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The remaining cast of The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D. will be reuniting once again to film a new made-for-television movie. The film will be directed by Ron Howard—who, of course, will also appear as Opie Taylor, an aging adult struggling with being a grown man named “Opie.”
The new film will take place around the arrival of a new Mayberry resident. The new neighbor, Marilyn Manson, causes quite a stir in the quaint little sleepy town, and the town isn’t quite sure what to do.
Controversial rocker Manson’s new neighbors first realize that something’s happening when the moving vans show up, bringing all kinds of strange home furnishings. Betty Ann Tucker is the first to meet the new neighbor—when she stops in to say hello and to welcome him with her award-winning blueberry pie. After leaving, Betty Ann reveals to the rest of the town that their new neighbor is very gentlemanly—but also very scary.
Throughout the movie, it is the wisdom and strength of the Taylor family that brings the town together, even if they first shun their neighbor, believing that he is the antichrist. By the end of the movie, they all realize that no matter what their neighbor looks like—or what he does to make a living—he is, deep down, just like everyone else. He’s a human being with a big heart—and a need to be accepted.
And although they have a rocky beginning, Manson is eventually embraced in their community. He’s accepted for who he is. And if he wants to wear vinyl cat suits and makeup, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s invited to Betty Ann’s house for dinner every Sunday noon. And it doesn’t change the fact that Floyd the barber cuts his hair the first Tuesday of every month at precisely 3:00.
In the end, there’s even a touching romantic facet to the movie, as Marilyn and Betty Ann fall in love and decide to start a family. Marilyn agrees to work on the farm with Betty Ann’s dad, and Betty Ann agrees to wear more vinyl—and the two make a perfectly happy couple, despite their differences.
Mayberry’s New Neighbor will air next month. Check your local TV listings for more information.
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