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
Press
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