The Best Episodes Written By Paul Henning

Two crooks masquerade as an FBI agent and a professional photographer in a scheme to honor the Mayberry Sheriff's Department for preserving the community's low crime rate -- but they actually have their eye on the town bank.

Kate uses a combination of charm, subterfuge, and wiles to prevent Homer Bedloe from catching the Hooterville Cannonball and getting to Pixley in order to initiate proceedings that would permanently terminate the train's operation. She has to keep him at the Shady Rest long enough to convince him that the Cannonball is an integral part of the valley's life. When all else fails, Kate gets Sam, the Hooterville Jack of all professions, to scare Bedloe into changing his mind.

The Cannonball and its primary passenger, Uncle Joe, are pelted with eggs after the Hooterville Hornets, coached by Uncle Joe, are drubbed in what may be their worst game ever. Another unexpected passenger on that run is Homer Bedloe, who is surprisingly cordial and pleasant. Uncle Joe doesn't see anything wrong with Bedloe being cordial and taking it like a man in defeat in his efforts to scrap the Cannonball. Kate on the other hand believes Bedloe is up to no good. News gets to Sam that John Fisher and Max Thornton, two bigwigs from the railroad, are coming for a surprise inspection the following day. When Kate learns this news, they have to go clean-up the Cannonball. Plus, they have to keep Bedloe preoccupied so that he won't know what they're up to. And third, they have to railroad the visiting bigwigs about how deluxe the service on the Cannonball is. Fisher and Thornton are very impressed with the service.

The Bradleys, Sam Drucker, Herby, Charlie and Floyd are decorating the Cannonball for its annual Christmas Eve trip of caroling, gift-giving and merriment around the valley. But, Homer Bedloe is determined to be a Scrooge and take possession of the train on Christmas Eve. Railroad President Norman Curtis finds out what Bedloe is up to and goes to Hooterville to stop him.

The Clampetts take their first plane flight back home for Christmas to visit cousin Pearl, who is busy cooking up a feast to win Mr. Brewster's unwilling heart. Mr. Brewster insults Pearl when he asks her to be his housekeeper, while she thought it was going to be a proposal.

Back home for Christmas, Elly May bonds with her old animal friends. Pearl plays the piano for the "new" movie in town (the silent version of Ben Hur) to impress Mr. Brewster. While Mr. Brewster tries to sneak out of the movie, Homer Winch declares his love for Pearl.

Homer Bedloe, trouble-shooter for the C&F W Railroad, is sent by railroad president Norman P. Curtis to the little community of Hooterville to find out why a branch line doesn't connect with the main line. The branch line carries the "Cannonball" train, and is vital to the Shady Rest Hotel, run by Kate Bradley, her three grown daughters and "Uncle Joe" Carson. If Bedloe succeeds in shutting down the Cannonball, Kate faces ruin. John Ashley appears as passenger Fred.

The Clampetts begin to settle in their new home in Beverly Hills. They are having to adjust to things such as refrigerators, ovens and the "cement pond" (swimming pool). Jethro also encounters a flamingo that he thinks is a chicken (which causes Jed to suspect Jethro has been sneaking drinks of moonshine). Meanwhile, Miss Hathaway, executive secretary to banker Milburn Drysdale, mistakes the Clampetts for "domestic" help. She thinks Granny is a cook and Elly a maid.

The conman Harry Jones, who pretends to be an old friend, gives Jed a "bargain" when he offers to sell Griffith Park, the Hollywood Bowl, and the freeway to the millionaire.

Jethro decides he wants to go a courtin', so Jed gives him a little education. Jethro develops feelings for an exotic dancer named Chickadee Laverne and brings her home to meet the folks. As usual, neither she or the Clampetts know what the other is really saying.

Jethro thinks he's in love with Chickadee Laverne. She and the Clampetts still have a different idea about what an "engagement" is. Meanwhile, Miss Jane tries to woo Jethro away from Chickadee. As marriage seemingly draws nearer, Jethro discovers a deal-breaking secret about Chickadee: she can't cook.