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 11 - A. Wilson (Manager)?

Captain Mainwaring is horrified to learn that Wilson has not just been made the manager of his own branch of the bank, but that he has been promoted to Second Lieutenant of the Eastgate platoon.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 4th December 1970
Time
8pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes
Recorded
  • Friday 27th 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
Edward Sinclair The Verger
Frank Williams The Vicar
Janet Davies Mrs Pike
Colin Bean Private Sponge
Guest cast
Blake Butler Mr. West
Robert Raglan Captain Pritchard
Arthur Brough Mr. Boyle (Eastgate Deputy Manager)
Hugh Hastings Private Hastings
Writing team
Jimmy Perry Writer
David Croft Writer
Production team
David Croft Director
David Croft Producer
Paul Joel Production Designer
Bud Flanagan Theme Tune Vocals

Press

Radio Times review

If you've ever wondered why there's such percolating ill feeling between Mainwaring and Wilson, it's all here in an eye-opening first act. The captain turns puce and looks set to explode ("Judas!") when he learns that his supercilious subordinate is going up in the world, as both bank manager and second lieutenant in neighbouring Eastgate. All the petty jealousy and class resentment come pouring out, and Mainwaring's knee-jerk response is an office/platoon reshuffle.

It's brilliantly acted, but if that sounds a bit intense and uncomfortable, don't worry. There's some fruity role-playing as members of the platoon get ideas above their station and a sizeable innuendo from the Vicar. But the episode is owned by Wilson, and John Le Mesurier. You'll find it hard to swallow after the very last scene.

Mark Braxton, Radio Times, 19th January 2016

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