Home Movie Reviews

With its first three series, the popularity of Absolutely Fabulous just grew and grew. Millions tuned in every week for an outrageous helping of their favourite comic duo who drink, smoke and refuse to grow any older. Jennifer Saunders is once again superb as the evil and self-obsessed Edina Monsoon as is Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone. Julia Sawalha is brilliant as Edina's long-suffering daughter Saffy, but seems a little distracted from her performance; she was spot-on and perfect in Series 2. June Whitfield and Jane Horrocks are also excellent as Edina's mother and Bubble respectively. The two became big stars after their career-revival through Absolutely Fabulous, and rightly so! There is a big list of celebrity guests in Series 3, ranging from Kate O'Mara, Gary Beadle, Naomi Campbell, Lulu, Celia Imrie, Kathy Burke, Ruby Wax and Josie Lawrence.

Doorhandle is the first episode of Series 3 and a superb one to start it off. Edina's got an electronic organiser which controls her life. Apparently she got it free because, "It's the latest thing!" Since Patsy burnt down their kitchen in the Series 2 finale, Edina and Saffy's kitchen has been left in ruins. To begin with, Edina and Patsy fly to New York to buy a doorhandle! Happy New Year is just a classic episode, and one of the best in the show's history. It's New Year's Eve and Edina's house is full of all the people she hates - her mother, her ex-husband and his boyfriend Oliver, Bubble and Sarah (Saffy's best friend). Things only get worse when Patsy's older sister, Jackie, arrives on the scene. It's the first time they've seen each other in 20 years and she spoils Edina's plans in a big way for a night out on the town. Kate O'Mara plays Jackie as Patsy's older sister incredibly well and she gives some of the most hilarious scenes in the episode. For example, she says to Edina when she first meets Saffy, "Oh well, too late to flush her now!" In the end, Patsy discovers a whole different side to Jackie than she had ever dreamed of, and the revelation that she's 72 makes Patsy seriously question how old she is! Sex is an episode loved by a lot of people, but I don't quite see what the appeal is. After discovering a filthy magazine in her son's bedroom, Edina plans an orgy with a man of her choice - along with Patsy and her man! As usual, things go totally wrong and they're forced to race around to find Saffy's college lecture to recover the two tapes that are mixed up - one on science DNA, and the other one of Patsy's dirtier ones!

Jealous is one of the best episodes in Series 3. Edina and Patsy are attending the PR PR Person's Awards Dinner Of The Lunch Month. Edina hopes to win the top award, but fails against her arch-rival Claudia Bing. Even after choosing and bribing the judges, she still looses to that Bing woman! Naomi Campbell also stars in this episode as the stuck-up and very difficult supermodel who is pestered by everyone every minute of her life. Meanwhile, Saffy has a new love interest in a college lecturer. When the revelation that he is married with four children comes out, Edina's punch to the face sorts him out! Fear is probably the worst episode of Series 3, in which Saffy has now left home to attend college and after a bust-up with Edina, Patsy moves to New York, while Edina resides to the country to "find herself." The episode is good, but not much happens. The End is the final episode of Series 3. Edina and Patsy aren't finding much happiness in their new homes, and if the truth be told, they miss each other dearly - not that they'd actually confess to that. Edina decides to track Patsy down in New York, and the reunion on top of a skyscraper is a great moment to see these two life-long friends reunited at last. The two return home and are the subject to a screaming lecture from Saffy, before a hilarious look at what the whole bunch of them will be like in 25 years' time!

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Series 3 of Absolutely Fabulous is a lot more sophisticated and aware of its popularity than Series 1 and Series 2 were. The jokes and gags keep on coming, almost at five-second gaps! The guest-stars are all superb, and the storylines which happen in each episode seem to be at their peak in Series 3 more so than in any other series of the show. The selection of 15 Minutes Of Out-Takes is brilliant and are almost as funny as the episodes themselves. Don't hesitate, buy Absolutely Fabulous Series 3 DVD now!

Break out the Bolly and the Japanese finger-food for the third hilarious series of ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, the show that is - well - absolutely fabulous!

DOORHANDLE - Edina's got an electronic organiser and a plan to become a model (of efficiency, that is). And what's more efficient than flying to New York on the Concorde for a doorknob?

HAPPY NEW YEAR - It's New Year's Eve and Edina's got a full house - including Patsy's ultra-glam sister Jackie. But Edina's not going to let the crowd interfere with her resolution to have more fun!

SEX - Edina and Patsy plan to get in touch with their inner sexuality - they're planning an orgy!

JEALOUS - Edina's feeling low and needs an award for her PR work to make her feel better. Supermodel Naomi Campbell could be her ticket to success (that's if arch-rival Claudia Bing doesn't get to her first!).

FEAR - Saffy's moved out and Mother has become a Shopping Network junkie. Patsy might be moving to New York and suddenly Edina is free to change the whole direction of her life. Straight down could be a refreshing course!

THE END - Cosmodrama, deep breathing, sand play - Edina's on a quest for inner peace and enlightenment. Before the search drives her crazy, she'd better find Patsy in New York...

With Jennifer Saunders (Edina), Joanna Lumley (Patsy), Julia Sawalha (Saffy), June Whitfield (Mother) and Kathy Burke (Magda).

Guest starring Helen Lederer, Gary Beadle, Lulu, Celia Imrie, Naomi Campbell, Ruby Wax, Josie Lawrence and Kate O'Mara.

FINALLY! From what was supposed to be the FINAL SEASON of this classic BBC comedy, another six adventures of EDINA and PATSY (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley), as they bow out with the total lack of grace you have come to expect from these wacky women! RELIVE the crazed comedy from Series 3 in these SIX priceless episodes: "Door Handle," "Happy New Year," "Sex," "Jealous," Fear" and, of course, "The End!" But do not PANIC! Do not WORRY! There is talk of an AB FAB revival! In YOUR lifetime! And if that is not enough, there are also priceless OUTTAKES! What more could you POSSIBLY WANT?!?!?!

Anyone who knows the babylon 5 universe, knows how great this novel that was not an actual novel is. I watched the stories many times esspecially now that it is in syndication. What is great about the dvds version is that we get soem of the back ground information that is helpful. Any sci-fi fan, or anyone who is interested in the future would love this series.

This collection of the first three seasons is more expensive (by $25 at the time I'm writing this) than buying the first three seasons individually. Why should we buy this super-collection?

Still a great show; I'm just pointing out the price discrepancy.

It's finally here! Finally, a Widescreen, complete collection of the first 3 amazing seasons of the best show on television! Fans are able to witness the development of their beloved characters, both personality-wise and physically, as makeup improves and actors become comfortable with their characters.
While Season 1's very first episode shows us the most awkward blocking of characters, directors quickly learn how to handle their characters and the environment of B5, and by the end of the first season, it has an entirely different feel to it altogether. At first Season 1 may seem like it has the danger of too much resembling Star Trek ... episodes - unconnected, independent stories, but these serve as character development pieces, placing the characters in sticky situations to show audiences how they will characteristically react (pun). As it progresses, however, we see returning characters (e.g., Sinclair's girlfriend, and Bester) as well as returning events and threats, and the hint of the ultimate danger to come: the Shadow War. The quality of Season 1 also isn't perfect on DVD, with odd lighting and less than good quality footage in some shots, but it doesn't detract one bit.
By Season 2 this Shadow threat is greater than ever and more real than anyone can ignore. The escalation of the Centauri-Narn War is maddening and moving, and we witness Londo's descent into darkness with the help of the ever-smiling Morden. Season 2's set of DVDs also offers us hilarious commentary by the cast and "God" (JMS) himself, as well as an informative data and character fact file in the "Special Features section", which should be watched only AFTER viewing the entire 6 discs, as it gives everything away that happened in that season and the season preceeding.
Season 3 IS the Point of No Return! And the point where you simply cannot stop watching or there was no point in starting. With the introduction of Marcus (sigh), why would you stop watching anyway? Some questions are answered, while JMS throws more at you in their place. The season starts off with a bang and that momentum is already enough to keep the high-intensity going throughout the rest of the season.
The introductory pieces by JMS are a treat. There's nothing better than hearing the creator's vision straight from his own mouth. Again, something to be viewed AFTER finishing the season - too many spoilers.
The behind the scenes documentaries don't spoil the fun of the show, however, and it's great to see what the actors look like out of costume; sometimes it's hard to remember they're not really aliens!
The best investment you'll make is in this set of DVDs. While it's great to have all first 3 seasons out on dvd, commercial free... The commercials DID add one thing: a chance to reflect on what just happened or was said. The fade to black is ok for that too, tho: Just hit pause there and get a snack!
Even if you've never watched before, take a look. I guarantee that even if you don't like Sci Fi, this series holds something more in store for you. It grows on you and offers you an unforgettable, meaningful story with unforgettable, loveable characters, even at their worst. Hard to pass up. I highly recommend that you don't. =) Happy viewing!

