Hitler’s England

Airs Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Credit: Courtesy of American Public Television

Above: John Nettles may be best known for his role as Tom Barnaby on MIDSOMER MURDERS, but his deep interest in World War II is the focus of the documentary "Hitler's England." Traveling to the British Channel Islands, Nettles recounts the little-known stories of the Nazi occupation that lasted there from 1940 to 1945.

—The compelling story of the people who lived in the British Channel Islands under German occupation from 1940 to 1945.—

Hosted by historian and acclaimed actor John Nettles, best known for his role as Tom Barnaby on MIDSOMER MURDERS, this unique historical documentary details a little-known chapter of World War II.

Nettles spent more than a decade on the British Channel Islands, not only as an actor but also as a scholar. Sharing his years of research and conducting interviews with locals, Nettles unearths tales from this turbulent period in time.

Hitler's England: Preview

John Nettles (Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby of MIDSOMER MURDERS) tells the story of the British Channel Islands under German occupation from 1940 to 1945. During the 1980s Nettles played the lead in a long-running TV series called BERGERAC on the island of Jersey, located off the French coast of Normandy. He spent more than a decade in the area and, having studied history before becoming an actor, he amassed a wealth of information about the war years.

There were stories of collaboration and resistance, heroism and infamy, denunciation and deportation. There was also the everyday life between the conquerors and the conquered.

Nettles highlights the stories of ordinary people, many of whom became extraordinary as they lived through the harsh and bitter years of the German occupation.

Photo credit: Courtesy of American Public Television

Traveling to the British Channel Islands, John Nettles recounts the little-known stories of the Nazi occupation that lasted there from 1940 to 1945. Seen here honoring the story of Louisa Gould.

One particular highlight includes the story of Louisa Gould, who gave shelter to an escaped Russian prisoner of war and was subsequently punished for her humanity by the German forces.

Featuring captivating archival footage seamlessly weaved into present-day England, this engaging documentary illustrates the untold history of the Channel Islands.

Photo credit: Courtesy of American Public Television

John Nettles may be best known for his role as Tom Barnaby on MIDSOMER MURDERS, but his deep interest in World War II is the focus of the documentary "Hitler's England." Traveling to the British Channel Islands (seen here at a wartime bunker), John recounts the little-known stories of the Nazi occupation that lasted there from 1940 to 1945.

Credits:

Acquired by American Public Television from ZDF Enterprises for syndication to public television stations nationwide.

FEATURED PODCAST

San Diego news; when you want it, where you want it. Get local stories on politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings. Hosted by Anica Colbert and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.