19 reviews
Older Series Yet Very Good
I found this series by chance and instantly was drawn to the characters and the dynamics between the British residents of a village and the American GIs. It has some stereotypes but overall, I think it was written based on how many outside the US saw Americans overall. It's a good series that depicted the difficulties both cultures had when forced into the situation of war.
Some of the technical aspects are cheesy and outdated but they really are good considering the age of the show. The flight scenes were pretty good too for its time. Major James Kiley was one of my favorites along with Capt. Red Berwash.
The characters are mostly all interesting and provide a lot of the appeal for the series along with each story line of the main characters.
It has drama and just the right amount of romance. I liked how the lead female character played by Susannah York was a doctor and was very strong. Overall, I enjoyed the series and have watched it a time or two afterwards. I even purchased the novel that provided more of the story.
Some of the technical aspects are cheesy and outdated but they really are good considering the age of the show. The flight scenes were pretty good too for its time. Major James Kiley was one of my favorites along with Capt. Red Berwash.
The characters are mostly all interesting and provide a lot of the appeal for the series along with each story line of the main characters.
It has drama and just the right amount of romance. I liked how the lead female character played by Susannah York was a doctor and was very strong. Overall, I enjoyed the series and have watched it a time or two afterwards. I even purchased the novel that provided more of the story.
- staying_younger
- Apr 22, 2018
- Permalink
The lives of the inhabitants of a small village in WWII are changed forever when a squadron of the American Air force arrives
I liked the series. I have it on DVD & watch it from time to time. I agree some of the characters are a bit of a caricature and some of the American accents are appalling, but it's worth watching it just for Michael J Shannon who is completely believable as a USAF Major and the chemistry between his character Maj. Kiley and Dr Dereham.
In response to "jehaccess6"'s review - Susannah York was just over 40 when making this (not 50) - 3 or so years older than Michael J Shannon - and I think we're supposed to assume that Maj. Kiley was attracted to and by her character because she was more sophisticated, or perhaps more aloof, or just unavailable? I don't see him falling for her daughter who was frankly too young for him as well as the fact that she rather flung herself at him and followed him around like a lost puppy. We all go for the unattainable, don't we? Furthermore we can't help who we're attracted by can we?
Although the quality of the recording isn't brilliant, the series isn't dated because it's set in 1943.
I quite liked the addition of real footage of B-17s and airmen - gave it more authenticity.
Incidentally for those who are wondering, according to the book "We'll meet Again - the end of an era" which was a sort of sequel, Maj. Dereham dies so Helen marries Jim Kiley, they go to the USA and he becomes a politician, Vi & Chuck also go to the USA, have a couple of kids and Chuck becomes a dentist, Rosie Blair marries Peter Mundy & they take over the shop when Albert Mundy has a stroke, Hymie marries a friend of Rosie's and Lettie becomes a famous actress via rather dubious methods. Lettie's daughter grows up with the Mundys unaware who her real mother is.
In response to "jehaccess6"'s review - Susannah York was just over 40 when making this (not 50) - 3 or so years older than Michael J Shannon - and I think we're supposed to assume that Maj. Kiley was attracted to and by her character because she was more sophisticated, or perhaps more aloof, or just unavailable? I don't see him falling for her daughter who was frankly too young for him as well as the fact that she rather flung herself at him and followed him around like a lost puppy. We all go for the unattainable, don't we? Furthermore we can't help who we're attracted by can we?
Although the quality of the recording isn't brilliant, the series isn't dated because it's set in 1943.
I quite liked the addition of real footage of B-17s and airmen - gave it more authenticity.
Incidentally for those who are wondering, according to the book "We'll meet Again - the end of an era" which was a sort of sequel, Maj. Dereham dies so Helen marries Jim Kiley, they go to the USA and he becomes a politician, Vi & Chuck also go to the USA, have a couple of kids and Chuck becomes a dentist, Rosie Blair marries Peter Mundy & they take over the shop when Albert Mundy has a stroke, Hymie marries a friend of Rosie's and Lettie becomes a famous actress via rather dubious methods. Lettie's daughter grows up with the Mundys unaware who her real mother is.
Shame there was no second series
- kris-523-976233
- Feb 28, 2016
- Permalink
Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale...
As a TV series that is nearly twenty years old, "We'll Meet Again" should be looking a little rough around the edges now. It is, however, a timeless classic worthy of inclusion in anybody's collection.
The story describes the effect on a small British village when an American Bomber Division lands during World War Two.
