Ernest Borgnine On The Bus (Feature Documentary)

RIP Ernie. We'll never forget you.
Starring Ernest Borgnine, Cris Borgnine and The Sunbum
Produced and Directed by Jeff Krulik
Associate Producer Joyce McConnell
Created by Brendan Conway and Jeff Krulik
Edited by Michael Krulik and Erica Parker
Videography and Sound by Mike Peters and Harrison Moore
Taped in 1995. Released on Good Times Home Video in 1997, through Henninger Media Development. Screened on WETA TV and MPT in 1998. Never released on DVD. Available in its entirety here online.
In honor of Ernie's 95th birthday, the whole road trip was made available on 47 separate youtube clips on the EBonTheBus Channel
/ ernestborgninebus
My thoughts on his passing:
Ernie Borgnine...I'll always be grateful for his generosity, and his patience with our make-it-up-as-we-go production. He was a terrific sport, and a lot of fun to work with; I'm so glad to have been a colleague, at least for a brief while. I'll never forget him; it was a true honor.
God bless.
Thank you,
Jeff
www.jeffkrulik.com

[@seanvogt221]

This guy lived to be 95. Wish I can live that long. If not longer. Godspeed Ernest. Enjoy the roads in heaven.

[@frankpeck1448]

Yes, he's Truly the Legend!❤

[@onthegowithgreggsavage]

If Mr borgnine's family is reading this, I just want to say what a wonderful man I always thought your dad was, I watch McHale's Navy feverishly as a child and he's one of the reasons why I became a merchant Marine captain. I watched these KZbin videos years ago and I am now selling my house and everything I own because I retired from the Motorsports business of 30 years and am buying a motorhome and doing exactly what Mr Borgnine has done and he's giving me the reason to want to do this . I remember him saying we should all go see this country we all helped pay for it. And he was so right.. I grew up in the movie theater business and had the privilege of meeting him when I was a young child and he took time from his busy schedule to talk to me as I was maybe 12 or 13 at the time and I want to know everything about McHale's Navy and the PT boats that were used in filming it and he told me a story about one time taking one for a ride a boat that was used to tow Howard hughes's aircraft the Spruce Goose to Catalina.. I never forgot it.. we spent about 15 minutes maybe even 20 and then my parents that were so embarrassed because I used up a lot of his time had to usher me away as they thanked him so much.. The line of work that he was in which is always prone to skepticism and scandal. Never once would anyone hear of Mr Borgnine doing anything improper or indecent. it just didn't happen with a man like him. He was to a 13 year old kid like me, the grandfather or even dad that every kid wishes they had. They broke the mold with him and this world is a lesser place with him not in it !!!

[@ldhorricks]

I worked with Ernie on a film in Texas in 98...he drove that bus towing a bronco behind from California to where we were filming. He insisted in staying at the Best Western rather than swanker accommodation so he could hang out with the truckers.

[@January.]

*insisted on *swankier

[@vincentconti-jb3hd]

​@@January. curious, when I read the comment I saw it as "insisted on" and swankier"!!!

[@bobsheppard8773]

​@@January.🤡

[@January.]

@@bobsheppard8773 屋那覇羅葉葉🤡💩

[@margannaful]

You can just tell that this man loved life.No pretentiousness, no snobbery about him. Reminds me of my dad, who was of the same generation. I loved watching this. The world lost an icon when it lost him.

[@briane173]

I never had a chance to meet Ernest Borgnine, but as an adolescent I got to meet Alan Hale Jr. ("Skipper" from _Gilligan's Island)_ and he was cut from the same cloth. Personality-wise and even looks to a certain degree, the two were interchangeable. Mr. Hale was one of the nicest men I ever met -- very approachable, down-to-earth, great sense of humor, and treated everyone with mutual respect. Nothing pretentious or arrogant about him -- a quality that was abundant in Hollywood after WWII, and not so much anymore. And you can tell that Ernie Borgnine was the same -- a man who loved life and loved people, loved his country -- and leaves no question as to how he'd won an Academy Award. Just a lovely man.

[@stephenbodholdt4326]

Amen👍🙏

[@tellytomlinson4145]

Wow! To my shock, I enjoyed watching this immensely! I love Mr. Borgnine's innate joy and gust for life! It really would have been a great honor to have met him! Couldn't help but smile and laugh watching this! We lost a great human being! Thank you for sharing this! Absolutely wonderful!

[@kevinb3030]

Same Here Nice To See Normal Unlike It Is Now Total Insanity

[@BeyondChange]

Who else is Binge Watching Ernest videos?!

