Howard McNear Movies
Character actor Howard McNear made a name for himself on network radio in a vast array of characterizations, from snivelling murderers to dapper French detectives. McNear's best-known radio role was as Doc on Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1962; his spin on the character was slightly more ghoulish than the interpretation offered by Milburn Stone on television. In films from 1954, the bespectacled, mustachioed McNear was usually cast as a querulous fussbudget. He was spotlighted as Dr. Dompierre in Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder (1959), and was prominently featured in three Billy Wilder comedies, Irma La Douce (1963), Kiss Me Stupid (1964) and The Fortune Cookie (1966). He appeared with frequency on TV in the 1950s and 1960s, often as a foil to such comedians as Jack Benny and Burns and Allen. Howard McNear's most beloved TV characterization was as Mayberry barber Floyd Lawson on The Andy Griffith Show; when McNear suffered a debilitating stroke in 1967, Griffith kept him on the payroll, re-writing the scripts to allow "Floyd" to be seated and non-ambulatory without drawing undue attention to McNear's affliction. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1967
To drum up business at his service station, Goober holds a contest. Unfortunately, he makes a typographical error while writing up his announcements, and as a result he posts a grand prize of $200 rather than $20. The winner, Floyd the barber, demands immediately payment-then sues for fraud when Goober pleads poverty. The devastating stroke which had recently befallen actor Howard McNear (Floyd) is painfully evident in this episode, though McNear courageously withstands the rigors of Ron Friedman and Pat McCormick's teleplay. "Goober's Contest" originally aired April 10, 1967, as the final episode of The Andy Griffith Show's seventh season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
The Mayberry Civic Improvement Society ponies up its entire budget--$1200-to build a statue to the town's most celebrated benefactor, Andy's great-grandfather Seth Taylor. Only after the statue is completed does a historian come forward to reveal that the "benevolent" Seth was actually the biggest swindler in the state! Leave it to the citizens of Mayberry to find the silver lining in this little raincloud. First broadcast on February 20, 1967, "The Statue" was written by Fred S. Fox. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Dodson
- 1967
Helen gathers together the clever comments of her students and writes them up as a children's book-which, surprise of surprises, is accepted by a major publisher. Problem is, Helen (or, to use her nom de plume, "Helene Alexian Dubois") is so busy with rewrites and business conferences that she has no time for Andy, who is beginning to feel threatened by her success. Keith Andes guest-stars as Helen's handsome editor Roger Bryant, while Elaine Joyce is hilarious as Mavis, a flashy "good-time gal" whom the disgruntled Andy dates on the rebound. Written by Doug Tibbles, "Helen the Authoress" originally aired on February 27, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Erstwhile standup comedian Howard Sprague scores a big hit on the TV variety show "Colonel Tim's Talent Time." Unfortunately, the citizens of Mayberry do not take kindly to being the butt of Howard's jokes. For a while, Howard is persona non grata amongst the Mayberryites-but human nature proves to be a very curious and changeable thing. Dick Haynes guest-stars as Colonel Tim. Written by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs, "Howard the Comedian" first aired on March 20, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Howard Sprague becomes a Big Brother for problem teen Tommy Parker (Scott Lane). Balking at Howard's insistence that he concentrate on his schoolwork, the crafty Tommy arranges a few dates between Howard and his big sister Betty Parker (Elizabeth MacRae). Succumbing to Betty's charms, Howard is on Cloud Nine until the awful truth brings him crashing back to earth. First shown on March 27, 1967, "Big Brother" was written by Fred S. Fox. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Dodson, Howard McNear, (more)
- 1967
Fast-talking George Jones (Roger Perry) breezes into Mayberry with an attractive get-rich-quick scheme involving a buried treasure. Everyone in town falls for Jones' line, despite repeated warnings from the suspicious Andy. Eventually, however, even Andy secretly invests money in Jones' scheme-with sobering results. Written by Fred S. Fox, "Don't Miss a Good Bet" was originally telecast on January 2, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The British title of Billy Wilder's classic comedy was Meet Whiplash Willie -- for, despite Jack Lemmon's star billing, the movie's driving force is Oscar-winning Walter Matthau as gloriously underhanded lawyer "Whiplash" Willie Gingrich. CBS cameraman Harry Hinkle (Lemmon) is injured when he is accidentally bulldozed by football player Luther "Boom Boom" Jackson (Ron Rich) during a Cleveland Browns game. Willie, Harry's brother-in-law, foresees an insurance-settlement bonanza, and he convinces Harry to pretend to be incapacitated by the accident. To insure his client's cooperation, Willie arranges for Harry's covetous ex-wife Sandy (Judi West) to feign a rekindling of their romance. Harry's conscience is plagued by the solicitous behavior of Boom Boom, who is so devastated at causing Harry's injury that he insists on waiting on the "cripple" hand and foot. Meanwhile, dishevelled private eye Purkey (Cliff Osmond) keeps Harry under constant surveillance, hoping to catch him moving around so the insurance company can avoid shelling out a fortune. Wilder and usual co-writer I.A.L. Diamond were at their most jaundiced and cynical here, even if, after a sardonic semiclimax, the last ten minutes succumb to the sentimentality that often marred Wilder's later movies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, (more)
