TV Gold

Season Two begins with...

Disc Four - Season 02 : Episode 16 – “Arrival of a Hero” by N J Crisp
Season Two opens with the sight of a limping Simon Carter making considerable use of a walking stick as he made his way across the compound. This activity by our former unsuccessful escapee (Part One of “Gone Away”) coincides with mail call where he gains two letters and surprisingly a postcard, the contents of which is significant enough for Carter to take to Colonel Creston. Although, as with all post, it has been through the censors, it soon transpires that the wording of this postcard from Switzerland could only indicate that Pat and Bill have been successful in their bid for freedom which later results in cheers of delight from the British quarters. Unfortunately this revelry is noticed by the castles new second-in-command, a stickler for military discipline known as Major Herman Mohn. With a distinguished frontline career tragically cut short during a combative operation in Stalingrad leading to a considerable loss of his stomach this I guess has further contributed to his increasingly hard-edged uncompromising stance when dealing with prisoners. Mohn eventually meets with Creston and the Colonel gains a distinct impression of the resolute determined stance of Colditz new deputy. No doubt brought in to toughen up security at the castle following the (no doubt embarrassing) escape of four prisoners Mohn first takes an interest in letters to prisoners and asks to inspect all incoming (and I suspect outgoing) post after it has been through the censors. He develops an instant dislike to Carter probably considering that the RAF officer is overly exaggerating the condition of his broken ankle. There is certainly an intimidatory attitude to Mohn’s interaction with Carter looking down at the officer in the manner that he says ‘read your letters from Cathy’ and then indicating his opinion that he is ‘a semi literate’ whom ‘behaves like a girl just like you write’. Mohn also takes an interest in the use of Red Cross parcels for uses other than which they are intended and he now instigates a policy of tipping out and examining the contents before handing them over to the prisoners which in Creston’s opinion ‘makes them quite inedible’. Creston attempts to raise the post and Red Cross parcel situations with the Kommandant so that he can overturn Mohn’s actions however in this instance he is powerless to act against his second-in-command. Although subsequently the Kommandant speaks with a visiting General this personal friend is also unable and unwilling to assist in the transferring of Mohn as the Major has some very powerful friends in very high positions. In fact we learn that Mohn was previously on the Furher’s personal staff, a leader that the Major reverentially respects and admires further to his actually meeting and being decorated with the Knights Cross by him. Elsewhere the British high spirits are tainted with the sad return of a dishevelled Dick Player whom after three weeks ‘on the run’ returns to twenty-eight days in solitary confinement. However at least he faired better than Peter Muir whom is in hospital after being shot trying to escape. Certainly in “Arrival of a Hero” the battle lines are drawn principally between Major Mohn and new escape officer Simon Carter, a satisfying season two opener, that promises much for subsequent stories.

Back for some more...

Disc Five - Season 02 : Episode 17 – “Ghosts” by John Brason
There’s a highly appropriate opening shot of deserted courtyard cobbles on a dark night with only the wind whistling around the castle buildings to break the silence. Up in the British quarters Paddy Moore has the other members of the British dormitory in rapt fascination about his ‘Aunt Maude’ ghost story, a suitably chilling tale prior to lights out. We next find Escape Officer Simon Carter in the castle’s chapel and with his prayer concluded he turns to periodically tap at the stone floor behind the pews, clearly with an idea in mind. On the face of it, talking with Colonel Creston the plan of digging a hole below the pulpit and hiding two men there sounded like a genius idea. German’s only count prisoners so when two additional prisoners do really escape the pair hiding in the chapel hole can reappear thus preventing any noticeable alteration in the inmate count. Up for the challenge of limited food, cold cramped conditions and lack of exercise against the inherent benefit of such a scheme Dick Player and George Brent are the first willing volunteers to be accepted to ‘have a crack at it’. Naturally the German’s are initially totally at a loss to find the missing men and there is the first hint of friction between Security Officer Ulmann and Second In Command Mohn which leads the Kommandant to take a mediatory role between his officers. Carter and the others involved in this scheme believe they can regularly look after their hiding colleagues however there is an unforeseen spoiler to their plans. Also misusing the place of worship four French prisoners are discovered digging a tunnel below the foundations and in fact our German Officer trio convey a great deal of information as to the very nature of this endeavour in an extremely thorough report. The most astonishing is that in over a year about three tons of earth has been distributed around the castle without the German’s ever being aware of it! The action of the ruling powers of Colditz is, with immediate effect board up the chapel thus preventing any life giving assistance to Player and Brent. Naturally the padre concerned with the general official use of the chapel is brought in however sadly we are deprived of a repeat appearance of Patrick Troughton. Although Donald MacDonald is commendably effective as the padre, in my opinion, he just doesn’t convey the same passionate gravitas that Troughton brought to the role during Brason’s First Season “The Traitor” story. I was a little bit taken aback when MacDonald’s character effectively repeated word-for-word the ‘when I was a child’ speech that Nicholas Parsons Wainwright vicar uttered during the 1989 Doctor Who story “The Curse of Fenric”. Initial representations to the Ulmann receive an implacable resolute stance from the Security Officer and lead to the padre holding the first (and last) open air service at 3pm in the courtyard. It is definitely an unmitigated disaster with the chill weather conditions leading to the congregation either coughing, moving about or even passing out. As if to make a bad situation even worse the service is summarily brought to a conclusion thanks to the unexpected loud German radio broadcast that blared on the courtyard speakers. I really enjoyed “Ghosts” which despite being an inherently dangerous and potentially life threatening scheme it shows that new escape officer Simon Carter clearly is taking his new responsibilities seriously. There is definitely real tension about the life and death emergency situation to which Player and Brent have voluntarily put themselves in and you really don’t know how things will be resolved by the episodes end. In my opinion it’s got to be considered as one of the story highlights of the entire Colditz series.

