British Comedy Guide
Dad's Army. Image shows from L to R: Private Godfrey (Arnold Ridley), Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn), Private Walker (James Beck), Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), Private Frazer (John Laurie), Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier), Private Pike (Ian Lavender)
Dad's Army

Dad's Army

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 1968 - 1977
  • 80 episodes (9 series)

Beloved sitcom about the struggles of a Home Guard platoon during World War II who are fighting incompetence, age and pomposity more than Nazis. Stars Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, Arnold Ridley and more.

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Episode menu

Series 1 - Present Arms

It's Christmas Day and Mainwaring can't drop his sense of duty. Wilson's far more relaxed, and tells the men they can wear civvies when Mainwaring orders a parade.

Further details

It's Christmas Day and Mainwaring can't drop his sense of duty. He orders his men to parade. Wilson, being more relaxed about the whole affair, says they can wear civvies, but Mainwaring doesn't like the sergeant's sudden burst of decision making.

The members of the front rank all arrive late, and each is dressed as Father Christmas. They give various explanations. Mainwaring views this as proof that you cannot be seen to let discipline drop for one moment.

The platoon try a new PT exercise with poles, which causes them some difficulty.

Notes

Recorded on Sunday 27th October 1968.

This short insert was broadcast as part of Christmas Night With The Stars. It is believed to have been broadcast shortly after 7pm, the second item in the 2 hour programme.

Only a home-make audio recording of this special is known to survive.

This episode is also known as Poles Apart.

This episode no longer exists in the archives. It is missing, believed wiped.

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 25th December 1968
Time
6:40pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
10 minutes
Recorded
  • Sunday 27th October 1968 at BBC Television Centre

Cast & crew

Cast
Arthur Lowe Captain Mainwaring
John Le Mesurier Sergeant Wilson
Clive Dunn Lance Corporal Jones
John Laurie Private Frazer
Arnold Ridley Private Godfrey
Ian Lavender Private Pike
James Beck Private Walker
Edward Sinclair The Verger
Writing team
Jimmy Perry Writer
David Croft Writer
Production team
David Croft Director
David Croft Producer

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