Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The series charting the history of the best of British comedy looks at Dad's Army, the gentle wartime sitcom that became one of the most popular series of all time.

The series charting the history of the best of British comedy looks at Dad's Army, the gentle wartime sitcom that became one of the most popular and best-loved series of all time.

Set in wartime Britain, the cast of Dad's Army featured many veterans of stage and screen including Arthur Lowe, John Laurie and Arnold Ridley. As well as creating a template for future ensemble sitcoms, the series established one of British TV's most successful writing partnership - that of Jimmy Perry and David Croft.

But Comedy Connections reveals that neither writer gave Dad's Army its name. Originally called Fighting Tigers, the new title was imposed on the show by the 麻豆官网首页入口's then Head of Comedy, Michael Mills. Other surprises include John Laurie expressing his disappointment that, at the age of 73 and after a glittering theatre career, he should become most famous for 'this crap', what happened when Ian Lavender asked the show's writers whether his character, Pike, was in fact Wilson's son, and what producer David Croft did with the audience feedback report after the screening of the show's pilot.

With contributions from writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft, plus actors Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Frank Williams, Bill Pertwee, Pamela Cundell and Wendy Richard.

40 minutes

Music Played

  • Bud Flanagan & The Band of the Coldstream Guards

    Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler?

Credits

Role Contributor
Writer Andrew Nickolds
Presenter Doon Mackichan
Director Angela Buchanan
Series Producer Paul Gallagher

Broadcasts

Sitcom Season

Celebrating sitcoms with a season of programmes across the 麻豆官网首页入口.