...and of the other episode that I watched last week I'd like to say...

Disc Five - Season 02 : Episode 18 – “Odd Man In” by Arden Winch
With despondent resolve Carter and Brent look out disconsolately as two French prisoners make their way into the courtyard under armed escort after spending a total of seven weeks ‘on the run’ before being recaptured. We later discover in a conversation between Carter and the senior French officer that the two men were the contingents escape officers which I thought was a little bit puzzling as with the British equivalent is someone more concerned with getting other prisoners out of Coldtiz rather than being concerned with his own gaining his own freedom. In a bold escape plan we learn that these French prisoners managed to cross nine areas in three days thanks to the assistance of an effective resistance movement dedicated to returning capture military personnel to their country of origin. I guess you could consider this an unexpected pleasant nod towards the subsequent “Secret Army”. This discussion galvanises Carter into considering possible ways of establishing regular contact with London to which it is suggested by aaa that they consider the use of a code in letters going to Carter’s wife Cathy, herself a keen and highly successful crossword expert. It rather subtle at first using things they only know themselves like the couples rather unsuccessful honeymoon as meaning something bad but it is sufficient for her to take the letters to the British Secret Service whom although naturally initially sceptical are eventually convinced as to the genuine nature of this coded communication coming from Colditz. It’s interesting to notice that playing the military uniform wearing Colonel Mansell is Edward Underwood, an actor whom later had a cameo appearance in the Tom Baker Doctor Who story “Meglos” where he played Zastor. Now the title of “Odd Man In” refers to a new British prisoner whom gives his name as Larry Page however this individual is not all that he seems. He is a sullen, loner whom is unwilling to associate with his fellow inmates and is slow to join the others when called for parade by the Germans. Through good natured social conversation the veracity of his RAF identity is called into question and the matter is brought to Colonel Creston’s attention. It appears that Page is not his real name and I get the impression that he is a British agent similar to that which “Secret Army” offered up in the occasional guest character Nick Bradley. A new British escape plan is conceived again making use of the German’s ‘only counting heads’ with ‘piggy back rides’ given to escaping prisoners hidden under large Army winter coats whom join the complete contingent assigned to gardening duties. Once there the hiding individuals jump down off the shoulders of their colleagues and unnoticed hide out in the nearby hut until everyone has gone back to the castle. Well with the code word of ‘Toothbrush’ passed back to London the British request that ‘Page’ be returned as soon as possible, leading to him ‘jumping the queue’ ahead of Player and Brent (the two whom had suffered in the chapel hole during the preceding “Ghost”). Well the plan goes wrong and Carter is all ready to reprehend ‘Page’ for his messing up what was seemingly a perfect escape plan however their final scene in the dormitory washroom explains much of why this man is so completely uninterested in returning back to London. In my opinion it’s a brilliant emotionally convincing performance by story guest star Ian McCulloch whom says that out of twenty-three secret agents, four died during basic training. Of the nineteen remaining the others had a maximum of three missions before their lives were cut short. ‘Page’ says that as the sole remaining agent from the original group he has now been on twelve missions and is naturally petrified that sooner or later outside the confines of a German prison environment he will join his colleagues. With the strong ‘Page’ character central premise rubbing shoulders with a worthy secondary narrative about coded letters for Carter’s wife Cathy “Odd Man In” is, I think, certainly a most satisfying slice of Colditz.

