Movies - TV
M*A*S*H Made A Major Change To The Show Because Of An MLB Star
By BJ COLANGELO
Don Newcombe, a baseball legend and former Dodger pitcher, played a significant role in influencing the portrayal of alcohol consumption on the iconic television show “M*A*S*H.”
There was a noticeable shift in how much alcohol was consumed on screen, particularly in The Swamp, the tent where the main characters often gathered to relax.
In Ed Solomonson and Mark O'Neill's “TV's M*A*S*H: The Ultimate Guide Book,” the show’s creator and producer Larry Gelbart explains the changes were made at Newcombe’s request.
A prominent baseball pitcher, Newcombe faced a personal battle with alcoholism during the 1950s and '60s. At his lowest, he went to the extent of pawning off his World Series ring.
Newcombe achieved sobriety and became a drug abuse activist and a resource for those suffering. This role played a part in influencing his request for changes in the show.
Gelbart's decision stemmed from Newcombe's strong request about “not letting such popular characters be seen imbibing either to celebrate or to drown their sorrows.”
He added, “As one who has seen close up and personal the awful human toll that alcohol can and does extract from its abusers, I have never doubted that we made the right choice.”