Andy and Opie, Housekeepers (TAGS Episode)

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Episode Info

Andy and Opie, Housekeepers

  • S1.E23
  • Filmed: 23
  • Aired: 23
  • Original Air Date: 1961/03/13
  • Writer(s): David Adler
  • Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

Aunt Bee leaves for Mount Pilot after Cousin Edgar calls to tell her Maude has taken ill. Within hours, the Taylor house has become a pig's sty, and Andy and Opie must enlist the help of Bee's friend Bertha to get it back in order before Bee returns. Andy realizes that Bee's feelings will be hurt is she thinks they don't need her and promptly dispatches Opie to mess the place up again. After discovering the newly made mess, Bee feels wanted again and all is well--until Bertha shows up.

Plot

Aunt Bee had to leave town for a couple of days, leaving her sons, Andy and Opie, to fend for themselves. She was worried about the mess they'd make, but Andy assured her they'd be fine. But as soon as she was gone, Andy gave up on keeping the place clean, and their home quickly turned into a total disaster. He figured he could put off cleaning for another day, but Aunt Bee called and said she'd be back that afternoon. Panicked, Andy and Opie got to work, cleaning the whole house until it was spotless. But then Andy realized that a clean house might make Aunt Bee think she wasn't needed.

Now, Aunt Bee might act like a tough cookie, but deep down, she loves feeling needed. So, Andy and Opie set about making an even bigger mess than before. On the way to pick up Aunt Bee, they bumped into Bertha, who decided to check out the house. She was shocked to find it in such a state and started cleaning up. When Aunt Bee got home, she was surprised to see the house sparkling clean. But Andy and Opie were even more surprised by her reaction. Seeing her disappointment, they quickly started making a mess, and Aunt Bee caught them in the act. She thought they were trying to clean up, and secretly, she was thrilled to realize how much they needed her.

In the end, Bertha came over and asked Aunt Bee how the house looked when she got home. Aunt Bee described the mess, and Bertha was so offended that she stormed out.


Odd Facts Known by Few

  • This is the first appearance of Hope Summers as Aunt Bee's best friend. She would play her as "Bertha Edwards", then "Clara Johnson", and finally "Clara Edwards". She also plays "Miss Bedloe" in one episode.
  • According to the script for this episode, Bertha's last name was going to be Bascomb but it was never mentioned on camera.
  • Mayberry's sister city, Mount Pilot, is first mentioned in this episode.
  • This is the only time in the run of the show that the Taylor house is seen so messy.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode, despite being credited.
  • When Andy and Opie are leaving the house to pick up Aunt Bee at the bus stop Clara Johnson wishes them "Good Morning." However, in an earlier phone call with Andy, Aunt Bee said she was coming in on the afternoon bus.
  • French doors can be seen to the left of the fireplace in the Taylor's home. In later seasons, these doors are not seen.
  • When Aunt Bee calls from Mt. Pilot, she is sitting in front of the same wallpaper seen in the Taylor's house.
  • This episode demonstrates the limitations of telephone technology in the 1960s. Aunt Bee's call home from Mount Pilot was "long distance." Mount Pilot is only 12 miles from Mayberry.

Notes

  • During the opening scene in the living room, there are a bottle and a glass on the table next to Andy that disappear between shots.


Quotes

  • Aunt Bee Taylor: Land sakes alive! Look at this room, just look! I don't know what to do with you! You're helpless, absolutely helpless! If it wasn't for me, this house wouldn't be fit to live in!

--

  • Andy Taylor: Yeah, this place looks neat as a pin.
  • Opie Taylor: Sure does, Pa.
  • Andy Taylor: Makes you feel good, don't it? Kind of a warm feelin' right in the middle of your stomach, lightness around your heart, your head two or three feet above your shoulders. You know why you're feelin' that way, don't you, boy?
  • Opie Taylor: 'Cause I'm pooped.


More Information


Character List

  • Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
  • Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
  • Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
  • Hope Summers - Bertha Edwards
  • Rory Stevens - Jimmy
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