# 'Allo 'Allo!

> British 1982-1992 TV series

**Wikidata**: [Q425628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q425628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/'Allo_'Allo!)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/allo-allo

## Summary
"'Allo 'Allo!" is a British sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1992, set in German-occupied France during World War II. Created by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, it follows the lives of café owner René Artois and his wife Edith as they navigate espionage, romance, and survival. The series is renowned for its slapstick humor, over-the-top characters, and iconic catchphrases.

## Key Facts
- **Aired**: 1982–1992 (start date: December 30, 1982; end date: December 14, 1992)
- **Creators**: Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft
- **Original Network**: BBC One
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Episodes**: 86 across 9 series
- **Genre**: Comedy, War, Situational Comedy
- **Setting**: Nouvion, German-occupied France (1940–1945)
- **Notable Cast**: Gorden Kaye (René Artois), Carmen Silvera (Edith Artois), Vicki Michelle (Yvette Carte-Blanche), Francesca Gonshaw (Maria Gonzales), Roger Kitter (Herr Flick)
- **Original Language**: English
- **Related Entities**: BBC One, Jeremy Lloyd, Gavin Richards, Francesca Gonshaw, Roger Kitter
- **Technical Identifiers**: TV.com ID 4558, BBC Programme ID b006xyt3, IMDb ID tt0086659

## FAQs
**When did "'Allo 'Allo!" originally air?**  
The series premiered on December 30, 1982, and concluded on December 14, 1992, spanning nine series and 86 episodes.

**Who created the show?**  
It was co-created by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, both known for their work on British sitcoms like *Dad's Army*.

**Where is the series set?**  
The fictional town of Nouvion in German-occupied France serves as the backdrop, blending wartime drama with comedic escapades.

**What is the show’s legacy?**  
"'Allo 'Allo!" remains a staple of British comedy for its physical humor, memorable characters, and historical parody, maintaining popularity through reruns and stage adaptations.

## Why It Matters
"'Allo 'Allo!" holds a significant place in British television history as a masterclass in comedic writing and ensemble acting. Its unique blend of wartime satire and farcical humor resonated with audiences, making it a cultural touchstone. The series also played a role in popularizing the "Britcom" genre internationally, influencing later sitcoms with its exaggerated characters and running gags. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance lighthearted entertainment with historical context, ensuring its relevance decades after its initial broadcast.

## Notable For
- **Long-Running Success**: Aired for over a decade with consistent popularity.
- **Iconic Catchphrases**: Phrases like "Good moaning!" and "Don’t tell him, Pike!" entered mainstream British culture.
- **Ensemble Cast**: Featured a diverse cast of characters, including resistance fighters, Nazis, and villagers.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Nominated for two BAFTA TV Awards (1984, 1985) and a Royal Television Society Award.
- **Cultural Parody**: Satirized wartime tropes and melodramatic resistance narratives.

## Body

### History and Creation
"'Allo 'Allo!" was conceived by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, drawing inspiration from Lloyd’s uncle’s wartime experiences. The pilot episode aired in 1982 as a special, leading to a full series commission. The show’s title parodies the phrase "Hello, hello," mimicking poor telephone connections, a recurring gag in the series.

### Broadcast and Production
- **Network**: Premiered on BBC One, the flagship channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
- **Runtime**: 30 minutes per episode (without commercials).
- **Filming Locations**: Primarily shot at BBC Television Centre in London, with exterior scenes filmed in Norfolk and France.
- **Episode Structure**: Each series consisted of 6–8 episodes, with Christmas specials in 1985 and 1992.

### Setting and Plot
The series is set in the fictional town of Nouvion, where café owner René Artois (Gorden Kaye) becomes embroiled in the French Resistance while hiding his affairs from his wife, Edith (Carmen Silvera). Key plotlines involve smuggling valuables, evading the Gestapo, and interacting with Allied forces, all while maintaining comedic misunderstandings and disguises.

### Cast and Characters
- **Main Cast**: 
  - Gorden Kaye as René Artois
  - Carmen Silvera as Edith Artois
  - Vicki Michelle as Yvette Carte-Blanche
  - Francesca Gonshaw as Maria Gonzales (series 1–2)
  - Roger Kitter as Herr Flick
  - Gavin Richards as Captain Alberto Bertorelli (series 1–3)
- **Recurring Roles**: 
  - John Duthie as Lieutenant "Crackerjack" Smith
  - Anthony O’Donnell as Monsieur Leclerc
  - Rose Hill as Madame Gabrielle

### Legacy and Impact
"'Allo 'Allo!" remains a beloved classic, credited with revitalizing the sitcom genre in the 1980s. Its success led to a stage play adaptation in 2008 and frequent reruns on UK Gold and BBC Two. The show’s influence is evident in later British comedies like * Miranda * and *The IT Crowd*, which adopted similar farcical pacing and character-driven humor.

### Related Entities
- **BBC One**: The primary broadcast network, known for producing iconic British series like *EastEnders* and *Doctor Who*.
- **Jeremy Lloyd**: Co-creator and writer, also known for *Are You Being Served?*.
- **Gavin Richards**: Actor who portrayed Captain Bertorelli, later known for his role in *The Bill*.
- **Comedy Television Series**: Part of a broader genre that includes *Fawlty Towers* and *Only Fools and Horses*.

### Technical Specifications
- **IMDb ID**: tt0086659
- **TV.com ID**: 4558
- **BBC Programme ID**: b006xyt3
- **Original Language**: English (with occasional French and German dialogue)
- **Aspect Ratio**: 4:3 (standard for 1980s BBC productions)

## References

1. BBC Genome
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet
4. Kinopoisk
5. Online-Filmdatenbank
6. The Movie Database
7. FilmVandaag.nl