- 1966
Invited to a school party, Opie is terrified to learn that he'll be expected to dance. Hoping to allay the boy's fear, Andy and Helen offer to teach Opie how to trip the light fantastic. Problem is, the adults aren't too good at cutting a rug themselves. Ben Starr's teleplay blithely ignores the fact that Opie had ostensibly learned to dance in the fifth-season episode "Opie Loves Helen." "Look Paw, I'm Dancing" first aired on February 14, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Goober has developed a crush on Flora Malherbe (Alberta Nelson), the new waitress at the local diner. Alas, Flora has eyes only for sheriff Andy. In trying to help Goober out, Andy succeeds in making things worse. But never fear: a happy ending is not only inevitable, but mandatory. Written by Ben Joelson and Art Baer, "Eat Your Heart Out" was originally slated to air on February 21, 1966, but was moved to February 28. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aneta Corsaut
- 1966
While on a visit to Mayberry, Barney Fife discovers that he is idolized by his successor, deputy Warren Ferguson. Unfortunately, the nervous Barney has to live up to his reputation when a convict escapes. As he has done so often in the past, Andy comes to Barney's rescue without anyone knowing about it-including Barney. Written by Harvey Bullock, "The Legend of Barney Fife" made its network TV debut on January 17, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Don Knotts
- 1966
Shady promotor Fred Gibson (Pat Hingle) arrives in Mayberry, accompanied by a swaggering bully named Clarence Earp (Richard Jury), who claims to be the grandnephew of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp. After throwing his weight around town for a while, Earp challenges Sheriff Andy to a duel. Andy manages to take the wind out of the man's sails without shedding any blood (this was, after all, a situation comedy!) Written by Jack Elinson, "Wyatt Earp Rides Again" was first shown on January 31, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pat Hingle
- 1966
Much against Andy's advice, Aunt Bee purchases a car from Goober and begins taking driving lessons. After several harrowing driving sessions-harrowing, that is, to the hapless instructor!-Bee feels ready to take a solo spin around town. When she arrives home, she finds a huge and ugly bump in the car-and, thinking herself responsible, she attempts to hide the damage from Andy. One of the funniest episodes of The Andy Griffith Show's sixth season, "Aunt Bee Learns to Drive" was written by Jack Elinson, and originally aired on February 7, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Goober returns from a fishing trip with a full beard. Basking in the compliments directed towards his distinguished-looking chin whiskers, Goober begins fancying himself an intellectual, and before long he is boring his friends to death with his endless discourses on a variety of topics-all centered on himself. It takes a few harsh words from Andy to bring Goober back down to earth. Written by John L. Greene and Paul David, "Goober Makes History" first aired on December 19, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Several years before gaining fame as Father Mulcahy on MASH, William Christopher essayed the title role in the Andy Griffith Show episode "A New Doctor in Town." The folks of Mayberry are wary of the town's new doctor Thomas Peterson, who seems too young and casual for his job. Andy chastizes his friends for not giving Dr. Peterson a chance-but even he has second thoughts about Peterson's qualifications when Opie comes down with tonsilitis. Originally broadcast on December 26, 1966, "A New Doctor in Town" was written by Ray Brenner and Barry Blitzer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
