henry blake – The Mind Reels

MAS*H (1974) – Iron Guts Kelly, O.R., and Springtime

Hawkeye (Alan Alda), Trapper (Wayne Rogers) and Houlihan (Loretta Swit) run into trouble when they encounter General ‘Iron Guts’ Kelly (James Gregory). Written by Sid Dorfman, and series developer Larry Gelbart, Iron Guts Kelly first debuted on 1 October, 1974. It’s no secret to most of the 4077th (and viewers) that Margaret Houlihan has a…

MAS*H (1974) – George, Mail Call, and A Smattering of Intelligence

This week brings is the conclusion of season two of M*A*S*H, and we get started with George. Written by John W. Regier and Gary Markowitz this episode first aired on 16 February, 1974. In a groundbreaking episode, for the time, the story took on the subject of gays in the military. Hawkeye (Alan Alda) learns…

MAS*H (1974) – The Chosen People, As You Were, and Crisis

Radar (Gary Burghoff) has some problems in The Chosen People. Written by Laurence Marks, Sheldon Keller and series developer Larry Gelbart from a story by Gerry Renert and Jeff Wilhem, this episode premiered on 26 January, 1974. When a Korean family moves on to the 4077th, it throws the unit into upheaval, and unfortunately doesn’t…

MAS*H (1973) – Deal Me Out, Hot Lips and Empty Arms, and Officers Only

The first episode up this week of M*A*S*H boasts a number of recognisable guest stars. Allan Arbus returns as Sidney, Pat Morita plays Captain Sam Pak, and John Ritter plays Private Carter. Deal Me Out was written by Laurence Marks, and series developer Larry Gelbart and first aired on 8 December, 1973. While Hawkeye (Alan…

MAS*H (1973) – Major Fred C. Dobbs, Ceasefire, and Showtime

Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Trapper (Wayne Rogers) push Frank Burns (Larry Linville) just a little too far after he rails out a nurse in Major Fred C. Dobbs. Written by Sid Dorfman, this episode, with a nod to The Treasure of the Sierra Madre in the title, first aired on 11 March, 1973. Burns goes…

MAS*H (1972) – Bananas, Crackers and Nuts, Cowboy, and Henry, Please Come Home

I’m a little divided on the first episode of M*A*S*H up for review this week. Bananas, Crackers and Nuts was written by Burt Styler, and first debuted on 5 November, 1972 (it was a different time, I have to keep reminding myself) and while a lot of it is funny, and a solid commentary on…

MAS*H (1972) – Chief Surgeon Who?, The Moose, and Yankee Doodle Doctor

Larry Gelbart who developed M*A*S*H for television pens Chief Surgeon, Who? which first aired on 8 October, 1972. The episode features the first appearance of Jamie Farr as Cpl. Klinger, a soldier intent on being sectioned out of Korea by dressing in women’s clothing. The character became so popular he shortly became a series regular….

MASH (1970) – Robert Altman

“And then there was Korea…” Robert Altman’s classic war comedy, MASH, is the first recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Apocalypse Now. The movie remains very funny, and it’s anti-war commentary is just as important today. That being said, this is not the MASH I grew…