“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.” What a crushing realization that so many of us must deal with when we see our skills fall short of our passions. 😢
@@TheCoolProfessor No, it's a series of five, but they're very fast reads. I'd recommend you read the whole series. The first book called, "The Book of Three." Bring kleenex.
I know exactly what he's talking about... I'm trying to take up playing piano, and I can play some notes, but having a hard time making it sound like anything... I know, practice, practice, practice... but it's a long road
1:37 even if you never do so again, you've already known a joy, that I will never know as long as I live. Because the true gift is in your head, and your heart, and in your soul.
Charles was such an amazing character. I always felt it was a shame that his true moments of nobility are hidden from most of the cast, only Klinger got a peek behind the curtain when he donated chocolate to the Korean orphans, but nobody else came close...
1:16 - this explains a lot about his character... For all his talent - for all his skill - he's extremely derisive not only of others surgical skill - but, in many ways, his own. It's just something he CAN do - something he's fashioned his life around because it's where his skill lies - but it's never been something he NEEDS to do. The thing he wants, more than anything else, he'll never achieve. And to see this young man throw away a gift he'll never have must hurt more than can be imagined.
The feelings that are put into the music are astounding. When he first starts to play every note is filled with anger. Then as he goes on the music becomes softer. It shows the gift in his heart: how he feels the music and how he makes it into self-expression.
David Stiers was a prince. I got to meet and greet him at the Olde Globe in San Diego,Ca. We spent 30 minutes out back laughing about the things we had done. We didn't even need a doobie or a beer to open the gates. He one-upped me pretty badly !!!
In the 60s, Rod Serling hoped to raise t.v. to a high art form with the"Twilight Zone". Something he often succeeded in. With M.A.S.H. this was also often achieved. This episode is the epitome of of one of those successes.
This particular Charles scene has a special meaning for me. I'm an artist and several years ago I temporarily lost the use of my right hand. Charles' words to David about how his gift wasn't in the hand but in his head and heart resonated with me during that trial and helped bolster my determination to teach myself to draw and write with my left hand in the event I could not restore the function of my right. Got to be about as good with left-handed drawing as I had been with my normal hand. I drilled myself in typing one-handed and was even in the middle of figuring out how to manipulate cameras with just the left hand when I started to get the functioning back in my right hand. I retain a degree of ambidexterity as a result of that experience. But this scene with Charles and David gained new meaning when I tapped into it to fire my will to not be defeated by my condition.
@@DanielAppleton-lr9eq Oh I'm alright now. The function in my right hand started coming back six months after the paralysis and that was twenty years ago. It works now every bit as well as it did before that crisis and has done in just about all that time. Every once in a while I do left-handed drawing exercises to see if I still retain the skill I developed in that time.
It is so hard to pick the best moment for him. The episode with the soldier who stuttered was amazing. Also the final episode when the POW musicians killed. By far Charles is one of the best written characters in all history
They rarely showed Charles's humanity, but when they did it was extraordinary as in these three examples given. I also liked D.O.S. as a coach or organizer in the TV movie, _The First Olympics._
@@sandal_thong8631 For some reason unexplained, Charles kept up the stiff, well - educated, upright upper - class Bostonian facade while there was a nice, likeable person hiding behind said facade.
This is why Charles was so much better than Frank. While Frank was funny, Charles could go from being a pompous ass to having real depth and warmth. Truly one of the greatest characters ever in television.
Agree, the Frank character had run its course. The high society snobbish character Maj. Charles Emerson. Winchester came into an environment that was totally alien to him and his snobbish stand off ways. Through his experience and seeing up close the hardship of war, that turned him into a better person gaining a compassion and sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others which he was not like when he first arrived at the 4077. Once Hawkeye and his two buddies got to know and understand him, he was accepted as a friend.
"You've performed Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, even if you never do so again you've already known a joy that I will never know as long as I live - because the true gift is in your head, and in your heart and in your soul." Beautiful, touching, poetic, heartfelt acting and line
+ EM I agree wholeheartedly - it is very heartbreaking. Every time I hear that I get a lump in my throat. In fact this whole scene makes me get a lump in my throat. The whole thing is very poignant.
colin6768, the scene where he gives the soldier who stutters his leather bound copy of Moby Dick is a brilliant scene as well. “This book is worthy of your intelligence.” I cry every single time I watch it!
My friend lost his left arm in a tragic accident and I did my best to help him realize that even though he was short one arm, he was still one of the greatest cooks I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He is still out there, cooking like a boss, because he realized his gift and learned to improvise, adapt and overcome.
@@magnificentfailure2390 I lost the use of my right arm for 8 weeks and it's surprising how much you can do with one arm. But I never did figure out how to tie my shoes.
Bob nagel There is a special way to lace your shoes so that you can tie them one handed. After my stroke, they tried to teach it to me, but I could never get it tight enough. So, now I have friends and family that tie my shoes for me. I slip them off and slip them back on until they stop fitting correctly. Then my family and friends retire them for me. The other options are zippers and Velcro!!
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the attitude expressed by that line can apply to so many things in our lives....NEVER GIVE UP
@Tony Mario There was also the time Charles gave money to Father Mulcahy for toys for the orphans when Radar told him Mulcahy had the idea to ask Charles' mom to send him his old toboggan hat.
When I first saw this scene, during the first run, I was totally stunned by Winchester's line - "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music!" As a failed piano student, I never heard a better expression of the gap between my head and my hands. And then, his compassion and his generosity and his encouragement of his patient - this was a defining moment. We will miss you Mr. Stiers, and not just Charles, but all the other characters you blessed us with.
That one line gutted me, as I too was a failed music student, the organ. I wanted so much to be able to "make the music" but could not. The favorite moments of MASH for me was when they allowed Charles to show his humanity. R.I.P. Mr. Stiers, and thank you.
I`m the same for many years I tried piano, guitar and drums but just could not get head hands and feet co-ordinated how I wish even now I could play music
I never forgot that line either, and I was a child when I saw the episode in reruns. As someone who has been accused of being able to "make the music", I never understood the anguish of someone whose dream it was to be able to go beyond "playing the notes" until that line was delivered. It's so profound, and so true of any creative endeavor.
"You've been the victim of a ceaseless stream of dumb jokes. Though we may have wounded your pride you've never lost your dignity. I therefore bequeath to you the most dignified thing I own: my bathrobe. Purple is the color of royalty."
when the show started it was just making fun of the seriousness of war and how futile the fighitng is. but as it went on people began to see that the soldiers were more than just a sight gag and it wasn't until Henry Blake died that people started to care about more than laughing. they brought in cast members that highlighted the fact that even tho they can get laughs they can also get tears and empathy too.
What I love is how he refuses to let the man's dream die. He cannot allow that to happen, and in the end he reaches him and pulls him out of the pit. It was something special to watch.
I really identify with Charles here. "More than anything in my life, I wanted to play; but I do not have the gift. I can play the *notes,* but I cannot make the music."
I kind of know how that feels. I have limited singing skills that allow me to pick up on how a song is supposed to sound after listening to it once or twice, but I can't read a sheet of music to save my life. I'm actually attempting to write a set of lyrics for a song, but I have to admit I lack the skills to make the words sing without help. I love music, but I'm no musician.
@@nolanboles8492, same here. I can read sheet music for vocals, to sing the songs, and I can make words paint a picture as a writer, but if you get me to write lyrics, I will need a melody to help me. I am the reverse of Elton and Bernie's relationship. Where Elton wrote the music to Bernie's lyrics, I would need the music to write the lyrics, and I find even that a difficult writing task.
