How to Frame a Figg
Don Knotts also appeared in the 1971 Universal movie How to Frame a Figg. Here he returned to his well-known and much loved goofy comedic role, with his trademark wide-eyed and surprised face featuring a lot in the film.
How to Frame a Figg is about Hollis Alexander Figg, played by Knotts, a bookkeeper’s assistant in the Dalton City Hall who finds himself framed with embezzlement, and all the mishaps that occur as a result of that misfortune. Knotts found favor with audiences again as they thought this type of role suited him best.
The Steve Allen Show
“The Steve Allen Show”, hosted by Steve Allen, gave Don Knotts a recurring role on the show, starting in 1956. He quickly became an audience favorite with his appearances on the show soon making him a household name and a personal favorite of Steve Allen himself.
The show was the first of the spin-offs of “The Tonight Show”, which were all named after the host, with Jack Paar and Jay Leno following in Allen’s footsteps. Even those who didn’t watch his movies at the time got to know Don Knotts through the show.