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

Christy has been arrested by Binghamton and is housed in the local Navy brig. McHale says he will go talk with Colonel Harrigan about the incident. The problem is that McHale is restricted to base and leaving could get him an AWOL charge. But he goes hoping to get Christy off. During his absence McHale’s Italian cousin Giuseppe (Ernest Borgnine in a dual role), who happens to bear a very strong resemblance to his American counterpart, shows up. The crew will let Giuseppe stand in for McHale when Binghamton comes looking for him. But it will not be easy since the cousin can speak no English.

McHale’s Navy Series

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

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 05 October 1965.
• Rating: TV-PG/TV-G.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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