What is it? Gelbart, Larry. Laughing Matters: On Writing M*A*S*H, Tootsie, Oh, God!, and a few Other Things. New York: Random House, 1998. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Larry Gelbart is the comedic and writing genius behind M*A*S*H. He is widely credited with the success of the series and with its longevity. Even though he left the seriesContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 31: “Laughing Matters””
Yearly Archives: 2024
Press Pass 31: M*A*S*H Finale Ratings Top Dallas
In a post last month about photos from a collection of “M*A*S*H Bash” photos from the night of the finale, I said that was the final post in a series celebrating the 41st anniversary of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” on February 28. I was mistaken. This week’s post is the final post in that series!Continue reading “Press Pass 31: M*A*S*H Finale Ratings Top Dallas”
Script Spotlight 31: “April Fools”
Update (4/4/2024): Corrected the information about the filming order of this episode. I originally stated that this episode was likely the last episode filmed, but the scripts for both “War Co-Respondent” (08×23) and “Back Pay” (08×24) are dated after this script. Once I realized that this post would go live on April 1, finding aContinue reading “Script Spotlight 31: “April Fools””
From the M*A*S*H Library 30: “Just Call Me Mike”
What is it? Farrell, Mike. Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist. New York: RDV Books, 2007. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Mike Farrell played the role of B.J. Hunnicutt on M*A*S*H for eight seasons, and he is one of only three actors to join the series during its eleven season run. Reading about hisContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 30: “Just Call Me Mike””
MishM*A*S*H 30: M*A*S*H Syndication Kit (1990)
In January, I wrote a post about a M*A*S*H syndication kit from the mid-1980s. This week, I am going to feature the other syndication kit that I have in my collection, a kit from 1990. This kit is different as it has more features including more theme week ideas, advertising samples, a video cassette ofContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 30: M*A*S*H Syndication Kit (1990)”
Press Pass 30: “M*A*S*H Bash” Press Photos and Video
Update (3/11/2024): Corrected the location of some of the press photos as they were all originally identified as being from the Houston, Texas area. The photos are from various locations, and I apologize for the error. This is the final post in the series celebrating the 41st anniversary of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” on FebruaryContinue reading “Press Pass 30: “M*A*S*H Bash” Press Photos and Video”
Script Spotlight 30: “Dear Sigmund”
Since March is the beginning of spring, and some days it feels like it while others it doesn’t, I decided to be like M*A*S*H and make my own spring with this week’s episode choice. Instead of dedicating a tree, I am going to review my favorite episode of the series, “Dear Sigmund” (05×07). It mayContinue reading “Script Spotlight 30: “Dear Sigmund””
MishM*A*S*H 29: M*A*S*H Finale Magazines and TV Guides
Tomorrow marks the 41st anniversary of the original broadcast of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” the two-and-a-half hour M*A*S*H finale. To celebrate the anniversary in the past, I have posted the episode’s script, production documents, the press release from Fox announcing the final episode, and a collection of finale press photos. All of those materials wereContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 29: M*A*S*H Finale Magazines and TV Guides”
From the M*A*S*H Library 29: “Mixed Blessings”
What is it? Christopher, William and Barbara. Mixed Blessings. New York: Avon Books, 1989. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? While the Christophers’ book is not about M*A*S*H, it is a very interesting behind the scenes look at the life they led off screen. Raising an autistic son in the 1970s was not easy, and they tell their storyContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 29: “Mixed Blessings””
Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages
UPDATE: 2/12/2024: Thanks to Dan Harrison, I have added another reason why “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” was aired once again on CBS in September 1983. On February 28, 1983, an estimated 60% of American households gathered around their TV sets to watch the finale of M*A*S*H. It was a huge ratings success for CBS, andContinue reading “Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages”
The M*A*S*H Historian 