"Little Island, Big Gun" is the very first episode in which someone arrives by boat, featuring Larry Storch as Jackson Farrell, small time crook on the lam after knocking over the Monarch Bank, his loot in a little bag that Gilligan unwittingly shoots out of a tree. Introducing himself as a doctor destined to use the cash to build a hospital on a nearby island, Farrell admits to Gilligan how generous people were in making donations: "you should have seen the way they handed it over to me!" He delights in revealing his specialty to be surgery: "I've devoted most of my life to removing things!" A radio announcement broadcasts Farrell's true identity, after which he wastes no time in holding everyone at bay with his loaded pistol. The unexpected arrival of the Indigo Mob forces the castaways to dress up as savage natives, or else risk Mary Ann's life should Farrell be displeased. From Mr. Howell's cries of 'moola moola moola' to Ginger's slap in the face, the islanders are a real hoot fooling the rival gang (played by Louis Quinn and Jack Sheldon). When Jackson's henchman Gates (K.L. Smith) returns to pick up his boss, Gilligan tosses them the anchor, which sinks to the bottom of the lagoon with the now shredded money, Farrell now anxious to get away: "with Gilligan on that island you can't win!" It's nice to know that Gilligan's incompetence comes in handy when he and his fellow castaways are in danger. This was the sole episode directed by longtime actor Abner Biberman, whose numerous TV credits behind the camera (over 100) dwarfed his on screen appearances.
5 Reviews
An Expert at Removing Things Foiled by Gilligan
kmcelhaney00528 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Late at night, criminal mastermind Jackson Farrell arrives on what he thinks is a uninhabited tropical island with a half-million dollars in money stolen from the Monarch Bank. Naturally, Gilligan discovers Jackson and his money as well, though at first he claims to be a humble doctor.
That ruse is soon up when a radio report reveals Jackson's true nature and he threatens the castaways. Will our heroes get out of this predicament and get rescued? Well, yes and no.
Actually, a pretty good episode with a fine, restrained performance by Larry Storch (if you've seen him on F Troop, then this by comparison is restrained). Larry is menacing, yet he projects just enough humanity that you know he's not interested in harming anyone...well, until pushed too far late in the episode.
Highlights include a neat physical bit with Jackson Farrell as a random date falls on his head while talking to Gilligan. In fact, Larry has a pretty good rapport with Bob Denver and their first scene is a good one. Other highlights include the Skipper, Gilligan and the Professor trying to get themselves up from their beds while being tied down, the Professor's delayed realization to Ginger's plan, and the climactic scene.
Overall, this is actually a fast-paced episode that works thanks to the performance of Larry Storch, good writing and funny bits that make this episode work.
That ruse is soon up when a radio report reveals Jackson's true nature and he threatens the castaways. Will our heroes get out of this predicament and get rescued? Well, yes and no.
Actually, a pretty good episode with a fine, restrained performance by Larry Storch (if you've seen him on F Troop, then this by comparison is restrained). Larry is menacing, yet he projects just enough humanity that you know he's not interested in harming anyone...well, until pushed too far late in the episode.
Highlights include a neat physical bit with Jackson Farrell as a random date falls on his head while talking to Gilligan. In fact, Larry has a pretty good rapport with Bob Denver and their first scene is a good one. Other highlights include the Skipper, Gilligan and the Professor trying to get themselves up from their beds while being tied down, the Professor's delayed realization to Ginger's plan, and the climactic scene.
Overall, this is actually a fast-paced episode that works thanks to the performance of Larry Storch, good writing and funny bits that make this episode work.
- Larry Storch becomes the first guest star that we see arrive by boat to Gilligan's Island. Vito Scotti arrived by midget sub and Wrongway was already on the island.
- The ropes that hold the Skipper, Professor and Gilligan to the bed sure seem awfully loose.
- Mr. Howell tries to pay Jackson Farrell off with a check written on tree bark. But Mr. Howell had a checkbook in "The Big Gold Strike"...did he use up all his checks after that? - I could find no information on the "Indego Mob" that tailed Jackson to the island. It could be a rival gang that wants the money.
