Dad's Army is a British sitcom from the 60's and 70's with 80 episodes. It was the first sitcom based on a war and follows the exploits of the Walmington-on-Sea platoon of the Home Guard.
The Home Guard was made up of men either too old or too young to join the military. They patrolled the British coast and countryside during World War 2 so that there could be a line of defence if Britain was invaded without having to keep back members of the regular army from fighting abroad.
RIP David Croft
Writer and Producer of Dad's Army, Allo Allo, Are You Being Served and many others. Thanks for providing us with so many opportunities to laugh and may you rest in peace.
David Croft's Autobiography
Writer of Dad's Army
You Have Been Watching . . .: The Autobiography of David Croft
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Opening Theme Tune
Missing Presumed Wiped
During the 1970's the BBC wiped many TV episode tapes, including the entire 2nd series of Dad's Army. Luckily copies of two episodes were found in a garden shed after a BBC worker had rescued them from a skip. However three episodes & two christmas sketches are still "missing, presumed wiped".
The missing episodes are: 'Under Fire', 'A Stripe for Frazer' & 'The Loneliness of the Long Distance Walker'. Plus 2 sketches that were in 'A Christmas Night with the Stars'(from 1968 & 1970)
Captain George Mainwaring
Arthur Lowe
Captain Mainwaring is the local bank manager. At the formation of the Home Guard he made himself Captain and has tried running it ever since. He likes to think he is in control of everything, and hates people knowing more than him. He is always "just testing" his men on information he has forgotten.Visit Arthur Lowe's filmography
“Stupid Boy!”
Arthur Lowe's Biography
Arthur Lowe
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Sergeant Arthur Wilson
John Le Mesurier
Chief clerk at the bank Sergeant Wilson is a laid back, upper class man who has a thing going with Pike's mother. He never seems overly bothered about anything and asks instead of orders the men to do things.Visit John Le Mesurier's filmography
“Do you think that's wise, Sir”
John Le Mesurier's Biography
Do You Think That's Wise . . . ?: The Life of John Le Mesurier
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Lance-Corporal Jack Jones
Clive Dunn
Jack Jones the butcher is an old time soldier who fought in the Sudan. He is always one step behind the squad in drill and gets very excited at the idea of action, especially involving bayonets.Visit Clive Dunn's filmography
“They don't like it up them! No, they do not like it up them!”
Clive Dunn's Autobiography
Permission to Speak
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Private Frank Pike
Ian Lavender
Pike is the youngest member of the platoon and also works at the bank as a clerk. He is a mummy's boy and likes to play with the machine gun making sound effects. His mother makes him wear a colourful scarf and he comes in with doctor's notes.Visit Ian Lavender's filmography
“My mum won't like this Captain Mainwaring.”
Private Joe Walker
James Beck
Walker is a spiv, he can get you anything for a price and is quick to spot a business opportunity wheedling anything he can get away with.Visit James Beck's filmography
Private James Frazer
John Laurie
A scottish coffin maker, Private Frazer was in the navy during the first war and makes numerous predictions of doom. He would often lead rebellions against Captain Mainwaring and offered many opportunities for England-Scotland and Army-Navy jokes.Visit John Laurie's filmography
“We're doomed, I tell yea doooooommmmed!”
Private Charles Godfrey
Arnold Ridley
Very polite but also seeming very small and delicate, Godfrey has a weak bladder and often falls asleep on parade. He is however immensley loyal to Captain Mainwairing, only becoming involved in one plot against him in the entire eighty episodes.
Visit Arnold Ridley's filmography
“I'm awfully sorry but could I be excused please?”
