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50-456: The Flying Nun is an American fantasy sitcom television series about a community of nuns, which included one who could fly when the wind caught her cornette . It was produced by Screen Gems for ABC based on the 1965 book The Fifteenth Pelican , written by Tere Ríos . Sally Field starred as the title character, Sister Bertrille. The series originally ran on ABC from September 7, 1967, to April 3, 1970, producing 82 episodes, including

100-484: A Pawnee companion named Pahoo Katchewa ("Wolf Who Stands in Water"), played by actor X Brands . In his role as Pahoo, he did not speak and used only sign language to communicate. Pahoo had saved Derringer's life, and therefore, due to his convictions, became responsible for Derringer. Jock O'Mahoney starred in 64 feature films. In 1948, Mahoney auditioned to play Tarzan after the departure of Johnny Weissmuller , but

150-436: A horse breeder. However, he soon became a movie stuntman, doubling for Gregory Peck , Errol Flynn , and John Wayne . Director Vincent Sherman recalled staging the climactic fight scene in his 1948 film Adventures of Don Juan and could find only one stuntman who was willing to leap from a high staircase in the scene. That man was Mahoney, who demanded and received $ 1,000 for the dangerous stunt. Most of Mahoney's films of

200-565: A nun, breaking up with her toy-salesman boyfriend and joining the Convent San Tanco after being impressed by her aunt's missionary work. Sister Bertrille could be relied upon to solve any problem that came her way by her ability to catch a passing breeze and fly. This was generally attributed to her weighing under 90 pounds (41 kg), high winds at the Convent high on the ocean bluffs, and the large, heavily starched cornette that

250-555: A one-hour pilot episode. Developed by Bernard Slade , the series centered on the adventures of a community of nuns in the Convent San Tanco in San Juan, Puerto Rico . It focuses on Sister Bertrille, a young, idealistic novice nun who discovers she can fly, whose order teaches largely underprivileged and orphaned children and assists the poor of a diverse Hispanic community (a rare setting for American network television of

300-553: A series of unrelated stories, some of which were works of science fiction and some of which were tales of fantasy. The more generic term " speculative fiction " might be appropriate for such shows. Other series blend the fantasy and horror genres, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel . And still other programs feature dream sequences or other surreal elements, yet would not be considered fantasy shows by most fans or critics. Some of these programs serve as examples of

350-406: A song not heard on the series. In 1968, Abbe Lane guest starred in the second season episode "The Organ Transplant" and performed " The Look of Love " from the feature film Casino Royale (1967). During its first two seasons, The Flying Nun aired on Thursday nights at 8:00pm EST, where the series competed in the ratings with Daniel Boone on NBC and Cimarron Strip on CBS . The show

400-429: Is greater than load plus drag, anything can fly." In one episode, she tries to gain weight so she can stay grounded, but the attempt fails. Additionally, in the first-season episode "Young Man with a Cornette," she specifically tells a young boy who intended to use her cornette to fly that there were many factors other than her weight (which was distributed differently from that of the boy) that made her flying possible. She

450-521: Is similarly ambiguous for the Tokusatsu superhero programs from Japan , such as Mahō Sentai Magiranger . A wide variety of fantasy subgenres have been represented on television, both as original series and as television broadcasts of fantasy films. Typical examples of original programming in various subgenres include: Jock Mahoney Jacques Joseph O'Mahoney (February 7, 1919 – December 14, 1989), known professionally as Jock Mahoney ,

500-529: The John Derek -directed remake of Tarzan, the Ape Man . He was billed as Jack O'Mahoney . Mahoney was cast as an engineer, Andy Prentis, in the 1954 episode, "Husband Pro-Tem," on the syndicated anthology series , Death Valley Days , hosted by Stanley Andrews . In the storyline, Prentis is hired by a railroad executive, Alonzo Phelps (Howard Negley) (1898–1983) to negotiate a private agreement with

550-708: The magical realism genre rather than fantasy, such as HBO 's Six Feet Under , which featured a realistic setting except for occasional scenes in which living and dead characters interact. In the United Kingdom , the term "telefantasy" is used as an umbrella term to collectively describe all types of programs that feature elements of the fantastic. Some critics consider Superhero programs to be works of fantasy ("Superhero fantasy"), but others classify them as science fiction and still others consider them to be their own genre of programming (see, for example Wonder Woman and Lois & Clark ). Proper classification

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600-595: The Indian Chief Black Hawk ( Lane Bradford ) so that a railroad can be constructed across Indian lands. In his assignment, Prentis soon romantically tangles with Phelps' daughter, Evelyn ( Gloria Marshall ). In February 1953, Mahoney co-starred with his wife Margaret Field in the Death Valley Days episode "Swamper Ike". In 1960, Mahoney guest-starred in the Rawhide episode "Incident of

