Kapitein Zeppos (1964–1969)

"Kapitein Zeppos" was one of the best loved series for children made in Flanders. In fact, it worked as a series for the whole of the family, with parents and children gathered happily on the same sofa : there were whole hours where Belgium could have been invaded by Martians without anyone noticing. Lead actor Senne Rouffaer played the hero (an elegant modern-day adventurer) with such success that whole generations of viewers automatically identified him with the character.

I do not know how large the production budget was, but the series looked remarkably sleek and expensive, with fine locations and stunts. To children it evoked a world of adventure, progress, style. To this day, it still stands as a quality benchmark for Belgian television series. And nearly all older Flemings can hum or whistle the rousing theme tune, Bert Kaempfert's "Living it up"...

We're speaking anno 2019 now and it is said that there is a Belgian "Kapitein Zeppos" movie in the works. I doubt that the result (good or bad) will be as striking and memorable.

The late Senne Rouffaer was an excellent dramatic actor. Grown-ups who appreciate a challenging psychological drama might want to watch him in "De man die zijn haar kort liet knippen" ("The man who had his hair cut short"). It's a subtle, mysterious movie about the downfall of a loner unable to get over his forbidden feelings for a younger female student.