M*A*S*H (TV Series)

The Life You Save (1981)

Jim Knaub: Pvt. Markham

Quotes 

• Pvt. Markham : [a GI has just had a near-death experience. Charles is trying to find out what it was like]  Sir, I really don't understand what you want.

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : When I was very young, my little brother passed away... I couldn't fully comprehend it at the time. But for months after the... accident, I was unable to pass his room without this... nameless fear. I would get a... tingling sensation in my chest and... my arms. And then yesterday, when I found out that I indeed had come close... Very close to death myself, that sensation returned.

  [B.J. enters] 

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : But you were there. You were there. If only for a moment, and I must know what you felt.

  Pvt. Markham : I want to help you. I'm just tired. I think I want to get some sleep now.

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : Could I see you outside for a moment, Doctor?

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Yes, of course.

  [They walk outside of Post-op] 

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Yes?

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : Are you alright?

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Perfectly.

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : Nothing is bothering you?

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Absolutely nothing.

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : Then what the hell is the matter with you? Every time I go into post-op, you're hovering over Markham like a ghoul. That's some graveside manner you've got...

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : As you recall, I am partly responsible for him being alive right now!

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : Then let's let him rest in peace.

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Let me ask you a question, Dr. Schweitzer. Can you honestly stand there and tell me you've never wondered what it was like?

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : What what was like?

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : What that boy went through right there! He was dead. Haven't you the slightest bit of curiosity about what lies beyond?

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : No, I figure I'll find out soon enough.

  Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III : Well, you may be able to cloak yourself in denial, but I am not afraid to face up to the harshest reality of all.

  Capt. B.J. Hunnicut : [angrily]  Let me give you another harsh reality, Doctor. Markham is *my* patient. You stay the hell away from him!