Andy Griffith and the Wonderfully Nutty Ernest T. Bass

[@spliceoncharlie]

I went to a Mayberry reunion in the early 1990's and had the privilege of meeting Howard Morris at an autograph session for all the fans. I remember wanting an autograph and not having anything for him to sign so I remember going outside and getting about 7 or 8 rocks for Howard to sign as Earnest T. Bass. When I went back inside and got in line, everyone looked at me like I was stupid or something because I had these big rocks (good fist sized rocks) and everyone else had photos and autograph books. Being at the end of the line I got my fair share of leers and many stupid looks. Once he started signing my rocks, he went into talking and acting like Earnest T. He became very animated and it was awesome to see him in action right there in front of me. It must have made his day. Thought he really was going to throw one. The people in line finally caught on about the rocks and then wanted to buy them from me. How can you not have the idea for him to sign a rock or a brick. After all, he is the #1 rock thrower. I was one of the last in line before he left and everyone wanted my Earnest T. rocks.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're right. Who in their right mind would have the world's greatest rock thrower sign a piece of paper? Now...how much for one of those rocks? 🙂

[@spliceoncharlie]

My sister, Two Aunts and several ladies at my church got the rocks and I have the last one. In a funny way the church ladies said after receiving the rocks, that my friend and I had been on a mission from God to get those autographs. One of the ladies starting crying but in a happy kind of way, when she got her rock. She was laughing and crying at the same time.

[@dlittle39dl]

That was "Genius".......lmao......😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👈!!!!!!!!!!!.....

[@dlittle39dl]

lmao......😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👈!!!!!!!!.

[@cherylcampbell9369]

Wonderful story. Thank you.

[@l.carlton4639]

I love The Andy Griffith show! In the '80s, I went to East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, it came on at 2 pm. I scheduled my classes so I was back in my dorm room in time to watch it! I'm now married with 3 adult kids, and my husband records the show. I still love it! Ernest T. Bass is hilarious! I also love Andy, and Barney is also hilarious! I love all of the characters. What a great show! I'm so glad it comes on here in Virginia Beach!

[@LLL-zt3fz]

The episodes with Ernest and/or the Darlings were the best!! 🙂

[@daisymaefrench4041]

I love Ernest T. Bass. Funiest character on the show. I sit here watching and laugh my head off. Too bad young people of today are not exposed to comedy without filth. Thanks for this video.

[@Pollock1961]

Daisy Mae French Great Comment

[@3daypriest]

Daisy Mae French ... Things change. I grew up then. Knew lots of people cuss. The only difference is that it wasn’t one TV. Ever read Canterbury Tales? Long t8me.

[@TheAzmountaineer]

Ernest T serenading Charlene Darling is one of the funniest scenes I ever saw on television.

[@KailuaDoug]

Ernest T. Bass may have only been in a half dozen episodes, but he's one of the most memorable TV characters of all time IMO.

[@michaelgoudeau9671]

Ernest T Bass with a wonderful actor I love his character on the Andy Griffith show he will definitely be missed one of my best childhood memories.

[@WGBader]

Phil Collins and Ernest T. Bass were masters of rock!

[@jdsundstrom]

At this point, I'm pretty certain it was just Ernest T. Bass who was the lead singer of Genesis.

[@jchapman8248]

WG Bader nyuck, nyuck, nyuck!

[@cherylcampbell9369]

They kinda look alike, too!

[@MrThiefHater]

He also played the TV repairman attempting to fix Ms Crump's TV when she and Andy were on a date day at the lake. He was great as that character too.

[@jakefromstatefarm4219]

On that show his name was George. Its episode 132 titles "Andy and Helen have their day."

[@timjones5219]

Kelseys pond, kelseys lake, kelseys ocean, that cracked me up!

[@vanmoody]

"I know my boundaries pretty good don't I? Just as long as they don't change them before my test".

[@shannongodbey7420]

Made me think of Kelsey Grammer as Frasier thru the progression of time

[@Abel940]

my favorite scene, when he is tuning the gas can before singing , hilarious!!!

[@jdsundstrom]

Ernest was freakin' hilarious. 🙂

[@deeknits]

My FAVE Ernest T Bass episode was when he got "educated." Counting out his multiplication answers by stomping his feet was funny enough, but when he did that little tap dance and yelled "FIFTY" I completely LOST it!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep! Such a great episode!!!

[@vintagemxer9165]

I wanna say my sentence.