Disc Five - Season 02 : Episode 19 – “The Guests” by Troy Kennedy Martin
The credits fade to present us with German soldiers patrolling the railway track near to the castle. Clearly it’s near dusk and in the limited light a train emerges from a nearby tunnel, comes to a stop and three prisoners are escorted at gunpoint from a boxcar. As they enter the nearby town jail building it soon becomes apparent that the lead officer, a kit wearing ginger haired individual is played by none other than archetypal English gent actor William Rushton whom crops up in stuffy British character roles like for example the period comedy film “Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines”. In Colditz he plays his role of Major Trumpington with typical pluck and ebullient spirit, retaining his dignity throughout his incarceration. Apparently the Kommandant is occasionally making use of the town jail as a kind of ‘prisoner exchange’ and as the three new arrivals are brought in we notice that Dick Player is currently residing in one of the nearby cells. Well it later transpires that Trumpington and his two colleagues are in fact British Army Commandos, something that becomes apparent to Creston and the other Colditz inmates when they manage to lay their hands on the men’s seized footwear. Colonel Creston makes representations to the Kommandant that he is responsible for the conditions that these new arrivals gain whilst at the jail and he gains, what I feel is a fairly pathetic evasive retort that they are infact the responsibility of the SD (political wing of SS). Naturally British escape officer Simon Carter wants to get into debrief the Commandos and possibly arrange for their escape and although he does eventually speak with Trumpington (replete with suitable rimmed glasses and army uniform) the Major is understandably not prepared to believe anything that Carter says. Dick Player has better luck mainly due to the fact that the Major and he had a previous association and convinced that he and his commando colleagues are genuine he passes the information back to Carter whom attempts to arrange their escape. Effectively this means the use of their best escape route for what is effectively a ‘dummy run’, something that understandably gains much dissent from those whom have spent much time setting this route up. Player successfully convinces Trumpington to send ‘a letter home’ although naturally Mohn is obviously suspicious when the contents appears to be addressed to Winston Churchill in 10 Downing Street regarding his inability to secure a bottle of claret during their mission. “The Guests” strikes me as a really puzzling offering as you just know that the three commandos fate is sealed the moment they climbed down from the train. They really seem like innocent pawns in Mohn’s game with the castle’s British prisoner contingent forcing them to act with undue haste in their attempt to rescue the new arrivals thereby endangering their best escape route for a seemingly futile gesture. Mohn is clearly acting over and above the wishes of the Kommandant whom freely admits that the commandos are a ‘security risk and an embarrassment’. The guest star appearance of William Rushton certainly helps to elevate this for being totally forgettable however other than furthering Mohn’s continued attempts to frustrate the British prisoner contingent’s attempt at escape “The Guests” all feels rather inconsequential to me.

Disc Five - Season 02 : Episode 20 – “Frogs In The Well” by Thom Keyes
The next story explores a new castle environment with the castles theatre being the centre of this weeks escape attempt during “Frogs In The Well”. We begin with Dick Player looking round the deserted venue evaluating the potential of a new escape plan which he then presents through use of another effectively recreated model to escape officer Simon Carter and his brother officers. There’s the usual intricate detail to his scheme however it all hinges on the theatre being reopened leading to Colonel Creston making a suitably eloquent representation to the Kommandant which thankfully, despite Mohn’s obvious reservations, is successful. For me it seems rather surreal to find our British POW’s dancing and playing instruments in a rather shambling manner and although Ulmann comes in and demands they arrange a proper show program it really doesn’t get any more professional and organised. However as a diversion is certainly a worthy endeavour especially when a few of the lads attempt to move the piano out of the main hall because they can’t concentrate properly on their music, something that is obviously summarily prevented by Ulmann. Behind the scenes there is much consternation between the British and French when it becomes apparent that the Gallic contingent are adamant that they should have a go at this. The compromise is that the British will have a twenty-four hour head start on their own escape attempt before the French. However the activity in the main hall isn’t sufficient to distract Ulmann completely and when the escapees and Carter hear the keys in the lock of the side door the escape officer (exercising quick thinking) picks a fight with one of the dress wearing performers on the stage. This is sufficient for the two men (Player and Walsh) to absail down the side of the extremely small courtyard and out through the nearby side down before the patrolling guard returns. One other point of note from this episode is Carter engaging Mohn in some nocturnal chess playing in the British dormitory which provides more worthy competitive interaction between these two characters. I feel it’s a fairly average offering with a few worthy moments to help to elevate it above other stories that the series has offered. Just out of interest I thought I’d also mention that although generally excellent this story has a couple of momentary loss of picture seconds plus very fleetingly it is indicated that the material was originally recorded on the twenty-third of March 1995.

