Russell Johnson and Alan Hale Jr. Shared Screen Time in a Western Before Their Iconic Roles on Gilligan’s Island
In a fascinating twist of television history, Russell Johnson and Alan Hale Jr., famed for their roles in the beloved sitcom Gilligan’s Island, actually starred together in a Western film prior to their island adventures. The show’s producer, Sherwood Schwartz, set out to create a light-hearted series that would appeal to both kids and adults. To achieve this, he needed a talented ensemble that could complement the antics of Bob Denver’s character, Gilligan, who was already gaining fame from his role as Maynard G. Krebs in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
Schwartz was after a blend of established talent and up-and-coming actors. He succeeded in gathering a well-rounded cast, which included veteran performers like Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer, alongside the rising star Tina Louise. Both Johnson and Hale, each with an array of prior performances, brought their skills to the table when they joined the cast of the S.S. Minnow. Hale, who was already familiar to audiences, was 40 when he took on the role of the Skipper, while Johnson, in his mid-30s, was transitioning more into character roles.
Interestingly, six years before their appearances as castaways, both actors participated in a relatively lesser-known Western film from 1955 titled Many Rivers to Cross. This humorous flick featured Robert Taylor in the lead role of Bushrod Gentry, a trapper with a knack for getting into trouble. The whimsical plot revolves around Bushrod’s adventures as he saves women from Shawnee tribespeople, only for the tables to turn when he finds himself rescued by a spirited woman named Mary Stuart Cherne, played by Eleanor Parker.
Hale takes on the role of Luke Radford, Mary’s disgruntled suitor, while Johnson portrays a character named Banks. Despite the comedic setup, the duo doesn’t share any scenes, leaving audiences to appreciate their performances separately. Picture yourself watching this film back in the day and perhaps getting a kick out of seeing the future Skipper and Professor in vastly different roles than what fans came to expect on Gilligan’s Island.
For anyone interested in exploring this slice of cinematic history, Many Rivers to Cross is available for rental or can be streamed for free with ads on Tubi, offering a chance to see how these two iconic actors entertained audiences long before their desert island fame took off.
