M*A*S*H-ish 8: “On Set” by Arlene Alda

In 1983, Arlene and Alan Alda released a book featuring photos and behind the scenes details from the final days of M*A*S*H. The book, The Last Days of M*A*S*H, is a must own for M*A*S*H fans. However, the book was not the first book release by Arlene to feature photos from the set of oneContinue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 8: “On Set” by Arlene Alda”

Press Pass 25: Alda, Swit Win Emmys (1982)

M*A*S*H is a highly regarded series by its fans and in television history, but it was also a widely awarded series during its eleven year run. The series, its cast, and its production staff all won awards on many stages including at the Emmys, Golden Globes, Peoples’ Choice, and even the Peabody Awards. Following itsContinue reading “Press Pass 25: Alda, Swit Win Emmys (1982)”

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)”

Press Pass 24: Season 5 Preview Documents

Before the start of each season, 20th Century Fox Television sent a set of press release documents for M*A*S*H (see full press kits for season 10 and season 11). These press materials typically included information about the series, the premiere episode, and cast photos. For season five, I do not have a full set ofContinue reading “Press Pass 24: Season 5 Preview Documents”

MishM*A*S*H 23: Licensing Conference Kit

Last month, I reviewed a Licensed Product Kit that was sent to retailers by 20th Century Fox Television highlighting the M*A*S*H licensed products that they could carry in store. This week, we look at the other side of the licensed products strategy by reviewing a packet from a M*A*S*H licensing conference held in 1981. This folderContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 23: Licensing Conference Kit”

Script Spotlight 23: “Wheelers and Dealers”

Since August 27th is G.W. Bailey’s birthday, I wanted to feature an episode in which he played a key role. As I was looking through some scripts, I found the episode “Wheelers and Dealers” (10×05), and all I could hear was Rizzo saying “vee-hicle.” That made this the obvious choice since it features Bailey’s comedyContinue reading “Script Spotlight 23: “Wheelers and Dealers””

M*A*S*H-ish 7: 70th Anniversary of the End of the Korean War

On July 27, 1953, the Korean War ended with a ceasefire agreement being signed by representatives for South Korea, North Korea, China, and United Nations. The agreement was signed with the stipulation that the two sides would continue to negotiate and agree to a final peace treaty. Today, 70 years later, that treaty still doesContinue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 7: 70th Anniversary of the End of the Korean War”

MishM*A*S*H 22: Licensed Product Kit

By the end of the M*A*S*H series run, the show had been successful in ratings, won dozens of awards, and had performed well in retail sales. There were countless licensed products for M*A*S*H that were sold beginning in the 1970s and through today. The height of the product popularity, however, was the early to mid-1980s.Continue reading “MishM*A*S*H 22: Licensed Product Kit”

Press Pass 22: “Mike Farrell: ‘Happy Actor'”

Season four was a pivotal year for M*A*S*H. At the end of season three, many fans were upset about the decision to kill off Lt. Col. Henry Blake. Then, over the summer, it was announced that M*A*S*H would also have to replace Trapper since Wayne Rogers had decided to leave the show. Introducing one characterContinue reading “Press Pass 22: “Mike Farrell: ‘Happy Actor’””

Script Spotlight 22: “Edwina”

This week, I pulled a script for what is probably one of the most consistently worst rated episode of the series. The episode “Edwina” (01×13) was one of the weakest episodes in season one, and there are a few weak episodes the first season. Today, the storyline would never get approved, and there was controversyContinue reading “Script Spotlight 22: “Edwina””