650-694: The National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures, was ultimately absorbed into the United States Catholic Conference, and both were later merged into the Office for Film and Broadcasting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops , or USCCB. Due to the generally positive portrayal of the nuns' religious and social activities, the series was rarely criticized by Catholic authorities and

700-631: The Pony Express (1950) and Roar of the Iron Horse (1951). Mahoney succeeded stuntman Ted Mapes as the double for Charles Starrett in Columbia's The Durango Kid Western series. The Durango Kid wore a mask covering much of his face, enabling Mahoney to replace Starrett in the action scenes. Mahoney's daring stunts made it seem that the older Starrett grew, the more athletic he became. Mahoney contributed so much to this series that he

750-582: The Sharpshooter". He also appeared in television guest-starring roles on such series as Batman , the Ron Ely Tarzan series, Hawaii Five-O , Laramie , and The Streets of San Francisco . In 1973, he suffered a stroke at age 54 while filming an episode of Kung Fu . In the 1980s, Mahoney made guest appearances on the television series B. J. and the Bear and The Fall Guy . During

800-568: The Stooge films Out West (1947), Squareheads of the Round Table (1948) (and its 1954 remake, Knutzy Knights ), Fuelin' Around (1949), and Punchy Cowpunchers (1950). In the Stooge films, Mahoney—striking a heroic pose—would suddenly get clumsy, tripping over something or taking sprawling pratfalls. Beginning in 1950, Columbia management noticed Mahoney's acting skills and gave him starring roles in two adventure serials, Cody of

850-479: The album, "Felicidad (The Happiness Word)" was released as single and was heard in the pilot episode. In addition to the album, two additional singles were released by Colgems Records: the soundtrack of Sally Field, Marge Redmond and Madeleine Sherwood of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley 's "Gonna Build a Mountain" from the second season episode "Sister Socko in San Tanco" and Sally Field singing "Golden Days",

900-411: The cancellation of ABC's Gidget , starring Sally Field in the title role, producers sought a way to keep Field on the air. As a result, The Flying Nun was developed. Seeking more mature roles, Field found the concept of the show ridiculous and refused the role at first, only to reconsider after her stepfather Jock Mahoney warned her that she might not work again in show business if she did not accept

950-478: The career that was to unfold before her. Prior to the production of The Flying Nun, producers were concerned with how the series would be received by the Catholic Church as well as individual Catholics. In an effort to prevent religious criticism, the National Catholic Office for Radio and Television (NCORT) served as a series adviser, with on-screen credit. The NCORT, like its motion-picture counterpart,

1000-405: The category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sister Jacqueline during the 1967–68 season. She lost to Marion Lorne , who won posthumously for her role as "Aunt Clara" on Bewitched . A series of novels, all based on characters and dialog of the series, were written by William Johnston and published by Ace Books in the 1960s. In addition, the original novel

1050-466: The entire run, most stories concerned helping people in need, community service, literacy, education and the diversity of people and their faiths. The Flying Nun was one of the few American '60s sitcoms set in a low-income ethnic community. By the third season, the series had found its footing, and the flying premise became unnecessary enough to the storylines that often the scripts would have to contrive reasons for at least one "flight" per episode. Field

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1100-480: The era). In the hour-long series pilot, Chicago native Elsie Ethrington arrives in San Juan from New York City after her arrest for having been involved in a free speech protest; she then adopts the name of Sister Bertrille. It is also later learned (in the episode "My Sister, The Sister") that she comes from a family of physicians, and that she is the only one who did not follow in their footsteps. She instead became

1150-439: The era. On other such series of the period, there were elaborate, often frantic attempts to hide and keep secret the special powers, a constant dilemma on Bewitched , I Dream of Jeannie and My Favorite Martian . In most cases, The Flying Nun dealt with its premise more logically. Quite often, Sister Bertrille and the nuns freely admitted her ability to fly, asking for discretion in hopes that it would not draw attention to

1200-613: The exterior was shot there. On September 25, 1970, the Malibu Canyon Wildfire destroyed the original buildings. The series changed comedic gears in its second season with more slapstick and broad humor, focusing on bungling police Captain Gaspar Fomento (played by Vito Scotti ) as well as occasional incongruous flying scenes for Field. The series reverted to the warmer tone of the first season and more socially relevant storylines by its final season. Throughout

1250-537: The fact that producer Weintraub had decided to go for a "younger look" for the apeman, his contract was mutually dissolved. Mahoney made three appearances on the Ron Ely Tarzan series-- The Ultimate Weapon (1966), The Deadly Silence (1966) (a two-part episode, later edited into a feature film ), and Mask of Rona (1967). In 1981, Mahoney returned to the Tarzan film series as the stunt coordinator on