Anyone who doesn't like Charles never really watch MASH. He become my favourite character and it was moments like this which showed how deep and great a person he was.
I consider that small speech the greatest single scene David Ogden Stiers has acted. I saw this scene as a kid and the line "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music" sticks with me to this day. Here's a top notch surgeon, able to do something less than 1/10% of the planet can do (trauma surgery) and the angst he portrays for never being able to fulfill his dream of being a concert level musician... stunning.
Oh I sure love this wonderfully written and performed scene, yet there are a few other I personally consider even more memorable: His father figure - confession while he waits with Hawkeye for his dad's surgery results, the dictated telegram in which Charles apologizes to his sister Honori, his literal and symbolic statements against bullying when he treats the stuttering soldier, Charles' massive shock as he recognizes the wounded musician from his former orchestra in the series finale, and of course his teary-eyed breakup with the French red-cross nurse he'd fallen so madly in love with. That one really stuck with me for a while, it perfectly sums up how established sociocultural points of view can destroy the most loving and promising relationships!
@@NiVi192 every single one of those scenes were amazing and showed the actors depth. The character's love for his sister is constant throughout the show. Don't also forget the Christmas episode with the candy and the orphans. There were other scenes as well that showed Charles had a sneaky and humorous side. In the end of the two part episode when he arrives he gets Hawkeye with a snake in his bed. When he and Hawkeye teamed up to get BJ. The episode where he shows up Hawk and BJ with the picture of him and Audrey Hepburn.
@@NiVi192 Just everything he does in "Yessir that's our Baby" He's fire and vengance when an "ill mannered infant" is crying till he realizes the baby has been abandoned on their stoop, instantly goes soft and soothing to the baby And then when talking to the official who just tells them no and says they're "Wasting his time." Oh boy Charles LOSES it I think it's one of the rare /only times we ever see him truely ready to assault someone angry Stiers played the definition of still waters run deep.
Charles Emerson Winchester may have had reason to lament, but David Ogden Stiers nevertheless became a talented orchestral conductor in retirement. He helped to found the Newport (Oregon) Symphony and was its associate conductor for years until he died. Many of us who have spent time in Oregon are aware of his quiet support of classical music. And the passion for and knowledge of classical music Major Winchester displayed in various episodes would not have been nearly so believable had not Stiers been a true devotee of such music. In fact, had this not been the case, the producers would not have dared deal with it. This indeed was a great episode in a series that had many episodes that were great, for one reason or another.
I like the very end when Hawkeye and Bj were telling Charles he missed a good time not realizing Charles was content listening to the pianist play in the o club.
THIS is what television can be at its best: writing, direction and acting combining to create a scene as great as anything on stage or screen. "M*A*S*H" was an extraordinary achievement. Thank God for syndication and DVD; most of what's on nowadays seems to have been made by trolls, for trolls.
3:10 - The look on Charle’s face… As a lover of music of all kinds, I can testify that THAT is not Major Winchester’s reaction. That was a glimpse into David Ogden Stiers own soul. The man felt that moment, not the character. I have seen that look on many faces and have felt that same stirring in my own heart, typically completely unexpectedly. Whether I’m playing or listening, there is absolutely nothing like those pure moments when you aren’t just hearing the music. You can actually feel it. It is one of the most transcendental feelings imaginable and I sincerely wish more people could experience it.
This, the one with the stuttering G.I. and the Orphanage episode were his best moments on this show. His final words To Col. Potter were pure class as well.
@@lisasimmons5362 He always displayed that unexplored dimension of himself that you knew was just underneath but he would rarely let people see. He did that SO well.
Those 3 episodes were also my favorites for Charles. I believe David helped write those episodes. And, I was so pleased when Charles' character took on the humane side and strayed from the arrogant side. RIP David. You were, in real life, a truly intelligent and cultured man.
This may have been Winchester's finest hour, and it showed more of his breadth of character than some whole episodes of the show. These were the actions and sentiments of a man who truly loved and UNDERSTOOD music, despite his own limitations. Indeed, seeing him *admit* those limitations on such a personal level was an astounding phenomenon, coming from him, and that alone makes this scene unique.
I always loved this scene. Didn't see it too often, but it was awesome to see the 'human', compassionate side of Winchester appear once in a while. Excellent portrayal, Mr. Stiers.
Bloke_19xx another good episode with Charles where see his human side is series finale when helps the refugees with music and shows compassion for music but also cares for the refugees. When finds out all but one died can see his expressions and that is devastated.
Scott Knode ..that was a very dramatic scene Scott. Winchester looked at music as an escape from the war, now he associated it with something tragic. Mr. Stiers nailed this scene
Also the one called "Sons and Bowlers" where he opens up to Hawkeye. In fact, I think that is the only episode that Winchester calls him by his nickname.
Galilee1964 ...Thx. I'll keep an eye out for that...was that the one where Pierce was trying to call his father before his father's operation? I thought charles and pierce both saluted their fathers during the last scene of that show.
It was. Several lines I remember from that episode. Charles says "The distance between Maine and Korea cannot separate you from your Dad. My Father and I can be 10,000 miles apart in the same room." "The difference is, I have a Father. You have a Dad." And of course, Pierce says "You know, Charles, you've never told me anything like this before." To which Charles says "Actually, Hawkeye, I've never told you anything before."
This episode showed how different Charles to Frank. Frank was a jerk while Charles showed human he was. R.I.P David Ogden Stiers you will be missed 😭😭😭
When David Ogden Stiers came to M.A.S.H it started to be more of a drama mixed with comedy. When Larry Linville was on M.A.S.H it was pretty much a straight up comedy so and they needed a character to be an enemy and his character was not meant to have any depth to him.
When Larry Linville finished his five year hitch with the series, he decided that Frank Burns gotten too childish and wanted out. The producers agreed with him and decided on a new direction. Give Hawkeye and B.J. a challenge. To say that Major Winchester was a challenge was an understatement. And the casting of David Ogden Stiers was perfect. The role fit him like a surgical glove. RIP.
@@paleo704 Sadly the comedic moments in the later seasons were too few. One of the few episodes i remember where the story was purely comedic was April Fools. In the episode they are pulling pranks and Potter gets the last laugh.
David Ogden Stiers was a very gifted conductor. In 1987(if memory serves) he conducted at a symphony my mom played violin in. He was a guest conductor and conducted the piece with the soloist. Being family of a member of the orchestra I was able to go backstage after he was done. He was very pleased that I was not only a huge M*A*S*H fan, but that I also recognized the encore piece that the pianist played because it wasn't a very well known piece. I suspect that David didn't need to find this piece, and when the story came to him, he instantly knew the piece that could help the soldier realize his career was over. I remember that we'd talked about classical music and he said that he required classical music as part of the character as an escape from the war. He also didn't to do much work for the conducting bit in G.F.A. The conducting in G.F.A was, in fact his idea. Great man. R.I.P
And how because his 'symphony' got killed it tragically took his love of music away. He probably came around after a few years when the pain lessened and with an even fiercer love for classical music. He probably became a Shostakovich fan given the circumstances.
First scene I wanted to see again after the news of the death of David Ogden Stiers came out. He will be greatly missed. What's even more poignant is that Siters was an orchestra conductor, too, so he obviously had the love of music. Larry Gelbart and John Rappaport wrote these brilliant words. Now I wonder whether Stier's love of music was deliberately written into the Winchester character he played so well.
Marilyn E. Jess it was and he was gifted French horn player before he was joined Mash when he was in the orchestra at Juilliard school of music while was also studying drama.
Shannon Roberts on the show even though in real life he was accomplished in music, I think it more of inside joke to make fun of himself to show his character was bad at French Horn playing.
