Andy and the Gentleman Crook (TAGS Episode)

Episode Info

Andy and the Gentleman Crook

• S1.E21
• Filmed: 21
• Aired: 21
• Original Air Date: 1961/02/27
• Writer(s): Ben Gershman and Leo Solomon
• Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

The legendary con artist Gentleman Dan Caldwell arrives for a stopover in the mayberry jail and quickly beguiles Aunt Bee, Opie, and Barney with his charm and sophistication. When Barney is left alone to watch him, Caldwell reels him into his web, takes his gun, and manages to escape. Before he reaches the courthouse door, Andy walks in with Aunt Bee and Opie, who are able to see through Caldwell's charismatic veneer.

Plot

In the town of Mayberry, a notorious guest named "Gentleman" Dan Caldwell arrived at the local jail, leaving an indelible mark on its history. With his suave demeanor and impeccable charm, Dan effortlessly won over the hearts of Barney, the kindly sheriff, and even Opie, the innocent young boy, along with Aunt Bee, the caring guardian.

Dan's captivating presence and charisma transformed the austere confines of the jail into an almost regal court, where he was treated with utmost respect and deference. However, Andy Taylor, the shrewd and intuitive town sheriff, remained skeptical of the charming newcomer, sensing that Dan's smooth exterior concealed a cunning mind.

True to Andy's suspicions, it wasn't long before Dan's true intentions came to light. In a daring move, he orchestrated an intricate escape plan, manipulating his newfound friends to serve his own selfish desires. But Andy, with his quick wit and unwavering determination, saw through Dan's deceptive facade.

In a tense and thrilling confrontation, Andy managed to outsmart Dan, thwarting his escape attempt and ensuring that the cunning criminal remained behind bars. Dan's carefully crafted illusion of innocence was shattered, revealing the ruthless and calculating nature beneath the surface.

The incident served as a stark reminder to the people of Mayberry that even the most charming and seemingly trustworthy individuals could harbor dark secrets. However, it also reinforced their faith in Andy's unwavering commitment to justice and his ability to protect the town from any harm.

Odd Facts Known by Few

• This episode first aired on February 27, 1961, which was the 21st birthday of TAGS alum Howard Hesseman. Hesseman is best known for his portrayal of "Dr. Johnny Fever" on "WKRP In Cincinnati".

• Barney misfires his gun for the second time. The first misfire was in Episode 2, The Manhunt. He is also told by Andy for the first time to keep one bullet in his pocket. He accidentally fires a shot into the courthouse floor. Later in the episode, Andy fires the gun, thinking that it is empty.

• When Gentleman Dan arrives, Barney is in the back room and removes his bullet from his shirt pocket and puts it in his pistol. In this shot, Barney is not wearing a badge on his shirt.

• Behind Dan Caldwell's jail cell was a calendar displaying a 30-day month. The calendar began on a Sunday with the 1st and concluded on a Monday with the 30th. Since no months in 1960 or 1961 had 30 days, starting on a Sunday and ending on Monday, the calendar had to be from November 1959. Before the episode aired, November 1959 was the final month with 30 days, starting on a Sunday and ending on a Monday.

• When Dan finishes his story about Baby Face Nelson, the shot of Opie sitting up is played in reverse.

• During a scene where Gentlemen Dan is in his cell telling a story to Opie and Barney. The camera angles change from inside the cell, looking out, to outside the cell, looking in. When the camera is looking out from inside the cell, a key ring is visible in the door, but when looking from the outside in, the key ring is missing.

• When Barney and Gentleman Dan play gin, Barney deals only eight cards. In gin, the proper amount would be ten.

• In close-ups of the scene where Dan Caldwell steals Barney's gun and holds Andy at gunpoint, Barney is noticeably not wearing his badge. However, in the wider shots of the same scene, Barney's badge mysteriously reappears.

Character List

• Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
• Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
• Don Knotts - Barney Fife
• Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
• Hal Smith - Otis Campbell
• Mike Steen - sergeant
• Dan Tobin - 'Gentleman' Dan Caldwell