Hennesey

Hennesey title card

Hennesey was an American military comedy-drama television series that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1962. The show was created and primarily written by Don McGuire. It starred Jackie Cooper as Lieutenant Charles "Chick" Hennesey, a United States Navy dentist. The series co-starred Abby Dalton as Nurse Martha Hale and Roscoe Karns as Captain Walter Shafer.

Plot

The series is set in the United States Navy and follows the life of Lieutenant Charles "Chick" Hennesey, a naval dentist stationed at a base in San Diego, California. The show explores the comedic aspects of military life and the personal and professional challenges faced by the characters. Chick Hennesey's interactions with his colleagues, including his commanding officer Captain Walter Shafer and Nurse Martha Hale, with whom he has a romantic relationship, form the core of the series.

Cast and Characters

• Jackie Cooper as Lieutenant Charles "Chick" Hennesey
• Abby Dalton as Nurse Martha Hale
• Roscoe Karns as Captain Walter Shafer
• Henry Kulky as Max Bronsky (season 1)
• James Komack as Dr. Harvey Spencer (seasons 2 and 3)

Production

The show was produced by Revue Studios, which later became part of Universal Television. Hennesey was notable for its attempt to blend comedy with drama, a relatively novel concept for military-themed television shows at the time. The series was filmed in black and white and consisted of three seasons, totaling 96 episodes.

Reception

Hennesey received a positive reception from audiences and critics alike for its humor, character development, and unique take on military life. Jackie Cooper's performance was particularly praised, and the show was considered a significant part of early 1960s television programming. Despite its success, the series has not maintained a high profile in the years since it ended, partly due to the lack of syndication and availability on modern streaming platforms.

Legacy

While Hennesey may not be as well-remembered as other military-themed shows of its era, such as M*A*S*H, it contributed to the genre by introducing elements of humor and human interest to the depiction of the armed forces on television. The series also helped to launch the careers of its cast members and demonstrated the potential for comedy-drama hybrids on television.