Allo 'Allo! -

Premise:

“Allo ‘Allo!” is a British sitcom set during World War II, known for its clever humor and farcical situations. The series is centered around René Artois, the owner of a small café in the fictional town of Nouvion in Nazi-occupied France. René becomes entangled in a web of espionage and secret operations involving the British, French Resistance, and German occupying forces. The show humorously explores the absurdities and complexities of wartime situations, blending slapstick comedy with clever wordplay.

Main Central Characters:

René Artois (Gorden Kaye): The charismatic and resourceful café owner caught between various factions, often finding himself in hilarious predicaments.
Edith Artois (Carmen Silvera): René’s tone-deaf wife who owns a small part of the café, and her singing often serves as a running gag.
Michelle Dubois (Kirsten Cooke, later Sue Hodge): The leader of the local French Resistance, using René’s café as a base for her operations.
Colonel Kurt von Strohm (Richard Marner): A bumbling German officer who engages in numerous schemes with René to benefit both sides.
Lieutenant Gruber (Guy Siner): An effeminate German officer with a fondness for painting and a secret crush on René.
Officer Crabtree (Arthur Bostrom): A British undercover agent with a comical inability to speak French fluently.

Themes:

The series satirizes war and its absurdities, emphasizing the absurd situations that arise from the characters’ conflicting loyalties and the constant misunderstandings between the factions. The show cleverly uses mistaken identities, wordplay, and physical comedy to create a lighthearted take on the serious backdrop of World War II.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5):

“Allo ‘Allo!” received praise for its witty writing, clever wordplay, and the talented ensemble cast. Critics appreciated its ability to tackle sensitive historical subjects with humor while maintaining a strong narrative throughout its run.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

The show typically carries a TV-PG rating due to its comedic nature, with content generally suitable for all ages, though some parental guidance may be advised.

Original Network and Run:

“Allo ‘Allo!” originally aired on BBC One and ran from 1982 to 1992, totaling ten series.