I was watching 23 & 24 last night, 23 was a really great satisfying offering but I'm totally baffled by episode 24, could not see the dramatic tension in it but back now to last weeks pair with this...

Disc Six - Season 02 : Episode 21 – “Ace In The Hole” by David Ambrose
Joining the prisoner contingent occupying Colditz castle in “Ace In The Hole” is photo reconissance flying ace Squadron Leader Anthony Shaw. The towering physical build of actor Jeremy Kemp I feel imbues this character with a sufficient believability whom obviously also conveys a slight adoration from the British and initial wary apprehension by the Germans. Ulmann in particular believes that special monitoring of Shaw is required, something that brings him in direct conflict with Mohn and I loved the marvellous verbal friction between these two characters leaving the Kommandant once more playing moderating peacemaker between his officers. It took me a while to remember where I’d previously seen Jeremy Kemp however I eventually recall seeing him playing Captain Jean Luc Picard’s French wine growing brother in the Fourth Season ‘Star Trek : Next Generation’ story “Family”. In the Colditz camp the Squadron Leader, as the most decorated officer present, quickly gains an initial adoration from fellow British prisoners when he is eventually released from his initial solitary confinement. However Escape Officer Simon Carter believes that his potentially swift successful escape attempt would have a great moral building effect on the British contingent but is disheartened when Shaw says that he is not in the slightest bit interested in escaping. He humbly but insistently implores Colonel Creston to intervene and persuade him about the benefits of leaving the camp but the senior British officer is quite right in saying, despite Carter’s crestfallen reaction, that he will not abuse his position. During Carter’s conversations with Creston we learn that four years have now elapsed since the series opening episode and apparently in all that time only twenty prisoners have effected totally successful ‘home run’ escape attempts. Shaw has more of a literary interest and having sat in on a discussion about a Victorian novel he establishes a good working relationship with former schoolmaster James Porteous. We see the men spending time in the prisoner library with its printed material devoid of covers due to the possibility of smuggling potential. Porteous finds a ‘kindred spirit’ in Shaw regarding the view about prisoners duty to escape and despite his superior rank and education (he holds a fellowship in Oxford), the squadron leader is content to assist in lecturing duties, something that Mohn finds completely incomprehensible. As we move further into the episode Shaw seems to become more pacifist in attitude and even contemplates writing a book about nineteenth century literature for publishing after the war when he is released. Apparently he has intermittently been working on this project for about five years but now in Colditz he feels he can fully concentrate on the work without any distractions. Unfortunately it soon becomes apparent to Shaw that he feels he has no true originality to offer anything worthy of publication leading to a change of view from the Squadron Leader. Incredulously for viewers and Porteous alike he suddenly hits on the astonishingly innovative escape idea of constructing a two-seater glider to fly out of the castle. The only down side is that the construction and launch site is an attic above the library with the only access being through this academic resource environment causing much consternation and upset from Porteous however he naturally has to comply to Colonel Creston’s order to maintain the daily regular use cover of this facility. I believe there are some great character interactions (Mohn and Ulmann) and performances (Carter’s frustrated emotions about Shaw’s resolute stance) on offer in an enjoyable tale that presents factional divisions amongst the British prisoners with contrasting views about the potential of escape.

...and of the other episode I watched last week I'd like to say...

