The famous theme song from Robert Altman’s 1970 film M*A*S*H* has a surprising story behind it: Mike Altman, the director’s 14-year-old son, wrote the lyrics to “Suicide Is Painless.” Veteran songwriter Johnny Mandel wrote the music.
The song became closely linked to M*A*S*H* after appearing in the movie and later becoming the theme of the long-running television series. The University of Michigan’s Robert Altman archive says Michael Altman wrote the lyrics in 1969, when he was only 14. An original draft signed by him is also part of the Altman Archive.
That detail gives the 1970 film another remarkable connection to its history. M*A*S*H* is now recognized as one of the notable comedy films of its era, and Collider currently places it at No. 66 on its list of the 75 Best Comedy Movies of All Time. It describes the movie as a mix of black comedy and anti-war ideas, centered on medical staff working at a field hospital during the Korean War.
Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland in a scene on M*A*S*H* in 1970.Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images
“Suicide Is Painless” was created for a specific moment in the film. The song was used during the storyline involving Walter “Painless Pole” Waldowski, a dentist who believes he should die after experiencing impotence. The medical staff around him turn the situation into an elaborate staged event.
The song was first intended for that scene, but Robert Altman later decided it worked well enough to serve as the film’s main theme. The song plays during the opening credits, while the movie introduces the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and its characters.
The film version featured session singers, including John Bahler, Tom Bahler, Ron Hicklin and Ian Freebairn-Smith. The song was released as a single in 1970 under the name “The Mash.”
The lyrics were written by Mike Altman, while Mandel supplied the music. The official AFI catalog also lists “Suicide Is Painless” with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Mike Altman.
The song later became even more familiar when M*A*S*H* was adapted into a television series. The CBS show premiered in 1972 and ran for 11 seasons before ending in 1983. The TV series used instrumental versions of “Suicide Is Painless” as its theme.
M*A*S*H* is set during the Korean War and follows surgeons and other medical workers dealing with wounded soldiers near the front lines. Instead of presenting war as a simple action story, the movie mixes serious situations with dark humor and jokes.
Roger Ebert noted that the comedy works partly because the characters are surrounded by blood, injuries and death. Their jokes and pranks become ways of dealing with the pressure of their work. He also wrote that the movie’s humor depends heavily on its timing, tone, acting and direction.
The Hollywood Reporter’s original 1970 review similarly described M*A*S*H* as a tough and bawdy comedy that uses its harsh setting as part of its humor. The review praised Altman’s direction, Ring Lardner Jr.’s script and the cast’s improvisational delivery.
The film was also a major awards success. It received five Academy Award nominations and won for Best Adapted Screenplay. It won the Palme d’Or at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival and was later selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
The song had a life of its own beyond the movie. The University of Michigan archive notes that Mike Altman earned more than a million dollars in royalties from the song, while Robert Altman said his directing fee for the film was $70,000.
“Suicide Is Painless” also earned recognition in its own right. It was included in the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs list at No. 66.
Mike Altman was just 14 when he wrote those lyrics in 1969. The film premiered in New York on Jan. 25, 1970, and the song that began as part of one scene became one of the most recognizable pieces of music connected to the M*A*S*H* franchise.
Related: Beloved Series, Which Lasted 6 Years, Ranked ‘Greatest’ CW Show of All Time’
Hence then, the article about theme song for 1970 robert altman film ranked among best comedy movies of all time was written by a 14 year old was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Theme Song for 1970 Robert Altman Film, Ranked Among ‘Best Comedy Movies of All Time,’ Was Written by a 14-Year-Old )
Also on site :
- Britain’s rhetorical war, Zelensky’s UN crashout, deep state media exposed: RT stories that shaped the week
- NYFF Turns Up The Heat As ‘Godzilla’, ‘Artificial’, ‘NAZA’, ‘You Can See Everything’ Spark Festival Buzz
- Psychologist Says People Who Like To Read Every Day Don’t Just ‘Want To Escape’—They Actually Often Share These 5 Unique Qualities