# M\*A\*S\*H Fans: Did Father Mulcahy Ever Once Say...? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 9, 2004, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084 "2004-04-09T01:26:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/1 "2004-04-09T01:26:51Z")
My friends used to quote from MASH like some quote the bible. One of our running jokes was imitating Father Mulcahy saying “jocularity, jocularity”. But, did he himself ever say that that line or phrase??? Most recently, my wife and I were watching our MASH DVD. There is an episode entitled “Movie Night” where the gang sings and jokes around. They all take turns imitating the Father. I don’t recall seeing this episode from start to finish, although I recall their silly song about “Army Life”. So, did Father Mulcahy claim this? Or, is it perhaps a common phrase preachers would preach, like “turn the other cheek”? What’s the scoop? - Jinx, The Old Dope 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/2 "2004-04-09T02:00:14Z")
Fr. Mulcahy did use the word in at least one ep, but the “jocularity, jocularity” phrase was only from the impersonation (done by Col. Potter IIRC). ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/3 "2004-04-09T02:04:43Z")
Father Mulcahey exclaims apropos of nothing “Jocularity! Jocularity!” at a bachelor party for Donald Penopscot in an earlier eisode. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/4 "2004-04-09T02:07:38Z")
This episode I guess: 1. Margaret’s Marriage (U-820) March 15, 1977 Written by Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell Directed by Gene Reynolds Guest Stars: Beeson Carroll, Judy Farrell, Lynne Marie Stewart, Ray Poss, Kellye Nakahara Prompted by pressure from Frank, Hot Lips sets a date for marriage with Lieutenant Colonel Donald Penobscott. When Donald (Beeson Carroll) arrives in camp for the wedding, a bridal shower and bachelor party are given. When he has passed out drunk, Hawkeye and B.J. place Donald in a body cast and convince him that he has broken his leg. The ceremony is performed and Donald and Hot Lips leave for a week’s honeymoon in Tokyo. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/5 "2004-04-09T02:11:44Z")
> [@](#): > > Fr. Mulcahy did use the word in at least one ep, but the “jocularity, jocularity” phrase was only from the impersonation (done by Col. Potter IIRC). I think it was Radar. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/6 "2004-04-09T02:12:54Z")
No, wait. I think it _was_ Potter. ---
**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/7 "2004-04-09T02:19:46Z")
> [@Happy Lendervedder](#): > > I think it was Radar. Your second answer was correct - Potter. But, Radar did the best imitation, IMHO. He really sounded like the Father almost as much as the Father did! FYI: “Margaret’s Marriage” is the last episode of that season; hence the “Movie Night” episode came first! - Jinx ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/8 "2004-04-09T03:32:02Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > Your second answer was correct - Potter. But, Radar did the best imitation, IMHO. He really sounded like the Father almost as much as the Father did! > > FYI: “Margaret’s Marriage” is the last episode of that season; hence the “Movie Night” episode came first! > > - Jinx But wait, production numbers show that Episode 117 _Movie Tonight_**(U-824)** was shot after Episode 120 _Margaret’s Marriage_ **(U-820)** so can I still have a cigar? ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/9 "2004-04-09T03:45:31Z")
Look, honey, M_A_S\*H nerds! Quick, take a picture! ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/10 "2004-04-09T07:00:46Z")
What, you’d rather have another gaggle of _Star Trek_ geeks? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/11 "2004-04-09T07:46:51Z")
Did you know that Larry Linville (Frank Burns) had a recurring role on the show Paper Dolls which starred Jonathan Frakes (William Riker - ST:TNG) and Terry Farrell (Dax ST:DS9). Bow to the Geek of Two Worlds! ---
**Author:** ![whatami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/85f322/32.png) [@whatami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whatami)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/12 "2004-04-09T15:22:17Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > Your second answer was correct - Potter. But, Radar did the best imitation, IMHO. He really sounded like the Father almost as much as the Father did! > > FYI: “Margaret’s Marriage” is the last episode of that season; hence the “Movie Night” episode came first! > > - Jinx I remember Radar doing a lot of impressions in the show and he seemed to be very talented at it. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/13 "2004-04-09T15:27:37Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > My friends used to quote from MASH like some quote the bible. It’s still fun to say, “Aaahhhhh… Bach.” ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/14 "2004-04-09T15:29:43Z")
> [@Odinoneeye](#): > > Did you know that Larry Linville (Frank Burns) had a recurring role on the show Paper Dolls which starred Jonathan Frakes (William Riker - ST:TNG) and Terry Farrell (Dax ST:DS9). > > Bow to the Geek of Two Worlds! Ah, but did _you_ know that Linville was featured in the short-lived sitcom _Checking In_, which is notable for being a spin-off of a spin-off? ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/15 "2004-04-09T16:15:50Z")
> [@Skammer](#): > > It’s still fun to say, “Aaahhhhh… Bach.” It’s a good way to get slaked. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/16 "2004-04-09T16:22:52Z")
> [@Olentzero](#): > > Look, honey, M_A_S\*H nerds! Quick, take a picture! Yes, majestic herds of them, thundering across the SDMB. What a picture they present! Now for this word from Mutual of Omaha… Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![International\_Playboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/48db29/32.png) [@International\_Playboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/International_Playboy)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/17 "2004-04-09T17:45:15Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > Ah, but did _you_ know that Linville was featured in the short-lived sitcom _Checking In_, which is notable for being a spin-off of a spin-off? I saw Wayne Rogers recently on CNN or one of the other news channels, giving investment advice. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/18 "2004-04-09T18:32:55Z")
> [@International Playboy](#): > > I saw Wayne Rogers recently on CNN or one of the other news channels, giving investment advice. I wonder if he was even offered the part of Bobby Knight in ESPN’s movie, [_A Season on the Brink_.](http://espn.go.com/seasonbrink/) Especially after Rogers got older and greyer, I’d find the resemblance between them to be striking. Better than Brian Dennehy. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/19 "2004-04-09T18:45:31Z")
> [@Skammer](#): > > It’s still fun to say, “Aaahhhhh… Bach.” I prefer: “Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice.” - Dr. Sidney Freedman 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mal\_Adroit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df788c/32.png) [@Mal\_Adroit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mal_Adroit)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084/20 "2004-04-09T18:56:47Z")
My hands-down favorite Father Mulcahy moment was when he just flipped out on Hawkeye, punched him in the neck, and called him a c\*cksucker. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-a-s-h-fans-did-father-mulcahy-ever-once-say/239084.md?page=2)