No it is not a classic. But for ANY fan of the Andy Griffith Show "Return to Mayberry" is a sweet movie that reunites almost all of the original cast. The story is somewhat lame but it's fun just to sit back and watch the old gang at work. It is even more bittersweet knowing that 3 of the cast members (Aneta Corsaut, Jack Dodson, and Hal Smith) have since died. And kudos go most of all to Ron Howard who is now one of the top directors in Hollywood. He easily could have thumbed his nose at this movie. It just goes to show that there really are nice people still in Hollywood.
27 Reviews
nostalgic, a treat for long time fans
zschifferz4 October 2016
The Andy Griffith Show is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. First airing in 1962, the show follows the life of a sheriff in a small, fictional town called Mayberry in North Carolina. The record setting show came to an end in 1968, and left dedicated watchers wanting more. There were spin off series such as Mayberry R.F.D and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., but they never found the same success that the Andy Griffith Show had. And so, in 1986, Andy Griffith reprised his role as the small town sheriff. The made-for- TV movie, Return to Mayberry, is a heartwarming trip down memory lane that will leave fans, new and old, swelling with nostalgia.
As the title implies, Sheriff Andy Taylor is heading home to Mayberry. A familiar tune sounds in the opening scene, as a we watch a car drive through the scenic landscape of North Carolina. The song has been modernized, replacing the traditional whistling with instrumentals, but the melody is unmistakable. The town itself seems to have been preserved in time. Opie (Ron Howard) is an expecting father and head of the local paper, and Otis (Hal Smith), the lovable town drunk, has sobered up and now drives an ice cream truck, but otherwise the mythical town hasn't changed a bit. The entire film is just one big tug at the heartstrings, as it so closely follows the style and structure of the Andy Griffith Show.
It is clear however, that this movie was made especially for long time fans of the TV show. The overlying plot is juvenile at best. A new face in town, a young, aspiring businessman, enlists the help of the infamous Earnest T. Bass (Howard Morris) to rustle up some hijinks and mayhem in order to attract customers to the small town. Their plan? A lake monster. Even in the original show, they wouldn't have had a conflict so childish. If the writers wanted to reach a broader audience, they should've made the main storyline more applicable to older viewers.
The original Mayberry set was long gone by the time of production, but the recreation of the fictional town was remarkable. The scene designers did a phenomenal job at capturing the simplicity and charm of the original set. Mayberry itself may be fabricated, but its viewers familiarity with the town gives it a sense of intimacy that was flawlessly recreated in Return to Mayberry.
This movie is exactly what long time watchers of the Andy Griffith Show wanted to see. Andy is the same wise, cunning, and sweet- hearted man, and the rest of the town, both the people and architecture, are just as they were originally. Sixteen members of the cast from the TV series returned for the reunion movie. The bond between these actors was so prominent, and simply a delight to see.
This 1986 homage to the classic sitcom is a perfect conclusion to the Mayberry storyline. Return to Mayberry is by no means an award winning film, but it gives viewers one last look into the lives of the people of Mayberry - the nicest place on Earth.
As the title implies, Sheriff Andy Taylor is heading home to Mayberry. A familiar tune sounds in the opening scene, as a we watch a car drive through the scenic landscape of North Carolina. The song has been modernized, replacing the traditional whistling with instrumentals, but the melody is unmistakable. The town itself seems to have been preserved in time. Opie (Ron Howard) is an expecting father and head of the local paper, and Otis (Hal Smith), the lovable town drunk, has sobered up and now drives an ice cream truck, but otherwise the mythical town hasn't changed a bit. The entire film is just one big tug at the heartstrings, as it so closely follows the style and structure of the Andy Griffith Show.
It is clear however, that this movie was made especially for long time fans of the TV show. The overlying plot is juvenile at best. A new face in town, a young, aspiring businessman, enlists the help of the infamous Earnest T. Bass (Howard Morris) to rustle up some hijinks and mayhem in order to attract customers to the small town. Their plan? A lake monster. Even in the original show, they wouldn't have had a conflict so childish. If the writers wanted to reach a broader audience, they should've made the main storyline more applicable to older viewers.
