Over Here

As Joe had written, I to was in the movie and had a great time shooting it. Working with Martin Kluns (telling him jokes) and many of the other actors was a blast. To continue on Joe's statement, after we seated and we were listening to the General, he was telling a joke and we did not laugh. It was an uneasy moment of silence, that was planed that way. During the silence the camera focused directly on me and I did not know that until the movie was released On December 31. As an American serviceman making the movie we had the chance also to work with our counterparts in the Royal Air Force which was fun as well. Even though a lot of our scenes were shot separate from theirs. Please BBC, release the film on DVD. I have my recorded copy but it is in PAL and I do not get to watch it anymore. Great cast, great director, great crew, great fun.

Although a little heavy-handed when it comes to the Americans, generally they are treated as expected save for Colonel Hewitt, played, or should I say SERIOUSLY over-played by Todd Boyce.....His portrayal of an American officer is so over-the-top as to be uncomfortable to watch. The other actors are excellent, particularly Clunes who, in his usual pre Doc Martin days, played a somewhat bumbling twit officer. Others, like his aide, are played to the hilt but considering John Sullivan is the credited writer, it's certainly true to form. Entertaining and definitely worth a watch.

I was an extra on Over Here while I was in the USAF stationed in the UK. We filmed our part at RAF Sculthorpe, an old disused USAF base, just north of our base in Norfolk. We really had a lot of fun, and got paid! The director, Tony Dow had it right using us, we were disciplined, trained to react to an attack (that was us in the Airfield Bombardment) and could wear a uniform. The scene where I called the room to attention was me! I was a senior NCO so had done this a few times before:) It was amazing, because the GI's jumped, but you could tell the actors were a little unused to snapping to attention!Also, you do not look around but look straight until you hear the command, as you were, or take your seats. Anyway, I digress, please BBC, put it on DVD!

I loved to beginning when the period very cleverly changed from modern to wartime.

The end was very poignant when returning to the present with the ghosts of everyone standing in the village square.

As well as being very funny, it was also full of pathos. The casting was excellent, even to the authentic Norfolk accent.

Why doesn't the BBC make this available? Even "Music and Memories" can't seem to get hold of it. Some excerpts were on YouTube for a while, but have since been removed.

Has anyone managed to get a copy of this excellent series? I don't mind it in any format if someone can help.

I had a 'few'bit parts in this,from running around the airfield when being bombed and strafed by the Messerschmitts,to being one of the actual pilots on the B-17. I can be seen exiting the aircraft on the hardstand and walking towards the camera.Another scene of me is in the briefing room where we are being introduced to the 'English' way of life & speaking.I can be seen in the 3rd row back in full flying gear(sheepskin flying jacket and trousers)chewing gum.The room was made to 'Look cold' but being under the lights for hours filming and in all that gear it was rather hot.When not filming i had the chance to talk to some of the main actors and have a look at the Messerschmitts parked up in the old hangers.I also had the privileged of having a chat to the Late Mark Hanna ( one of the Messerschmidt pilots). How i got to be an 'extra' in this was because i was working for the USAF at RAF Alconbury in the 10th Trans, Yup i think i was the only British person from there to take part in this very funny TV film.