Patricia Marshall, the poker-playing 'Lt. Nelson,' was M*A*S*H producer Larry Gelbart's wife.
Hawkeye calling Trapper "Ravenal" is a reference to Gaylord Ravenal, a riverboat gambler who falls in love with the captain's daughter Magnolia "Nolie" Hawks in the movie Show Boat (1951).
Jack Soo's second and final guest appearance on the show. He previously appeared in "To Market, To Market" (1972) as black market dealer Charlie Lee.
Eldon Quick reprises his role as Captain Sloan. He previously appeared in "The Incubator" (1973). Not counting clip shows which use archive footage, this marks his last guest spot in this role. He would make one more appearance in a later episode as a different character.
The "Tooth Test," as related in this episode, is simple: Rub a pearl lightly along the biting edge of your upper front teeth. If it feels slightly rough, sandy or gritty, it's likely a cultured or natural pearl. This texture you feel is the layers of nacre that have formed over time. If the pearl feels smooth or glassy, it is likely an imitation.
Another way is to look at the pearls closely under bright light: Real pearls will have blemishes, like tiny bumps or pits on the surface, and no two pearls will appear identical when compared side-by-side. These blemishes are all natural growth features of real pearls and are a great indication of pearl quality.
Another way is to look at the pearls closely under bright light: Real pearls will have blemishes, like tiny bumps or pits on the surface, and no two pearls will appear identical when compared side-by-side. These blemishes are all natural growth features of real pearls and are a great indication of pearl quality.