The original Mayberry set was long gone by the time of production, but the recreation of the fictional town was remarkable. The scene designers did a phenomenal job at capturing the simplicity and charm of the original set. Mayberry itself may be fabricated, but its viewers familiarity with the town gives it a sense of intimacy that was flawlessly recreated in Return to Mayberry.
This movie is exactly what long time watchers of the Andy Griffith Show wanted to see. Andy is the same wise, cunning, and sweet- hearted man, and the rest of the town, both the people and architecture, are just as they were originally. Sixteen members of the cast from the TV series returned for the reunion movie. The bond between these actors was so prominent, and simply a delight to see.
This 1986 homage to the classic sitcom is a perfect conclusion to the Mayberry storyline. Return to Mayberry is by no means an award winning film, but it gives viewers one last look into the lives of the people of Mayberry - the nicest place on Earth.
movie is what the title suggests;a short return with the gang
gencon19729 August 2007
if you liked the original cast, then you'll get a kick out of them twenty years later, even though it means we're all older as well.i see where Helen,Howard and Otis have passed and barney as well recently, and that is sad but we can still look at this as a last get together for the group.living in north Carolina myself i have been to mt. airy and the surrounding area many times and always get a bit nostalgic for the good old' days of the 60's when the show first aired and life in general was much simpler.the movie,once again was'not quite a classic but it was still Andy and the gang and i have watched it several times ,as i did tape it when it first aired.it is worth a look if you have not checked it out.
Bad Script/ Good Memories
historynut18 March 2004
The awful script notwithstanding, it is great to see the cast get back together in this trip down memory lane. Those of us who grew up with the Andy Griffith Show like it. When Barney asks Andy to answer the telephone in the Sheriff's Office, and hearing Andy simply say "Sheriff's Office," well, talk about your nostalgia! What's amazing is that in 2004, almost all of these people are still alive and many still working (Don Knotts for one).
This is just a nice movie for the "fans" of the show. No stunning acting, no over the top in your face "shock" humor we are all too sick of now.
They just don't make them like this anymore (the origional show, that is). These new so-called comedy sitcoms don't even come close....
This is just a nice movie for the "fans" of the show. No stunning acting, no over the top in your face "shock" humor we are all too sick of now.
They just don't make them like this anymore (the origional show, that is). These new so-called comedy sitcoms don't even come close....
a bit of nostalgia and not bad
Lorenzo195025 March 2013
I saw this about 3 times and a few things bothered me. Everyone was so surprised to see Andy again, don't you think Andy would have kept in touch during those 20 years? As much as I liked Helen Crump, I think Charlene Darling would have made a much more interesting love interest for Andy. I realize that could never be. And Charlene was very cute. When Andy and Opie leave Opie's office they failed to say goodbye to the receptionist. Isn't that sort of rude? Was this actress Andy's wife in reality? It was great to see most of the old cast reunited. Most of them are no longer with us. Hard to believe it has been 27 years since this was first aired. Time marches on. There will never be a program of this quality again. We are living in different times.
Enduring popularity
bkoganbing8 November 2013
Almost 20 years went by since the Andy Griffith Show with all its colorful rustic characters from Mayberry, North Carolina left the air. It's never been out of syndication especially in the red states. But even in our sophisticated blue states this show always had its following. So CBS put together a reunion show and nearly all the regulars and semi-regulars still around got to reprise the roles that made them somewhat legendary.
Andy Griffith moved out of Mayberry and gave up the sheriff's job. But Don Knotts returned and served as deputy to his successors. Right now the job is vacant because the sheriff died and Knotts is running for the top job. And as Jim Nabors put it Barney hasn't done anything really stupid in over a month now. I guess Gomer Pyle hasn't felt the need to make any citizen's arrests.
Richard Lineback who has taken over a fancy eatery thinks more business can be obtained with the rumor of a monster in the lake where Andy and Opie used to fish. Poor gullible Barney falls for it and decides his work in tracking down said monster would be a great campaign issue. His erstwhile opponent is just waiting for the other shoe to drop so Barney Fife is once again looking like a fool and this time as a political candidate. Could be worse than texting nude pictures of yourself.
