Return to Mayberry (1986)

Return to Mayberry Poster

After being away for awhile, Andy Taylor returns home to Mayberry to visit Opie, now an expectant father. While there he ends up helping Barney Fife mount a campaign for sheriff.

Intro
"Go back to Mayberry" is a 1986 American made-for-television romantic comedy film that functions as a reunion of the 1960-68 comedy "The Andy Griffith Show" and its 1968-71 sequel "Mayberry R.F.D". Directed by Bob Sweeney and composed by Harvey Bullock and Everett Greenbaum, the movie brings back most of the significant and supporting characters from the 2 previous programs to reprise their roles.

Plot Summary
The story begins as Andy Taylor, as soon as the sheriff of Mayberry now a U.S. Postal Inspector, returns to the town after the death of Aunt Bee, a character from the original series. He is reunited with his old friends including Barney Fife, who has actually left the Raleigh police department and is now a security personnel. Despite having no jurisdiction, Fife takes it upon himself to resolve a series of regional burglaries.

Andy's boy Opie, now developed and anticipating his first child, lives nearby. He has taken Aunt Bee's location in the town's life and acquired her home. With his wife anticipating a kid, they are facing their own set of issues.

Turning Point
The town is divided over the controversial problem of a proposed new highway that, if approved, would go right through the hometown location. Andy runs for his old office of constable versus his cousin and previous deputy, Barney Fife. Barney, excited to be constable, is very competitive throughout the project, but Andy has no interest in winning. Nevertheless, Andy wins the election and becomes sheriff as soon as again.

On the other hand, regional mechanic, Goober Pyle, thinks he's seen a UFO. His report increases the public's interest about the presence of such extraterrestrial entities in Mayberry. This subplot includes a light-heartedness to the film's story, aligning with its funny genre.

Conclusion
The highpoint of the narrative is when Barney heroically saves a child who fell into a cave (after falsely believing that it's a hideout for the miscreant). His deeds capture everybody's attention and earn him respect. Andy chooses to step down so Barney can lastly have his dream, to be constable. Subsequently, Barney gets appointed as the new constable of Mayberry.

Opie's partner delivers. As the news spreads through the town, everybody collects at the Taylor house to celebrate the new arrival, with Barney's heroic act and the birth of Opie's child bringing everyone closer together.

Impact
"Return to Mayberry" rekindles the beauty of the original series and successfully channels the nostalgic impact of its predecessor while adding a fresh story appropriate for the 80s age. The dependable characters, traditions, humor, and the heat of community interaction still develop a sense of unity and delight.

The movie was viewed by 35 million people on the night of its initial airing, making it the highest-rated television film of 1986. It showcased the simplicity of the bygone age and the impact of neighborhood cohesion. The movie acts as a pleasant reunion, bringing the audience the very same pleasure and folksiness it did throughout the initial run. The narrative builds on their specific journeys, painting an image of their evolution and character development for many years.

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