"Comedy is harder to cut than straight stuff. I don't think you have to know more, but you have to have a feel for it. There's a mixture between being objective and subjective when you're putting something together. You've got to feel what is good and what your view is, and in a comedy, what is funny and what is not. How to temper it and cut it so that if it's a boom, boom, boom, you're building up to it. It's a wonderful way to cut."

    About This Interview

    In his two-hour interview, Stanford Tischler (1921-2014) talks about his early start in the business as an apprentice sound effects editor at RKO Studios. He speaks in detail about the regime at RKO (presided over by Howard Hughes) and shares his personal experiences working on the film Hard, Fast, and Beautiful directed by Ida Lupino. He describes his transition into full-fledged editing as the editor for The Filmmakers production company, run by Collier Young and Ida Lupino. Tischler speaks about his entry into television on the dramatic anthology TV Reader's Digest and talks about his work at syndication giant Ziv Productions, editing Sea Hunt and The Everglades. He briefly outlines his work editing Peyton Place and Judd for the Defense. Tischler then discusses editing the long-running series M*A*S*H. He recalls working with the producers and editing specific episodes of the hit series. B-roll consists of several photos relating to M*A*S*H, including shots from the editing suites. Gary Rutkowski conducted the interview on November 19, 2003 in Sherman Oaks, CA.

    All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.
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    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on getting hired on M*A*S*H and his experience editing the pilot

    02:45
    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on his experiences and work on the series TV Reader's Digest

    05:28
    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on M*A*S*H as his proudest career achievement

    00:22
    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on how the racy reputation of Peyton Place lost his daughter one of her friends

    00:37
    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on his experience working with Frank Capra, while working as a sound effects editor on "It's A Wonderful Life"

    00:33
    Thumbnail of Stanford Tischler

    Stanford Tischler on winning an Emmy for editing M*A*S*H

    00:39
    Play Full Interview

    Chapter 1

    On his childhood and early influences; on moving to California in 1940 and becoming a sound effects editor at RKO; on serving in World War II as a film editor

    09:19

    On editing sound effects on "It's A Wonderful Life"; on the process of cutting sound

    04:08

    On sound editing on the feature film "Hard, Fast, and Beautiful" (1951); on working with Ida Lupino and Collier Young at The Filmmakers; on leaving RKO to join The Filmmakers at Republic

    06:52

    On editing the film "The Bigamist"; on the process of film editing in the 1950s

    05:03

    On his early memories of television

    01:54

    Chapter 2

    On his start in TV with Revue Productions; on editing TV Reader's Digest

    06:54

    On not knowing any editors affected by the Hollywood Blacklist; on editing Bachelor Father (and occasionally Leave it to Beaver) at Revue Studios

    08:58

    On working for Ziv Productions; on editing Sea Hunt; on working on the pilot Medicine Man starring Ernie Kovacs, which was being shot at the time of Kovacs' death

    05:48

    On the stock footage available at Ziv; on shooting his own stock footage; on editing syndicated shows at Revue; on being hired to edit Peyton Place after turning to real estate when he was out of work

    06:50

    Chapter 3

    On editing Peyton Place; on starting as an associate producer on Judd For the Defense after salvaging the pilot

    04:16

    On editing The New People, Storefront Lawyers, and The Partners

    04:20

    On getting hired on M*A*S*H and his experience editing the pilot; on assembling the opening titles shots and working with the producers

    10:03

    On the tone of M*A*S*H; on a typical work week and working with the cast

    09:37

    Chapter 4

    On winning an Emmy for editing M*A*S*H; on his recollections of editing specific episodes

    16:51

    On editing Peyton Place: The Next Generation and The Paper Chase

    01:32

    On his proudest achievement, advice to aspiring editors, and how he would like to be remembered

    02:14

    B-roll photos from his time editing M*A*S*H

    02:18

    AfterMASH

    Stanford Tischler the series AfterMASH and how it was edited

    01:37

    Bachelor Father

    Stanford Tischler on his work editing Bachelor Father (and occasionally Leave it to Beaver) at Revue Studios

    03:27

    Stanford Tischler on being let go from Revue Studios (where he worked on Bachelor Father) because his salary was too high

    00:42

    Code 3

    Stanford Tischler on shooting stock footage on his weekends and providing specific shots for Code 3

    00:27

    Everglades!

    Stanford Tischler on the 16mm color syndicated film series Everglades!

