Ep 17. Alcohol and Old Lace

In the seventeenth episode of the first season of The Andy Griffith Show, entitled "Alcohol and Old Lace," the town of Mayberry is thrown into turmoil when an elderly widow named Clara Edwards, played by actress Hope Summers, prepares a potent batch of homemade elderberry wine and accidentally serves it to the choir as communion wine at church on Sunday morning.

As word spreads about the incident, Andy, played by actor Andy Griffith, and his deputy Barney Fife, played by actor Don Knotts, rush to Clara's home to investigate. When they arrive, they find the aging widow and her sister, Cynthia, played by character actress Doris Packer, still in the midst of their wine-making endeavors.

Despite Andy's warnings about the dangers of serving alcohol without a license, Clara and Cynthia refuse to stop making their elderberry wine, insisting that it is a harmless hobby that brings them joy and helps them to pass the time in their old age.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise in Mayberry as more and more townspeople become aware of the situation and demand that the Edwards sisters be punished for breaking the law. Meanwhile, Andy and Barney are torn between their duty to enforce the law and their desire to protect the harmless, well-intentioned women from any harm.

Ultimately, the episode culminates in a dramatic showdown at the Edwards sisters' home, where Andy and Barney must confront a group of angry townspeople who have gathered outside to demand that the sisters be arrested and prosecuted.

In the end, the situation is resolved in a surprising and heartwarming way that offers a satisfying conclusion to the story while also highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness in times of crisis.

Throughout the episode, the show's trademark blend of humor, warmth, and small-town charm is on full display, as viewers are treated to a delightful slice of life in Mayberry that captures the essence of the series and its enduring popularity. With its quaint setting, colorful characters, and lighthearted tone, "Alcohol and Old Lace" is a classic episode of one of television's most beloved and iconic shows.