Question for fans of the TV show, "Combat!" (1962-67)

[KansDem]

Why did Vic Morrow always get the machine gun?


And why did "Littlejohn" (Dick Peabody) carry the rather large rifle with the little feet?


I believe everyone else in the platoon carried ordinary rifles.

These questions have plagued me for 45 years...

[Oeditpus Rex]

1. Lt. Hanley sometimes used a Tommy gun

When he wasn't firing his .45.

I dunno much about guns, but I don't think you should just pick up a sub-machine gun and start firing it. I reckon Saunders and Hanley were trained on 'em, and Littlejohn was trained on the .50 or B.A.R. or whatever it was.



I loved that show, man. :)



Okay, here's one: How come they called Caje "Caje" instead of "Frenchy"? :shrug:

[petronius]

2. Was Caje from Louisiana? I haven't seen it in years, but it would make sense if he was Cajun

I always figures that Morrow got the Tommy gun because he was the star and that was the coolest gun :). However, the show strove for realism, so it's not unlikely that equipment was allocted that way.

My guess with the BAR is that one guy would have been specifically trained, and no one's going to lug around something that heavy unless they're told too...

[Oeditpus Rex]

5. I don't remember much about the show

In fact, the only actual scene I remember at all was one when Saunders stopped a tank by jamming a log between two tread wheels or whatever they're called. I don't remember if Caje had an accent or anything, and it never occurred to me that his nick might've been a short form of "Cajun."

But, yeah — Morrow prolly got the Tommy gun because he was the Tough Guy and it's a Tough Guy gun. And Jason used mostly his sidearm because officers are gentlemen. :)

Did Morrow ever play a role that wasn't a Tough Guy? I can't even imagine him in one. :shrug:

[KansDem]

6. Dick Peabody ("Littlejohn") was 6'6" tall

He would look formidable with a BAR.

I was surprised to learn he is a Kansas City native, attending UMKC before his Hollywood career!

FindaGrave
As I recall, he had a deep, low voice, as if he was a gradute of the "Lee Marven / James Coburn School of the Voice."

I loved that show, man.
It had a catchy theme song, too! I often catch myself humming it, even today!.

[Swede]

3. Here is a pretty good website.

It explains that weapons used (it's tied in with Saving Private Ryan).

http://www.sproe.com/b/bar.html

[KansDem]

4. Wow! BAR gunners could even have their own assistants!

A BAR gunner normally had an assistant who would carry extra ammunition.

That must've been one mean-ass weapon! Thanks for the info...:hi:

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

7. A BAR

is a kick ass weapon. First time I saw the size of the freakin' bullet I was ready to turn and run home........you get hit with one of those rounds and you are toast, more than likely.