All what is said in the previous reviews is true. This DVD is about real bellydance and not a boring aerobics workout with some integrated hip drop...I'm a bellydancer for hobby and I learned a lot watching Ranja and Marina. The other two dancers' performances are interesting for culture but the moves are not very exciting. I hope we will be able to find more real-Bellydance-DVDs like this one on Amazon.com very soon.

Don't know if you want to study modern Cabaret, traditional Egyptian, Turkish, or Persian folk? I didn't. I knew I loved the 9/8 Turkish Roman time, but couldn't find any performances to this fabulous Eastern music. Until now. Rania does a good job on the Turkish Rompi Rompi (she's no Eva Cernik, but she's very good). The set isn't very imaginative, but the dancers' expertise and gorgeous costuming make up for it. (The only style missing is American Tribal.) If you're looking for beautiful Persian, Egyptian, traditional Cabaret, or lively Turkish dancing to incorporate into your workouts & performances, this is a fun way try something new; just be ready to move very fast!

This is an excellent collection showing a wide range of bellydance styles. The cover features four dancers, although two of them (Rania and Marina) have been allocated rather more time than the others. Rania performs a very slinky and sexy sword dance, whilst Marina performs the wildest drum solo I have ever seen! This DVD should be bought by all afficionados of the belly dance.

This is a superbly entertaining documentary capturing the brilliance, boldness, and bawdiness of Ben Franklin. It covers Franklin's rise to wealth as a businessman who, among other things, established perhaps the first organization for young entrepeneurs to network. It chronicles his role as a scientist (experimenting with electricity) and inventor (e.g., the Franklin stove and bifocals). Then we see how Franklin's role as diplomat helped secure the American colonies' success in freeing themselves from British rule. This documentary captures both Franklin's genius and his impishness. Franklin was a shrewd strategist who achieved his aims through calculation, perseverance, and a nimble wit. Not the typical marble statue portrayal of one of our founding fathers, "Benjamin Franklin," shows the real flesh and blood character of Franklin who was nothing if not colorful.

This is one of my favorite documentaries to date. The acting is top notch for the young Franklin, the elder Franklin, and others in Franklin's life. Re-enactments and unique footage fill the majority of scenes instead of musty paintings or drawings. The whole documentary has a fresh and witty feel.

What impressed me most, though, was how clearly and informatively the documentary sets out the life of Franklin, his character, and his effect on early America and the world. Not only is he revealed as a genius and a founding father, he is shown as a humorous man and the quintessential American. Franklin displays all the unique traits that define the American character, from the refusal to accept social status as fixed by birth to the constant search for scientific truths.