What an amazing character, to be pompous and aristocratically arrogant (sometimes), and yet holds within him a streak of kindness we can all admire. He made a difference in someone's life. Well done.
Charles is so complex, and so are our feelings about him. Just when you dismiss him as heartless and pompous, he goes all out to help a disadvantaged person.
His flaw is that his empathy rarely extended beyond what he had personal experience of. Both this scene and the episode with the stuttering soldier show/say explicitly why he cared. He's a bit like someone who might be against gay marriage... until he discovers that a long time friend or family member is gay. He isn't a bad person, but not as good a person as he thinks. Not an easy thing to act.
@@travcollier But there is the episode where he bought the chocolate for the orphans to have in their stockings for Christmas. He wanted to remain anonymous and not receive recognition for it.
@@rupert1862 He says that was a family tradition. His really good act is understanding when the person running the orphanage sells the chocolates on the black market to buy real food.
I just found out the news and I've been watching some clips of his best scenes. RIP, David Ogden Stiers. You made Charles everything that we love about him. You made him yours, and then gave him to us.
Pokerface David was great on the show. The fact Charles was not a Red Sox fan was strange to me. I grew up in Massachusetts. The Red Sox took the World Series to 7 games in 1946 with Ted Williams. Sox lost but in 52 Charles would have known that. The west coast writers missed the ball on that one.
I took piano lessons for three years and it took this one quote to explain why I did so poorly - "I can play the notes but I cannot make the music." I could read music, but whatever is in the brain that causes the notes to actually become music isn't in mine. IMO, you have to be born with it. Anybody can learn to read music, but if you weren't born with that innate gift... well, there it is. Thanks to whoever wrote that wonderful line, and to the late and wonderful David Ogden Stiers for the masterful delivery.
Charles was a great character to bring on. At times pompous and stiff, snobbish and vain, but he had moments of tremendous empathy and warmth that made him more than a caricature.
When Charles first appeared I didn't care for his character at all Years later,after growing up myself I sincerely believe he had the best role and DO S played him spectacularly. His character came to show so many facets. One of the best characters EVER on a TV series
Can't remember where I read this, but somebody once described Winchester as "possibly the nicest guy in the entire MASH unit ... who didn't want anybody to know about it."
Strange that Frasier was also a pompous upper-class doctor who was one time based in Boston. Both have the love of classical music, fine wine, knows about ancient history, aspire to be the best in their field and rub shoulders with influential people.
A crime that they didn't finally give him a full on win. The man certainly deserved it, especially for this one, the one with him sticking up for the stuttering soldier, and the one with him giving the chocolates anonymously to the orphanage.
There was an episode where Winchester has lost confidence in his skill because, as a surgeon in Boston, he was the best, and had all the best equipment one needs. But in Korea, where everything was frantic, non-stop, and any mistake would be a death sentence, he couldn't keep up. He and Klinger are lost away from camp. They come across someone who needs life saving surgery, they have minimal tools, and are on the side of a dirt road hiding from the enemy. At the end, that person is saved. Klinger says:" Major! You did it! You saved him!" to which Winchester replies something like: "yes. i did. But more importantly, I did it here."
“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.” One of the most moving lines from one of the greatest shows in tv history- even more so when you know of Stiers’s real life love of music
Screw Charles and the music. I did not know I had this many tears in my head. You want a good cry? Watch Winchester show his humanity. Tears every single time. Stunning brilliance and timelessness
This episode, the episode with the bullied soldier with the speech impediment, and the final MASH episode with the POW musicians. Charles could often be pompous and proud to a fault, but he had some truly great moments where his enormous heart showed itself.
Growing up playing the violin, I can completely understand where Charles is coming from. I was a technician, and a talented one at that, but I was not in any way a musician. Yes, I could play the music, but I did not “feel” the music. It did not speak to me. I was going through the motions, but I didn’t have it within me to find myself immersed in said music. Because of this, I stood down from the first chair and supported someone who could. There is a great divide between those of us who are great technicians but are not musicians. It’s important to support those who are. To give a better example, while I may be able to type, I’m far from an author.
Sometimes I feel this way when watching videos of those children who can play famously difficult music. It comes across technically perfect but often lacks soul. I often wonder how their talent evolves after physical maturity and life experience.
@@D-Fens_1632 I can speak only for myself on that. I still play but my skill is only so-so now. It’s nowhere close to where it was when I was a boy who practiced daily. I believe that there’s a Use It Or Lose It phenomenon happening as we age, which causes a deterioration of skill. Certainly the physical limitations of age can make it harder. A lack of practice is also problematic for anyone playing at any age. I’ve talked with others who are as you described, most continue playing their instruments for themselves and their families, very few go “pro”. I still occasionally play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons alongside a recording of the Orchester Philharmonie Berlin without sheet music. I can play it okay from memory, but that may just be because I’ve played it many many times. I’ve loved it since I first heard it, it was the spark of my initial interest in the violin. But other music I still totally mangle, even with sheet music. I must practice a piece daily for several weeks to be good enough to not be embarrassed by playing it for others.
One of my favorite scenes from M*A*S*H! The same can be said of Beethoven. He may have lost the use of his ear drums, but he never let that silence what he could hear in his head and heart.
MASH had many dramatic moments in it, but none have touched me the way this one has. Our gifts, whatever they are, will always be ours, no matter our weaknesses.
I am 100% Charles here. I come from a family of musicians. They can play numerous instruments,sing like angels and have great stage performances.....I sadly on the other hand inherited non of it. Not much fun growing up when the family wanted to get together and perform 🙄🤦♂️
I’m the exact opposite-the only musical person in my family. No one can keep a tune or play a instrument. So it’s strange that I somehow have the musical gift. So I’m trying to put it to use by teaching others about music and performing. ❤️
It is funny how it started as a TV comedy version of the movie, and morphed into a show that was more serious, but with the comedy still there. It probably wouldn't have survived more than two or three seasons otherwise, and would be all but forgotten now.
This scene captures my envy to those who can reproduce such beauty and strikes home the self realization that while anyone can play only those little few who have gift to touch the soul
Major Winchester was really human in spite of not showing it to others. I think that was what made him one of my favorite characters. He couldn't heal the hand, but he healed the spirit instead.
Scenes like this are why Charles is my favorite character on MASH. He had a lot of hilarious moments, but also had his scenes where his humanity and compassion shined through. He had so much depth and complexity to him. Being in Korea really seemed to open up his eyes and change him for the better. He became so much more than just the smart, competent Frank Burns.
It’s amazing how this scene has resonated with me-I remember being moved by David Ogden’s Steir’s empathic, compassionate performance the first time it aired, and the scene still moves me. This elevated MASH from a sitcom to something much more powerful. RIP
This scene speaks volumes to me as an “in-progress” Music Education Major (I’m still in college). I have a severe visual impairment-I’m completely blind in my right eye and have extremely limited vision in my left eye. This makes it immensely difficult for me to read sheet music, to see the gestures of my conductor, and to understand all the visual nuances in piano playing and Music Theory. Still, I have an incredible ear and use that gift with everything I can in regards to my love and passion for music. Naturally, I go through doubts, thinking it’s a mistake to be chasing the career I want. Though I don’t have a hand injury, I can empathize, to a degree, with David here. I always come back to this scene, and this particular Ravel piece, when doubts are particularly high and consuming. I always breathe a sigh of a relief and leave this scene with a new sense of confidence and inspirational spark to find ways to share my own musical gift with the world. Regardless of my vision, I know I can pursue my dream career of being a Professor, a Choir Director, and/or a Musicologist (Still trying to narrow down my specific career goals!). ❤️
And that is why you'll succeed as a teacher - that empathy for student struggles because of your own is the gift so many cannot seem to find in themselves. Best of luck to you, and may your students know the great human they have as their teacher.