Of course it works out well in Mayberry, a town that we saw throughout the Sixties and seemed untouched by the social changes of the decade. I suppose that was part of the secret of the Andy Griffith Show's enduring popularity.
And those who loved the show will love this film.
Andy Griffith moved out of Mayberry and gave up the sheriff's job. But Don Knotts returned and served as deputy to his successors. Right now the job is vacant because the sheriff died and Knotts is running for the top job. And as Jim Nabors put it Barney hasn't done anything really stupid in over a month now. I guess Gomer Pyle hasn't felt the need to make any citizen's arrests.
Richard Lineback who has taken over a fancy eatery thinks more business can be obtained with the rumor of a monster in the lake where Andy and Opie used to fish. Poor gullible Barney falls for it and decides his work in tracking down said monster would be a great campaign issue. His erstwhile opponent is just waiting for the other shoe to drop so Barney Fife is once again looking like a fool and this time as a political candidate. Could be worse than texting nude pictures of yourself.
Of course it works out well in Mayberry, a town that we saw throughout the Sixties and seemed untouched by the social changes of the decade. I suppose that was part of the secret of the Andy Griffith Show's enduring popularity.
And those who loved the show will love this film.
Let's All Return To Mayberry !
aesgaard4121 November 2000
What a wonderfully nostalgic movie to a classic television show. I think the critics were crazy to complain that this movie looked like a senior citizen reunion; don't they know that these characters are timeless to the fans of the "Andy Griffith Show." I do have to say that I'm a little surprised to notice that Opie[Ron Howard] didn't marry Mary Alice Carter [played in the series by the beautiful Morgan Brittany]. I also miss not seeing Ellie Walker [Elinore Donahue] the pretty lady druggist.Also missing is Leon [Ron's brother Clint who was off filming another film at the time];I'd bet that the adult Leon is still somewhere in town still munching on those PB & J's with his son. Sam Jones [Ken Berry] is also missing or did he move away after "Mayberry R.F.D" ended. I also have to wonder if Rafe Hollister [Jack Prince] is still making moonshine in the cellar of the Old Rimshaw House. For that matter, did Gomer finally marry LuAnne Poovie [Elizabeth McRae] or did he leave her to the Marines ? I guess it really doesn't matter. Andy is still sensible,Barney is still Barney and Ernest T. is still a nut ! [He'll kill ya,you know that.] This movie still captures the flair, style and charisma of the old show as if it never left us.Excuse me as I take down my fishing pole and stroll down to the fishing hole.........
Sweet tribute.
tles72 June 2020
Great homage to the most popular TV show of all time (yep, true, very good ratings on MeTV and Netflix). BUT....how the heck did they allow that version of the whistling tune in the movie. It is so off key, it's unbelievable!!.
Let's All Return to Mayberry
aesgaard4120 November 2000
Despite the differences in this movie and the show,this was a very happy return to some of my favorite characters.Several of these people are very special to me,probably more than my real family. I think the critics made idiots out of themselves by complaining that this movie looked like a senior citizens reunion; to me, these people are ageless,but I do miss some of my favorite Mayberrians like Ellie Walker,the pretty lady druggist.I have always thought she and Andy made a nice couple. I shudder to think what happened to Opie once Helen stuck her claws into Andy.I also miss Leon the little cowboy with his PB&J sandwiches,but I imagine he's somewhere in town with his son;the two of them both eating them. [Clint Howard who played the role was actually bound by contract to another film at the time]. What about Sam Jones [Ken Berry]; could he still be living nearby ? What about Rafe Hollister and his moonshine still at the Old Rimshaw House? I also wonder if Gomer married his sweetheart LuAnne Poovie or did he leave her with the Marines. I would also have liked to have seen Opie married to Mary Alice Carter [beautiful Morgan Brittany]. Oh well,this movie was a wonderful walk down familiar streets and meeting old friends. Please excuse me as I take down my fishing pole and stroll down to the fishing hole,,,,,,
Charming reunion
dmgil-4736329 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the plot was a charming caper to generate tourism as well as an old familiar way to show things are never as they appear. It was about time Barney married Thelma Lou, but did they really expect us to believe they will start a family at their age? Actually, I expected to see the town filled with children and grandchildren from the old characters. I thought it would've been great to see a " mini" Gomer Pile or Goober or even a mini mischievous Earnest T. Bass. I think there was a huge missed opportunity for comedy there. Maybe, its not too late life does go on and mannerisms are inherited.