Two parts, both excellent. The documentary should have great appeal to any age with even the vaguest interest in American history.

Benjamin Franklin is an impressive production about an amazing person - in the Ken Burns tradition, but better.

It's probably a well-known fact that some of the best martial arts movies come from Hong Kong. CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON is a contemporary classic from Hong Kong. Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chow Yun-Fat are all martial arts legends who have made it big through the Hong Kong cinema. Cory Yuen (aka Yuen Woo Ping) has made himself a household name by staging the karate battles in such outstanding kung fu films as THE MATRIX, CROUCHING TIGER, THE ONE, CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE, THE TRANSPORTER, etc.

Don "The Dragon" Wilson, WKA World Light-Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, stars in BLOODFIST V:HUMAN TARGET, a movie very much in the tradition of Hong Kong cinema. "The Dragon" plays Jim Stanton, a federal agent hell-bent on breaking up the arms-smuggling ring of Kwon, a nefarious Chinese criminal whose latest deal involves some stolen plutonium. Unfortunately, Stanton is shot in the head and left for dead by some of Kwon's meanies. He awakens in a hospital bed with his memory completely erased. Both Kwon and Stanton's superiors, who believe he's become a double agent, have him at the top of their hit lists, making his "wife" Candy (Denice Duff) his only ally.

There's no denying that HUMAN TARGET's martial arts sequences are lavish and flashy. One of the great things about Don "The Dragon"'s movies is that he's always given worthy opponents to go toe-to-toe with. In HUMAN TARGET, one of them is Steve James, whose been in such karate gems as the AMERICAN NINJA series. I rank him at the same level of all the best opponent's Don "The Dragon" stuck it out with, including Billy Blanks (BLOODFIST), Maurice Smith (BLOODFIST II), Gary Daniels (BLOODFIST IV:DIE TRYING), and Matthias Hues (BLACKBELT).

Still, it's Don "The Dragon"'s movie, all the way, and how better to showcase his astonishing kickboxing abilities than to put him in a Hong Kong-esque kung fu movie?

I had no expectations when I popped in this video, which might be why I absolutely thought it was the greatest film since "Total Recall." Great twists and turns, and "The Dragon" was quite good. I appreciate his realistic fighting style rather than all this "wire work" that is so preposterous in movies like "The Matrix." This film really deserves attention. It is that good. I highly suggest getting this film.

Move over Steven Segal. This picture has a great plot, filled with turns in the plot that keep you guessing, never knowing who to trust. Denise Duff is quite good in this. Who is she?! Usually, in a kickboxing film you only get long drawn out fights and little story. This film has terrific fights that don't outlast their welcome and a story that really works. Technical credits are solid. Writing and directing are top notch.

I loved this movie from beginning to end. Marc Singer made this movie so interesting in my opinion. I haven't seen a movie of this genre since "Fatal Attraction" (which was just as awesome).

This a great movie not only because Marc Singer is in it, but is very well done. Don't be put off by similarities to Fatal Attraction...it is in some ways better. Plus Marc shows his behind.

First off everyone should watch this movie for one reason alone! Marc Singer! This guy was the Beastmaster...THE BEASTMASTER!! Not to mention staring in tons of great soft core Cinemax at night style movies. Don't stop with this movie. Watch Street Corner Justice, Cyberzone, Deep Space, etc. The list goes on and on. This movie right here is pure genius. Leonard Maltin refers to it as a Fatal Attraction clone but in reality this movie was filmed prior to Fatal Attraction. It just took longer to get released because it lacked the mega-starpower that Fatal Attraction had. Not to mention this is far superior. Marc Singer is ten times tougher than Michael Douglas. And with lines like "I didn't want anything serious, but you do. You want to get beaten up." it's clear that the scriptwriter was a absolute genious. I cannot say enough of how great this movie really is. Please do yourself a huge favor and pick this screen gem up immediately.

