The Return of 'Allo 'Allo! (2007 TV Movie) User Reviews

A cracking documentary, a return to Cafe René.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 9 September 2022]

I have worked my way through the entire Allo Allo series over the last two years, I love the show, I'm a huge fan, so I was keen to see more.

A long time since I last saw this, and I seemed to remember it being an extended follow up episode, in reality it's more a documentary, looking at characters and actors in turn, remembering those that had passed away since the show ended.

It was so sad that Carmen Silvera had passed away, she was an integral part of the show, I loved Madame Edith.

There was something quite wonderful about hearing the music, and seeing René in his uniform, in his rightful place at the Café.

Plenty of fun, plenty of memories, Sam Kelly's insight was memorable though, from a child, I was convinced he said flop, how wrong I was.

Quite a lovely, sweet watch, 9/10.

Back To Cafe Rene!

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 29 April 2007]

According to Sam Kelly, when 'Hans Geering' did his Nazi salute, what he said was 'tler!', yet some thought it was 'clop' or 'clip'. Good to know things like that.

I have to admit I was not the world's biggest 'Allo, Allo' fan. I liked some of the early episodes, but when it ended after nine years ( a period considerably longer than World War 2 ) I had waved the white flag well before then. The show went out in the middle of 'the alternative comedy revolution', and it was not seen as cool for a twenty-something to watch, not when 'The Young Ones', 'Filthy, Rich & Catflap' and 'Black Adder' seemed so right on the pulse. I didn't even bother with the repeats. I tuned in to 'The Return Of Allo, Allo' mainly out of curiosity. Following the pattern established by 'The Return Of The Goodies' in 2005, it was part-reunion special, part documentary. The war long over, Rene Artois is putting the finishing touches to his memoirs, only to be distracted by familiar faces from the past wandering into the café. The studio audience was composed of rabid 'Allo, Allo' fans - many were in costume - and the arrival of the old favourites was greeted by thunderous applause. Jeremy Lloyd's script showed that he has not lost the ability to conjure up vulgar puns, and the cast threw themselves into the whole thing with commendable enthusiasm. Gorden Kaye, in particular, was on fine form, and it is perplexing why this talented actor is not on our screens more often.

It was interesting to see the cast as themselves, particularly Arthur Bostrom, who played the British agent 'Crabtree', a man whose mangling of the French language rivals Inspector Clouseau's command of English. You don't often get words like 'farters' and 'bummers' on peak-time television. But where, I wonder, was the lovely Kim Hartman a.k.a. 'Helga'? And whatever became of Francesca 'Maria' Gonshaw?

Amongst 'Allo, Allo''s celebrity fans was, surprisingly, director Ken Russell, who once dismissed the 'Carry On' films as 'crap'. I would have thought 'Allo, Allo' would not have been to his taste, but there you go. T.V. critic Charlie Catchpole stated ( rather oddly ) that 'Gruber' was 'the first openly gay character in a sitcom'. He obviously does not remember 'Lukewarm' from 'Porridge'. Jan Francis, who played 'Lisa Colbert' in 'Secret Army' ( the inspiration for 'Allo, Allo' ) claimed to have been unhappy when she heard about the show, but changed her mind on seeing it. A Robert Kilroy-Silk discussion programme from 1986 showed that many ( particularly war veterans ) regarded the sitcom in poor taste. 17 million people thought otherwise. Yes, the show was riddled with racial stereotypes, but you could say the same about 'Father Ted'. What's the difference between stupid Frenchmen and stupid Irishmen?

Funny though it was, 'The Return Of Allo, Allo' was tinged with sadness, as many of the cast are no longer with us. Carmen Silvera, who played Rene's wife 'Edith', was perhaps the most noticeable absentee. As the end credits rolled, and that accordion theme played one more time, I was left with a nice, warm feeling. You don't get that from many comedies these days ( of course, it could have been caused by the hot chocolate I was drinking! ).

Great Reunion Show/Documentary

[watchtiger1 · 10/10 · 9 October 2017]

At this point it's now 10 years after this first aired in the UK many

involved with the show have died (main Cast & Creators only):

Co-Creator, David Croft in 2011 Co-Creator, Jeremy lloyd in 2014

(Rene's wife)Edith Artois played by Carmen Silvera in 2002 Colonel Vonstrum played by Richard Marner in 2004 Edith's Mother played by Rose Hill in 2003

Englebert Von Smallhausen played by John Louis Mansi in 2010

Monsieur Alfonse the mortician, deputy mayor/mayor, hair dresser played by Kenneth Connor in 1993

General Von Klinkerhoffen played by Hillary Minster in 1999

Roger Le Clerc Played by Jack Haig in 1989

Enerest Le Clerc (brother of Roger LeClerc and taking over the role of forger/thief)played by Derek Royle in 1990 Role recast and then played by Robin Parkinson (appears in show and still living)

Rene' Artois played by Gordon Kaye in 2017 The last episode of

'Allo 'Allo is years after (as stated in that episode) before this Reunion show happens some details have changed just ignore them as the 2007 Reunion show has and enjoy the show.