When it comes to The Andy Griffith Show this was horrible
metsfandave8627 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First off let me say that I am a huge Andy Griffith Show fan. My dad raised me on the reruns and a former co-worker and I used to quiz each other on the show at work. A few years ago I watched the reunion movie Return to Mayberry for the first time and thought it was ok, however I did not really pay attention to details. So when I watched it again about 6 months ago I paid closer attention to details and found that this movie is a disappointment and just does not deliver the same ole Mayberry charm the show did in it's prime. First off I will say it was nice to see some of the old characters back on screen ie...Andy, Barney, Opie, Helen, Thelma Lou, Howard, Otis, Ernest T, Gomer, Goober and The Darlings.
One of the things that disappointed me was the Storyline. The storyline in Return to Mayberry made many color episodes fun to watch. The monster in Myers Lake and Ernest T's involvement seemed like a huge stretch for The Andy Griffith Show. The set used for Mayberry did NOT look anything like Mayberry, it actually looked like a completely different town. A sober Otis was nice but did not seem to fit in this situation.
I can see where some people might like this, but having been around this show for a few years I found it very disappointing.
One of the things that disappointed me was the Storyline. The storyline in Return to Mayberry made many color episodes fun to watch. The monster in Myers Lake and Ernest T's involvement seemed like a huge stretch for The Andy Griffith Show. The set used for Mayberry did NOT look anything like Mayberry, it actually looked like a completely different town. A sober Otis was nice but did not seem to fit in this situation.
I can see where some people might like this, but having been around this show for a few years I found it very disappointing.
Like Bon Jovi sang, who says you can't go home?
alexbogue388921 March 2021
This television movie was perfect in many ways. It was filmed in a small town in California to give it an actual and accurate outside feeling as opposed to an indoor set. The reunion of Andy and Barney is definitely worth watching. Warren, Ellie, Andy Jr, and the RFD gang weren't featured, but luckily that wasn't a dealbreaker. I loved that Gomer went into business with Goober after leaving the USMC. Other characters like Otis, Howard, Thelma Lou, Helen, Ernest, the Darlings, among many more also appeared and made this worthwhile to watch. Wonderful for the whole family to watch!
Old friends are all this is about, and that's just fine.
kbernieman11 May 2023
Ever go to a reunion years later to simply to see old friends? Who's changed? Who looks surprisingly the same? And after the evening that anticipation earlier yields to an empty feeling that it might have been better to remember the old gang the way they were. That's the heart of this trip back to Mayberry , the wonderful, fictional North Carolina town that was and via reruns remains the most famous burg in sitcom history. The Andy Griffith Show arguably the most quoted, best remembered storylines of any TV show. The foundation was built around Griffith and an amazing cast of characters led by Don Knotts. From Gomer and Goober to Helen and Thelma Lou with Ernest T. And Otis thrown in, they are indelibly etched in our memory. And should've stayed there. The endearing quality of the original was clever dialogue weaved throughout an episode often with a life lesson ending. It was folksy but with enough of an edge thanks to outstanding writing and acting that city folk and country dwellers alike could relate and wanted to enter a place where life was easy and issues easier to solve in thirty minutes. It's good to see the old gang for a while and the cast appear to enjoy strolling down memory lane but the crisp writing has moved to another location and the plot is a struggle for two hours. But it was good to take a trip "home" but the stay was too long.
Show for Andy Griffith Show fans only
dsnow-117 February 2008
As with most reunion shows they are never as good as the series because they try to bring the show up to today's standards, while most people remember the show the way it was.
I found it interesting that the child that Andy and Helen had Andy Jr. that they returned to Mayberry to be Christened wasn't even mentioned. At least that I don't remember it.
