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This episode served as the pilot for Jim Nabors’ starring series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. When Gomer joins the Marine Corps, Andy tags along to make sure that all goes well during his pal’s first day at boot camp. Of course, the situation rapidly deteriorates as the feckless Pyle drives his new topkick, Sergeant Carter (Frank Sutton), crazy. Andy saves the day by leading Carter to believe that Gomer is related to celebrated Marine general Lucius Pyle. Viewers will quickly note that Frank Sutton uses a broad Southern accent as Carter, which he would summarily drop for the Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. series proper. Filmed in the late Summer of 1963, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. was withheld from view until May 18, 1964, when it aired as the final fourth-season episode of The Andy Griffith Show., This episode concluding the fourth season of “Andy” established the scenario for “Gomer Pyle.” In it, Gomer joins the Marines and heads off to boot camp, where he meets a dogged drill sergeant (Frank Sutton) who believes the dim recruit is related to a famous general. Blake: Frank Albertson. Joker: Eddie Ryder. Corporal: Charles Myers.
