McHale's Navy (1962-1966)
McHale's Navy was a World War II television comedy series that aired from 1962-1966 on ABC and starred Ernest Borgnine as Lt. Commander Quinton McHale and followed the antics of him and the crew of the PT Boat he commanded. The crew of the PT-73 consists of Ensign Charles Parker (Tim Conway), Lester Gruber (Carl Ballantine), George "Christy" Christopher (Gary Vinson), "Tinker" Bell (Billy Sands), Virgil Edwards (Edson Stroll), Willy Moss (John Wright), and Happy (Gavin MacLeod) (Seasons 1 and 2). Fuji Kobiaji (Yoshio Yoda) is a Japanese Sailor who deserted from the Imperial Japanese Navy, then befriended the PT-73 crew. Captain Wallace B. Binghamton (Joe Flynn) and Lt. Elroy Carpenter (Bob Hastings) are the constant antagonists of McHale and his crew. Seasons 1-3 are set on and around the fictional island of Taratupa in the South Pacific in 1943. Season 4 is set in and around the fictional town of Voltafiore, Italy in 1944.
The following weapons were used in the series McHale's Navy:
Revolvers
Colt Official Police
Ensign Parker (Tim Conway), Big Frenchy (George Kennedy), Big Louie (Nestor Paiva) and Sub-Lieutenant Clivedon (Bernard Fox) carry the Colt Official Police.
Colt Official Police with 5" barrel - .38 Special.
Ensign Parker, on duty as the Officer of the Day, points a Colt Official Police revolver at Big Frenchy. "The Return of Big Frenchy" (S2E28)
Big Frenchy holds the revolver.
Big Louie points a revolver. "The McHale Mob" (S2E32)
Ensign Parker carries two revolvers with 4" barrels, one with a 6" barrel, three Mk 2 hand grenades, and an assortment of knives, brass knuckles and other weapons. "The McHale Mob"
Another view of Ensign Parker's weapons.
Sub-Lieutenant Clivedon (
Bernard Fox) holds a revolver. "The British Also Have Ensigns" (S3E8)
Ensign Parker holds a revolver. "Send This Ensign to Camp" (S3E25)
Smith & Wesson Model 36
Ensign Parker carries a Smith & Wesson Model 36 in one episode.
Smith & Wesson Model 36 - .38 Special.
Ensign Parker attempts to knock on the door while holding his revolver. "The Great Necklace Caper" (S3E28)
Smith & Wesson Model 10
Ensign Parker carries a suppressed Smith & Wesson Model 10 in one episode. Capt. Binghamton (Joe Flynn), Lt. Cmdr. McHale (Ernest Borgnine), Ensign Parker and Count Cesare Spinetti (David Opatoshu) are seen with nickel-plated Model 10s.
Smith & Wesson Model 10 with 4" barrel - .38 Special.
Ensign Parker holds a suppressed S&W Model 10. "Rumble on Taratupa" (S3E31)
Ensign Parker gestures with his S&W Model 10. "Rumble on Taratupa"
Capt. Binghamton carries a matched pair of nickel-plated S&W Model 10s with ivory grips. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?" (S4E26)
Capt. Binghamton practices his quick-draw technique. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?"
Ensign Parker holds one of Capt. Binghamton's revolvers. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?"
Ensign Parker attempts to aim the revolver. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?"
Lt. Cmdr. McHale holds a pair of revolvers similar to Capt. Binghamton's. "Binghamton at 20 Paces" (S4E29)
Count Cesare Spinetti (
David Opatoshu) examines one of McHale's revolvers. "Binghamton at 20 Paces"
Unidentified Revolvers
Willy (John Wright), Virgil (Edson Stroll) and Christy (Gary Vinson) carry unidentified revolvers in one episode.
Willy, Virgil and Christy point unidentified revolvers at Capt. Binghamton. Tinker (
Billy Sands) (center) points a replica Thompson. Gruber (
Carl Ballantine) (right) points an M1911A1. "Rumble on Taratupa" (S3E31)
Virgil and Christy point their revolvers at Capt. Binghamton. "Rumble on Taratupa"
Pistols
Colt M1911A1
The Colt M1911A1 is the main sidearm carried by Navy officers in the series. Christy is frequently seen armed with an M1911A1, while the other members of the PT-73 crew are rarely seen using it. German soldiers use them in one episode.
