MUSEUM OF BROADCASTING SEMINAR SERIES, THE: ALAN ALDA SEMINAR, NO. 1 OF 4 {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio (known at that time as The Museum of Broadcasting). The first of four seminars in which Alan Alda discusses his television career as an actor, director, writer, and producer.
Robert M. Batscha, president of the Museum, hosts the seminar, which begins with clips of the following programs featuring Alda: "The Phil Silvers Show" (1958), "The Glass House" (1972), "What's My Line," "Kill Me If You Can" (1977), and three episodes of "M*A*S*H". Alda offers anecdotes about his experiences on "The Phil Silvers Show" and "What's My Line," and talks about the effect that polls and ratings have on network decisions. Alda then responds to questions from audience members, covering the following topics: network censorship of "M*A*S*H"; the effects of Wayne Rogers (Trapper) and McLean Stevenson (Col. Blake) leaving the show including the reactions of fellow cast members and viewers; Alda's influences; his initial desire to act and write; the influence of his father, Robert Alda, on his career choice; turnaround time for the production of a typical "M*A*S*H" episode; an actor's understanding of a role as compared with that of a director; the relationship between writers and actors; upcoming film projects; relationships between the "M*A*S*H" actors since the end of the series; Alda's work with the Bedside Network, a veterans-oriented philanthropic organization; the positive effect of "M*A*S*H" on veterans and their families; the popularity of a television program with war as its theme; the process of writing a "M*A*S*H" episode; viewer response to William Christopher's Father Francis Mulcahy character; the lack of good programs on television; Alda's favorite "M*A*S*H" episodes; the emphasis on character development-based story lines on "M*A*S*H"; inspiration for "The Fallen Idol" episode, written by Alda; and Alda's favorite role as an actor besides that on "M*A*S*H."
Details
- NETWORK: Paley
- DATE: October 14, 1986 5:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:22:01
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T86:1838
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Robert M. Batscha … Host
- Alan Alda … Guest
- Robert Alda
- William Christopher
- Wayne Rogers
- McLean Stevenson