On this date, September 17, 1972, the first episode of the hit TV show ‘MASH’ made its debut. The show ran for 11 seasons and became the most-watched finale in TV history. The show was based on a movie that was inspired by the book ‘MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.’ Who is your favorite ‘MASH’ character?
Some show facts have eluded die-hard fans over the years. Did you know that Alan Alda and Jamie Farr actually served in the U.S. Army? Wayne Rogers, who played ‘Trapper John McIntyre,’ joined the U.S. Navy, and Mike Farrell, who played ‘B.J. Hunnicut,’ served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Larry Gelbart, a veteran screenwriter from London, wrote the pilot in two days for $25,000. He was excited to adapt Robert Altman’s movie for TV. The series ended up lasting longer than the Korean War on which it was based. The war lasted three years, one month, two days, and the series lasted 11 seasons!
Klinger was only supposed to be in one episode, and he was intended to be gay. His tour of duty was extended as Jamie Farr continued to play the character as a heterosexual who cross-dressed.
Gelbart and producer Gene Reynolds were against using a laugh track. CBS continued to use it, but not during the scenes in the operating room, and the track was slowly removed as the seasons progressed.
After the actors became a little annoying with their script notes, the writers, led by Ken Levine, decided to write a few scripts where the actors had to pretend it was parka weather on a 100-degree day in Malibu. The actors got the message loud and clear.
Actor Alan Alda co-wrote 13 episodes and directed 31 others. He won an Emmy for acting, directing, and writing on the series. The entire cast, crew, and writers made something uniquely special for American TV viewers starting in 1972.
If MASH was your soundtrack back then, it's still out there on Amazon. Buying through here helps us a little and pays for the odd treat for the cats.
