M*A*S*H Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Army doctors in the Korean War play pranks, operate on people, and bet on a football game to avoid thinking about war… or anything, really.

🍿 M*A*S*H: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at the 4077th

The film opens with the arrival of Captains Hawkeye Pierce and Duke Forrest at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War. They quickly establish themselves as irreverent and skilled surgeons, more interested in humor and breaking rules than military protocol. Their antics immediately clash with the by-the-book Major Frank Burns.

Conflicts and Hijinks

Hawkeye and Duke are joined by Captain Trapper John McIntyre, further amplifying the chaotic atmosphere at the MASH unit. Together, they undermine Major Burns and the newly arrived head nurse, Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan, through various pranks and schemes. These include broadcasting Burns and Houlihan’s private encounter over the camp’s PA system, leading to Houlihan’s infamous nickname.

Painless’s ‘Suicide’

The film explores the emotional toll of the war through the character of Painless Pole, the unit’s dentist. Believing he’s lost his masculinity, Painless contemplates suicide. Hawkeye, Trapper, and Duke stage a mock ‘Last Supper’ and arrange for him to spend the night with a nurse, Lt. ‘Dish,’ to ‘cure’ him. This subplot highlights the film’s complex and sometimes controversial approach to dealing with sensitive topics.

The Football Game

A significant portion of the film revolves around a football game between the 4077th and another unit. The game is portrayed as a metaphor for war, with both sides employing unconventional and often unethical tactics to win. The 4077th ultimately wins through a clever trick play, highlighting their resourcefulness and disregard for rules.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland): A skilled but rebellious surgeon who uses humor to cope with the horrors of the Korean War.
• Trapper John McIntyre (Elliott Gould): A fellow surgeon and Hawkeye’s partner in crime, known for his irreverence and medical expertise.
• Duke Forrest (Tom Skerritt): Another surgeon who joins Hawkeye and Trapper, contributing to the camp’s unconventional atmosphere.
• Maj. Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ O’Houlihan (Sally Kellerman): The head nurse who initially clashes with the surgeons due to her strict adherence to military regulations but eventually softens.
• Maj. Frank Burns (Robert Duvall): A deeply religious and often incompetent surgeon who serves as a foil to Hawkeye and Trapper’s antics.
• Lt. Col. Henry Blake (Roger Bowen): The easygoing commanding officer who tolerates the surgeons’ behavior as long as they perform their duties.
• Father John Mulcahy (Rene Auberjonois): The camp’s chaplain, who provides spiritual guidance and often serves as a moral compass amidst the chaos.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hawkeye: “It’s nice to be appreciated, even if it’s by the wrong person.” – Said after Frank Burns praises Hawkeye’s surgical skills, highlighting the absurd situation and Hawkeye’s sarcastic nature.
• Hot Lips: “I am not a B.J. artist!” – A mortified Hot Lips protests after her private moment with Frank is broadcast over the camp’s P.A. system.
• Hawkeye: “War isn’t Hell. War is war, Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse.” – Illustrates the film’s anti-war message, highlighting the grim reality of conflict.
• P.A. Announcer: “Ladies and gentlemen, the film you have just seen has been brought to you in living color, where available.” – Delivered during the closing credits, this breaks the fourth wall and adds a layer of absurdity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.5M
• Domestic Gross: $81.6M
• Worldwide Gross: $81.6M

