Lieutnant, (later Oberleutnant), Hubert Gruber is one of the main German characters in 'Allo 'Allo!, and serves as an aide-de-camp to General Von Klinkerhoffen and later as an unoffical assistant to Colonel Von Strohm when Captain Hans Geering going missing.
Before he was the General's assistant he was stationed on the Eastern Front. Which might have led him to like other males.
Appearance
Gruber is often seen in his military attire, with the epaulettes of an Oberleutnant. Judging by the rose coloured border around the epaulette he is in the German Panzer Corps. He is not without his 'little tank' (later renamed Hubert) - an SdKfz. 222 light armoured car, driven by an unseen Clarence. Note: Hubert is NOT a Nazi. He is a member of the tank corps. Guy Siner has stated this on his website.
Personality
Gruber is openly seen as a homosexual, with a very direct attitude towards sexism. He has an incredible millitary career at the Russian Front, but he is still subsides this factor modestly. Gruber is shown as a caring, timid person who has a schoolgirl like crush on René Artois and tries to make sure no harm ever comes to him by disregarding the orders set by his superiors or persuading them to do something which will make René looks good.
Although being somewhat quirky, Gruber is an efficient soldier and has a very strong line of connections in the German Army, due to his astonishing military accomplishments. He even goes as far as summoning General von Klinkerhoffen after Rene is taken prisoner by the Gestapo.
He is immensely loyal to the German Army and, occasionally and indirectly, the Resistance. He is sometimes rather brave and unexpectedly cunning, although he can sometimes be seen as Von Klinkerhoffen's stooge.
History
Hubert Gruber comes from Baden-Baden - in Germany. He has an interest in art and attended art school in his youth, but was expelled (just after they had done fish). Prior to the war, he worked as a window dresser, and as an assistant in an art gallery in Cologne.
Later his artistic talent comes useful, when he is ordered by Colonel von Strohm to make copies of the Fallen Madonna by Van Klomp (or "The Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies"), and the Vase With Twelve Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh (referred also as "The Cracked Vase With The Big Daisies").
Abilities and skills
- Soldier - Gruber is an extremely accomplished soldier in the Nazi millitary forces and has a very impressive record about his time on the Russian Front. Despite this, he is terrified of the idea of returning to the Russian Front, much like other characters in Allo Allo.
- Tank driver - Although his journeys are made essentially by Clarence, Gruber is highly efficient with the basics and tactics of tank-driving. Rather insanely, Gruber treats his 'little tank' as if it's a living thing, naming it Hubert after himself and showing excessive affection towards it.
- Musician/Singer - Gruber is an incredibly talented musician and cabaret singer, although only shown on a few occasions. He, unlike Edith Artois, actually draws the admiration of the customers at the Cafe Rene.
- Duellist - Having come from the University of Heidelberg, Gruber is a competent duellist and has very high experience in duelling.