Andy Griffith classic “No Time for Sergeants” screens at Tryon Fine Arts Center April 8

Published 6:11 pm Friday, April 4, 2014

The next movie in the Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Carolina Connection Film series is “No Time for Sergeants”, starring Andy Griffith.  The film will be shown on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing).
One of America’s most popular and hard-working actors, Any Griffith was born in 1926 in Mount Airy, N.C. and died at his home on the Outer Banks in 2012. Griffith began his stage career with his young wife, actress Barbara Edwards.  The couple developed a touring routine of singing, dancing and monologues. One of Andy’s monologues was an obvious crowd-pleaser and was recorded on an LP in 1953. It became one of the most popular monologues of all time and was first performed on television on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1954.  It was, of course, “What it Was Was Football”.
That same year, Griffith won the role of Will Stockdale in the TV version of Ira Levin’s play “No Time for Sergeants”. The show went on to success on Broadway, for which Griffith was nominated for a Tony in 1955, and then on to the big screen in 1958. “No Time for Sergeants” was the beginning of a long time collaboration between Griffith and fellow southerner, Don Knotts — a collaboration which also brought fame to Mount Airy, as the setting for the very successful, long-running TV show “The Andy Griffith Show”.
Originally written as a novel by World War II veteran Mac Hyman, “No Time For Sergeants” tells the story of an guileless, country-bumpkin U. S. Air Force draftee who, while his naiveté and patriotism are seemingly boundless, is rather smarter than he appears. Broadening his experience in the role of Will Stockdale on Broadway Griffith hones the film role into one of the funniest movie characters of all time.
The showing of “No Time for Sergeants” at the Tryon Fine Arts Center provides the audience with a rare opportunity to see this great comedy on a large screen. To enhance the experience, ex-service audience members are encouraged to wear military uniforms (or any parts that still fit).  They will also enjoy the film’s introduction by a local veteran raconteur.
Tickets for the April 8 screening in the Tryon Fine Arts Center auditorium can be purchased at the door.  For more information, visit www.tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322.
– article written
by Frances Flynn

The 1958 comedy “No Time for Sergeants” starred Andy Griffith (right), Don Knotts (center) and Myron McCormack (left). The comedy classic will run Tuesday April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.  (photo submitted by Marianne Carruth)

The 1958 comedy “No Time for Sergeants” starred Andy Griffith (right), Don Knotts (center) and Myron McCormack (left). The comedy classic will run Tuesday April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.
(photo submitted by Marianne Carruth)

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