Good for you. I have had limitations imposed upon me as the result of a stroke but I do my utmost to minimize those limitations. As a child, I hated to be told that I couldn't do something, and while it probably drove my Mother crazy it turned out to be good training for my present situation. My best friend (And the brother that I never had) has a similar situation to yours. His wife's vision is even worse. Their conditions impose limits to be sure, but they face them and overcome. I have looked to them for my inspiration. You sound very determined and I have no doubt that you will be successful. I wish you well in following your dreams and pray that you will achieve them.
I've always loved these main Charles plot episodes. They always were so passionate and deep. You were and always will be my favorite actor, David Ogden Stiers. T-T You will be missed
Larry Linville wanted to stay on as Burns. His contract was up and the producers wanted him to stay. But Linville asked if he could change the character now that Margaret was out of his life. He wanted to be more of a "can't beat them, join them" with Hawkeye and B.J. Still be the butt of the jokes, but someone who actually wanted to be the good guy for a change. They said that the character was too engrained as it was and the change would upset the chemistry. Linville politely bowed out. They said he was one of the nicest of the actors and got along with everybody. Not so much with Burghoff. If you see an episode when he was still a cast member and he was not in it, odds are the producers told him to go away for a week and take his bullshit with him.
This is one of many reasons why Charles is one of my favorite characters. Why? Well firstly the sound of his voice, stern but soothing. Secondly he is just like me, a culturally posh human. Thirdly, he makes scenes like these so beautifully.
I just watched this scene for the first time in decades(?). I'm blown away by the subtle dropping of shoulders by Winchester as David plays the first chord. It's not intended to draw your focus, but his body acting tells as much of a story as his incredible spoken words here.
He was far and clear the deepest character on the series. Potter was a close second. You had to watch a bunch of episodes to realize it, though. They replaced a cardboard cutout with someone of depth. That clearly wasn't a coincidence
Loved the implementation of this character! Where Hawkeye, Trapper and BJ were more of a bullying nature through pranks and jokes, CEW III showed a compassion,in many ways, that was unrivaled by the other characters!
Charles was such an underrated character. He really made those later seasons worth watching. I wish we’d seen more of him and Hawkeye together, especially without BJ.
The most interesting part of Charles is that he is so well rounded in the works, history, and styles of music, yet as he has said, he can play the notes, not the music. I love how even he is humbled to be in the presence of someone with just the ability to play with one hand. It shows far more depth than any other person. He knows his limited ability, and wants to be able to make music, but accepts that he never will be able too.
What a Beautiful scene! Oh my GOD! I haven't seen current television like this my whole life, the emotion, the passion, the compassion, and the spirit to keep going even when dealt a horrible hand. I love this show and it came out when my parents couldn't even make babies. AMAZING!!!!!
M*A*S*H - arguably one of the best shows on television ever. I much preferred CEW III over Frank; Charles had compassion, Frank did not. And the writers slowly, very slowly evolved Charles character, not just to show compassion, but to at time join in the foolishness that he despised when he first arrived. So many good episodes involving Major Winchester mentioned here. A couple maybe over looked -when he was assaulted by a subordinate and did not defend himself; when he stood up to Colonel Baldwin and refused to lie for him and damage a colleague's reputation; or when he escaped a bullet to the head at the same time he was berating his sister's choice of engagement to an Italian man.
“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.”
What a crushing realization that so many of us must deal with when we see our skills fall short of our passions. 😢
And in that realization he finds humility, which then inspires his compassion. A lesson as timeless as it is moving.
In Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series he writes eloquently about this.
@@ginmar8134 Is that the full name of the book?
@@TheCoolProfessor No, it's a series of five, but they're very fast reads. I'd recommend you read the whole series. The first book called, "The Book of Three." Bring kleenex.
I know exactly what he's talking about... I'm trying to take up playing piano, and I can play some notes, but having a hard time making it sound like anything... I know, practice, practice, practice... but it's a long road
1:37 even if you never do so again, you've already known a joy, that I will never know as long as I live. Because the true gift is in your head, and your heart, and in your soul.
One of the great episodes. Great writing and acting. R.I.P Mr. Stiers!
Charles was such an amazing character. I always felt it was a shame that his true moments of nobility are hidden from most of the cast, only Klinger got a peek behind the curtain when he donated chocolate to the Korean orphans, but nobody else came close...
1:44 Such a simple line but the way he delivers it, floors me every time I hear it.
This scene is a Hollywood Masterpiece.
Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful video clip.
1:16 - this explains a lot about his character...
For all his talent - for all his skill - he's extremely derisive not only of others surgical skill - but, in many ways, his own.
It's just something he CAN do - something he's fashioned his life around because it's where his skill lies - but it's never been something he NEEDS to do.
The thing he wants, more than anything else, he'll never achieve. And to see this young man throw away a gift he'll never have must hurt more than can be imagined.
As a musician, I found this to be the most touching scene in the entire magnificent series.
The feelings that are put into the music are astounding. When he first starts to play every note is filled with anger. Then as he goes on the music becomes softer. It shows the gift in his heart: how he feels the music and how he makes it into self-expression.
In the end we don't regret what we did, or what we were.
Our hearts ache at what we could have done. What we could have been.
This is why I always liked Major Charles Emerson Winchester III!
David Stiers was a prince. I got to meet and greet him at the Olde Globe in San Diego,Ca. We spent 30 minutes out back laughing about the things we had done. We didn't even need a doobie or a beer to open the gates. He one-upped me pretty badly !!!
Fantastically written character.
In the 60s, Rod Serling hoped to raise t.v. to a high art form with the"Twilight Zone". Something he often succeeded in. With M.A.S.H. this was also often achieved. This episode is the epitome of of one of those successes.
Charles also proved to be a worthy adversary to Hawkeye and BJ in the prank department.
Classic moment.
Best Charlie’s ever
This particular Charles scene has a special meaning for me. I'm an artist and several years ago I temporarily lost the use of my right hand. Charles' words to David about how his gift wasn't in the hand but in his head and heart resonated with me during that trial and helped bolster my determination to teach myself to draw and write with my left hand in the event I could not restore the function of my right. Got to be about as good with left-handed drawing as I had been with my normal hand. I drilled myself in typing one-handed and was even in the middle of figuring out how to manipulate cameras with just the left hand when I started to get the functioning back in my right hand. I retain a degree of ambidexterity as a result of that experience. But this scene with Charles and David gained new meaning when I tapped into it to fire my will to not be defeated by my condition.
Wonderful story.
Keep at it. Best of luck to you !
@@DanielAppleton-lr9eq Oh I'm alright now. The function in my right hand started coming back six months after the paralysis and that was twenty years ago. It works now every bit as well as it did before that crisis and has done in just about all that time. Every once in a while I do left-handed drawing exercises to see if I still retain the skill I developed in that time.
Watch the bio of Frank Frazetta. So inspiring for artists.
God bless you!
"With the baton, in the classroom, with the pen." Major Charles Emerson Winchester's finest moment. Rest in peace, David Ogden Stiers.
It is so hard to pick the best moment for him. The episode with the soldier who stuttered was amazing. Also the final episode when the POW musicians killed. By far Charles is one of the best written characters in all history
One of many in this show.
For me, Winchester’s finest (and most heartbreaking) moment was teaching the POWs to play as an orchestra.
