While Burghoff was one of severalactors to leaveMASH, his legacy went beyond just the show.
Burghoff appeared as Radar in the film, also titledMASH, which preceded the comedy drama.
He was the only actor to play a significant character in both projects.
In 1984,a Radar-centric spinoff was pitched and produced, though it was never filmed beyond the pilot.
Because of his innocence and upbeat demeanor, Radar is considered one of the mostlikable characters onMASH.
Even with this reputation, though, Radar also has many great, heartfelt lines.
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
10"The V.I.P.
Tent Will Be Ready As Soon As I Move My Animals Out."
Radar agrees to give Charles a phony telegraph in exchange for an obscene magazine.
MASH is a drama-comedy series set during the Korean War, centering on the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the challenges of wartime medical service with humor and resilience.*
When he comes into the tent to deliver the telegraph, he sees Major Freedman and becomes more formal.
He tells Freedman that his tent will be ready shortly after he removes his animals.
While this isa rather passive remark from Radar, his nonchalant attitude amplifies the humor.
Radar doesn’t see the irony that the V.I.P.
tent would be a home for animals, showing his innocence.
And For Your Convenience, All In The Same Bottle."
8"I Know Where Everything Is."
As Potter gets up, Radar dodges him to get out of his way and allow for maximum efficiency.
Potter asks the Corporal how he can see through such dirty glasses.
Radar simply says, “I know where everything is,” as he follows Potter outside.
7"No, Sir.
I’m Just Thinking."
They find him alone in the dining hall, picking at his food.
He’s suspicious that they want something, which they do.
6"Attention!
While there are plenty of examples of comedicMASH’sPA announcements, this one exemplifies Radar’s personality the best.
This is also a great example of the clever and tight writing inMASH.
MASH Season 1, Episode 4: “Chief Surgeon Who?”
General Barker comes to visit and sees the hospital is run without much supervision.
This isa rare instance of Radar goofing off at work, smoking a cigar and drinking alcohol.
4"I Can’t Answer That, Sir.
You’re The One That Signed Them, I Didn’t."
Instead, Radar drinks the coffee himself and hands Blake a stack of papers to sign.
Blake protests and rips the paper, ranting while Radar picks up the phone and talks to General Barker.
This move proves thatRadar might not be as clueless as he seems.
3"Good Night, Supermen."
exchange, Radar raves about Hawkeye and Trapper’s work.
He then wishes the men goodnight, calling them “supermen.”
2"Get Away From Me Before I Get Physically Emotional!"
Radar gets more and more frustrated with Klinger, who he believes will not take the job seriously.
He tells Klinger to leave, threatening him by saying he might get “physically emotional.”
Radar decides to get some advice fromAlan Alda’s Hawkeye the 4077’s resident womanizer, alongside Trapper.
The nurse is confused by Radar’s delivery, and even Hawkeye tells him to reel it back.
However, the nurse continues the conversation, teaching Radar more about Bach and proving Hawkeye right.
