Lee Philips Movies
Lee Philips studied playwriting at Adelphi College, and later with Harold Clurman. Originally a stage actor, Phillips made his stage debut in the early '50s and appeared on Broadway in dramas such as Paddy Chayefsky's Middle of the Night, with Edward G. Robinson, Gena Rowlands, Anne Jackson, and Martin Balsam, and The Mandragola, directed by Sanford Meisner and starring Albert Paulsen, John Fiedler, and Mark Rydell. He followed this with television work on Armstrong Circle Theatre, and other dramatic anthology shows, and feature film appearances in movies such as Peyton Place (1958), in which he distinguished himself with an impassioned performance as the earnest school principal. Additionally, he appeared in the television productions of Marty and 12 Angry Men. Phillips turned to directing in the early '60s on sitcoms such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, and followed this with numerous TV movies and occasional feature films, most notably The Girl Most Likely To (1973), a black comedy about a formerly homely girl (Stockard Channing), transformed by plastic surgery, who decides to revenge herself on the high school classmates who tormented her. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi- 1968
Dub Taylor guest-stars as Ben, the brother-in-law of Mayberry's fix-it man Emmett Clark. Conspiring with Emmett's wife Martha (Mary Lansing), Ben tries to convince Emmett to go into the insurance business. Soon, however, Martha realizes that Emmett will never be happy without a hammer or screwdriver in his hand. First shown on January 8, 1968, "Emmett's Brother-in-Law" was written by a decidedly pre-Taxi James L. Brooks. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Paul Hartman, Dub Taylor, (more)
- 1968
Hoping to earn enough money to purchase a guitar, Opie takes a job as a soda jerk at Crawford's drugstore, When he accidentally breaks an expensive-looking perfume bottle, Opie worries that Mr. Crawford (Robert F. Simon) will fire him, thus he spends all his savings to replace the bottle. But our hero soon discovers that his grand gesture was entirely unnecessary. Written by Kent Wilson, "Opie's Drugstore Job" first aired on January 15, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jack Dodson
- 1968
The three-person Mayberry Church Finance Committee wonders how best to spend an unexpected $500 endowment. It all boils down to a decision whether to purchase new choir robes or invest in some much-needed exterior church repairs. Andy must cast the deciding vote, but it is Howard who thinks up the ultimate solution. First telecast on January 22, 1968, "The Church Benefactor" was written by Robert C. Dennis and Earl Barret. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
This January 29, 1968 episode of The Andy Griffith Show was inspired by a recent real-life event: The US-Soviet Summit conference in the small college town of Glassboro, New Jersey. Don Knotts makes his final series appearance as Barney Fife, who has been put in charge of coordinating a crucial East-West summit meeting in Mayberry. Alas, Barney messes up the assignment, but the spirit of détente is preserved thanks of Aunt Bee's cold fried chicken. "Barney Hosts a Summit Meeting" was written by Aaron Ruben. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
While attending an auto show in Raleigh, Goober is reacquainted with his old friend Roy Swanson (Noam Pitlik), who expansively boasts of his wealth and successful business transactions. Not wishing to lose face, Goober makes up a bunch of stories about his own "fabulous" success-and lands in deep trouble as a result. The final scene represents one of actor George Lindsey's finest and most poignant moments on The Andy Griffith Show. Written by Joe Bonaduce, "Goober Goes to an Auto Show" originally aired on February 5, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, Barney Fife heads back to Mayberry via train. En route, he is reunited with his high school girlfriend Teena Andrews (Diahn Williams), who is now a major movie star. Teena's PR man Carson (Chet Stratton) decides to capitalize on his star's past relationship with Barney by staging the premiere of Teena's latest picture in Mayberry. Naturally, Barney is led to believe that Teena still carries a torch for him-but there are plenty of surprises in store for everyone concerned. First telecast on January 22, 1967, "Barney Comes to Mayberry" was written by Sid Morse. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Don Knotts
- 1967
Fed up with his humdrum existence, Howard Sprague decides to kick over the traces and leave Mayberry for good. He heads to the Caribbean, where he has elected to become a carefree beachcomber. Before long, however, Howard realizes that a life without responsibilities can have its disadvantages-and besides, he misses his old friends. Featured in the supporting cast are Harry Dean Stanton and Calypso singer Sir Lancelot. Originally networkcast on December 18, 1967, "Howard's New Life" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
After putting in several years as a pump jockey and mechanic, Goober buys Wally's service station, with Andy and Emmett as his financial backers. Unfortunately, Goober's new responsibilities prove to be too much for him; he worries so much about making executive decisions that he ends up making no decisions whatsoever. It is up to young Opie, of all people, to help Goober get his head on straight. Written by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs, "Goober the Executive" was filmed as the second episode of The Andy Griffith Show's eighth season, but was withheld from view until December 25, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Armed with a new tape recorder, Opie and his friend Arnold (Sheldon Collins) plant a "bug" in one of the jail cells. They manage to record evidence that a tight-lipped prisoner named Eddie (Herbie Faye) knows the whereabouts of some stolen money. But when the boys present the tape to Andy, he angrily refuses to listen, explaining that it would be a violation of proper police procedure. How is Andy going to bring this one to closure? Written by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs, "Tape Recorder" first aired on October 30, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
