Sometimes it takes an old friend to help you realize a new dream. Although Don Knotts had enjoyed five years as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. The actor left the series to pursue a career in film, beginning with the 1966 film, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

Knotts recalled the whirlwind experience of filming the feature in his memoir, Barney Fife and Other Characters I Have Known. According to Knotts, the shooting schedule for his first big film was quite limited, to say the least.

“I got a shock when handed our shooting schedule,” wrote Knotts. “It gave us exactly seventeen shooting days. I couldn’t believe it! Less than three and a half weeks to shoot a feature motion picture! Unbelievable! Well, this called for some fast work and some long hours.”

Such a tight shooting schedule meant that Knotts needed to work with a director he could count on, someone that he had always cared for. In this case, the actor fought for Alan Rafkin, who had previously directed episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.

“I asked if we could get Alan Rafkin to direct the picture. I always got along well with Alan on the Griffith Show, and I thought he was a good director. He was fast, efficient, and he was a lot of fun. Alan has a great sense of humor, and I thought if anyone could shoot a picture in seventeen days, Alan Rafkin could. Universal made a deal with Alan, and I was much relieved.”

Choosing Rafkin was a good choice. The film was met with rave reviews and provided an excellent opening for Knotts’ life after The Andy Griffith Show.