The Shuffling of Feet

[GrapeNehi]

My husband made a great observation yesterday. M*A*S*H is one of the only shows where one can hear the shuffling of feet on the ground--constantly. Whether it's them walking in the hospital or in their tent. I wonder if that was done on purpose?

[Big Daddy O'Reilly]

Well, Larry Gelbart has said one problem he had was the actors wearing those heavy combat boots, and those boots make a lot of sound when you're walking or running around in them, especially when filming on the sound stage, where the sounds of their feet hitting the ground had a tendency to echo unnaturally.

[GrapeNehi]

Thanks, Big Daddy. I actually like the sound. I'm surprised that Gelbart found it problematic, as I think it enhances the show and gives it more authenticity! All that's missing is the smell of canvas from the cots and tents!