Now that Helen is gone maybe they should do a reunion show that Andy sees his old girlfriend Ellie Walker after years of her being gone and they reunite.
This movie is for fans only because it is nice to see most of the old cast members. I gave the show a 5 since it was nice to see most of the old cast.
I found it interesting that the child that Andy and Helen had Andy Jr. that they returned to Mayberry to be Christened wasn't even mentioned. At least that I don't remember it.
Now that Helen is gone maybe they should do a reunion show that Andy sees his old girlfriend Ellie Walker after years of her being gone and they reunite.
This movie is for fans only because it is nice to see most of the old cast members. I gave the show a 5 since it was nice to see most of the old cast.
Fans of the series will be pleased
sjbradford18 September 2001
This update of the old "Andy Griffith Show" is one of the better reunions of the many that popped up in the 1980s. No fewer than 16 actors who appeared in the original series are present, including Ron Howard, who by this time had gone on to much bigger and better things as the director of many hit feature films.
The plot finds former Mayberry sheriff Andy Taylor and his wife Helen returning to town for the birth of son Opie's first child. Perennial second-banana (and Andy's former deputy) Barney Fife is now running for sheriff, the job he always wanted. But it turns out that Andy wants his old job back, too. This unspoken conflict and the selfless efforts by Andy and Barney to resolve it are very touching.
There's a silly subplot about alleged sightings of a monster in the town lake that detracts from the proceedings. And some of the continuity from the sequel "Mayberry RFD" series isn't followed. But what you really want is to see how these old friends and neigbors are doing, and to feel some nostalgia. And on these two points, "Return to Mayberry" doesn't disappoint.
The plot finds former Mayberry sheriff Andy Taylor and his wife Helen returning to town for the birth of son Opie's first child. Perennial second-banana (and Andy's former deputy) Barney Fife is now running for sheriff, the job he always wanted. But it turns out that Andy wants his old job back, too. This unspoken conflict and the selfless efforts by Andy and Barney to resolve it are very touching.
There's a silly subplot about alleged sightings of a monster in the town lake that detracts from the proceedings. And some of the continuity from the sequel "Mayberry RFD" series isn't followed. But what you really want is to see how these old friends and neigbors are doing, and to feel some nostalgia. And on these two points, "Return to Mayberry" doesn't disappoint.
Classic
secondcor-2242314 October 2021
What a great return to Mayberry! The movie was equipped with origional characters and lots of memories from the places to the singing. The story line, script, facial expressions, and acting was perfectly in line with the old nature of the classic episodes. I would definitely watch again. It was a nostalgic classic.
great movie
paul_m_v30 January 2001
Pretty lame
pmike-1131229 May 2021
In truth, this was a silly, ridiculous storyline even by TV sitcom standards. A lot of old people trying to re-create the magic of a more youthful time. It rarely works, be it movies, music, or TV shows. And it doesn't work here. Even in '86, it was more than a little sad.
You can never go back
planktonrules21 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
While this is NOT the worst reunion TV movie ever made, it's awfully close (for the worst, see the Beverly Hillbillies reunion). Gone is the excellent writing and acting and in its place are OLD people just meandering through the film with little meaningful direction. The entire spark and characterizations are simply gone. Let me give a few examples. Otis is no longer the town drunk but drives an ice cream truck---how is this funny? Barney has been the sheriff of Mayberry for some time but seems pathetic dressing up for a clown for the school kids AND the idea of Andy returning after a long absence to take this job from Barney just seems mean-spirited and is something the old Andy never would have done.
LOVERS OF THE ORIGINAL SERIES--beware. Don't watch this movie--just remember Mayberry the way it used to be and forget this film.
LOVERS OF THE ORIGINAL SERIES--beware. Don't watch this movie--just remember Mayberry the way it used to be and forget this film.
