In this pilot, which was filmed in mid 1964 but not broadcast to the public until Sept 1965, begins the journey of our heroes that will become regular names for the next six years. The series changed very little from the pilot as the stories always featured the Allies topping the Germans at whatever situation seemed to arise. And in this first episode, the story is entertaining from beginning to the end.
The main part of the story involves a new prisoner, Wagner, that comes into camp after being captured by the Germans. However, Wagner is actually a German spy that has been planted in camp to review the prisoner's conduct. Of course Hogan finds out early that Wagner is working for the Germans and decides to play their game. Hogan shows Wagner the entire operation. From the printing press making money to the steam room (things that will not make it into the series run), believing that no sane person would believe such a story. Now Wagner must show Burkhalter, that has arrived from Berlin, all the things he has learned. This makes for a funny situation.
It was easy to see why this pilot was selected by the networks to be picked-up and run as a series. An almost satire and humorous look at a period of time that was still effecting many people in the world. Anytime you can laugh at an unpleasant situation and forget the terrible shadows of the past, then the writers and actors have done their part. And with this series hopefully it will give some comfort.
The main part of the story involves a new prisoner, Wagner, that comes into camp after being captured by the Germans. However, Wagner is actually a German spy that has been planted in camp to review the prisoner's conduct. Of course Hogan finds out early that Wagner is working for the Germans and decides to play their game. Hogan shows Wagner the entire operation. From the printing press making money to the steam room (things that will not make it into the series run), believing that no sane person would believe such a story. Now Wagner must show Burkhalter, that has arrived from Berlin, all the things he has learned. This makes for a funny situation.
It was easy to see why this pilot was selected by the networks to be picked-up and run as a series. An almost satire and humorous look at a period of time that was still effecting many people in the world. Anytime you can laugh at an unpleasant situation and forget the terrible shadows of the past, then the writers and actors have done their part. And with this series hopefully it will give some comfort.