MASH, the critically acclaimed television series, has become an integral part of American pop culture. The show’s unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary captivated audiences worldwide, making it one of the most beloved and enduring television series of all time. But have you ever wondered how many years it took to film this iconic series? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of MASH, exploring the years of filming, the challenges faced by the cast and crew, and the impact the show had on the television industry.
A Brief History of M*A*S*H
MAS*H, an acronym for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, was created by Larry Gelbart and developed by Burt Metcalfe. The show was based on the 1970 film of the same name, directed by Robert Altman, which was itself adapted from Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel “MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.” The television series premiered on September 17, 1972, on CBS and ran for 11 seasons, concluding on February 28, 1983.
From Concept to Reality
The idea for the television series was born out of the success of the film. Larry Gelbart, a renowned writer and producer, was approached by CBS to develop a television series based on the movie. Gelbart, who had previously worked on shows like “The Sid Caesar Show” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” saw an opportunity to create a unique and thought-provoking series that would tackle complex social issues, such as war, politics, and human relationships.
Gelbart assembled a talented team of writers, including Laurence Marks, Sheldon Keller, and Burt Metcalfe, to help develop the show. The team worked tirelessly to create a series that would not only entertain but also educate and challenge its audience. The result was a show that was both humorous and poignant, with a talented ensemble cast that brought the characters to life.
Filming M*A*S*H: A Challenging but Rewarding Experience
Filming MAS*H was a complex and challenging process that spanned over a decade. The show was primarily filmed at the 20th Century Fox studios in Century City, California, with some exterior scenes shot on location in Malibu Creek State Park. The cast and crew faced numerous challenges during filming, including tight deadlines, limited budgets, and the physical demands of working on a television series.
The Cast: A Talented Ensemble
The cast of MAS*H was a talented ensemble of actors who brought the characters to life. The main cast included:
- Alan Alda as Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce
- Loretta Swit as Major Margaret Houlihan
- Jamie Farr as Corporal Klinger
- William Christopher as Father Francis Mulcahy
- Gary Burghoff as Corporal Walter “Radar” O’Reilly
- McLean Stevenson as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (seasons 1-3)
- Wayne Rogers as Captain “Trapper” John McIntyre (seasons 1-3)
- Mike Farrell as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt (seasons 4-11)
The cast’s chemistry and camaraderie were essential to the show’s success. The actors developed strong bonds with each other, both on and off screen, which helped to create a sense of authenticity and realism in their performances.
Filming Locations and Sets
The show’s filming locations and sets were an integral part of its success. The 20th Century Fox studios provided the main setting for the show, with its soundstages and backlots used to create the MAS*H unit’s camp and surrounding areas. Malibu Creek State Park was used for exterior scenes, providing a natural and rugged backdrop for the show’s outdoor sequences.
The show’s sets were designed to be functional and realistic, with attention to detail and historical accuracy. The MAS*H unit’s camp was recreated on the Fox backlot, with tents, buildings, and equipment all carefully crafted to resemble a real military camp.
The Years of Filming: A Breakdown
MAS*H was filmed over a period of 11 years, from 1972 to 1983. The show’s production schedule was typically divided into two main seasons, with a summer hiatus in between. Each season consisted of around 24 episodes, with filming taking place from July to March.
Here’s a breakdown of the years of filming:
- Season 1: July 1972 – March 1973 (24 episodes)
- Season 2: July 1973 – March 1974 (24 episodes)
- Season 3: July 1974 – March 1975 (24 episodes)
- Season 4: July 1975 – March 1976 (24 episodes)
- Season 5: July 1976 – March 1977 (24 episodes)
- Season 6: July 1977 – March 1978 (25 episodes)
- Season 7: July 1978 – March 1979 (25 episodes)
- Season 8: July 1979 – March 1980 (25 episodes)
- Season 9: July 1980 – March 1981 (20 episodes)
- Season 10: July 1981 – March 1982 (21 episodes)
- Season 11: July 1982 – February 1983 (16 episodes)
Challenges and Controversies
During its 11-year run, MAS*H faced numerous challenges and controversies. The show’s anti-war message and social commentary sparked debate and criticism, with some viewers accusing the show of being unpatriotic and anti-American. The show’s writers and producers faced pressure from the network and advertisers to tone down the show’s content, but they remained committed to their vision and values.
The cast and crew also faced personal challenges, including the departure of key cast members and the physical demands of working on a television series. Alan Alda, who played the lead role of Hawkeye Pierce, was particularly affected by the show’s grueling schedule and the pressure to perform.
Legacy and Impact
MAS*H’s impact on the television industry cannot be overstated. The show’s innovative storytelling, complex characters, and social commentary raised the bar for television programming, paving the way for future generations of writers and producers.
The show’s influence can be seen in many subsequent television series, including “The West Wing,” “ER,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” MAS*H’s use of ensemble casting, complex characters, and serialized storytelling has become a staple of modern television.
Awards and Accolades
MAS*H won numerous awards during its run, including 14 Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards, and 2 Peabody Awards. The show was also nominated for a total of 124 awards, including 63 Emmy nominations.
The show’s finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was watched by an estimated 125 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television episodes of all time.
