MovieChat Forums > Secret Army (1977) Discussion > watching the dvd,some comments.

watching the dvd,some comments.


I watched this on tv as a kid.

I liked it but I know I missed a lot of the details because I did not know the history (the series seems historically well researched, advised by actual resistance and RAF sources.).

The series was a popular and critical success when it was first shown but its reputation has been undermined by the stupid and crass comedy ALLO ALLO.

I am enjoying the series again but you have to accept the dated look of the time,late 1970s.

The subject of the French underground has been much covered in film and tv but of course the Belgian story is no less dramatic.

The idiot NIGEL FARAGE,a British populist politician makes a living by being rude about Belgians and Belgium.

He thinks it is a joke,made up country,as if all nations are not made up.
He should watch this series.or even read some history books.

I am just back from Belgium,there are plenty of war memorials to Belgians in 2 world wars who died for their country.

When you come to the SECRET ARMY page on IMDB you get suggested similar films,one of which is the the great (in my opinion)British films called AGAINST THE WIND,but the image and details are for some film of the same title but not the British film about the Belgian underground,

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I enjoyed reading your comments. I actually prefer the dated look of older television and cinema with long shots not constantly moving camera, with focus on intelligent dialogue and character development. Let the characters go about their business in realistic quiet. This builds tension. Not the constantly moving cameras and booming background music do not heighten tension.

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Apologize for garbled post.

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I did not find your post garbled.
I agree with you but the look of older tv programmes takes a bit of getting used to.
I understand that SECRET ARMY was almost the last of the drama series made at BBC tv centre,after the late 1970s there was more and more location filming.

I mentioned that SECRET ARMY looked dated but I am watching CALLAN from 1967-1969 and it is really very dated,harsh studio lighting and outside locations with without much action.

But like you say the acting is better.

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You make some good points, especially about ALLO ALLO being stupid and crass.

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you canoot be surryus?

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