Secret Army (1977)
The acclaimed BBC wartime drama following a covert Belgian escape network risking everything to smuggle Allied airmen past the Gestapo.
Secret Army - Series Information
- Original Title: Secret Army
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Gerard Glaister
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (53 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 43
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 7, 1977 (United Kingdom - 12)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC, Belgische Radio en Televisie
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, Belgium
Secret Army - Plot
World War II drama about covert organisation Lifeline helping allied airmen escape after being shot down in occupied Europe, working with the Resistance and hiding from the Gestapo.
Secret Army - Trailer
Preview a clip from this landmark BBC wartime drama.
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Secret Army - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gerard Glaister
Main Cast
- Bernard Hepton
- Angela Richards
- Clifford Rose
- Juliet Hammond-Hill
- Ron Pember
- Valentine Dyall
- Michael Culver
- Jan Francis
- Christopher Neame
- Stephen Yardley
Writers
- John Brason
- N.J. Crisp
- James Andrew Hall
- Robert Barr
- David Crane
Secret Army - FAQs
Is Secret Army based on a true story?
Secret Army draws heavily from documented wartime history. The fictional Lifeline network is inspired by real escape lines such as the Comet Line, which operated in Nazi-occupied Belgium and helped hundreds of Allied airmen reach safety. Creator Gerard Glaister researched these networks extensively, lending the drama a strong foundation in verifiable historical fact.
What is Secret Army about?
Set in Nazi-occupied Belgium during World War II, Secret Army follows Lifeline, a clandestine organisation that smuggles downed Allied airmen back to safety. Operating out of a Brussels café, its members risk everything to outwit the Gestapo, balancing personal survival against moral duty in one of history's darkest chapters.
Where can you stream or watch Secret Army?
Secret Army is available to buy on Amazon Video. Physical releases on DVD are also widely available for collectors. Streaming availability can vary by region, so checking your local platforms is always a good idea for the most current options.
Who plays Albert Foiret in Secret Army?
Bernard Hepton portrays Albert Foiret, the morally complex café owner at the heart of the Lifeline operation. Hepton's nuanced, understated performance is widely regarded as one of the finest in British television history, earning the character a reputation as one of drama's most compelling reluctant heroes.
Did Secret Army win any awards or critical recognition?
Secret Army earned considerable critical acclaim during its original BBC run from 1977 to 1979 and is frequently cited among the finest British war dramas ever produced. Its reputation has only grown over the decades, and it is regularly praised for its moral complexity, authentic period detail, and outstanding ensemble performances.
Who created Secret Army and when did it first air?
Secret Army was created by Gerard Glaister, a BBC producer with a strong track record in wartime drama. The series premiered on BBC One on September 7, 1977, and ran for three seasons until 1979, accumulating 43 episodes across its complete run.
Did Secret Army inspire any other television series?
Absolutely. Secret Army directly inspired the long-running BBC comedy 'Allo 'Allo! (1984), which affectionately parodied its characters, setting, and storylines. Several Secret Army cast members even appeared in the spoof, cementing the original drama's cultural footprint and its lasting influence on British television.
What are similar shows to Secret Army worth watching?
Fans of Secret Army tend to enjoy Foyle's War, a meticulous British wartime detective drama, and A Small Light, which similarly explores civilian courage under Nazi occupation. Combat! and 12 O'Clock High offer gripping American perspectives on WWII, while The Crimson Field and Home Fires examine the war's impact on the home front.
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