'Mayberry Man,' filmed in Indiana, re-opens this weekend, features Tippecanoe County actor
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Golly, parts of Indiana played a supporting role in a film celebrating a cherished television show.
The film, "Mayberry Man," enjoying a limited re-release this weekend at the Devon Theatre in Attica, Ind., features lifelong Tippecanoe and Fountain counties resident, Jeff Gossett.
"Mayberry Man" follows a pretentious movie star forced to attend a weeklong festival celebrating "The Andy Griffith Show." This festival, called "Mayberry Days," is a real event that happens across the nation each year in honor of the show.
Gossett first got involved with the film's production through connections he had with the writer/director, Stark Howell – son of actor Hoke Howell who played "Dud Wash" on the original TV series.
"Him (Stark) and his brother Cort kept me in the loop with everything," Gossett said, "and I just helped out in any way I could. They wanted to do something fan-related and include the fans in (the film)."
Film supported by fans
"Mayberry Man" was not financially backed by Hollywood's film industry. As such, the independent film was supported fully by crowd funding, fans' volunteer time and out-of-pocket expenses.
"I have been going to Mayberry festivals for over 20 years," Gossett said. "All of (the production crew) really didn't think a lot about the film for a while. And then they started talking about a kick starter in September of 2019 and I signed on to help with that. The whole movie is fan-funded.
"So I got involved with the fundraising, and when they started shooting in Danville, Indiana – where most of the film is shot – I was just on-hand as a production assistant. When the opportunity for a role in the movie came up, I said 'sure.'"
Gossett plays the character of "Rayfield" in the film.
Hoosier connection
Due to Howell's film being mostly shot in various parts of Indiana, Gossett feels Hoosiers everywhere will have a unique connection to it.
"We used a lot of Indiana people who helped with the movie," Gossett said, "backed the movie, a lot of (local) businesses supported it. It's a good, clean, family movie that anybody could come see with an Indiana-tie. It's got the hometown and Indiana ties to it."
How to watch 'Mayberry Man'
"Mayberry Man" was originally released in select theaters on Sept. 23 and has been available to rent or purchase on Amazon Video since Oct. 1.
A re-release of the film will happen this weekend, Nov. 5-7, at the historic Devon Theatre. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday's event will begin at 6 p.m. with special appearances by the film's producer and several cast members.
The meet-and-greet will be free for guests and will feature opportunities for autographs and photos with the cast and with the 1962 Mayberry Squad car that is predominately used in the film, according to Gossett.
Crew members for "Mayberry Man" include Gregory Schell, co-producer and son of Ronnie Schell, who appeared on two episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and is better known for playing “Duke Slater” on the spinoff "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," as well as Dixie Griffith, daughter of Andy Griffith, as an executive producer
Margaret Christopherson (formerly Troup) is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mtroup@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lifelong Hoosier Jeff Gossett starred in 'Mayberry Man'
