Crime-free Mayberry (TAGS Episode)

Episode Info

Crime-free Mayberry

• S2.E7
• Filmed: 41
• Aired: 39
• Original Air Date: 1961/11/20
• Writer(s): Paul Henning
• Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

Two crooks posing as an FBI man and a photographer come to Mayberry to congratulate the Sheriff's Department for achieving a crime-free record. Andy gets suspicious after the supposed FBI agent allows his picture to be taken. When the pair crack the Mayberry Bank's vault, Andy is inside waiting for them--he had come in the back door. Always the gracious sheriff, Andy thanks them for opening the vault that had been locked for almost fifteen years after the combination was lost and the vault company had gone out of business.

Summary

The episode opens with Andy singing a folk song, "John Henry," to Otis Campbell, a recurring character known for his drunken stints in jail. This lighthearted scene establishes the show's warm, community-focused atmosphere. Deputy Barney Fife enters, visibly frustrated after visiting Mt. Pilot and seeing its modern state police building. He complains to Andy about Mayberry's lack of advanced equipment, such as helicopters, highlighting his insecurity about their small-town status.

The plot shifts when Mayor Pike, played by Dick Elliott, arrives with an FBI agent to congratulate Mayberry for having the lowest crime rate in the U.S. Andy, ever humble, credits the town's residents for their law-abiding nature, while the Mayor and Barney eagerly boast, eager to bask in the glory. This contrast underscores Andy's grounded leadership versus Barney's more excitable personality.

A humorous subplot unfolds at Floyd's Barbershop, where Miss Williamson misinterprets Andy's fishing story as a crime tale, reflecting the town's naivety and lack of real criminal activity. This scene, typical of the show's gentle humor, reinforces Mayberry's innocence.

The main conflict arises with the introduction of two criminals, posing as an FBI agent and a reporter from Inter-Continental News. Their plan is to exploit the celebration, planned with a medal ceremony and a school holiday (as mentioned by Opie), to rob the Mayberry bank. Andy's suspicion is piqued when the fake FBI agent allows his photo to be taken, a detail he knows is inconsistent with FBI protocol, showcasing his keen observational skills.

During the ceremony, one criminal attempts to break into the bank vault. However, Andy, anticipating their move, enters through the back door and waits inside. When the criminal cracks the vault, Andy is ready, arresting both crooks. In a humorous twist, Andy thanks them for opening the vault, which had been locked for nearly fifteen years due to a lost combination and the vault company's closure. This resolution not only foils the robbery but also solves a long-standing issue, turning a potential crisis into a community benefit.

The episode concludes with Andy cheering up Barney, likely by highlighting how their small-town methods outsmarted the criminals, reinforcing Mayberry's charm and resourcefulness. This ending aligns with the show's theme of finding value in simplicity and community strength.

Odd Facts Known by Few

• This is the only TAGS episode written by Paul Henning, who later created "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Petticoat Junction."

• Actor George Petrie, who played Joe Layton in this episode, died on his 85th birthday, in 1997.

• The character Joe Layton, one of the criminals posing as a photographer, has an interesting origin. Andy Griffith suggested the name, honoring a real-life New York director and choreographer, Joe Layton, who directed "The Lost Colony," an outdoor drama in Manteo, North Carolina. Griffith had a summer home there and performed in the production early in his career, making this a personal tribute.

• In this episode, when looking through the courthouse doors viewers see the "All Souls Church" outside. The church is also seen when the Mayberry brings Margaret Williamson, the reporter, looking outside through Floyd's barber shop door.

• Barney mentions his birthstone is ruby when discussing the metals , suggesting his birthday is in July. Don Knotts birthday is July 21, 1924.

• Floyd charges 25 cents each for the tourist visiting the Mayberry Courthouse.

• The childhood photos of Andy shown by Aunt Bee are actual pictures of Andy Griffith, including his baby picture, adding a personal touch.

• There's a notable blooper where the "brick" wall shakes and the jail cell keys move when Otis slams the jail cell door, revealing it as a set piece.

• The scene with Otis entering the courthouse while Barney is giving a tour was recreated in the film Mayberry Man.

• In the episode "The Bank Job," (S3.E13) Barney "falls" into and is locked in the bank safe and can not get out having to bust through the wall into the beauty salon. In this episode, there is a backdoor from the vault that can be used to access the safe. This would mean that after they got the actual safe open in this episode, they sealed up the extra door before the next season.

• This episode features the songs "The Ballad of Andy and Barney, or The Gangster's Mistake" and "Oh, My Daring Barney Fife."

Episode Music

• John Henry (performed by Andy)
• Oh, My Barney (performed by Andy and Barney)
• The Ballad of Andy and Barney (performed by Barney and Andy)

"The Ballad of Andy and Barney" or "The Gangster's Mistake" Lyrics

(Sung to the melody of "Frankie and Johnny")

Andy and Barney were lawmen.

Bravest you ever did see.

Warned every crook in the record book to stay out of Mayberry.

They were the law (Yes, they were the law),

And they didn't know fear.

Pretty Boy Floyd come a ridin'.

Dillinger, too, big as life. They weren't alone,

There was Al Capone and a Mack called Mack the Knife.

They broke the law

Yes, they broke the law.

"Oh, My Darin' Barney Fife" Lyrics

(Sung to the melody of "Oh, My Darlin' Clementine")

In a jailhouse, down in Dixie, fightin' crime and riskin' life,

Dwelled a sheriff and his buddy, pistol-packing Barney Fife.

Oh, my darin', oh, my darnin' oh, my darin' Barney Fife.

He's a deadly crime-stopper, what a copper Barney Fife.

Then one day there come a-ridin' two bad men to rob a bank.

But Fife was tricky, a dead-eye dickey. Now they're locked up in the tank.

(Andy added the following)

Oh, my Barney, oh, my Barney, had a jail and couldn't lock it.

Had one bullet for his pistol, had to keep it in his pocket

Quotes

FLOYD: Right this way, folks, that's it, Try to keep together there, that's it, fine -- Yes, no stragglers, now -- just come around here. That's it.

ANDY: Floyd, what's going on?

FLOYD: Folks, are you ever in luck. Both of our famous peace officers are on duty. Now, this big fella here is sheriff Andy Taylor. He's better known as "deadeye" Andy. He is probably the greatest lawman since Wyatt Earp And that little wiry fella wearing that big... That is Deputy Barney Fife.

ANDY: Floyd, could I see you outside for a minute?

FLOYD: Uh-oh. When Sheriff Taylor asks you to step outside You know what that means? That usually a gun duel on main street. However, he doesn't shoot his friends-- Especially when they're unarmed. So, i... I guess maybe I'll be, uh... Coming back.

ANDY: Excuse us.

Character List

• Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
• Don Knotts - Barney Fife
• Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
• Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
• Dick Elliott - Mayor Pike
• Howard McNear - Floyd Lawson
• Hal Smith - Otis Campbell
• Elizabeth Talbot-Martin - Margaret Williamson
• Stanley Farrar - Ray
• Edmon Ryan - Fred Jenkins
• George Petrie - Joe Layton