Disc Six - Season 02 : Episode 22 – “French Leave” by Ken Hughes
Whilst eating in the British dormitory British Officer Michael Brown joins his colleagues and, adopting a BBC newsreader persona, delivers ‘the news’ as transcribed from a radio transmission which he’d heard whilst visiting the French quarters. The general tone indicates that, at this point in time, the war is starting to go very badly for the Germans (which I guess give viewers an idea as to where in the WWII timeline the events occurring in this episode are taking place) and although Ulmann suddenly appears to confiscate the piece of paper from which Brown has been reading from the contents have already had the desired moral boosting effect on his British colleagues. Although delighted to gain regular news updates Carter agrees with his colleagues that it would be better if they could hear the news first hand and visits the French dormitory with a view to barter for one of the two transmitters. Despite being initially hospitable to the visiting Escape Officer, Captain Andre Vaillant is understandably unwilling to accede to Carter’s wishes considering just how long it has taken for them to assemble these radio sets. Their conversation is summarily cut short when Mohn visits but it is his second visit that is the more devastating. With his usual implacable unemotional delivery he solemnly says that all French personnel should assemble in the courtyard in full winter uniforms at 08:45am on 20th April ready for evacuation to Oflag 4a which all prisoners know better as a labour camp in Poland where life expectancy is not good. Back in the Kommandant’s office the ranking German officer is surprised when the nearby village priest asks if he could have some of the camps prisoners for use in forming a church choir for the imminent Good Friday Easter service. Despite obvious reservations the Kommandant agrees to the request and having gained solemn assurances from the respective ranking officers a small contingent of British, French and Polish prisoners assemble in the courtyard ready to be marched out of the castle gates and down to the nearby down under the armed German escort lead by Ulmann. Although there is initial surprise when Captain Vaillant takes the place of one of the French officers the journey and subsequent practice in the church goes well. It is only when they make to leave that Vaillant, a typical Frenchman, can’t help but flirt with the organist, a young blonde girl called Gerda, before being escorted out to join the other prisoners. True to their word no one escapes on this occasion however once back in the British dormitory it soon becomes apparent that the choir made good use of the opportunity to appropriate sundry items they found in the church. After a second practice Gerda slips a piece of paper to Vaillant most likely indicating a possible escape option, something that on the actual Easter service day he puts into practice. Just as they dismiss and prepare to enter the church he quickly uses a small metal implement to open the drain grating by his feet and drops down into the hole quickly replacing the metal cover once inside. This leads to a truly groan worthy verbal interplay between Carter and Brent with the former saying “choirs not what it used to be” and the latter replying “no, it’s gone down the drain!” As to whether Vaillant is indeed successful in his escape attempt and avoids joining his French prisoner colleagues in Poland plus the fate of Gerda… well you’ll just have to watch the story yourself. Overall I found “French Leave” to be a reasonably enjoyable if fairly undemanding lightweight offering which benefits from minimal location filming and a satisfying central premise.

The end is definitely in sight now as typified by eps. 25 & 26 that I watched last night. Meanwhile...

Disc Six - Season 02 : Episode 23 – “The Gambler” by N J Crisp
It seems that some of the British contingent, in their dormitory are engaged in an innocent game of cards but there is a metaphorical ‘snake in the grass’ amongst the small group of poker players. Newly arrived Flight Lieutenant Jack Collins has a distinctly intimidatory way of playing and attempts to ‘make things more interesting’ by persuading his ‘brother officers’ to play with the prisoners stock of German marks which had been set aside for the use of escape attempts. Colonel Creston is delayed in his first meeting with Collins thanks to spending a week in hospital suffering from a bad cold and a touch of angina. When they do speak it soon becomes apparent that as a loner the Flight Lieutenant is determined to escape without the procedural help (or hindrance) of both the prisoner committee and the camps British escape officer. Carter later attempts to put Collins straight about the way escapes are implemented in the camp but he is having none of it and gives him short shift by saying that ‘he can stuff the escape committee’. Collins plan to leave Colditz plays entirely on his card playing ability as begins to regularly play poker with German canteen sergeant Kruger for money and soon he holds a consider financial advantage over the soldier. Having lost 400 marks (the majority of which stems from salary advances) Collins offers to pay back all that he has lost in exchange for one metal identity disc that the civilian workmen use for one hour. It’s an audacious venture but seeing his ruthlessly successful poker playing you’d have to believe this is one individual whom is determined to make and effective ‘home run’. Kruger knows the danger to himself of ‘loaning’ this disc however with having lost so much money and with a wife and young daughter (living in the nearby town) to support he seems powerless to decline Collins request. Now we’ve already seen Brent before cast as a ‘weak link’ amongst the British prisoner contingent and in this story this continues as he is Collins ‘main pigeon’ (using a vernacular dating back to the opening scene from the James Bond feature film “Goldfinger”) loosing a great deal of money at the card table. Squadron Leader Anthony Shaw asks Colonel Creston if Brent could be replaced on the ‘glider’ project as he feels he has lost his focus. At one point it’s stated that Brent has lost £600 before he ultimately makes an astonishing ‘final wager’ of his detached Sussex house, a property where his crippled father currently resides. It’s worth saying that regarding the mention of the ongoing ‘glider’ project that we get to see the ‘work-in-progress’ area which although showing considerable progress since it was first proposed Shaw reckons will take another six months maybe more complete. Obviously at the card table is the principle means of upset that Collins fosters amongst the British contingent but another example presents itself out on the courtyard. As they assemble for parade Collins feigns not understanding the wishes of the German guards on duty and this insights a rowdy element amongst those present. They proceed to taut Mohn and the guards leading to the Major to use overhead gunfire to attempt to quell the dissent. However one of the stray bullets ricochets leading to Colonel Creston’s delayed arrival in the courtyard to regain command of his men. For the trouble he has caused Jack Collins seems to me to be a worthy irritant as “The Gambler”, a character whose single minded objectives of getting rich and escaping Colditz certainly help to enhance the enjoyment of this story making it one of the better second season offerings for me. One last point to mention is that there’s a brief recording caption as the opening titles role saying that this was apparently taped on the 13th April 1995.

