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

Steele mistakes him for his wife, "Marjorie," while Klinger is in a dress.

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.

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)

He orders daily 6:00 AM calisthenics and critiques soldiers for minor infractions, such as "nostril" hair or lack of shine on a chaplain’s cross.

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 Steele mistakes him for his wife, "Marjorie," while

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 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 He orders daily 6:00 AM calisthenics and critiques

Guest starred as the "nutty" general; nominated for an for this role. McLean Stevenson Lt. Col. Henry Blake