MASH* is a 1970 American black comedy war film directed by Robert Altman and written by Ring Lardner Jr., based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors. The film depicts a unit of medical personnel stationed at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War. It stars Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, and Elliott Gould, with Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall, René Auberjonois, Gary Burghoff, Roger Bowen, and Michael Murphy. The movie is known for its dark comedy, gritty portrayal of war, and use of humor to cope with the harsh realities of the conflict. The staff of the hospital uses humor and high jinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war. The film is considered a classic and remains a high point in Robert Altman's distinguished filmography.
Plot
The story follows the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) as they deal with the horrors of war and try to keep their sanity through humor and high jinks. The main characters are surgeons Captains 'Hawkeye' Pierce, 'Duke' Forrest, and 'Trapper' John McIntyre, who use their non-regulation antics to establish the tone at the MASH. The film is known for its dark comedy, gritty portrayal of war, and use of humor to cope with the harsh realities of the conflict. The surgeons work rapidly and with a gory detachment, sawing off legs and tying up arteries, and making their work possible by pretending they don't care. The movie depends upon timing and tone to be funny, and the actors underplay everything, making it work. The film is considered a classic and remains a high point in Robert Altman's distinguished filmography.
Trailer
Cast
Donald Sutherland as Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Elliott Gould as Captain John Francis Xavier "Trapper John" McIntyre
Tom Skerritt as Captain Augustus Bedford "Duke" Forrest
Sally Kellerman as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan
Robert Duvall as Major Frank Burns
Roger Bowen as Lt. Col. Henry Blake
Rene Auberjonois as Father John Patrick Mulcahy
David Arkin as Staff Sergeant Wade Douglas Vollmer
Jo Ann Pflug as Lieutenant Maria "Dish" Schneider
Gary Burghoff as Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly
Director: Robert Altman
Writer: Ring Lardner Jr. (based on the novel by Richard Hooker)
Box Office Gross: Not available
Distributor: United Artists
Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Release Date: 1970
Theme
The film MASH* explores the theme of using humor and irreverence to cope with the horrors of war. It portrays the staff of a field hospital during the Korean War, using comedy and non-conformity to maintain their sanity in the face of the harsh realities of the conflict.
Production Challenges
The film faced challenges in capturing the right balance of humor and seriousness given its wartime setting. Additionally, the use of non-conformist characters and irreverent humor presented creative and production challenges.
Settings
The film is set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War, portraying the chaotic and intense environment of a medical unit close to the front lines.
Visual Styles and Techniques
The visual style of MASH* is characterized by its intimate shooting style, often consisting of close-ups, and the use of dark comedy to depict the harsh realities of war. The film also incorporates non-traditional narrative and storytelling techniques.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The character Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, played by Gary Burghoff, became an iconic figure in the MASH* franchise.
- The film inspired the popular and long-running TV series of the same name, which further cemented its place in popular culture.