Based on the graphic novel of the same name, M*A*S*H from 1970 is one of the most commercially and critically successful films in television history. After the release of the film a spinoff series was released and gained as much as success.

The film displays the setting of the 4077th MASH, located just three miles from the front line in Uijeongbu, where the doctors and nurses perform "meatball surgery" and otherwise do what they can to patch up the physical (and, occasionally, psychological) wounds of the conflict's casualties while staving off their own fear, stress, boredom and fatigue by fair means or foul.

Johnny Mandel's work on the soundtrack largely involved arranging period tunes and effect music (especially military and football-related themes), although he also wrote a memorable main title theme.

"Song from M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)" is written by Johnny Mandel (music) and Mike Altman (lyrics), which was the theme song for both the movie and TV series M*A*S*H. Mike Altman is the son of the original film's director, Robert Altman, and was 14 years old when he wrote the song's lyrics.

Several instrumental versions of the song were used as the theme for the TV series. It became a number one hit in the UK Singles Chart in May 1980. The song was ranked #66 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs 

SIDE A

1. SUICIDE IS PAINLESS (MAIN TITLE)
2. DUKE AND HAWKEYE ARRIVE AT M.A.S.H.
3. THE OPERATING THEATER
4. MAJOR HOULIHAN AND MAJOR BURNS

SIDE B

1. PAINLESS' SUICIDE, FUNERAL AND RESURRECTION
2. €ŒHOT LIPS€ SHOWS HER TRUE COLORS
3. MOMENTS TO REMEMBER
4. THE FOOTBALL GAME
5. GOING HOME
6. GOOD MORNING MAX