As a veteran (1972-1992), this episode is a standout from other episodes. Knowing what entertainers give up when they come and entertain people that have been separated from a normal life at home, this is a great episode. We had great acts in many of our shows and i find this episode reminiscent of the ones I saw. So, in retrospect, this wasn't boring, dull or anything else, but a walk down memory lane and a "thank you" to those that sacrificed their private lines to entertain the G. I.s, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that needed a break from death and destruction. Thanks to those Big Names, like Bob Hope, and the lesser known like these good people, that helped lift our spirits us when we needed it most.
9 Reviews
A nice filler
safenoe7 February 2020
Any M*A*S*H is better than none, and one suspects that the writers were starting to run out of ideas. Not surprisingly, the series wound up one season later, at its peak for sure. Gwen Verdon shines in this episode, and we see Hawkeye resisting the attentions of a young performer, which is a bit anomalous somewhat. But still, a nice two-parter to open season 10.
A bit different, just a bit
ajmartini28 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This particular two-part episode was an attempt to include the USO, which allowed more than the usual two or three non-regular cast actors and story lines. It begins with one of the young female performers being suddenly struck ill, and needing to go to MASH 4077 for treatment (by Hawkeye, of course). The story line involving Col. Potter and an older burlesque stripper, portrayed very nicely by Gwen Verdon, is, in my opinion, the highlight of the episode. These two veteran actors bring something extra and undefinable to their story. It's very nice to watch.
The rest of this extended episode deals mainly with regular cast interacting with the USO entertainers in ways that tend to be inconsistent or opposite of their standard portrayals, such as Major Winchester finding the not-very-funny humor of the emcee comic quite appealing and laughing uncontrollably at it, or the accordion player who is actually a trained concert pianist, or the singing duo which includes the young woman who required the sudden appendectomy, allowing for Major Houlihan to "step in" and sing.
The one area that many people find unbelievable is Hawkeye's response to the crush the young female performer has following him performing an appendectomy on her. I actually find this absolutely appropriate. The character of Hawkeye May be written as a skirt-chasing Lothario, but he is also shown to be an ethical medical practitioner. In this instance, I honestly see the character avoiding the young woman's attempts at affection as a reflection of a doctor being ethical and morally correct with his patient. Had this young woman come into camp and NOT been Hawkeye's patient, then his reaction would probably have been different.
The rest of this extended episode deals mainly with regular cast interacting with the USO entertainers in ways that tend to be inconsistent or opposite of their standard portrayals, such as Major Winchester finding the not-very-funny humor of the emcee comic quite appealing and laughing uncontrollably at it, or the accordion player who is actually a trained concert pianist, or the singing duo which includes the young woman who required the sudden appendectomy, allowing for Major Houlihan to "step in" and sing.
The one area that many people find unbelievable is Hawkeye's response to the crush the young female performer has following him performing an appendectomy on her. I actually find this absolutely appropriate. The character of Hawkeye May be written as a skirt-chasing Lothario, but he is also shown to be an ethical medical practitioner. In this instance, I honestly see the character avoiding the young woman's attempts at affection as a reflection of a doctor being ethical and morally correct with his patient. Had this young woman come into camp and NOT been Hawkeye's patient, then his reaction would probably have been different.
old-style heart, new-style ideas
robrosenberger23 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This two-part season opener is long on heart and an innocence reminiscent of early seasons. A USO troupe is forced to lay over in camp. Legendary stripper Brandy Doyle (played by Broadway legend Gwen Verdon) falls for Potter. Klinger endlessly emulates hack comic Fast Freddie Nichols (Danny Dayton). Winchester poo-poos an accordion player (Amanda McBroom), and is chagrined when she reveals herself to be a concert pianist paying the bills (STAR TREK fans might moisten themselves when they recognize her from the TNG episode "Measure of a Man"). One plot line that looks retro but has the whiff of late-series maudlinity, involves a singer (the adorable Gail Edwards) falling for Hawkeye, who rebuffs her advances because he doesn't want to "take advantage". You won't know whether to reach for the barf bag or the tissue.