World War II issued Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP.
Lt. Cmdr. McHale holds an M1911A1 at the ready in "Washing Machine Charlie" (S1E22).
Lt. Cmdr. McHale holds an M1911A1 while Ensign Parker handles his M1911A1 carelessly. "Washing Machine Charlie"
Capt. Binghamton talks to Lt. Carpenter while holding an M1911A1. "Nippon Nancy Calling" (S1E23)
Lt. Carpenter (
Bob Hastings) points an M1911A1. "The Day the War Stood Still" (S2E1)
Christy (center) and Lt. Cmdr. McHale point M1911A1s. "McHale's Paradise Hotel" (S1E9)
Tinker points an M1911A1 at a German soldier disguised as a US Navy sailor. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?" (S4E26)
German soldiers disguised as US Navy sailors point M1911A1s at Capt. Binghamton. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?"
Nambu Type 14
Fuji Kobiaji (Yoshio Yoda), Lt. Cmdr. McHale and Japanese officers are armed with the Nambu Type 14.
Nambu Type 14 (late model) - 8 x 22mm Nambu.
Fuji points a Nambu Type 14. "The Battle of McHale's Island" (S1E10)
Capt. Uzaki (
Mako) (second from right) points a Nambu Type 14 at Lt. Cmdr. McHale. "One Enchanted Weekend" (S1E24)
Lt. Cmdr. McHale turns the tables on Capt. Uzaki. The safety switch is missing, indicating the pistol is likely a replica. "One Enchanted Weekend"
A Japanese Officer (
Dale Ishimoto) points a Nambu Type 14. "French Leave for McHale" (S2E11)
Lt. Sakawa (
Mako) points a Type 14. "The PT-73 Follies" (S3E17)
Luger P08
Capt. Binghamton and Lt. Carpenter carry the Luger P08 in one episode. Radioman Willy Moss holds a souvenir Luger P08 in one episode. In Season 4, Gruber and a German Sergeant (James Frawley) are armed with the Luger.
Capt. Binghamton points a Luger P08 while wearing a German helmet. "A Nip in Time" (S4E5)
Lt. Carpenter carries a Luger P08 while wearing a German helmet. "A Nip in Time"
Willy holds a souvenir. The front sight is missing. It is possibly a replica. "Washing Machine Charlie"
Disguised as a US Navy sailor, a German Sergeant (
James Frawley) points a Luger P08 at Capt. Binghamton. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?" (S4E26)
Gruber points a Luger P08 at a German disguised as a US Navy sailor. "Who Was That German I Saw You With?"
Walther P38
Ensign Parker is armed with a Walther P38 in one episode.
Walther P38 pistol (World War II dated) - 9 x 19mm
While disguised as a German soldier, Ensign Parker (center) points a Walther P38. The other members of the PT-73 crew are armed with Karabiner 98k rifles with hooded front sight. "Wally For Congress" (S4E30)
Flintlock Dueling Pistols
Count Cesare Spinetti (David Opatoshu) and Ensign Parker use matching flintlock dueling pistols.
Count Spinetti holds a dueling pistol. "Binghamton at 20 Paces" (S4E29)
Count Spinetti and Ensign Parker begin the duel.
Submachine Guns
Thompson
M1928A1
Ensign Parker, Happy (Gavin MacLeod), Gruber, Willy and a gangster carry M1928A1 Thompsons with a 50-round drum magazine. Capt. Binghamton and Lt. Carpenter carry Thompsons with 30-round box magazines.
M1928A1 Thompson with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP.
Ensign Parker holds his Thompson. "The McHale Mob" (S2E32)
Happy, Willy and Gruber hold Thompsons at the ready. Virgil holds a M1911A1. "The McHale Mob"
Smitty (Syl Lamont) prepares to fire. "The McHale Mob"
Lt. Carpenter holds a Thompson. "A Da-Da For Christy" (S2E36)
Capt. Binghamton holds a Thompson. "A Da-Da For Christy"
An Army Sergeant (Will J. White) holds a Thompson. The other soldier is holding an M1 Garand. "Wally For Congress" (S4E30)
M1928A1 With Simplified Rear Sight
Harley Hatfield (Jesse Pearson) uses an M1928A1 Thompson with simplified rear sight.
