When "The Andy Griffith Show" was new, I never watched. I thought it was vapid, silly, even hokey. I continued with no interest even though I met George Lindsey while he was out promoting the show.
When it came around again, it made Ted Turner's Atlanta Channel 17 "America's station." The show was that popular.
I still had no interest, even though I was fortunate to meet the lovely, gracious, and talented Elinor Donohue.
However, lured tonight (4 April 2020) into watching "The Pickle Story" because of a friend's inside joke, I now realize I've been missing something.
This story is charming. It's actually plausible, but could happen only in a small country, and probably Southern, town, the kind of place where home canning is not only a necessity but a competitive sport.
The cast is compelling. Andy Griffith's screen persona is irresistible, totally likable and charming. (By the way, if you ever wonder whether Andy Griffith was a good actor, just see his first role, "A Face in the Crowd." Astonishing. Powerful. And totally, 180 degrees, different from Sheriff Andy.)
Don Knotts is a household word and his "one-bullet" deputy is a folk icon.
"Aint Bea," though, surprised me. She's been around a long time and she wouldn't have if she hadn't been a good actress. Watch this show and pay particular attention to her expressions and gestures. Wonderful.
However, in this episode, the show stealer is Hope Summers as "Clara Johnson." She just sparkles and shines and, again, a viewer needs to watch her face, her gestures, her expressions. Priceless.
OK, now I'm hooked. Internet Archive, archive.org, has lots of movies and TV shows, and I will be making the effort to watch more of "The Andy Griffith Show," and kicking myself for not realizing sooner just how good these shows are.