Little-known mistakes and bloopers in M*A*S*H
If you’re a MASH* fan, you’ve likely seen the iconic moments and unforgettable characters, but behind the scenes, there were some fun mistakes and bloopers.
For example, William Christopher (Father Mulcahy) nearly had to leave the show due to hepatitis, but Alan Alda wrote an episode to incorporate the illness into the storyline. Frank Burns’ actor, Larry Linville, sadly passed away from a tumor under his sternum, which eerily mirrored his character’s line.
Jamie Farr (Klinger) was originally a one-episode guest, but his performance made him a fan favorite, turning him into a regular. His dog tags were even his real military tags. The show also made some military mistakes, like a Huey helicopter appearing out of time during the Korean War.
There were quirky moments too, like Radar hiding his hand due to a birth defect and Hawkeye’s shifting backstory. The show also faced backlash for killing off Colonel Blake unexpectedly, leading to a pact never to repeat it.
Loretta Swit disliked the “Hot Lips” nickname and had unnaturally long nails in Comrades in Arms. The finale featured one of TV’s longest kisses, marking a powerful bond between Alda and Swit. These behind-the-scenes stories only add to MASH*’s charm, making it a timeless classic.
