1 9 5 5 (USA)
11 x 30 minute episodes
This black and white summer series from NBC starred Hal March and Tom D’Andrea as two buddies serving time as reluctant army privates. Both were misadventure-prone and stories followed their efforts to stay out of trouble while attempting to complete their military obligation with the US Army.
Hal and Tom had been doing a comedy skit about soldiers on variety shows for years with great acclaim, most frequently on The Colgate Comedy Hour. Here, NBC gave them the opportunity to turn that skit into a series.
The two malcontent GIs found fault with everything in the military – the food, the accommodation, the leadership, and the rules and red tape associated with it. They seemed to cause trouble wherever they went and with whatever they did.
They did have hearts of gold, however, and would do almost anything to help a friend in need.
Episodes were broadcast live to air on Saturday nights at 8:00 pm from June to September 1955.
Private Hal March
Hal March
Private Tom D’Andrea
Tom D’Andrea
Captain
John Dehner
Sergeant
Red Pearson