MASH page 3

 MASH page 3 by ric gustafson

When filming started on MASH the movie, the actors had to be bussed to the 20th Century Fox Ranch. This area is now called Malibu Creek State Park. On the bus was Donald Sutherland who had been cast as Hawkeye. Elliot Gould had been cast as Trapper John. Others on the bus were Tom Skerritt playing Duke Forrest, Robert Duvall playing Frank Burns and Sally Kellerman playing Margaret Houlihan. 

Director Robert Altman and his production team went to work. They put blood red crosses on tents and ambulances. They set up harsh surgical lights. Everybody wore blood spattered clothing. Surgeon Frank Burns played by Duvall is pursuing the head nurse Margaret Houlihan. Eventually, Burns attacks Doctor Pierce and is sent away in a straitjacket.

The film by design has no real plot. The only evidence of the fighting was the casualties in the OR. The film built toward a football game between the 4077 and the 325 EVAC unit. 

The film was released on Jan 25 1970. It was rated R. The film was an instant critical success.

Watching closely how the film was doing was Producer Gene Reynolds. He was interested in possibly doing a TV adaptation of the film.

research help: ' Mash' by Dotdash Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric