The Early Life of Hogan: Unraveling the Mystery of Where He Lived Before the War
The popular sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, which aired from 1965 to 1971, portrayed the adventures of Allied prisoners of war during World War II. The show’s star, Bob Crane, who played the role of Captain Robert E. Hogan, captivated audiences with his charisma and leadership skills. However, one question remained unanswered: where did Captain Hogan live before the war? In this article, we’ll delve into the life of Hogan and explore the mysteries surrounding his pre-war address.
Early Life of Robert E. Hogan (Captain Hogan)
Bob Crane, born Robert Edward Crane on July 29, 1928, in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, grew up with a passion for acting and radio broadcasting. He joined the United States Army after graduating from college and began his military career as an enlisted man in 1949. During his stint, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and later in Germany.
The Show’s Fictional Background
Hogan’s Heroes was a scripted show, and its plot was fictional. The main character, Captain Robert E. Hogan, was not based on a real person. However, the show’s creator, Bernard Fein, drew inspiration from several historical events and figures.
The Mysterious Case of Captain Hogan’s Pre-War Address
The absence of information about Captain Hogan’s pre-war address sparks curiosity. One theory is that the show’s creator deliberately omitted this detail to keep the character’s identity shrouded in mystery. Another theory suggests that Crane himself was unsure or unaware of his character’s pre-war address.
To shed light on this enigma, let’s analyze the show’s storyline:
• German Origins: Captain Hogan is portrayed as a German-born American with an American father and German mother. This background, combined with his fluency in German, raises suspicions that he might have grown up in Germany.
• American Citizenship: Since Hogan is an American, he would have required some sort of American presence during his childhood to maintain his citizenship. This could hint at a potential American family connection or even a diplomatic post.
Considering these facts, we can explore various theories about Hogan’s pre-war address:
Possible Scenarios
- German Family Connection: Given Hogan’s German ancestry, it’s possible he spent part of his childhood in Germany with his family, possibly in a German town or city.
- Notable towns: Some speculate that Hogan might have grown up in a town like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich.
- Dutch connection: As the Allies’ presence in the region grew, it’s also possible Hogan lived in a town near the Dutch border, such as Aachen or Maastricht.
- American Presence in Germany: In the 1930s, the United States maintained a significant diplomatic presence in Germany, including the Embassy and Consulates. Could Hogan have been stationed or resided in one of these locations with his father, who worked for the US government?
- Berlin: The United States Embassy in Berlin might have been a suitable location.
- Frankfurt: The Consulate in Frankfurt could have been another option.
- European Diplomatic Post: Alternatively, Hogan’s American father might have worked in another European country, with the United States maintaining a diplomatic presence or military installations. This could have included:
- Switzerland: With its long-standing neutrality, Switzerland became a hub for international diplomatic and military activity.
- United Kingdom: Hogan’s father might have worked in the UK, where the United States had a significant diplomatic presence.
- Other Locations: It’s also possible Hogan spent part of his childhood in the United States or had no connection to the continent before the war. His character’s backstory is deliberately vague, leaving much to the imagination.
Conclusion
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Captain Hogan’s pre-war address, we’ve explored various theories and locations that could have been involved in his life before the war. The show’s creators and actors deliberately omitted details to keep the character shrouded in mystery. While we may never know the definitive answer, the speculation and theories above offer a fascinating glimpse into the enigmatic world of Hogan’s Heroes.
Tables and References
| Town | Country | Possible Link |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | Germany | German ancestry, diplomatic presence |
| Hamburg | Germany | German ancestry |
| Munich | Germany | German ancestry |
| Aachen | Germany/Dutch border | Dutch connection |
| Maastricht | Netherlands | Dutch connection |
| Frankfurt | Germany | Diplomatic post, Consulate |
| Bern | Switzerland | Neutrality, diplomatic activity |
| London | UK | Diplomatic post, military installations |
References:
- Hogan’s Heroes TV Show (1965-1971)
- Bernard Fein (Creator of Hogan’s Heroes)
- Bob Crane’s Bio ( IMDb )
- Historical records and documents of the United States and its diplomatic presence in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom during the 1930s.
Final thoughts
The absence of definitive information about Captain Hogan’s pre-war address has captivated fans for decades, and this article has presented a range of theories to satisfy curiosity. While the mystery may never be fully resolved, exploring the different scenarios and locations has led us on a fascinating journey into the world of Hogan’s Heroes.