...and of the one that baffled me so much last week I'd like to say...

Disc Six - Season 02 : Episode 24 – “Senior American Officer” by Ivan Moffatt
Our British contingent strain to look out of the same window down onto the courtyard as three American officers arrive but as Fipps (the only other American in Colditz (US Airforce of six weeks)) says there is something strange about them, for one thing they seem to be non combat army personnel. We even see, as they are being led away, Ulmann patting one of the individuals on the back, as if there is some long-standing friendship between them. The trio of new arrivals spend most of the episode in solitary confinement where they are well treated with food, drink and even, straight from Berlin, American newspapers. It appears that this story has Mohn and Ulmann attempting to use a simmering rivalry between the countries to their advantage. This is best illustrated when the Security Chief invites Fipps and Brent to merely look in, with out talking, on the three Americans, something that fosters the British paranoia as to just what is going on. Of course the biggest surprise on offer for most viewers myself included, has got to be the unexpected return of Bill Carrington, with Robert Wagner’s character now promoted to a bearded full Major but despite this it doesn’t, in my opinion, overly dilute the mystery of the story. When they eventually are released from solitary confinement the three speak with the British contingent in their dormitory however Mohn, through use of a hidden microphone, listens in from his office. After much consternation, they eventually agree to relate the events leading up to their arrival in Colditz and for me it seems a relatively interesting narrative effectively realised. It finds our trio in Hungary and later in the capital city Budapest rubbing shoulders with celebrating peasants and gun toting Hungarian army soldiers before finally speaking with a General Ustasy (George Pravda) whom had a previous friendship association with Carrington. “Senior American Officer” feels like a rather atypical offering for this series where all thoughts of ongoing escape attempts by the prisoners are forgotten in favour of concentrating on the mystery that the three new arrivals bring to the castle’s prisoner contingent. Naturally it’s great to see Bill Carrington actor Robert Wagner return to the series however for me it doesn’t compensate for a relatively disappointing misfire which fails to offer any significant dramatic punch to its central premise.

In the midst of watching the final two episodes of Colditz at present. Had a look at ep 27 last night, very good story from NJ Crisp and certainly has a marvellous cliffhanger ending, looking forward to seeing the ep 28 season finale later today.

In the meantime like to say the following about last week...

Disc Seven - Season 02 : Episode 25 – “Very Important Person” by Ivan Moffatt
The end is very near in sight as we move into the final phase of Colditz and leading off the seventh and final disc of this ‘bootleg’ DVD set “Very Important Person” (which features a brief recording ident of 8pm on the 9th April 1995) finds the British contingent listening to BBC radio news reports whilst nearby the sound of gunfire draws ever closer to the castle walls. The potential unthinkable possibility of losing the war leads the Germans to use promenator prisoners as hostages. The Kommandant receives orders from Berlin to assemble those individuals held in the prison at twelve hours notice for transportation to an undisclosed destination. Having been made responsible for all allied prisoners of war SS General Berger pays an unscheduled visit to the castle where he finds an officer clearly unsettled with the segregation directive. Whilst the Kommandant is bound by the precepts of the Geneva convention regarding the treatment of prisoners Berger, as befits an officer of the SS, is not bound by such constrictions. This has a considerable impact on the British contingent to resist the segregation directive leading Colonel Creston to forcefully dissuade his officers from offering any resistance. Thrown into the mix Phipps, formerly the sole US officer in the camp, is designated as a promenator prisoner due to the fact that he is the American ambassadors son. Despite Creston’s order against any action the British go against the SBO (Senior British Officer) by hiding Phipps but this ultimately is a temporary delaying measure. During this story Colonel Dodd is hospital with an undisclosed ailment leading to Major Bill Carrington becoming the temporary SAO (Senior American Officer) and we learn that at this point in the series it is the spring of 1945. One last point worth mentioning is Colonel Creston’s rather moving reflections of his time as a callow youth of nineteen, in the trenches during 1918, at the end of the first World War, thinking that this would be the last military conflict that he would be involved in. “Very Important Person” successfully advances the wider historical context of the series with a general feeling that we are indeed approaching the end of the war but I personally would hardly consider it to be one of the finer stories that Colditz has served up.