I am a huge fan of cheers, and nothing makes me happier than to finally see that Paramount will continue releasing Cheers on DVD.
The special features appear to be bigger and better in Season two, and this collection is a treat to any Cheers fan because some of the best episodes of the series were from season two. Sam and Diane's relationship took off, and look for the reactons of the other regulars...to quote Norm Peterson "I miss the good old days when they threw up at the sight of eachother"
Season is gets 5 stars becasuse of brilliant writting, and the exceptionally talented acting.

This season showcases what is probably the best chemestry ever broadcast.
The acting and writing is some of the finest to grace the airwaves. Diane as played brilliantly by Shelly Long is a real treat.
The show is a wonderful depiction of a diverse group of customers and employees that come together in something of a surrogate family in a boston bar.
This portion of the series also functions as a great romantic comedy fueled by stellar chemistry between Diane and Sam as polar opposites that attract. Very sharp humor and great dialogue punctuate the series. One of the best television shows of all time. These shows are highly repeatable and worth owning.

Cheers is the best show ever!! I bought the First Season the day it came out, and I'll buy the Second Season the day it comes out.The writing is brilliant, the acting is the best that's ever been on TV. The First and Second Season are the the best seasons ever!! Along with the 3rd, 4th, 5th etc. The whole show is great and there is not one thing wrong with it. Anybody who is anybody will own this, along with the First Season, and every other season that comes out. I have alot of respect for this show. So join Sam, Cliff, Coach, Carla, Norm, and Diane, in the Second Season of the greatest show ever!!! Pull up a stool, and get ready to laugh with the gang at the Boston bar where everybody knows your name. CHEERS

Believe it or not, although 'Are You Being Served?' is a British comedy, not ONE single episode of it is available on DVD in Britain! You can therefore imagine how surprised I was to discover that the situation "across the pond" is totally different!

It's extremely bizarre and ironic that 'Are You Being Served?' is not available on DVD in the UK, because A) it was made here, and B) it is still very popular over here! We still have daily repeats on cable television, and the movie is available on DVD over here, but no actual episodes (just a couple of clips on BBC compilation DVDs of 'classic' comedy moments). A few randomly selected episodes were released on VHS several years ago, but even these are now sadly long deleted. True, the Americans probably have a more 'obsessive' affection for this show than we do (because they love the quaint 'Britishness' of it, I guess), but I would like to point out that it's also very well-loved in its home country!

In fact, I am extremely annoyed with the BBC for choosing to release some of its best shows on DVD ONLY in the Unites States ('Are You Being Served', 'The Forsyte Saga', 'The Chronicles of Narnia', etc.). To add insult to injury, they give these DVD releases a 'Region 1' coding, effectively preventing them from playing on DVD players here in Europe! (It works the other way around as well in some cases, e.g. another classic BBC Britcom, 'Only Fools and Horses', is only available on DVD in the UK, and has a 'Region 2' coding!)

I do think it is an absolute disgrace that the BBC is giving 'Are You Being Served?' a Region 1-only DVD release (in its entirety, I might add!). By doing this, the BBC is neglecting both the British fans of this series AND its responsibilities as a public service broadcaster. As soon as I found out about these American DVDs, I went out and bought myself a 'multi-region' DVD player especially to watch them! (So, as Mrs. Slocombe might say, the BBC can "get stuffed"!)

All I seem to have done so far in this review is complain about the BBC's DVD release policy! I apologize. Back to the show itself: this DVD (Volume 1) actually contains SIX episodes (not three as the Amazon description says): Pilot, Dear Sexy Knickers, Our Figures Are Slipping, Camping In, His And Hers and Diamonds Are A Man's Best Friend. The Pilot episode was made in colour but now only exists in black and white. The other episodes on this disc make up the entirety of Season 1.

