What The Author Of The Book That Inspired M*A*S*H Really Thought About The Classic Sitcom
The author of the book that inspired M*A*S*H was no fan of the classic sitcom, and he had some strong opinions about how his story was adapted.
M*A*S*H is frequently regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Its blend of humor and drama provided a poignant portrayal of war, drawing parallels between the Korean War and the subsequent Vietnam conflict. However, not all viewers shared the same enthusiasm. Richard Hornberger, the book's creator, was a vocal critic of the series.
A doctor who served in the Korean War, Hornberger's experience at a MASH unit inspired the novel MASH, which was later adapted into a film and a TV series. Despite the show's success, Hornberger was disappointed with the portrayal. He insisted that the book and the series were anti-war, a sentiment he vehemently denied. Hornberger felt that the character of Hawkeye Pierce, based on his own persona, was depicted in a way that was too preachy and liberal.
He also criticized the actors for their portrayal, claiming they lacked the understanding of war that he, as a veteran, possessed. Despite the show's popularity, Hornberger's financial compensation was modest - $500 per episode. This arrangement ultimately cost him significantly, given the show's impact on the franchise. He eventually sold the rights to the MASH franchise, but for a fraction of its potential value.
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