[@frankpeck1448]

Hello, Started watching them a few years ago...but always come back to watch them repeatedly. He's so 'Down to Earth'! Can't help but Love the man. So much sincerity...Ernie is the Real Deal...nothing phoney about him. Kindest regards!❤

[@larrygarrett724]

I did.❤

[@commanderkeen3787]

Borgnine was amazing. Driving his bus across the country while giving an interview. The guy just enjoyed life. A wonderful screen presence, he could play anything and he made everything watchable

[@THE-HammerMan]

As I watched this, enjoying every minute, I realized half way through that I'd had a big 😃 smile the whole time. That is who & what Ernest Borgnine was and what he gave to the world...joy and a big smile!

[@Scott-ly2nk]

Ernest is the real deal says nothing bad about anyone what you see is what you get a real good ol fellow none of that stuck up shit with him i always call him mchale

[@THE-HammerMan]

@@Scott-ly2nk Tim Conway always called him Skipper. The "other" Skipper from Gilligan's Island, Alan Hale, Jr. was a "real deal" kinda man too! Never have two actors so different from each other been so similar in their being true, honest, friendly and humble just like an "everyday Joe" you'd meet anywhere. They were simply great guys. "Real Deal" men, for sure.👍

[@marthadoody]

I was smiling too. What a wonderful trip this video was.

[@WilliamC1966]

How can you not love this man? I rewatch these to remind me of what a real Hollywood star is....humble...down to earth....honest and kind....❤️👍

[@ricksanchez5696]

Make sure to watch emperor of the north..best movie

[@WilliamC1966]

​@@ricksanchez5696Will do! 👍

[@Wonderhussy]

OMG I can think of nothing more fun than cruising around the USA with Ernest Borgnine at the helm of the Sunbum!!! All my grandfathers have passed away, and he would have been the perfect grandpa stand-in. RIP you awesome man

[@DVincentW]

Cool to see you here! Its really cool this video from 1995. I love your videos Sandra.

[@jonmacdonald5345]

Fancy seeing you here i was literally just watching your latest upload lol

[@Wonderhussy]

Great minds all come together around Ernest Borgnine!

[@borandell9915]

So true. And believe me, he would have loved to cruise this beautiful USA with you as well. Both so very charismatic.

[@ppppmmmm7809]

2020 sitting in isolation in Australia and found this treasure. Thanks

[@angrycat3525]

I never met Ernest Borgnine while he was alive, but this film showed me just how real he was away from the cameras. And in front of them, he was a REAL actor that we can enjoy for generations to come.

[@BB-mv9wl]

Being 40, I appreciated him most in Airwolf, but loving war movies; loved his part in the Dirty Dozen too. His laugh was infectious. Love people who radiate happiness like he did.

[@kennappier3608]

Ernest Borgnine was a wonderful person, I truly enjoyed his traveling. I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. I joined the Navy in 1966 because I loved Mc Hales Navy.

[@Pistolmike59]

Just found this. I really enjoyed Earnest as an actor. Great to see he was traveling in his late 70's and lived to be 95. What a great down-to-earth gentleman. Great inspiration for many of to get out and travel.

[@arthurharrison1345]

Great documentary of an unforgettable icon.

[@stevied8855]

That was brilliant. What a Gentleman Ernest was. A happy contented guy that clearly loved meeting ordinary folk. Steve in Scotland.

[@wheelinthesky300]

Kid, this is the kind of man the USA used to produce. REAL MEN.

[@tonym994]

when casting for the Godfather was going on, the book was already a hit. when the FBI listened to surveillance tapes of real life wise guys, some were saying Borgnine should get the role.I wish I could see 'pay or die' where he plays a good(Italian American)cop who is after 'the Black hand' who preceded la Cosa Nostra in America.

[@tonym994]

FOUND it. on YT. it's not glamorous at all. the anti-Godfather,and it has some actors that were in it.

[@wilcojunkie]

Agreed. Real men used to be able to take a dick.

[@bmused55]

The views this video has gotten is criminally low, it deserves millions. I wonder what happened to the Sunbum after he passed? He obviously loved his bus and I'd hate to think it's sat, rotting and unloved since.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

Look it up on google it was sold a few years ago. Very nice bus.

[@rsrfm24]

Terrific guy....down to earth thanks for making ,showing what a character you are...no big legend Hollywood crap here, although he ‘is’ a great actor we can continue to watch forever! Mixing with the ordinary everyday people and fellow travellers and truckers who all love him too. Would have loved to have met, funny seeing a dad and son interaction on the road as it shows,forget he’s a legend actor ,a true gentleman!! Many thanks Ernie best wishes to your family. 👏👍😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bergssprangare]

Love that laughter

[@seththomas9105]

Borgnine would have been in his 80's when this was filmed. He had the reputation of being a genuine, nice fella. The type of guy that enjoyed life and liked people. He was of my grandparents generation and they EARNED the title Greatest Generation!