As a result of a minor auto accident, Goober suffers a slight pain in the back. Thanks to garrulous barber Floyd, Goober becomes convinced that he has incurred a serious injury-and that he is in fact at death's door! Retreating to the bedroom of Andy Taylor, Goober refuses to allow anyone to convince him that he's as hale and hearty as ever. Andy is forced to resort to trickery to get Goober back on his feet again. First telecast on October 31, 1966, "Mind Over Matter" was written by Ron Friedman and Pat McCormick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Preparing for a visit from Mayberry's guest minister Rev. Leighton (Ian Wolfe), Aunt Bee worries that her natural hair-do won't survive the night. Thus, she quickly dons an attractive blonde wig, which duly impresses the visiting cleric. The problem: Aunt Bee grows fond of the minister, and hasn't the nerve to tell him that she isn't a natural blonde. The most amusing aspect of this episode is the fact that supporting actor Ian Wolfe is rather obviously wearing a "rug" himself! First shown on October 10, 1966, "Aunt Bee's Crowning Glory" was written by Ronald Axe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Andy is elected to umpire that championship Little League game between Mayberry and Mount Pilot. Exercising fine impartiality, Andy calls his own son Opie out, then promptly gets it in the neck from everyone in town. Ultimately, Andy is redeemed by Howard Sprague's newspaper sports column, but camera-bug Helen discovers the story isn't quite over yet. This episode was cowritten by Sid Morse and Rance Howard, the father of series regular Ronny Howard. "The Ball Game" first aired on October 3, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Novice fisherman Howard Sprague joins Mayberry's veteran anglers on the first day of fishing season. Almost immediately, Howard hooks "Old Sam", the legendary silver carp of Myers Lake. In so doing, Howard almost single-handedly destroys the morale of the town. Originally broadcast on November 28, 1966, "Big Fish in a Small Town" was one of several top-rank Andy Griffith Show episodes written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard McNear
- 1966
Chosen to direct the senior high school play, Helen allows the kids to dance the Watusi during one of the production numbers. As a result, the show is closed down by ultra-conservative Principal Hampton (Leon Ames), who considers the production too "revolutionary". Helen retaliates with a new play which proves that Hampton's generation was considered pretty radical in itstime. First shown on November 14, 1966, "The Senior Play" was written by Sid Morse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Ames, Aneta Corsaut, (more)
- 1966
Andy asks for it when he talks Howard into running for town council. It seems that Aunt Bee is dissatisfied with the local political scene, and has been persuaded to run for council herself. The battle royal culminates in a public debate, wherein Aunt Bee's "will of the people" platform doesn't stand much of a chance against Howard's common sense and civic knowhow. Written by Fred S. Fox, "Politics Begin at Home" first aired on November 7, 1966. Though it was the 200th episode of The Andy Griffith Show, it was only the 197th to be aired. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Entering an essay contest, Opie chooses to write a piece on the legendary Battle of Mayberry, wherein the town's earliest settlers ostensibly wrested control of the community from "savage" Indians. Before long, everyone in town is providing Opie with anecdotes, each person claiming to be descended from one of the battle's participants. But when he begins checking the facts, Opie learns several sad truths about the actual size and scope of the so-called battle. Written by John L. Greene and Paul David, "The Battle of Mayberry" first aired on April 4, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
In Goober's absence, his girlfriend Flora (Alberta Nelson) fills in for him at Wally's Service Station. Though Flora isn't so hot as a mechanic, her charm and beauty proves very popular with the customers. As a result, Wally (Cliff Norton) fires Goober and hires Flora permanently. It is up to Andy to show Wally the error of his ways. Written by Stan Dreben and Howard Merrill, "Goober's Replacement" was originally telecast on March 28, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Impressed by Aunt Bee's forthright sincerity, Willard Foster (Robert Emhardt) hires her as commercial spokesperson for Foster Furniture Polish. Alas, Bee's natural charm and spontaneity instantly evaporate when the cameras start turning. Ronnie Schell, "Duke" on Gomer Pyle USMC, appears as Jim Martin, while The Andy Griffith Show's real-life cameraman Sydney Hickox and makeup artist Eva Kryger appear as themselves (albeit unbilled). First telecast on March 21, 1966, "The Foster Lady" was written by Jack Elinson and Iz Elinson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Andy hopes to beat his longtime rival Sheriff Blake (Ken Mayer) at the Mount Pilot Sheriff's Annual Barbershop Quartet Sing-Off. Unfortunately, on the eve of the contest, Mayberry's star tenor Howard gets laryngitis. A desperate Andy finds an unexpected replacement in the form of golden-throated Jeff Nelson (Hamilton Camp)-who happens to be a prisoner in the Mayberry jailhouse. First telecast on September 26, 1966, "The Barbershop Quartet" was written by Fred S. Fox. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Season Seven of The Andy Griffith Show commenced on September 12, 1966, with the episode titled "Opie's Girlfriend." Slated to entertain Helen's niece Cynthia (Mary Ann Durkin), Opie is sorely aggrieved that the girl turns out to be smarter than he is-and a better athlete to boot! Sensing that Cynthia is fond of Opie, Helen imparts a bit of womanly wisdom to the girl. "Opie's Girlfriend" was written by Budd Grossman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