- That was one quick make-up job on the castaways to get them to look native. Interestingly enough, only the Professor does not interact with the "Indego Mob" in any way.
- It's pretty clear that the gun Jackson uses in the lagoon is a water pistol that looks nothing like the gun he has carried during the show.
- Plus, Jackson apparently doesn't realize that paper money is still good, even if chopped up.
Gilligan carries a Storch.
Ralphkram9 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's a given that a series about seven castaways stranded on a desert island requires suspension of disbelief. Some episodes of GI require more than others. A viewer has to do a lot of suspending in Little Island, Big Gun, one of the more disappointing episodes of the season, given to too much slapstick silliness, a meandering plot, and the total waste of a good guest star.
Gangster Jackson Farrell lands on the island with a bagful of cash he knocked over from the Monarch bank. His plan is to hide out until he gets word from his partner their boat has been searched by the Coast Guard, then return with the loot. This plan hits an immediate snag when he bumps into Gilligan while the sailor is shooting down dates with a bow and arrow and nails the bag of cash. In easily his best and funniest scene, Farrell convinces our lead he is a doctor and the cash represents donations to build his hospital. Unfortunately, from this point on, Little Island has little humor.
He is introduced to the other castaways, who immediately accept him at face value and don't bother to delve into his skills or background. Farrell--savvy enough to find an uncharted island-forgets to use an alias, a slip that allows Gilligan to connect the dots while listening about the robbery, and we stumble into the plot.
The episode bogs down as the gangster is forced to hold him and the others captive and they think of unimaginative ways to steal his revolver. Ginger has one of her more forgettable seduction attempts, and Gilligan's plan to net him takes too long to develop and has a weak payoff.
The plot then turns loopy when the Indigo Boys, a rival gang of Farrell's, track him down. Farrell's solution is to hold Mary Ann at gunpoint and dress the other castaways in native headdress to fool them. Outside of a sexy jiggle by Ginger, the scene is the most cringe-worthy since Gilligan and the Skip were trees in the pilot.
Farrell's partner returns to get the episode back on solid ground. The gangsters' getaway is disrupted by our lead in a nice 'anchors away' moment to close out this uneven entry.
COCONOTES
Larry Storch does what he can with the mediocre material, but writers Roland McClane and Dick Conway fail to take advantage of his manic side and ability to do impressions.
"You see, I'm a doctor."
Gilligan mentions the revolver from VooDoo Something to Me.
We're back in the community hut. Where are the sailor's hammocks?
Major plot hole: Farrell finds it necessary to tie up the men at night, but he allows them to walk around freely in the daytime.
More suspending of disbelief: Farrell manages to find native garb and makeup for six people in the drop of a hat. Did he bring his own wardrobe department?
Gangster Jackson Farrell lands on the island with a bagful of cash he knocked over from the Monarch bank. His plan is to hide out until he gets word from his partner their boat has been searched by the Coast Guard, then return with the loot. This plan hits an immediate snag when he bumps into Gilligan while the sailor is shooting down dates with a bow and arrow and nails the bag of cash. In easily his best and funniest scene, Farrell convinces our lead he is a doctor and the cash represents donations to build his hospital. Unfortunately, from this point on, Little Island has little humor.
He is introduced to the other castaways, who immediately accept him at face value and don't bother to delve into his skills or background. Farrell--savvy enough to find an uncharted island-forgets to use an alias, a slip that allows Gilligan to connect the dots while listening about the robbery, and we stumble into the plot.
The episode bogs down as the gangster is forced to hold him and the others captive and they think of unimaginative ways to steal his revolver. Ginger has one of her more forgettable seduction attempts, and Gilligan's plan to net him takes too long to develop and has a weak payoff.
The plot then turns loopy when the Indigo Boys, a rival gang of Farrell's, track him down. Farrell's solution is to hold Mary Ann at gunpoint and dress the other castaways in native headdress to fool them. Outside of a sexy jiggle by Ginger, the scene is the most cringe-worthy since Gilligan and the Skip were trees in the pilot.