They rarely showed Charles's humanity, but when they did it was extraordinary as in these three examples given.
I also liked D.O.S. as a coach or organizer in the TV movie, _The First Olympics._
@@sandal_thong8631 For some reason unexplained, Charles kept up the stiff, well - educated, upright upper - class Bostonian facade while there was a nice, likeable person hiding behind said facade.
This is why Charles was so much better than Frank. While Frank was funny, Charles could go from being a pompous ass to having real depth and warmth. Truly one of the greatest characters ever in television.
I like the episode where Charles was giving Christmas gifts to the orphans secretly
I liked the episode with the soldier who had a stutter.
Well, Frank was more fun to be cruel to.
I like that one too! I used to stutter a lot as a kid and I still stutter but I've learned to take my time and I love that episode!
Winchester was who Frank wanted to be.
David Ogden Steirs crushes this scene. Acting classes should study this scene.
Agreed. It's takes such a beautiful turn when he says, 'don't you see?'
My father was lucky enough to have met David Ogden Stiers.
imperor76 yes. Brillant
My favorite episode.
is crushes like owns??
In many ways, MASH became much better after Charles joined the show.
Agreed. He should have replaced Frank a lot sooner than he did. Or joined while Frank was still there. That would have been hilarious! 😆
Agree, the Frank character had run its course. The high society snobbish character Maj. Charles Emerson. Winchester came into an environment that was totally alien to him and his snobbish stand off ways. Through his experience and seeing up close the hardship of war, that turned him into a better person gaining a compassion and sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others which he was not like when he first arrived at the 4077. Once Hawkeye and his two buddies got to know and understand him, he was accepted as a friend.
I can imagine Burns and Winchester meeting! Winchester would've cut Burns up into pieces too small to find with his intellect! LOL!
This is true, happy forth to all in 2020.
@@raulcastro3277 And to you too. Stay safe and healthy.
"You've performed Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, even if you never do so again you've already known a joy that I will never know as long as I live - because the true gift is in your head, and in your heart and in your soul." Beautiful, touching, poetic, heartfelt acting and line
"Through the baton, the classroom.. the PEN."
Reminds me of one of the best lines from Fraggle Rock
"You CAN NOT leave the magic."
The line just before it is the one I've always remembered.
"I can play the notes...but I cannot make the music."
Heartbreaking.
+ EM I agree wholeheartedly - it is very heartbreaking. Every time I hear that I get a lump in my throat. In fact this whole scene makes me get a lump in my throat. The whole thing is very poignant.
@@NijimaSan I know what he means... I can play the music of almost any rock tune, but I can't make the music.
colin6768, the scene where he gives the soldier who stutters his leather bound copy of Moby Dick is a brilliant scene as well. “This book is worthy of your intelligence.” I cry every single time I watch it!
One of my favorite lines from any show: "Your hand may be stilled; but your gift cannot be silenced if you refuse to let it be."
My friend lost his left arm in a tragic accident and I did my best to help him realize that even though he was short one arm, he was still one of the greatest cooks I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He is still out there, cooking like a boss, because he realized his gift and learned to improvise, adapt and overcome.
@@magnificentfailure2390 I lost the use of my right arm for 8 weeks and it's surprising how much you can do with one arm. But I never did figure out how to tie my shoes.
Bob nagel There is a special way to lace your shoes so that you can tie them one handed. After my stroke, they tried to teach it to me, but I could never get it tight enough. So, now I have friends and family that tie my shoes for me. I slip them off and slip them back on until they stop fitting correctly. Then my family and friends retire them for me. The other options are zippers and Velcro!!
the attitude expressed by that line can apply to so many things in our lives....NEVER GIVE UP
Which is total true - as I'm sure Rick Allen of Def Leppard would agree.
One of his two best episodes. This and the soldier with the stutter.
Don’t forget sons and bowlers.
No mention of him vs. Col. Flagg? For shame.
Also when he put Baldwin in his place to protect major Houlihan.
@Tony Mario Yes, these three episodes are his very best.
@Tony Mario There was also the time Charles gave money to Father Mulcahy for toys for the orphans when Radar told him Mulcahy had the idea to ask Charles' mom to send him his old toboggan hat.
When I first saw this scene, during the first run, I was totally stunned by Winchester's line - "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music!" As a failed piano student, I never heard a better expression of the gap between my head and my hands. And then, his compassion and his generosity and his encouragement of his patient - this was a defining moment. We will miss you Mr. Stiers, and not just Charles, but all the other characters you blessed us with.
That one line gutted me, as I too was a failed music student, the organ. I wanted so much to be able to "make the music" but could not. The favorite moments of MASH for me was when they allowed Charles to show his humanity. R.I.P. Mr. Stiers, and thank you.
I`m the same for many years I tried piano, guitar and drums but just could not get head hands and feet co-ordinated how I wish even now I could play music
I never forgot that line either, and I was a child when I saw the episode in reruns. As someone who has been accused of being able to "make the music", I never understood the anguish of someone whose dream it was to be able to go beyond "playing the notes" until that line was delivered. It's so profound, and so true of any creative endeavor.
OMG. THIS.
BB/VA. DOS did indeed bless M*A*S*H with his talent. RIP.
"You've been the victim of a ceaseless stream of dumb jokes.
Though we may have wounded your pride you've never lost your dignity. I therefore bequeath to you the most dignified thing I own: my bathrobe. Purple is the color of royalty."
That was when Pierce was writing his will, right?
@@johnmooney5829 you got it!
If you think about it, Charles never got a chance to own that robe because sadly David died. But I'm sure you already knew that.
Watching Charles facial expressions making love with music is priceless
when the show started it was just making fun of the seriousness of war and how futile the fighitng is. but as it went on people began to see that the soldiers were more than just a sight gag and it wasn't until Henry Blake died that people started to care about more than laughing. they brought in cast members that highlighted the fact that even tho they can get laughs they can also get tears and empathy too.
David Ogden Steiers was a true lover of music and was a guest conductor for the Boston Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions
What I love is how he refuses to let the man's dream die. He cannot allow that to happen, and in the end he reaches him and pulls him out of the pit. It was something special to watch.
@@Das_Beachy yes yes yes! So beautiful!
Love Charles. Give him a great bottle of cognac and a quality piano concerto and he’s in heaven!
I really identify with Charles here. "More than anything in my life, I wanted to play; but I do not have the gift. I can play the *notes,* but I cannot make the music."
So can I... I'm trying to take up playing piano, but its difficult... at least for me
I kind of know how that feels. I have limited singing skills that allow me to pick up on how a song is supposed to sound after listening to it once or twice, but I can't read a sheet of music to save my life. I'm actually attempting to write a set of lyrics for a song, but I have to admit I lack the skills to make the words sing without help. I love music, but I'm no musician.
@@nolanboles8492, same here. I can read sheet music for vocals, to sing the songs, and I can make words paint a picture as a writer, but if you get me to write lyrics, I will need a melody to help me. I am the reverse of Elton and Bernie's relationship. Where Elton wrote the music to Bernie's lyrics, I would need the music to write the lyrics, and I find even that a difficult writing task.
Anyone who doesn't like Charles never really watch MASH. He become my favourite character and it was moments like this which showed how deep and great a person he was.
R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers
Amen!
Amen to that!
not likely
also nurse kelly 2019, Father Mulcahy 2016, frank burns 2000, trapper, 2015 col blake 1996 col potter 2011
I consider that small speech the greatest single scene David Ogden Stiers has acted. I saw this scene as a kid and the line "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music" sticks with me to this day. Here's a top notch surgeon, able to do something less than 1/10% of the planet can do (trauma surgery) and the angst he portrays for never being able to fulfill his dream of being a concert level musician... stunning.
