Introduction
China Beach is an American dramatic television series set at an evacuation hospital during the Vietnam War.
The title refers to My Khe beach in the city of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, nicknamed “China Beach” in English by American and Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. The ABC TV drama aired for four seasons, from 1988 to 1991.
Outline
On his last day in Vietnam, Beckett leaves a Bible with McMurphy and shares a tearful goodbye with Mai. At the airfield, he decides not to board the plane back to the US and reunited with Mai at the Jet Set just as news of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s murder reaches China Beach. He joins Frankie and a unit of Black soldiers on leave in mourning Dr. King. However, the Jet Set is shut down when they clash with rowdy group of racist white soldiers. The Black soldiers relocate to their own section of the base, the “Promised Land” occupied by Fluke, but they refuse to join his illicit activities when he admits he sells to white soldiers. Taunted by racist displays from the white soldiers, a brawl breaks out between units, causing Lila to end their R&R early. Still struggling with the dissolution of his marriage, Dr. Richard agrees to a date with Wayloo Marie, who is warned by McMurphy not to hurt the doctor. When one of the white soldiers is killed in combat after their early end to R&R, their unit leader personally blames Beckett. He kills Fluke and destroys the Promised Land. When the Black soldiers capture him and intend to kill him in retribution, Beckett talks them down and urges them to seek justice through the military legal system. Beckett re-enlists, joining Mai and her son at their village before he’s required to return to China Beach.
China Beach Series
You can find a full index and overview of China Beach here.
Production & Filming Details
- Release Date: 12 April 1989.
- Running Time: 46-47 minutes.
- Rating: Unknown.
- Country: US.
- Language: English.
Video Link
