Opie Loves Helen (TAGS Episode)

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Episode Info

Opie Loves Helen

  • Filmed: 132
  • Aired: 128
  • Original Air Date: 1964/09/21
  • Writer(s): Bob Ross
  • Director: Aaron Ruben

Plot Summary

When Opie's school dance partner doesn't show for class, Opie is paired with Miss Crump, who unknowingly waltzes her way into Opie's heart. Andy and Barney realize Opie has a crush when he tells them he wants to spend his entire savings of 74 cents on a gift. Only later do they discover exactly which girl has captured Opie's fancy. Barney discovers that Helen is the lucky gal while relaying a love poem to Opie for his sweetheart. Andy has a man to man chat with Opie, telling him that he's messing with his woman. Opie understands perfectly and backs off.

Odd Facts Known by Few

  • Actor Keith Thibodeaux, billed as "Richard Keith" in 7 TAGS episodes, started playing drums at the age of two. He began touring the United States at the age of three and ended up in Hollywood, California, auditioning for Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball's popular comedy "I Love Lucy". He landed the role of Little Ricky. While attending the University of Louisiana, Keith joined a mainstream rock band, "David and the Giants" as a drummer, singer, and songwriter. He left the band several years later but after Keith became a Christian, the band regrouped under the same name and went on to become one of the nation's top contemporary Christian bands. Keith and the band toured the world, recording more than a dozen albums before he left in 1989.

Character List

  • Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
  • Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
  • Don Knotts - Barney Fife
  • Mary Lansing - Miss Primrose
  • Aneta Corsaut - Helen Crump
  • Betsy Hale - Betty Ann
  • Ronda Jeter - Sharon McCall
  • Richard Keith - Johnny Paul Jason