Conclusion
MASH was a groundbreaking television series that captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary. The show’s 11-year run was marked by challenges and controversies, but its impact on the television industry cannot be overstated. From its talented ensemble cast to its innovative storytelling and complex characters, MASH remains one of the greatest television series of all time.
So, to answer the question, how many years did they film MAS*H? The answer is 11 years, from 1972 to 1983. But the show’s legacy and impact continue to be felt to this day, making it a timeless classic that will be remembered for generations to come.
What was the inspiration behind the creation of M*A*S*H?
The inspiration behind the creation of M*A*S*H came from a 1968 novel titled “MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors” by Richard Hooker, a pen name used by Dr. H. Richard Hornberger. The novel was based on Hornberger’s own experiences as a surgeon during the Korean War. The novel’s success led to a film adaptation in 1970, which was also a huge success. The film’s director, Robert Altman, and writer, Ring Lardner Jr., were approached by CBS to develop a television series based on the film.
The television series, which premiered in 1972, was developed by Larry Gelbart, who is often credited as the driving force behind the show’s success. Gelbart drew inspiration from the novel and the film, but also added his own unique perspective and humor to the series. The show’s blend of comedy and drama, set against the backdrop of the Korean War, resonated with audiences and helped to make M*A*S*H one of the most iconic and beloved television series of all time.
Where was the M*A*S*H series primarily filmed?
The M*A*S*H series was primarily filmed at the Fox Ranch in Malibu Creek State Park, California. The ranch, which was owned by 20th Century Fox, was chosen for its remote location and natural scenery, which provided an ideal backdrop for the show’s outdoor scenes. The production team built a large outdoor set, which included the 4077th MASH unit’s tents, operating rooms, and other facilities.
In addition to the outdoor scenes, many of the show’s interior scenes were filmed at the Fox Studios in Century City, California. The studio’s soundstages were used to film scenes in the operating rooms, the officers’ quarters, and other interior locations. The combination of outdoor and indoor filming locations helped to create a realistic and immersive environment for the show’s characters and storylines.
How long did it take to film each episode of M*A*S*H?
Each episode of M*A*S*H typically took around 7-10 days to film. The production team worked on a tight schedule, with a new episode being filmed every week. The show’s cast and crew worked long hours, often for 12 hours a day, to ensure that each episode was completed on time.
Despite the tight schedule, the show’s producers and writers made sure to prioritize the quality of each episode. The show’s scripts were carefully crafted to ensure that each episode had a strong storyline, well-developed characters, and plenty of humor. The attention to detail and commitment to quality helped to make M*A*S*H one of the most acclaimed and beloved television series of all time.
What was the significance of the M*A*S*H finale, and how did it impact the cast and crew?
The M*A*S*H finale, which aired on February 28, 1983, was a highly anticipated event that drew in a record-breaking 125 million viewers. The finale, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was a 2 1/2 hour special that wrapped up the storylines of the show’s characters. The episode was a emotional and poignant conclusion to the series, and it provided a sense of closure for the characters and the audience.
The finale had a significant impact on the cast and crew, who had become like a family over the course of the show’s 11-season run. The cast, including Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, and Jamie Farr, were emotional during the filming of the finale, and many of them have spoken about the difficulty of saying goodbye to the characters and the show. The finale’s success was a testament to the show’s enduring popularity, and it cemented M*A*S*H’s place as one of the greatest television series of all time.
How did the cast of M*A*S*H prepare for their roles, and what kind of research did they conduct?
The cast of M*A*S*H conducted extensive research to prepare for their roles. Many of the cast members, including Alan Alda and Loretta Swit, spoke with real-life doctors and nurses who had served in the Korean War to gain a better understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by medical personnel during the war. The cast also watched documentaries and read books about the war to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context.
In addition to research, the cast also underwent extensive training to prepare for their roles. The actors who played doctors and nurses, for example, received training in medical procedures and terminology to ensure that their performances were accurate and realistic. The attention to detail and commitment to authenticity helped to make the show’s characters and storylines feel more realistic and engaging.
What was the impact of M*A*S*H on popular culture, and how did it influence other television shows?
M*A*S*H had a significant impact on popular culture, and it influenced many other television shows. The show’s blend of comedy and drama, set against the backdrop of war, helped to create a new genre of television programming. Many other shows, including “China Beach” and “ER,” were influenced by M*A*S*H’s format and tone.
M*A*S*H also had a significant impact on the way that war was portrayed on television. The show’s realistic and nuanced portrayal of war helped to challenge the traditional stereotypes and cliches that had been perpetuated by earlier war dramas. The show’s influence can still be seen in many modern television dramas, including “The West Wing” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
What is the legacy of M*A*S*H, and why does it remain a beloved television series?
The legacy of M*A*S*H is one of enduring popularity and influence. The show’s blend of comedy and drama, set against the backdrop of war, helped to create a unique and engaging viewing experience. The show’s characters, including Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John, are iconic and beloved, and the show’s storylines continue to resonate with audiences today.
M*A*S*H remains a beloved television series because of its timeless themes and universal appeal. The show’s exploration of human relationships, morality, and the consequences of war continues to resonate with audiences today. The show’s influence can still be seen in many modern television dramas, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world.