M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine and early 'simplified' rear sight that would be adopted for the M1 Thompson - .45 ACP.
Harley Hatfield picks up a Thompson. "The Rage of Taratupa" (S2E30)
Harley fires the Thompson.
M1928
Capt. Binghamton carries an M1928 Thompson in one episode.
M1928 Thompson with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP
Capt. Binghamton holds a Thompson with a box magazine. "Fountain of Youth" (S3E10)
M1A1
Capt. Binghamton, Willy and Christy are armed with M1A1 Thompsons.
M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP
Capt. Binghamton holds an M1A1 Thompson. "La Dolce 73" (S4E20)
Willy (left) and Christy hold M1A1 Thompsons. "La Dolce 73"
Nonfiring Replica
Capt. Binghamton, Lt. Carpenter, Ensign Parker and a Marine carry nonfiring replica Thompson submachine guns.
Capt. Binghamton holds a nonfiring replica Thompson. "Secret Chimp 007" (S4E22)
Lt. Carpenter holds a nonfiring replica Thompson while conspiring against McHale. "Dear Diary" (S2E23)
Ensign Parker holds a nonfiring replica Thompson. "The Return of Big Frenchy" (S2E28)
A Marine points a replica Thompson. "One of Our Engines is Missing" (S1E18)
Tinker holds a replica Thompson. As he walks through the doorway, the muzzle of the Thompson hits the door frame, and the barrel bends slightly. The Thompson is a flexible plastic or rubber replica. "Rumble on Taratupa" (S3E31)
Unknown Thompson variant
A gangster fires an unknown Thompson variant with a vertical foregrip.
A gangster fires a Thompson. "The McHale Mob"
MP40
In Season 4, German soldiers are frequently armed with MP40s. Some of the PT-73 crew also carry MP40s while disguised as Germans.
German soldiers point MP40s. "The Bathtub Thief" (S4E2)
Lt. Cmdr. McHale holds an MP40. "The Bathtub Thief"
Left to right: Gruber and Tinker point MP40s while disguised as German sailors. Ensign Parker points a Madsen M50 "A Wine Cellar is Not a Home" (S4E9)
Disguised as German sailors, Christy (left) and Virgil point MP40s at Colonel Harrigan (Henry Beckman). "A Wine Cellar is Not a Home"
Madsen M50
Ensign Parker uses a Madsen M50 in several episodes. The Madsen M50 was manufactured beginning in 1950, hence it is an anachronism. In one episode, Lt. Cmdr. McHale and Ensign Parker carry M50s with perforated barrel shrouds, to simulate some type of German submachine gun.
Ensign Parker conducts a training class on submachine guns. It is likely that the Madsen M50 is standing in for the German
MP40. "Voltafiore Fish-Fry" (S4E8)
Ensign Parker holds a Madsen M50. "Voltafiore Fish-Fry"
Ensign Parker points a Madsen M50 at Colonel Harrigan. "A Wine Cellar is Not a Home" (S4E9)
While disguised as a German officer, Lt. Cmdr. McHale holds a Madsen M50 with a perforated barrel shroud. "La Dolce 73" (S4E20)
While disguised as a German soldier, Ensign Parker holds a Madsen M50 with a perforated barrel shroud. Capt. Binghamton holds an M1A1 Thompson. "La Dolce 73"
Rifles
M1 Garand
In Seasons 1-3, the M1 Garand is seen in the hands of Lt. Cmdr. McHale and the PT-73 crew, the Navy Shore Patrol and Marines. In Season 4, Army soldiers and Military Police are equipped with the M1 Garand.
M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06
A Navy Shore Patrol Seaman stands in front of Capt. Binghamton. "Instant Democracy" (S1E29)
Capt. Binghamton talks to a Marine holding an M1 Garand. "One of Our Engines is Missing" (S1E18)
Lt. Cmdr. McHale fires an M1 Garand. "The Balloon Goes Up" (S2E18)
Left to right: Ensign Parker, Virgil, Willy, Tinker and Christy stand at attention while holding M1 Garands. "Lester the Skipper" (S3E2)
Back row, left to right: Christy, Willy and Virgil hold M1 Garands. Ensign Parker and Lt. Cmdr. McHale hold M1911A1 pistols. "McHale's Floating Laundromat" (S3E20)
Left to right: Tinker, Virgil, Christy, Willy and Gruber hold M1 Garands. "The Seven Faces of Ensign Parker" (S3E23).
