Over Here

This two-episoder is packed with superb one-liners, lovable pomposity, and, while there is quite a bit of national leg-pulling, nothing which could be called malicious. - WHY is this not available ??? I recorded the two-parter on video when it was broadcast and lent it to many friends who agreed that it was one of the best shows they had seen. Unfortunately the video became lost - I've waited for a BBC repeat in vain : I'm sure if the BBC were to make it available, it would fly up the bestseller lists ! and 'in a funny sort of way' it would !! Martin Clunes as Group Captain Barker is no less than superb, and is backed up by some very fine talent all round.

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.

A superb two parter from John Sullivan. Why did it never go to series when rubbish like 'the office' does? And why oh why is it not available on DVD. If anyone out there can get it tell me! If you have not seen it then I would recommend it. Brilliantly cast and superbly written and performed. EXCELLENT! Martin Clunes is great as Group Captain 'Bare With Me' Barker and bounces wonderfully off Todd Boyce's character. Sam West, played in the modern day by his father, Tim, is a master of comic timing and portrays the cheeky, lovable RAF Squadron Leader Archie Bunting as though he were meant to play him. Over sexed and over here, that is as maybe, but the RAF were at it far before the Yanks turned up.

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!

Although a little heavy-handed when it comes to the Americans, generally they are treated as expected save for Colonel Hewitt, played, or should I say SERIOUSLY over-played by Todd Boyce.....His portrayal of an American officer is so over-the-top as to be uncomfortable to watch. The other actors are excellent, particularly Clunes who, in his usual pre Doc Martin days, played a somewhat bumbling twit officer. Others, like his aide, are played to the hilt but considering John Sullivan is the credited writer, it's certainly true to form. Entertaining and definitely worth a watch.