Farrell's partner returns to get the episode back on solid ground. The gangsters' getaway is disrupted by our lead in a nice 'anchors away' moment to close out this uneven entry.
COCONOTES
Larry Storch does what he can with the mediocre material, but writers Roland McClane and Dick Conway fail to take advantage of his manic side and ability to do impressions.
"You see, I'm a doctor."
Gilligan mentions the revolver from VooDoo Something to Me.
We're back in the community hut. Where are the sailor's hammocks?
Major plot hole: Farrell finds it necessary to tie up the men at night, but he allows them to walk around freely in the daytime.
More suspending of disbelief: Farrell manages to find native garb and makeup for six people in the drop of a hat. Did he bring his own wardrobe department?
LITTLE ISLAND, BIG BAD BANK ROBBER?
tcchelsey19 November 2023
Only Larry Storch could play a wacky bankrobber, landing (via speedboat!) on the island. What truly is AMAZING is all the people who reach the island, one way or another, but never can actually help the castaways? Soooo frustrating.
Storch plays Jackson Farrell, who at first claims he's carrying the money to build a hospital. When a radio bulletin reveals his true identitiy, he has no choice but to hold everybody hostage. This is where the fun starts. Somehow, someway the crew manages to dress up as natives(!) to scare Jackson. Good luck.
BIG question is where did they get the makeup and the wild costumes? Also check out the phony tv money. Mr. Howell offers Jackson a hundred thousand dollar bill ---look closely at all the zeroes, actually a million phony bucks. TV money is outrageous.
Best of the best is when Jackson eventually makes his escape --and what becomes of all the mazuma? Wait and see.
Written by Dick Conway, who mastered many classic stories for LEAVE IT TO BEAVER. Veteran director and actor Abner Biberman handled this episode, soon to direct the VIRGINIAN and IRONSIDE. It's a shame he did not appear in this story; he majored in many offbeat roles, playing natives and villains. He would have been spot on.
One to see for all us Larry Storch fans. SEASON 1 EPISODE 17 remastered box set. 6 dvds. 2004 official release, black and white and color.
Storch plays Jackson Farrell, who at first claims he's carrying the money to build a hospital. When a radio bulletin reveals his true identitiy, he has no choice but to hold everybody hostage. This is where the fun starts. Somehow, someway the crew manages to dress up as natives(!) to scare Jackson. Good luck.
BIG question is where did they get the makeup and the wild costumes? Also check out the phony tv money. Mr. Howell offers Jackson a hundred thousand dollar bill ---look closely at all the zeroes, actually a million phony bucks. TV money is outrageous.
Best of the best is when Jackson eventually makes his escape --and what becomes of all the mazuma? Wait and see.
Written by Dick Conway, who mastered many classic stories for LEAVE IT TO BEAVER. Veteran director and actor Abner Biberman handled this episode, soon to direct the VIRGINIAN and IRONSIDE. It's a shame he did not appear in this story; he majored in many offbeat roles, playing natives and villains. He would have been spot on.
One to see for all us Larry Storch fans. SEASON 1 EPISODE 17 remastered box set. 6 dvds. 2004 official release, black and white and color.
Once again, the castaways are victims of a comical villain.
mark.waltz13 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Larry Storch guest stars as a bank robber hiding out on the island who pretends to be an island doctor also shipwrecked, but he is quickly exposed and makes it known that anyone who tries to stop him will get it, and he means it. This is certainly suspenseful as to how they will deal with him, but unpleasant (and not as good as the Don Rickles episode later on) and outside of Gilligan's regular antics, not very funny. Storch also played a similar role on "The Mothers in Law". The efforts for him to try to capture him are all obviously failures, so this is also very predictable. Coming so close after the episode with the Japanese sailor, this seems rather desperate, although the attempted seduction between Storch and Tina Louise is well written. It has a very funny twist visually though when the castaways are forced to dress up as island natives as Storch holds Mary Ann hostage. Still silly and one I can easily avoid on future marathons.
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