Over Here

This was a really brilliant, funny and very poignant wartime drama, well what else can you expect from our greatest comedy writer John Sullivan. It boasted a great cast of both British and American actors (two of my personal favourites being the incredible Martin Clunes and the equally incredible, and rather gorgeous, Corey Johnson!). To be honest, I'm amazed it hasn't been released yet (or even repeated), what with all the D-Day celebrations of last year and this year's V.E. day celebrations. It would be brilliant if the BBC would consider releasing it, from reading comments on the web, I'm sure it would prove a very popular choice!

I have contacted the BBC regarding 'Over Here', they tell me it's not available at present on DVD, but if they get enough people ask for it then there's a possibility it can be released.

If you want to join the campaign to get 'Over Here' on DVD then please write to the BBC at the following address: BBC, Programming & Acquisitions Department, 2 entertain, 33 Foley Street, London W1W 7TL

This programme was released in April 1996, and was one of the most hilarious comedy/dramas the BBC has ever released.

The more people we get to contact them about this, then the more chance we have of getting this on DVD. Thanks to all.

I was an extra on Over Here while I was in the USAF stationed in the UK. We filmed our part at RAF Sculthorpe, an old disused USAF base, just north of our base in Norfolk. We really had a lot of fun, and got paid! The director, Tony Dow had it right using us, we were disciplined, trained to react to an attack (that was us in the Airfield Bombardment) and could wear a uniform. The scene where I called the room to attention was me! I was a senior NCO so had done this a few times before:) It was amazing, because the GI's jumped, but you could tell the actors were a little unused to snapping to attention!Also, you do not look around but look straight until you hear the command, as you were, or take your seats. Anyway, I digress, please BBC, put it on DVD!

I had a 'few'bit parts in this,from running around the airfield when being bombed and strafed by the Messerschmitts,to being one of the actual pilots on the B-17. I can be seen exiting the aircraft on the hardstand and walking towards the camera.Another scene of me is in the briefing room where we are being introduced to the 'English' way of life & speaking.I can be seen in the 3rd row back in full flying gear(sheepskin flying jacket and trousers)chewing gum.The room was made to 'Look cold' but being under the lights for hours filming and in all that gear it was rather hot.When not filming i had the chance to talk to some of the main actors and have a look at the Messerschmitts parked up in the old hangers.I also had the privileged of having a chat to the Late Mark Hanna ( one of the Messerschmidt pilots). How i got to be an 'extra' in this was because i was working for the USAF at RAF Alconbury in the 10th Trans, Yup i think i was the only British person from there to take part in this very funny TV film.

I loved to beginning when the period very cleverly changed from modern to wartime.

The end was very poignant when returning to the present with the ghosts of everyone standing in the village square.

As well as being very funny, it was also full of pathos. The casting was excellent, even to the authentic Norfolk accent.

Why doesn't the BBC make this available? Even "Music and Memories" can't seem to get hold of it. Some excerpts were on YouTube for a while, but have since been removed.

Has anyone managed to get a copy of this excellent series? I don't mind it in any format if someone can help.