While Larry Gelbart, the creator of M*A*S*H, and the show’s star, Alan Alda, had a respectful professional relationship, the pair once got into a heated argument.
In a 1998 interview for the Archive of American Television, Gelbart referenced that he left M*A*S*H following the show’s fourth season in 1976. According to Gelbart, he and Alda, who played Captain Hawkeye Pierce, only “had one heated hour in four years” while working together on M*A*S*H.
Gelbart explained that Alda, who also served as one of the show’s writers and directors, was frustrated about a specific storyline. He recalled that the M*A*S*H episode was about “a sniper outside the camp who was picking people off or trying to pick people off.”
“We had a speech in which we had the doctors asking for core or headquarters or some unit to send somebody with a gun and take this guy out,” said Gelbart, who died in 2009 at the age of 81.
Gelbart then said that Alda “really objected vehemently to that,” as “he didn’t think that a doctor should be asking for anybody to be killed.”
“We went back and forth,” said Gelbart.
He clarified that Alda was constructive in his criticism and would provide alternate versions of the script.
“If he criticized something, he would go off and do his version of it, not just argue for or against something but show you how he thought it could be done,” said Gelbart.
He also said that Alda came to his house after their row to apologize.
“That night he showed up at my doorstep and said how terrible he felt. I mean it’s a terrible corny word to use, but we really did love each other,” said Gelbart.
In addition, Gelbart said he and Alda were able to come to a compromise for the M*A*S*H episode.
“We hammered it out, and we found a solution that was acceptable to both of us,” said Gelbart during the 1998 interview.
Alan Alda Shared His Thoughts About Larry Gelbart
Alda, who appeared in all 11 seasons of M*A*S*H, shared his thoughts about Gelbart during a 2000 interview for the Archive of American Television. Alda, now 90, described Gelbart as “one of these extraordinary genius writers.” He also complimented Gelbart for his ability to craft comedic scripts.
“If he said, I think, everything that occurred to him that was funny, you could have 10 more volumes of his work than you already have,” said Alda. “Things are happening in his mind all the time, and he only tells you the ones that are especially good. He’s very quick, and he can be devastatingly funny about somebody, although he’s usually very generous, but he sizes up the situation in a second.”