[@trufantom21]

79 actually

[@joeambrose3260]

@@trufantom21 actually 78 Born 1917

[@trufantom21]

@@joeambrose3260 I stand corrected

[@joeambrose3260]

@@trufantom21 Duly noted

[@trufantom21]

@@joeambrose3260 Alright alright..... don't let it go to your head.

[@Mooncalf2012]

Thanks for posting all the raw footage. Only now with 20/20 hindsight does anyone realize what a treasure footage like this is, and that it should have been given a chance to air as a reality TV Show.

[@angiesparks4684]

What an awesome video. Ernest Borgnine was the real deal.

[@harrybradley1196]

Liked this documentary very much RIP. Ernie

[@jeffsmith7789]

Most people forget that Ernie won 'best actor' Academy Award beating the best Icons in movie history. Gotta love 'Marty'!

[@philduoos2961]

There is an interview of him where he was asked to do "McHale's Navy". He turned it down. "I'm a big shot movie star - I'm not going to do some dumb TV show!" The next day was Halloween and some kid comes to his house and says something like "Hey I know who you are!" Well thanks kid! "Yeah - your that guy on Gunsmoke!" "Um, no..." "Oh, that's right - it's Bonanza!!!" The next morning Ernie called his agent and took the job for McHale's Navy!

[@Bounty_Hunter84]

Lovely man and in Todays world we need more people like him and we can learn from his positive attitude.

[@charlieyellowstone8248]

I must say I really enjoyed watching this and Ernest Borgnine was one of my favorite actors of all Time. As I was watching this it occurred to me that this was 27 years ago and it's hard to believe this was nearly 30 years ago when this was filmed. Today is may 4th 2022.

[@edwardhenry3158]

I just stumbled across these videos they are amazing what a truly great man and an American patriot who was so underrated but loved by many nothing fake about that man great actor great human being I’m glad to see that he just loved what he was doing with his son traveling cross the country that’s what life is all about not all the Hollywood glitz and glamour just a down right overall great man RIP mr. Ernest Borgnine we all know you’re traveling the big roads up in heaven love and respect we love you Ernie

[@tomscott1163]

Ernest, was and will always be known as a very giving and kind person, People liked him right away, he was not a stand off kind of guy. The salt of the earth, and that's what I miss about him.

[@ZilogBob]

A down to earth good person who saw acting as a job, not an ego trip.

[@terrencelundihn8183]

fg gg mmvnnhgffnhggh mvm m hmhjhhj-*4********(((+🐻‍❄️👛👛🦊🦊🦊🦊🐯🐯🐱🐱 ((+;)))))))))))657464**4*464***(()))))8'kkkkkkrryyyyyyyyytyyhhhhhhchhytty🪡🪡🪡👕👕👠🩱🧳🐹⛑

[@tabletalk33]

Ya gotta love this guy! One of a kind!

[@nickpanhead7209]

What a great man, and a great Dad, his Son Chris was very fortunate to spend quality time with his Dad. His heart was bigger then the Hollywood sign. I seen a lot of his movies wish I was one to have met him. I'm glad I came across these videos of him, and the stories that he told, and what we were able to see through his eyes and the places that he stopped along the way. In this great country. What ever became of the Sun bum. R.I.P

[@truckinstuff2849]

Thanks to Ernest for all the movies and shows he did while he was here... And at 48:17 to his son You are welcome, and Thank You for the documentary...

[@nofollowers6964]

Absolute joy to watch. Classic Americana right here!

[@FanFanBessie2]

Best 50 minutes I've spent all year.😀👍👍

[@kenshomody5394]

Always liked Ernest and the roles he played, in the movies and TV. You are missed and will never be forgotten.

[@marie2274]

I found this series yesterday. What a wonderful person. Every place he stops he makes time for people.. Unfortunately he has passed away a few years back. I loved his movies especially Dirty Dozen. The movies are a treasure. His stories were wonderful. I never knew he served during World War II, in the navy. I could travel across country with him and never want to leave the bus. His laugh always makes me smile even now. RIP Mr Borgnine, God loved him too and wanted him back.. 😢

[@stevyg4549]

Always like this man, great guy and great actor 👍🇬🇧

[@nobleroman5601]

What a most enjoyable ride with Earnest and his son , he was a real regular guy , someone anybody could talk with , I wish this trip could've been longer because I would've loved to have heard about other movies he did , I definitely could have listened to him all day talking about his acting career and the people who he met and worked with over the years , thanks so very much for sharing this video with us all it was a real pleasure to watch .