Willy holds an M1 Garand. "McHale's Floating Laundromat" (S3E20)
A Marine guard (
Clay Tanner) holds an M1 Garand. "Rumble on Taratupa"
Army soldiers carry M1 Garands. "Fire in the Liquor Locker" (S4E17)
Army Military Police carry M1 Garands. "Piazza Binghamton" (S4E6)
M1 Carbine
The M1 Carbine is frequently carried by the crew of PT-73, and less often by Lt. Cmdr. McHale, Ensign Parker, and Capt. Binghamton. Fuji, Harley Hatfield and Roger Whitfield III (George Furth) also use M1s. In Season 1-3, Marines carry M1s, and in Season 4, Army soldiers carry M1s.
Korean War Era
M1 Carbine, with Birch Stock, Adjustable sight, bayonet lug, and twin magazine pouch. This version is seen most often in World War II movies, despite being anachronistic for most World War II battles.
Lt. Cmdr. McHale (left) and Willy move through the jungle with M1 Carbines. "McHale's Millions" (S1E33)
Gruber (left) and Tinker rest with their M1 Carbines. "McHale's Millions"
Capt. Binghamton holds an M1 Carbine. "Washing Machine Charlie"
Christy holds an M1 Carbine. "The Day the War Stood Still" (S2E1)
Marines (
Clay Tanner on the left) carry M1 Carbines. "The August Teahouse of Quint McHale" (S2E10)
Ensign Parker fire an M1 Carbine. "Stars Over Taratupa" (S2E26)
Left to right: Christy holds an M1911A1; Virgil, Harley Hatfield and Gruber hold M1 Carbines; Ensign Parker holds an M1911A1; Willy and Happy hold M1 Carbines. "The Rage of Taratupa" (S2E30)
Gruber holds an M1 Carbine. "The Late Captain Binghamton" (S3E19)
Fuji holds an M1 Carbine. "The Battle of McHale's Island" (S1E10)
Roger Whitfield III fires an M1 Carbine. "The Dart Gun Wedding" (S2E35)
Army soldiers carry M1 Carbines. "The Good Luck Fountain" (S4E12)
Mauser Gewehr 1898
In Seasons 1-3, Imperial Japanese Army and Navy personnel are equipped with the Gewehr 98 standing in for Arisaka rifles. Tinker, Gruber, and Fuji use them while disguised as Japanese soldiers. Ensign Parker carries a Gewehr while wearing a bunny costume.
Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Japanese soldiers aim Gewehr 98 rifles with SG 98/05 bayonets. The crouching Japanese officer (third from left) holds a Nambu Type 14 pistol. "The Day They Captured Santa" (S1E11)
A Japanese sentry (
Mako) holds a Gewehr 98. "Movies Are Your Best Diversion" (S1E5)
Fuji holds a Gewehr 98. "Scuttlebutt" (S2E9)
A Japanese sentry (
Mako) holds a Gewehr 98. "Have Kimono, Will Travel" (S2E6)
Tinker, disguised as a Japanese soldier, holds a Gewehr 98. "The Rage of Taratupa" (S2E30)
Front row, left to right: Tinker, Gruber and Fuji hold Gewehr 98s. "McHale's Floating Laundromat" (S3E20)
A Japanese Non-Com (
Mako) is armed with a Gewehr 98. "Chuckie Cottontail" (S3E27)
The 1st Japanese soldier (
Lloyd Kino) (center) and 2nd Japanese Soldier (Rollin Moriyama) are armed with Gewehr 98s. "Chuckie Cottontail"
Ensign Parker is armed with a Gewehr 98. "Chuckie Cottontail"
Karabiner 98k
In Season 4, German soldiers are seen armed with the Karabiner 98k. Capt. Binghamton, Lt. Parker and the PT-73 crew carry them as well while disguised as German soldiers.
Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser.
