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The Andy Griffith Show
S1.E11
All episodesAll
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

Christmas Story

  • Episode aired Dec 19, 1960
  • 26m
IMDb RATING
9.1/10
833
YOUR RATING
Sam Edwards and Will Wright in The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
ComedyFamily

Crotchety old businessman Ben Weaver wants moonshiner Sam Muggins locked up for Christmas but, after seeing the holiday spirit in Andy's jail, he tries to be arrested himself.Crotchety old businessman Ben Weaver wants moonshiner Sam Muggins locked up for Christmas but, after seeing the holiday spirit in Andy's jail, he tries to be arrested himself.Crotchety old businessman Ben Weaver wants moonshiner Sam Muggins locked up for Christmas but, after seeing the holiday spirit in Andy's jail, he tries to be arrested himself.

  • Director
    • Bob Sweeney
  • Writers
    • Frank Tarloff
    • Sheldon Leonard
    • Aaron Ruben
  • Stars
    • Andy Griffith
    • Ron Howard
    • Don Knotts
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    9.1/10
    833
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Bob Sweeney
    • Writers
      • Frank Tarloff
      • Sheldon Leonard
      • Aaron Ruben
    • Stars
      • Andy Griffith
      • Ron Howard
      • Don Knotts
    • 11User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro

    • Photos75

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    Top cast12

    Edit
    Andy Griffith
    Andy Griffith
    • Andy Taylor
    Ron Howard
    Ron Howard
    • Opie Taylor
    • (as Ronny Howard)
    Don Knotts
    Don Knotts
    • Barney Fife
    Frances Bavier
    Frances Bavier
    • Aunt Bee Taylor
    Will Wright
    Will Wright
    • Ben Weaver
    Sam Edwards
    Sam Edwards
    • Sam Muggins
    Margaret Kerry
    Margaret Kerry
    • Bess Muggins
    Elinor Donahue
    Elinor Donahue
    • Ellie Walker
    • (uncredited)
    Joy Ellison
    Joy Ellison
    • Effie Muggins
    • (uncredited)
    Kelly Flynn
    • Billy Muggins
    • (uncredited)
    Tom Jacobs
    Tom Jacobs
    • Townsman
    • (uncredited)
    Colin Male
    • Announcer
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Bob Sweeney
    • Writers
      • Frank Tarloff
      • Sheldon Leonard
      • Aaron Ruben
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The only Christmas episode of the entire series.
    • Goofs
      Though people are wearing coats outside due to the cold, Andy's barred jail cell windows are without glass.
    • Quotes

      Barney Fife: Bringin' in a prisoner, Sheriff!

      Andy Taylor: Well, what happened?

      Barney Fife: Parked his car in front of a fire plug. I wrote him out a ticket and you know what he did?

      Andy Taylor: What?

      Barney Fife: Tore it up in teeny, little pieces! That's what he did!

      Andy Taylor: Wait a minute. Did you do like Barney said, Ben?

      Ben Weaver: What if I did?

      Andy Taylor: Well, that's contempt of the law. I hope you got yourself a good explanation.

      Ben Weaver: I have.

      Andy Taylor: Yeah? What is it?

      Ben Weaver: I got contempt for the law around here!

    • Crazy credits
      Surprisingly, Elinor Donahue was uncredited despite having one of her most memorable appearances in this episode.
    • Alternate versions
      The DVDs released by Raintree Home Video replaces the classic Andy Griffith Show theme with a generic instrumental song.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Andy Griffith Show Christmas Special (2015)
    • Soundtracks
      Away in a Manger
      (uncredited)
      Traditional lyrics, tune attributed variously to William J. Kirkpatrick or James Murray
      Sung by Elinor Donahue, Andy Griffith, & Will Wright

    User reviews11

    Featured review
    10/10

    My favorite episode of the entire series

    This story line is beautifully scripted, from beginning to end, with a wonderful cast of characters, from the prisoners let out for a Christmas celebration with family, to the family of the moonshiner, and Andy and Barney and Ellie and Aunt Bee and Opie, and of course old Ben.

    I love watching this episode all year long. The simplicity of it, the kindness, the tree, skinny Barney as Santa, all so beautiful.

    I cry during "Away in a Manger" every single time. I cry when old Ben hands out those gifts from his suitcase, every single time. So wonderful.

    Just beautiful in every way. It is my favorite "The Andy Griffith Show" episode.
    • rteliszczak
    • Oct 21, 2021
    • Permalink

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 19, 1960 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Mayberry Enterprises
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      26 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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