This Model Helicopter Was A Major Mistake On M*A*S*H But Had A Charming Reason To Be There
by: Nina Ross
April 26, 2023
Source: MeTV
M*A*S*H is one of the most beloved television shows of all time. The show was set during the Korean War and followed the lives of the doctors and nurses stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Over the course of its 11 seasons, M*A*S*H became known for its blend of comedy and drama, its memorable characters, and its ability to tackle serious issues in a way that was both poignant and thought-provoking. However, even the most beloved TV shows can make mistakes. And M*A*S*H was no exception.
One of the show’s most notable mistakes occurred in the episode titled “The Interview,” which aired in 1979. In the episode, a documentary filmmaker named Clete Roberts comes to the 4077th to film a documentary about life in a M*A*S*H unit. During the course of the documentary, one of the doctors, Hawkeye Pierce, is seen playing with a small model helicopter. The helicopter was not a prop that was meant to be on the show, but rather a mistake that made it onto the set.
The model helicopter was a major mistake because it was not historically accurate. The show was set during the Korean War, which took place between 1950 and 1953. However, the model helicopter that Hawkeye played with was a Bell Huey UH-1, which was not introduced until the early 1960s. This anachronism was particularly glaring, given that the Huey UH-1 was one of the most iconic helicopters of the Vietnam War, which took place more than a decade after the Korean War.
Despite this mistake, the model helicopter had a charming reason to be on the set. The helicopter was actually a gift from the crew of the real-life Huey UH-1 helicopter that was used to film the show’s opening credits. The Huey UH-1 was the same type of helicopter that was used during the Vietnam War, and it was chosen because it was one of the most recognizable symbols of the war. The crew of the Huey UH-1 wanted to show their appreciation for the show and the attention it brought to the sacrifices of military personnel, so they gifted the model helicopter to the M*A*S*H production team.
While the model helicopter may have been a mistake in terms of historical accuracy, its presence on the set was a testament to the camaraderie and appreciation that existed between the real-life military personnel and the cast and crew of MASH. The model helicopter may not have belonged in the Korean War era, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of MASH fans as a symbol of the show’s impact and the gratitude that was felt by those who served in the military during the time the show was on the air.
