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Series · 1981

Private Schulz

Created by Jack PulmanMichael Elphick
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Private Schulz poster
6 May 1981First aired
1Season
PGBBFC rating
CrimeGenre

The series

Private Schulz is a six-part 1981 television comedy-drama serial written by Jack Pulman and produced for BBC Two. It stars Michael Elphick in the title role, with Ian Richardson, Tony Caunter, Billie Whitelaw, Billy Murray, and Mark Wingett. Set primarily in Germany, during and immediately following World War II, fraudster and petty criminal Gerhard Schulz is forced to serve in the SS. In a story based on the real, though unrealised, plot by the Germans known as Operation Bernhard, Schulz tricks the Nazis into making counterfeit British £5 notes, millions of which will be used to destroy the British economy.

Episodes

Season 1 · 6 episodes · 1981

  1. Episode 16 May 198150m

    Part One

    Recently released from prison, Gerhard Schulz is drafted into the SS Counter-Espionage division, under Major Neuheim. His first assignment is eavesdropping on clients at the Salon Kitty brothel where he meets Bertha, the madam. After recom…

  2. Episode 213 May 198150m

    Part Two

    The initial difficulties of forging the £5 notes is overcome, the last hurdle due to Schulz blackmailing Professor Bodelschwingh to solve the serial numbering sequence. After stealing some of the money to use at Salon Kitty and to impress …

  3. Episode 320 May 198150m

    Part Three

    After landing in Britain, Schulz buries most of the money, using a milestone as a landmark. While trying to blend in, his behaviour rouses suspicion amongst the villagers, and he escapes to make contact with Nazi agent Melfort. Upon discov…

  4. Episode 427 May 198150m

    Part Four

    Schulz is returned to his post with Neuheim where he suggests using the forged money to pay German agents and buy treasures from occupied countries. He plans to steal a shipment. After his first plan fails, he attempts again with Neuheim's…

  5. Episode 53 Jun 198150m

    Part Five

    Late 1944, war is going poorly for Germany: the forging operation is moved by Neuheim to the same labour camp Schulz is serving at. He maneuvers to once again be posted to act as Neuheim's clerk. As a last-ditch effort, Neuheim puts Schulz…

  6. Episode 610 Jun 198150m

    Part Six

    Once again, Schulz is penniless and a released convict. He discovers he still has the map showing the location of the buried money in Britain. Travelling back and recruiting local criminal Stan to help him dig for it beneath the public lav…

Cast

Michael Elphick

Michael Elphick

Gerhard Schulz
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