Robert Altman’s first critically acclaimed film reveals the elements of style (oddball characters, a large cast, episodic vignettes, and overlapping dialogue) that now define his unique brand of filmmaking.  Following the work and play of two hip and irreverent combat surgeons (Donald Sutherland and Elliot Gould) in the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit, this black comedy draws parallels between the Korean War (the film’s official setting) and the Vietnam War (a point of political contention at the time of the film’s release).