The Mayor charged Binghamton 150 Italian Lire for lunch for himself and McHale's crew (8 people.) Binghamton vigorously objects to the bill. However, the exchange rate in July 1943 was established at 100 Lira to the US Dollar. Binghamton's total bill is $1.50, or about $0.19 per meal.
In 1964 when this episode aired, the exchange rate was 643 Lira to the dollar, making the total bill $0.23.
In 1964 when this episode aired, the exchange rate was 643 Lira to the dollar, making the total bill $0.23.
The Italian soldier that was to be married was seen as an 'enemy'. At the time when the show was supposedly shot, early to mid 1944, Italy had surrendered, and had declared war on Germany. So at that time, Italy was essentially an ally of the Americans.