Plot: In a two-part episode, a USO show makes an unscheduled stop at the 4077th when one of its members, Marina Ryan, suffers a burst appendix. Marina develops a crush on Hawkeye, but Hawkeye recognizes it as the sort of crush common to patients and keeps his distance. "Fast Freddie" Nichols has the kind of corny humor that appeals to Klinger, and Charles is appalled to discover that he's enjoying it, too. Charles also strikes up a friendship with a lady musician who plays a mean accordian...and is also pretty hot at classical piano. Father Mulcahy tries to help another singer locate some ballet shoes that were a memento for her brother, who was killed in combat. Brandy the burlesque queen tickles Col. Potter's fancy, as well as teaching Margaret a thing or two. In the meantime, the doctors must contend with a patient who has completely withdrawn from everything.
In the flashback part of the second episode -- when they show like the "Previously on..." , you know -- there was a scene that was apparently cut out in the first episode for syndication, but left in the "Previously" scenes. What happened in that scene? I think it has Hawkeye talking to BJ about Marina.
I love how Charles tries to keep from laughing at Fast Freddie's jokes. It's so strange that Winchester would find him funny.
Brandi Doyle seems rather old to be a stripper. You'd think the men would prefer someone younger.
Apparently there's a scene cut where Charles and the accordian player, Ellie Carlyle, first meet. I assume they had a disagreement over the musical merits of the accordion. This seems to be referenced when Ellie speaks before playing a song in Post-Op.
Strange that Klinger would suffer stage fright. I mean given that he's played Mr. Klinger, Zoltan and other such roles in front of the camp, you'd think he'd be more of an accomplished actor.
Margaret refers to "most of (the camp as) kids". Is she really that much older than the rest of the camp? Klinger and B.J. perhaps. (Hunnicutt was supposed to be 28 when we first meet him.) But surely not Father Mulcahy, Charles and maybe Hawkeye? (Potter it goes without saying.)
Another scene cut: Sara (the guitar player) asks Father Mulcahy if she could speak alone. Apparently she needs the Padre's help in finding something. Trouble is, we're not told what she's looking for in part one. The scene's been cut.
Part 2 marks the third time (I think) we see Kellye dance with someone. First time was with Frank Burns. The second was with B.J. This time it's with Charles. The fourth dance will be with Hawkeye.
Hey! Is that's Henry old fishing hat lying by Colonel Potter when he sits in his chair passed out? It sure looked like it.
We get a rare look, in this ep, of the wall in front of Klinger's desk. Normally it is from this wall from which all scenes involving the Company Clerk's office is shot.
Interesting. Hawkeye had no problem with taking advantage of Margaret's feelings for him in "Comrades In Arm". In this ep, he tells Marina he can't take advantage of her vulnerability. Pierce must have learned his lesson for dealing with Margaret. "Hell hath no fury like a woman sustained!"
This is the only time in the series we learn (and see) that the door to The Swamp can be locked. In no other episode is there an indication that this is even possible.
Where in the world did Max get that accordian?
When Hawkeye is introduced to Brandy and Eleanor, he's holding a clipboard. The position of the clipboard changes in two subsequent shots.
After Fast Freddie's "'Suture' yourself" line, Margaret has her arms folded across her chest. In the very next shot, one arm is raised.
Apparently there's a scene cut where Charles and the accordian player, Ellie Carlyle, first meet. I assume they had a disagreement over the musical merits of the accordion. This seems to be referenced when Ellie speaks before playing a song in Post-Op. - me
Yup. This scene occurs in the Mess Tent, just after Fast Freddie announces the U.S.O. troupe will do a show for the 4077th. At one point, Charles notes that Ellie plays the accordion. "Do you also play an instrument?" Carlyle gives as good as she takes. When Winchester notes that the Boston Symphony Hall was "a stone throw away" from where he lived, Ellie asks if the Major got hit often?
Needless to say, this scene has been cut in syndication.
Those in the audience of the impromptu U.S.O. show seem to feel sad when Sarah Miller sings, "Sweet Molly Malone". Is there a reason this song would resonate so much with the MASHers? I guess I'm just not catching the significance of the tune from the lyrics that are sung.
Was that supposed to be Margaret's tent she and Brandy Doyle were sleeping in? It sure looks different from earlier in the series.
When Brandy is drooling over Colonel Potter, she says, "He's a real doll." Then she raises her arms to get out of her chair. In the very next shot, we see make the same motion with her arms again.
The next morning, when Pierce visits Marina in Post-Op, he asks how's she doing? Look at her right hand. At that point, her fingers are flat. In the very next shot, as she replies, "Great", the fingers are curled up.
Kinda strange that Potter doesn't know who Ed Sullivan is or about his show, Toast of the Town, The show debuted in 1948. It did not become The Ed Sullivan Show until 1955, after the end of the Korean War. But still, you'd think the show was popular enough that the Colonel would know something about it.
The tongue depressors Marina and the other wounded are playing poker with must be leftovers from that big shipment the unit received in "Depressing News". Otherwise, I wouldn't think the medics would allow such necessary medical equipment to be used in such a frivolous manner. Especially since depressor must be kept sterile until they are used. And using them as poker chips certainly isn't keeping them sterile.
Was that desk always in Potter's tent? I don't remember seeing it before this ep.
In the Colonel's tent, Brandy is singing Potter's praises. She has the bottle of 12 year-old Scotch in her hand. You can see the label on the bottle. Until she turns and tells Sherman, "You've got spunk."* Then the label disappears.
There's been a new batch of wounded and the doctors treat them. We go to a scene in Post-Op where Hawkeye and Marina talk. She comments on how exhausted the Captain looks. Pierce brings his hands to his hips. The camera angle changes and he puts his hands to his hips again.
"Horse hockey!"
*Every time I hear her say that, I have to fight the urge to respond, "I hate spunk!"