In 1996, the cult comedy classic The Ghost and Mr. Chicken was finally making its way to a home video release. The spooky fun flick was long-forgotten by folks who hadn't had the pleasure of seeing it in theaters. Finally, though, fans could see it again as a deal was struck to release it on VHS.

To celebrate the movie's new format, writer Everett Greenbaum, who also served as producer on The Andy Griffith Show, discussed the slapstick gem with Cult Movies Magazine contributor Steve Cox. Naturally, Greenbaum also spoke about his time crafting The Andy Griffith Show, and mentioned Mayberry memories, as well.

What The Ghost and Mr. Chicken shared with The Andy Griffith Show

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken shared a lot of DNA with The Andy Griffith Show. In addition to Everett Greenbaum, the movie had a writing credit from Jim Fritzell. Fritzell was also a writer on Griffith and left the show during season six, just like Greenbaum. 

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That shared experience gave Greenbaum and Fritzell an insider's look at how to best use Knotts' comedy talents. Both writers saw how funny Knotts could be when he was all keyed up, and knew to write him as a frantic, scared character. 

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and The Andy Griffith Show's "Haunted House" Episode

But don't mistake their insight for plagiarism. Neither Greenbaum nor Fritzell was credited as a writer on The Andy Griffith Show's "Haunted House" episode, with narrative beats similar to those in Ghost and Mr. Chicken. While many assumed that the movie was spun out from that earlier Griffith half-hour, Greenbaum said, "not really."

"We simply knew Don Knotts was greatest when he was scared."

Grounding The Andy Griffith Show in Real Life: Greenbaum's Approach to Believable Characters

Speaking about his time writing in Mayberry, Greenbaum mentioned how much the show's main characters were crafted using real life. The writers' insistence on grounding the show in reality. Even though Greenbaum grew up in Buffalo and Fritzell grew up in San Francisco, they were able to tap into what made Mayberry universal.

"Jim [Fritzell] and me [sic] had an awful lot in common with Andy and Don in regards to comedy and life," said Greenbaum. "Even now, when I look at Don or Andy on the screen, I feel like I'm looking in the mirror. It's a very weird feeling. Like I'm them or they're me."

Writing for Don Knotts: Crafting Physical Comedy in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

While Greenbaum and Fritzell drew from real-world experience to put their characters in believable situations, they also knew how to craft scenes around their actors' strengths. For instance, Greenbaum expertly wrote for Don Knotts, whose physical comedy prowess made him hilarious onscreen and onstage. However, Greenbaum and Fritzell also knew to shy away from anything Knotts and Griffith couldn't credibly portray.

"I know Andy and Don's weaknesses so well, they're both so fragile," Greenbaum explained. "Don was so funny— physically— to watch, his wiry body and motions. Hell, Don used to think he was a hunchback in high school."

A Lasting Legacy: Greenbaum and Fritzell’s Impact on Classic TV and Film

Greenbaum had a storied writing career. In addition to The Andy Griffith Show, he made indelible contributions to shows like Mr. Peepers, M*A*S*H, The Real McCoys, Love American Style, and Sanford and Son. Together, Greenbaum and Fritzell won three Writers' Guild awards and four Emmy nominations.

On top of The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, Greenbaum would work with Knotts again in The Reluctant Astronaut and The Shakiest Gun in the West.