MASH (Robert Altman, 1970) Review | Cinematic Flashback Podcast

M*A*S*H (1970) – The Cinematic Flashback Podcast

Hosted by: Chuck and Matt Sargent

In this episode of The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent head into the chaos and dark comedy of M*A*S*H (1970), directed by Robert Altman and starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, and Tom Skerritt.

Set against the backdrop of the Korean War—but unmistakably speaking to Vietnam-era America—M*A*S*H shattered expectations with its irreverent humor, anti-authoritarian streak, and Altman’s now-signature overlapping dialogue. Chuck and Matt dissect how this film launched a new wave of 1970s satire, paved the way for Altman’s storied career, and became the unlikely seed of a long-running TV empire.

They dig into the film’s controversial tone, its improvisational style, and the strange alchemy that made chaos feel so controlled. And of course, they answer the big question in their “Did It Groove or Skip a Beat?” segment.

So grab your dog tags, tune up the loudspeaker, and scrub in with us as we head to the 4077th and explore the film that rewrote the rules of war comedies.

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Music: 1975 – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions

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