Arnold Ridley's Biography
Godfrey's Ghost: From Father to Son
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Favourite Character
Chief Warden Hodges
Bill Pertwee
Chief air raid warden Hodges is a greengrocer by trade who gets irritated by Captain Mainwaring and returns the favour two fold. Mainwaring considers Hodges a commoner and the Warden thinks the Captain is pompous. The Home Guard and the Wardens often clash over bookings for the hall, order in town parades and who should be in charge in various situations. Hodges often displays a cocky arrogance but whenever a dangerous situation arises he turns into a quivering coward.Visit Bill Pertwee's filmography
Bill Pertwee's Autobiography
A Funny Way to Make a Living!: The Autobiography of Dad's Army's Chief Warden Hodges
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Rev. Timothy Farthing
Frank Williams
The vicar of Walmington-on-Sea, he lends the church hall out to both the Home Guard and ARP wardens. He is heavily involved in social and charity events within the town. The vicar often ends up accidently stumbling into the Home Guards escapades, and his patience and charitable nature are often tested when Mainwaring and Hodges are fighting over possesion of his office.Visit Frank Williams' filmography
Frank William's Autobiography
Vicar to Dad's Army: The Frank Williams Story
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Road Safety Advert
Dads Army
by Bill Pertwee
Dad's Army: The Making of a Television Legend
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Series 1 Episode Guide
With the creation of the new Local Defence Volunteers unit bank manager George Mainwairing puts himself in charge and recruits the platoon. They soon get down to business learning how to fight a tank.
Museum Piece
As the platoon haven't been issued with rifles Mainwairing decides to requisition weapons from the recently closed Museum of Historic Military Weapons. However the museum's caretaker doesn't want to let them have anything.
Command Decision
When rifles aren't forthcoming Captain Mainwairing has to decide whether or not to accept a deal from Colonel Square. The Colonel's own rifles in exchange for command of the platoon.
The Enemy Within The Gates
The platoon capture a pair of shot down German pilots, meanwhile their efficiency is questioned by a Polish officer from GHQ.
The Showing Up of Corporal Jones
Area headquarters inspect the platoon and decide that Corporal Jones is to old for active service. He has just one chance to stay, complete an assualt course in 15 minutes.
Shooting Pains
Major Reegan questions the platoon's ability on the shooting range.
Series 1 DVD
Dad's Army - The Complete First Series Plus the 'Lost' Episodes of Series Two [Region 2]
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Series 2 Episode Guide
The platoon have a defence excercise against a group of professional Scottish soldiers
The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage
When the church bells ring the platoon think the invasion has started and jump into action. However the platoon are split in half as they prepare to defend Godfrey's cottage.
The Lonliness of The Long Distance Walker - Missing
When Walker is called up to the regular army the platoon try all sorts of tricks to keep him with them.
Sgt. Wilson's Little Secret
Sergeant Wilson doesn't know what to do when he hears Mavis telling Pike that a "little Arthur" is on the way.
A stripe for Frazer - Missing
Mainwairing promotes Frazer to Lance Corporal, which leads to rivalry between Jones and Frazer.
Under Fire - Missing
The platoon arrest a man with a dog called Fritz after he is found shining a torch.
Series 3 Episode Guide
Jones' butchers van is converted into an armoured car.
Battle School
The platoon are sent to a training facility where their task is to capture an officer.
The Lion Has Phones
The men are given a lesson in communications but they're still unsure how to respond when a German plane crashes in the reservoir.
The Bullet is Not For Firing
Mainwairing insists on a court of inquiry when the platoon use up their ammunition by firing at a plane.
Something Nasty in The Vault
An exploded bomb is found in the bank.
Room At The Bottom
Captain Mainwaring is demoted to private after it is found out that his commision was never officialy authorised.
Big Guns
A large field gun is delivered to the church but noone knows how to use it.
The Day the Balloon Went Up
A runaway barrage balloon ends up by the church and the platoon have to capture it.
War Dance
Pike wants to announce his engagement during the platoon dance.
Menace From the Deep
The platoon are stranded on a derelict pier when the boat they arrived on is washed away.
Branded
It is revealed that Godfrey was a conscientious objector during the First World War.
Man Hunt
Walker turns a discarded parachute into ladies underwear and the platoon have to try to find the German it belonged to.
