Tales of the Gold Monkey

In a backwater corner of the South Pacific in 1938, a young American adventurer and his ragtag group of friends become involved in death-defying hi-jinx, transporting people-on-the-run in a well-worn Grumman Goose seaplane.

Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982-1983) is an American adventure series created by Donald P. Bellisario for ABC. Set in a backwater corner of the South Pacific in 1938, it follows young American adventurer Jake Cutter (Stephen Collins) and his ragtag circle of friends as they pilot a worn Grumman Goose seaplane. Sarah Stickney White (Caitlin O'Heaney) and the colorful sidekicks Corky (Jeff MacKay) and Bon Chance Louie (Roddy McDowall) join him in the hi-jinx of the show. The engine of each episode is simple and kinetic: a rescue or cargo run for people on the run from authorities, complicated by rival crews and local dangers. Shaped as a single season of 22 episodes, the series keeps each adventure largely self-contained while its crew dynamic carries forward. The tone is breezy, playful and escapist, with the glamour of a 1930s exotic setting and light comic banter. Fans of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Hogan's Heroes will find resonance in its swashbuckling spirit and affectionate ensemble humor.

Reviewers found it a breezy, good-natured escapist adventure carried by its charming cast, though its formulaic episodes and thin plotting kept it from standing out, and it was cancelled after one season.

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doomshared pulpy adventure tone, 1930s exotic setting, rogue pilot protagonist
• Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.shared adventure drama with a charming roguish hero and globe-trotting danger
• Hogan's Heroesshared period adventure with an American hero abroad and comic ensemble sidekicks

Created by

Donald P. Bellisario

Release Date

1982-09-22

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

8.0 / 10 (29)

What is Tales of the Gold Monkey about?

A young American adventurer and his ragtag crew fly a battered seaplane through 1938 South Pacific hi-jinx, ferrying people on the run.

What is Tales of the Gold Monkey like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Tales of the Gold Monkey as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Tales of the Gold Monkey violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Tales of the Gold Monkey as mild.

What did critics think of Tales of the Gold Monkey?

Reviewers found it a breezy, good-natured escapist adventure carried by its charming cast, though its formulaic episodes and thin plotting kept it from standing out, and it was cancelled after one season.

Which shows are like Tales of the Gold Monkey?

Shows with a similar feel include Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., and Hogan's Heroes.

How long is Tales of the Gold Monkey?

Tales of the Gold Monkey: 1 season, 22 episodes.

Is Tales of the Gold Monkey still running?

No, Tales of the Gold Monkey has ended.