Hogan's Heroes (1965-1971)
This military comedy, created by Bernard Fein and Albert Ruddy, premiered in 1965 amid controversy. After all, it was only twenty years since World War Two had ended and for many, the scars had not yet healed. Still, the show was one of the highest rated new shows of the season and ran for six years. Based on the successful play and movie Stalag 13, Hogan's Heroes was about a group of prisoners at a German P. O. W. camp that work for the Allied underground, unbeknownst to their captors. It ran on CBS for six years and was still popular when it was canceled in 1971 when CBS decided to change it's image and go for more "urban" shows. It is currently being shown on Nick at Nite's TV Land and is also being shown on Germany's Kable 1 where it is very popular, especially with young people. The show featured seven main characters and several recurring characters who each left a mark on the show.
The Characters
The Allies
Col. Robert E. Hogan: The leader of the group, an American who worked in the Pentagon before the war. Knows how to manipulate people to get what he wants, can con Klink into letting him get his way, quite a reputation with the ladies. Gets along very well with his men and always gets the job done. Played by Bob Crane.
Sgt. Andrew Carter: An American, not too bright, but an expert with all kinds of explosives. Also known by Indian name Little Deer who goes softly through the forest. Often known to impersonate a German, also been known to screw up a mission now and then. Has a younger brother, wanted to escape when his girlfriend broke up with him. Played by Larry Hovis.
Sgt. Kinchloe: The only character whose first name changed during the series. It was James the first season, but later changed to Ivan in the fifth season. Also only main character to mysteriously disappear and be replaced by another character. Known to friends as Kinch, he is the radio man. Before the war, he fought in the Golden Gloves in Detroit. Played by Ivan Dixon.
Cpl. Louis LeBeau: A Frenchman, he is the chef and often bribes Schultz with his strudel. Also sings on occasion. Played by Robert Clary, who spent most of WW 2 in a concentration camp.
Cpl. Peter Newkirk: The British member of the group, once described himself as ‘Your friendly neighborhood pickpocket.' Also said he could pick your pocket wearing boxing gloves. Comes in very handy for getting things out of Klink's safe or getting hidden information. Has one sister, Mavis. Headlined at the Palladium before the war and also once worked with a circus. Sarcastic, tempermental, loves the ladies, and has an uncanny ability to cause trouble. Played by Richard Dawson.
Sgt. Richard Baker: Replaced Kinch as radio man in the sixth season. Played by Kenneth Washington.
The Germans
Col. Wilhelm Klink: The Kommandant of Stalag 13, the only one in his class who has yet to be promoted to General, which is his dream. Very proud of the camp's no escape record. Wears a monocle, very pompous, not admired by anyone. Easily manipulated by Hogan, completely unaware of what is really going on. Constantly being threatened with being sent to the Russian front. Played by Werner Klemperer.
Sgt. Hans Schultz: The guard at Stalag 13, he "knows nothing" and "sees nothing". He knows more than he lets on, but easily bribed with chocolate or LeBeau's cooking. Afraid of being sent to the Russian front. Spends most of his free time in town at the Hof Brau or playing cards with the prisoners. Played by John Banner.
Recurring Characters
The Allies
Col. Rodney Crittendon: A British Colonel who works for the Underground and outranks Hogan. Always screws up missions, not liked by the men, thinks he knows more than he does. Played by Bernard Fox.
Olson: An American prisoner, helped on a few missions. Played by Stewart Moss.
The Germans
General Albert Burkhalter: Klink's supervisor, a no nonsense man who only puts up with Klink because he has to. Controls by threats of sending men to the Russian front. Played by Leon Askin.
Major Hochstetter: A Gestapo officer who doesn't like Klink and suspects Hogan is responsible for the sabotage in the area, but never able to get enough evidence. Played by Howard Caine.
Helga: Klink's secretary in the first season, helps Hogan in exchange for gifts. Played by Cynthia Lynn.
Hilda: Klink's secretary the second through the sixth season, basically the same as Helga. Played by Sigrid Valdis, who was married to Bob Crane.
Gertrude Linkmeyer: General Burkhalter's sister, a widow whose husband was lost on the Russian front. Wants to marry Klink, but he is not interested. Played by Kathleen Freeman.
The Others
Tiger: An underground spy who works with the men. Played by Arlene Martel.
Marya: A Russian spy, Hogan is never quite sure which side she is on. Played by Nita Talbot.
