Blackadder Goes Forth (1989– )

Stuck in the middle of World War I, Captain Edmund Blackadder does his best to escape the banality of the war.

Stars:

Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry

3 wins.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Rowan Atkinson	...	Captain Edmund Blackadder (6 episodes, 1989)
Tony Robinson	...	Private S Baldrick (6 episodes, 1989)
Stephen Fry	...	General Melchett (6 episodes, 1989)
Hugh Laurie	...	Lieutenant The Honourable George Colthurst St. Barleigh (6 episodes, 1989)
Tim McInnerny	...	Captain Kevin Darling (6 episodes, 1989)

Storyline

It is 1917, and lunatic General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett is leading the British troops at the front lines against the Germans, while everyone waits for Field Marshall Haig's big push. There are various emotions throughout the camp about it. For Captain Kevin Darling, Melchett's bull-dog-like right-hand man, it makes no difference, as it appears he will be safe and sound with the general when the big push occurs. For Lieutenant George Colhurst Saint Barleigh, he is overly excited at thrashing the Germans. For Private S. (probably for Sod-Off) Baldrick, it's a terrifying experience he is not looking forward to. For Captain Edmund Blackadder, however, it's something he's too cowardly too face. Self-centered, arrogant, and sarcastic, Blackadder is always constantly searching for a way out of this silly war, and will try various, often crazy, variations on escape, all of which will take a turn he never expected. Sharing a dugout with George and Baldrick, his main obstacle for ...

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Plot Keywords:

officer | cult tv | world war one | trench | sexual innuendo | 

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Genres:

Comedy | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

BBC [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 September 1989 (UK)

Also Known As:

Blackadder 4

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (6 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tim McInnerny's character was originally named Captain Cartwright. Stephen Fry had the idea to change it to Darling (named after a boy at his school) and created a running gag which is frequently used throughout the series.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
Private Baldrick: I have a cunning plan.

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Crazy Credits

In the opening credits, Captains Blackadder and George lead a battalion in parade past General Melchett and Captain Darling (with Private Baldrick in the marching band playing a triangle). The closing credits are a grainy 1920s newsreel of the same battalion heading into battle, with Melchett and Darling walking casually but quickly in the other direction...

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Connections

Referenced in Mr. Bean: Merry Christmas Mr. Bean (1992)

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Soundtracks

"British Grenadier"
(uncredited)
Traditional
(incorporated in the theme)

User Reviews

My favourite of the four

I firmly believe that the Blackadder series simply improved over time, and as such I really don't have much to say except that this is a fabulously crafted piece of comedy.

Ben Elton and Richard Curtis are two extremely talented writers - who else could sculpt the line, "We're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun."??

The return of the usual actors - Rowan Atkinson (who else?!), Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie, Tony Robinson and Stephen Fry - provides for excellent chemistry between the cast members and also displayed yet another way in which each can display their acting talents, yet at the same time drop hints as to their previous roles. Let's face it, Blackadder will always be scheming, and Baldrick will keep passing on those stupidity genes.

I have two favourite aspects: firstly, the relationship between Capt. Darling and Blackadder and their insidious but uncontrollable hatred of one another. Secondly, the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you haven't seen the series, don't expect the norm at all. A very good way to end, but also somehow reflective.

If you're going to watch any Blackadder series, watch this one!