No Spring For Frazer
Frazer thinks he's lost the spring for the Lewis gun inside a coffin.
Sons of The Sea
Mainwaring decides to create a river based defence system but the platoon get lost in their canoe.
Series 4 Episode Guide
The platoon decide to get a mascot for Walmington-on-sea's Spitfire Week parade.
Don't Forget the Diver
As part of a training excercise Mainwaring's men must plant a bomb inside a windmill guarded by the Eastgate platoon.
Boots, Boots, Boots
The platoon decide to replace Mainwaring's boots with a smaller size after he decides the platoon should go on a 20 mile walk.
Sergeant, Save My Boy
Pike gets tangled up in the barbed wire in a minefield and the platoon mount a rescue operation.
Don't Fence Me In
The platoon is ordered to guard a prisoner of war camp but Walker has been using the Italians for cheap labour.
Absent Friend
Mainwaring returns from London to find half the platoon playing darts against the wardens. What's more a suspected IRA man is loose in the area.
Put That Light Out
Trapped in a Lighthouse Fraser, Godfrey, Pike and Jones accidently turn it on and illuminate the whole town.
The Two and a Half Feathers
An old soldier who fought in the Sudan with Jones joins the platoon and paints a very cowardly picture of Jones.
Mum's Army
Mainwaring decides to allow women into the Home Guard and ends up falling for one of them.
The Test
The platoon play a game of cricket against the ARP wardens.
A. Wilson (Manager?)
Wilson is promoted to manager of the Eastgate bank and joins their Home Guard unit as a first Lieutenant.
Uninvited Guests
The Home Guard and ARP are forced to use the church hall at the same time and both sides try their best to force the others out.
Fallen idol
At a training course Mainwaring is told by other units officers that he shouldn't sleep or socialise with his men. While the rest of the platoon moan about his pomposity Mainwaring finds himself involved in a drinking game.
Series 5 Episode Guide
Godfrey and Walker are trapped after the Gasworks where they were on duty is struck by a bomb. The rest of the platoon come to their aid but the rescue operation doesn't quite go according to plan.
Keep Young and Beautiful
The War Office take an interest in Home Guard and ARP efficiency suggesting the two organisations swap personnel with the youngest and fittest volunteers in the Home Guard and less able-bodied men going to the ARP. This doesn't sit well with the platoon who come up with some drastic measures to stay where they are.
A Soldier's Farewell
Mainwaring is enraged when the platoon rush for the bus instead of standing for the national anthem during a trip to the cinema. However after an argument with his wife he is left to sleep in the office, dreaming that he's Napoleon.
Getting the Bird
Walker offers Jones some pigeons to use as fresh meat in his butchers shop. There are however a few problems, such as the fact that they're still alive and need to be hidden somewhere, not to mention the latest news report stating a mysterious lack of pigeons in Trafalgar Square.
The Desperate Drive of Corporal Jones
A mistake over map references during a live ammunition exercise leaves the platoon sitting in the barn that is about to be mortared. The only person who can save them is Corporal Jones but will he get the message through in time.
If the Cap Fits...
Frazer complains to Mainwaring after another seemingly pointless lecture and Mainwaring decides to try a daring tactic from his manual: give Frazer a chance as officer.
The King Was in His Counting House
The platoon's party is cut short when Walmington-On-Sea's bank receives a direct hit in an air raid.
All Is Safely Gathered In
When Godfrey asks for 3 days off to help with a friend's harvest, Captain Mainwaring decides the whole platoon should lend a hand.
When Did You Last See Your Money?
Jones has managed to lose £500 and as it belonged to multiple shopkeepers in the High Street the platoon have to help him find it.
Brain Versus Brawn
The platoon dress up as firemen in an attempt to beat a new regular trained Home Guard Commandos unit, but as always things don't go quite to plan.
A Brush with the Law
Mainwaring is ridiculed about the state of his men's weapons by Captain Square and is formerly charged by the ARP for showing an unobscured light.
