Q31: What is the episode "A Smile, a Song and a Surprise"?

A31: There are some questions, such as "Why did Spearchucker leave?" or what
is the name of that piece of music that Charles taught the Korean
prisoners?",  that come up regularly on the newsgroup. Some of the regulars
started to refer to a mysterious episode containing the answers to all
questions.

"A Smile, a Song and a Surprise" is the legendary and mythical episode that
includes all the unexplained details the series left unresolved (the name of
the bear, why Spearchucker left, etc).  It is broadcast once every four
years to celebrate Leap Year and every year on April 1.

"A Smile, a Song and a Surprise":
For the only time in the series history, the lyrics are sung during the
opening credits.

Radar mentions his bear's name, although the secrecy surrounding filming
required that Gary Burghoff record 947 names (some of those are Mozart,
Teddy and Rosebud) for dubbing onto that episode. The name is redubbed for
every rebroadcast. It is rumored that is the true reason for GB's departure
from the show.

After Radar left, Captain Tuttle looked after Radar's pets. Having found
Klinger's discarded dresses, Tuttle decided to form a musical trio drag act
with Captain Spaulding and Spearchucker. Their act was so bad they were
driven out of camp.

While many were busy in the mess tent for the big send-off for Spearchucker,
Richard Gere's character was dying in post-op. In a delirious state, he
informs Frank that his brother used to call him "Ferret Face"; in his last
breath, he whisper the names that stand for B.J.

As the body is loaded into the ambulance, Charles plays Mozart's Quintet for
Clarinet and Strings with his reshaped instrument and the help of some local
musicians.

The episode was written by Vic Tayback and Larry Gelbart played the supply
sergeant.