Disguised as German soldiers, Virgil, Gruber, Christy, Willy and Tinker prepare to fire Karabiner 98k rifles with hooded front sights. Ensign Parker (third from left) holds a Walther P38. "Wally For Congress"
Disguised as German officers, Capt. Binghamton (left) and Lt. Carpenter carry Karabiners. "Blitzkrieg at McHale's Beach" (S4E13)
The German soldier on the left points a Karabiner 98k. The German non-com on the right (
James Frawley) points an MP40. "A Nip in Time" (S4E5)
Disguised as German soldiers, Virgil, Gruber, Christy, Willy and Tinker prepare to fire Karabiner 98k rifles. "Blitzkrieg at McHale's Beach" (S4E13)
Machine Guns
Browning M2 Aircraft
The Browning M2 Aircraft appears as the primary armament of PT-73. Ensign Parker and Virgil are seen firing the M2 more often than the other crew. Happy fires the M2 frequently in Seasons 1 and 2. Willy and Christy are rarely seen firing the M2, while Lt. Cmdr. McHale, Gruber and Tinker are not shown firing the M2 during the series. Capt. Binghamton, Fuji, Ensign Dennison (Edward Mallory), Geogianna Comstock (Joyce Bulifant), Kate O'Hara (Joyce Jamison), Babette (Susan Silo), John Burton (Robert F. Simon) and Sub-Lieutenant Clivedon are seen firing the M2.
Browning M2 Aircraft - .50 BMG
Three M2s are seen mounted on McHale's boat.
Ensign Charles Parker is seen clumsily opening fire with the M2, unknowingly shooting down an enemy aircraft. "Uncle Admiral" (S1E36)
Ensign Parker fires the M2. "The Ensign Gets a Zero" (S1E16)
Happy (foreground) and Gunner's Mate Virgil Edwards (background) fire the M2. "The Big Raffle" (S1E17)
Seaman Joseph "Happy" Hanes fires the M2.
Virgil fires the M2. "Washing Machine Charlie"
Willy (left) and Christy fire M2s. "The British Also Have Ensigns" (S3E8)
Capt. Binghamton prepares to fire the M2. "The Captain's Mission" (S1E13)
Ensign Dennison (Edward Mallory) fires the M2. "The Ensign Gets a Zero" (S1E16)
Geogianna Comstock (Joyce Bulifant) fires the M2. "Today I Am a Man" (S2E7)
Kate O'Hara (Joyce Jamison) fires the M2. "Orange Blossoms for McHale" (S2E15)
Babette (Susan Silo) fires the M2. "Babette, Go Home" (S2E24)
Sub-Lieutenant Clivedon fires the M2. "The British Also Have Ensigns" (S3E8)
Fuji prepares to fire the M2. "My Son the Skipper" (S4E24)
In some scenes, the M2 was mocked up to resemble a Japanese machine gun. "Camera, Action, Panic" (S1E30)
Lewis Gun
Imperial Japanese Navy personnel have a Lewis Gun.
Lewis Gun - .303 British.
The Japanese Navy sailor on the left handles a Lewis Gun. "Operation Wedding Party" (S1E6)
Bren Gun
In one episode, Japanese soldiers use what appears to be a Bren gun.
A machine gun resembling a Bren is pointed at Gruber, Tinker and Willy. "Washing Machine Charlie" (S1E22)
Other
7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 n. A.
7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 n.A.
Japanese soldiers move a field gun into position for firing. "Movies Are Your Best Diversion" (S1E5)
12-pound Napoleon
A 12-pound Napoleon cannon is fired.
A ceremonial cannon is fired. "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad War (S3E3)
Harrington & Richardson M5 Flare Gun
Tinker uses a Harrington & Richardson M5 Flare Gun.
Harrington & Richardson M5 Flare Gun - 10 gauge.
Tinker holds a flare gun. "The Day the War Stood Still" (S2E1)
Tinker fires the flare gun.
Mk 2 Hand Grenade
Ensign Parker uses Mk 2 hand grenades at inappropriate times.
Mk 2 "Pineapple" World War II-era High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.
Ensign Parker is armed with Mk 2 hand grenades. "A Medal For Parker" (S2E17)
Ensign Parker pulls the pin.
Ensign Parker pulls the pin. "A Da-Da For Christy" (S2E36)
Ensign Parker pulls the pin. "The Vampire of Taratupa" (S3E33)
Ensign Parker pulls the pin. "Marriage, McHale Style" (S4E3)
Ensign Parker pulls the pin. "La Dolce 73" (S4E20)
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