including “out of control traffic” in the sleepy town – and inadequate weaponry, including the fact that Sheriff Taylor doesn’t carry a gun.
Imagine – a politician being frivolously or falsely charged.
But on this anniversary of the show’s debut, here are a few favorite and timeless lines with enduring applicability 64 years later:
Andy, on standing up to bullies:
“I don’t want him to be the kind of boy looking for fights. But I don’t want him to run from one when he’s in the right.”
Sheriff Taylor, on parental authority:
“You can’t let a youngin decide for himself. He’ll grab at the first thing with shiny ribbons on it. Then when he finds there’s a hook in it, it’s too late. All a parent can do is say, ‘Wait. Trust me,’ and try to keep temptation away.”
Deputy Fife, on how to raise children:
“Well, today’s eight-year-olds are tomorrow’s teenagers. I say this calls for action and now. Nip it in the bud. First sign of youngsters going wrong, you’ve got to nip it in the bud.”
Barney, on the consequences of bad behavior:
“Boys, when that steel door slams shut, that’s the end of the happy days. No more fishin’, no more ball playin’, no more peanut butter sandwiches.”
Andy, Barney and Aunt Bee on the trouble of a fallen world:
Aunt Bee: Oh, Dr. Breen, your sermon has such a wonderful lesson for us.
Andy Taylor: Yes, sir, you really hit the nail right on the head there.
Barney Fife: Yes, sir, that’s one subject you just can’t talk enough about… SIN.”
Deputy Barney Fife, alluding to spiritual warfare:
“All I’m saying is that there are some things beyond the ken of mortal man that shouldn’t be tampered with. We don’t know everything, Andy. There’s plenty goin’ on right now in the Twilight Zone that we don’t know anything about and I think we oughta stay clear.”
Andy, on the fleeting nature of childhood:
“Daylight’s precious when you’re a youngin.”
Sheriff Taylor on the value of hard work:
“When you give something, in this instance, cleaning the garage, and you get something in return, like a quarter – why, that’s the greatest feeling in the world.”
Sheriff Andy Taylor, on the importance of perspective:
“What’s small potatoes to some folks can be mighty important to others.”
Barney Fife, on the importance of law enforcement:
“I guess to sum it up, you could say, there’s three reasons why there’s so little crime in Mayberry. There’s Andy, and there’s me, and [patting gun] baby makes three.”
Sheriff Taylor, on confronting bullies and bad guys:
“You’re both a lot bigger than I am, but this badge represents a lot of people. They’re a lot bigger than either one of you. Now, are you gonna get movin’?”
We’re grateful the Andy Griffith Show plays on in reruns, entertaining, inspiring – and educating.
