M*A*S*H

Because of the Vietnam War, the U.S. produced very few war films in the late Sixties and early Seventies; such a film meant certain death at the box office. However, Robert Altman was catapulted to fame in 1969 when he made his popular anti-war comedy M*A*S*H. It has grossed well over $40 million, was the basis for one of the most successful and sophisticated television comedy series and remains fresh and funny after 15 years. In his first mature work, Altman presents many of his trademark characteristics, including strong characterization, throw-away acting and dialogue and documentary visual style. Unified by plot rather than theme, M*A*S*H is a collection of scenes each representing the struggle between authority and humanism. Gould, Sutherland and Skerritt portray the surgeon-officers trying to keep the Korean War in perspective through a collection of practical jokes and pranks, while the regular Army Majors (Duvall and Kellerman) do their self-righteous best to keep the American military supreme. Much of Ring Lardner Jr.'s original script was altered during filming, with a good deal of improvisation on the part of Altman and his actors. M*A*S*H's unique combination of the humorous and serious faces of war brought Altman both critical acclaim and box office success.