Merchant of Mayberry, The (TAGS Episode)

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Episode Info

The Merchant of Mayberry

  • Filmed: 54
  • Aired: 54
  • Original Air Date: 1962/03/05
  • Writer(s): Ben Gershman and Leo Solomon
  • Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

Mean old Ben Weaver goes on a rampage when Bert Miller, a traveling salesman, stops in Mayberry. Weaver demands Miller be taken off the street for not complying with a Mayberry law that prohibits anyone from selling goods without a permanent structure. Andy, out to have a little fun, decides to settle the matter in his own way by helping Bert build a nice little stand in a vacant lot down the street, setting off a trade war between Bert's and Weaver's Department Store. Ben finally gives in and decides the best way to eliminate the competition is to put him to work in his own store.

Odd Facts Known by Few

  • Actor Sterling Holloway was officially named a Disney Legend in 1991, and is the beloved voice of Winnie The Pooh. He had major roles in two different film adaptations of "Alice in Wonderland." In Paramount's 1933 version, he played the Frog. In Disney's 1950 animated version, he provided the voice of the Cheshire Cat.
  • Andy misquotes William Congreve's famous line from the 1697 play "The Mourning Bride." The oft-misquoted line is actually, "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast," the first line of the play, spoken by Almeria in Act I, Scene 1.
  • At the time of this episode, Crowley's Market offered the following prices: Fresh Florida Oranges (0.29 per dozen); 2 lb white half-runner beans (.26); Fat back (.17/lb); 10lb bag of potatoes (.29); Picnics (.29); Yellow hominy (.10); Syrup (.27/pint); Pork sausage (.49/lb); Bacon (5 lbs for .99).
  • This episode marks the first appearance of Mary Lansing (Mrs. Mason) who is best know later as Martha Clark on TAGS and Mayberry RFD.
  • Actor Will Wright's final appearance as Ben Weaver.

Character List

  • Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
  • Don Knotts - Barney Fife
  • Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
  • Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
  • Will Wright - Ben Weaver
  • Sterling Holloway - Bert Miller
  • Sara Seegar - Ms. Farmer
  • Bob McQuain - Joe Waters
  • Mary Lansing - Mrs. Mason