Today in the Department of Before They Were Star Trek Stars, Grace Lee Whitney appears in "Operation: Benefit," episode 4 of the single season of Ensign O'Toole (original air date October 14, 1962).
In this service comedy, Whitney plays the leader of a touring troupe of American dancers, who is persuaded by the titular U.S. Navy officer to perform in a fundraiser for a South Korean orphanage. (I love little discrepancies, like her character being credited as "Rita Shaw" when the prop trunk says "Rita Shawn!")
There are no other Trek connections in this episode. But I thought it would be fun to point out that the series featured a young Beau Bridges and Dean Jones before they became household names. And former matinee idol Dick Powell, whose Four Star Productions produced Ensign O'Toole, makes a cameo appearance in this episode as a singing Chief Petty Officer who unsuccessfully auditions for the benefit.
This section presents episodes 13 to 32 of the US television series Ensign O'Toole, which was broadcast from 1962 to 1963 and featured numerous notable guest appearances during its run. In part i talk about the Summary & Ep 1-12.
Episode 13 - "Operation: Gaslight," was directed by Lawrence Dobkin and penned by James Allardice and Tom Adair, premiering on December 16, 1962.
In this episode, Ensign Clifford Bender, a newly minted graduate from the United States Naval Academy, joins the crew of the Appleby, his inaugural assignment. Eager to adhere to regulations, Bender's arrival prompts the crew to prepare for his presence. However, O'Toole takes it upon himself to ensure that Bender undergoes a traditional initiation into naval life, attempting to persuade him that he is afflicted with an unusual maritime illness. The episode features guest appearances by Jamie Farr and Steve Franken.
Episode 14 - "Operation: Brooklyn," was directed by Jackie Cooper and penned by Jack Raymond, premiering on December 23, 1962.
In this episode, Seaman Di Julio expresses his inability to re-enlist, citing a promise made to his parents to manage their restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, allowing them to retire. However, O'Toole uncovers that Di Julio is reluctant to leave the navy, and his parents are equally unwilling to part with their restaurant. The episode features guest appearances by Penny Santon, Joe Higgens, Les Brown, Jr., Bob Hull, and Romo Vincent.
Episode 15 - "Operation: Swindle," was directed by Hy Averback and features a script by Bill Davenport, Charles Tannen, and William J. Lederer, premiering on December 30, 1962.
In this episode, Chief Petty Officer Nelson becomes infatuated with a Southern woman named Leona, who deceives him into losing his money. In response to this situation, O'Toole takes action to address the swindle. The episode includes guest appearances by Rosemary De Camp, Charles Watts, and Dub Taylor.
Episode 16 - "Operation: Treasure," directed by Lawrence Dobkin and penned by Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, premiered on January 6, 1963.
In this episode, Seaman White discovers a drifting bottle that holds an enigmatic map, prompting O'Toole to speculate that it may point to hidden treasure. The episode features guest appearances by Shary Marshall and Michael Ross.
Episode 17 - "Operation: Intrigue," was directed by Don Taylor and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on January 13, 1963.
In this episode, O'Toole, while accompanying the Appleby family in Hong Kong, learns that Scotland Yard is pursuing a group of jewel thieves. Intrigued by the situation, he opts to assist by going undercover as a courier for the criminals, which leads him into encounters with a jewel smuggler and some dubious tailors. The episode features guest appearances by Robert Emhardt, Howard Morris, Bernard Fox, Chana Eden, Philip Ahn, James Hong, and Harold Fong.
Episode 18 - "Operation: Psychology," directed by Don Taylor and penned by Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, aired on January 20, 1963.
In this episode, Lieutenant Commander Stoner's brother-in-law, psychologist Arthur Ainsley, comes aboard the Appleby and notes an unusual level of cheerfulness among the crew. However, he deduces that this apparent happiness masks a profound underlying depression among the crew members. The episode features guest star John McGiver.
Episode 19 - "Operation: Royalty," directed by Jeffrey Hayden and penned by William J. Lederer, premiered on January 27, 1963.
In this episode, O'Toole extends an invitation to the Grand Admiral of the Navy of Tiboria, a 12-year-old named Prince Pussik, to come aboard the Appleby. However, O'Toole soon finds himself regretting this decision as he realizes that the young prince has a penchant for issuing commands. The episode features guest appearances by Michael Davis and Lou Krugman.
Episode 20 - "Operation: Whodunit," was directed by Richard Kinon and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on February 3, 1963.