[@trevorvincent1818]

Would have loved to have gone on a road trip with Ernie and cris Ernest borgnine you were a proper gentleman.

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

This was excellent!! Thank you All and Ernie B. I knew you were a American Icon..you just proved it...again...pel..Wichita, Ks..Vietnam Veteran..😆 RIP Mr.B. we miss you!!

[@HAMMER_2.2]

Damn, what a great guy!💚

[@nerblebun]

In the 80's, Ernie would come to fish during the striped bass run damn near every year with my good buddy Jay Sorensen, the best professional fishing guide on the San Joaquin Delta in Northern Calif. His favorite watering hole was the original Moore's Riverboat, an actual 165ft Paddle Wheeler converted into a restaurant & bar. I was a local River Rat living on my sailboat just a few harbors away from Moore's. Went fishing with Jay & Ernie a few times and spent many a night on a bar stool next to Ernie at the Riverboat while my brother from another mother tended bar. Ernie was a mans man & a terrific actor, but for sure & certain Mr.B was one of the most down to earth, genuinely nicest guys ya'd ever hope to meet. Never saw him turn down a fans request for an autograph or picture. Treated everybody like a long lost friend with nothing but sincere respect & kindness. Sure do miss that big hearted dude...as does most of the world who's been fortunate enough to enjoy his movies.

[@DannyZale]

This guy seems so cool, I bet he was a blast to be around! Love you Ernest Borgnine, see you when I get there! :v Danny Zale

[@Littlelewie151]

If any of his loved ones ever see this I just want to say that after seeing this a couple years ago Ernest became my favorite!!! I drive trucks for a living and his respect for truck drivers and just normal people is very heart warming!

[@alingram5216]

WONDERFUL! He liked that word and it's a perfect fit for him! RIP Ernie!

[@ronthorp2844]

R.I.P.Erine I just happened to find this Video on YT I was so glad to see it ,I grew up watching Mr. Borgnine on tv and the movies he seems to be as great a person as he was an Actor Thanks to him and his son and of course the film crew loved it ,and Ernie was absolutely right about seeing America ,I've seen my share and at 62 would love to c much more in this great land of ours the great USA !!!!!! I would wonder what Mr Borgnine with people taking a knee during the national Anthem ! I think protesting is fine god knows there is many injustices in this country but there is a time and place for everything ! Peace to ALL ! this comment isn't political its about our Great country with all its faults and I would like to live to c the day we can all live in peace !!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for going on and this really was for Ernie he will be missed for decades and his films will last forever !

[@constantdarkfog49]

Really nice to see how nicely Ernest was having fun traveling, he surly had a zest for life. I first remember him from McHale's Navy. Really wonderful guy.

[@timacoata7456]

What an awesome person! Love is zest for life. What a good natured gentleman. GB Earnie

[@twillis449]

My favorite Borgnine movie - The Wild Bunch. A great actor. RIP Ernest Borgnine.

[@drmertes58]

I just loved this guy.....Rest in peace my dear friend 🙏 Simply....You are the greatest !

[@M.Sforza]

My father was an Italian American from New Haven CT. Very much like this man. He reminds me very much of my wonderful late Dad. He was also a Butcher, like Marty.

[@markromero5331]

Want a wonderfull documentary of one of my all time favorite actors. So good to see that Chris had a beautiful opportunity to spend some "Real" quality time with his father, doing something they both found joy in. It's a real blessing to see. Thanks for bringing this video to KZbin, I sincerely enjoyed it and I'm sure Chis and his children will always have something to reflect on, as well as his dearest fans. Thanks !

[@JBERRY603]

This guy is great!

[@cabininthewoods7326]

What a wonderful human being he was

[@richardclegg5853]

Was there anyone happier in showbiz than Ernest Borgnine?

[@rustyruss2962]

What Legend Thank u for all wonderful Memories GodBless ❤️🙏

[@gregjsinclair]

What else can he do ,,,,,,, What cant he do ,,, ???? It was a gift to watch him ,,, so missed,

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

So wonderful! Ernest Borgnine was truly a great actor and a great man. Thanks for posting!

