Beyond Fuller and M.A.S.H.: Korean War Representations in Film, Genre, and Comic Strip

Abstract

Abstract Like that popular definition of the Korean War, most Hollywood representations appear to be as "forgotten" as the still relevant implications of the actual conflict. Exceptions do exist such as the early 50s films of Samuel Fuller - The Steel Helmet (1950) and Fixed Bayonets (1951 -- as well as M*A*S*H. (1970) that led to the popular CBS television series version that ran from 1972-1983. However, these films generally received attention as works of film "auteurs," while Altman's M*A*S*H received acclaim more as an allegory of the Vietnam War that was occurring at the time of production than a representation of the earlier conflict. However, cinematic representations of Korea were scarce in comparison to earlier and later representations of conflict.