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I have fond memories of this series and wish it would be released on DVD. It was my first experience of the great Ian Richardson and the amazing Billie Whitelaw. Michael Elphick was perfect as the bungling loser of the title role, but he was effortlessly upstaged by Richardson and Whitelaw (there was a sense of powerful engines idling). And don't forget that the writer Jack Pulman also wrote the 1976 series "I, Claudius". If you liked "don't eat the figs" you'd probably enjoy this show.

Far from considering it repulsive, I would place it on my shelf next to Benigni's "Life Is Beautiful", in the category "endurance of the spirit in a dehumanizing world". Not a work of genius perhaps, but far superior to the silly "Allo! Allo!" (which I also enjoyed).

Based upon reality, this wonderful series took off with the minor character only wanting to get along within an organization that was bound to bring down the British economy through counterfeit money. While it's true that part of the series is set in a DZ, it's part and parcel with the trials of the title character, who tries to avoid active service by any means.

Naturally, his avoidance is foiled at every turn. Through the machinations of his superiors, he is drawn deeper and deeper into the scheme, which is advanced through the "Technical Section of the SS", a mistake proof bureau that manages to fowl things up about once an episode.

Despite the bungling of the "experts" (and the best efforts of the good private) the banknotes finally reach their destination. How they end up is the punch line (as well as an excuse for a final comic turn for the star members of the case.

It's not Blackadder, but it's still a different (and comic) take that's worth watching.

Main point I want to make is this is now available on DVD. A good transfer, but sadly no extras.

To agree with the other reviewers this is a brilliant black comedy, and the use of archive footage adds to the authenticity.

One thought I had was Ian Richardson's multiple characters reminds me of Peter Sellers in Soft Beds, Hard Battles, and I note Rula Lenska is in both productions.

Of cause it would never be made in these sad PC days.

This one is priceless. While it is done definitely tongue-in-cheek, this is based on actual events during the Second World War. The Nazis were successful in creating counterfeit British currency, and with it they intended to destroy the British economic monetary systems. Unfortunately, they counted too heavily on Private Schultz.

Ian Richardson does a wonderfully evil SS officer -- and the rest of the cast isn't bad either. You have to see this one for yourself.

One of the best comedy series of all time.

Have been awaiting a DVD/video release for years, or a re-showing on TV.

Today is the 60th anniversary of VE day. WWII was one of the most horrible things to ever have happened on our planet; saying that Private Schultz is repulsive is akin to deriding Kelly's Heros, Hogan's Heros or the Germans episode of Fawlty Towers - and misses the point completely.

There's a big difference between making sick, cheap jokes about such events, and ultra-high quality comedy drama like these pieces.

I cannot wait to revel in it's pleasures once more. Surely 2005 will see a DVD release.

From conception to screenplay and the performance of every actor, this is a true gem. The humor is deep and subtle and as such it is not for NASCAR fans nor for anyone who has ever thought Adam Sandler should have been allowed to survive infancy. Richardson is note-perfect, as is the under-the-radar depiction of Hilter as a seemingly-rational nutjob. For those who are pining after a DVD release, I have only one word: Usenet. If that one word has no meaning for you, do a search on 'Newsgroups' and find out how to use programs like Agent, which are as easy to use as any internet browser. You would not believe the power of the dark side, young Skywalker.

A fabulous cast, plot and hilarious script. Richardson is superb as an incompetent placed in a position of power. His acting is just supreme. Elphinck is cast as the intelligent one who is always thwarted by fate or Richardson. Richardson plays a Nazi Major and suggests to Hitler [ from an idea of Elphinck's ] that they flood Britain with forged five pound notes. Elphinck is instructed to produce the forgeries with concentration camp / slave labour. He is parachuted into England but finds that his contact [ Played by Richardson again ] has been turned by British Intelligence. He manages to escape back to France. He is always trying to have romantic encounters in which fate always has the last laugh. His main love is Billie Whitelaw who works in a brothel designed to extract military gossip and traitors by eavesdropping [ Salon Kitty style ].

Elphinck tries on many occasions to get his hand on the money but, finally fails but ends up with Whitelaw [ after the war is over ].

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE ON DVD - are the BBC mad ???

This terrific comedy showcases the talents of two of Britain's best actors, the late Michael Elphick and Ian Richardson, who are portrayed as Nazi soldiers in the SS assigned to topple the British economy by counterfeiting the currency. (This is a true story that actually happened in WW2).

Michael Elphick is superb as a cowardly conniving small-time crook who will do anything to avoid fighting. Ian Richardson is also in top form as his incompetent commanding officer. Together, they recruit a gang of Jewish criminals from concentration camps and set about their merry work.

This is one of the best comedies ever made with great performances from the entire cast. Regrettably, the DVD (produced by the BBC) is not available in the USA, presumably to appease American Jewish groups who would consider a concentration camp an inappropriate venue for a comedy.

BTW, the story was recently made into a highly recommended dramatic German-language film (The Counterfeiters, 2007).

The character Schulz can't win a trick; he creates the greatest counterfeiting ring in the world but ends up the only one unable to enjoy the proceeds. As the beauty he eternally is chasing in this show says "Oh Gerhardt your cursed to stumble just as you reach the finish line"

The cast is perfect in this show especially Michael Elphick as the eternal loser Schulz and his many nemesis throughout the show all played by Ian Richardson (some of his best work I think).

In each episode just as Schulz is about to grab the brass ring his greed and his innate too smart for his own good nature trip him up and lands him in flight and danger.

You can't help but feel sorry for him as everyone but him is enjoying the results of his counterfeiting. Also anyone can see a mile away the many disasters he greedily hurtles himself into but someone has to suffer for us to get the laugh.

Definitely see this then check any 5 pound notes you might have!

To find this mini-series repulsive is ridiculous. Its a more intricate and enjoyable version of 'Hogans Heroes'. Taken from some actual plots used by Nazis during the war, it uses brilliant writing, acting and producing to twine a tale of counterfeiting to smash the English currency and topple the war into Germany's favor.

Brilliant humor. It should be released of DVD!

>Yes folks,this is a sitcom about the inmates of a concentration camp.It is possibly the most repulsive show ever made.

What on earth is this man talking about? It's like Escape to Victory for forgers - only it's intentionally funny!

The late Michael Elphick puts in a suitably sheepish role as the luckless Schultz, while Peter Richardson comes out as the real star - most of the time a ruthless, goose-stepping, selfish b*stard! Just when you think everything is going right for Schultz, the Nazis turn up, he gets bonked on the head, nearly drowned in a fjord or blown to smithereens! Classic!

Great watching, and I hope it comes out on DVD! My VHS recording is starting to look a bit tatty!