HEADMASTER: ONE FOR THE GIPPER (TV)
Summary
One in this short-lived comedy series about Andy Thompson, headmaster of an elite California private institution, The Concord School, and his friendships with the staff members and students. In this episode, Coach Brownell complains that the school does not adequately support the sports teams, though admits that the track team is particularly terrible, a theory proven when they lose yet another meet. Andy tries to encourage him that the team's luck will soon turn around and puts in a personal appearance at the next practice, though Jerry gloomily notes that their next opponents are particularly talented and the Concord team is likely to be "murdered." When this indeed comes to pass, a despondent Brownell blames himself and hands in his resignation.
The students question Andy about the rumors of the coach's departure, and Jerry tells Andy of his soul-searching motorcycle trip, on which a flat tire seemed to be a metaphor for his failure. His athletes, however, tell Andy that while Jerry maintains some "screwy training methods," they have always appreciated his kindness and his refusal to shame them for doing poorly. Andy decides to give Jerry a proper send-off and holds a formal luncheon at which several boys talk about his kindness and unflagging encouragement, even in the face of many defeats. Touched, Jerry reconsiders his decision and requests to stay at Concord, and Andy suggests some alterations to the athletes' schedules that may prove beneficial to their future competitions. Later, Jerry addresses the football team, assuring them that trying one's best is more important than winning. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: October 20, 1970 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:25:09
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:27132
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Teachers; Coaches (Athletics)
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1970-1971
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Richard O. Linke … Executive Producer
- Aaron Ruben … Producer, Created by
- Lee Philips … Director
- Nate Monaster … Writer
- Pat Williams … Music by
- Kelly Gordon … Theme Music by
- Linda Ronstadt … Theme Music by
- Andy Griffith … Cast, Andy Thompson
- Jerry Van Dyke … Cast, Jerry Brownell
- Parker Fennelly … Cast, Mr. Purdy
- Claudette Nevins … Cast, Margaret Thompson
- Peter Eff … Cast, Hank
- Jim Kidwell … Cast, Rick
- Jim Waring … Cast, Art
- Chris Pina … Cast, 1st Male Student
- Tom Ruben … Cast, 2nd Male Student
- Oliver Givens … Cast, Male Team Member
- Michael Shea … Cast, Fred