I enjoyed this DVD so much that I have decided to buy the entire box set of Seasons 1-5! According to BBC America's website, a second box set containing Seasons 6-10 will be released later this year - which is great news! In the meantime, the show will probably remain unreleased on DVD in the UK.... I would normally give this DVD 5 stars, but because I had to buy it from abroad AND buy a special DVD player to watch it on, I give only 4 stars because of the inconvenience caused! But for such a great show, it was well worth it. :-)

As a Britt I have seen the episodes on sky T.V. and although they were funny didn't know that the pilot was actually a never before seen episode thinking it was the one where the ladies and gents have to share counter space (which is why I wrote this review). Although in black and white and without the bells and whistles it was one of the best I have seen, as you get to see the young Mr. Lucas learning the ropes from Mr. Humphreys. The cast are much friendlier than on latter episodes but the freshness of when Mr. Lucas First sees 'Young Mr. Grace' is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

It is terrible that we can't get the DVD on region 2 but most players over here can be made to play region 1 disks. Although inquiring into when a set may be releases by the BBC led me round and round the same email addresses, I suppose it makes the series more valuable having to wait a few weeks for them to come.

All in all I think this is a great purchase and I am definitely going to buy the whole collection one by one. Sorry there is no detailed episode guide but I'm too busy watching the disk :o)

I was thrilled that this wonderful series was finally coming out on DVD. After purchasing the first set of episodes, I was happily surprised at the pristine quality of the picture and sound. The extra features aren't that exciting, but that can be forgiven by the shows themselves. After seeing many different British comedies, I always return to this one if I want to smile. Even though you know what is going to happen, it will still make you laugh. The characters almost feel like part of your extended family after a time. You won't be disappointed by this DVD. Buy it!!!

The feature program is probably only 50 minutes and glosses over the earlier playoff series pretty quickly. But this DVD has great extras, the highlight being near-complete 4th quarters from each clinching game 6. Watching Kobe cry as the Lakers got demolished in game 6 is alone worth the price.

Yes, I am a Los Angeles Lakers fan. Yes, I was disappointed that they lost to the Spurs in the Western semis, mainly because of the no-show of Robert Horry (who is, ironically, now with the team that eliminated him). Yes, I still am a Laker fan, in spite of the things surrounding Kobe Bryant at this time.

So why do I write this review? I give my five stars for this DVD since it was a well done and produced championship retrospective in the face of the last three such DVDs being from the Los Angeles Lakers. Although it was missing the "Plays of the Playoffs" as was present in 2002's version, it was still a well done project that paid its due respect to David Robinson.

I always liked David Robinson not only for his ability and athleticism but because he is a devout follower of Christ. Religious affiliation aside, this DVD captures Robinson and his Spurs in all their glory this season, even with a special feature of all the "Sixes" (game 6s) that clinched each round.

This DVD is fitting not only for a Spurs fan but for any TRUE NBA fan, one who doesn't feel that his team is the only good team and that the Spurs "suck" because they beat the Lakers. If you are open minded and appreciative of basketball, you'll enjoy this DVD as much as I have.

A must buy for all the die hard SPURS fan. This dvd is loaded with extra features. All of the fourth quarters of the clinching game 6's are here. Spotlight on Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Plus a documentary on the Spurs History with clips of the one and only ICEMAN George Gervin. To all the Spurs fan. Buy this now. Spurs # 1.

Mention "Are You Being Served?" to someone, and their eyes will light up. Mention "Allo Allo!", and you'll probably be hit with a quizzical look. This has been my overall experience, and it has always been a frustrating one. I link the two series, because both are brainchilds of Britcom comedic masters Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft. Both are absolutely hilarious. But it seems as though "Allo Allo!" has taken the shorter end of the popularity stick here in the US, but with this release of its first season on DVD, I hope that can change somewhat.

