The Rise and Fall of Sergeant Schultz

If "German" Col Franz played by Laurie Main sounded anymore British they'd shoot him as a spy. They couldn't find someone else or cast him as an ally?

Col. Hogan receives a message from London to set free an essential agent from the Gestapo's hands, however the first attempt wasn't successful, although the lucky smiles a little bit, when the Fuher's closest General Kammler (Whit Bissel) a heavy-handed commander arrives at POW camp to a stringent inspection, on introduction he recognized the Sgt. Schultz who saves his life at WWI, after a warm welcome Kammler demands to Col. Klink that henceforth Schultz must be treated properly, then Hogan deftly has an opportunity to takes advantage that appears from nowhere, he frames an attempt to escape in front of the gate over Schultz's body, he now is a hero and Hogan allude to Schultz receives a medal on the same hotel where the allied agent was imprisoned, thus an easy escape can be arranged, funniest episode how Schultz's behavior changes after get an upgrade on your status on Army!!!

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First watch: 2019 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5

John Banner gets a spotlight in "The Rise and Fall of Sergeant Schultz" as his character, Stalag 13's Sergeant of the Guard Hans Schultz, is singled out for special attention that can also benefit Hogan's Heroes as they're tasked with a difficult intelligence assignment.

Turning in a typically intricate yet tidy script, Laurence Marks ties together the serious business of needing to spirit a crucial underground linchpin out of Germany before the Gestapo tortures him into revealing incriminating details about Hogan's covert unit with some spirited interplay between Banner and co-star Werner Klemperer. His Colonel Klink must curry favor with both Schultz and with General Kammler (Whit Bissell), the new commander of the military district that includes Klink's Stalag 13, when, during his initial inspection, Kammler recognizes Schultz as his old First World War buddy who saved his life--and now insists on regular reports from Klink on Schultz's well-being.

Meanwhile, the Heroes seem sunk. Masquerading as Gestapo/SS officers, Sergeant Carter and Corporal Newkirk try using forged orders to get Becker, the underground agent, sprung from the Gestapo's detention, but the officer on watch (Edward Knight) insists on a higher authority than "Colonel Hoganmeyer," signatory to the bogus orders, to authorize the release, forcing Carter and Newkirk to withdraw. However, the officer did mention that Becker will be moved to a nearby hotel, which offers greater security, and which, leaving aside how a public hotel is more secure than the seeming jail he's in already, inspires Hogan's caper to break Becker out of the hotel and send him to England.

After organizing a sham escape involving Corporal LeBeau that is engineered to make Schultz look heroic, Hogan goes to work on Klink. He insists that Klink recommend Schultz for a medal and ask Kammler to present it to Schultz, then suggests to Klink to make the ceremony a special occasion by hosting it at the same hotel where Becker is being held. It's a standard Marks ploy--Hogan managing to persuade Klink to carry out actions that would raise suspicions in someone other than a vain, fatuous, barely competent Klink--but of course it does the trick.

Allowed to do more than act the stooge, Banner gives Schultz crucial dimension--Marks even hints that Schultz was a valuable mentor to Kammler during the First World War, thus enabling Kammler to rise to the rank of general--while still keeping within the parameters of his character even as the denouement returns Schultz to his previous status vis-a-vis Klink. Smartly executed by director Gene Reynolds, "The Rise and Fall of Sergeant Schultz" builds character while keeping "Hogan's Heroes" chugging along.

There is an important underground agent, Scott Becker, that has been captured by the Gestapo. With all the valuable information that Becker knows, London sends a message to Hogan to promote the escape of Becker ASAP. But with Becker being guarded by two Gestapo officers in the local hotel, it will be difficult to spring the agent.

Meanwhile in the prison camp, Klink is expecting one of the most important Generals in the Third Reich. General Kammler has just been assigned as the Commander of the military district and is on his way to inspect Stalag 13. Upon arriving in camp, we learn that Kammler and Schultz served together in WW1. In fact Kammler says that Schultz saved his life. Kammler has even offered Schultz a change in assignments which Schultz refused. However, Kammler wants Klink to keep him abreast of all of Schultz's activities.

Well it is not long before Klink, wanting to promote himself in from of Kammler, wants to give Schultz a medal. Klink invites Kammler to the ceremony that will be in the same hotel where the agent is being kept. Hogan now has a chance.

Another enjoyable episode. Clever writing and nice acting comes together to give us viewers another fine show. Was not really sure why Klink was never removed from his post but that is all part of a TV sitcom. With the comedy high and the story interesting- you can not help but like this episode.