M*A*S*H-ish 14: Korean War Propaganda Leaflets

The M*A*S*H collection consists primarily of objects related to the original movie, series, and its spin-offs. There are scripts, press materials, licensed products, promotional items, and more. Because of the show, I developed an interest in MASH units and their use in Korea. M*A*S*H is a pretty accurate portrayal of MASH units, battalion aid stations,Continue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 14: Korean War Propaganda Leaflets”

Script Spotlight 42: “Abyssinia, Henry”

On March 18, 1975, the season three finale of M*A*S*H aired on CBS. It had been advertised as the final episode for Col. Henry Blake, but fans of the series were shocked by how the episode ended. The death of Henry Blake was a defining moment for M*A*S*H, and I would argue, a defining momentContinue reading “Script Spotlight 42: “Abyssinia, Henry””

Press Pass 35: Press Pass 35: Mike Farrell Joins M*A*S*H

Last week, I reviewed the script for “Dear Peggy” (04×10), and in that episode we get a glimpse at B.J.’s inner thoughts about the 4077th and learn more about his wife in California. That episode was only the tenth episode to feature Mike Farrell as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, and that was one of two majorContinue reading “Press Pass 35: Press Pass 35: Mike Farrell Joins M*A*S*H”

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””

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”

From the M*A*S*H Library 21: “Battalion Medics” & “Sword and Scalpel”

What is it? Philpot, Van B., Jr. Battalion Medics. New York: Exposition Press, 1955. Slaughter, Frank G. Sword and Scalpel. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1957. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? Slaughter and Philpot each wrote a novel about vastly different experiences of doctors in the Korean War. The novels pre-date Richard Hooker’s M*A*S*H by almostContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 21: “Battalion Medics” & “Sword and Scalpel””

MishM*A*S*H 19: Banning M*A*S*H

When the series M*A*S*H debuted in 1972 on CBS, it was the third act in M*A*S*H reaching American audiences following the successful Robert Allan film and the Richard Hooker novel. However, M*A*S*H wasn’t only released in the United States, and it wasn’t an instant classic. In its first season M*A*S*H did poorly in the ratings,Continue reading “MishM*A*S*H 19: Banning M*A*S*H”

From the M*A*S*H Library 18: “The Real M*A*S*H” (Documentary)

What is it? Lee, Min Sook, dir. The Real M*A*S*H. Toronto, Ontario: Storyline Entertainment, 2012. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This documentary places the series in the context of the Korean War and real MASH units in Korea. The interviews with veterans and their MASH stories make this documentary worthwhile. As a M*A*S*H fan, what part(s) should I watch?Continue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 18: “The Real M*A*S*H” (Documentary)”

M*A*S*H-ish 2: Korean War: The Untold Story

In April, the M*A*S*H Matters podcast (Episode 80) interviewed the filmmakers behind the 1988 documentary Korean War: The Untold Story. Producer Arnold Shapiro worked with writer and director Carol L. Fleisher to tell the story of the Korean War and its aftermath through the eyes of soldiers who were there. The documentary was hosted byContinue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 2: Korean War: The Untold Story”