MovieChat Forums > MASH (1970) Discussion > I can't believe I just saw Bud Cort in h...

I can't believe I just saw Bud Cort in here

posted 15 years ago by jscott1000
6 replies | jump to latest

I'm not a huge Robert Altman fan, but I do happen to have a copy of "Brewster McCloud" just because I had to see how the 1971 Astrodome and Houston looked.

Well, I never noticed before that Bud Cort, (AKA Brewster McCloud) was the young guy in MASH that Frank Burns accusing of killing the guy because he brought him the wrong needle.

If you think MASH is off the wall comedy then go rent "Brewster McCloud" That has to be one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen.

Fresh off the success of MASH, Altman could have made any film he wanted and he chose to make one about a strange guy who lives in the Astrodome and intends to build a human powered flying machine. Oh and it's a comedy.

Altman has a directing style that is not for everyone obviously.

[–] GirlwonderReturns 15 years ago

Although Cort is probably best remembered as Harold in "Harold and Maude", it was Altman who "discovered" him appearing in a comedy revue; MASH was his first real film role. Altman tended to use a lot of the same actors in his films; when he liked someone, he was loyal. Shelley Duvall, Sally Kellerman, Rene Auberjonois; in later films, actors like Tim Robbins and Fred Ward.

"Brewster McCloud" is a great movie. It helps to be an Altman fanatic (like me), but all that's really required is the ability to suspend disbelief and an affinity for quirkiness. And Cort was great as Brewster.

Let us take the risks of peace upon our lives, not impose the risks of war upon the world.

[–] tiwannae 15 years ago

Actually, his first film appearance was in "Up the Down Staircase," starring Sandy Dennis (1967) and as far as having his first lines in a film, "Sweet Charity," starring Shirley MacLaine (1969).

He also had a guest starring role in an episode of Altman's short-lived TV anthology, "Gun" (1997).

"We can't all do good, but at least do no harm."

[–] GirlwonderReturns 15 years ago

That's why I said it was his first "real" film role. He was uncredited in both films you mentioned. But technically speaking, I suppose MASH was his third film.

Let us take the risks of peace upon our lives, not impose the risks of war upon the world.

[–] jeffyoung1 15 years ago

Bud Cort could later be seen on a made-for-television movie that takes place in the BATES MOTEL (1987) which was meant as a sequel to the PSYCHO movies. I liked the television movie although critics panned it.

I heard that Bud Cort suffered facial injuries in an accident that required reconstructive surgery. You can't tell he's had surgery by looking at him, but his face looks almost completely different from MASH.

[–] Cultfilmfeverforever 12 years ago

I read about his accident. I thought of how Mark Hamill was also injured in a car accident. For an actor especially, that must be traumatic. I have always liked and admired Bud's work.

[–] tiwannae 12 years ago

It was very traumatic for him, and did slow down the momentum on his career, but fortunately, he survived the accident, and he has since then continued to be a gem in everything I have seen him in. (With more great performances yet-to-come, I am sure).

"We can't all do good, but at least do no harm."