[@deeknits]

@@vintagemxer9165 🤣🤣🤣

[@elizabethkizzar5489]

My favorite character was Malcolm Merriweather the late Great Benard Fox in one of the few color Andy Griffith shows it was Malcolm vs Ernest T one of my personal favorites.

[@lorettatayor5840]

"I got a rude. I bet you aint never got no rude!!" precious!

[@geraldrembert8321]

I loved his character. Cracked me up.

[@JRaynor99]

"Howdy do to You and You. It's me. It's me. It's Earnest T!"

[@1agelessbeauty]

A few of the mentioned episodes below, were on Me TV this past week. I hardly ever pass up a chance to watch the show. Ernest T. was super hilarious.

[@whodatmafia2823]

One of My favorite characters. I wish he would’ve been in more episodes

[@elvirabudda]

The Phil Collins comparison blew me away because I made the same connection a long time ago, but you put it into words.

[@jdsundstrom]

I wonder if Phil is an Ernest T. Bass fan. 🙂

[@adolphzuckerjew9639]

I always wondered if Jim Varney modeled his character Ernest P. Worrell after Ernest T. Bass. The names are similar, they both dressed similar, just as with Bass, Ernest P. Worrell was a nut.

[@jbmbryant]

"Wrong or right, here I am to fight, unless you run away in fright. And if you're wonderin who I be, it's me, it's me, it's Ernest T.!" He also directed a number of Hogan's Heroes episodes, as well as The Andy Griffith Show. In fact, on one episode of Andy Griffith he was directing, he made the comment "We need to move Aunt Bea over there." Frances Bavier had a conniption fit and said "Move me? We don't move me! I'm not a couch!", and stormed off to her dressing room. He tried apologizing but to no avail. Production ended for the day. RIP Howard Morris

[@browncow4092]

I LOVED HIM!!!

[@sbrayer1135]

"If a duck stands still you can catch it by the bill", Honk! So many funny lines

[@christopherramon-reid2000]

He was the voice of “Jughead Jones” in the “Archie” and “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” cartoons also.

[@alrossi2573]

“ How do you do Mrs. Wiley?”

[@vanmoody]

She called me a creakster!

[@michealpowell1299]

Al Rossi No coffee, tea or punch Thank Yeew!

[@kevinvaught3370]

I still use this as an ice breaker and conversation starter. It never fails.

[@catinajames2085]

My favorite Ernest T. Bass was when Ernest T. Went to elementary school and Ms. Crump was his teacher. The kids was laughing at him, the part that had me rolling with laughter was when Ms. Crump made the recite the multiplication numbers and the way he multiplied had me crying with laughter he said 12 ×12 and started tap dancing, then after he stopped he said 144 ! 😂😂😂😂😉👍💗

[@jdsundstrom]

One of my favorite episodes as well, catina!

[@debbiethomas4472]

He was my favorite! So funny

[@rev.j.rogerallen9328]

One of the great characters on Andy was Ernest t bass.

[@saleemahfareed4790]

Very Very funny, Howard Morris Rest In Peace, Howard Morris played Jerry Lewis dad in nutty professor❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@majkus]

In the 1960s, Howard Morris once said that this was his favorite role. I like to think that he did not change that opinion through his life.

[@jdsundstrom]

You've got to love Ernest T. Bass!

[@randycoger2525]

I loved his "Mountain Wedding" episode when Barney revealed himself under the wedding vale. Earnest T. Bass' face was a classic. We had an Ernest T. Bass look-a-like at Oaklawn Park Race Course. The boots, size, face and mannerisms was a double. I sat with him once and he told me a story about him and his buddy were driving home from the races. In the middle of their 2 hour trip, they got tired of arguing and pulled over on the shoulder and got out to fist fight. Once it was over, they got back in the car to head home.

[@rcsutter]

Ha, I never made the connection between Ernest T and Phil Collins, but when you put their faces together the resemblance is certainly there. Subscribed. You have some interesting clips for people like me.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subscribing! Any suggestions for future topics?

[@ronniejohnson7285]

My Family calls me Bass because iwas lil crazy haha bass also played the TV Repair man..he was a Great Character ...my Favorite Episode when he wanted to me a Girl .. Mrs. Wylie tells Andy hes Definitely back Bay Boston hahahaha

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

Alright, Dave, a true man of your word. When I was a kid, and I mean a little fella, I remember my folks watching the Steve Allen Show...Howard Morris and Also Don Knotts were Regulars on his show, especially the man on the street interviews. Thanks, Dave great stuff.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks! I’ve only watched those clips on KZbin but they are great!

