‘The Andy Griffith Show’: The Strange Way the Show is Connected to ‘The Dick Tracy Show’

What do “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Dick Tracy Show,” and “Citizen Kane” all have in common?

The answer is one man named Everett Sloane. Sloane was the brilliant man behind the lyrics for “The Andy Griffith Show” theme song. Now, some of you may be saying, “You must be confused, the theme song had no lyrics, it was simply an incredibly memorable whistled tune.” And you’re not entirely wrong. Yes, the theme song that began and concluded each episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” was a simple (yet iconic) whistle. However, the original song for the show did include lyrics. And Everett Sloane penned those lyrics.

Unfortunately, his lyrics never made it onto the show. However, Andy Griffith did record the vocal version for the 1961 album, “Songs, Themes And Laughs From The Andy Griffith Show.” Additionally, Sloane landed a role on the classic TV show during the second season. During the episode titled, “The Keeper of the Flame,” Sloane plays farmer and moonshiner Jubal Foster. Foster’s barn just happens to burn down while Opie and his friends hold a meeting of their secret society called The Wildcats. Foster blames the boys. However, it turns out that the fire was in fact the old man’s fault.

The Writer of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Theme Song Also Appeared in These Iconic Hollywood Productions

Not everyone can thrive both behind and in front of the camera. Some actors would never be able to write a theme song for a show and vice versa. But Everett Sloane could successfully hold roles in all aspects of show business. Not only was he a successful lyricist, but he was also a seasoned writer, actor, and director. In fact, Sloan’s first career was on Wall Street. So, he probably could have even helped with the business side of television production.

However, the economic crash of 1929 put an end to his Wall Street career. So, Sloane began a career in radio. He then landed a career-making role in the iconic film, “Citizen Kane.” He played Mr. Bernstein in the film. Later in his career, he voiced everyone’s favorite super detective with the yellow fedora in “The Dick Tracy Show.” Additionally, Sloane made appearances on several iconic shows. The shows included “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show, and of course, “The Andy Griffith Show.”

And that is how, in a very strange and roundabout way, “The Andy Griffith Show,” is connected to both “Citizen Kane” and “The Dick Tracy Show.”