Mayberry R.F.D. (TV Series) The Church Play (1968) User Reviews

Millie's background

[JordanThomasHall · 5/10 · 8 October 2019]

Howard addresses the church committee that the church is in need of funds. The biggest source of income, the annual charity church play, has fallen off steadily for years. Howard feels the problem is with the producer, Clara, who hasn't adapted to today's children. The group, which includes the reverend agrees. Clara is upset by it. Millie is offered and accepts the producer role of "Sleeping Beauty". Nick (Jay Lawrence) comes to town to offer Millie a good role in a Raleigh dance production. She turns down a chance to get back into show business to stay in Mayberry, and for the play. Clara overhears and calls an emergency meeting about Millie's background as a chorus girl. The reverend questions the message it sends to the Sunday school children and their parents, but Sam vouches for her. The question remains as the play begins.

Great MRFD episode.

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 14 October 2023]

Lot to the episode. Lots of screen time for knockout gorgeous Millie Swanson (Arlene Golonka). Sam Jones (Ken Berry) not the focus which is good. The script though very good borrows from The Andy Griffith Show episodes "The Senior Play" and "Helen's Past". Mike Jones (Buddy Foster) is given a role with room to show his versatility singing. Hope Somers is excellent as especially nasty mean spirited Clara Edwards.

When Millie's chorus girl boss arrives he looks like a double for Larry Storch. Apparently according to IMDb it is his brother. The play was really cute.

Odd, against all odds in classic sitcoms the whole town belongs to the same religious denomination. The writers who have been lazy at times delivered with a lively script here.