town of mayberry. at his side the inept but loveable deputy barney fife. the show's combination of homespun humor and wholesome storytelling created a ratings hit. eventually griffith moved from onscreen to the big city. >> web you're under oath. >> reporter: "matlock" cast griffith as a folksy country attorney. >> country people will sometimes fool you. there are a lot of bright people in the south. >> reporter: what it was was football led griffith to acting. >> oh, heck, no, sir. i'm plo. >> you're what? >> permanently trained orderly. >> reporter: no time for sarngs was a hit for griffith on broadway, tv and film. for most of us, andy griffith will always be remembered as the sheriff of mayberry and opie's