Round and Round Went the Great Big Wheel
The platoon are elected for "special duties" during a War Office test of a new secret weapon for delivering explosives.
Time on My Hands
The platoon have to capture a German pilot who parachuted out his plane but first they have to rescue him from the hour hand of the town's clock tower.
Series 5 DVD
Series 6 Episode Guide
The platoon are ordered to pick up a stranded German u-boat crew and guard them the night while Area prepare an escort to take them onto a POW camp.
My British Buddy
With America finally entering the war after 2 1/2 years of fighting, Walmington-On-Sea gets to billet an advance party of troops. However the platoon aren't too happy about the Yanks attitude and it isn't long before tensions are running high.
The Royal Train
Mainwaring opens secret orders stating that the Royal train will be passing through (but not stopping) at Walmington and it seems half the town are in on the secret. Trouble ensues when one of the regular trains break down blocking the line before the Royal train arrives.
We Know Our Onions
The verger and Hodges follow the platoon to an efficiency test weekend determined to get Hodge's onions that were being transported in Jones' van. Meanwhile the platoon are showing great consistency in their ability to mess up all the exercises.
The Honourable Man
Mainwaring is less than impressed when Wilson inherits an aristocratic title, especially when it is suggested that Wilson should be in charge of the honouring of a Soviet hero with the key to the city.
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Jones' van runs out of petrol during a stormy night patrol and the platoon take refuge in a seemingly abandoned house. With the howling wind and pelting down rain Pike is scarred of Frazer's ghost stories coming true.
The Recruit
With Mainwaring in hospital and Walker leaving suddenly for London, Wilson decides to boost numbers by allowing the Vicar and the Verger to join the ranks.
Series 7 Episode Guide
The platoon get stuck in the mud while they're supposed to be giving directions to a military convoy and Mainwaring insists on giving stupid orders instead of listening to anyone else's ideas.
A Man of Action
Captain Mainwaring declares martial law with himself in charge of the town after the railway, gas and water supplies are knocked out of action by German bombs.
Gorilla Warfare
The latest training exercise has Mainwaring pretending to be a secret agent with the platoon guarding him and keeping his identity a secret from the other teams counteragents. The verger and Hodges plan to betray the platoon while a gorilla has escaped from a military experiment researcher.
The Godiva Affair
The town prepares a parade to help raise money for the spitfire fund and Frazer's not too happy about the platoon having to Morris dance. Meanwhile the ladies of Walmington audition for the part of Lady Godiva who will lead the procession.
The Captain's Car
Mainwaring is delighted when Lady Maltby decides to lend her Rolls Royce to the Home Guard for the duration as she cant get petrol rations. However things start to get hectic when he decides to repaint it for camouflaging and it runs out of petrol on the way.
Turkey Dinner
Jones accidently kills a turkey so the platoon decides to hold a dinner for the pensioners of Walmington.
Series 7 DVD
Dad's Army: The Complete Seventh Series
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Series 8 Episode Guide
The platoon are selected to act in an army information film but Mainwaring refuses to participate when he discovers his men will be playing the part of the Nazis. Shooting on location in the countryside, when the platoon hears their scenes have been delayed they decide to go for a drink but all hell breaks lose when the pub's landlord is convinced they're real Germans.
When You've Got to Go
Pike's passed his medical to join the RAF and the platoon plan a celebratory fish & chips 'party', but first they must beat Hodges' wardens in securing the most blood donations for the town's contribution to the military blood bank drive.
Is There Honey Still for Tea?
Godfrey's cottage is to be demolished to make room for a new RAF aerodrome and despite being asked by HQ to break the news to Godfrey before the official notice is received, no-one knows quite how to tell him.
Come In, Your Time Is Up
The platoon have a weekend camping exercise but discover they have to share the site with the local Sea Scouts. When a German bomber crew parachute into the nearby river they have to capture them with the Sea Scouts raft.