[@TonysLawnCare215]

They dont make them like this anymore What a sweet soul R.I.P Mr. Borgnine

[@raynonabohrer5624]

This was fun! A Great man and actor. We miss him

[@collinreesejones5525]

Undoubtedly one of the nicest kindest classy men to ever live! Always adored him God Bless you Ernie!!!! 😍 Wish there was 100 more episodes 😁

[@kevinstonerock3158]

I’m glad to see he didn’t turn into a Hollywood recluse and enjoyed his later years. I was able to take a few trips with my parents after they retired and I’ll always hold it dear in my heart. I wasn’t able to have any updates on his later years since we didn’t live in the same geographical location but with KZbin I’m seeing some of it now. God bless the family for making it enjoyable.

[@MA_808]

Mr. Borgnine was such a wonderful and talented man. A friend of mine had his picture taken with him and I have always envied him for the chance to meet Ernie.

[@thewiseguy3529]

This guy's a national treasure they don't make them like that anymore

[@facelikedog]

I found this strangely endearing.

[@steinhvik4380]

Same. It feels like I am just watching my older relatives doing what they always did every summer...drive around their wagons and talk to people. Camp around and enjoy a good breakfast here and there..stop by and say hi. Just a nice relaxed summer.

[@brianf481]

That was really Great! thank you to all, I needed that.

[@OscarsMama]

My Dad could have been his twin. In 1967 when i was 8 years old, my family was in downtown Chicago Christmas shopping. We were at Marshall Fields and he got stopped 11 times by people who thought he was Ernie. He loved it! Of course he always told people he wasn't Ernest Borgnine. People said the likeness was uncanny. It was my Dad's wish to meet Ernie, but it never happened.

[@kuehnel16]

This is the most fantastic thing I've seen . Imagine crusing down the road and looking over and look 👀 its Earnest Borgnine

[@sniwashitu]

Great guy

[@swankydog]

hands down, one of my all-time favorite documentaries

[@kuehnel16]

What an honor to see you again sir.

[@divox9pqr]

What a guy.....No one like him....What a treasure he was.

[@mikekennedy5470]

Fantastic

[@thomas7johns]

Nice to see the real life of this man. He was a genuine, good guy. Nice to see his day is no different than any day of mine. We're all human and just trying to get through life.

[@wifighostcruiser9665]

I can't believe only 11,000 people watched this!

[@123Rockchild]

Mr. Borgnine seemed like a really nice man.

[@marthadoody]

This is one of the best presentations I've seen. Would have loved to have met him. What a lovely person he was. I loved watching McHale's Navy when I was a kid, and Marty was just the best. I've seen it twice. The movie just draws you in. I've dreamed about traveling the way he did. Doubt if it will ever happen, but who knows.

[@williamwindomtributesite1640]

I met him once at the tv station I worked at. He was wonderful! It was a dream come true to meet him!!

[@braveheart8085]

Where did “America “ go ? It’s 2021 and it’s ugly and dreadful . We miss you Ernie .

[@deeznuts8910]

What a guy!

[@CombatDoc54]

Nice video. Good editing. Loved all the videos.

[@hanseekhoff1093]

They don't come much more down to earth than Ernest Borgnine.

[@themishmish101]

Every one should end up living like Ernie. What a way to go.

[@littlepools]

amazing

[@roywhite2454]

Ernest is one great person. Thank you E B

[@charlesw9875]

A man that's hard not to like.

[@TheGor54]

A true man of the people! Earnest Borgnine was that Man. We could use more of him, but unfortunately Hollywood can not provide nomo.

[@bigwheelstuntshow1707]

This was so enjoyable!

[@carolstefan7662]

What a wonderful video!!!

[@peggyhenderson3930]

Love Ernest, he is the best

[@allenscott5045]

That was awesome love him

[@ssnoc]

What a great man - unpretentious, honest and he treated strangers well - 🙏👏

[@blyt5046]

Im glad he got to enjoy himself. ❤️

[@pearldiver1006]

One of his best roles was on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE where you were led to believe he was either God or Gabriel

[@vincentconti-jb3hd]

Nice. I remember him mostly from McCails navy, my father was on a PT Boat and he loved it... I miss my old man! Never saw many of his films...he sure is a likeable guy!!!

[@louisswitcher]

The fact that the mats “kiss me on the bus” was the intro was brilliant. But not as brilliant as Ernest. Rest In Peace Mr. Borgnine

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

I loved everything Ernie did... He was one of the greats.... RIP Ernie, we all miss you.

[@richarddegen6184]

Excellent!

[@torontoguys]

Such a great guy, I really enjoyed the feeling I got watching it.

[@delishme2]

He wsd such a sweetheart. Its hard to believe he also had a temper. I just adore that old time charm. ❤