Mayberry in Indiana? That’s wrong, says Andy Griffith fans in North Carolina
To quote a Southern phrase by Goober, some North Carolinians and other fans are “riled up” on social media over the planned filming of a new Andy Taylor of Mayberry movie in Indiana.
“Why in the world would they shoot this in Indiana?” asked J. Mac Daughety, a Lenoir County commissioner who lives in Kinston.
“We all know where Mayberry really was,” Daughety posted on WRAL’s Facebook page.
Daughety and other stunned residents were reacting to news that “Mayberry Man” will largely be set in Danville, Ind., and Indianapolis, “with a few days spent in Mount Airy and Los Angeles,” according to the Indianapolis Star, which reported the news Saturday.
Mount Airy, N.C. — actor Andy Griffith’s hometown — was the inspirational setting for “The Andy Griffith Show” that ended in 1968.
Day Trip: Go back in time to Andy Griffith’s Mayberry
The show’s popularity continues nationwide in reruns and small-town festivals, including such unlikely spots as Danville. The Indiana town of just under 10,000 people boasts a Mayberry in the Midwest festival each May and a 31-year-old Mayberry Cafe on Main Street.
But why Indiana for the new movie?
According to the Star, producer Cort Howell, who lives about 40 miles from Danville, is a son of the late actor Hoke Howell, who played PFC Dudley A. “Dud” Wash on two episodes of the show. Cort Howell told the Star that his brother, Stark, the movie’s writer-director, immediately took to Danville as the perfect setting for the upcoming G-rated movie.
They decided to raise money for the film on Kickstarter. They’ve raised $120,200, surpassing the initial $100,000 goal, according to a post Sunday on the movie’s Facebook page. The next goal is $150,000.
Cast members include some original stars of the 1960s show or their family members, according to the movie’s Facebook page.
They include, among others, Karen Knotts, daughter of Don Knotts (“Barney Fife”); Dixie Griffith, daughter of Andy Griffith; George Lindsey Jr., son of “Goober Pyle” actor George Lindsey.
When the Kickstarter campaign launched in January, some fans of the show were excited to see names included from the show’s roots.
“There is no doubt that the fabulous assortment of experienced and talented folks with direct ties to the original series and great tribute artists will produce an exceptional movie,” one fan posted on the movie’s Facebook page.
“Now more than ever the world needs a movie that entertains while encouraging wholesome values,” another fan posted. “Mayberry Man is that movie.”
For some Tar Heel State and other fans, however, the movie’s Midwest setting is just not right.
“What the fudge,” Tommy Pharo posted. “Indiana?”
“Why not film it right here?” asked Suelene Hill of Deep Run, North Carolina.
“Mayberry is still there,” Tony Esposito posted. “It wasn’t a fake Hollywood town. This belongs in North Carolina.”