    00:51

    Judd for the Defense

    Stanford Tischler on starting as an associate producer on Judd For the Defense after salvaging the pilot 

    01:06

    Stanford Tischler on the underrated talents of Judd for the Defense lead Carl Betz

    00:37

    Leave it to Beaver

    Stanford Tischler on his work editing Bachelor Father (and occasionally Leave it to Beaver) at Revue Studios

    03:27

    M*A*S*H

    Stanford Tischler on getting hired on M*A*S*H and his experience editing the pilot

    02:53

    Stanford Tischler on assembling the opening titles shots for M*A*S*H 

    00:55

    Stanford Tischler on the challenges of editing M*A*S*H

    00:53

    Stanford Tischler on Larry Gelbart's penchant for "fixes" on M*A*S*H  

    01:04

    Stanford Tischler on working with executive producer Gene Reynolds on M*A*S*H  

    00:28

    Stanford Tischler on Larry Gelbart's talents on M*A*S*H  

    00:33

    Stanford Tischler on the tone of M*A*S*H and its message

    01:55

    Stanford Tischler on the laugh track on M*A*S*H  

    01:01

    Stanford Tischler on working with executive producer Burt Metcalfe on M*A*S*H  

    00:29

    Stanford Tischler on a typical work week on M*A*S*H  

    01:58

    Stanford Tischler on the overlapping of episodes in production on M*A*S*H  

    01:32

    Stanford Tischler on becoming an associate producer on M*A*S*H  

    00:24

    Stanford Tischler on working with M*A*S*H star Alda Alda

    00:40

    Stanford Tischler on working with M*A*S*H star McLean Stevenson

    01:39

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "Abyssinia, Henry" and when he was informed about the show's ending

    01:13

    Stanford Tischler on being on the set of M*A*S*H

    00:22

    Stanford Tischler on not laughing while screening dailies with cast and crew because he was concentrating on his work on M*A*S*H

    00:57

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

    00:56

    Stanford Tischler on winning an Emmy for editing M*A*S*H

    00:39

    Stanford Tischler on being proud of his work editing M*A*S*H

    00:32

    Stanford Tischler on editing the blooper reels for M*A*S*H

    00:52

    Stanford Tischler on the M*A*S*H episode "Point of View"

    00:51

    Stanford Tischler on the M*A*S*H episode "Old Soldiers" with a moving speech by Harry Morgan

    00:51

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "Life Time," shown in real time, and how it compared to the 1949 feature film The Set-Up that he worked on, which was also presented in real time

    01:18

    Stanford Tischler on the M*A*S*H episode "Dreams" and censorship issues on the show

    02:13

    Stanford Tischler on the high standard for quality on M*A*S*H

    00:33

    Stanford Tischler the M*A*S*H series finale, and how he noticed that the streets were empty while it aired

    02:31

    Stanford Tischler on the legacy of M*A*S*H

    00:48

    Stanford Tischler on how actor Harry Morgan disliked performing the racist moment required of his character in his guest appearance on M*A*S*H in "The General Flipped at Dawn" (which preceded his regular role)

    01:24

    Stanford Tischler on M*A*S*H as his proudest career achievement

    00:28

    Stanford Tischler on photos from his time editing M*A*S*H

    02:18

    M*A*S*H: "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen"

    Stanford Tischler the M*A*S*H series finale, and how he noticed that the streets were empty while it aired

    02:31

    M*A*S*H: "The Interview"

    Stanford Tischler on editing the classic M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

    00:56

    Medicine Man

    Stanford Tischler on working on the pilot Medicine Man that starred Ernie Kovacs, which was being shot at the time of Kovacs' death

    01:50

    New People, The

    Stanford Tischler on editing The New People

    00:51

    Only in America

    Stanford Tischler on how the mid-70s pilot Only in America was not picked up by ABC because it was considered too "ethnic"

    01:10

    Our Man Higgins

    Stanford Tischler on editing Our Man Higgins

    00:37

    Paper Chase, The

    Stanford Tischler on editing The Paper Chase

    00:35

    Partners, The

    Stanford Tischler on how stars Don Adams and Rupert Crosse had a falling out and didn't work together outside of shooting their master shots, making scenes difficult to edit on The Partners

    01:51

    Peyton Place

    Stanford Tischler on being hired on Peyton Place after turning to real estate when he was out of work

    00:54

    Stanford Tischler on the use of long takes on Peyton Place  

    00:36

    Stanford Tischler on editing Peyton Place and working with writer/producer Paul Monash

    01:14

    Stanford Tischler on how the racy reputation of Peyton Place lost his daughter one of her friends

    00:37

    Stanford Tischler on the failure of the TV movie Peyton Place: The Next Generation

    00:57

    Peyton Place: The Next Generation

    Stanford Tischler on the failure of the TV movie Peyton Place: The Next Generation

    00:57

    Sea Hunt

    Stanford Tischler on editing Sea Hunt

    01:07

    Storefront Lawyers, The

    Stanford Tischler on editing The Storefront Lawyers

    00:52

    TV Reader's Digest

    Stanford Tischler on editing TV Reader's Digest

    05:28

    Advice

    Stanford Tischler on advice to an aspiring editor

    00:50

    Bloopers

    Stanford Tischler on editing the blooper reels for M*A*S*H

    00:09

    Censorship / Standards & Practices

    Stanford Tischler on censorship issues on M*A*S*H and how decades earlier in the 1950s the word "condominium" was deleted from a script