A pre-superstardom Jack Nicholson appears as Marvin Jenkins, who has been charged with burglary and put on trial. Eleven of the twelve jurors vote for conviction; the sole holdout is Aunt Bee, who is nagged by that old demon known as "reasonable doubt." Also in the cast are Rhys Williams as the judge, Henry Beckman as the prosecutor, and Tol Avery as the jury foreman. First telecast on October 23, 1967, "Aunt Bee, the Juror" was written by Kent Wilson. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Romance enters the life of Aunt Bee-and she's none too happy about it. While appearing in Mayberry, travelling lecturer Professor Hubert St. John (Edward Andrews) has fallen hard for Aunt Bee. But his ardor has nothing to do with Bee's own personality; it seems that she reminds Prof. St. John of his late wife. Like many another eighth-season Andy Griffith Show episode, this one was written by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs. "Aunt Bee and the Lecturer" first aired on November 13, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Like so many other children of the sixties, Opie Taylor organizes a rock-and-roll band with two of his friends (The boys huffily reject Andy's suggestion that the band call itself "The Young Swingers"). Unfortunately, Opie spends so much time rehearsing in the garage that his schoolwork begins to suffer. The solution to this problem is provided by, of all people, prissy old Clara Summers (Hope Summers). Originally shown on November 6, 1967, "Opie's Group" was written by Doug Tibbles. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Aunt Bee anxiously looks forward to a visit from her cousin Bradford J. Taylor (Jack Albertson). Her head filled with thrilling stories of Bradford's big-business transactions and world travels (supplied, of course, by Bradford himself), Bee gathers together her friends and organizes a welcoming committee. Only Andy knows the painful truth: Bradford is a bum whose "travels" consist of riding the rails. First aired on December 4, 1967, "Aunt Bee's Cousin" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 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, Rovi
- 1967
Assigned to write a school essay about his "most unforgettable character", Opie pens a paean to his father Andy, while his classmate Arnold does likewise using his own father. Alas, both boys get a failing grade-and their dads, Andy in particular, can't figure out what went wrong. As Opie endeavors to rewrite his paper, a self-conscious Andy works overtime to provide him with "inspiration." A neat and satisfying plot twist caps this episode, which was scripted by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs. "Opie's Most Unforgettable Character" was originally broadcast on April 3, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Howard Sprague is one frame away from bowling the first perfect game in Mayberry history-when suddenly the power fails and the bowling alley is thrown into darkness. Both bowling teams decide to continue the match the following evening. But can a nervous Howard repeat his magnificent performance of the previous night? Written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant, "Howard the Bowler" originally aired on September 18, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
The Andy Griffith Show launched its eighth and final season with its September 11, 1967 episode "Opie's First Love." Preparing to escort Mary Alice Carter to his friend Arnold's 13th birthday party, Opie is stood up at the last moment when Mary Alice decides to go with swaggering young Fred Simpson (Kevin Tate). Following his dad Andy's advice, Opie decides to swallow his pride and attend the party "stag"-and ends up having the time of his life. The role of little heartbreaker Mary Alice is played by Suzanne Cupito, who went on to adult stardom as Morgan Brittany. "Opie's First Love" was written by Douglas Tibbles. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
In Raleigh to go over a legal deposition with lawyer Leigh Vance, Andy is surpristed to discover that Leigh is an attractive young woman (Whitney Blake). He is also relieved that he doesn't have to make excuses to Helen, who is safely back in Mayberry. But after he and Ms. Vance participate in a legal conference at the lady lawyer's poolside, Andy wonders how he's going to explain his severe sunburn to the skeptical Helen. Written by Joseph Bonaduce, "Andy's Trip to Raleigh" first aired on October 2, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Whitney Blake, Paul Hartman, (more)
- 1967
When Aunt Bee wins a trip to Mexico, she takes her oldest and dearest friends, Clara (Hope Summers) and Myrtle (Ruth Thom), along for the ride. But by the time the three ladies have returned home, they aren't even speaking to one another. As usual, it is up to Andy to patch up the relationship between the trio of feuding females. First shown on September 25, 1967, "A Trip to Mexico" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Arlene Golonka makes her first series appearance in the role of bakery worker Millie Hutchins. Falling in love with Millie, Howard sets himself up for a potentially painful experience when he runs afoul of Millie's former boyfriend, tough guy Clyde Plaunt (Allan Melvin). Best line: "It doesn't always work, Howard!" (in context, it's hilarious). Written by Robert C. Dennis and Earl Barret, "Howard's Main Event" originally aired on October 16, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jack Dodson
- 1967
When Andy enrolls him in an expensive boys' camp, Opie befriends wealthy young Billy Hollander (Don Wyndham). Worried that his son's head will be turned by Billy's opulent lifestyle, Andy warns Opie not to start "putting on airs." But when he meets Billy's parents (Joyce Van Patten and Sandy Kenyon), Andy blithely ignores his own advice. First broadcast on October 9, 1967, "Opie Steps Up in Class" was written by Joe Bonaduce. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 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, Rovi
- 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, Rovi
- 1967
Pulling $400 out of the bank, Aunt Bee invests in the Canton Palace, Mayberry's new Chinese restaurant. When the establishment takes in a whopping $80 on its opening night, Bee thinks she's got it made. But when she opens a Chinese fortune cookie, the prediction contained therein gives her reason to rethink her investment. Keye Luke makes a guest appearance as restaurant manager Charlie. First shown on February 6, 1967, "Aunt Bee's Restaurant" was written by Ronald Axe and Lee Roberts. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Keye Luke
- 1967
Howard buys the building which houses Floyd's barbershop, then promptly raises the rent. Rather than pay the increase, Floyd closes his establishment after 28 years. When all of the regular barbershop loafers begin converging on the jailhouse, Andy realizes that Floyd's problem is everyone's problem; thus, Andy tries to negotiate a truce between the stubborn Floyd and the stubborner Howard. Written by Jim Parker and Arnold Margolin, "Floyd's Barbershop" first aired on February 13, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Rating Systems
Blockbuster
BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. 2013 Rovi Corporation.