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

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

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

Also Known As:

Gomer Pyle (Australia)
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

Certification:

Australia:G

Filming Locations:

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

Company:

Andy Griffith Enterprises

Trivia:

Jim Nabors said that it was always difficult for him to watch the opening of the show because many of the men that he is seen marching with were killed in Vietnam.

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:

Gomer Pyle: Golly!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Simpsons: Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes? (#3.24)" (1992)

Switch to color in 1965

In 1965 the Gomer Pyle, USMC show was switched from black and white to color. It was necessary to film the color guard and opening and closing scenes for the show in color. This was done at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, in June, 1965. I was in the recruit platoon used for the filming and I am the young Marine marching directly behind Gomer in those scenes. During most of the brief scene Sgt. Carter is between me and the camera, however the angle changes just before the scene closes. We marched from 0730 until 1430 that day just to get those few seconds of film. The platoon was Plt. 130, 1st Recruit Btn. As a side note, during a break in the filming, Frank Sutton (Sgt. Carter) asked me if I ever smiled. Being the young, indoctrinated, Gung Ho recruit I was, my reply was, "Yes Sir. When my Drill Instructor tells me to, sir!" Frank Sutton Rolled his eyes and said to Jim Nabors, "I forgot where we were for a second". After my stint in the Marine Corps, I went into law enforcement and spent more time in front of a TV camera than I cared to. I'm now retired and enjoying life to the fullest.