Where was M*A*S*H filmed?
1968
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), Malibu (USA)
Location Types
Nature, Film Studio
Location Styles
Camper, '70s
About M*A*S*H
Directed by Robert Altman and written by Ring Lardner Jr., MASH (stylized on-screen as M*A*S*H) is a popular American black comedy war movie released in 1970. The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name, MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.
It was a major success for 20th Century Fox, becoming one of the biggest films of the early ‘70s. This feature film is the only one in the MASH franchise to be theatrically released.
Set in the Korean War, MASH follows a unit of medical personnel from a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The film stars Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, René Auberjonois, Robert Duvall, Roger Bowen, Gary Burghoff, Sally Kellerman, Michael Murphy, and former American football defensive back Fred Williamson in his film debut.
With its release during the Vietnam War, Garry Trudeau, the Doonesbury creator, noted that it was "perfect for the times," as it captured the chaos of American culture accurately. In 1970, MASH received a Palme d'Or, the highest honor, at the 1970 Cannes Festival. It also received 5 Oscar nominations and won the Best Adapted Screenplay Award.
In 1996, the comedy war movie earned a spot in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress as a production that is deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," and was consequently preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2000.
M*A*S*H Locations
MASH was a beloved classic movie, and it's no surprise that the majority of its scenes were shot at the beautiful Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, California. The backdrop for this production was a picturesque range of wild beauty: rolling hills, lush meadows, and ancient oaks.
The filming location itself is located 2.8 miles into the park and is accessible only by hiking. Along with stunning views, there are several landmarks such as Century Ranch which have endured the test of time. It stands as a monument to the production that has become so iconic over time.
A trip to this unique destination will surely be worth your while! The hike to get there can be quite challenging but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a feeling of nostalgia for a film that has come to define many people's childhoods.
As an extra bonus, when you reach the site you'll find signage and even a replica vehicle from the movie! All in all, Malibu Creek State Park is an ideal place to visit if you want to relive some of your favorite MASH moments.
Fun Fact:
The film served as an inspiration for the 1972-1983 TV series M*A*S*H, with Gary Burghoff being the only major character to appear in both.
Arriving at the MASH Campsite scene in MASH
Malibu Creek State Park - 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California, USA
In 1951, two maverick surgeons, "Hawkeye" Pierce Jr. (Donald Sutherland) and "Duke" Forrest (Tom Skerritt), create a stir upon their arrival at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in South Korea, after stealing an Army Jeep. Subsequently, they demonstrate themselves as great battlefield surgeons.
Stationed at the camp are bumbling commander Lt. Col Henry Blake (Roger Bowen), eccentric dentist Walter "Painless Pole" Waldowski (John Schuck), capable chief clerk Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff), incompetent surgeon Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and thoughtful Chaplain Father Mulcahy (René Auberjonois).
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California, Malibu Creek State Park is a popular spot for outdoors lovers and campers alike. From miles of hiking trails to a lake for kayaking, fishing, and swimming, there’s something for everyone.
The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including mountain lions, hawks, and over 30 species of reptiles. With its stunning views and breathtaking sunsets, Malibu Creek State Park provides visitors with a unique outdoor experience they won't soon forget. Whether you’re looking to relax by the shoreline or explore rocky cliffs, this magical place will not disappoint!
Located on 1925 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, it's about a 42-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles via US-101N. Bus lines 161 and 423 also pass near Malibu State Park.
Operation scene in MASH
Stage 18, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland), Duke (Tom Skerritt), and Trapper (Elliott Gould) operate soldiers in the operation tent. They are talking about operations, joking if they do everything right or not. Nurses help them. Doctors are insubordinate, womanizing, and mischievous rule-breakers, but they are masters of their craft.
20th Century Fox Studios is a landmark of the movie industry. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, this legendary studio has served as the site for some of the most iconic and acclaimed films of all time.
Founded in 1935, 20th Century Fox offers a state-of-the-art production facility with 21 stages, multiple soundstages, and over 200 acres of backlots. The studios are home to classic franchises like Star Wars, Aliens, Planet of the Apes, and X-Men, as well as modern hits such as Avatar, Deadpool, and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Visiting the historic 20th Century Fox Studios should be on everyone's bucket list. Located at 10201 West Pico Blvd in Los Angeles, getting to Stage 18 is as simple as following the signs.
For those who would prefer to let someone else do the driving, public transportation stops just a few blocks away from the studio. 16 Metro buses and 6 Rapid buses stop here, so anyone can easily reach one of the oldest film studios without breaking a sweat.
