We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story

[Flay]

There's still time to catch this delightful nostalgic play about the conception and casting of Dad's Army

We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06t3m7t

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

There's still time to catch this delightful nostalgic play about the conception and casting of Dad's Army
We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06t3m7t
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

- so did I.

[Barbirollians]

Don't panic - its still available for another 8 days .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Don't panic - its still available for another 8 days .

And if time runs out, I know a bloke who can supply - ten bob a shot to you, and I'm robbing myself.

[Serial_Apologist]

And if time runs out, I know a bloke who can supply - ten bob a shot to you, and I'm robbing myself.

Stupid boy Pike!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I wonder if I might be excused ...

[Roslynmuse]

I wonder if I might be excused ...

Only if you bring back a piece of upside-down cake...

[Anna]

Why is Dad's Army so popular still - everyone's seen every episode yet we still watch, and still laugh! Obviously none of us were alive during WW2 so is it just nostalgia for our more innocent childhood years when we watched it?

[Roslynmuse]

Why is Dad's Army so popular still - everyone's seen every episode yet we still watch, and still laugh! Obviously none of us were alive during WW2 so is it just nostalgia for our more innocent childhood years when we watched it?

I think that's a part of it; for me, growing up in the 70s and seeing most episodes from about 1971 onwards first time around (and then listening to the radio version - currently re-running on Radio 4 Extra), there was an element of recognising family members and friends in the characters - Mainwaring, Wilson, Jones, Walker and Mrs Pike all had counterparts within my immediate family (!!!) and although I wasn't particularly conscious of it at the time, there's a strong sense of personal familiarity with the characters which goes beyond what I experienced with other programmes.

Or I could just have had a very strange family...

[Anna]

and then listening to the radio version - currently re-running on Radio 4 Extra

Thanks Roslyn, I never knew there was a radio version, I'll have a look at the schedule!

[eighthobstruction]

Or I could just have had a very strange family...

Like most families, ours would visit each other for Sunday teas. I had an uncle (ex Army Corporal) who would sit at the tea table with a wooden spoon and rap his children across the knuckles should they reach across the table or such like.

I must admit whenever I write/use the word "Goodness" I always think of John le M....Crikey!!....I'll say.....

[Petrushka]

Permission to speak, sir...

[AjAjAjH]

My late mother-in-law lived in Hastings during the war. She always said that it was so funny because it was almost true from what she observed.

[Nick Armstrong]

Why is Dad's Army so popular still - everyone's seen every episode yet we still watch, and still laugh! Obviously none of us were alive during WW2 so is it just nostalgia for our more innocent childhood years when we watched it?

The ultimate ensemble cast helps; and as Roslynmuse says, the archetypal characters echo British 'types' we probably know (or in ourselves!) with Arthur Lowe / Mainwaring at the top of the pile "I wondered how long it would take you to spot that" has become the quote from anything I use most, as I've tried to exhibit some expertise and fallen sadly short....

And how magnificent is the episode where Lowe plays both Mainwaring brothers, including the drink-sodden 'Barry' the travelling salesman in 'jokes and carnival novelties' That line when 'Captain' Mainwaring pulls the contested fob-watch on its chain from his waistcoat pocket, and 'Barry' says:

"Don't pull too hard, you'll flush yourself"



The importance of casting may be thrown into sharp relief this year by this:

[Barbirollians]

It is a very good cast - I am not going to prejudge the film .