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”

Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out”

As we begin September, we are quickly approaching fall. In 1976, this meant it was almost primetime television premiere season, and M*A*S*H began its fifth season that year. That premiere episode was “Bug Out” (05×01), and it was the second season in a row that the season premiered with an hour episode. This episode isContinue reading “Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out””

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””

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”

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)”

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””

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 21: M*A*S*H Belt Buckle (Cast Gift)

In the television industry, it was common for the cast and crew of a series to receive gifts each year that a show was on the air. This was the case for many of the seasons on M*A*S*H, and I have a few of the gift items in my collection. As I discussed on aContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 21: M*A*S*H Belt Buckle (Cast Gift)”