Set Sail with McHale

Set Sail with McHale

by Denny Reese and Steven Thompson

Foreword by Sara Ballantine

364 pages

6x9 size

ISBN 9798887714516 paperback

Before the long-running television success of M*A*S*H, home audiences found delight and diversion in such military situation comedies as You’ll Never Get Rich (The Phil Silver Show), Hogan’s Heroes, Gomer Pyle USMC, and even the U.S. Cavalry-inspired F Troop. 

One of the most fondly remembered among these early service comedies is McHale’s Navy.

For four season from 1962-1966, viewers were treated to the shenanigans of the misfit crew of PT-73 as they found various ways to enjoy and amuse themselves in the Pacific theater of WW2.

The ensemble cast was led by Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine, who as Lieutenant Commander Quentin McHale tried to maintain control but often participated in the exploits of his zany crew, much to the consternation of long-suffering Captain Wallace B. Bingham, played by the ever-flustered Joe Flynn.  Along for the ride is the by-the-book but fumbling Ensign Charles Parker, played by comedy legend Tim Conway, and incomparable ensemble acting by a supporting cast of talented professionals.

Authors Denny Reese and Steven Thompson have crafted an affectionate and entertaining look back at a television favorite, presenting an all-four season episode breakdown and providing additional insight and trivia through their exhaustive research. Among the treasures to be discovered within these pages is how tough guy movie actor Ernest Borgnine originally turned down the offer to appear in the pilot episode and what prompted him to eventually change his mind.

A fun and nostalgic return to sea awaits as you prepare to Set Sail with McHale.

WISCONSIN BOOKWATCH > The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf:  With the publication of "Set Sail with McHale", co-authors Denny Reese and Steven Thompson have crafted an affectionate and entertaining look back at a television favorite, presenting an all-four season episode breakdown and providing additional insight and trivia through their exhaustive research. Among the treasures to be discovered within these pages is how tough guy movie actor Ernest Borgnine originally turned down the offer to appear in the pilot episode and what prompted him to eventually change his mind.  The book is informative, fun, and nostalgic, and illustrated with a number of B/W historical photos, "Set Sail with McHale" offers a wealth of historical detail that is impressively organized and presented. A 'must' for the legions of McHale's Navy fans, "Set Sail with McHale" is especially recommended for community and college/university library 20th Century Popular Culture Television History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. 

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"McHale's Navy set a new standard for oddball funniness, on the ABC network from 1962 to 1966, as well as two theatrical movies. It set the tone for other shows, like F Troop, that are now classic forays, into satirical entertainment. Now, authors Denny Reese & Steven Thompson take readers on an excursion through so many aspects, including who created the show, the people who were tested for roles, it was originally intended to be a WWII war drama then changed concept to what it evolved into, why Ernest Borgine originally told his agent no interest and what changed his mind is a great story. Included are the cast members like Tim Conway who emerged as a major star, Joe Flynn and Gavin Mcloud, both of whom worked, in many other things like Ozzie and Harriet and Andy Griffith show, then found more solid work for the four years they were a part of McHale's Navy, episodes guides, and highlights of the major motion picture with Tom Arnold. "Set Sail With McHale" is a fan's delight of all there is to know about this classic show."
- Midwest Book Review