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The M*A*S*H cast praised producers for allowing them ''freedom''
At the 4077th, all ideas were welcome.
Most of the M*A*S*H cast members agreed that the secret to success on the series was largely due to the producers and their willingness to give the actors complete "freedom" on set and in character.
Although many ingredients went into M*A*S*H’s recipe for success, both Loretta Swit and Larry Linville attributed it to the cast's ability to make changes, write, direct, and have a voice in the 4077th.
"We can function as liberal as we want," Swit said in a 1973 interview with The Columbia Record. "We're not just characters, but human beings with more than one dimension. The viewer can't anticipate what we're going to do each week, nor can we."
Swit played the role of Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Her character was depicted as a strict, by-the-book head nurse. Larry Linville portrayed Maj. Frank Burns, and was one of the show’s most memorable characters.
In the interview, Linville said the producers wanted to hear the cast's ideas, proving that putting trust in an actor can result in a major outcome. Where most producers hand out scripts with the expectation of no changes, the M*A*S*H producers worked for collaboration.
In the 4077th, all ideas were welcomed and explored.
"We have a live audience—the crew," Linville said. "The crew is the most critical of our show. If a stagehand is sitting there playing cards while the show is going on, you're dead. If they are still laughing after a third take, you've got a good show. Our 40 make a good audience."
The series, which lasted 11 seasons, was a major hit among audiences, including those who had read the book or seen the M*A*S*H movie. Swit said the ratings just kept climbing, and their most controversial episode—one where Hawkeye's friend died—marked the peak of their ratings, reinforcing their faith in the fan base that stayed loyal through the best and worst M*A*S*H moments.
"I realize that we offend some people, somewhere, and we were braced for the expected mail, but most of it was very encouraging," Swit said. "Hot Lips got several nice poems from some 10 year olds."
Linville said one of the most rewarding parts of working on the series was not being restricted in his voice or writing. He was encouraged to bring new dynamics to his character and make the script feel more natural.
Swit added that, in the first few seasons, the writers struggled to find a place for Maj. Houlihan. It was "pure growing pains," but thanks to the producers’ support, the Major became an essential part of the show.
"We also have great respect for each other off camera," Swit said. "We can go to each other and make suggestions. We have been able to wipe out the memory of the movie... All they know is the TV show."
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