'Allo 'Allo! was a hugely successful British sitcom that ran for nine seasons from 1982 to 1992. The show was set in occupied France during World War II and followed the antics of René Artois, the owner of a café in the fictional town of Nouvion.
The café serves as a hub for a diverse group of characters including members of the Resistance, German soldiers and British airmen, all of whom are caught up in a series of comic misunderstandings and schemes.
Created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, they also wrote the majority of the episodes - they previously worked together on the successful British sitcoms 'Are You Being Served?' and 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum'.
Who were the main characters?
- René Artois – as the main protagonist of the show, René is the owner of a café in the fictional town of Nouvion. Played by Gordon Kaye; he is good-natured but hapless man who is constantly getting caught up in the schemes and misadventures of the other characters.
- Edith Artois - René's wife, who is often the butt of his jokes, works in the café with him. Despite his teasing, she is a loving and loyal wife and is also a key member of the local Resistance. She is played by Carmen Silvera.
- Yvette Carte-Blanche - a waitress at the café, who is secretly a member of the Resistance, she is flirtatious and portrayed as a man-eater. She is played by Vicki Michelle.
- Michelle Dubois – as the leader of the local Resistance, Michelle is a strong-willed and capable woman who helps to organise the group's activities. She is played by Kirsten Cooke.
- Herr Flick – played by Richard Marner, Herr Flick is an officer of the Gestapo who is constantly scheming and plotting against the other characters. He is also hiding a painting of ‘The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies’ and is in a love/hate relationship with Helga.
- Helga - Flick’s sidekick is often the target of his unwanted advances and also helps him in his plan to find the painting. She is played by Kim Hartman.
- Captain Alberto Bertorelli - an Italian officer who is in charge of the local occupying forces, he is boisterous, outgoing and something of a buffoon. He is also in love with René's wife, Edith. He is played by Gavin Richards.
- Lieutenant Gruber - a German officer stationed in Nouvion, Gruber is more intelligent and sophisticated than the other characters. He is always on the lookout to progress his career but is also a friend of René and is often dragged into his schemes. He is played by Guy Siner.
What was Allo! Allo! best known for?
The show was notable for its portrayal of the French Resistance and the German occupation of France during WWII, and it often used some of the historical events as background to its comedy. Although the humour is mostly broad, physical and slapstick, the show managed to maintain the spirit of the show without offending the memory of the war and the events it depicts.
It was also known for its broad physical comedy, puns and catchphrases, as well its ensemble cast. An incredibly popular show in Britain, it also had a following in other countries including the United States, Australia and Canada.
Three interesting facts about Allo! Allo!
1. The painting that played a central role in some episodes, ‘The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies’, is actually a real painting made by the show's designer Paul Dexter; he has produced two of them.
2. The character of René Artois was originally meant to be played by another actor, but he dropped out at the last minute, and Gordon Kaye was cast as René.
3. Carmen Silva released the full version of the Allo! Allo! theme song during the 1980s.
I think it’s fair to say, Allo! Allo! is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time – it always makes me laugh!
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