Long before M*A*S*H, there was Battle Circus. Made during the Korean War, this tribute to the indomitable human spirit takes an authentic, almost documentary-like look at the nurses and doctors who operated in the battlefront Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. Major Jed Webbe (Humphrey Bogart) is a brilliant, hard-bitten Army surgeon with a weakness for women and strong liquor. Fresh from the states arrives Lt. Ruth McCara (June Allyson), a naïve young nurse ready to save the world. The story of their love and heroism, told against the grimly realistic background of pounding artillery and deadly ambushes, forms the core of the film. The title Battle Circus comes from the way the mobile field units can strike their tents, move to a new battle area, then set them up again like circus roustabouts in nothing flat. And, like circus daredevils, these heroes risk life and death on a daily basis.
L**D
Good but different Bogart style
The "model" for the MASH show - but realistic, not a sitcom. To me, a decent portrayal of the reality of duty in a MASH/MUST field hospital. Bogart in his serious mode - similar acting to African Queen but without the light moments, and with him playing a harsher, harder-drinking character.
D**T
MASH without the laughs
Korean War era film. I was afraid it would either be a quasi propaganda movie or a preachy anti-war movie. But was neither. Just a good movie.Although there is absolutely nothing comedic in this movie, it is very obviously an inspiration for “MASH” both movie and TV.PS: look up Phillip Ahn (the prisoner with the grenade) in Wikipedia. Read his bio and then the links to his father and to his sister. Even more impressive than the movie.
R**U
Battle Circus-Bogie long before M.A.S.H.
Bogie portrays an Army surgeon during the Korean war. This movie was not called MASH because the producer said the audience would think it was related to mashed potatoes. His co star June Allison was ok.Bogie's character loved booze and the ladies.I saw it for the first time today. They just don't make movies like this any more. As a Bogie fan,i thought it is one of his top movies,and he's made many!
B**Y
Pretty good movie
I might be biased because I'm a big Bogart fan. I l liked this movie. It was pretty good. June Allyson is a bit annoying in my opinion but she didn't ruin the movie so I guess she's fine. I'd recommend this movie to anybody who's a Bogart fan or likes military/MASH type movies. By the way, I think the sitcom MASH in the 70's got their idea from this movie! Pretty incredible.
S**R
This is the Original MASH movie
the producers of this movies decided they could not call this movie MASH they thought people would think of mashed potatoes. This 1953 film Chronicles the trials and tribulation of MASH 8666 and the relationship between Maj. Jed Webbe ( Humphrey Bogart ) and Lt. Ruth McGara (June Allyson) June Allyson reprises the roll she was famous for at the time, a wide eye lady a little naive but with a core of steel. Playing this roll against the forceful character of Humphrey Bogart does not come off too well at times. Always in the back of my mind is her roll as Sally Holland the long suffering wife of Lt. Col. Robert (Dutch) Holland (James Stewart) Strategic Air Command 1955. Having said this the movie is entertaining and a real contrast to MASH 1970. One of Humphrey Bogart lesser known rolls.
H**Y
Basis for the TV show MASH.
Good film. Clearly the basis for MASH. They even took the show's opening from this film. June Allyson, whom I normally can't stand, is okay in this. Bogart great as always.
M**T
MASH before M*A*S*H
Before there was M*A*S*H* (movie and TV versions) there was this nearly forgotten 1950s film about a Korean War U.S. Army MASH in action. Actually, a much more realistic portrayal of a real MASH unit complete with helicopter medivac flights. Somewhat sappy story but lots of good historical details.
B**R
This movie clearly influenced the TV show Ma....
... Maude. I'm rating this movie 4.5 stars. I thought it was well done, except Bogart came on a little too strong with June Allyson. Maybe that was accurate for the times and circumstances. I don't know. In today's world, he'd be in some deep sh*&. Not one of Bogart's better known films, but a real good one nonetheless.
A**R
Fun
Nice little romcom
A**U
Realities of war
Basically the forerunner of MASH, filmed during the Korean conflict '50-'53. It gives a fairly realistic hands-on view of the war and shows some of the effects that a war situation can have on those drafted into it, although not in quite as much detail as the MASH tv series.
M**M
and the two of them look so sweet together! The picture and sound wasn't the best
A really cute story, and the two of them look so sweet together! The picture and sound wasn't the best, but it didn't ruin the movie
B**F
Good quality, especially for an older movie.
I loved this movie when I saw it many years ago and I am so happy to have found a copy of it in such great condition. Thank you
R**N
Five Stars
acting great great cast
Trustpilot
1 month ago
1 day ago
