Colditz - 1970s TV series

[highway61]

Ever since I saw the TV series it was the one place in the world that I really wanted to visit. Of course back in the 70s it was in East Germany and it might as well have been on the moon for all the chance I had of going. Then the Wall came down and I was able to visit the town of Colditz in 1995 when I was touring Germany with Attila. The castle was shut but after begging and pleading and all but lying that my Dad had been there they opened it specially for me. It was brilliant as my guide kept unlocking and then locking the doors behind us as we went round. It was all too easy to pretend that I was a captured British officer being lead off to solitary confinement after a failed escape attempt.

Because at that time it wasn't really open to the general public it the whole place had very melancholy, run-down air. The highlight was seeing the loft where they built the glider - which sadly wasn't there (They think the Russians removed it after the war).

Jeez, nice one, really envious

 

[Barry Izbak]

I remember a stonking episode where one of the prisoners pretended to be mad to be sent home. Eventually it worked... except he was really mad. That was a chilling episode.

I think this is tonight's episode

 

[Brightonfan1983]

Anyone remember Secret Army, the drama with Bernard Hepton that 'Allo 'Allo was inspired by (bizarrely)?

I wonder if that stands the test of time. Great theme tune too, as I recall.

 

[Brovion]

Jeez, nice one, really envious

Yeah, out of all the 'touristy' things I've done it was easily the best. I got there at about 11:00 and they said No, then after a bit of pleading they said 'Come back at 4pm and it'll cost you 50DM' thinking perhaps I'd just clear off. I didn't though, I spent the best part of five hours hanging around, just soaking it all in. Then at 4 o'clock I went back and banged on the door. I was aware of the incongruity, here I was demanding to be let IN to Colditz!