I've mentioned this in several of my other reviews, but "The Andy Griffith" show was highly unusual because although it was a comedy, not all the episodes were particularly funny. That's because the community and the characters were what was important on the show--and sometimes their stories were not meant to be funny but meant to teach moral lessons or deal with life's difficulties. This particular episode is one of the best examples of this, as this is in no way meant to be funny--and the show is actually pretty emotional and sweet.
The film begins with Opie running about with a slingshot. He is warned to be careful but ends up killing a mother bird. He feels terrible about this, but even worse later when he hears her chicks in the nest crying for food. As Opie is a very good boy at heart, he can't stand this and decides to become the foster-mother for the baby birds. The task takes a lot of work but is highly rewarding. But, after becoming very attached to the birds, the inevitable day arrives when the birds must be set free. All in all, the show is filled with many touching moments from start to finish and the integrity of the characters is solidified throughout. Well worth seeing.
The film begins with Opie running about with a slingshot. He is warned to be careful but ends up killing a mother bird. He feels terrible about this, but even worse later when he hears her chicks in the nest crying for food. As Opie is a very good boy at heart, he can't stand this and decides to become the foster-mother for the baby birds. The task takes a lot of work but is highly rewarding. But, after becoming very attached to the birds, the inevitable day arrives when the birds must be set free. All in all, the show is filled with many touching moments from start to finish and the integrity of the characters is solidified throughout. Well worth seeing.
