Margaret Houlihan

Character
Name:	Margaret Houlihan
Occupation:	Nurse
Relationships:
Fandom:	MASH
Other:
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Major Margaret Houlihan is a character from MASH. She appeared in the original book, M*A*S*H: A Novel About Three Army Doctors by Richard Hooker, in the 1970 film version (where the part was played by Sally Kellerman), and in the TV series (played by Loretta Swit). She is a career army officer, and the Chief Nurse at the 4077th MASH unit.

Canon

In the early seasons of the TV series, Margaret's overt patriotism and strict treatment of the nurses put her at odds with both the conscript medical staff, who are excellent doctors but hate the war, and with their commanding officer, Henry Blake, who is a lackadaisal leader. Instead, she allies herself with the incompetent Frank Burns, who has similar attitudes. The two conduct a torrid affair that they think no one knows about; but this does not stop her using her sex appeal on visiting senior officers. Her relationship with Frank ends in Season 5 when she returns from leave in Tokyo with the announcement that she has got engaged to Donald Penobscott; their marriage lasts for only two seasons of the show.

In the latter part of the series, Margaret mellows considerably in her attitude towards both her nurses and the other staff at the 4077th, showing a greater appreciation of their virtues and tolerance of their differences. She remains always an authority figure who demonstrates extreme competence at her job, but shows her human side to evolve into a more rounded character.

Fanworks

• AO3 fic about Margaret

Resources & External Links

• Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan article in Monster M*A*S*H Wiki