10+ Secrets From MASH That Fans Should Really Know

1. The writers and actors had some tension

Image source/mash.wikiaSometimes the writers would write winter scenes (and make things very difficult for the actors) in the middle of summer, meaning that the actors would have layers and coats and would be filming for the series whilst sweating - and having to pretend to be freezing cold.

2. MASH was based on real-life events from the wars

Image source/basementrejectsMASH was a series which was actually based on the real-life incidents and experiences of war. Of course, this means displaying the horrors of the war. In fact, it was thought that it was too graphic, and it was deemed by critics as 'heavy' so it had to be toned down.

3. Kilinger was originally in ONE episode

Image source/wikipediaIt's difficult to imagine that Kilinger would be in ONE episode of MASH since he is such an integral character. He was originally only written into one in the script. But he proved so popular that producers kept him, and he ended up being in all 11 seasons of the show.

4. The last episode was not the last episode filmed

Image source/stacker.comThe last episode as we know it is and the last episode we saw was called, 'Goodbye, farewell, amen'. This was the MASH's huge and emotional finale. But this was not the case for the cast members who actually filmed the episode 'As Times Goes By', as their last ever episode for the show.

5. The crew made a time capsule

Image source/stacker.comThe time capsule famously buried by the cast was inspired by the episode Time Goes By. But its fate was not so great and sadly it will not be opened in decades to come. When the land was sold, it ended up being dug up only around two months later by the construction crews

6. Soon Tek Oh was the only Korean actor

Image source/stacker.comDespite the fact that the show was set in South Korea, there was only one Korean actor, which was actor Soon Tek Oh who appeared in five episodes of the show. There were other actors who were had East Asian Origins, but nobody else in the show was from South Korea.

7. The wedding dress in the show was sued three times

Image source/The Hollywood ReporterThe wedding dress on MASH really got its use and it seems that producers were determined to get their money's worth because it is always the same one on the show. The dress was used three times at three different weddings. If you thought it looked familiar, that's because it did...

8. There were several nurse Bakers

Image source/blogspotNurse Baker became a name to name any nurse in the background, for this reason there were several nurse Bakers. The actresses were both credited and uncredited throughout the show often nurses in the background would be referred to as nurse Baker to keep the plot and characters easier.

9. All the characters are named after real people

Image source/stackerAs we know the show was based on real events from the war. But the characters were also based on real life people. The intention behind this was to create even more authenticity to the show, and to include experiences of real people and real references.

10. It is based on a book

Image source/basementrejectsThe series MASH is based on a real book. The book is called MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors which is written by Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr. Hornberger was a former army surgeon and used his inspirations to write. He used the pseudonym Richard Hooker to publish the book.

11. He hated the show

Image source/blogspotSadly, Hornberger did not like the show at all, or approve of the way his book had been adapted. In particular, he hated the character if Hawkeye which was based on him. It was the comedic value which he did not like because he felt took away from the true nature of the book and the real experiences of the war.

12. Season 1's 'Captain Tuttle'

Image source/justwatchThe character 'Captain Tuttle' appears in the credits, as playing himself. However, who is Captain Tuttle? He never actually really appears on the show. He is an enigma. However, he is always credited in season one. Keep an eye out for the mysterious character...

13. The photo of Mildred is real

Image source/ PinterestThe photo of Mildren, Colonel Potter's wife in the photo, is in fact real. The photo is actually actor Harry Morgan's wife in real life. In the show, he salutes the photo every day. They chose to use his real wife, who he has been married to for 65 years.

14. Radar's teddy bear went missing for 30 years

Image source/themixRemember the teddy that Radar was with, all of the time? It was mysteriously lost and then miraculously found 30 years later. The teddy was of course, returned to the actor of Radar, Gary Burghoff who then decided that the teddy should be auctioned to a fan of the show.

15. Nobody knew Henry Black would die

Image source/FandomMcLean Stevenson knew that the character Henry Blake would die in the series but, he was the only one that ever knew. The other cast members found out literally right before the scene itself, so it came as a great shock because none of them had been expecting it.

16. Harry Morgan played two characters

Image source/PinterestHarry Morgan first played the character Major General Barford Hamilton Steele in the episode “The General Flipped at Dawn”. He only appeared once as this character. But producers liked him, and later in the show he becomes his permanent character, Colonel Potter.

17. Alan Alda also directed the show

Image source/blogspotAlan Alda played Hawkeye in Hawkeye, as well as directing and writing much of the scripts and the shows. He started the show by acting his part, however, he soon became so much more. He was an integral part of the show, in pretty much every way possible.

18. The theme tune is dark

Image source/PinterestIt doesn't sound dark, but the real song behind the tune is. The theme tune of MASH is actually an instrumental theme tune based on the song “Suicide is Painful”. This is what was originally used in the song of the movie and the words, which aren't present in MASH are dark in content.