In this episode, the crew of the Appleby is engrossed in a film centered on the murder of Lord Mumbley, having placed significant bets on the identity of the killer. However, when they realize that the final reel of the film is missing, they embark on a frantic quest to uncover the murderer’s identity. The episode features guest appearances by Alan Caillou, Davis Roberts, John Tarangelo, and Kelly Gordon.
Episode 21 - "Operation: Casanova," was directed by Richard Kinon and penned by Howard Leeds, airing on February 10, 1963.
In this episode, O'Toole aims to elevate the spirits of Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John by facilitating his interaction with several appealing WAVES. The situation initially unfolds positively until St. John finds himself in a compromising position, kissing the daughter of a U.S. congressman. The episode features guest appearances by Nancy Rennick, Carol Christensen, Cindy Robbons, Jacqueline Loughery, Ransom Sherman, and Jackie Joseph.
Episode 20 - "Operation: Whodunit," was directed by Richard Kinon and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on February 3, 1963.
In this episode the crew of the Appleby is engrossed in a film—a murder mystery cantered on the assassination of Lord Mumbley—and they have placed significant bets on the identity of the killer. When they realize that the final reel of the movie is absent, they embark on a frantic quest to locate it. Guest appearances include Alan Caillou, Davis Roberts, John Tarangelo, and Kelly Gordon.
Episode 21 - "Operation: Casanova," was directed by Richard Kinon and penned by Howard Leeds, airing on February 10, 1963.
In this episode, O'Toole aims to elevate Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John's diminished self-esteem by facilitating his interaction with several appealing WAVES. The situation unfolds positively until St. John is unexpectedly discovered kissing the daughter of a United States congressman. The episode features guest appearances by Nancy Rennick, Carol Christensen, Cindy Robbons, Jacqueline Loughery, Ransom Sherman, and Jackie Joseph.
Episode 22 - "Operation: Souvenir," was directed by Richard Kinon and written by Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, airing on February 17, 1963.
In this episode during a shore leave in Japan, Lieutenant Commander Stoner enforces strict regulations on his crew, prohibiting them from bringing back any souvenirs that cannot fit into a footlocker. This creates a dilemma for Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John, who has secretly acquired an antique Japanese cannon for his girlfriend and must devise a plan to conceal it from Stoner. The episode features guest appearances by Don Beddoe and Alan Reed, Jr.
Episode 23 - "Operation: Arrivederci," was directed by Richard Kinon and features a screenplay by Bill Sheldon Keller, Howard Merrill, and William J. Lederer, airing on March 3, 1963.
In this episode during the Appleby's visit to Rome, O'Toole becomes enamoured with Juliet Scarlatti, an aspiring American artist. He offers her the use of the Appleby for an art exhibition, hoping to connect her with influential figures in the Italian art scene; however, the key attendee, prominent society figure Mrs. Atherton, declines to participate. The episode features guest appearances by Sharon Hugveny, Doris Packer, and Émile Genest.
Episode 24 - "Operation: Re-Enlist," was directed by Lawrence Dobkin and written by Bill Davenport, Charles Tannen, and William J. Lederer, airing on March 10, 1963.
In this episode, Lieutenant Commander Stoner is tasked with ensuring that the crew of the Appleby re-enlists in the Navy. Following O'Toole's suggestion, Stoner adopts a more amiable demeanour to motivate the crew, which leads to confusion among them. During a gathering at Stoner's residence, Seaman Di Julio inadvertently dislodges a brick from the fireplace, resulting in the collapse of Stoner's home, necessitating the crew's assistance in its reconstruction.
Episode 25 - "Operation: Boxer," was directed by Richard Kinon and features a script by Bill Davenport, Charles Tannen, and William J. Lederer, airing on March 17, 1963.
In this episode, due to DeJulio's inexperience with the signal lamp, O'Toole proposes a "boxling" match, a twist on bowling, against another ship's crew. Historically, O'Toole has consistently lost bets to Ensign Baxter regarding bowling contests between their respective crews. However, he believes he has discovered a strategy to secure a victory by wagering on a boxing match, enlisting a formidable sailor to compete against Baxter's favoured boxer. The episode features guest appearances by Gary Crosby, Roger Torrey, and Cal Bolder.
Episode 26 - "Operation: Stowaway," was directed and written by James Komack, alongside Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, and it airing on March 24, 1963.
In this episode, while docked at a Soviet port, the crew of the Appleby initially dismisses O'Toole's claims of seeing a lovely girl through a porthole as a symptom of combat fatigue. However, they soon discover that the girl is actually a stowaway named Anna. Enchanted by her presence, the crew decides to create a party dress for her using flags, tablecloths, and various materials available on the ship. Nita Talbot guest stars in this episode.
Episode 27 - "Operation: Arctic," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, airing on March 31, 1963.
In this episode the crew experiences restlessness as their journey to the Arctic aboard the Appleby becomes monotonous in the extreme cold. Martin Dean guest stars in this episode.
Episode 28 - "Operation: Physical," was directed by Richard Kinon and features a script by Howard Leeds, Bill Davenport, and Charles Tannen, airing on April 7, 1963.
In this episode Lieutenant Commander Stoner grapples with feelings of nostalgia for his youth and worries about his ability to pass an upcoming physical examination. In an effort to alleviate Stoner's concerns, O'Toole arranges for some of Stoner's former classmates to visit the Appleby, hoping their appearance will make Stoner seem less aged by comparison. However, O'Toole's and the crew's well-intentioned efforts to assist Stoner do not unfold as expected.
Episode 29 - "Operation: Tubby," was directed by Bob Claver and features a script by Sheldon Keller, Howard Merrill, and Bill Davenport, airing on April 14, 1963.
In this episode, Seaman "Tubby" Mason faces the ultimatum of losing weight or facing expulsion from the Navy, prompting him to embark on an extreme diet. However, O'Toole discovers that Tubby's letters are stuffed with luncheon meat and his toothpaste tube is filled with liverwurst. The episode features guest star Stubby Kaye.
Episode 30 - "Operation: Sabotage," was directed by Richard Kinon and written by James B. Allardice, Tom Adair, and Bill Davenport, airing on April 21, 1963.
In this episode, during training exercises, the Appleby is designated as the target for a simulated sabotage operation, orchestrated by a crew member covertly tasked with "destroying" the ship. Lieutenant Commander Stoner boasts that the scheme is doomed to fail, supporting his claim with a substantial wager. He orchestrates a fake sabotage incident and subsequently dares the crew to identify the "saboteur," prompting O'Toole to devise an ingenious solution, as is his custom.
Episode 31 - "Operation: Contest," was directed by Richard Kinon and features a script by Bill Davenport, Charles Tannen, and William J. Lederer, airing on April 28, 1963.
In this episode the crew of the Appleby finds themselves in quarantine, missing their shore leave in Hollywood after Seaman Di Julio has an accident with a tanning lamp and is diagnosed with measles. To occupy their time, they decide to participate in various contests for prize money, including a jingle-writing competition, which Di Julio ultimately wins. Additionally, they are invited to a cooking contest due to Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John’s mother's cookie recipe. However, they encounter a competitor who claims financial hardship and, out of compassion, allow her to win. Later, they learn that she had cheated and is participating in another contest. Guest star: Irene Tedrow.
Episode 32 - "Operation: Geisha," was directed by Richard Kinon and features a screenplay by Ben Starr, Robert O'Brien, and Bill Davenport. It originally aired on May 5, 1963, marking the series finale.
In this episode, con artists Steve Turner and Al Shrieber are compelled to return stolen funds to an angry victim in order to establish a reverse geisha house. Meanwhile, a friend of Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John proposes a new business venture, which O'Toole successfully persuades local entrepreneurs to support. The episode includes guest appearances by Jack Carter, Eddie Ryder, Ransom Sherman, and Linda Bennett.
Episode information & Title scene links:
Ensign O'Toole (TV Series 1962–1963) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more...
I typically do not share content regarding American television shows or films; however, I consider the series Ensign O'Toole to be an exception. Throughout its airing, the show featured numerous special guests, with my favourite episode being the fourth, titled "Operation: Benefit," which included an appearance by the Kim Sisters.
Ensign O'Toole is an American television sitcom featuring Dean Jones in the lead role as a naval officer on the USS Appleby, a United States Navy destroyer, set in the early 1960s. The show was broadcast from 1962 to 1963 and was directed by a range of individuals, including Hy Averback, Richard Kinon, and Jackie Cooper, among others. The series drew inspiration from two works by William Lederer, namely All the Ships at Sea (1950) and Ensign O'Toole and Me (1957), with Lederer serving as a consultant. The fictional USS Appleby was represented by the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754).
Synopsis
Ensign O'Toole serves as a junior officer on the fictional destroyer USS Appleby during the peacetime era of the early 1960s in the United States Navy. The crew includes Lieutenant Commander Virgil Stoner, the executive officer; Lieutenant (junior grade) Rex St. John, the wealthy and often confused supply officer; and a variety of eccentric crew members, such as Chief Petty Officer Homer Nelson, who frequently seeks poker games and clashes with O'Toole, along with Seamen Gabby Di Julio, Howard Spicer, and Claude White. O'Toole, characterized by his laid-back demeanour, possesses intelligence, multilingual abilities, and a knack for trivia, yet he tends to shirk responsibilities in favour of pranks and outshining the ambitious St. John, often with the crew's enthusiastic support. The commanding officer of Appleby remains off-screen, with Lieutenant Commander Stoner typically conveying orders, although the commanding officer's voice occasionally emanates from the ship's "squawk box".
The destroyer USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754), seen in April 1963, portrayed the fictional USS Appleby.
Broadcast history
Ensign O'Toole debuted on NBC on September 23, 1962, and concluded after one season, with its final episode airing on May 5, 1963. The series, which consisted of 32 original episodes, continued to be rerun in its regular Sunday 7:00 p.m. time slot until September 15, 1963. Subsequently, from March to September 1964, ABC broadcast reruns of the show on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m., with the last episode airing on September 10, 1964, before Bewitched replaced it the following week. As of April 2023, the series has been available in the United Kingdom on Talking Pictures TV.
Cast:
The ensemble cast of Ensign O'Toole features Dean Jones in the titular role of Ensign O'Toole. Supporting him are Jay C. Flippen as Chief Petty Officer Homer Nelson, Jack Mullaney portraying Lieutenant (junior grade) Rex St. John, and Jack Albertson as Lieutenant Commander Virgil Stoner. The cast also includes Harvey Lembeck as Seaman Gabby Di Julio, Beau Bridges as Seaman Howard Spicer, and Bob Sorrells as Seaman Claude White. Recurring roles are filled by Stuart Margolin as Lieutenant Miller, Skip Ward as Lieutenant Ferguson, Ken Berry as Lieutenant Melton, Gerald Trump as Crump, Andrew Colmar as Naismith, and Eddie Peterson as Selby.
Episode 1-12 List:
The list below presents the first part of a compilation detailing episodes 1 to 12 of the US series Ensign O'Toole, which includes the titles, air dates, and summaries of the events occurring in each episode. Enjoy ;)
Episode 1 - "Operation: Kowana," directed by Hy Averback and penned by Bill Davenport, premiered on September 23, 1962.
In this episode, the crew of the Appleby is cautioned to maintain decorum during their shore leave in the Japanese port of Kowana, following a previous incident where a U.S. Navy crew inundated the town with counterfeit currency. Tensions rise when a local resident mistakenly believes he has won the Appleby in a poker game. The episode features guest appearances by Victor Sen Yung and Mako (マコ).
Episode 2, titled "Operation: Model T," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, premiering on September 30, 1962.
In this episode, Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John inadvertently damages a French doctor's Ford Model T while trying to fix it on a South Pacific island in French Polynesia. Subsequently, O'Toole acquires the vehicle and instructs the crew to camouflage it in parts aboard the Appleby. Upon the ship's arrival in California, he has the car reassembled for sale; however, before the intended buyer can inspect it, an admiral with a passion for antique cars spots it at the dock. The episode features guest appearances by Don Beddoe, Susan Silo, Emil Genest, and Alberto Morin.
Episode 3, titled "Operation: Daddy," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by James Allardice and Tom Adair, premiering on October 7, 1962.
In this episode, Seaman White's wife is on the verge of childbirth in Omaha, Nebraska, while he remains stationed on the Appleby in San Diego, California. With Lieutenant Commander Stoner unavailable to intervene, O'Toole is confident that he can promptly secure leave papers for White. The episode features guest appearances by Molly Dodd, Merle Pertile, and Davis Roberts.
Episode 4, titled "Operation: Benefit," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, premiering on October 14, 1962.
In this episode, O'Toole intends to allocate the funds generated from the "Foster Father's Follies," a talent show organized by the crew of the Appleby, to support the girls residing in a South Korean orphanage. Notable guest appearances include Cherylene Lee, Grace Lee Whitney, James Hong, The Kim Sisters, and Dick Powell, who was serving as the head of Four Star Television during this period.
Episode 5, titled "Operation: Jinx," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, premiering on October 21, 1962.
The narrative follows Seaman Jerome J. "Jinx" Johnson, who joins the crew of the Appleby. Chief Petty Officer Nelson warns the sailors of impending misfortune, as Johnson is regarded as a harbinger of bad luck within the U.S. Navy. Consequently, the crew experiences a series of mishaps shortly after Johnson's arrival. The episode features guest appearances by Soupy Sales as "Jinx" Johnson, along with Sandra Gould, Sid Gould, Clyde Adler, Harvey Perry, Michael Adair, and Ed Craig.