...and of last weeks other episode I watched...

Disc Seven - Season 02 : Episode 26 – “Chameleon” by Robert Muller
Gathered around their hidden radio transmitter the British contingent continue to be heartened by the state of the war as reported by John Snagge a BBC radio announcer whom is no doubt familiar to anyone whom is a fan of British comedy series “Dad’s Army”. Meanwhile it’s a more sobering atmosphere for second-in-command Major Mohn whom listens to the news from Berlin with a much more restrained demeanour. With a solider in his presence he attempts to put a positive spin on the current German military situation and, having motioned the man to join him at the window, they look down at the British contingent exercising in the courtyard. Mohn tries to portray the British being unlike the “Chameleon” in that they are ‘unable to effectively blend into the landscape and that is why so many of their escape attempts fail’. This is rather prophetic as the story proceeds it is infact Mohn whom is unable to shed the military reputation he has primarily established within the confines of Colditz castle. With the Kommandant, for the most part, absent due to his attending a conference at party headquarters the focus of this story is firmly placed on Major Mohn and it is all the better for it. Clearly shaken by the Berlin news Mohn attempts to calm his nerves with a visit to the town pub however a back room talk with Anna and a former brother officer only makes his resolve even weaker. The shattered realisation that perhaps Germany might not win the war leads to a frankly bizarre visit to the British dormitory where he pleads for clemency through the signing of a document which states his fair and reasonable treatment of his prisoner charges. For me it all seems laughably bizarre to find the once implacable stoic officer whom had taken such delight in demeaning Carter in the season opener now so clearly worried about the outcome of the war as to behave to nervously out of character. Naturally Creston is not taken in by Mohn’s appeal for clemency and with his past now comes back to haunt him with mention of his part in the deaths of the commandos (“The Guests”) leading to the SBO wishing to see the German officer ‘rot in hell’. On his return the Kommandant shows his displeasure at Mohn’s actions in his absence and ultimately relieves him of duty after reminding the Major of his part in shots being fired within the castle (“The Gambler”). Carter does eventually return the document he put before him and the British contingent in their dormitory with suitable alterations to illustrate the total contempt that they hold him.

Been overly distracted by my 'Wish Me Luck' image captures but back with this...

Disc Seven - Season 02 : Episode 27 – “Death Sentence” by N.J.Crisp
Out on the exercise compound Colonel Dodd calls to Ulmann as this penultimate story opens to learn that Major Carrington has returned to the confines of Colditz following his court martial however the Chief of Security is unwilling to reveal the outcome. Instead his and the British contingent’s attention is distracted by the passing of a large number of peasant evacuees carrying whatever they can, a desperate, tragic and distressing sight for all concerned. After what viewers will undoubtedly consider a totally unjust action on the part of the now departed second-in-command Mohn the possibility of Carrington’s return as a regular series cast member hangs over this story. He does however act as an important pawn in the events of this story following the revelation that a death sentence has been passed by the convening court martial individuals. Despite the appeals of Colonels Creston and Dodd to overturn the decision the Kommandant says that he is powerless to act in this matter. He further states that even if he disobeys the order he would be replaced, court-martialled and shot and that would not help Carrington. Of greater immediate concern to the Kommandant is the build up of German military in the form of SS crack troops beyond the confines of the castle around the surrounding countryside and town. Speaking with his brother officers at an informal gathering he makes the offer that the wives of his colleagues can stay in the castle during the current emergency with the Kommandant saying that his own wife will be joining him at Colditz. With the countryside ‘crawling with SS’ the Kommandant outlines the dangerous situation to any potential escapee and the subsequent ramifications to the entire prisoner contingent within Colditz to Colonel Creston leading to the Senior British Officer making the promise that during the current emergency no escapes will be attempted. Back in the British dormitory he informs the escape committee of the suspension of escapes and outlines, as a last resort, the taking over of the castle. It’s certainly a bold and dangerous plan but given the ruthless unscrupulous nature of the SS it’s obviously entirely justified that these prisoners would defend themselves should the situation so demand it. Unfortunately this sadly scuppers Flt Lt Shaw’s plans to launch and fly his glider which in this episode finally appears totally complete and ready for use. Although we are sadly deprived of seeing it ‘take to the sky’ (which would have been marvellous but maybe difficult to convincingly achieve with totally safety on a television budget) it’s an impressive sight and Shaw seems to have effectively planned every detail of the means to leave the castle with himself and Colonel Dodd onboard. He elects the Senior American Officer as they plan to make for the US lines in an attempt to prevent Carrington’s death sentence being carried out by an ultimatum that such an act will leave the Germans open to subsequent ‘war crimes’ charges. There is certainly a marvellous sense of approaching tension in this penultimate story but in the midst of it all there is a gut wrenching personal development for the Kommandant when he receives a telephone call from a friend. Once again it’s a truly stunning, totally believable measured performance from Bernard Hepton whilst hearing the news, talking with his wife and then later with Colonel Creston about the death of his son. It’s an immensely tragic tale of how the 24-year-old pilot Eric is transferred to the infantry and whilst wounded is crushed to death beneath a Russian tank that really doesn’t bear thinking too long about but it’s all credit to Hepton in so totally convincing the viewers as to the veracity of his sons fate. This directly has a bearing on Carrington’s fate as the Kommandant subsequently takes it on his own judgement to suspend the death sentence hanging over the Major and transfer him into Colonel Dodd’s custody. With the ever approaching gunfire of the conflict drawing ever closer to the walls of Colditz coupled with the Kommandant’s tragic news “Death Sentence” is a mighty powerful penultimate script for this series and, with the threat of a forthcoming mass evacuation of POW’s at the hands of the SS it’s all set up beautifully for the final episode.

