Watch Allo' Allo'!
- 1982
- 9 Seasons
Allo' Allo' is a British sitcom that aired on BBC One from 1982 to 1992. The show, set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, tells the story of a French café owner, René Artois (Gorden Kaye), who becomes involved in various plots to aid the French Resistance and help Allied soldiers escape. René's café, which is located in the fictional town of Nouvion, serves as a front for the Resistance's activities. René, who is married but has a roving eye, finds himself caught in a complicated love triangle with his wife, Edith (Carmen Silvera), and his waitresses, Yvette (Vicki Michelle) and Maria (Francesca Gonshaw). Meanwhile, the local German military commander, Colonel von Strohm (Richard Marner), and his bumbling assistant, Lieutenant Gruber (Guy Siner), are constantly scheming to steal a valuable painting from the café that they plan to sell for their own profit. Other recurring characters include Michelle (Kirsten Cooke), a member of the Resistance who frequently enlists René's help; Crabtree (Arthur Bostrom), a British spy posing as a gendarme who speaks terrible French; and the Italian captain, Alberto Bertorelli (Gavin Richards), who has a tendency to break into song at inappropriate times. The show is known for its farcical humor, slapstick comedy, and use of catchphrases such as "Good moaning" and "Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once." The characters often find themselves in ridiculous situations, such as hiding in a fridge or dressing up as nuns in order to escape from the Germans. Despite its lighthearted tone, Allo' Allo' also tackles serious themes such as the hardships of life under occupation, the dangers faced by Resistance fighters, and the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. The show has been criticized by some for its portrayal of Germans as one-dimensional villains, but others argue that the stereotypical characters are meant to be satirical and that the show should be viewed in the context of its time. Allo' Allo' was a commercial and critical success, with millions of viewers tuning in each week and the show being broadcast in over 60 countries. It spawned a number of catchphrase-based spin-offs and adaptations, including a stage play and a board game. The show's popularity also led to the creation of other sitcoms set in wartime Europe, such as 'Allo 'Allo!'s spiritual successor 'Secret Army' and the BBC's 'Allo 'Allo!'-inspired 'Oh, Doctor Beeching!'. Despite its popularity, the show has also faced criticism in recent years for its use of potentially offensive stereotypes and its portrayal of sexual harassment and infidelity as comedic. However, many viewers continue to enjoy the show for its nostalgic and escapist qualities. In conclusion, Allo' Allo' is a classic British sitcom that combines farcical humor with serious themes and explores life under occupation during World War II. Its colorful characters and iconic catchphrases have become embedded in pop culture and the show remains a beloved favorite of many viewers.