High Finance
Jones' butchers shop has arrears of £50 and as bank manager Mainwaring fears he can no longer cash his cheques. A meeting is held to help Jones sort out his financial mess.
The Face on the Poster
Jones has his picture taken for use on a new recruitment poster but a mistake at the printers leads to his face being plastered on a wanted poster for an escaped German POW.
Series 9 Episode Guide
For once Mainwaring and Hodges are in agreement: they believe their jobs don't get enough respect from the general public and so get permission from HQ to dress up and recreate a fifth-column attack on the town.
The Making of Private Pike
Mainwaring is given a staff car for supervising for the Home Guard's Colonel as umpire in some military maneuvers. This signals a debate over who should be allowed in the car and where.
Knights of Madness
The platoon decide to put on a performance of George and the dragon for the town's fund-raising pageant but the wardens have chosen the same story for their contribution.
The Miser's Hoard
When the doctor discovers tight fisted Frazer's life savings Mainwaring tries to convince him to put the money in his bank. Meanwhile the news spreads and everyone starts asking the dour Scot for handouts, which certainly isn't in his nature.
Number Engaged
The platoon are to guard the coastal defense warning system for the weekend but in the morning they discover a German bomb tangled in the wires that they must try to get down.
Never Too Old
Jones is finally marrying Mrs Fox and in true old soldier form he asks for Mainwaring's permission as commanding officer.
Christmas Specials Guide
The Walmington-On-Sea and Eastgate platoons go head to head in an exercise to unfurl their flags from the top of an old tower.
My Brother and I
Mainwaring's constant worries about his class and attempts to appear respectable are undermined when his crude brother turns up and reveals their humble origins.
The Love of Three Oranges
The vicar is holding a charity bazar to raise money for the troops with the centre piece being the auction of 3 oranges. When Mainwaring decides he wants an orange for his wife and Wilson tells Pike to buy it for Mainwaring they unknowingly engage themselves in a bidding war, driving the price right up.
Guestbook
Feel free to leave a comment.
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ChrisDay
Dec 27, 2010 @ 8:59 am | delete
- Favourited!
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ChrisDay
Dec 27, 2010 @ 8:59 am | delete
- Great comedy evoking a unique period in history - great lens
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BBCBill
Sep 6, 2010 @ 3:05 pm | delete
- What is it gonna take to get the Complete Series 1-9 volumes on Region 1 for the USA. I have the Collection and that is not enough. Dad's Army is a timeless classic show. Thanks.
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Rob3
Nov 29, 2009 @ 4:42 pm | delete
- One of the best sitcoms ever with so many memorable characters all played by very talented actors, and a great lens to match. 5*****
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Debs
Nov 27, 2009 @ 3:36 am | delete
- This is a wonderful lens about one of my favourite TV sitcoms...I also used to really enjoy the radio versions too which I remember listening to on either Radio 2 or 4 as a child! 5*****s!
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Table of Contents
- RIP David Croft
- David Croft's Autobiography
- Opening Theme Tune
- Missing Presumed Wiped
- Dad's Army Poster
- Captain George Mainwaring
- Arthur Lowe's Biography
- Sergeant Arthur Wilson
- John Le Mesurier's Biography
- Lance-Corporal Jack Jones
- Clive Dunn's Autobiography
- Private Frank Pike
- Private Joe Walker
- Private James Frazer
- Private Charles Godfrey
- Arnold Ridley's Biography
- Favourite Character
- Chief Warden Hodges
- Bill Pertwee's Autobiography
- Rev. Timothy Farthing
- Frank William's Autobiography
- Road Safety Advert
- Dads Army
- Series 1 Episode Guide
- Series 2 Episode Guide
- Series 3 Episode Guide
- Series 4 Episode Guide
- Series 5 Episode Guide
- Series 6 Episode Guide
- Series 7 Episode Guide
- Series 8 Episode Guide
- Series 9 Episode Guide
- Christmas Specials Guide
- Guestbook
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