Larry Gelbart

Larry Gelbart (1928-2009) was an American television writer, playwright, and screenwriter best known for developing the TV series M*A*S*H and co-writing the Broadway musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Beginning his career as a writer for Danny Thomas's radio show at age sixteen, Gelbart went on to write for television personalities including Bob Hope, Jack Paar, and Red Buttons. He became part of a legendary writing team for Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows, working alongside Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, and Neil Simon. His adaptation of M*A*S*H for television transformed the original film into an eleven-season series that balanced comedy with serious commentary on war. The show earned Gelbart Emmy and Peabody awards, while establishing new ground for television dramedy. Beyond television, Gelbart's work in theater and film included the Academy Award-nominated screenplay for Tootsie (1982) and the Broadway plays Sly Fox and City of Angels. His career spanned six decades, during which he became known for sharp satirical writing and an ability to blend comedy with serious social commentary.

Readers celebrate Larry Gelbart for his sharp wit and precise comedic timing, with many noting his ability to blend humor with social commentary. Fans of M*A*S*H, his most-discussed work, point to his skill in balancing comedy with serious themes about war. Readers liked: - His dialogue's intelligence and depth - The way he handled sensitive topics with humor - His ability to write both for screen and stage - The lasting relevance of his social criticism Readers disliked: - Some later works didn't match M*A*S*H's impact - Theatre works less accessible than TV/film content - Political elements too heavy-handed for some Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Laughing Matters" (memoir) - 4.1/5 (124 ratings) Amazon: "City of Angels" script - 4.7/5 (43 reviews) One reader noted: "He wrote smart comedy for smart people without being pretentious." Another commented: "His scripts respect the audience's intelligence."

Oh, God! (1977) - A supermarket manager is chosen by God to spread a message of hope to humanity.

Tootsie (1982) - A struggling actor disguises himself as a woman to land a role on a soap opera.

Movie Movie (1978) - Two classic film genres are parodied in a double feature format, featuring a boxing drama and a musical comedy.

The Wrong Box (1966) - Victorian-era relatives compete to inherit a fortune through a complex tontine arrangement.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) - A crafty slave in ancient Rome schemes to win his freedom through a series of romantic deceptions.

Sly Fox (1976) - A wealthy con man pretends to be dying to manipulate those seeking his fortune, based on Ben Jonson's "Volpone."

Mastergate (1989) - A political satire examining a fictional Congressional hearing and government scandal.

Weapons of Mass Distraction (1997) - Two media moguls engage in an escalating personal and professional war.

City of Angels (1989) - A film noir writer's real life begins to mirror the detective story he's writing.

M*A*S*H (TV series, 1972-1983) - Medical personnel cope with life and death at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War.