Gomer Pyle: USMC (1964–1969)The misadventures of a bumbling Marine named Gomer Pyle. |
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Gomer Pyle: USMC (1964–1969)The misadventures of a bumbling Marine named Gomer Pyle. |
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| Series cast summary: | |||
| Jim Nabors | ... |
Pvt. Gomer Pyle
(150 episodes, 1964-1969)
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| Frank Sutton | ... |
Sgt. Vince Carter
(150 episodes, 1964-1969)
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| Ronnie Schell | ... |
Duke
(92 episodes, 1964-1969)
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Gomer Pyle was a sweet but not too smart Marine from Mayberry, North Carolina who was stationed at Camp Henderson near Los Angeles, California. Gomer's innocence, naivete and low-key demeanor often got him into trouble, most frequently at the hands of his loud-mouthed superior, Sgt. Carter. Duke, Frankie, Lester and Larry were some of Gomer's pals and fellow enlisted men at Camp Henderson, and Lou Anne Poovie was his sometimes girlfriend. Written by Marty McKee <mmckee@soltec.net>
When Andy Griffith hired Jim Nabors to portray Gomer Pyle on his hit Mayberry sitcom, the Alabama born actor-singer played the part so well that a spin off was created for him. It turned out to be Gomer Pyle, USMC, putting his naive personality against the tough, no-nonsense Sergeant Carter, played by Frank Sutton. The show ended up becoming one of TV's most successful spinoffs, never falling out of the Nielsen Top 10 ratings.
I remember watching Gomer Pyle for many years and I thought it was a very funny show. A couple of episodes I remember was the one when Gomer and Sgt. Carter were in Washington and Gomer really wanted to say "Hey!" to the President. Recently, i saw the two episodes with Carol Burnett, including the one where Gomer and Sgt (promoted from Corporal) Carol Barnes sang a duet. It was one of several episodes that showcased Nabors' outstanding singing talent.
Also added to the hysteria were Ronnie Schell as Duke Slater and Allan Melvin as Sgt. Hacker.
After five years, Gomer Pyle ended its run, not because of low ratings, but because CBS offered Nabors a variety show and he decided to leave the sitcom and focus on the new show. But we'll always remember his stint as one of TV's funniest marines. Shazam!