‘The Andy Griffith Show’ ‘The Christmas Story’ celebrates 60 years

The Andy Griffith Show debuted in October 1960 and Americans were immediately captivated with sheriff Andy Taylor, his son Opie, their aunt Bee, and deputy Barney Fife. Over time many other residents of Mayberry came along and endeared themselves to the viewing audience. There are also specific episodes that continue to be cherished by legions of fans. One of those is show number 11 from the first season. It was titled The Christmas Story and first aired on December 19, 1960. This was the one and only holiday program during the show’s 8 year run.

In 2015 a colorized version of this holiday fan favorite was broadcast. The Andy Griffith Show ran until 1968 and since that time has never been off the air. It can still be seen in syndication today on cable and network television. The Christmas episode has been on television every single year, sometimes on multiple stations during the month of December. This year, 2020 marks 60 years for this holiday classic that has warmed the hearts of viewers for going into its 7th decade. The cast is as follows.

Andy Griffith had the lead role of Andy Taylor. After leaving the popular series Griffith achieved success in the television show Mattlock where he played an attorney.

Don Knotts starred as Deputy Barney Fife. He enjoyed later success on the big screen with movies like The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Love God, and The Incredible Mr, Limpet. Knotts also portrayed Mr, Furley in the television sitcom Three's Company.

Elinor Donahue who portrayed Ellie Walker had a role in the film Pretty Woman and also was on the television shows Father Knows Best and Days of Our Lives.

Frances Bavier is well known for her role as Aunt Bee. She has also had roles on Perry Mason, The Eve Arden Show and The Lone Ranger.

Joy Ellison played little Ethie Muggins. She also was in the films Broke Back Mountain, Kick-Ass, and Life of Pi.

Margaret Kerry played Bess Muggins. She was a radio actress and also the model for Disney's famous animated Tinkerbelle.

Ronnie Howard starred as Opie Taylor and went on to the role of Richie Cunningham in Happy Days. He has also produced a number of popular films like Cocoon and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

Sam Edwards played moonshiner Sam Muggins. If his face looks familiar it's because he was banker Bill Anderson on Little House on the prairie. He also had roles in several westerns.

Will Wright portrayed the cranky Ben Weaver. He can be seen in a number of the old western shows where he also was cast as a cantankerous old man.

Kelly Flynn was young Billy Muggins and he also had roles in the movies Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and A Patch of Blue.

Many generations of families sat by their old black and white television sets to enjoy this heartwarming and humorous tale each holiday season. Everything revolves around Grouchy Ben Weaver who owns Weavers Drug Store. Ben is the Grinch who wants to ruin the holiday by bringing Sam Muggins to jail and demanding that sheriff Andy Taylor lock him up for being a moonshiner. Ben demands that the sheriff act right away and each time anyone mentions that that’s it’s Christmas Eve. Mr. Weaver replies loudly Christmas, Ha!” It brings to mind Ebenezer Scrooge saying "humbug."

Andy has deputy Barney Fife bring Sam’s wife and two children to the jail so they can be with him for the holiday. Andy’s aunt Bea and son Opie come in with the turkey and the rest of the holiday meal without knowing they are being watched. Ben is outside and looking at the festivities from a window as everyone sings Deck the Halls. The next thing you know he is stealing a bench that sat in front of the courthouse. Andy gives him a warning and lets him go. Minutes later Barney has arrested Ben for tearing up a ticket for parking his car next to a fire hydrant. He says if he is given another ticket he will tear that one up as well. Andy is about Ellie the druggist says she will pay his fine so Andy lets Mr. Weaver go and he escapes being put in jail a second time.

Once again Ben is standing on a crate and looking through the jailhouse window as Andy and Elli sing Away in a manger. When they get to the last verse Ben begins singing along and has a wistful look on his face. It’s clear at that moment that he has not always been a Scrooge. It’s a tender moment but does not last long. Barney comes in dressed as Santa complete with his “ Ho ho ho’s.” Everyone begins loading their plates to eat and at that moment Ben falls and Andy goes to investigate. Ben threatens the sheriff and Andy tells him it’s almost as if he is trying to get himself arrested. In the next scene, the sheriff is bringing Mr. Weaver into the jail and explains why he has arrested him.

Ben has a suitcase in his hand and when he opens it he has presents for everyone. He pretends he does not know how each item got there and when he has distributed everything the group begins singing The First Noel. As well Andy is taking Ben to his cell Aunt Bea gives Mr. Weaver a plate of food. When the show returns after a commercial everyone is going home and Andy finds that the jug with the moonshine is empty. Ben is asleep in his cell with a goofy smile on his face. It appears he drank the evidence so Sam is let go. Check your local TV guide for air times for this Christmas classic. Tv Land usually airs it several times and locally CBS station WDBJ will show it at least twice during the holidays. You can also find it online or on streaming services.