My top fave scene from the entire series. Absolute masterful dialogue, acting, etc. Mr. Stiers was phenomenal !!!
Oh I sure love this wonderfully written and performed scene, yet there are a few other I personally consider even more memorable: His father figure - confession while he waits with Hawkeye for his dad's surgery results, the dictated telegram in which Charles apologizes to his sister Honori, his literal and symbolic statements against bullying when he treats the stuttering soldier, Charles' massive shock as he recognizes the wounded musician from his former orchestra in the series finale, and of course his teary-eyed breakup with the French red-cross nurse he'd fallen so madly in love with. That one really stuck with me for a while, it perfectly sums up how established sociocultural points of view can destroy the most loving and promising relationships!
@@NiVi192 every single one of those scenes were amazing and showed the actors depth. The character's love for his sister is constant throughout the show. Don't also forget the Christmas episode with the candy and the orphans. There were other scenes as well that showed Charles had a sneaky and humorous side. In the end of the two part episode when he arrives he gets Hawkeye with a snake in his bed. When he and Hawkeye teamed up to get BJ. The episode where he shows up Hawk and BJ with the picture of him and Audrey Hepburn.
@@NiVi192 Just everything he does in "Yessir that's our Baby"
He's fire and vengance when an "ill mannered infant" is crying till he realizes the baby has been abandoned on their stoop, instantly goes soft and soothing to the baby
And then when talking to the official who just tells them no and says they're "Wasting his time."
Oh boy Charles LOSES it I think it's one of the rare /only times we ever see him truely ready to assault someone angry
Stiers played the definition of still waters run deep.
Charles Emerson Winchester may have had reason to lament, but David Ogden Stiers nevertheless became a talented orchestral conductor in retirement. He helped to found the Newport (Oregon) Symphony and was its associate conductor for years until he died. Many of us who have spent time in Oregon are aware of his quiet support of classical music. And the passion for and knowledge of classical music Major Winchester displayed in various episodes would not have been nearly so believable had not Stiers been a true devotee of such music. In fact, had this not been the case, the producers would not have dared deal with it. This indeed was a great episode in a series that had many episodes that were great, for one reason or another.
I like the very end when Hawkeye and Bj were telling Charles he missed a good time not realizing Charles was content listening to the pianist play in the o club.
THIS is what television can be at its best: writing, direction and acting combining to create a scene as great as anything on stage or screen. "M*A*S*H" was an extraordinary achievement. Thank God for syndication and DVD; most of what's on nowadays seems to have been made by trolls, for trolls.
3:10 - The look on Charle’s face… As a lover of music of all kinds, I can testify that THAT is not Major Winchester’s reaction. That was a glimpse into David Ogden Stiers own soul. The man felt that moment, not the character. I have seen that look on many faces and have felt that same stirring in my own heart, typically completely unexpectedly. Whether I’m playing or listening, there is absolutely nothing like those pure moments when you aren’t just hearing the music. You can actually feel it. It is one of the most transcendental feelings imaginable and I sincerely wish more people could experience it.
This, the one with the stuttering G.I. and the Orphanage episode were his best moments on this show. His final words To Col. Potter were pure class as well.
Winchester is my fave character from the entire series.
@@lisasimmons5362 He always displayed that unexplored dimension of himself that you knew was just underneath but he would rarely let people see. He did that SO well.
Those 3 episodes were also my favorites for Charles. I believe David helped write those episodes. And, I was so pleased when Charles' character took on the humane side and strayed from the arrogant side. RIP David. You were, in real life, a truly intelligent and cultured man.
@@lisasimmons5362 Mine too.
@@markhunter8554 Winchester is my fave character in this series. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
I love the moments when we saw the kind, caring man Winchester really was.
Nina I know I’m late but just saw this text and I want to say I agree with you
This may have been Winchester's finest hour, and it showed more of his breadth of character than some whole episodes of the show. These were the actions and sentiments of a man who truly loved and UNDERSTOOD music, despite his own limitations. Indeed, seeing him *admit* those limitations on such a personal level was an astounding phenomenon, coming from him, and that alone makes this scene unique.
Winchester had many. Only one Scene with Hawkeye I remember, but Winchester there are many places he shines.
I always loved this scene. Didn't see it too often, but it was awesome to see the 'human', compassionate side of Winchester appear once in a while. Excellent portrayal, Mr. Stiers.
Bloke_19xx another good episode with Charles where see his human side is series finale when helps the refugees with music and shows compassion for music but also cares for the refugees. When finds out all but one died can see his expressions and that is devastated.
Scott Knode ..that was a very dramatic scene Scott. Winchester looked at music as an escape from the war, now he associated it with something tragic. Mr. Stiers nailed this scene
Also the one called "Sons and Bowlers" where he opens up to Hawkeye. In fact, I think that is the only episode that Winchester calls him by his nickname.
Galilee1964 ...Thx. I'll keep an eye out for that...was that the one where Pierce was trying to call his father before his father's operation? I thought charles and pierce both saluted their fathers during the last scene of that show.
It was. Several lines I remember from that episode. Charles says "The distance between Maine and Korea cannot separate you from your Dad. My Father and I can be 10,000 miles apart in the same room." "The difference is, I have a Father. You have a Dad." And of course, Pierce says "You know, Charles, you've never told me anything like this before." To which Charles says "Actually, Hawkeye, I've never told you anything before."
M.A.S.H. ended when I was born. I didn't watch it until.I was an adult.
Scenes like this are why it is the greatest TV show of all time.
I can't help but say that Winchester was an infinitly deeper character than Burns.
He’s the deepest character on the show.
@@Spanner249 Poor one dimensional Major Burns couldn't hold a candle to Charles.
This episode showed how different Charles to Frank. Frank was a jerk while Charles showed human he was. R.I.P David Ogden Stiers you will be missed 😭😭😭
When David Ogden Stiers came to M.A.S.H it started to be more of a drama mixed with comedy.
When Larry Linville was on M.A.S.H it was pretty much a straight up comedy so and they needed a character to be an enemy and his character was not meant to have any depth to him.
When Larry Linville finished his five year hitch with the series, he decided that Frank Burns gotten too childish and wanted out. The producers agreed with him and decided on a new direction. Give Hawkeye and B.J. a challenge. To say that Major Winchester was a challenge was an understatement. And the casting of David Ogden Stiers was perfect. The role fit him like a surgical glove. RIP.
@@thepayne7862 not much comedy ever took place during these later seasons
@@paleo704 Sadly the comedic moments in the later seasons were too few. One of the few episodes i remember where the story was purely comedic was April Fools.
In the episode they are pulling pranks and Potter gets the last laugh.
As a military vet, I really loathed Frank. It was totally unrealistic to have a major be both highly incompetent and emotionally underdeveloped.
David Ogden Stiers was a very gifted conductor. In 1987(if memory serves) he conducted at a symphony my mom played violin in. He was a guest conductor and conducted the piece with the soloist. Being family of a member of the orchestra I was able to go backstage after he was done. He was very pleased that I was not only a huge M*A*S*H fan, but that I also recognized the encore piece that the pianist played because it wasn't a very well known piece.
I suspect that David didn't need to find this piece, and when the story came to him, he instantly knew the piece that could help the soldier realize his career was over. I remember that we'd talked about classical music and he said that he required classical music as part of the character as an escape from the war.
He also didn't to do much work for the conducting bit in G.F.A. The conducting in G.F.A was, in fact his idea.
