THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW is one of the most beloved sitcoms with millions of viewers around the world falling in love with the fictional world of Andy, Barney, and the town of Mayberry. Those who want more of their favorite fictional place will be overjoyed to hear about the release of a new movie that takes us back to Mayberry.
MAYBERRY MAN follows an arrogant movie star named Chris Stone (played by Brett Varvel), the fictional son of a former ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW guest star. After Stone gets busted doing 105 mph in a 45 mph zone, he gets sentenced to represent his father at a Mayberry Fest. Initially resistant, Stone eventually connects with the show’s spirit and its fans.
The screenplay was written by director Stark Howell, who didn’t have to look hard for inspiration.
Howell is the son of Hoke Howell, who appeared on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW as Army veteran Dud Walsh on a few episodes. He was approached about appearing at the real-life event, Mayberry Days, which takes place in Mount Airy, North Carolina. The town was Griffith’s home and the real-life inspiration for Mayberry.
“Stark didn’t understand as a son of an actor that had been on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW why anybody would want to see him [at Mayberry Days],” Allan Newsome, who appears in the movie, said. “And so he was reluctant to come. And when he actually did come to Mount Airy, and saw Mayberry Days, he actually said, ‘I think there’s a story here.’”
After some online crowdfunding, MAYBERRY MAN was shot in September 2020, mostly in Danville, Indiana, with some scenes shot in Mount Airy.
“I knew there was a love for the show,” Howell said, “but after I got to know some of the fans, that made me want to do something to give back. Because I just felt like if I could write a screenplay about a lot of what I experienced [at Mayberry Days], they would really enjoy it. The movie is more about the fans than it is about the show, and how the show has affected the fans over the years.”
The movie will be shown in a few theaters and will also be available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