[@lucky43113]

I don't chew my cabbage twice and you aint heard the last from Earnest T Bass

[@UKBLUE1]

He also played an Ernest t bass type character in a movie called Way Way out. He was hilarious

[@jdsundstrom]

Never seen that one. Sounds like I need to check it out. 🙂

[@JRaynor99]

Schmidlap!

[@davidmiddlestetter5127]

One of my favorite movies from my adolescence! Starring Jerry Lewis. Local stations used to show it a lot. I have got to find a copy.

[@Channel4029]

I absolutely loved the episode where he went to school and did a tap dance to solve a math problem!

[@generationomega2633]

50!

[@tolfan4438]

No way he directed with six you get Eggroll that was such a good movie when I was a little kid. Happy memory brought back right there

[@vooshiningstone3761]

I love it! and yes, he did look like Phil Collins.

[@jdsundstrom]

Or...maybe Phil Collins looks like him! 🙂

[@SandyzSerious]

Very talented.

[@memphistenn77]

Thanks Dave great story not the biggest fan but love him on the show !! I’m sure he was great in other roles !!

[@evdallas123]

He also was the voice of Leonard blush on the radio

[@alrossi2573]

ev dallas Yes! And he also played George the TV repair man in one episode.

[@kenlandon7803]

Howie Morris directed lots of the episodes

[@chuckoberry21964]

Al Rossi Season 5 Episode 13 "Andy and Helen have their day."

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

Barney confronts Ernest T. about how he's getting in and out of his jail cell without the key (they actually put it away) Ernest replies, " Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies. The more you're talkin" the more I'm balkin'!"

[@jdsundstrom]

Classic stuff!

[@kevingee4294]

Dave Sundstrom Have you done one on the Darling family yet? If not that would be a great episode!

[@thomasmccullough7233]

One my favorites.

[@douglasshortridge4343]

Ernest T. Bass created a lot of jobs for the town of Mayberry. Everytime he came down from the mountains and in town he generated the economy. It must have taken months for all the glass companies to come into Mayberry and replace all the broken glass that needed repaired from all the rocks he threw through the windows.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yah. Whoever replaced the panes of glass in Mayberry really needed to have Ernest T. on their payroll!

[@eljay345]

Dave thanks again for another very informative and interesting upload! Before you included the colour photo of Phil Collins I thought myself that there's definitely a resemblance between Ernest T. Bass and him.

[@TygerFox]

I believe he was also on Andy one time but not as Ernest T. Bass. I think it was when Andy was trying to sell the canon. He was in a suit and glasses if I remember correctly.

[@amandaevans6013]

Do you remember the episode that he was in and he wasn't Ernest T but I think a repairman? In the 80s when I was a kid the ones with Ernest T were my favorite. Do you think you well do a episode on Quincy MDone day?

[@marilynmoore6752]

Ernest t in the episode where he was a school crossing guard had hat on with chin strap under chin, cracked me up, Ernest T. Rock Star

[@jdsundstrom]

Ernest T rocks!

[@bobmcdonald2905]

Ernest T was my favorite character on Andy Griffith

[@jdsundstrom]

He’s such an original oddball!

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti1663]

One of my favorites was when he wanted to fight Meriwether because he took over his crossing guard job and that he was English...

[@davebrakefield161]

Walk with me Gelsic. Talk with me Gelsic. Kiss my mouth.

[@tdrnkr]

Howard Morris began as a comedy writer for various radio and tv shows in the fifties and early sixties.

[@jdsundstrom]

If I remember correctly, he served during WWII with Carl Reiner.

[@generationomega2633]

Ya didn't say nothin' 'bout throwin' no bricks!

[@generationomega2633]

... Now can I come kiss ya on the jaw?

[@larryburton9369]

Such a great and wonderful character 😊

[@jdsundstrom]

One of the best!

[@tolfan4438]

Dave I really like your videos. Not just for the content but for the presentation. Always very positive and it's obvious year is every bit as nice as a nice people you talk about. I've been having a really shity morning and just clicking on the one of your videos I just feel so much better thank you.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yikes! I'm sorry you had a rough morning....and I'm glad one of my videos helped make things just a little bit cheerier!

[@dalethelander3781]

And in that still photo, you have wonderful character actor Allen Melvin, who was also the voice of Magilla Gorrila himself.

[@jdsundstrom]

Oh dear!

[@bloqk16]

Ah! So that was Allen! Melvin was remarkable in that many of his supporting or guest spots on TV shows had him in uniform, and most times as a non-com officer; either US Army or a Marine (Gomer Pyle).

[@arlenfosburgh9511]

I have to say Ernest T was and is by far my favorite.

