On July 31st a comedy classic was first broadcast to the nation. Yes Dad's Army is 40 today. I'm sure all British readers know the story well but for those of you who don't....
Dad's Army was set during the second world war and was about a unit of the Home Guard. The Home Guard being set up of local volunteers otherwise ineligible for military service, usually owing to age. Because of the later fact it comprised several veterans of the British acting community.
This particular unit was led by the self appointed Captain Mainwaring the pompous local bank manager. The show was deemed quite controversial at the time as it poked gentle fun at the home guard.
The unit was based in the fictional Walmington-On-Sea so technically were on the front line.
To celebrate the anniversary BBC 2 will have a special Dad's Army night. The co-writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft will each select their favourite episode and they'll broadcast the film (not as good as the TV show but ok) and documentaries The Dad's Army story and one about Arthur Lowe who play Captain Mainwaring.
It'll be better than anything else on no doubt and Dad's Army is still one of the best sitcoms made.
The Theme
Curiously the BBC didn't like the original titles and hence we got the classic arrows.
The first ever episode (or part of it)
and perhaps the most famous clip "Don't tell him Pike."
Annoyingly I couldn't find my favourite sequence on you tube (the one where they discover that WWI conscientious objector Godfrey one the Military Medal for bravery).
4 comments:
I have difficulty believing that this excellent programme has been around for 40 years. For me the humour is as fresh today as it was the first time I saw it- been laughing out loud at the clips!!
With a fast and witty storyline, the characters (each one so real and lovable in his own right) were great with excellent casting.
Thanks Pete :D
I'm not a great fan of sitcoms, but can still watch the re-runs of this one, the "don't tell him Pike" still makes me fall about every time.
Well i hope you managed to see tonights first episode - your favourite and one i must have missed before!
C
Yep. loved it
Post a Comment