This Week In Cigar History September 15 - 19

Maxwell Q. Klinger's cigar chomping corpsman/orderly finally received a well-deserved promotion to army sergeant on the beloved M*A*S*H television series. But it was actor Jamie Farr character's hilarious stunts, get-rich quick schemes, interminable number of Uncles, and donning of feminine attire to secure a coveted Section 8 medical discharge -- that are the most memorable moments to fans worldwide. One of the most popular episodes, aptly titled "Bug Out" aired this week on September 21st 1976.

Remarking, "...there's nothing special about me. Everybody here is crazy..." Klinger astutely realized he was actually the sane guy who wanted a quick exit from the Korean War front. In "Bug Out" -- a slang expression for quickly packing up and relocating the 4077 Medical Army Surgical Hospital, he delivered the immortal line:

"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores."

Other zingers aired during an episode that highlighted a typical wild excuse conjured up by Klinger to get a Section 8. This show had the corporal walking around in a dress, pretending he's pregnant...prompting Colonel Henry Blake to ask:

"It's none of my business Klinger, but should someone in your condition be smoking a cigar?"

Naturally, many M*A*S*H soldiers enjoyed a good stogy. In several scenes early on, Corporal "Radar" O'Reilly's sneaky character was often caught indulging on the sly. Thus ensued the dialogue:

General Barker: "Doesn't Colonel Blake mind you smoking his cigars and drinking his brandy?"

Radar: "Yes sir, very much."

General Barker: "Then why are you doing it?"

Radar: "Well I don't mind and I figure as long as one of us is reasonable..."

However in a latter show, Colonel Potter taught the now innocent, tee-totaling Radar how to fire up an aromatic cigar for the first time.

This Week in Cigar History

9/15/08

1 COMMENTS

Posted by FamousGary - Sep 19 2008 @ 9:30 AM
Re: This Week In Cigar History September 15 - 19 I was a "M*A*S*H-aholic" for years, and recently started watching the show again on TV Land. Some of the best writing ever, too. I enjoyed reading the quotes above, lest we not forget this exchange between Colonel Potter and Radar O'Reilly: COL. POTTER: Would you like a cigar Corporal? RADAR: No Sir, I heard that they're habit forming. COL. POTTER: Horse feathers! I've smoked five cigars a day for twenty-five years and never developed a habit! ~ Gary Korb

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