"Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." (1964) TV series 1964-1969

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Creator:

Aaron Ruben

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

25 September 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

The misadventures of a bumbling Marine named Gomer Pyle.

Plot Keywords:

Mayberry | U.S. Marine Corps | Marine Corps US | Spin Off | Cult TV

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Frank Sutton	...	Sgt. Vince Carter (150 episodes, 1964-1969)
Jim Nabors	...	Pvt. Gomer Pyle (150 episodes, 1964-1969)

Also Known As:

"Gomer Pyle - USMC" (USA) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

30 min (150 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Andy Griffith Enterprises

Trivia:

In an interesting turnaround, Frank Sutton, the actor whose best known role was playing a Marine sergeant, could not pass the Marine Corps. physical during WWII and ended up serving in the Army. While serving in the U.S. Army, Sutton distinguished himself by taking part in 14 assault landings, including Leyte, Luzon, Bataan and Corregidor.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When wearing uniforms with ribbons, Carter often wears an Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon. Unless he served at least 3 years, (or one year in combat), he would not be eligible for that award since the Marine Corps also awards a Good Conduct Medal.

Quotes:

[Pyle is trying to remember the secret password, Lima Tango]
Gomer Pyle: Don't tell me, don't tell me. It's a bean, it's a bean... Lima.
Sgt. Carter: Lima what Pyle?
Gomer Pyle: Uhhhh... it's a dance, it's a dance... starts with T... I know- Lima Turkey Trot.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Day of the Dead (2008)

Gomer Pyle: Hallmark of the era

Inspired by the storyline of Andy Griffith's hit motion picture "No Time For Sergeants" and fueled by the popularity of the "Andy Griffith Show's" delightfully naive gas station attendant, Gomer Pyle, it was a natural turn of events, having this erstwhile hayseed enter the United States Marine Corps -- at the Corps' (chuckle) peril.

"Gomer Pyle USMC" is one of the symbols of an era which took pride in its military and enjoyed the good natured innocence and honesty of the show's main character. I have no doubt there are many of us who wish that state of mind could still exist in the twenty-first century, unburdened by the threat of terrorism on the American home front.