Why so many supportive cast member changes?
Did the star or some of the production people make for an uncomfortable work atmosphere?
shareThe story was Andy Griffith was difficult to get along with on the set. His reputation goes back to the Andy Griffith show where several cast members had difficulty working with him (Francis Bavier would not even speak to him between takes and on her deathbed refused to allow him in her home). I believe at the time, Linda Purl went somewhat public with her onset conflicts with Mr. Griffith after quitting the show. Whether it's true or not, he appears onscreen as one of the most likable actors that I have seen. Matlock will remain one of my all time favorites.
shareI am not sure your story of Andy being difficult on set is accurate. I know the Frances Bavier story is not true. She later in life admitted that she had been difficult to work with and apologized to Andy via telephone in the months before her death. Linda Purl may have had some difficulties with Mr. Griffith, I don't know anything about that. But I do know quite a bit about TAGS and I have never heard that Andy was difficult - quite the opposite. Most co-stars have commented how easy going and relaxed the set was and how nice Andy was to work with.
shareI've read an interview or two with Linda and she had nothing but positives to mention regarding Matlock.
The change of shooting locale, I can't recall which season, was something definite that serves as an example of events affecting cast members' exit decisions. Things like that were the reality -- as opposed to somewhat wild speculation regarding working with Griffith.
Look at all of the "Mayberry" people who were willing to do work on Matlock: Arlene Golonka, Jack Dodson, Don Knotts, Aneta Corsaut... Obviously none of them would've been willing to do Matlock if they'd ever found Andy G. difficult.
"No cheesecake [photos]." -- Hazel (Shirley Booth)
Are you kidding? Of course people will amend their story. Andy was not a nice person. Many fans have said how disturbing it was to talk to him.
Don Knotts was a good friend from years back and I am sure Andy had other friends. Some people were friends as long as they got work. Compositely Andy was not good person off the screen.
I met Linda Purl at a local Film Fair a couple of years ago and what you stated regarding shooting locale is I believe what she mentioned there. She stated that she was offered to continue with the show but she would have to move to the new locale. She had a young son and she just did not want to uproot him and also wanted to spend more time raising him so commuting was also out of the question. It apparently must have changed the shooting locale after the first season since she stated that.
shareby js0320 » Sat Apr 25 2015 I know the Frances Bavier story is not true. She later in life admitted that she had been difficult to work withI think I read somewhere Frances didn't care much for the writing. But the other cast members did agree that you had to watch your language around her. Can't imagine what she'd do.
" Nothing's too good for the man who shot Liberty Valance " share
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js0320: " I know the Frances Bavier story is not true. She later in life admitted that she had been difficult to work with and apologized to Andy via telephone in the months before her death."
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The funny thing about that is it was ANDY himself who said she apologized, telling the story after she passed.
She did contribute her brief narration in Return to Mayberry. Often times performers will consider their craft to come first and not who they are working with.
Many of the Mayberry performers were loyal to the show, unlike Tina Louise with Gilligan's Island, or Susanne Somers refusing to appear on 8 Simple Rules with John Ritter.
Jim Nabors did say she got frosty with him once as well.
I'd chalk it up to simply being who she was, but later movies and such that Griffith did, he comes across a bit all-knowing to me, no matter what he does.
She did not contribute brief narration to the Return to Mayberry movie. She refused and they got someone else.
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