China Beach (1988–1991)

A drama series set at an American base during the Vietnam War. Rather than focusing on the battle scenes that made up most other portrayals of the war, this show looked at the everyday ... See full summary »

Stars:

Dana Delany, Michael Boatman, Robert Picardo

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 18 wins & 40 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Dana Delany	...	Nurse Colleen McMurphy (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Michael Boatman	...	Pvt. Samuel Beckett (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Robert Picardo	...	Dr. Dick Richard (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Concetta Tomei	...	Maj. Lila Garreau (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Marg Helgenberger	...	K.C. Kolowski (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Brian Wimmer	...	Cpl. Boonie Lanier (61 episodes, 1988-1991)
Jeff Kober	...	Sgt. Evan 'Dodger' Winslow (57 episodes, 1988-1991)
Nancy Giles	...	Pvt. Frankie Bunsen (53 episodes, 1988-1991)
Troy Evans	...	Sgt. Pepper (27 episodes, 1989-1991)

Storyline

A drama series set at an American base during the Vietnam War. Rather than focusing on the battle scenes that made up most other portrayals of the war, this show looked at the everyday lives of the people sent to serve their country. The doctors, nurses, soldiers and even USO entertainers stationed at the base must try to come to terms with the horrors and stresses of the war around them. Not all of them succeed.

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Plot Keywords:

nurse | doctor | vietnam | vietnam war | nurse heroine | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 April 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Playa de China

Filming Locations:

Indian Dunes, Ventura County, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sacret, Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 60 min (60 episodes) 120 min (pilot) 120 min (series finale)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Colleen McMurphy: Sex is a bad word, but it feels good. Love is a good word, but it hurts.

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational Quarterfinal 1 (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Reflections"
(Theme)
Written by Brian Holland / Lamont Dozier / Eddie Holland
Recorded by Diana Ross & The Supremes

User Reviews

Thank You!

I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to everyone associated with this series. I have seen it before, and watching it again on The History Channel reminds me how important it was. I am a 36 year old American Male. Without this show I never would have had the desire to learn about Vietnam. The show inspired me to take on a bit of effort and learn some things for myself. It is sad that a television show had to inspire me to learn about my country's history. That my own country didn't care enough to teach me. I am so thankful for that knowledge. That knowledge has allowed me to speak to my uncles, bosses and others about the war and to be able to relate in general. I learned a lot. The most important things I learned: living an honest life; being true to one self; never taking life for granted; never, ever holding a grudge, and most of all compassion. Simple things. Little things. But oh so important. These things are no longer generally taught and are seldom seen.

I have introduced the show to my 15 year old nephew and hope he too will see some of things in the show I did. I hope he is inspired.

Thanks again!