CATCH-22 (UNSOLD PILOT) (TV)
Summary
The pilot of this unproduced comedy series based on the novel of the same name about a bomber squadron stationed in the Mediterranean during World War II.
Captain John Yossarian of the 256th Bomber Squadron, approaching the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy, prepares to return to the United States after serving in thirty bombing missions and concluding his tour of duty, as per air force regulations. He describes the base on Pianosa as a “loony bin,” as evidenced when he discovers that the pilot scheduled to fly his plane has been tied up in the back, replaced by an unknown pilot. Meanwhile, the base’s commanding officer, Colonel Cathcart, obsesses over the precise formation of his troops at an upcoming ceremony featuring a general honoring one of their men, Captain Gruber, with a medal. The unknown pilot radios in to the base, but does not know the plane’s number. He turns the craft upside-down in an ill-fated attempt to see the number painted on the underside. Despite Captain Yossarian’s protestations he then buzzes the tower, hoping that someone within can read the number for them. Finally Captain Yossarian orders him to land the plane and he attempts to do so, although his clumsiness at the controls results in them crash-landing in the water, wrecking the plane in the process.
Colonel Cathcart is informed that Captain Gruber was shot down on his latest mission, much to his consternation. Captain Yossarian helps to rescue the unidentified pilot and other passengers, and Colonel Cathcart decides to give Captain Yossarian the medal intended for the now-deceased Captain Gruber. However, Colonel Cathcart’s aide informs him that the intended pilot of the plane was forcibly removed from his command by his men for “looking strange.” Colonel Catchart dismisses the charges against them and brings Captain Yossarian into his office. He explains his intention to award him with the medal, but Captain Yossarian still wishes to leave so he can return home. While waiting he joins some of the other squadron members recalling the circumstances of Captain Gruber’s death and proposing a toast to him. They are incensed when Captain Yossarian informs them that he has no intention of accepting the medal; the following day will be cloudless and thus a highly dangerous environment to fly in a bombing mission.
Ignoring them, he has a conversation with the squadron doctor and warns him about the pilot he flew with, McWatt, proclaiming him “too crazy to fly.” The squadron doctor notes the regulation which forbids mentally unstable pilots from flying, but says that the pilot must specifically request to be grounded. However, he notes that there is a regulation known as “Catch-22,” stating that any pilot attempting to get out of a flying mission must be sane, and therefore must be sent on a mission. Captain Yossarian is perplexed by this display of circular logic. That night, Captain Yossarian finds an empty plane on the runway and attempts to steal it in order to leave Pianosa. The plane turns out to be a trap laid by Colonel Cathcart, who catches him and blackmails him into accepting the medal. However, the next day during the medal ceremony, Captain Gruber unexpectedly returns, and everyone rejoices. Colonel Cathcart tricks Captain Yossarian into accompanying the 256th on a bombing mission. Captain Yossarian is furious when he discovers this, but nevertheless helps shoot down a trio of enemy fighters when they approach. He vows to get out of Pianosa as soon as possible. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:28:18
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:50388
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Literature - Adaptations
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1973
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Richard Bluel … Producer
- Richard Quine … Director
- Hal Dresner … Writer
- Joseph Heller … Based on the novel by
- Neal Hefti … Music by
- Richard Dreyfuss … Cast, Captain John Yossarian
- Dana Elcar … Cast, Colonel Cathcart
- Frank Welker … Cast, McWatt
- Stewart Moss … Cast, Korn
- Suzanne Zenor … Cast, Nurse Duckett
- Robert Pratt … Cast, Orr
- Sam Chew … Cast, Aarfy
- Nicholas Hammond … Cast, Nately
- J.S. Johnson … Cast, Doc Daneeka