McHale's Navy Season 1 Episode 17 The Big Raffle

In the seventeenth episode of McHale's Navy's first season, entitled "The Big Raffle," the misadventures continue for the zany crew of PT-73 stationed on the fictional Pacific island of Taratupa during World War II. As always, the charismatic Lt. Commander Quinton McHale (played by the talented Ernest Borgnine) leads his unruly and loveable team of Navy misfits through a series of hilarious escapades and uproarious challenges.

"The Big Raffle" begins with the arrival of a dear old friend of the crew, Moondoggy (played by Edson Stroll), who has recently won a whopping sum of $175,000 in a lottery. Moondoggy is thrilled to be reunited with his Navy pals and wants to share his newly acquired wealth by hosting a massive raffle with the PT-73 crew as the beneficiaries.

Spurred on by the promise of an extravagant event, the excitement among the crew is palpable. The men go to great lengths to ensure the success of the raffle, putting their wit and resourcefulness to the test. However, their plans are soon threatened by the presence of an officious and uptight Rear Admiral "Iron Pants" Witherspoon (played by Arthur Batanides), who staunchly opposes the idea of a raffle, and is intent on disrupting their fundraising efforts.

McHale, ever the cunning and clever schemer, devises a plan to outwit Rear Admiral Witherspoon. He convinces his loyal assistant, Lt. Carpenter (played by the brilliant Tim Conway), to forge a document that grants them permission to hold the raffle. Witherspoon, unaware of the forgery, reluctantly gives them his blessing, unaware that the forgery will only further twist the already tangled web of the PT-73 crew's schemes.

Now with the purported authorization in hand, McHale and his devoted crew develop an intricate marketing strategy, including radio advertisements, posters, and word of mouth, to sell raffle tickets to the entire island, including the unsuspecting natives. Their ambition to sell as many tickets as possible leads them on a wild chase, as they navigate comical encounters with island locals, rival factions, and unintended consequences.

The crew's fundraising prowess is put to the test when they face stiff competition in the form of Ensign Charles Parker (played by the talented Tim Matheson), a young and eager officer who sees the raffle as an opportunity to shine in the eyes of his superiors. As Parker tries to upstage McHale and his men, their friendly rivalry escalates into a frenzy of pranks, laughs, and ultimately, a battle of wits.

As the raffle day dawns, the optimism and enthusiasm among McHale's crew is at an all-time high. The island becomes abuzz with ticket sales, eager participants, and dreams of a prosperous future. But just as the raffle kicks into high gear, an unforeseen event brings chaos and hilarity to the festivities, putting the crew's efforts and hopes in jeopardy. McHale and his team must rally and navigate the ensuing chaos to salvage the raffle and ensure the success of their beloved PT-73 crew.

"The Big Raffle" is filled with gut-busting comedic moments, buoyant camaraderie, and the endearing bond that exists among the motley crew of McHale's Navy. Through their quirks, gags, and audacious schemes, the episode captures the timeless appeal of this classic TV comedy, entertaining audiences of all ages.

So, grab your ticket and buckle up for a wild and laughter-filled ride. Join McHale's Navy in "The Big Raffle," a delightfully uproarious episode that showcases the unwavering determination, resourcefulness, and unabashed eccentricity of our beloved PT-73 crew.