A Wonderful Reunion Movie!
thekats196721 April 2001
When this movie first aired I was 8 yrs. old, now that I'm 23 I can appreciate this movie more. I am a huge fan of Andy Griffith and The Andy Griffith Show and after seeing this movie it was clear that the same magic was still there even 18 yrs. after the original series ended. Andy was still just as wise and sweet as he always was, solving the towns problems and making his deputy look like the hero and Barney was still sweet-talking the unseen Juanita over the phone. The differences were even great to see. Otis had gone sober and was now the ice cream man, Opie was all grown up now married and with a child on the way, and Howard was going through mid life crisis. It was especially great to see that Thelma Lou was now divorced and free for Barney again. There are some things that left me wondering like where was Andy and Helen's child Andrew Jr. that we learned about on RFD? Why didn't Opie marry Mary Alice Carter, the girl he had a crush on since 1st grade? I'm just glad to see all the familiar faces from Mayberry back together again in this outstanding reunion movie! If you ever catch this on t.v. do what I did and tape this movie!!!
This sucked.
Vibiana29 May 2021
One way to do a reunion...
gazzo-25 April 2000
This was quite good for what it was-a nice nostalgic ode to the great '60s series, most of the guys-from Howard Morris, Hal Smith to Denver Pyle and Ron Howard came back to supply some class to the precedings. Plotwise it's Andy coming back to help Barney Fife and set things to rights, nothing more-but that is fine, that is what the audience wants, and gets.
This was #2 for the week when it premiered on NBC back in '86 I remember, with good reason. I have seen it twice, I liked it and so will anyone who liked the show or the stars, esp. Griffiths or Knotts.
*** outta ****, pretty good.
This was #2 for the week when it premiered on NBC back in '86 I remember, with good reason. I have seen it twice, I liked it and so will anyone who liked the show or the stars, esp. Griffiths or Knotts.
*** outta ****, pretty good.
Great, Wonderful, Sweet Movie!
JenCon21 September 2000
I caught this movie at 3:00 in the morning and have since taped it. I was 8 when this movie first aired on t.v. but appreciate it a heck of a lot more now that I'm older. Seeing the star's from the old Griffith Show reunited was wonderful and they all looked like they were having such a good time working together again. It's a shame that Aneta Corsaut, Jack Dodson, Hal Smith, and Howard McNear have passed away. When they died we lost a special part of Mayberry.
A trip back home...
patrick_w3520 February 2001
I always regarded THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW as a once a week visit to a bunch of good friends. I just didn't have to drive to Mayberry; it was a matter of tuning in each Monday night, and I never missed it. How nice it was to get to visit with most of the old gang again when RETURN TO MAYBERRY aired. Now I suppose the context of the show wasn't all that "cool" but then the original show never was and never tried to be. RETURN TO MAYBERRY was like going home again after a number of years away. Barney was just the same, flying off at the handle in six different directions while Andy's cool head prevailed to solve the mystery of the monster of Myers Lake. There were two very nice touches near the end; one of which was Barney's marriage to Thelma Lou. (I recall always feeling sort of sad that they never were married during the run of the original show.) The other was of course Andy and Barney taking down the flag at the end of the movie, and I thought it fitting that they ended it this way...Andy as the sherriff and Barney the ever dependable deputy...forever the stalwart keepers of law and order in that mythical little North Carolina town we will have in our hearts. I always feel kind of warm as I drive through Mount Airy and Siler City and Pilot Mountain (Mt. Pilot). Maybe Mayberry isn't really there in name, but it is a wonderful feeling to know I am in Andy Taylor and Barney Fife country.
Bullock and Greenbaum wrote this?!!!!
davedrawsgood17 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
first time I ever checked to see who wrote this. can't believe they wrote it. haven't seen it since reran years ago, but what were they thinking?!! that unfunny, wooden guy with the lake serpent or whatever it was. Gotta think some network guy had somebody come up with part of this script.
There had to be a better way to do it! and i don't have enough lines, so I'm adding some words.
Hey, why Helen Crump? Why in the heck didn't Andy get Barbara Eden to stay in town? "Nature's been good to you. Real, real, real good. Matter of fact, I don't know when I've seen nature spend so much time on one person."
There had to be a better way to do it! and i don't have enough lines, so I'm adding some words.
Hey, why Helen Crump? Why in the heck didn't Andy get Barbara Eden to stay in town? "Nature's been good to you. Real, real, real good. Matter of fact, I don't know when I've seen nature spend so much time on one person."
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
