Gomer Pyle USMC

[farmritch]

Ok so I've watched this show most of my life and never really paid too much attention until the other day.
Maybe it has been discussed ?
But the other day I was flipping channels and was watching them Drill
They had in hand M14's with slotted hardguards.
I'm guessing they went to the base put gomer in the mix and filmed this ?
Was pretty cool to see those slotted handguards
This was one of the newer episodes in Color.
Copy write date on this show was 1964


Farmritch

[browningautorifle]

My understanding is they filmed it in Camp Pulgas in Pendleton. It's a range camp a few miles out after Camp Margarita and the air field in that order. Been there, seen that. Apparently they used the odd Marine in some of the film sequences like the drill and troop movements. SO, it follows that the equipment was what was at hand.

[paulm]

Farmritch As God is my judge The US Marine corps is now and always has been very very Traditional Even though I'm retired Army the Mrs and I travel and visit many bases. We have been on Quantico and some units still live in Quansits When they made Gomer Pyle the Marine Corps strived for Authenticity, and yes you'll see Gomer carrying the M14 As I said they are extremely traditional You will never see them get rid of ODs,or the Dress Blues as they are seen This is their trade mark What I find absolutely amazing is that when they see someone like myself, even though I'm retired Army, they are absolutely respectful " Sir Sargeant Mac Sir" That is if they know my retired rank. As far as I know Gomer Pyle was filmed on location in Camp Pendleton CA They chose Pendleton because of it's proximity to LA Those Quansits are still there. Some are inhabited, and some are part of the Historic area

[Griff Murphey]

I have lived in an unairconditioned Quonset in the PI during summer, for 4 months. I don't recommend it. Everytime I see HEARTBREAK RIDGE or a cut from an old TV show or movie with those things it takes me right back. Can even remember the gekkos saying "Buck You, Buck You!" all night long...

[rscalzo]

Got my interest up as I watched the show as a kid.. Found this bit of trivia.

Jim Nabors said that it was always difficult for him to watch the opening of the show because many of the men that he is seen marching with were killed in Vietnam

In an interesting turnaround, Frank Sutton, the actor whose best known role was playing a Marine sergeant, could not pass the Marine Corps. physical during WWII and ended up serving in the Army. While serving in the U.S. Army, Sutton distinguished himself by taking part in 14 assault landings, including Leyte, Luzon, Bataan and Corregidor.
Link this trivia

Carter's decorations are: Bronze Star (2), Purple Heart, Navy Presidential Unit Citation (2), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3), World War Two Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (4 Campaigns), UN Service Medal and a Korean Presidential Unit Citation. In addition, Carter wears Expert Rifleman and Expert Pistol marksmanship badges.

[AZPhil]

The opening credits were filmed at the Grinder(Parade grounds) on MCRD San Diego.
One of the Guy's I work with was there in boot camp while they filmed this.

I just asked him about it and it was his series that he marched with and it was June or July of 65
He said the rest of the show was filmed up north near LA.

He also mentioned that they got there butt's kicked after the filming because of the laughing in ranks while they marched.
SEMPER FI

[mojalajab]

Gomer Pyle was filmed at "40 Acres" in Culver City, Ca. It was also the home to The Andy Griffith Show, Adventures of Superman, The Real McCoys, My Three Sons, Hogan's Heroes, Miami Undercover, Batman, Bonanza, Land of the Giants, That Girl, Mayberry R.F.D and The Green Hornet.

[rocknrod]

That's true:
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964-69) http://www.retroweb.com/40acres_desilu_years.html
Gomer Pyle and The Real McCoys sets -Historical back lot location Los Angeles

[mojalajab]

Thanks for the link. Especially the historical background map. Very cool!

[paulm]

Thanks a bunch RocknRod that was some nice trip down Memory lane