1300-704: The final years of his life, he was a popular guest at film conventions and autograph shows. Mahoney died of a second stroke at age 70 on December 14, 1989, two days after being involved in an automobile accident in Bremerton, Washington . His ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean . Mahoney was married three times, with three children and five stepchildren. His first wife was Lorraine O'Donnell, with whom he had two children, Kathleen O'Mahoney and Jim O'Mahoney, before their divorce. He next married actress Margaret Field in 1952. Their daughter, Princess O'Mahoney,

1350-427: The first 3 seasons of The Flying Nun were available on Crackle . Fantasy television Similar to the difficulty faced by scholars of fantasy film , classifying a television program as fantasy can be somewhat problematic given the fluid boundaries of the genre. Not all programs with fantastic elements may qualify as fantasy. Children's programs in particular often feature fantastic elements that do not qualify

1400-575: The first season of The Flying Nun on March 21, 2006, on DVD in Region 1. This was followed by the release of the show's second season on DVD on August 15, 2006. On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Mill Creek Entertainment had acquired the rights to various television series from the Sony Pictures library, including The Flying Nun. They re-released the first and second seasons in a 2-season combo pack DVD on October 7, 2014. As of Fall 2022,

1450-491: The late 1940s and early 1950s were produced by Columbia Pictures . Like many Columbia contract players, Mahoney worked in the studio's two-reel comedies. Beginning in 1947, writer-director Edward Bernds cast Mahoney in slapstick comedies starring the Three Stooges . Mahoney had large speaking roles in these films, and often played his scenes for laughs. Often cast alongside heroine Christine McIntyre , he appeared in

1500-583: The needs and efforts of the convent. Secrecy was necessary (and occasionally humorously so) only for any characters who would not understand, or might make the situation exploitative, widely public, subject to ridicule, or otherwise disruptive. One memorable episode (without a laugh track) featured only two actors, Sally Field and actor/director Henry Jaglom , trapped in a cave, in an often-bitter exchange. Upon learning she could fly so she could rescue them, he began to reconsider—not in an absurdly miraculous but believable way—his shattered perspective on life. After

1550-591: The program as fantasy, such as the giant talking avian Big Bird of the popular PBS series Sesame Street . Nevertheless, some critics classify certain children's programs that feature traditional fantasy elements such as barbarian characters, wizards , and magic swords as part of the genre (see, for example, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe ). Programs for general audiences may also be difficult to classify. The program The Twilight Zone presented

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1600-520: The ratings than The Flying Nun, which eventually led to its cancellation. During its three-year run, the series was a part of a three-show comedy block on ABC that also consisted of Bewitched and That Girl . Despite its early popularity, the show's ratings never broke the Nielsen top thirty and the final episode aired on April 3, 1970. However, its 83 episodes have consistently attracted new audiences since its initial run. Beginning in summer 2011,

1650-597: The role in Tarzan's Three Challenges , shot in Thailand . When this film was released, Mahoney, at 44, became the oldest actor to play the jungle king, surpassing Weissmuller and P. Dempsey Tabler , a record that still stands. Dysentery and dengue fever plagued Mahoney during the shoot in the Thai jungles, and his weight plummeted to 175 pounds. He needed a year and a half to regain his health. Owing to his health problems and

1700-637: The role went to Lex Barker . In 1960, he appeared as Coy Banton, a villain, in Tarzan the Magnificent , starring Gordon Scott . Mahoney's strong presence, work ethic, and lean (6 foot, 4 inch, 220 pounds) frame impressed producer Sy Weintraub , who wanted a "new look" for the fabled apeman. In 1962, Mahoney became the 13th actor to portray Tarzan when he appeared in Tarzan Goes to India , shot on location in India. A year later, he again played

1750-466: The role. Screen Gems dismissed its second choice, Ronne Troup , who had already begun filming the pilot. Field recalled hanging from a crane and being humiliated by a parade of episodic television directors, one of whom grabbed her shoulders and moved her into position as if she were a prop. She credits co-star Madeleine Sherwood for encouraging her to enroll in acting classes. Field commented that she has great affection for her young Gidget persona and

1800-520: The series in June 1952, bringing an end to its long history of B-Western production. Cowboy star Gene Autry , then working at Columbia, hired Mahoney to star in a television series. Autry's Flying A Productions filmed 79 half-hour episodes of the syndicated The Range Rider from 1951 to 1953. In 1959, a lost episode was shown six years after the series ended. He was billed as Jack Mahoney. The character had no name other than Range Rider. His series co-star

1850-412: The series the instantly mockable but easily marketable title, "The Flying Nun" rather than give it the book's title, "The Fifteenth Pelican". Field expressed great affection for Flying Nun co-stars, including Marge Redmond and Alejandro Rey, who she said was considerate and taught her by example to speak up for herself, indicating that The Flying Nun ultimately was a tough but crucial training ground for

