In the 1960s and 1970s it was common for the three networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) to broadcast fall preview specials in the days before the new television season started. These specials would showcase the new shows each network was premiering in the fall. Also promoted were returning shows, as well as sporting events, movies and other programming. The specials were tied in with the overall fall campaign, reflecting a common slogan or jingle.
For the 1972-1973 fall preview, CBS used the slogan "Have We Got A Fall For You" to promote their eight new programs, including The Waltons, Maude and M*A*S*H. For more information on the 1972 CBS fall preview special, visit Television Obscurities. Due to the timely nature of fall preview specials they are not rebroadcast and this article is likely the first time the fall preview for M*A*S*H has been available in more than three decades.
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This preview, which runs two and a half minutes, was the first introduction to M*A*S*H for most viewers in 1972. Along with print (and most likely radio) advertisements it is what sold the show to the viewing public. The preview uses footage from the pilot episode, including much of the extended opening sequence from the pilot, a scene which was later cut in syndication. The theme music ("Suicide Is Painless") is played throughout the preview, although the rendition used is not the same version that appeared in the opening credits. It is a softer version, with a horn section.
The famous shot of Radar standing with the mountains in the foreground transitions into equally famous shots of the helicopters delivering wounded. The announcement calling all personnel to admitting ward and operating room is heard and then scenes of much activity in the compound are shown: the nurses running from their tents, personnel rushing up to the helipad, a dog yapping. Without the cast credits superimposed over the image, this is a rare opportunity to see everything going on in these scenes.
Scenes from "M*A*S*H - The Pilot" are then shown: Hawkeye joking in the OR; Hawkeye mouthing off to General Hammond; Hawkeye and Trapper putting together the raffle; General Hammond threatening to court martial Hawkeye and Trapper. At the end of the preview, the helicopters are shown again and the music fades out, with M*A*S*H lingering momentarily on the screen.
Lt. Dish (Karen Philipp) and General Hammond (G. Wood) are featured heavily in the preview, despite having only limited roles in a handful of episodes during the first season. George Morgan, who played Father Mulcahy only in the first episode, is also shown in the preview. This can be explained away easily enough; perhaps footage from the first episode was all that was available for use in the fall preview.
Fall Preview 1974
The 1974 CBS Fall Preview Special used the slogan "See The Best On CBS" and was hosted by Ted Baxter. Before introducing the new shows Baxter, conducted mock interviews with stars of returning shows and M*A*S*H was featured prominently. He would pose questions and then clips from the shows would show responses. Various characters from M*A*S*H were included in this bit. Later CBS fall preview specials also included M*A*S*H, if only for a quick second as part of the returning shows segment.
Last updated July 31st, 2007