10 Plus Stars! Confirmed.
One of a handful of episodes that actually could have lead to the castaways being RESCUED! Toss in a bit of legit sci fi here, thanks to an experimental Air Force jet pack that happens to land in the lagoon one fine day! Why can't the Air Force land in the lagoon???
Credit writer Sam Locke for coming up with this excellent story, and doing a little research on the side for the professor's sake. This all had to be inspired by LOST IN SPACE and the James Bond flick, THUNDERBALL, which both showcased real cool jetpacks. In this case, the professor immediately (if not sooner!) examines the gizmo from top to bottom, trying to figure out if it can successfully fly one of the castaways (guess who?) to nearby Hawaii. In actuality, the jet pack could fly various lengths, depending on the type of fuel it consumes, such as jet fuel. The average duration of a flight could be 30 to 45 minutes, or far less, all about the mechanics.
There's a fun scene where the professor puts together a makeshift aeronautical test for the Skipper, Gilligan and Mr. Howell, to see just who could stay up in the air the longest? In the meanwhile, Ginger and Maryann make up a straw man for a test flight. "A" for originality, and well directed by Gary Nelson, also working on GET SMART at the time. Writer Sam Locke was a regular writer for PATTY DUKE and MCHALES NAVY.
Special guest, the 'voice" of legendary LA Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, who was with the team right until his passing in 2002. Hearn appeared twice on the show, and in dozens of sitcoms, such as MY FAVORITE MARTIAN.
On a technical note, the famous Bell Rocket Belt was invented by aeronautical engineer Wendell Moore in the mid 50s for Bell Aeronautics in New York. Super trivia question. Moore passed a few years after this episode in 1969.
Do not miss this classic of classics, all us big kids loved back in the day. SEASON 3 EPISODE 27 remastered color.
