MishM*A*S*H 26: Alan Alda’s Dog Tags and Boots Auction (July 2023)

In July 2023, Heritage Auctions sold Alan Alda’s boots and dog tags from M*A*S*H as a fundraiser for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. The auction was held in Dallas, Texas, and the dog tag and boots sold for an incredible $125,000 (including buyers premium). Alda was interviewed before the auction and said thatContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 26: Alan Alda’s Dog Tags and Boots Auction (July 2023)”

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)”

Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere

By the premiere of season nine, M*A*S*H had moved to Monday nights on CBS. It was a tentpole series for the network, and the start of a new season was a major event. In a press release, CBS announced the season nine premiere episode would air on Monday, November 17, 1980. The episode, “The BestContinue reading “Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere”

Script Spotlight 26: “Hot Lips and Empty Arms”

With November 4 being Loretta Swit’s birthday, I wanted to find an episode that featured her acting talents as well as her comedic timing. In my mind, there was only choice, “Hot Lips and Empty Arms” (02×14). Of course, the first question was whether I had the script or not. Early scripts are harder toContinue reading “Script Spotlight 26: “Hot Lips and Empty Arms””

The M*A*S*H Historian 2nd Anniversary

It is hard to believe that I started The M*A*S*H Historian two years ago today (and it is even harder to believe I didn’t acknowledge the first anniversary last year)! In 2021, I wanted to engage with the M*A*S*H community in a new way. Up to that point, I had been enjoying the M*A*S*H MattersContinue reading “The M*A*S*H Historian 2nd Anniversary”

MishM*A*S*H 25: Donruss Bubble Gum/Trading Cards

In 1982, the year in which M*A*S*H began its final season, the trading card company Donruss released a series of M*A*S*H trading cards. These cards were packaged with gum, and you could try to collect all 66 of the cards. On the front the card was a cast member photo, cast photo, or a screenshotContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 25: Donruss Bubble Gum/Trading Cards”

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”