The first 7 episodes of the classic Britcom are featured on this collection, and they are the start to a most wonderful, long-running show. The story starts during WWII, when France is being occupied by Germany. Our protagonist is Rene Artois, who runs a cafe. He is the (mostly) sane center to a storm of off the wall characters. Rene's wife, Edith, is older than he is, and is a terrible singer. The local Gestapo agent, Herr Flick, is a psycho with a limp. The German officers are all nutty, and one of them even fancies Rene. The women of the French Resistance are always sneaking into the cafe to cajole Rene into daring missions for France, and then there are also the British airmen -- shot down over France, and now in hiding at Rene's cafe. They don't speak the language, and their appearances in each episode are always good for a laugh. Rene is also quite keen on his bar maids, Yvette and Maria. It is a secret he must keep from the ever-suspicious Edith.

All of this, I'm sure, sounds like a lot of information to take in. And it is. "Allo Allo!" rarely slows down the pace, and this eventually leads to Rene opening every episode talking to the audience, bringing them up to speed on the previous episode's events. The storylines flow from one show to the next, and over the years we are treated to a host of madcap adventures. I think it takes until Series 3 before "Allo Allo!" really finds its groove, but Series 1 is still a solid start to a truly great television show.

Once the disc is over, I'm sure you'll want to see more. And it only gets better. There are many more episodes of "Allo Allo!" to come. I hope that we get to see the rest of them released on DVD someday. The show deserves it.

Every gag in the book... shamelessly used, and with great effect.

I remember talking about Allo Allo to a friend of mine many years ago. He said, "It's no Hogan's Heroes." Of course, he's right... and many folks will make the same comment. However, you'll probably get more new viewers if you tell your friends that "Allo Allo" is the British Comedy series you'd get if you mated Soap, Three's Company, and perhaps just a little Benny Hill.

The story starts very simple, but becomes a tangled farcical mess (intentionally)... so much so that the main character Rene (long suffering cafe owner in war-torn France) must take the audience into his confidence and explain what occurred in the previous episode.

The guts of the show are as follows: the French Resistance wish to use Rene's bar to hide escaping British airmen until they may get returned back to England (with harebrained schemes). Meanwhile, the German Colonel (and his assistant Hans), Rene's regular paying customers, wish to hide some stolen art pieces in the cellar (including the painting of "The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies" by Van Klump) until after the war. All the while, Herr Flick of the Gestapo is looking for both the missing painting (of "The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies" by Van Klump) as well as escaping British airmen. Of course the Resistance and the German officers often use each other to avoid detection by Herr Flick. Occasionally wet celery, egg whisks, and flying goggles are required for a scene. How can Rene juggle all of this intrigue while keeping his affairs with his waitresses secret from his wife Edith? Rene would say, "Your guess is as good as mine."

"A comedy about Nazi occupied France?!?!?!", is probably the standard response. However, everyone gets a proverbial pie in the face... there are the French peasants, the French Resistance ("Listen very carefully..."), the British airmen, the German officers (Hans is truly hilarious with a hidden clock in season 2), Herr Flick of the Gestapo, and of course the girls (especially Yvette... va-va-va-voom!)... not to leave out dear Lieutenant Gruber, his introduction is a perfect example of the type of gags the series is known for (actor Guy Sinner is one of the show's scene stealers).

A few bad puns, plenty of sexual innuendo, several catch phrases (if you like that sort of thing you'll probably love "Allo Allo"), and a simple solution to the French/German/English (and later Italian and Yank English) language problem. These gags, costume changes, and excessive mugging characters lasted nine seasons ending with the Yanks liberating poor Rene and his wife (and followed by an old Rene running off with his waitress Yvette in modern days) plus a tenth anniversary special.

Series One is quite funny, but just you wait for the Christmas special in Series Two... a plot to do away with General Von Klinkerhoffen including a drug in a mug made by a pill from the till... not to mention a bomb that is set off by a candle with a handle on a Gatto from the Chateau.

My buddies and I used to watch this a lot while we were stationed at a tiny base in Belgium during the late 80s and early 90s. It's pretty decent, for a European production. We enjoyed this just as much as Mrs. Bucket in "Keeping Up Appearances."