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.
12 Reviews
Over Here
MrsClegane28 September 2005
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!
Superb
stephanie-2613 August 2006
This was a brilliant mini-series, both funny and nostalgic. Martin Clunes at his very, very best as are all the cast members. I would imagine that it was a lot of fun to film! The friendly rivalry between the Brits and the Americans provides some absolutely hilarious moments. There are some great one-liners and 'throwaway' lines that provide such wonderful humour, which is only to be expected with the writer being John Sullivan. With every other series, play, etc being released on DVD, why has this one not been released? If you haven't seen this, if you ever get the chance, do so - this is a Must See!!!! Please, please release this as soon as possible - I am getting withdrawal symptoms..................
An excellent mini series.
pearlthejeep16 June 2004
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.
Here's one that should be available
WxFz7 September 2008
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.
USAF Extras in the movie
joesadler16 March 2007
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!
Over Here
colin95217 August 2009
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.
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.
Perfect RAF/USAAF collision with hilarious results and one-liners
TheEnglishChap29 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Finally, bloody finally, I was able to 'get' this awesome comic wartime two-parter from the talented John Sullivan ('Only Fools And Horses' fame) about the Yanks being over here (in England) and the interactions between the RAF & USAAF crews. I remember seeing in the Radio Times in England in 1996 about this upcoming series, and was excited to see something about the RAF & USAAF. Somewhere back home I have the cut-outs from this article. As a kid, I didn't appreciate the humor (I was only 15 at the time). Who can forget Group Captain Barker's (Martin Clunes) exaggerated twitch at the mention of Luftwaffe or the closing scene when you see which of the cast dies in the course of the War - I've paused the moment Old Archie pauses at the Lytchmere Memeorial to look at the names, and you can see some of the characters on there - which makes it all the more hard-hitting - a very beautiful scene. When Archie tells Lenko outside the hospital about watching his friends blown up really hits the right spot, a big punch amongst the comical situations. Our grandparents served in this time, and from what I have read about the 'loose' antics of the RAF pilots, they get it spot on here. The words and phrases are perfect, really making you feel you are there with the characters. I love Archie's impeccable accent and fantastic English-ness. There's a young cast of 'unknowns' including Sam West (Archie), Corey Johnson (B-17 Commander), and a young Tony Curran (Dougie). Every character and supporting cast are spot-on perfect. In the US I believe it was released as 'Over There'. I could go on and on about this, but there's not enough space on here... all I can say is... True classic that has been aired a few times with limited DVD release. If you get a chance to watch it or find the torrent, DO so!! You WILL not disappointed.
Over Here extra
granraper26 September 2009
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.
Acorn or Prime should pick this up
gidgiesfriend14 February 2020
Trying to convince the BBC to release Over Here on DVD
lpw0830 August 2009
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.
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.
Over Here Extras
texanman5821 February 2009
As Joe had written, I to was in the movie and had a great time shooting it. Working with Martin Kluns (telling him jokes) and many of the other actors was a blast. To continue on Joe's statement, after we seated and we were listening to the General, he was telling a joke and we did not laugh. It was an uneasy moment of silence, that was planed that way. During the silence the camera focused directly on me and I did not know that until the movie was released On December 31. As an American serviceman making the movie we had the chance also to work with our counterparts in the Royal Air Force which was fun as well. Even though a lot of our scenes were shot separate from theirs. Please BBC, release the film on DVD. I have my recorded copy but it is in PAL and I do not get to watch it anymore. Great cast, great director, great crew, great fun.
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