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

Gruber and the guys pick up a few souvenirs during a mission, unaware that they are valuable items stolen by the Japanese during the battle of Manila. When one of the items – a priceless antique tea set – winds up as a wedding present for Admiral Hardesy’s (John Zaremba) daughter, McHale and the crew must make a hasty trip to New Caledonia. There, Parker must play the part of the officiating Chaplain as part of a scheme to get it back. Parker actually performs the wedding. Chaplain Conklin saves the day by swapping out the tea set and officially marrying the couple later. Eleanor Audley appears as Mrs. Millicent Hardesy.

McHale’s Navy Series

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

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 05 May 1964.
• Rating: TV-PG/TV-G.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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