Great man. R.I.P
And how because his 'symphony' got killed it tragically took his love of music away. He probably came around after a few years when the pain lessened and with an even fiercer love for classical music. He probably became a Shostakovich fan given the circumstances.
First scene I wanted to see again after the news of the death of David Ogden Stiers came out. He will be greatly missed. What's even more poignant is that Siters was an orchestra conductor, too, so he obviously had the love of music. Larry Gelbart and John Rappaport wrote these brilliant words. Now I wonder whether Stier's love of music was deliberately written into the Winchester character he played so well.
Marilyn E. Jess it was and he was gifted French horn player before he was joined Mash when he was in the orchestra at Juilliard school of music while was also studying drama.
It's very well posible
Of course it was, and probably at his own suggestion. It would have been a missed opportunity if the writers hadn't.
@@scottknode898, it's funny how he was a talented French horn player. On Mash, his playing was awful
Shannon Roberts on the show even though in real life he was accomplished in music, I think it more of inside joke to make fun of himself to show his character was bad at French Horn playing.
As a musician, this brought me to tears. To see the passion in the pianist's face when he plays those ascending arpeggios....
What an amazing character, to be pompous and aristocratically arrogant (sometimes), and yet holds within him a streak of kindness we can all admire. He made a difference in someone's life. Well done.
Charles is so complex, and so are our feelings about him. Just when you dismiss him as heartless and pompous, he goes all out to help a disadvantaged person.
My all-time favorite Winchester scene. Such astounding acting. Blows me away every time.
His flaw is that his empathy rarely extended beyond what he had personal experience of. Both this scene and the episode with the stuttering soldier show/say explicitly why he cared.
He's a bit like someone who might be against gay marriage... until he discovers that a long time friend or family member is gay.
He isn't a bad person, but not as good a person as he thinks.
Not an easy thing to act.
@@travcollier But there is the episode where he bought the chocolate for the orphans to have in their stockings for Christmas. He wanted to remain anonymous and not receive recognition for it.
@@rupert1862 He says that was a family tradition. His really good act is understanding when the person running the orphanage sells the chocolates on the black market to buy real food.
"Your hand may be stilled, but your gift cannot be silenced" omg
I just found out the news and I've been watching some clips of his best scenes. RIP, David Ogden Stiers. You made Charles everything that we love about him. You made him yours, and then gave him to us.
Pokerface very well said..
well said
Pokerface
David was great on the show. The fact Charles was not a Red Sox fan was strange to me. I grew up in Massachusetts. The Red Sox took the World Series to 7 games in 1946 with Ted Williams. Sox lost but in 52 Charles would have known that. The west coast writers missed the ball on that one.
0
@Eric Smith, what does him being gay have to do with anything?
I took piano lessons for three years and it took this one quote to explain why I did so poorly - "I can play the notes but I cannot make the music." I could read music, but whatever is in the brain that causes the notes to actually become music isn't in mine. IMO, you have to be born with it. Anybody can learn to read music, but if you weren't born with that innate gift... well, there it is. Thanks to whoever wrote that wonderful line, and to the late and wonderful David Ogden Stiers for the masterful delivery.
Charles was a great character to bring on. At times pompous and stiff, snobbish and vain, but he had moments of tremendous empathy and warmth that made him more than a caricature.
This is perfect writing - and brilliant acting from the late Mr. Stiers. Unforgettable.
When Charles first appeared I didn't care for his character at all Years later,after growing up myself I sincerely believe he had the best role and DO S played him spectacularly. His character came to show so many facets. One of the best characters EVER on a TV series
When David plays the fist note, and Winchester's eyes briefly close, it tears my heart out. Beautiful scene.
Yes, these old eyes always tear up.
Can't remember where I read this, but somebody once described Winchester as "possibly the nicest guy in the entire MASH unit ... who didn't want anybody to know about it."
Even though Major Winchester is a pompous, upperclass Bostonian Doctor, yet he has compassion for humanity. RIP Major Winchester.
Just scripted compassion.
True they always had those episodes that showed his humanity that he hid so well, like when he gave the orphans candy
He evolved
Strange that Frasier was also a pompous upper-class doctor who was one time based in Boston. Both have the love of classical music, fine wine, knows about ancient history, aspire to be the best in their field and rub shoulders with influential people.
We pompous Bostonians are like that. :)
David Ogden Stiers, Emmy Nominee From M*A*S*H, Dead at 75. RIP "Charles" One of your greatest scenes in the series.
RIP major...
A crime that they didn't finally give him a full on win.
The man certainly deserved it, especially for this one, the one with him sticking up for the stuttering soldier, and the one with him giving the chocolates anonymously to the orphanage.
I saw this last night for the first time. As a music teacher of 24 years this message is so powerful.
There was an episode where Winchester has lost confidence in his skill because, as a surgeon in Boston, he was the best, and had all the best equipment one needs. But in Korea, where everything was frantic, non-stop, and any mistake would be a death sentence, he couldn't keep up. He and Klinger are lost away from camp. They come across someone who needs life saving surgery, they have minimal tools, and are on the side of a dirt road hiding from the enemy.
At the end, that person is saved. Klinger says:" Major! You did it! You saved him!" to which Winchester replies something like: "yes. i did. But more importantly, I did it here."
I many ways, Winchester was my favorite MASH character.
“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.” One of the most moving lines from one of the greatest shows in tv history- even more so when you know of Stiers’s real life love of music
I love how Charles helps give this soldier his dream back. He cannot let that dream die without a fight, and it's beautiful to watch.
Screw Charles and the music. I did not know I had this many tears in my head. You want a good cry? Watch Winchester show his humanity. Tears every single time. Stunning brilliance and timelessness
I've got so many favorite Charles episodes. This may be the best.
This episode, the episode with the bullied soldier with the speech impediment, and the final MASH episode with the POW musicians. Charles could often be pompous and proud to a fault, but he had some truly great moments where his enormous heart showed itself.
Yet another of Winchester's finest moments. He could show real humility and selflessness at times. R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers. 🌹🌹🌹
Growing up playing the violin, I can completely understand where Charles is coming from. I was a technician, and a talented one at that, but I was not in any way a musician. Yes, I could play the music, but I did not “feel” the music. It did not speak to me. I was going through the motions, but I didn’t have it within me to find myself immersed in said music. Because of this, I stood down from the first chair and supported someone who could. There is a great divide between those of us who are great technicians but are not musicians. It’s important to support those who are. To give a better example, while I may be able to type, I’m far from an author.
Sometimes I feel this way when watching videos of those children who can play famously difficult music. It comes across technically perfect but often lacks soul. I often wonder how their talent evolves after physical maturity and life experience.
@@D-Fens_1632 I can speak only for myself on that. I still play but my skill is only so-so now. It’s nowhere close to where it was when I was a boy who practiced daily. I believe that there’s a Use It Or Lose It phenomenon happening as we age, which causes a deterioration of skill. Certainly the physical limitations of age can make it harder. A lack of practice is also problematic for anyone playing at any age. I’ve talked with others who are as you described, most continue playing their instruments for themselves and their families, very few go “pro”.
I still occasionally play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons alongside a recording of the Orchester Philharmonie Berlin without sheet music. I can play it okay from memory, but that may just be because I’ve played it many many times. I’ve loved it since I first heard it, it was the spark of my initial interest in the violin.
But other music I still totally mangle, even with sheet music. I must practice a piece daily for several weeks to be good enough to not be embarrassed by playing it for others.
These are the type of scenes that have made MASH an unforgettable masterpiece.
One of the best television had to offer. I feel lucky to have grown up during this era of television.
"Your gift cannot be silenced of you refuse to let it."