19. Gary Burghoff was the only movie original

Image source/listalThere were not many cast members who starred in the movie of MASH as well as the show. The only cast member to do so was Gary Burghoff, who played the well-known Radar. He initially did the movie and then was also cast in the series version of MASH too.

20. The show lasted longer than the Korean war

Image source/PinterestDespite it being based on the Korean war, not all its facts are correct. The Korean war started June 25, 1950, and continued until July 27, 1953, which equates to three years, one month, and two days. The show on the other hand lasted for 11 seasons - a lot longer than the war.

21. It was one of Patrick Swayze's first ever roles

Image source/tvmazePatrick Swayze, one of the biggest stars of the 80s, had one of his very first roles in MASH. He only appeared in one episode. But this at the time was just another role to add to his growing lost before he became one of the most sought-after actors of the period.

22. They celebrated one too many Christmases

Image source/mash4077In the show, you might remember that there were four Christmases. Which, considering there were 11 seasons was not so many., But, in the real Korean war there were 3 Christmases. So, this is another moment where the series was not quite factually correct.

23. Burghoff's birth defect

Image source/PinterestGary Burghoff actually has a birth defect, which affects his fingers. In the show you may never have noticed this because there are a lot of instances where his hands are hidden, for example, when he carries something or when he has his hands down at his side.

24. Mike Farrell had to grow a moustache for the show

Image source/fandomMike Farrell played the role of Captain B.J. Hunnicutt in the show. He was the character with humour, as was the character played by Alan Alda. In fact, Alda (who also directed) said to Farell that the two parts were very similar and hard to distinguish. So, he asked Farrell to grow a moustache.

25. A bush fire destroyed the set

Image source/HoustonchronicleDuring filming, there were bush fires that happened int he regions. One time, the bush fire actually destroyed the set. It left much of the set totally blacked and ruined. Instead of relocating and setting up again they decided to incorporate it into the show.

26. producers wanted no laugh tracks

Image source/PinterestLaugh tracks were a huge part of comedic shows some time ago. But the directors of MASH did not want any at all, due to the fact that they wanted the show to retain much of its seriousness as well as humour. But CBS wanted them. And so, they compromised and made them much quieter whilst only applying them to certain scenes.

27. Alan Alda won an Emmy

Image source/mashwikiaAlan Alda won an Emmy for his great efforts and accomplishments in MASH. But what was even more impressive was that Alda was the first ever person to win an Emmy for a combination of all three things - acting, writing and directing within the same show.

28. CBS wanted to show patriotism

Image source/fandomCBS wanted the show to display patriotisms to the country and to the war. But the show wanted to show the reality rather than glorify anything. They filmed a scene where soldiers were standing outside to be ill enough so that they could get sent home to escape the horrors. CBS would not allow it to be aired despite producers arguing that the realities should be shown.

29. It had the most watched episode ever in America

Image source/PinterestMASH was very well loved, for many years it had a growing fan base and many loyal fans who did not miss an episode. The final episode, which was aired in 1983 and marked the end of 11 seasons, became the most watched episode in America...EVER up until that point.

30. Some actors were real soldiers

Image source/PinterestSome of the actors were actually also real soldiers in the war. As we know. the show liked to keep as many elements of reality as possible. Alda spent six months in Korea serving as a soldier, and Farr had been stationed in Japan and Korea. So, their experiences added to the show.

31. What Is A 'MASH'?

Image Source / The New YorkerIf you didn't already know, you might have wondered why on earth a show about the war was named after a potato. Well MASH stands for: Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, which as we know is the field hospital where the show and characters are based for the show.

32. The Film Version Had Some Big Names

Image Source / The GuardianThe movie version of MASH, which was made in 1970 and directed by Robert Altman, starred famous actor Donald Sutherland as the role of Hawkeye Pierce. Elliot Gould played Trapper John, while Sally Kellerman played Hot Lips and Robert Duvall played Major Frank Burns!

33. The MASH Movie Was Nominated For A Ton Of Awards

Image Source / Ultimate Classic RockThe movie went down a treat, apparently, because it was nominated for a huge amount of awards, including not one, but five Academy Awards, which included best director and best picture. It won an award for the screenplay.

34. It Actually Lost 'Best Picture' To Another War Movie

Image Source / Steve Newman WriterThe reason that MASH lost out on the 'Best Picture' award is because another war movie got the trophy. This might have been because of the view on the U.S's role in the Vietnam war, but a more 'traditional' film called Patton about World War II bagged the award instead.

35. The Show Almost Didn't Survive Past The First Season

Image Source / TV TropesDuring the first season of the show, it had very poor ratings (which seems crazy now) and actually finished number 46 in the ratings list at the time! But when it was renewed regardless for a second season by CBS, it was put in the prime time Saturday night line-up - and it worked a treat!