The feeling of 'old England' is captured beautifully, not least in the fabulous portrayal of stalwart shop keeper Albert Mundy by Ray Smith.
The series is long, weighing in at 690 minutes, but is very compelling as you are absorbed into the intricate history of the residents of the village and their interaction with the 'Yanks'.
The success of this show was phenomenal when first aired in the UK, and its conclusion brought about a national press campaign for a sequel, which was eventually commissioned for serialisation by a UK National Paper.
If you were there the first time, then I strongly urge you to invest in the beautiful DVD set available only on region 1 DVD.
If you love romance, nostalgia, or B-17s then this is for you!
The story describes the effect on a small British village when an American Bomber Division lands during World War Two.
The feeling of 'old England' is captured beautifully, not least in the fabulous portrayal of stalwart shop keeper Albert Mundy by Ray Smith.
The series is long, weighing in at 690 minutes, but is very compelling as you are absorbed into the intricate history of the residents of the village and their interaction with the 'Yanks'.
The success of this show was phenomenal when first aired in the UK, and its conclusion brought about a national press campaign for a sequel, which was eventually commissioned for serialisation by a UK National Paper.
If you were there the first time, then I strongly urge you to invest in the beautiful DVD set available only on region 1 DVD.
If you love romance, nostalgia, or B-17s then this is for you!
I rate this a 7.5 and highly recommend it
- hondacivicdx
- Oct 7, 2014
- Permalink
My uncle and aunt's romance was the real-life story of this series!
I saw this TV show while I was doing overseas student teaching in the spring of 1982. There are 2 reasons why it has stuck with me - 1) it was really good, and 2) my uncle, in whose home I was staying while I taught in the UK, was the US military adviser for the show and his name appeared in the credits at the end of each episode!! I was so proud! His name was Lt. Col. Donald W. Brewer. He and my British-born Aunt Beryl's wartime romance was the real love story that was mirrored in the TV series. I have a full-page article/interview entitled "The real "We'll Meet Again"love story", from the newspaper they received at the time. It recounts the details of their whirlwind WWII romance and marriage and how it was that he was asked to read the script and give his opinion on the accuracy of the language, dress, and similar details of the US soldiers portrayed in the series.
- bookmarkjl
- May 9, 2014
- Permalink
Some satisfying elements if you ignore the screaming incongruities.
- jehaccess6
- Jun 20, 2012
- Permalink
Can't get enough of it!
When I read some of the other reviews before I started watching, I thought why would anyone watch it through more than once. Well, I found out! I am starting on my 7th time through. I love the characters in it, even grumpy Mr. Mundy! So far there isn't anything else on TV that I want to watch in the evening but this. I just wish there were more episodes. The actors are great, the storyline is memorable.
- jayke-39-940710
- Jul 29, 2019
- Permalink
You can't borrow mine.......get your own !!
Love it, love it some more.....c'mon now - my favourite TV series ever!! Last saw it in the 80's when it aired, caught it again on digital rerun (just finished).
Great cast, Michael J Shannon and Susannah York are great, as are June Barry and Ray Smith.
Corny, soft focus filming, romantic, funny and sometimes a little reflective......as is the subject matter.
Just wish I had not seen it on the telly and still had it to watch as if new......go on - dare you to enjoy it.
oh, have bought the DVD set and both books.....no you can't borrow them!!
Great cast, Michael J Shannon and Susannah York are great, as are June Barry and Ray Smith.
Corny, soft focus filming, romantic, funny and sometimes a little reflective......as is the subject matter.
Just wish I had not seen it on the telly and still had it to watch as if new......go on - dare you to enjoy it.
oh, have bought the DVD set and both books.....no you can't borrow them!!
Classic 80's TV series
I remember watching this first time around. I have always had a fascination with anything from World War II. Anyone watching this now will think it's a bit lame. but I loved it. The theme tune sets the scene (a big band playing 'We'll meet again'). It tells the story of a small market town being invaded by a US Air Force crew and the effect it has on their lives. Some bits are a bit naff but on the whole it's a good series. Just remember, it's 80's drama...nothing compared to Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, but a good representation of what life may have been like during the early part of the forties, when the yanks were 'over here, over paid and over sexed' as it was so delicately put :)
- kazb_uk2002
- Jan 17, 2014
- Permalink
Nothing but stereotypes
I have somehow managed to sit through many of the episodes while my husband watched, and I can say that this is probably the worst bit of television I have seen. The American accents are horrendous, the acting insufferable, and the whole mood of the show nothing but largely untrue stereotypes and intolerance. What a complete waste of time. I can't understand any positive reviews of this show. Americans are portrayed as loud and obnoxious, given dialogue comprised entirely of the few characteristic "yankee-isms." It becomes very tiresome, very quickly. The British are all portrayed as small minded, backward yokels who have never travelled farther than the end of their road. I know it was not all peaches and cream at the time, but this is more like a cartoon... exaggerated to the point of pain.