Hawkeye and Duke come to Henry scene in MASH
Stage 8, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
At camp, the main characters are starkly divided into two distinct factions. Annoyed by Frank's (Robert Duvall) religious obsession, Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland) and Duke (Tom Skerritt) urge Blake (Roger Bowen) to relocate him to another tent with the new chest surgeon Trapper John McIntyre (Elliott Gould).
The three doctors, called "Swamp men" because of their tent, have little care for Army rules and often engage in mischievousness, womanizing activities, and boozing. Frank is a no-nonsense army officer who firmly believes in following the rules and getting things done efficiently, an opinion shared by the head nurse of 4077th, Margaret Houlihan (Sally Kellerman).
20th Century Fox Studios has produced some of the most beloved films of all time, from ET and Star Wars to the critically acclaimed Avatar. The studio also houses a large theme park and a working production lot with sound stages and sets.
For those interested in film production and media, there are several educational experiences available at the studio where you can learn more about how cinema works. As one of the biggest movie studios in the world, 20th Century Fox is sure to impress any fan of classic Hollywood.
For an exclusive look at Stage 8, get to 20th Century Fox Studios via the 6 Rapid buses or 16 Metro buses. Once there it's a short distance to stage 8 where guests explore a boulevard filled with recognizable items from some of the studio's biggest films. A day trip to this studio offers memorabilia collectors and movie aficionados alike the best chance to immerse themselves in cinematic history.
Golf scene in MASH
Malibu Country Club - 901 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, California, USA
While Trapper (Elliott Gould) and Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland) play golf, Lt. Leslie (Indus Arthur) flies in a helicopter just on the captains’ “golf field.” Leslie passes a letter to Trapper and Hawkeye, informing them of their temporary assignment in Japan. They are to operate on the Congressman's son while also hopefully finding some time for a game of golf.
The Malibu Country Club was a luxurious establishment with an 18-hole golf course. Located at 901 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, the spectacular course offered stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliff sides. Now, unfortunately, the club is permanently closed.
From Interstate 10, travel south on Kanan-Dume Road which will connect to Encinal Canyon Road. Alternatively, take Pacific Coast Highway to Tree Road then head into Malibu Canyon and join up with Encinal Canyon Road. With the mouth of the canyon only steps away from the beach, it’s clear why this club was one of the most sought-after locations in Los Angeles.
Football game scene in MASH
Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA
When Trapper (Elliott Gould) and Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland) get back to camp, Blake (Roger Bowen) and General Hammond (George Wood) organize an exciting football match between the 4077th and 325th Evac Hospital with a noteworthy wager of thousands of dollars at stake.
At Hawkeye's suggestion, Blake arranges for professional football player Dr. Oliver Harmon "Spearchucker" Jones (Fred Williamson), formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, to be transferred to the 4077th as a ringer. He also proposes that Blake wager half his money before the match even begins, and to keep Jones away from the opening rounds.
The 325th has a comfortable lead going into half-time but is devastated when their star player is incapacitated by drugs, leaving them unable to maintain the advantage. Hammond presents Blake with an attractive proposition, and the latter stakes his funds against it. As soon as Jones steps in during the second half of the bet, everything spirals out of control, but thanks to some crafty maneuvers by 4077th, they emerge victorious.
Griffith Park is a large public area located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. It houses some popular tourist attractions such as the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, the Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
If you're looking for some outdoor fun in the bustling city of Los Angeles, Griffith Park offers the perfect escape! Located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park is instantly accessible no matter where you are coming from.
Hop on the Metro Red Line exiting at Vermont/Sunset Station to get there. You can also hail a cab or use a rideshare app to get there - just show the driver the address and they'll get you there in no time.
Conclusion
The personnel at the 4077 MASH unit cope with the grim realities of the Korean War and the pressure of surgery through unorthodox means. The tone set within the unit is determined by recent arrivals, surgeons Captain 'Hawkeye' Pierce (Donald Sutherland), 'Duke' Forrest (Tom Skerritt), and 'Trapper' John McIntyre (Elliott Gould), whom Hawkeye knows from somewhere but Trapper refuses to say. He can only be described in a negative light as being unmilitary.
Colonel Henry Blake (Roger Bowen), however, allows these antics as long as it does not affect him and their work performance is satisfactory, which it always is. Major Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and newly arrived head nurse Major Margaret Houlihan (Sally Kellerman) are sternly opposed to this behavior, so much so that they acquire her nickname based on some unsavory findings.
Beyond their conflict with Burns and Houlihan, Hawkeye, Duke, and Trapper assist Painless in his personal crisis, try to guess if Hot Lips is really a blond, go to Japan on a business trip they hope will also be recreational, and plan to win big on a football bet against another medical unit despite them initially appearing to be underdogs.