M*A*S*H (1972–1983)

The staff of an army hospital in the Korean war find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.

Stars:

Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr

Won 8 Golden Globes. Another 52 wins & 152 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Alan Alda	...	Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce (251 episodes, 1972-1983)
Loretta Swit	...	Major Margaret Houlihan (238 episodes, 1972-1983)
Jamie Farr	...	Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger (212 episodes, 1972-1983)
William Christopher	...	Father Francis Mulcahy (210 episodes, 1972-1983)
Harry Morgan	...	Colonel Sherman T. Potter (179 episodes, 1974-1983)
Mike Farrell	...	Captain B.J. Hunnicut (178 episodes, 1975-1983)
Gary Burghoff	...	Corporal Walter Eugene O'Reilly (155 episodes, 1972-1979)
David Ogden Stiers	...	Major Charles Winchester (131 episodes, 1977-1983)
Larry Linville	...	Major Franklin Marion Burns (118 episodes, 1972-1977)

Storyline

The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is stuck in the middle of the Korean war. With little help from the circumstances they find themselves in, they are forced to make their own fun. Fond of practical jokes and revenge, the doctors, nurses, administrators, and soldiers often find ways of making wartime life bearable. Nevertheless, the war goes on,

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Plot Keywords:

nurse | doctor | colonel | korean war | korea | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | War

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 September 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

M.A.S.H.

Filming Locations:

Malibu Creek State Park - 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

25 min 25 min (255 episodes) 25 min (256 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone Sound Recording) Mono (1972-1973)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Though many of the nurses' names were used interchangeably among several actresses, Father Mulcahy was the only regular character to be played by 2 different actors. George Morgan played the character in the pilot episode, but was replaced by William Christopher. There was a short-lived attempt to carry over the character's nickname (Dago Red) from the film. Hawkeye compliments Father Mulcahy's Christmas tree in the first "Dear Dad" episode by commenting "it's looking good, Red" but the nickname was dropped thereafter.

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Goofs

Although the Korean war lasted slightly over than three years (Summer of 1950 through Summer of 1953), MASH seemed to pack at least four or five Christmases throughout its run. Of specific note: Dear Dad - 1972, Dear Sis - 1978, Death Takes a Holiday - 1980, Twas the Day After Christmas - 1981.

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Quotes

Frank Burns: [Grabs Margaret's arm to keep her from walking away from him] Margaret, can't we please talk about this?
Margaret: Remove your hand or I'll zap you with my knee.
[Frank removes his hand]

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Crazy Credits

The pilot episode opening credits (only seen in original network airings and on DVD and video releases), feature the legend "KOREA, 1950. A hundred years ago..."

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theatre 3000: Angels' Revenge (1995)

User Reviews

Pierce, Trapper, Hunnicut, Radar, thank you... we will miss you always

Without any doubt, this is the best show ever made. The writing is incredible, and the plots are very relevant to any society. Showing the worst of man to the very best of man, this show very well described the human condition. With deep drama, and good comedy, this show takes the audience through the ups and downs of life, while showing us the horror of war, yet leaving us with hope, knowing that there is good in humanity after all. The interaction between the characters is amazing, everyone becoming a family, and something wonderful being birthed in the midst of something horrible: war. Yet, even with the anti-war message, they refrain from bashing on soldiers (as most anti-war people tend to do) and they express pride in the bravery of them, while hating the need to fight.

All in all, this is the best show ever made, and I am deeply sorry that it did not run a few years longer.