The Return of Allo Allo is really more documentary/memories of the show then a new episode. It gives you tidbits of Rene' writing his memoirs to make money with because takings are down since the Germans have left and him meeting people that helped him during the war. While some of the main actors were in the show they did not appear in the Rene' Remembers scenes. Edith Artois (Carmen Silvera died in 2002) is the only cast member due to her part mentioned after the actor's death.

Englebert Von Smallhausen (John Louis Mansi) and Pvt. Helga Geerhart (Kim Hartman) though both were alive when this was created they did not appear in the show. Also if the actor had died or did not appear they were not mentioned by name (character or actor) in the show either.

Along with Rene''s scenes they are mixed with clips of the show and Creators, Actors of the show and others what they remembered.

This is a nice show for what it is. If you've never seen 'Allo 'Allo watching this will not make sense.

Undeservedly gushing film aimed at fans of the series only

[bob the moo · 12 May 2007]

It has been many years since the war finished and, without the Germans running up large bar bills, René's café has suffered from greatly reduced takings and, as a result, he has decided to write his memoirs. With this air of memory and recollection, we also look back on the making of the series and the characters involved.

Has it really been so long since this series? Well, yes, it seems it has and sadly this film does nothing to really close the gap because it does rather reveal how basic the show was. The farcical and politically incorrect nature of the comedy hasn't dated well and while I was one of the seventeen million (!) people that watched this series, it probably helped that I was only about ten years old at the time. Looking back on it is a bit of a problem because it is hardly the sort of influential and clever comedy that really deserves a 90 minute retrospective on primetime BBC2. The material is mostly driven by the catchphrases (which seem terribly worn now of course) and the basic sexual innuendo which occasionally is funny but it is not that funny to watch it now.

Perhaps that is the problem – it was of its time and we all remember it as better than it actually is. So having those involved picking through it as if it were one of the finest things to come out of the BBC does rather expose the weaknesses. The "new" scenes being shot in front of the live audience are worse for this as they rely more on familiarity than wit and wheel out the old jokes to an appreciative studio audience. Indeed it is the studio audience that tell us a lot about this film because they are mostly dressed as Nazi's, resistance fighters and so on – they are fans and are cheering and laughing before the obvious lines have even been delivered. To this end, the target audience will also be fans and I suppose for them it will be a tremendous walk down memory lane as well as the chance to see new footage.

For the casual viewers though, it will be a bit like being the only person at a fancy dress party to have turned up in jeans and a tee-shirt as well as being the only one driving and unable to drink. I did feel rather left out because everyone seemed to be gushing and laughing about things I didn't get. The documentary side wasn't helped by the way it didn't really dish any dirt. The absence of Gonshaw (Maria) is notable and the narrator saying she left but not explaining more than that just made it stick in my mind as a thing. As well as this there isn't really anything negative to be said about the making, which I suppose is possible but does rather make for a dull love in.

One for fans then, but if it had been a little less gushing and a little "dirtier" (in the behind the scenes recollections rather than the one liners) then it would have been better for the casual viewer. As it was, I found it a bit of a trip down memory lane that I could have done without.

Movie Review: The Return of 'Allo 'Allo! (2007)

[alexpeychev · 10/10 · 28 March 2024]

"The Return of 'Allo 'Allo!" is a made-for-television comedy film that serves as a sequel to the popular British sitcom " 'Allo 'Allo!," which originally aired from 1982 to 1992. Directed by Jeremy Sams, the film brings back beloved characters and delivers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the original series.

Set in German-occupied France during World War II, the film follows the misadventures of cafe owner René Artois (played by Gorden Kaye) and his motley crew of eccentric patrons and resistance fighters. When René learns that the priceless painting, The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies, is hidden in his cafe, chaos ensues as various factions vie for possession of the artwork.

One of the film's strengths is its faithful recreation of the whimsical humor and farcical situations that made the original series a hit. Gorden Kaye effortlessly slips back into the role of René, delivering his trademark wit and charm with aplomb. The supporting cast, including Carmen Silvera as Madame Edith and Vicki Michelle as Yvette, also shines, reprising their roles with gusto.

Despite its nostalgic appeal, "The Return of 'Allo 'Allo!" may feel dated to modern audiences unfamiliar with the original series. Some of the jokes and humor rely heavily on cultural references and wordplay that may not resonate with younger viewers. However, for fans of the show, the film offers a delightful reunion with familiar characters and a chance to revisit the zany world of " 'Allo 'Allo!"

While the plot may be somewhat predictable and the pacing occasionally uneven, the film succeeds in capturing the spirit of the original series. The nostalgic nods to iconic moments and catchphrases will undoubtedly elicit smiles from fans who fondly remember the antics of René and his comrades.

In conclusion, "The Return of 'Allo 'Allo!" is a charming and lighthearted romp that will delight fans of the original series. While it may not break new ground or appeal to a wider audience, it offers a fun-filled journey back to a beloved era of British television comedy.