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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Series 4, Episode 10 - The Test

Hodges challenges the Home Guard to a game of cricket, but what Mainwaring does not know is that Hodges is getting a professional to play for the ARP. Of course, Hodges might not need his star ringer if Mainwaring's poor skills are anything to go by.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 27th November 1970
Time
8pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes
Recorded
  • Friday 20th November 1970 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
Bill Pertwee Chief A.R.P. Warden Hodges
Edward Sinclair The Verger
Frank Williams The Vicar
Guest cast
Harold Bennett Mr. Blewitt
Don Estelle Gerald (2nd ARP Warden)
Fred Trueman (as Freddie Trueman) E.C. Egan
Writing team
Jimmy Perry Writer
David Croft Writer
Production team
David Croft Director
David Croft Producer
Bob Rymer Editor
Paul Joel Production Designer
Bud Flanagan Theme Tune Vocals

Press

Radio Times review

A popular 1970 episode. The captain's doughty dependables rally round when the ARP wardens challenge the platoon to a game of cricket. Jones offers to keep wicket, Walker the spiv provides reconditioned balls and even Frazer will have a go "if someone will explain the principle of the thing".

There's plenty of cheating (demon bowler Fred Trueman plays a ringer), some epic excuse-making from a shown-up Mainwaring, and a rousing last-ditch effort from an unlikely source. A greater role than usual, too, for the late Bill Pertwee, who selflessly played chief hate-figure Hodges for nine years.

Mark Braxton, Radio Times, 12th January 2016

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