36. And That Saturday Night Line-Up Is Considered The Best In The History Of TV

Image Source / loglineThe back to back shows that would be shown during this key Saturday night line-up would've provided the cosiest night in for TV viewers! The line-up began with All in The Family, followed by MASH, then The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show and The Carole Burnett Show. Talk about great Saturday night viewing!

37. The Second Season Of MASH Put It In The Top 10

Image Source / Amazon.comWhen MASH was renewed for a second season and placed in prime-time Saturday night slot, it moved up into the top 10 watched shows. It was later moved from Saturdays to Mondays or Tuesdays, but because it had gathered that popular following, the ratings never dropped below Top 20.

38. Actor Alda Said He Didn't Think Hawkeye Was 'Liberal'

Image Source / Cosi faccio ioThe actor who played the iconic role of Hawkeye, Alan Alda, has said that he never really thought Hawkeye Pierce was really liberal. He said, in response to some people thinking that he was very liberal, that he was a "traditional conservative" and he just wanted people to leave him alone!

39. Allan Arbus, Who Played Friedman, Had A Famous Wife In Real Life

Image Source / The New York TimesAllan Arbus was the actor behind the character of Dr Sidney Friedman, who was the psychiatrist in the show. In real life, he was previously married to famous and noted photographer, Diane Arbus. A successful creative family, then!

40. Alan Alda Was The Only One To Appear In Every Episode

Image Source / ParadeMASH has had A LOT of episodes overall, so you might be surprised to learn that Alan Alda actually appeared in every single one of them. Out of all the actors and characters, Hawkeye Pierce was the only one to show his face in every single episode of the show!

41. Hawkeye Got His Name From His Father's Favorite Book

Image Source / LooperThe character Hawkeye got his nickname from his father - and not because his father had the same name, as is always the trend! His dad's favorite book was 'The Last of the Mohicans' and in the book there's a character called Natty Bumppo - who is nicknamed Hawkeye!

42. Hawkeye Is Linked To Jessica Fletcher From Murder, She Wrote

Image Source / GawkerHawkeye originally hailed from the fictional town of Crabapple Cove, which is in Maine. The famous murder-solving character Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote is based in Cabot Cave, Maine - so maybe the pair bumped into each other and didn't even know it!

43. Viewers Weren't Happy That Henry Was Killed Off

Image Source / IMDbWhen the actor playing Lt. Col. Henry Blake left after the third season, the writers had the character die in a plane crash. This might seem like nothing to us, but back then, it was the first time a character had been killed off on a TV comedy half-hour episode. Viewers weren't happy, and it started a lot of controversy.

44. 'Abyssinia, Henry' Was Ranked As One Of The Best TV Episodes Of All Time

Image Source / FandomThe episode 'Abyssinia, Henry' was the episode in which Colonel Blake died, and despite the fact that many, many viewers weren't happy, it somehow still made it into the ranks as the 20th best episode of TV of all time!

45. The Writers Of MASH Were A Talented Bunch

Image Source / OutsiderThe writers behind this TV show were all very well regarded indeed! The series itself was ranked by The Writers Guild in 2013 to be the 5th best-written TV show of all time. This placed it ahead of Mad Men, The Wire and The West Wing.

46. Radar's Teddy Bear Was Sold At Auction

Image Source / RedditThe memorable teddy bear which the character Radar sleeps with during the TV show actually sold at auction in real life! This special piece of MASH memorabilia sold at auction for a whopping $14,307! Someone really wanted that teddy bear.

47. The Reason He Was Called Radar

Image Source / FandomA lot of TV show characters have random nicknames, and nobody really bats an eyelid even if it doesn't makes sense - Radar was just Radar. But he was actually given that nickname because of his ability to correctly guess what people were about to ask him to do - as well as him always hearing helicopters arrive before anyone else!

48. All The Famous Women Klinger Dressed Up As

Image Source / OutsiderWhen Klinger was trying his hardest to get discharged by continually dressing up as women, he wasn't just dressing up in women's clothing - he was actually dressing as quite a few famous characters! These include Snow White, Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz!

49. The Restaurant 'Tony Packo's' Actually Exists

Image Source / WikipediaKlinger was always talking about his love for a particular hot dog from a particular restaurant: Hungarian hot dogs from Tony Packo's, based in his hometown Toledo. This wasn't a made up restaurant for the show - the restaurant is very real, and has been since 1932!

50. Klinger's Dressing-Up Was Inspired By Comedian Lenny Bruce

Image Source / The GuardianApparently Klinger's antics of constantly dressing up as women was, according to series co-creator Larry Gelbart, inspired by comedian Lenny Bruce. Gelbart revealed the news at the MASH reunion special, where Bruce had apparently tried to avoid his military service by dressing up as a woman.