Opie and the Bully

Opie was lucky that his dad knew he was being bullied. As is often true Opie was suffering in silence. But once his Dad knew about the bullying he guided, but did rescue, Opie by relating a parable about his own experience. The story had risk - even injury. But the point was that the fear of the bully and the humiliation of not resisting him was worse than any bloody nose or shiner that Opie might get. And that lesson is wonderfully illustrated by Opie wanting to keep that shiner as long as he can. This a terrific story of how a parent should help their child overcome bullying.

Opie is a victim of bullying having to get money from Andy and Aunt Bee to pay the jerk off. It is a classic story where the victim is caught between a rock and a hard place. Andy does a masterful job of giving the little boy an out, though at great physical risk. Ronny Howard does another fine child acting job.