Part 1 was good - Part 2 was better
adamchurchill6 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this 2 parter - luckily Sony Channel (Sky 157) showed both parts back to back which IMHO made it funnier
I'm English - we don't always "get" American humour - BUT - They nailed it with M*A*S*H in general, and this two parter in particular
.
Spoiler................ .
One of my all time favourite quotes was in part 2 I drink my Scotch Whisky neat - I hate adding ice or water because it activates my gag reflex Colonel Sherman T Potter's line is a line I often say out loud whenever I taste an unfamiliar brand of Scotch and like it.................... "Not enough o's in smoooooooooooooooooth to describe this" The late, great Harry Morgan was a very good and sorely missed character actor.
Spoiler................ .
One of my all time favourite quotes was in part 2 I drink my Scotch Whisky neat - I hate adding ice or water because it activates my gag reflex Colonel Sherman T Potter's line is a line I often say out loud whenever I taste an unfamiliar brand of Scotch and like it.................... "Not enough o's in smoooooooooooooooooth to describe this" The late, great Harry Morgan was a very good and sorely missed character actor.
Lots of fun
unclemc-9571029 March 2023
As MASH went on the episodes got a little more serious and, at times, nearly omitted comedy.
I like this episode because it's funny and doesn't try to send a particularly strong message.
The various subplots are fun and warm, and some of the jokes are funny and downright corny.
While I wasn't in the military I can't speak to the realism of MASH or this episode in particular. But I'm sure a visit from entertainers would be a welcome change of pace for both the MASH staff and patients.
Some reviews have commented about how it's so out of character for Hawkeye to not hit on a woman who is clearly fond of him. I think this shows his professionalism and dedication which, as time went on, we saw more of.
I like this episode because it's funny and doesn't try to send a particularly strong message.
The various subplots are fun and warm, and some of the jokes are funny and downright corny.
While I wasn't in the military I can't speak to the realism of MASH or this episode in particular. But I'm sure a visit from entertainers would be a welcome change of pace for both the MASH staff and patients.
Some reviews have commented about how it's so out of character for Hawkeye to not hit on a woman who is clearly fond of him. I think this shows his professionalism and dedication which, as time went on, we saw more of.
Mediocre...
tickettostars2 August 2018
A poor episode, in general, drawn unnecessarily into two parts. Personally, I'm seldom willing to sit through it. Gwen Verdon is charming, however, especially when doing scenes with Harry Morgan; they display an adorable chemistry that, sadly, doesn't redeem the storyline. There is a distinct anachronism, if you pay attention. Fast Freddie mentions Ed Sullivan and his "really big shew"--but that phrase wasn't coined until between 1954 and 1956.
One of the Dullest Episodes Every
Hitchcoc25 April 2015
This is a two part episode which began the tenth season. A group of performers get stuck in the camp. None of them are very good. The emcee/comedian is terrible, even though he cracks Charles up. There is a stripper who does a lame routine. The second half doesn't get any better. One of the performers needs an appendectomy and then falls in love with Hawkeye, who for some reason has no interest in her. Talk about out of character for the chief surgeon and skirt chaser. I suppose what they wanted to do was introduce some entertainment into the show but it doesn't work very well. One interesting thing is that Hawkeye and B.J. abandon any of their fun. Very poor writing.
Disgusting display
will30426 May 2022
Let me begin by saying I'm a physician who worked in a war zone as a US Army officer. I was also a patient after suffering a spinal cord injury courtesy of an enemy combatant.
Combat wounded patients were and are much too sick for anything like this. The producers acted like they were a gritty and realistic "comedy".
Sing this episode for 10 minutes made me want to vomit. Totally ridiculous portrayal of soldiers recovering from post-op wartime injuries at a MASH/CASH.
Combat wounded patients were and are much too sick for anything like this. The producers acted like they were a gritty and realistic "comedy".
Sing this episode for 10 minutes made me want to vomit. Totally ridiculous portrayal of soldiers recovering from post-op wartime injuries at a MASH/CASH.
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