Is Hogan’s Heroes Based on Stalag 17?

The question of whether Hogan’s Heroes is based on the movie Stalag 17 has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics for years. While the producers of Hogan’s Heroes have stated that the show is not based on the movie, there are indeed striking similarities that make it difficult to dismiss the possibility of inspiration.

Similarities Between Hogan’s Heroes and Stalag 17

The two POW films share several similarities that cannot be coincidental. Both feature a character named Sergeant Schultz, who serves as a pivotal figure in the story. Additionally, in the first episode of Hogan’s Heroes, the Germans plant a spy in the barracks among the prisoners, a plot that closely mirrors the storyline of Stalag 17. However, in Hogan’s Heroes, the spy is identified early on and does not cause significant damage, whereas in Stalag 17, the spy remains undetected until the very end.

Further Analysis and Connections

While some have suggested that there are no direct connections between the two, recent research and analysis reveal that the similarities are indeed too numerous and strong to be a mere coincidence. Both films and the 1965 television series Hogan’s Heroes are set in German prisoner-of-war camps during World War II, and are known for their comedic narratives. They also share the same producing company, Paramount, which adds to the intrigue of whether there is a direct link.

Initial Inspiration and Changes

From what I understand, the initial concept for Hogan’s Heroes was a comedy about prisoners set in an American prison. However, the producers quickly realized that the viewing public would not empathize with criminals, prompting a shift to a storyline involving POWs in World War II. This aligns more closely with the theme and plot of Stalag 17.

Hogan’s Heroes had a notable connection with the movie Von Ryan's Express. The jacket worn by Bob Crane as Colonel Hogan in Hogan’s Heroes was also worn by Frank Sinatra in Von Ryan's Express, nicknamed "Ole Blue Eyes." This further suggests a historical connection that goes beyond mere coincidence.

Inspiration from a Play

It is important to note that both Stalag 17 and Hogan’s Heroes draw inspiration from a play. Stalag 17 was an award-winning play that later became a movie, while Hogan’s Heroes was originally inspired by the same play. John Banner, who played Sergeant Schultz in the movie, is remembered for this role, but he was actually replaced by Sig Ruman. Both actors brought their unique interpretations to the character, highlighting the evolving nature of the storyline.

Although Hogan’s Heroes is not a superhero franchise with a strict canon, the similarities between the film and the television series are undeniable. The parallels in the plot and character portrayal point to a possible connection, even if it is not explicitly stated in the official records.

Conclusion

While the producers of Hogan’s Heroes have claimed that the show is independent of Stalag 17, the numerous parallels and shared themes cannot be ignored. Both works capture the essence of life in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, and their comedic and historical elements are strikingly similar. For fans of the series, this debate adds an interesting layer of context to the beloved show.