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

Binghamton learns that there are German spies operating in the area. A courier drops off some secret papers and when Binghamton is not looking, a chimp takes them. The chimp makes his way to McHale’s camp, also taking letters from there, and then brings the papers back to his Gypsy owner. Binghamton sets up the thief by placing another letter on his desk. Sure enough, the chimp returns and when Binghamton follows the chimp he finds him in the company of Parker who was also looking for the thief. Binghamton arrests McHale and Parker for espionage. He then follows the orders on the papers that sends all PT boats into a dangerous situation. General Bronson arrives and they figure out that the orders were sent by the German spies. Kent McCord (credited as Kent McWhirter) appears as the courier.

McHale’s Navy Series

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

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 15 February 1966.
• Rating: TV-PG/TV-G.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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