Magnum Mania!

Hi Guys,

In episode 83 , Dream A Little Dream, Higgins admits that his "surfing on airplane wings" may be a little farfetched. Is this the first time Higgins actually admits that one of his tales may be slightly exaggerated?

"My God man, there was a war going on."

Welcome TC's CoPilot!



I believe there was at least one other instance where Higgins admits to TM that he "embelished" his story somewhat to help drive home a point, but I don't recall at the moment which episode it was in.

We are not that far apart geographically, I'm down at the state line on I77. Are you right IN cowtown, or one of the burbs? I have freinds in Columbus, but don't get up that way much. Anyway, welcome to the forum. Good folks here.

Yes i love this website and this forum. Great stuff. I live in Westerville so not that far at all.

TC'sCoPilot wrote:In episode 83 , Dream A Little Dream, Higgins admits that his "surfing on airplane wings" may be a little farfetched. Is this the first time Higgins actually admits that one of his tales may be slightly exaggerated?

"My God man, there was a war going on."

Hi TC'sCoPilot,

Great username and welcome. I do not recall any other instance where JQH admits to exaggerating his tales.

However I recall a memorable scene from " Letter To A Duchess " where he admits to being wrong and immediately apologises to Magnum for attacking Magnum's moral character. Higgins admitting he is wrong was in my opinion also rare.

JQH: I revere words like honour, integrity and chivalry which are clearly not in your vocablary.

Magnum: Higgins enough! Knocking my rubber chicken or sloppy habits is within the rules but you are attacking my character. I would like to think you don't mean that.

JQH: Yes, I 'm sorry.

Welcome!

Higgins: "Malaysia, 1943 - Our regiment was hopelessly outnumbered and faced certain death. In our ranks was a young Lt. Ian Bowerly and during a lull in the battle he recited "Gunga Din", I suppose to keep up our courage in face of the inevitable. His eloquent recitation grew increasingly louder until it thundered through the jungle. To our amazement, the Japanese troops walked forward. Although they spoke no English they were entranced by the poem. They allowed us all to leave the area unharmed except for poor Mr. Bowerly. As we made our escape we could hear him reciting other Kipling favorites, literally for miles. To this day, his fate remains unknown."

J.J. Walters wrote:Welcome!

Higgins: "Malaysia, 1943 - Our regiment was hopelessly outnumbered and faced certain death. In our ranks was a young Lt. Ian Bowerly and during a lull in the battle he recited "Gunga Din", I suppose to keep up our courage in face of the inevitable. His eloquent recitation grew increasingly louder until it thundered through the jungle. To our amazement, the Japanese troops walked forward. Although they spoke no English they were entranced by the poem. They allowed us all to leave the area unharmed except for poor Mr. Bowerly. As we made our escape we could hear him reciting other Kipling favorites, literally for miles. To this day, his fate remains unknown."

"Because any time is the right time for this story!" John Hillerman's exasperated & quick delivery just nails it like he literally had told the story hundreds of times before.