
Andy Taylor is the widower sheriff of the small, sleepy North Carolina town of Mayberry. Andy and son Opie live with Aunt Bee, who takes care of the family. Andy's deputy is his bumbling but neurotically hilarious cousin, Barney Fife. Among Andy's Mayberry friends is the town's resident barber, Floyd.

J. Howard Jackson, a big-shot newspaper publisher, accuses Andy of misconduct in office after Andy fines him for a traffic violation.

Barney's cousin Virgil overcomes his awkwardness as soon as he learns that people have confidence in him.

Otis overcomes his weakness for liquor and impresses his relatives when Andy makes him a temporary deputy.

Opie meets Arnold Winkler, a spoiled kid who teaches him how to manipulate Andy into increasing his allowance by throwing tantrums.