Sitcom: MASH

Sitcom: MASH by ric gustafson


The pilot episode of a new show called MASH was different than anything that had occurred until then. The camera silently introduces the characters doing various things around camp and then you hear helicopters approaching. Then the haunting theme song ' Suicide Is Painless' comes on and then the film and the show starts. The show which premiered in 1972 spent more time on realism than it's predecessors. The show was set in Korea and it's roots came from Altman film before it.
CBS asked Larry Gelbart to shoot a pilot with no script. The show was picked up and the first season their was actor changes and getting the show's style figured out. After two years, the show moved to after All In The Family on Saturday nights and the ratings went through the roof.
The character of Hawkeye Pierce was central to the show's success. Alan Alda was picked to play this role. Other roles included Wayne Rogers as John ' Trapper' McIntyre, McLean Stevenson as Colonel Henry Blake. Loretta Swit as Margaret ' Hot Lips' Houlihan. and William Christopher as Father Mulcahy. In 11 seasons, characters came and went. Wayne Rogers quit and Mike Farrell came in as B J Hunnicutt.  Henry Blake was killed and Col Sherman Potter came in played by Henry Morgan. Frank Burns played by Larry Linville was replaced by Charles Emerson Winchester played by David Ogden Stiers. The show ended in 1983.


research help: ' Sitcom' by Saul Austerlitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric