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… what is the source of the quote shut up he explained;
Shut Up, He Explained
The phrase "Shut up, he explained" is a well-known quote attributed to Ring Lardner, an American sports columnist and short story writer. It originally comes from Lardner's short story "The Young Immigrunts," where it is used as dialogue between a father and his child. The quote is often referenced to convey a dismissive or exasperated response to a question or statement
In a broader context, the phrase has been used metaphorically to describe a dismissive attitude, particularly in political commentary. For example, Michael Barone, a political analyst, used the phrase to characterize how liberals might respond to dissent, suggesting that it indicates unease and a lack of a good answer to questions or criticism
Ring Lardner, known for his satirical takes on the sports world, marriage, and theater, is also the father of Ring Lardner Jr., who was blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy era. Kate Lardner, Ring Lardner Jr.'s daughter, wrote a memoir titled "Shut Up He Explained: The Memoir of a Blacklisted Kid," which recounts her experiences growing up during the Hollywood blacklist
The phrase continues to be recognized and referenced in literature and popular culture, reflecting its enduring impact.
... the entire book is drollery of the same type;
Yes, "The Young Immigrunts" by Ring Lardner is indeed a work of drollery, or humorous writing, that parodies the style of a young and naive writer. The entire book is filled with intentional misspellings, grammatical errors, and a childlike perspective that adds to its comedic effect. Lardner's work is a playful and affectionate spoof of Daisy Ashford's "The Young Visiters," which was believed to have been written by a nine-year-old.
The humor in "The Young Immigrunts" comes from the contrast between the sophisticated and often absurd situations described and the simple, innocent language used to convey them. This style creates a delightful and whimsical reading experience, making it a classic example of droll and light-hearted satire.
... what is the context of the quote the holycost of the first water from chapter 5;
Context of Holycost Quote
The quote "holycost of the first water" from "The Young Immigrunts" by Ring Lardner is part of a humorous and intentionally misspelled narrative that parodies the style of a young, naive writer. The story is a spoof of Daisy Ashford's "The Young Visiters," which was believed to have been written by a nine-year-old. In Lardner's version, the family is traveling and encountering various situations, and the phrase "holycost of the first water" is likely a playful misspelling of "high cost of the first water," suggesting something of very high quality or expense. The context is a series of comedic and exaggerated descriptions of their journey and experiences.
... ah i get it now and the phrase of the first water is derived from what origins;
The phrase "of the first water" originates from the gemstone trade, where it was used to describe the highest quality of diamonds and other precious stones. The term "water" in this context refers to the clarity and translucence of the gemstone, with "first water" indicating the greatest purity and perfection, comparable to the clarity of a drop of water. This grading system dates back to at least the early 17th century, and Shakespeare alludes to it in his play Pericles (1607)
Over time, the phrase has been used more broadly to refer to the highest quality or the most extreme example of a person or thing, not just gemstones. For instance, someone might be described as "a leader of the first water" or "a swindler of the first water"
... what got Lardner junior in trouble was it his writing or political activities;
Ring Lardner Jr., the son of journalist and humorist Ring Lardner, faced significant trouble due to his political activities. He was a member of the "Hollywood Ten," a group of screenwriters blacklisted by Hollywood studios during the late 1940s and 1950s after appearing as "unfriendly" witnesses before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). This led to Lardner being found guilty of contempt of Congress and subsequently blacklisted
During the blacklist period, Lardner's travel abroad was restricted by the Passport Bureau from 1951 to 1958, as it was deemed "not in the best interest of the United States" due to his political activities Despite these challenges, he continued to work under pseudonyms, contributing to television series and films
Lardner's political involvement included raising funds for the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War and organizing anti-fascist demonstrations His brother, James Lardner, was a member of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and was killed in action in Spain in 1938 Despite the political backlash, Lardner eventually returned to Hollywood and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film *M*A*S*H* in 1970.
... was MASH originally a novel;
The adaptation of the novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors into the film *M*A*S*H* was a significant transformation that captured the essence of the original work while making notable changes. The film, directed by Robert Altman and written by Ring Lardner Jr., was released in 1970 and is based on the 1968 novel by Richard Hooker (Richard Hornberger) and W. C. Heinz
Key Differences and Similarities:
Characters: The film retains the core characters from the novel, including Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John, and Duke Forrest, though Duke is absent in the TV series. The film also introduces and modifies several characters, such as Frank Burns, who is a composite of two characters from the novel
Tone and Style: The novel is described as dark, sarcastic, and precise, with a cool and mordant style. The film, while maintaining the anti-war sentiment, is more comedic and less sanctimonious, focusing on the absurdities and ironies of war
Plot and Situations: The film's screenplay, while different from the novel, retains many of the core situations and themes. However, it modifies and improves upon several scenarios, making them more suitable for the screen
Cultural Impact: The film is considered a masterpiece and is highly regarded for its formal and sensual qualities. It won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar and was included in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance
Contemporary Relevance: The film's subtext is the Vietnam War, reflecting the social and political climate of the early 1970s. This context is a significant departure from the novel's focus on the Korean War, though both works share a critical view of military bureaucracy and the human cost of war
The adaptation of *M*A*S*H* from novel to film is a prime example of how a literary work can be successfully translated to the screen, capturing the spirit of the original while resonating with a broader audience.
... I remember the television series;
The television series *M*A*S*H* is a beloved and iconic show that ran from 1972 to 1983, spanning 11 seasons and 251 episodes. It was based on the 1970 film *M*A*S*H*, which in turn was adapted from Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.
Key Elements of the Television Series:
Premise
The series follows the lives of the medical staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War. It combines elements of comedy and drama to explore the challenges and absurdities of war, as well as the personal lives and relationships of the characters.
Main Characters
- Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda): The chief surgeon and a central character known for his sarcasm, wit, and anti-war sentiments.
- Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers, later replaced by Mike Farrell as B.J. Hunnicutt): A surgeon and close friend of Hawkeye.
- Hot Lips Houlihan (Loretta Swit): The head nurse who initially comes across as strict and by-the-book but softens over time.
- Frank Burns (Larry Linville, later replaced by David Ogden Stiers as Charles Winchester): The incompetent and arrogant surgeon who is often the target of the staff's pranks.
- Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff): The company clerk known for his uncanny ability to anticipate events and his loyalty to the staff.
- Father Mulcahy (William Christopher): The compassionate and often overwhelmed chaplain.
- Colonel Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan): The wise and fair commanding officer who replaces Colonel Blake.
Themes
- War and Its Impact: The series often highlights the absurdity and tragedy of war, as well as the ways in which the characters cope with the stress and trauma.
- Friendship and Camaraderie: The bonds between the characters are a central theme, showing how they rely on each other for support and humor.
- Morality and Ethics: The show explores ethical dilemmas and the moral challenges faced by the medical staff.
Cultural Impact
- Popularity: *M*A*S*H* was one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows of its time. The series finale, "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen," remains one of the most-watched television events in history, with over 106 million viewers.
- Awards: The series won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes.
- Legacy: *M*A*S*H* has left a lasting impact on television, influencing many subsequent medical and war dramas. It is remembered for its blend of humor and drama, its strong ensemble cast, and its thoughtful exploration of serious themes.
Differences from the Film:
- Tone: The television series is generally more comedic and less dark than the film, though it still addresses serious issues.
- Character Development: The series allowed for more in-depth character development and story arcs over its long run.
- Setting: While the film is set in a more chaotic and chaotic environment, the series often has a more structured and routine feel, reflecting the day-to-day life of the characters.
The television series *M*A*S*H* is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and the ability of television to tackle complex themes with both humor and heart.
... in retrospect it marked the humorous conclusion of the acrimonious red scare era;
The television series *M*A*S*H* concluded in 1983, during the later stages of the Cold War, which included the Red Scare era. The show's finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," was a significant cultural event, drawing 106 million viewers and becoming the most-watched U.S. television broadcast at that time
The series, which began as a comedy with dramatic undertones, gradually shifted to a drama with comedic elements, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the 1970s and early 1980s. This shift was influenced by the departure of original comedic writers and the infusion of storylines based on actual events from the Korean War era, including the Red Scare and McCarthyism
The impact of *M*A*S*H* on American culture was profound. It not only entertained but also provided a platform to address serious issues such as war, politics, and social change. The show's ability to balance humor with deep, often poignant, commentary on the human condition resonated with audiences, making it one of the most beloved and influential television series in history.