What great line.
RIP David Ogden Stiers You Are Good Actor
One of my favorite scenes from M*A*S*H! The same can be said of Beethoven. He may have lost the use of his ear drums, but he never let that silence what he could hear in his head and heart.
My absolute favorite scene of all time
me too!
Me three.
MASH had many dramatic moments in it, but none have touched me the way this one has. Our gifts, whatever they are, will always be ours, no matter our weaknesses.
And...our flaws. 🙂
I am 100% Charles here. I come from a family of musicians. They can play numerous instruments,sing like angels and have great stage performances.....I sadly on the other hand inherited non of it. Not much fun growing up when the family wanted to get together and perform 🙄🤦♂️
I’m the exact opposite-the only musical person in my family. No one can keep a tune or play a instrument. So it’s strange that I somehow have the musical gift. So I’m trying to put it to use by teaching others about music and performing. ❤️
It is funny how it started as a TV comedy version of the movie, and morphed into a show that was more serious, but with the comedy still there. It probably wouldn't have survived more than two or three seasons otherwise, and would be all but forgotten now.
This scene captures my envy to those who can reproduce such beauty and strikes home the self realization that while anyone can play only those little few who have gift to touch the soul
Well said sir
This scene makes me wish I could reach people the way Charles did.
Major Winchester was really human in spite of not showing it to others. I think that was what made him one of my favorite characters. He couldn't heal the hand, but he healed the spirit instead.
That's just like when he donated those chocolates to the local orphanage, saying that for it to be a true act of charity, it must be anonymous.
Because his parents taught him to do good for good sake. The Chocolate episode shows this.
Frank Burns' flaws made him a clown. Charles Winchester's flaws made him Human.
@@k1productions87Who wanted to be in Korea in a war? I think they all felt that and expressed it differently.
Scenes like this are why Charles is my favorite character on MASH. He had a lot of hilarious moments, but also had his scenes where his humanity and compassion shined through. He had so much depth and complexity to him. Being in Korea really seemed to open up his eyes and change him for the better. He became so much more than just the smart, competent Frank Burns.
This was my favorite "Charles" clip. He expressed what music means (to him) and how it's more than simply playing a bunch of notes. Love this clip.
It’s amazing how this scene has resonated with me-I remember being moved by David Ogden’s Steir’s empathic, compassionate performance the first time it aired, and the scene still moves me. This elevated MASH from a sitcom to something much more powerful.
RIP
This scene speaks volumes to me as an “in-progress” Music Education Major (I’m still in college).
I have a severe visual impairment-I’m completely blind in my right eye and have extremely limited vision in my left eye. This makes it immensely difficult for me to read sheet music, to see the gestures of my conductor, and to understand all the visual nuances in piano playing and Music Theory. Still, I have an incredible ear and use that gift with everything I can in regards to my love and passion for music. Naturally, I go through doubts, thinking it’s a mistake to be chasing the career I want. Though I don’t have a hand injury, I can empathize, to a degree, with David here. I always come back to this scene, and this particular Ravel piece, when doubts are particularly high and consuming. I always breathe a sigh of a relief and leave this scene with a new sense of confidence and inspirational spark to find ways to share my own musical gift with the world. Regardless of my vision, I know I can pursue my dream career of being a Professor, a Choir Director, and/or a Musicologist (Still trying to narrow down my specific career goals!). ❤️
May you succeed and live your dream. 😁👍
Rudy Juarez
Thank you so much! ☺️😁👏🏻
And that is why you'll succeed as a teacher - that empathy for student struggles because of your own is the gift so many cannot seem to find in themselves. Best of luck to you, and may your students know the great human they have as their teacher.
@@ChrisColeChicago
I choked up. Thank you. 🥺☺️
Good for you. I have had limitations imposed upon me as the result of a stroke but I do my utmost to minimize those limitations. As a child, I hated to be told that I couldn't do something, and while it probably drove my Mother crazy it turned out to be good training for my present situation. My best friend (And the brother that I never had) has a similar situation to yours. His wife's vision is even worse. Their conditions impose limits to be sure, but they face them and overcome. I have looked to them for my inspiration. You sound very determined and I have no doubt that you will be successful. I wish you well in following your dreams and pray that you will achieve them.
One of a great many poignant scenes from probably the greatest anti-war series ever.
I've always loved these main Charles plot episodes. They always were so passionate and deep. You were and always will be my favorite actor, David Ogden Stiers. T-T You will be missed
Larry Linville wanted to stay on as Burns. His contract was up and the producers wanted him to stay. But Linville asked if he could change the character now that Margaret was out of his life. He wanted to be more of a "can't beat them, join them" with Hawkeye and B.J. Still be the butt of the jokes, but someone who actually wanted to be the good guy for a change. They said that the character was too engrained as it was and the change would upset the chemistry. Linville politely bowed out. They said he was one of the nicest of the actors and got along with everybody. Not so much with Burghoff. If you see an episode when he was still a cast member and he was not in it, odds are the producers told him to go away for a week and take his bullshit with him.
Even though he was pompous, arrogant and conceited, he was alright!!
This is one of many reasons why Charles is one of my favorite characters. Why?
Well firstly the sound of his voice, stern but soothing.
Secondly he is just like me, a culturally posh human.
Thirdly, he makes scenes like these so beautifully.
I just watched this scene for the first time in decades(?). I'm blown away by the subtle dropping of shoulders by Winchester as David plays the first chord. It's not intended to draw your focus, but his body acting tells as much of a story as his incredible spoken words here.
He was far and clear the deepest character on the series. Potter was a close second. You had to watch a bunch of episodes to realize it, though. They replaced a cardboard cutout with someone of depth. That clearly wasn't a coincidence
I seen this scene dozens of times and it still brings a tear to my eye.
As someone who became disabled, this scene has always meant a lot to me.
Each of us must dance to his own tune. Well said, Major.
Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, David Ogden Stiers.
IMHO - one of the great soliloquies in television history
Loved the implementation of this character! Where Hawkeye, Trapper and BJ were more of a bullying nature through pranks and jokes, CEW III showed a compassion,in many ways, that was unrivaled by the other characters!
Charles was such an underrated character. He really made those later seasons worth watching. I wish we’d seen more of him and Hawkeye together, especially without BJ.
The most interesting part of Charles is that he is so well rounded in the works, history, and styles of music, yet as he has said, he can play the notes, not the music. I love how even he is humbled to be in the presence of someone with just the ability to play with one hand. It shows far more depth than any other person. He knows his limited ability, and wants to be able to make music, but accepts that he never will be able too.
Oddly enough, the character that brings me to tears more than any other is Charles. David Ogden Stiers was a brilliant, yet underrated actor.
What a Beautiful scene!
Oh my GOD! I haven't seen current television like this my whole life, the emotion, the passion, the compassion, and the spirit to keep going even when dealt a horrible hand.
I love this show and it came out when my parents couldn't even make babies. AMAZING!!!!!
M*A*S*H - arguably one of the best shows on television ever. I much preferred CEW III over Frank; Charles had compassion, Frank did not. And the writers slowly, very slowly evolved Charles character, not just to show compassion, but to at time join in the foolishness that he despised when he first arrived. So many good episodes involving Major Winchester mentioned here. A couple maybe over looked -when he was assaulted by a subordinate and did not defend himself; when he stood up to Colonel Baldwin and refused to lie for him and damage a colleague's reputation; or when he escaped a bullet to the head at the same time he was berating his sister's choice of engagement to an Italian man.
Winchester had his moments there was one scene that was so well done it still makes me cry.
One of my favorite MASH moments of the whole series!