Every time I drive past the Radford Studios in Studio City, CA, I can't help but think of GILLIGANS ISLAND and so many other classic tv shows filmed there for decades.
This episode is one of those classics, for sure. Hans Conreid, master of characters and cartoon voices, plays one of the most beloved characters on the show. Actually, WRONG WAY Feldman was based on a real pilot called Wrong Way Corrigan. Corrigan flew from New York to Long Beach, CA in 1938 in an old plane that he scrapped together. That made headlines in itself, however, he had filed a flight plan to return back to New York, BUT instead flew to Ireland? The guy became famous, although was in trouble with the FAA and had to answer lots of embarrasing questions.
Here, dizzy Feldman lands on the island, originally on his way to Minneapolis --but went the wrong way. Get it? Hans Conreid is the whole show as the gang tries to help him get back to civilization (to let the world know about them!), although he loves the peace and quiet. He's also in no hurry to face the press and admit he made a big boo boo.
Classic comedy and Feldman's beat up airplane is a sight to see. Historically, this episode was added as a footnote to the biography of the real Wrong Way Corrigan, who had since retired from flying and actually moved to a ranch in California to raise his family.
A gotsta' see for old times sake.
SEASON 1 remastered color CBS dvd box set. Thanks to ME for running this super oldie.