[@johncole015]

Don't forget Howard Morris in both of the Legends of the Superheroes specials in the late 70's.

[@jdsundstrom]

Captain Marvel’s arch nemesis, Dr. Sivana!

[@glen1ster]

Here I be Ernest T...and I like you!

[@bobbypaliden5053]

It's me It's me Earnest T He He !

[@MegaGeneral23]

I loved your comparison to Phil Collins; spot on!! My favorite ETB episode was also the one with Ramona, Rowena, or whatever the heck her name really was; I want to find a girl like her myself!! Great video!!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Mike! That was definitely one of my favorite ETB episodes as well.

[@davidmiddlestetter5127]

It's lucky Ernest T. found Roweena, so he didn't have to hermetize himself.

[@dalethelander3781]

OMG, the episode you were talking about is on MeTV right now!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thank heavens for Me-TV!

[@aviator1962]

The Hillbilly wedding episode is my favorite. If I ever hear you ain't good to her. I'm gonna call that lady sheriff....

[@MemphisApplegate]

Ernest T was central to the TV Movie "Return to Mayberry" back in the mid-eighties. It was a big hit movie on TV, and it can still be purchased on CD. Or I'm guessing you can find a grainy copy of "Return to Mayberry" on KZbin. Do a review of "Return to Mayberry," a surprisingly good flick, and a must-see for Andy Griffith Show fans.

[@davidmiddlestetter5127]

Memphis Applegate MeTV has shown it a couple times.

[@ZaZa-hq7hy]

At first I wasn't uncomfortable when he kidnapped, wedding dress wearing, Barney, but now I am. I miss the good old days.

[@jdsundstrom]

I miss them as well.

[@guitarofdestiny]

If a duck stands still you can catch him by the bill!

[@pokerface8242]

Ernest T. Bass was a comic earthquake and Howard Morris was the ideal actor for the role. If you've ever seen Sid Caesar's Ten from Your Show of Shows you know what to expect: he was a natural "NUT". as Mr. Sundstrom says he was also a died-in-the-wool romantic: whether the object of his affection was Charlene Darling, Helen Crump or "Romena" Wiley (the chronically under appreciated Jackie Joseph). A truly iconic character.

[@jdsundstrom]

Ernest T. Bass is one of my all time favorite characters. Just tons of fun. 🙂

[@johncollins1884]

Thank you for more explanation about the character and Mr. Morris. Being the pop culture historian that you are, was there any thought him reprising his role as Ernest T. Bass in order for him to have the opportunity to work with Jim Varney; as of course Ernest P. Whorl?

[@jdsundstrom]

I don't believe there was ever conversation about teaming the two Ernests up. That would have been cool though!

[@ep61611]

On the subject of Andy's show, there were a few mentions of using "David Stick's rowboat". David Stick wasn't a made-up name, he was a real person. He and Andy were friends on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where David Stick was a historian/writer who wrote many books about the history of the Outer Banks, one of which is called "Graveyard of the Atlantic" (I have a signed first edition copy). I also knew David Stick. I went to school with his son and he was one of the Scout leaders for the local Cub Scouts (my stepdad was also a Scout leader). I never met Andy and I don't know if David Stick really had a rowboat, although he probably did - everything about the Outer Banks is fishing, and so almost everyone had a boat of some kind.

[@jdsundstrom]

Love it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@joegongora2200]

As Barney always said he's a nut. There isn't any words to describe Ernest T. Bass. He was the director as well as the producer of the show. If he appeared in it no doubt he wanted to be part of the action. There's an episode that I liked, when he met a girl that was just as crazy as him. What's to say that someone crazy as him was capable of meeting girls. He certainly had a soft spot for the ladies. It goes to show you that girls don't like guys that are boring. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep, he's definitely a nut!

[@sterlingholobyte]

Nice video. I never thought of Phil Collins resembling Ernest T. Bass before, probably because I don't remember seeing Phil in a beat up cap and having permanent 5 o'clock shadow, but he really does! After seeing the episode where ETB tries to join the Army, I always thought that it would have been awesome to have a spin-off where he actually does join, kind of like the anti-Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. Wouldn't that be a hoot?! Think of all the trouble he could get into. :-)

[@jdsundstrom]

I would have loved to have seen more Ernest T. Bass.

[@stephenmcpherson8458]

didn't he also play the tv repairman when andy Helen went on the picnic

[@easttexasnomad5981]

"It's Me It's Me It's Ernest T" Shows the genius of the writers on the show. He's my favorite "NUT".

