Clochemerle

I saw both the original in the 1970s, and also the repeats in the mid-1990s, some of which I recorded on VHS. Excellent, witty, intelligent adaptation of the book by two top-rate comedy scriptwriters of the period and a well chosen cast. Well directed integration of French mannerisms and speech nuances with the English language, not in the hyperbole style of 'Allo 'Allo at all.

The whole series appears to have been shot on location in Colombier-le-Vieux, department Ardeche, south of Lyon. The steam railway there, which appears in the programme, had been restored by enthusiasts the year before shooting. It can still be ridden by tourists in summertime today.