...and now to polish off this series with this...

Disc Seven - Season 02 : Episode 28 – “Liberation” by Ivan Moffatt
The British initially spend a great deal of time gathered around their makeshift telescope keeping an gleeful attentive vigil on military proceedings in the surrounding countryside as final episode “Liberation” gets underway. With no escape attempts being planned and implemented this story takes the approach of relating the gradual shift of power, something that obviously doesn’t come easily to the Kommandant. Whilst retaining his usual dignity he initially broaches the difficult subject with Colonel’s Creston and Dodd with the British officer indicating the means with which as discrete as possible ‘change of command’ can be implemented without allowing those German forces outside the camp become aware of what has occurred. With the shelling of castle becoming increasingly more devastating all personnel are left to evacuate to the cellars including the newly arrived French prisoners. It’s worth noting that before vacating his office for the last time the Kommandant assembles his officers, offers his appreciation and thanks for their loyalty and attempts to reassure them in the face of difficult personal times ahead where moral guidance from one another may not be available. Obviously unaware as to the occupants of the castle the central courtyard is fired upon by military aircraft leading to an extremely risky venture for Major Carrington. Accompanied initially by a couple of German soldiers he leaves the castle under cover of night and after encountering a patrol goes on alone. Looking across a stretch of water he whistles a familiar American tune to a figure on the other side but gains no reply. He then swims over and repeats the tune which this time gets the attention of an American soldier whom takes him in custody to his commanding officer. Early next morning Carrington returns to Colditz saying to his fellow prisoners that having spoken to the Americans they require nationality flags to be unfurled as identification of their presence which, although contravening their agreement with the Germans they are happy to do. Although having noticed this with the Kommandant saying to Ulmann ‘they have broken their word’, the Germans are frankly in no position now to impose their will on their former charges. The flags have the desired effect and slowly the front door of the castle cracks open and a lone American soldier enters and looks around suitably bemused at the occupants. They themselves initially return his puzzled gaze with similar expressions before joyfully rushing forward and lifting the lone individual above their shoulders. There is much banging of trays against bars, throwing of paper and toilet rolls out of the windows and other vocal merriment from these former prisoners all of which naturally is very unsettling for the Germans whom are powerless to halt the sequence of events now occurring. Next an American jeep roars into the courtyard and it’s no surprise to viewers, myself included, that the ranking officer, a Lieutenant Colonel Harrity is played by the familiar Ed Bishop. Remaining as resolute and disciplined as ever the Kommandant sets an example for his officers in the understandably difficult situation of offering his surrender to this newly arrived American officer. There is a poignant last word between the Kommandant and Colonel Creston and then he is gone, his fate unknown. Transport is of course quickly arranged and the remaining former prisoners joyously leave Colditz heading for an airfield where planes wait to fly them home. With the castle now totally deserted the three lone figures of Creston, Carter and Downing take a moment to look round at the silent surroundings before they as well leave. A poignant final moment on which to bring the series to a close. Although fairly perfunctory in its objective “Liberation” is indeed a fine enjoyable end to the Colditz series which for anyone whom, like me, has strolled through the entire run over a number of weeks, is indeed an emotionally moving viewing experience.