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””
Category Archives: M*A*S*H Library
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””
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””
From the M*A*S*H Library 28: “Gary Burghoff: To M*A*S*H and Back”
What is it? Burghoff, Gary. Gary Burghoff: To M*A*S*H and Back: My Life in Poems and Songs (That Nobody ever Wanted to Publish). Albany, GA: BearManor Media, 2009. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Gary Burghoff is perhaps best known as playing Walter “Radar” O’Reilly on M*A*S*H, and he originated the role in Robert Altman’s 1970 MASH film. However,Continue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 28: “Gary Burghoff: To M*A*S*H and Back””
From the M*A*S*H Library 27: The Autobiography of Jackie Cooper
What is it? Cooper, Jackie with Dick Kleiner. Please Don’t Shoot my Dog: The Autobiography of Jackie Cooper. New York: Berkley Book, 1981. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Jackie Cooper directed 13 episodes of M*A*S*H in seasons one and two, and he won an Emmy Award for his direction of the episode “Carry On, Hawkeye” (02×11). Some ofContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 27: The Autobiography of Jackie Cooper”
From the M*A*S*H Library 26: M*A*S*H: When Television Changed Forever (Documentary)
What is it? Osborne, Brad. M*A*S*H: When Television Changed Forever. AMS Pictures, 2022. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This is the latest M*A*S*H documentary, and the most recent one made since the 30th anniversary cast reunion in 2002. It features all new interviews with members of the cast and production staff, and it includes additional context thatContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 26: M*A*S*H: When Television Changed Forever (Documentary)”
From the M*A*S*H Library 25: “Just Farr Fun”
What is it? Farr, Jamie with Robert Blair Kaiser. Just Farr Fun. Clearwater, FL: Eubanks/Donizetti, Inc., 1994. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Jamie Farr was one of the principal cast members of the series. He famously came to set for one episode in season one, and stayed for eleven years. Farr’s memoir outlines how he got to M*A*S*HContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 25: “Just Farr Fun””
From the M*A*S*H Library 24: Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess (50th Anniversary Edition)
What is it? Maxwell, Jeff. Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess: The Lost Recipes of Private Igor: 50th Anniversary Edition. Monee, IL, 2023. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? It is not often that a member of the M*A*S*H cast writes a book that is solely dedicated to the series. Jeff Maxwell not only writes about himself, but heContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 24: Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess (50th Anniversary Edition)”
From the M*A*S*H Library 23: “Switheart” (2nd Edition)
What is it? Swit, Loretta. Switheart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, 2nd Edition. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? As I mentioned in my initial review, Loretta Swit played an integral role on M*A*S*H for eleven years, and learning more about her work outside of the series is rewarding. Her talent goes beyond actingContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 23: “Switheart” (2nd Edition)”
From the M*A*S*H Library 22: “Jamie Farr & Red Skelton” (Documentary)
What is it? Jamie Farr & Red Skelton: A Very Special Friendship. Eugene, OR: Timeless Media Group, 2008. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This series of videos offers a glimpse into the early television career of Jamie Farr. He worked with Red Skelton for years and toured with him to entertain troops in Korea. As a M*A*S*H fan, whatContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 22: “Jamie Farr & Red Skelton” (Documentary)”
The M*A*S*H Historian 