💥 M*A*S*H Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘M*A*S*H’ late at night on TV, and was immediately hooked by its irreverent humor and anti-war message. The characters felt so real, like people I could know, which made the bloody surgical scenes even more jarring. What really stuck with me was the feeling that even in the midst of chaos, there was a community finding ways to cope and laugh. I didn’t care much about the football game, but everything else made me laugh. Still love it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in anti-war films”
  • “Those who appreciate satire and social commentary”
  • “People familiar with the M*A*S*H TV series”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gore and graphic surgery scenes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content and innuendo”
  • “Mature themes including suicide and infidelity”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Altman’s ‘M*A*S*H’ is a darkly funny, anti-establishment skewering of war, religion, and the military, delivered with a chaotic, improvisational style that redefined cinematic storytelling. The film’s impact is undeniable, paving the way for a new wave of subversive American cinema.
• Variety: “A wildly irreverent and often hilarious black comedy, ‘M*A*S*H’ is a landmark film that captured the anti-war sentiment of its time. The overlapping dialogue and unconventional narrative create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. The movie is episodic but well worth watching.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Roger Ebert loved MASH. He wrote that ‘M*A*S*H’ is funny and deeply human, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the lives of those who use humor as a shield against the horrors of war. The film’s characters are complex and flawed, making their antics all the more relatable and endearing.

Audience Reactions

The dark humor helped me see war through a whole new lens.: Viewers appreciated the film’s blend of dark humor and anti-war sentiment.

The surgical scenes were intense, but the humor kept me going.: Many enjoyed the quirky characters and their non-stop antics.

Donald Sutherland and Elliot Gould were so funny, I’ll never forget them!: Fans found the performances of Sutherland and Gould especially memorable.

Overall Consensus: M*A*S*H is a groundbreaking and influential anti-war comedy that remains a relevant and thought-provoking film, blending humor and drama in a unique and memorable way.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1971
2. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1971

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Robert Altman allowed the actors a great deal of freedom to improvise lines and actions, contributing to the film’s naturalistic and chaotic feel.”
• “The film’s theme song, “Suicide Is Painless,” was written by Robert Altman’s 14-year-old son, Michael Altman, and earned him more money in royalties than his father made directing the film.”
• “Several cast members, including Donald Sutherland, disliked Altman’s directing style and the film’s overall tone, leading to tensions on set.”

🖥️ How to Watch M*A*S*H?

M*A*S*H is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available through online retailers and local stores for those who prefer owning the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed M*A*S*H, you might like these similar films:

• Catch-22 (1970): Another darkly comedic and satirical film set during wartime, exploring the absurdity and futility of conflict.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A satirical take on the Cold War and the military-industrial complex, using dark humor to critique serious issues.
• Three Kings (1999): A modern war film that blends dark comedy with commentary on the realities and moral ambiguities of war.
• Good Morning, Vietnam (1987): Uses humor as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of war.

🛒 M*A*S*H Related Products

• MASH: The Complete Series (DVD): Relive every hilarious and heartwarming moment of the iconic TV series inspired by the film. All 11 seasons are available in this comprehensive DVD collection. You can see Alan Alda on repeat if you ignore the original movie!
• Funko Pop! Movies: M*A*S*H – Hawkeye Pierce: Add the wisecracking Hawkeye Pierce to your Funko Pop! collection. This collectible figure captures Hawkeye’s signature look and charm, making it a must-have for any MASH fan.
• MASH 4077th T-Shirt: Show your allegiance to the 4077th with this comfortable and stylish MASH T-shirt. Featuring the iconic logo, it’s a great way to express your fandom.
• MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors: Read the book that started it all! Experience the original story of MASH through the Richard Hooker novel with its dark humor, and behind-the-scenes medical drama. The film left a lot out.

🎧 Soundtrack

M*A*S*H features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Suicide Is Painless” – performed by Johnny Mandel (Music), Mike Altman (Lyrics)
• “Onward, Christian Soldiers” – performed by Traditional Hymn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

At 88, Alan Alda Finally Admits How Much He Truly Hated Him

Ever wondered if the cast of MASH got along behind the scenes? This video dives into Alan Alda’s relationships with his co-stars, and let’s just say, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. You won’t believe who he clashed with!

M*A*S*H – Getting to the MASH 4077 film set location in Malibu Creek Park California in Full HD.

Want to see where the magic of MASH happened? This video takes you on a hike to the original filming location in Malibu Creek Park, and it’s surprisingly cool to see what’s left!

✨ Rate