Episode 6, titled "Operation: Holdout," was directed by Hy Averback and penned by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, premiering on October 28, 1962.
In this episode, the Appleby responds to a distress call from two American soldiers stationed on a remote Pacific island, who assert they are under attack by Japanese forces. Upon arrival, the crew discovers both American and Japanese soldiers entrenched in combat, unaware that World War II concluded in 1945, and that it is now 1962. The episode features guest appearances by Mako, James Hong, Davis Roberts, Tige Andrews, and Eddie Ryder.
Episode 7, titled "Operation: Birthday," was directed by Don Taylor and written by James Komack, Bill Davenport, and Charles Tannen, airing on November 4, 1962.
In this episode, the crew seeks to purchase a watch for Chief Nelson's birthday; however, they find themselves lacking sufficient funds. To resolve this issue, O'Toole formulates a strategy to win the necessary money from Nelson through a poker game, as the crew is financially constrained while only Nelson possesses any money.
Episode 8, titled "Operation: Dinner Party," was directed by Robert Gordon and written by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on November 11, 1962.
In this episode, Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John misplaces the funds entrusted to him by Lieutenant Commander Stoner for a diplomatic gathering. In response, O'Toole offers to assist St. John by organizing the event at no cost, intending to procure food from other vessels in the fleet and enlisting Chief Petty Officer Nelson to concoct a beverage that could pass for "wine." The episode features guest appearances by Jay Novello, Jan Arvan, Veola Vonn, Norma Varden, Ramsey Hill, Irwin Ashkenazy, and George Baxter.
Episode 9, titled "Operation: Mess," was directed by James Komack and penned by writers Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on November 18, 1962.
In this episode, O'Toole grapples with the growing dissatisfaction regarding the deteriorating quality of food on the Appleby, despite the fact that the ship's cook, Charlie, had previously earned a reputation for his culinary skills. The episode features guest appearances by Harry Morgan, Les Brown, Jr., Stafford Repp, Herbie Faye, Joe Higgins, Larry Perron, and John Kahn.
Episode 10, titled "Operation: Impersonation," was directed by Don Taylor and written by Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, airing on November 25, 1962.
In this episode, Lieutenant Commander Stoner finds himself in trouble after consuming excessive amounts of Malayan punch, leading to his arrest for recklessly driving a truck through a Malayan general's cherished garden. In an effort to secure leniency for Stoner, O'Toole takes on the role of Appleby’s superior officer to appeal to the outraged general. The episode features guest appearances by Edgar Barrier, Pamela Searle, Ben H. Wright, and Alan Caillou.
Episode 11, titled "Operation: Hypnosis," was directed by Lawrence Dobkin and written by Bill Davenport and Charles Tannen, airing on December 2, 1962.
In this episode, O'Toole employs hypnosis on Chief Petty Officer Nelson to curb his gambling habits and on Lieutenant (junior grade) St. John to instil a belief in his superiority as a naval officer, leading to a series of chaotic events. The guest appearance features Michael Adair, highlighting the comedic turmoil that arises when O'Toole transforms St. John into a strict adherent of regulations and alters the Chief's attitude towards gambling.
Episode 12, titled "Operation: Potomac," was directed by Hy Averback and written by Sheldon Keller and Howard Merrill, airing on December 9, 1962.
In this episode, while the Appleby is docked in Washington, D.C., Ensign O'Toole begins receiving mysterious gifts from an unknown admirer. The situation escalates when one of the gifts, a dress, prompts teasing from the crew, leading O'Toole to investigate the source of the gifts. His inquiry reveals the existence of another Ensign O'Toole at the base, who is female. The episode features guest appearances by Carolyn Kearney, Norm Alden, Dee Carroll, John Newton, Tyler McVey, Mike Mason, and Richard Eastham.
Dean Carroll Jones (January 25, 1931 – September 1, 2015)
Actor best known for his light-hearted leading roles in several Walt Disney movies between 1965 and 1977, most notably The Love Bug.
He starred on TV in Ensign O'Toole, The Chicago Teddy Bears, and Herbie, the Love Bug. He guest starred in Stagecoach West, Bonanza, Tales of Wells Fargo, Wagon Train, Ben Casey, Burke's Law, Medical Center, Aloha Paradise, The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote and The Aquanauts.
