Andy and Don page 1

 Andy and Don page 1 by ric gustafson

On the evening of Feb 15 1960, Don Knotts and his wife Kay were playing bridge. They were in the living room of their friends Pat and Marjorie Harrington. Their Spanish colonial home was on Le Conte Avenue in Westwood. Both men were anxious to turn on the TV at 9:00 pm. The two had met on the set of ' The Steve Allen Show'. The sketch comedy show had recently moved from New York to Hollywood.

Both men were sad. Shortly after relocating from the East Coast, the show was cancelled. Harrington was glad he got a guest shot on the show that was before their show. That show was ' The Danny Thomas Show'. 

At 9:00 pm, Harrington turned on the set. When Knotts saw who came on the screen, he smiled. It was his old friend Andy Griffith. Six years prior, Knotts and Griffith were in a Broadway show called ' No Time for Sergeants'. They became friends right away. On the TV, Knotts watched a pilot where his friend was playing a sheriff in a town called Mayberry.

That night after the show was over, Knotts had an idea. The next morning, Knotts called his friend. Griffith was thrilled to talk to his old friend. Don told Andy he enjoyed watching the pilot. Then he asked Andy one question.

" Don't you think Sheriff Andy Taylor ought to have a deputy?".

Research help: ' Andy and Don' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric