"m\*a\*s\*h" The General Flipped At Dawn(1974) Apr 2026

" The General Flipped at Dawn " is the premiere episode of the third season of , originally airing on September 10, 1974 . Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum and directed by Larry Gelbart, it is famous for featuring Harry Morgan in a guest role as an eccentric, unstable general—a performance that later led to him being cast as the series regular Colonel Sherman T. Potter . Episode Summary

When Hawkeye (Alan Alda) defies an order to keep a helicopter grounded for the General's use—instead using it to transport a critically ill patient—Steele charges him with insubordination and orders a formal court-martial. "M\*A\*S\*H" The General Flipped at Dawn(1974)

The episode reaches its climax during the hearing when Steele, clearly detached from reality, demands the witness (a Black helicopter pilot) sing "a number" for the court. Steele then breaks into an impromptu, racist rendition of the song dancing out of the tent and effectively ending the trial as everyone realizes he is mentally unfit. Cast and Notable Guest Stars Significance Alan Alda Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce The defendant in Steele's attempted court-martial. Harry Morgan Maj. Gen. Bartford Hamilton Steele " The General Flipped at Dawn " is

Steele mistakes him for his wife, "Marjorie," while Klinger is in a dress. Episode Summary When Hawkeye (Alan Alda) defies an

The 4077th prepares for an inspection by (Harry Morgan), a strict, high-ranking officer known for his obsession with military protocol and "waste". Upon arrival, Steele begins terrorizing the camp with bizarre demands:

The unit's CO who struggles to follow the General's "el wacko" orders. WO Martin "Marty" Williams The helicopter pilot and key witness during the trial. Jamie Farr Cpl. Maxwell Q. Klinger

In an attempt to be "economical," Steele orders the entire unit to move closer to the front lines to save fuel for helicopters, despite the lethal danger to the medical staff and patients.