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
Press
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