One inevitably compares Kessler to the Secret Army. I found the characters in the latter more believable than the characters in the former.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you have watched the TV series Secret Army then this completely rounds off the entire programme. Enjoy!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Kessler is the 1981 spin off series from Secret Army writing duo Gerard Glaister and John Brason. A series set in the present day (then the early 1980's), it explores the escape of NAZI officers from a defeated Germany and their subsequent rise through the industrial and business world some 40 years later. Episode One: Four people arrive in Brussels. Their object - the identification and unmasking of one man: SS Standartenfuhrer Ludwig Kessler. Episode Two: The Circle around Manfred Dorf, once Ludwig Kessler, is narrowing and his flight from Germany is imminent - but there is something he must take with him. Episode Three: Even in England no one is safe from the NAZI tentacles - but neither are the NAZI's safe. The time has come to seek permanent sanctuary. Episode Four: It is essential for Kessler to unite with Martin Bormann. But why? Episode Five: The NAZIs, fearful of another Eichmann situation, entrench and prepare to repell borders. Episode Six: Disillusioned with his old comrades, Kessler still has the power to create havoc and mayhem - it simply means changing horses.Read full review
This series operates at a number of levels. At its simplest, it purports to resolve a loose end from the brilliant "Secret Army" series; in this it succeeds to an extent, but the appearance of the "Secret Army" characters (except Kessler himself) is limited to the 1st episode: a disappointment which the BBC could remedy by releasing the final "Secret Army" episode held on ice since 1979. At another level, it is a ripping yarn which will engage any fan of "hunt"-types stories: Alan Dobie is`excellent in this regard. The series is significant, though, for the way in which the main protagonists (Clifford Rose and Nitza Saul) avoid creating stereotypical characters. Saul's vengeance-seeker is always sympathetic and ultimately gains our respect as well as our understanding. Clifford Rose's brilliant portrayal of Kessler (reprised and developed from "Secret Army") serves an important purpose beyond mere entertainment: it reminds us that Nazis were/are not cardboard cut-out monsters but were/are real people in respect of whom we still need to be on our guard. Finally, Rose is a model for aspiring actors, showing how, with limited use of prosthetics, a character can be convincingly aged 30 or so years. Enjoyable, and challenging - thoroughly recommended.Read full review
We bought this DVD as we had become interested in the character after watching a rerun of Secret Army. I remembered watching the original on BBC and not really connecting with it. Found it much more interesting this time round and able to appreciate its historical significance much more. The acting is excellent. The only thing it could be said to be lacking is a real connection to the Secret Army series. ALthough several characters appear in the first episode to set the scene that's it and the accompanying booklet explains why. Having said that the series really does stand on its own and the BBC really ought to try repeating it.
I thought the story on the whole to be a good one, although the plot that Josepth Mengela was the Second in command of the vanquised Nazi Reich was to be honest not that believable, although the film did clear up wahat happened to Standartenfurher Ludwig Kessler. Possable that a man of that character was only doing what he believed best for his country and the belief of that regiem.
Excellent follow on to the series Secret Army, if you loved Secret Army then this has all the little bits to follow after the war years. After watching the secret Army Sries it seemed logical to buy this and I am glad I did A bit slow at times and shows it age in places but would definatly recommend you add this to your collection. A good series from the BBC.
Not on par with Secret Army, the Kessler character is as riveting, however, the transparent nature of the plot is at times disappointing. Overall, a fairly good follow to a wonderful series!!!
I enjoyed the DVD quality of the follow-up of a series I really liked in the 1980's. I would never have been able to purchase this film if not for ebay. The fact that there was extra footage included and an explanatory booklet on characters was an added bonus. All in all highly recommended.
A follow up to Secret Army, but the production values are not in the same league. Watched Secret Army back to back (I was ill !) and Kessler bought on the strength of that - the characters were a lot less rounded and the setting was a mite unconvincing - ultimately disappointing but each to his own !
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