Private Benjamin

1 9 8 1 – 1 9 8 3 (USA)
39 x 30 minute episodes

In taking the hit feature film from the big screen to the small, Lorna Patterson stepped into Goldie Hawn’s boots as pampered widow and socialite Judy Benjamin, who enlisted in the army after her hubby died.

Her fellow recruits included Maria Granelli (Lisa Raggio), Rayleen White (Joyce Little), Carol Winter (Ann Ryerson), Lu Ann Hubble (Lucy Webb), Barbara Ann Glass (Joan Roberts), Jackie Simms (Damita Jo Freeman), Harriet Dorsey (Francesca Roberts) and Stacy Kouchalakas (Wendie Jo Sperber).

Judy was originally stationed at Fort Trams. She was then transferred to Fort Bradley in Hobart, California (“The shoelace capital of the Northeast”). There, as part of the 2nd Platoon, B Company, Judy was a soldier in training for possible combat.

When Judy graduated from boot camp, she was assigned to the Public Affairs Office as the administrative assistant to Captain Doreen Lewis (Eileen Brennan), later promoted to the inspector general of Fort Bradley. Judy’s primary job was to issue press releases.

Robert Mandan (Soap) came on board as the base commander, Colonel Lawrence “Ironman” Fielding, about halfway through the show’s run.

CBS hoped the series would duplicate the success of its big-screen progenitor, but it wasn’t to be. The show initially won over viewers and critics, who awarded Brennan a Golden Globe award and an Emmy for her performance – but Brennan was hit by a car during the show’s third season and was subsequently temporarily replaced by Polly Holliday. The comedy was cancelled soon after.

Pvt Judy Benjamin 
Lorna Patterson
Capt Doreen Lewis 
Eileen Brennan
Col Lawrence “Ironman” Fielding 
Robert Mandan
Sgt Lucien C. ‘Ted’ Ross 
Hal Williams
Pvt Stacey Kouchalakas 
Wendie Jo Sperber
Pvt Maria Granelli 
Lisa Raggio
Pvt Rayleen White 
Joyce Little
Pvt Lu Ann Hubble 
Lucy Webb
Pvt Jackie Simms 
Damita Jo Freeman
Pvt Carol Winter 
Ann Ryerson
Pvt Barbara Ann Glass 
Joan Roberts
Pvt Harriet Dorsey 
Francesca P Roberts

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