[@Farrah300]

I told you in another video. It's "Mountain Wedding". I won't go into the plot as I already have in that post. The absolute darned funniest episode period!!! Not just with Ernest T. Bass, but PERIOD, end of sentence. I laugh every time I see it.

[@jamesthorn9614]

I can see you! But you can not see me! I am Ernest T.!!!!!

[@williamhill7312]

The funnist line of show was when Barney talked about beating Ernest up with his Judo; Andy said "He'll kill ya!" Then when Barney repeats the idea Helen mumbles "He'll kill ya."

[@b.k.ontheair]

Good ol’ Howard Morris. Great director and voice talent along with everything else.

[@jdsundstrom]

Howard was one of the best!

[@10star9]

My said I am just like him & laugh like him with out the rock throwing

[@garyopdenaker9269]

My favorite is when Ernest T. Wants to marry Charlene darling and Barney disguises himself as the Bride In The End.

[@bobcrandall7749]

my fav is the army EP the gold tooth segment I laugh so hard I had tears come out of my eyes

[@jackkircher1755]

2:25- His love interest was Romina not Ramona. Ha met her cat a party at the home of Mrs. Whaley where he chased hervaroundctge porch and they played leap frog and he finally picked her up. Earnest picks her up and carries her off. She is never heard from again until Ernest mentions her wanting him to get an education

[@randallreiter8659]

Another good review man. I love Ernest t bass. He's the funniest charecter to me. The episodes with him in it are my favorites. My favorite episode of the whole series is Ernest t bass joins the army. It is just so funny, and we never found out how he got out of jail. Barney thought he knew but turned out he was wrong. I wish Ernest was in more episodes or had a spin off show like gomer. But again man good review, maybe u could do a review of your favorite seasons in order and favorite episodes.

[@jackkircher1755]

He stared in 5 episodes and directed many others.

[@lisaparsons2544]

Ilove Ernest T Bass I love the episode we're he was at Charlene's window saying he was the man for her,then he sings to her,it's funny!

[@mattskustomkreations]

1:47. Is that Sam the Butcher?

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. It's Allan Melvin.

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

ahahaha i love these comments.. most channels the comments are rude and theres always fights.. everyone here loves ernest t and mr morris.. i dont even have to watch the show..its all here ahahah.. bless yall

[@jamieturnage4574]

i new a few ernest t bass in the mountains of north carolina andy griffith new our people very well we really were like that in the 1950s there is still a few ernest t bass in the mountains still

[@earlinessbrownhudson7981]

He was a very funny NUT ON THE SHOW

[@jdsundstrom]

Best nut ever!

[@johnnyg1161]

I believe I read somewhere that Ernest T. wasn't on the show that often is because he was too likeable character and took away from Andy and Barney. I love the episode when he wanted his diploma and Miss Crump was his mother figure. LOL

[@gailjarvis2592]

Johnny G: Darned right. Griffith wanted him OFF. Couldn't stand his talent. A threat.

[@jamey48]

My favorite character on the show. It's me, it's me Earnest T !

[@williamhight8407]

I like the episode where he thought he was stealing Charlene to be his bride but stoled Barney instead.

[@jdsundstrom]

One of my favorite episodes as well!

[@HeavenWithouttheE]

Morris was amazing…fairly thick nyc accent and played Ernest T to a T!! I’m southern and he almost fooled me…there are mountain people that sound similar!!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for commenting!

[@daddyo8270]

Great !!!

[@Junior_Rocky]

“You ain’t heard the last of Earnest T. Bass!”

[@jdsundstrom]

I hope not!

[@markotter2707]

Howard Morris had natural comedic timing.

[@jdsundstrom]

He is a joy to watch. I never get tired of the Ernest T. Bass episodes!

[@johnny-becker]

Ernest T was great by himself but I would have liked to see him accompanied with the Darling family in more than just one episode

[@jdsundstrom]

Yes! That would have been so much fun!

[@johnharris7751]

He still had it for Charlene in return to Mayberry, by then dudd seemed to have left the picture and Charlene still had a crush on Andy.

[@johnny-becker]

A lot has changed in the 70's. In the 1960's, a married woman going after a single man would have gotten the censor's hopping quicker than frogs on a hot sidewalk

[@terrytyler3139]

he had a degree in music. his acting was believable, people would though he was just some hillbilly.

[@mikes2082]

wasn't he the TV repairman when Andy was flagged down by Barney at lake cuz he wanted to pick up TV at Ms Crumps?

[@vintagemxer9165]

"It rained last week." "Yeah, I was right there in it."