General von Klinkerhoffen

General Erich von Klinkerhoffen is a fictional character in the BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!, which ran from 1982 to 1992. He was played by the actor Hilary Minster.

Description

The general is a very direct character. He often threatens his men with a trip to the Russian front; he doesn't really care about his subordinates Lieutenant Hubert Gruber or Colonel Kurt von Strohm and refuses to pay their ransom when they are captured by the communist resistance. The General is later suspected of being involved in a plot to kill Hitler, however he is merely planning a party for Hitler's birthday. That said, he has even less of a liking for the Gestapo, and forces Herr Flick at gunpoint to release Col. von Strohm and his aide when under Gestapo detention.

Not a lot is known about the general, he does like women quite a lot—he tries to seduce Maria when he finds her in his château. In some episodes, he catches the other officers "having a good time" with one of the waitresses. However, at one point he invites Grüber to a party at the Château, commenting there is no need to change his clothes. (Grüber is dressed as a lady at the time.) It was revealed that General von Klinkerhoffen is a relative of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German emperor.

His behaviour is also notable when Herr Flick and von Smallhausen devise a new way to gain entry to Café René without arousing suspicion ("Pretty Maids All in A Row"). Their ploy is to dress up as two French maids. He refuses the proposal, however suggests they may like to stay for a drink.