Introduction

McHale’s Navy is an American sitcom starring Ernest Borgnine that aired 138 half-hour episodes over four seasons, from 11 October 1962 to 12 April 1966 on the ABC television network.

The series was filmed in black and white and originated from a one-hour drama titled “Seven Against the Sea”, broadcast on 03 April 1962. The ABC series spawned three feature films: McHale’s Navy (1964); a sequel, McHale’s Navy Joins the Air Force (1965); and a 1997 sequel-remake of the original series. A documentary, McHale’s Navy: The Crew Remembers, was aired in 2007.

Producer Edward Montagne set up a female version of McHale’s Navy entitled Broadside, which ran for 32 episodes in the 1964-1965 ABC season.

Background

Complications develop when McHale and the 73 crew go after a certain Japanese pilot known as “Washing Machine Charlie,” who has been attacking the Taratupa base on a daily basis. Word has got back to the Admiral and he wants a stop to the daily raid. He cancels all leave, which McHale’s crew was to start, until Washing Machine Charlie is found. The crew come up with a plan to make it look as though they had shot “Charlie” down. McHale learns about the fraud and now they are hunting every island in hopes of finding the plane before the Admiral arrives. Despite some mishaps, the crew get “Charlie”.

McHale’s Navy Series

You can find a full index and overview of McHale’s Navy here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 14 March 1963.
• Rating: TV-PG/TV-G.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link