Television Thursday Review: Hogan’s Heroes

The Gang!

Hogan’s Heroes (1966-1971)

Starring: Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, Richard Dawson, Robert Clary, Ivan Dixon, Larry Hovis, John Banner, Cynthia Lynn, Sigrid Valdis, Leon Askin, and Kenneth Washington

Summary

Stalag 13 is a World War Two Prisoner of War camp run by Commandant Colonel Wilhelm Klink (Werner Klemperer). A man who thinks very highly of himself, but in actuality, is not the smartest of men. His trusty sergeant is Hans Schultz (John Banner), who is just as stupid as he is, but is more willing to go along with the allies. Klink is always in fear of his commanding General, Burkhalter (Leon Askin), who makes many surprise visits and intimidates Klink.

Burkhalter makes a visit…

Leading the allied prisoners, is the ever capable, and ever cunning, Colonel Robert E. Hogan. An American, his favorite thing involves a blond or a brunette, but he can’t always decide. He can often be found in Klink’s office, attempting to drop suggestions to Klink, who usually falls for them or stealing a kiss or two from one of Klink’s secretaries Helga or Hilda (Cynthia Lynn and Sigrid Valdis).

Hogan with Hilda

Under Colonel Hogan’s direction, are his band of “heroes”. From France, Corporal Louis LeBeau is the cook, very concerned with good food. Corporal Peter Newkirk (Richard Dawson) is the British pick-pocket and tailor, he is able to open any safe and use almost any accent. Technical Sergeant Andrew Carter (Larry Hovis) and Sergeant James “Kinch” Kinchloe (Ivan Dixon) are the other Americans in the camp. Carter is the bomb and chemistry expert, he also brings humor to the situation. Kinch is the technology and communications expert, having a secret radio underground in their tunnel and bugs in all the important places (including in Klink’s office connected to their coffee pot).

Listening through the coffee pot.

Due to the ineptness of the Nazis in Stalag 13, Hogan and his heroes have built an entire section of underground tunnels, complete with radio room, emergency tunnels, and entrances into every building in the camp. Getting orders from England, the heroes work with the Underground to get people out of Germany. Along the way, they accomplish some espionage and their own war. Doing the impossible, they accomplish much for the war effort and have a laugh at the Nazi’s expense. And while this happens, not one “escape” occurs as the prisoners are all still there. Leaving the Nazis believing that Klink runs the “toughest POW camp in all of Germany”. The toughest commandant loves to play his violin, but is quite bad at it, often leaving no other choice to Hogan then to steal it.

Violin torture

Review

Hogan’s Heroes is an extremely funny series that makes complete fun of the Nazis. Whatever they do, they always fail. This was the intention of the creators, in fact Werner Klemperer himself wanted his character to be stupid and to not accomplish anything. A touchy subject, a POW camp, the writers do a good job of making it funny enough with a few serious parts intertwined.

Carter becomes Hitler O_O

For younger children, there’s the caution that Hogan lies throughout the whole thing to get his way and usually kisses a girl in each episode. Played as a “classic American playboy”, he does the job well.

Kinch underground in the radio room

With that warning, it is very light for a show based on a POW camp. Will definitely bring a laugh to everyone. The conversations between Klink and Hogan are played so well. The unique perspective of each person from different countries and different military sections brings color to the show, adding a great deal. John Banner plays Schultz to perfection. He is known for saying,

I see nothing! I know nothing!

And turning his back on whatever it is the prisoners are doing for the allies! Hogan is convinced that keeping Klink in command is the best thing, as he’s the only one who would not be smart enough to catch on to what they’re actually doing. And, Schultz must be kept around, because it would take too long to bribe another guard into helping them.

A planning session in progress!

So, sit back and enjoy an episode! 😉

The entrance to the tunnel is in the bunk.

Ellen Nolan

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