Captain Hildebrand is a US Army psychiatrist who makes a one-time appearance in the Season 2 of M*A*S*H, during the premiere episode titled "Divided We Stand". The part of Captain Hildebrand was played by Anthony Holland.
About Captain Hildebrand[]
At I Corps, General Clayton is worried that being stationed so near the front is taking a toll on the personnel of the 4077th MASH. So he sends Captain Hildebrand to observed and study the unit and recommend if it should be disbanded and the personnel distributed to other units.
Arriving at the 4077th, Hildebrand reveals his mission to Henry, who is aghast that HQ is considering breaking the 4077th up. Hildebrand tells Henry that he is there to make discreet observations and that Henry should not tell the others what his true mission is.
In spite of Hildebrand's warning, Henry does tell Hawkeye, Trapper, Frank and Margaret what the psychiatrist is here to do, so the next morning, the 4077th staff put up a show of camaraderie in the mess tent for Hildebrand's benefit. But Hildebrand sees through it all. He also sees what the campmates do when they think he is not watching - like Hawkeye and Trapper nailing shut Margaret's tent door with Frank inside and Frank sneaking out of the ladies shower tent.
After a few days observation, Hildebrand has had enough and he gathers the senior officers in Henry's office to give his conclusions. He tells them he finds the camp personnel "childish", with a delight in "petty bickering, summer-camp capers," and in generally behaving in a manner inappropriate for officers of the US Army. However his critique is interrupted by the arriving of choppers bearing wounded.
Hildebrand then tours the O.R. and sees the MASH for what it really is: a group of professionals working tightly as a well-oiled team. However the horrific scenes in the O.R. are too much for him and he goes outside to throw up.
As the O.R. session winds down, General Clayton arrives at the MASH to see how Hildebrand is doing but he is nowhere to be found! Hawkeye and Trapper finally locate him in the Swamp, drunk. Hildebrand greets Clayton, telling him the Swampmates make gin which can "melt your dog-tags".
Hildebrand delivers his report to Clayton. In his short stay, he has seen "textbook examples of neuroses, psychoses." He has seen voyeurism, fetishism and a few "isms" he has not even heard of. "These impossible people are in an impossible place doing totally impossible work. They're mad, quite mad, all of them. And the only act I can think of that would be madder still would be breaking them up."
General Clayton accepts Hildebrand's recommendation and they all drink a toast to the 4077th.
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