Although he is
no longer a major presence in the entertainment scene, rather working when he feels like
it, Don Knotts is far from forgotten. His movies have never gotten the appreciation
due to them, but through his wonderful Mayberrian exploits on The Andy Griffith Show
(a syndication powerhouse that can be seen on almost any television in the United States
at almost any time of the day or night) he is constantly introduced to new generations of
television viewers who chortle, snort, guffaw, and spew milk out their noses at Barney's
antics. Barney Fife is a character who has been inducing such reactions for almost
50 years now.
It stands to reason that Knotts has a web
presence. Here is a taste of some of the finest Knotts-related sites out there.
...You have all experienced it at least once. That curious blend of
embarassment and helplessness begins to settle in. Your eyes widen until they resemble
paper plates. Your jaw drops until your tongue hits the floor. Suddenly a sound escapes
you like a runaway train blowing its whistle: "WHOOAAAAAAAA!" Well, maybe
you never experienced it. Actually, only a few people have. And one of them is Don Knotts.
...MORE
...His talents range from keeper of law and order
(Barney Fife, The Andy Griffith Show) to sex symbol (Abner
Peacock, The Love God) but underneath it all, he has always remained an
unappreciated man of integrity, humility and most of all
- cheesiness!
So dear Mr. Knotts, we salute you and thank you
for teaching us to laugh about life and love
again! ...MORE
...The names Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, and Gomer Pyle
instantly produce memories of a particular show or situation. Most often the comedic
interaction between the characters comes to mind, but other impressions surface as well.
We remember Andy for his selfless attitude and ability to find good in any situation.
Barney had the best of intentions, but his methods always seemed to backfire. And Gomer
may have seemed a bit naïve ("nave" as Barney would say), but his compassion
toward others was undoubtedly genuine. ...MORE
...Within the moral economy of Mayberry, Knotts' geekiness was
comfortably comical, even lovable, and always fitting. Indeed, Barney Fife was
fundamental. We tolerate Aunt Bee. We're amused by Goober and Floyd. We laugh with Andy.
But Barney made the show, becoming in the process as basic and beloved a part of our
culture as Bugs Bunny, Eddie Haskell or Curly. ...MORE
...Television is rife with comic sidekicks, but few have any real
pathos. When Barney’s feelings got hurt (see his town-wide humiliation in "Andy
Saves Barney’s Morale" or his fear of losing his job in "Barney’s
Replacement"), we cared. Watch Luther Heggs deliver his "Brav-e-ry" speech
in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, trembling like a leaf, scattering his notes, improvising a
pathetic yet side-splitting substitute, all the while struggling not to faint. It’s
at once hilarious and painful, because we’ve been there. Knotts is an everygeek, a
hero for the rest of us. If Hollis Figg can stand up to the man, anyone can. We laugh at
Don Knotts, but we can’t help pulling for him. ...MORE
Knotts was honored by the Los
Angeles Police Department for providing them with a role model with his portrayal of
Barney Fife. Perhaps if Barney would have beaten up a few minorities, they would
have given him a bigger plaque!
This site focuses on all manner of "Andy Griffith Show" data, and
possesses a sufficient wealth of information to catapult YOU to first place in virtually
any Mayberry Trivia Contest. Check out the daily quotes!