    00:55

    Classic TV Series Episodes

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "Abyssinia, Henry" and when he was informed about the show's ending

    01:13

    Emmy Awards

    Stanford Tischler on winning an Emmy for editing M*A*S*H

    00:39

    Historic Events and Social Change

    Stanford Tishchler on serving in World War II as a film editor

    03:21

    Stanford Tischler on how the mid-70s pilot Only in America was not picked up by ABC because it was considered too "ethnic"

    01:10

    Hollywood Blacklist

    Stanford Tischler on not knowing any editors affected by the Hollywood Blacklist

    01:12

    Industry Crossroads

    Stanford Tischler on not knowing any editors affected by the Hollywood Blacklist

    01:12

    Memorable Moments on Television

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "Abyssinia, Henry" and when he was informed about the show's ending

    01:13

    Representation on Television

    Stanford Tischler on how the mid-70s pilot Only in America was not picked up by ABC because it was considered too "ethnic"

    01:06

    Television Industry

    Stanford Tischler on not knowing any editors affected by the Hollywood Blacklist

    01:12

    Stanford Tischler on censorship issues on M*A*S*H and how decades earlier in the 1950s the word "condominium" was deleted from a script

    00:55

    Stanford Tischler on advice to an aspiring editor

    00:50

    War

    Stanford Tishchler on serving in World War II as a film editor

    03:21

    We Cried

    Stanford Tischler on the classic M*A*S*H episode "Abyssinia, Henry" and when he was informed about the show's ending

    01:13

    World War II

    Stanford Tishchler on serving in World War II as a film editor

    03:21

    Editor

    Stanford Tishchler on the process of film editing in the 1950s

    02:47

    Stanford Tischler on editing comedy

    00:55

    Stanford Tischler on editing Westerns and his thoughts on editing

    02:04

    Stanford Tischler on advice to an aspiring editor

    00:50

    Post-Production Professionals

    Stanford Tishchler on the process of film editing in the 1950s

    02:47

    Stanford Tischler on editing comedy

    00:55

    Stanford Tischler on editing Westerns and his thoughts on editing

    02:03

    Stanford Tischler on advice to an aspiring editor

    00:50

    Producers

    Stanford Tischler on the role of an associate producer

    00:29

    Sound Editor

    Stanford Tishchler on not enjoying cutting sound

    01:33

    Sound Professionals

    Stanford Tishchler on not enjoying cutting sound

    01:33

    Comedy Series

    Stanford Tischler on editing M*A*S*H

    19:38

    Stanford Tischler on editing specific episodes of M*A*S*H

    16:51

    Harry Ackerman

    Stanford Tischler on working with producer Harry Ackerman

    00:53

    Alan Alda

    Stanford Tischler on working with M*A*S*H star Alda Alda

    00:40

    Carl Betz

    Stanford Tischler on the underrated talents of Judd for the Defense lead Carl Betz

    00:37

    Frank Capra

    Stanford Tischler on his experience working with Frank Capra, while working as a sound effects editor on "It's A Wonderful Life"

    00:33

    Larry Gelbart

    Stanford Tischler on Larry Gelbart's penchant for "fixes" on M*A*S*H  

    01:04

    Stanford Tischler on Larry Gelbart's talents on M*A*S*H  

    00:33

    Howard Hughes

    Stanford Tischler on Howard Hughes' attempts to lengthen the production of the feature film "Hard, Fast, and Beautiful" (1951)

    03:23

    Ernie Kovacs

    Stanford Tischler on working on the pilot Medicine Man that starred Ernie Kovacs, which was being shot at the time of Kovacs' death

    01:50

    Ida Lupino

    Stanford Tischler on working with Ida Lupino and Collier Young at The Filmmakers

    00:50

    Stanford Tischler on Ida Lupino never losing battles (re: Don Siegel) and her talent/respect by crews

    01:26

    Burt Metcalfe

    Stanford Tischler on working with executive producer Burt Metcalfe on M*A*S*H  

    00:29

    Paul Monash

    Stanford Tischler on editing Peyton Place and working with writer/producer Paul Monash

    00:26

    Harry Morgan

    Stanford Tischler on how actor Harry Morgan disliked performing the racist moment required of his character in his guest appearance on M*A*S*H in "The General Flipped at Dawn" (which preceded his regular role)

    01:18

    Stanford Tischler on M*A*S*H 's Harry Morgan

    01:53

    Gene Reynolds

    Stanford Tischler on working with executive producer Gene Reynolds on M*A*S*H  

    00:28

    Don Siegel

    Stanford Tischler on working with Don Siegel

    01:01

    McLean Stevenson

    Stanford Tischler on working with M*A*S*H star McLean Stevenson

    01:39

    Loretta Swit

    Stanford Tischler on M*A*S*H star Loretta Swit

    00:17

    Collier Young

    Stanford Tischler on working with Ida Lupino and Collier Young at The Filmmakers

    00:33

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