New Life for ‘MASH’

Do you miss Hawkeye, Radar, Trapper and Klinger? What about Hot Lips and Col. Potter?

If the answer is yes--or you even recognize these names--you must be a fan of the 1970s and early ‘80s hit television show “MASH.”

The original series was discontinued 15 years ago, but now you can help bring it back to life, if only for a few hours.

Relive the “MASH” glory days at noon Sunday at Malibu Creek State Park by participating in “MASH Memories,” an event that allows you to portray your favorite character.

By the way, do you know that MASH stands for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital? Most “MASH” fans probably know that, and that the series is considered among the most popular in the history of television.

In 1983, the show’s finale drew 106 million viewers, making it the fifth-most-watched entertainment event, besides Super Bowl games. Even the super-hyped “Seinfeld” finale in May drew fewer--76.3 million.

So the show is worthy of a tribute. The location is ideal because the show was taped at Malibu Creek park during its 11 years, and the original Jeep and ambulance are still on display where filming took place.

California state parks interpreter Jim Holt, a big “MASH” fan, will take the group to a nearby area shaded by coast live oak trees. After assessing the group, he will cast characters and hand out copies of scripts.

Holt came up with the idea after finding the original script from a “MASH” episode among public park files at Malibu Creek headquarters.

The show’s central character was irreverent and wise-cracking surgeon Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda. It’s no surprise, then, whom most people want to play during these “MASH Memories” events. “Hawkeye, of course,” Holt said. “Occasionally they’ll want to be Radar or Hot Lips.”

“MASH” is based on the experiences of Korean War surgeon Richard Hornberger. In 1968, Hornberger wrote the book “MASH,” which later became a movie, then the TV series. Besides the role-playing activity, Holt also talks about the show’s history and offers filming anecdotes.

Holt says he’s learned an important thing about the TV series: “There are a lot of die-hards out there.”

BE THERE

“MASH Memories,” noon Sunday at Malibu Creek State Park near Calabasas. Take the Ventura Freeway to Las Virgenes Road. Go south for about three miles to park entrance. Meet at lower paved parking lot. Event, to be repeated Sept. 6, is free, but parking is $5. Information: (818) 880-0363.