5 Things You Never Knew About ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’

GOMER PYLE, USMC, Jim Nabors, 1964-1969 — Everett Collection

When Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. debuted on CBS in 1964, it didn’t take long for the show to march its way into the hearts of millions. A spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show, the series followed Jim Nabors as Gomer, the sweet, slow-talking Mayberry gas station attendant who found himself enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The show paired Gomer’s wide-eyed innocence with the hilarious gruffness of his drill instructor, Sgt. Vince Carter, played by Frank Sutton, playing off the mismatch for big laughs (despite its military setting and the ongoing Vietnam War, the series kept things light and never touched on the conflict).

Over five seasons and 150 episodes, the show remained a top 10 ratings hit, and has continued to charm audiences through reruns. This Sunday, beginning at 5am CT, Catchy Comedy will air 24 straight hours of episodes, as part of their “Catchy Binge” programming. But even if you’ve watched every salute and “shazam,” you may not know these behind-the-scenes facts:

1 The Marines gave their full support

GOMER PYLE, U.S.M.C., Jim Nabors, 1964-1970.

Everett Collection

Producer Sheldon Leonard didn’t just get permission from the United States Marine Corps to feature them in the show; the Marines provided unlimited access to their equipment, including uniforms, vehicles and other resources, as they believed the series would reflect positively on their image. As a result, many scenes felt impressively authentic, especially the opening credits, which were filmed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

2 Jim Nabors couldn’t watch the opening credits

GOMER PYLE, U.S.M.C., Jim Nabors, Frank Sutton, 1964-1970.

Everett Collection

Although the series stayed lighthearted, Nabors later revealed something that cast the show’s opening in a more somber light. In those iconic shots of Gomer marching with other recruits, many of the men seen walking beside him later died in Vietnam. Knowing that always made it difficult for him to rewatch those scenes.

3 Frank Sutton was turned away by the Marines

GOMER PYLE, U.S.M.C., Frank Sutton, 1964-69 (1965 photo)

Richard R. Hewett/TV Guide/Everett Collection

Sutton gave a commanding performance as Sgt. Carter, but he never actually served in the Marine Corps. He tried to enlist during World War II but failed the physical exam. Instead, he joined the U.S. Army and served bravely throughout the war, taking part in 14 combat landings in the Pacific, including missions at Leyte, Luzon, Bataan, and Corregidor. His own military background gave weight to his role, even if it wasn’t with the branch of the service he played on screen.

4 CBS originally turned it down

GOMER PYLE, USMC, Jim Nabors, TV GUIDE cover, November 21-27, 1964

TV Guide/Everett Collection

It might be hard to believe, but CBS didn’t want Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. at first, as executives worried that female viewers wouldn’t tune in for a show with a military backdrop. That could have been the end of it if not for a bold move from producer Danny Thomas: Thomas told CBS he would take the show to NBC if they passed. That was enough to change their minds. The gamble paid off in a big way; not only did the show get picked up, but it also stayed in the top ten for its entire five-year run.

5 Gomer received a real promotion many years later

GOMER PYLE, USMC, Jim Nabors, Frank Sutton, 1964-1969 (Season 1)

Everett Collection

On the show, Gomer Pyle never advanced past the rank of Private First Class, which always seemed fitting for his humble character. But in real life, the United States Marine Corps wanted to give him a little extra recognition. In 2001, they awarded Nabors an honorary promotion to Lance Corporal. That wasn’t the end of it. In 2007, he was promoted again to honorary Corporal. Then, in 2017, the Corps honored him once more with the rank of honorary Sergeant.