- drbetteridge
- Mar 29, 2011
- Permalink
My favourite ever TV series
I loved this series and have watched it several times. A well made, well acted production which was very evocative of the WWII period. My favourite actor, Joris Stuyck, played M/Sgt Chuck Ericson. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good romantic story. Beautifully filmed - it's such a pity there was no follow-up series.
A favorite series of mine
This incredible drama about life during World War 2 is definitely a standout in TV history. Brilliantly showcasing the dramas, romances and hardships for soldiers and their relatives during the time of war.
It is just extremely well-written and acted, and just rings with much autenticity. The cinematography, cutting and editing is very fluid and it's just a technically well crafted piece of art.
Overall, definitely a recommended series for everyone. It's up there with my favourites, and for very good reason. Give it a watch for sure, jusg an inctedible TV show. Vera Lynn's beautiful music and lyrics will stay with you!
It is just extremely well-written and acted, and just rings with much autenticity. The cinematography, cutting and editing is very fluid and it's just a technically well crafted piece of art.
Overall, definitely a recommended series for everyone. It's up there with my favourites, and for very good reason. Give it a watch for sure, jusg an inctedible TV show. Vera Lynn's beautiful music and lyrics will stay with you!
- martinpersson97
- Mar 16, 2023
- Permalink
A Must for WWII Enthusiasts. (Minor Spoilers).
- highpriestess32
- Mar 4, 2017
- Permalink
We loved it
I love this and should add we both did. It had proper writers, plenty of reality including one real plane.
Yes I know it's not camouflaged properly and there were a few bad American accents but each episode had a start, middle and end and a few episodes carried on in delightful ways.
When this was made they still had beer in the right shaped bottles which must have helped with establishing the right scenery. I kind of felt the attitudes were correct for that time period too.
Most of the love affairs, which always add something and the humour was great and most of all things were believable which is pretty key to this sort of production.
Also really great was the film they managed to "rob" from way back then = WW2. That added a lot to this drama. All in all I give it an easy 8.
Yes I know it's not camouflaged properly and there were a few bad American accents but each episode had a start, middle and end and a few episodes carried on in delightful ways.
When this was made they still had beer in the right shaped bottles which must have helped with establishing the right scenery. I kind of felt the attitudes were correct for that time period too.
Most of the love affairs, which always add something and the humour was great and most of all things were believable which is pretty key to this sort of production.
Also really great was the film they managed to "rob" from way back then = WW2. That added a lot to this drama. All in all I give it an easy 8.
Knowledge of the U.S. Military Might Have Helped
In spite of the terrible acting and ridiculous stereotypes, an advisor with at least a nominal amount of knowledge of the U. S. military *might* have made this low-budget series worthy of one more star. I only made it through the first episode and half of the second before I shut it off. I was almost afraid that my wife would be curious as to what I was watching, as she sometimes is, and sit and watch a little of it and then wonder what was wrong with me for watching it. Amongst the many protocols that are not observed in this bomber wing, one of the characters has the rank of master sergeant, which, during World War II was the highest NCO rank in the U. S. Army (and therefore in the U. S. Army Air Corps or Air Force as well), who has a bunk in a common room with all of the other enlisted personnel. He's also very young to have that rank with no combat experience. That probably offsets one of the corporals with a non-speaking role who is very old to be a corporal.
It's just a carelessly produced, lame, disrespectful, piece of tripe that is a true waste of time to watch.
It's just a carelessly produced, lame, disrespectful, piece of tripe that is a true waste of time to watch.
Best Movie Ever !
I purchased this series three years ago; and, I have watched it, at least, 20 times ! It is wonderful ! The direction is splendid ! The acting is superb ! Recently, I purchased the DVD so that I have a more 'permanent' copy. I have loaned it to people; and, they have thanked me profusely. It is simply WONDERFUL ! Superlatives fail me, I don't know what else to say ! I continually thank my lucky stars that prompted me to purchase it (I knew nothing about it) ! It is that good !
A missed opportunity, a major disappointment
Series marred by poor historical footage and wooden acting