1900-402: The show was transmitted on weekends on Antenna TV . The complete first season also became available on iTunes . Beginning in 2018, it began broadcasting on FETV on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 2-4am. The complete series is also available on Tubi and Amazon Prime streaming services. Despite the show being an easy target for critics, Marge Redmond was nominated for an Emmy Award in

1950-476: The supervision of Lester Sill , several foremost composers of the era contributed to series, including Carole Bayer Sager , Howard Greenfield , Jack Keller , Ernie Freeman and Dominic Frontiere . Sally Field, Star of The Flying Nun , an LP recording featuring music from the series' soundtrack sung by Sally Field and the Bob Mitchell Choir, was released by Colgems in 1967. One of the songs from

2000-556: Was Dick Jones , playing the role of Dick West. In the 1958 Western film Money, Women and Guns , Mahoney played the starring role. The film also starred Kim Hunter . For the 1958 television season, he starred in the outdoor-adventure series Yancy Derringer for 34 episodes, which aired on CBS . Yancy Derringer was a gentleman adventurer living in New Orleans , Louisiana , after the American Civil War . He had

2050-564: Was an American actor and stuntman . He starred in two Action / Adventure television series , The Range Rider and Yancy Derringer . He played Tarzan in two feature films and was associated in various capacities with several other Tarzan productions. He was credited variously as Jacques O'Mahoney, Jock O'Mahoney , Jack Mahoney, and finally Jock Mahoney. Mahoney was born in Chicago , Illinois and reared in Davenport, Iowa . He

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2100-410: Was an instant hit, with high ratings and was declared the "hit of the season;" however, the ratings dropped as the season progressed. During its second year, the series was scheduled against Daniel Boone and Hawaii Five-O . During its final season, the series was moved to Wednesday nights at 7:30pm EST, scheduled opposite The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour . All of the competing shows ranked higher in

2150-399: Was awarded featured billing and major supporting roles as well, first as villains and then as sympathetic characters. By 1952 Columbia was billing him as Jack Mahoney . When Charles Starrett's contract ran out in the spring of 1952, Columbia decided to replace him with Mahoney, opposite Starrett's sidekick Smiley Burnette . The first film was completed but never released; Columbia abandoned

2200-608: Was favorably received by many. The San Juan convent courtyard exterior was the rear area of a house façade at the Warner Brothers Ranch 's suburban street/backlot in Burbank, California , along Hollywood Way north of West Oak Street. The pilot episode and the series opening and closing credits were filmed on location in Puerto Rico . Serra Retreat Center, Malibu, has photos in one of their conference rooms stating

2250-653: Was of French and Irish descent, the only child of Ruth and Charles O'Mahoney. He entered the University of Iowa in Iowa City and excelled at swimming and diving, but dropped out to enlist in the United States Marine Corps when World War II began. He served as a pilot and flight instructor. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Mahoney moved to Los Angeles , and for a time was

2300-427: Was pregnant at the beginning of Season 3. Props and scenery were used to block specific views of Field and using long shots of stunt doubles for the flying sequences. Following the deaths of Shelley Morrison in 2019 and Marge Redmond in 2020, Field is the only surviving cast member of the series. Like The Donna Reed Show and The Monkees , Screen Gems made potential hit music an aspect of The Flying Nun . Under

2350-471: Was proud of her work on that show, but confirmed she did not enjoy her time on The Flying Nun , due to regular jokes from comedians, unflattering spoofs, and negative press that ridiculed the premise, which she took to mean herself. The title was used as a punchline without considering the series or its leads. In the Season One DVD interview, Field states that it was Harry Ackerman's decision to give

2400-486: Was republished under the name The Flying Nun . Dell Comics published 4 issues of a comic book based on The Flying Nun from February to November 1968. View-Master adapted the episode "Love Me, Love My Dog" into a three-reel 3-D packet with a storybook. Milton Bradley released a board game and several puzzles, and coloring books were published by Saalfield. Ray Plastic Inc. also released a rip-cord powered official Flying Nun toy. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released

2450-574: Was the headpiece for her habit . (The cornette was based on one worn until the mid-1960s by the Daughters of Charity , although Sister Bertrille was never said to belong to that order. The order which included the Convent San Tanco was never actually specified in the series.) Her flying talents could cause as many problems as they solved, per the sitcom format, but she most often used her gift to help people, or at least with good intentions. She explains her ability to fly by stating, "When lift plus thrust

2500-441: Was unable to take off when heavy rains caused her starched cornette to lose its shape, when she had to wear something that would keep her grounded at all times, or, on one occasion in the episode titled "The Flying Dodo", when an inner ear infection caused her to lose her balance. For a series often accused of being outlandish, The Flying Nun treated Sister Bertrille's gift of flight more realistically than other fantasy comedies of

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