25 December 2022

“Andy Griffith: The Christmas Story” (1960)

The Christmas Story 


Brief Description:

Scrooge-like businessman Ben Weaver wants Sam Muggins locked up for moonshining, against Andy’s wishes and foiling Barney’s plans for the Christmas party. Knowing Ben will cause them a heap of political trouble if they go against him, Andy brings the party to the station. As Ben hangs around keeping his eye on the place as he promised, will his disgust turn to something else, or can the Christmas Spirit really not touch him at all? 

(possibly written by me, possibly taken from IMDb or somewhere online)


Date: 1960

Genre: American Christmas comedy family TV episode  

Running time: 26 minutes 


Cast: 

Andy Griffith (Andy)

Ron Howard (Opie) 

Don Knotts (Barney)

Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee)

Will Wright (Ben)

Sam Edwards (Sam)

Margaret Kerry (Bess)

Elinor Donahue (Ellie)


Director: Bob Sweeney

Production company: Mayberry Enterprises


IMDb page


Watch on DailyMotion



Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I love the small-town, countryside feel of the Andy Griffith show. <3 ’Nough said. 


Characters: 5/5

Humorous, caring Andy; hilarious Barney; helpless Sam; cranky Ben; and sweet Bess make for a wonderful cast of characters, especially aided by the cute children and dear Aunt Bee. <3


Plot: 5/5; Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I can’t give much away, but this has slight Christmas Carol feels, which is very enjoyable, and also includes a lovely rendition of Away in a Manger. <3 Humour and sweetness and Christmassy feels are all present! My only objection is, again, I wish there was more Christ and less Claus. 


Overall: 5/5

The perfect Christmas Eve or Christmas morning episode! 

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