As a dedicated fan and trivia enthusiast, I can confidently say that “M*A*S*H” has always been one of my favorite shows for its blend of humor, drama, and historical relevance. And let’s not forget the breathtaking landscapes that served as the backdrop to this poignant tale of life during wartime. But what I never knew was just how American these Korean vistas truly were!
In a more casual and engaging manner: You might not watch a dramedy like “M*A*S*H” for its stunning landscapes amidst the mix of laughter and sorrow. Yet, this show had an uncanny way of making those landscapes appear breathtakingly beautiful. The hit series’ impressive mountain ranges and lush green hills were so realistic that they drew viewers deep into the grisly, comedic world of the soldiers at the 4077th. It’s easy to see just by looking at it that this show wasn’t filmed on a studio set. So, you might wonder: where did CBS and 20th Century Fox actually film the beloved sitcom that millions tuned into every week?
As a gaming enthusiast, I stumbled upon an interesting trivia: It seems that the show M*A*S*H, which is set in Uijeongbu, South Korea, was actually filmed right here in the United States! You won’t believe it, but not a single scene from this iconic series was captured overseas. What’s even more fascinating is that you can now hike through two of the actual sets today! So, where are these magical filming locations, and how do I get there? Let me give you a tour:
Malibu Creek Ranch
Fans of the TV series “M*A*S*H” might find it surprising to learn that many of its outdoor scenes, featuring medical tents, jeeps, and characters moving around a war-torn area, were actually filmed far from Korea. Instead, these scenes were captured at the former Fox Ranch within Malibu Creek State Park in Malibu, California. For more than a decade, this location served as the home to the 4077th’s tent city and was the backdrop for countless memorable scenes.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Malibu Creek Park, now under public ownership, offers an extraordinary opportunity for hikers like us. The site where M*A*S*H was filmed still stands as a tribute, featuring remnants such as vehicles used during production, the iconic multi-directional signpost, and a picnic area with benches and netting. Information boards around the park explain the history of these artifacts and their significance within the series. Sadly, they were slightly damaged in the Woolsey Fires of 2018, but the seating area and signpost have since been restored to their original state. To navigate your way to the 4077’s location, be sure to download a map from the official Malibu Creek State Park website.
Santa Monica Mountains
The renowned opening sequence of “M*A*S*H” features expansive mountain ranges while an Army helicopter passes overhead. On occasion, these same rocky landscapes can be spotted within the series itself, notably when medical personnel venture beyond the camp and into the combat zone to aid wounded soldiers. Occasionally, scenes set in Korean camps were filmed in this more hilly location as well. Noteworthy, all of these scenes were shot on American soil, with the mountains being none other than the Santa Monica Mountains, situated in Santa Monica, California.
Similarly to Malibu Creek Park, the mountain range is accessible year-round for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can follow the Backbone Trail and explore hills and valleys much like the characters Dr. Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce (Alan Alda) and B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell). Although any remnants of where ‘M*A*S*H’ was filmed in the mountains have faded away, you can still enjoy a vista similar to the one viewers saw during the show’s opening credits for eleven seasons.
Stage 9 of 20th Century Fox Studios
It seems that the show was not filmed inside those tents, but instead, most of its interior scenes, such as surgical procedures by BJ and Hawkeye, interactions in the supply warehouse, and personal tent scenes, were all shot at 20th Century Fox’s studio facilities.
As a dedicated fan, I can share that “M*A*S*H” meticulously set up their filming location on Stage 9 at the studio. This included an impressive replica of the outdoor Malibu Creek Park set, enabling them to shoot night scenes and outdoor sequences that might have been compromised by unfavorable weather conditions. One intriguing trivia about this iconic series is whether many of its exterior shots were truly captured outdoors or if they were filmed indoors on a soundstage – an enigma that remains largely unresolved in “M*A*S*H” lore. A fascinating bit of behind-the-scenes information: it’s said that a bathroom was installed on the set due to the show’s actors growing weary of trekking long distances to reach the studio’s existing facilities during filming breaks.
Sadly, the studio doesn’t allow public access because shows like Stage 9 typically aren’t filmed in front of live audiences, and their sets have been taken apart for a long time. The show “Bones” was the last one to be filmed there, but there’s a plaque outside the studio that honors the long run of “M*A*S*H*” and its follow-up series, “After M*A*S*H.
If you’re curious to know more about the 4077, Looper provides intriguing insights! They delve into unresolved “M*A*S*H” storylines and pay tribute to the talented “M*A*S*H*” actors who are no longer with us.
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2024-11-29 15:30