British Comedy Guide
HMS Paradise. Captain Turvey (Richard Caldicot). Copyright: Rediffusion London
HMS Paradise

HMS Paradise

  • TV sitcom
  • ITV1
  • 1964 - 1965
  • 26 episodes (1 series)

HMS Paradise, an island off the Dorset coast, is an idyllic posting as nobody seems to do any work... but not everyone is happy about the situation. Stars Richard Caldicot, Frank Thornton, Robin Hunter, Ronald Radd, Angus Lennie and more.

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Character guide

HMS Paradise. Captain Turvey (Richard Caldicot). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Captain Turvey

Captain of Royal Navy shore base.   Played by: Richard Caldicot

Head of the local shore base and affectionately known by the inhabitants of 'Paradise' as 'Old Thunderguts'. He resents the unregulated and blissful atmosphere on Boonsey and is determined to make life impossible for them. His main stumbling block is the stretch of open water between his base and the island - and their ability to see him coming!

HMS Paradise. Commander Fairweather (Frank Thornton). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Commander Fairweather

Commanding Officer of 'HMS Paradise'.   Played by: Frank Thornton

In charge of 'HMS Paradise' but more interested in fishing than commanding his post. He likes to lead a quiet life and usually takes the side of the ratings in any dispute. He's not a pushover but neither is he a disciplinarian.

HMS Paradise. Lieutenant Pouter (Robin Hunter). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Lieutenant Pouter

Lieutenant, 'Number One' on 'HMS Paradise'.   Played by: Robin Hunter

The Commander's 'Number One' on the base and loved by the men because he is so gullible. A hopeless romantic, his dashing good looks help him to get the girls but he is unable to hang on to them for long. Can be relied upon to drop himself every time he opens his mouth.

HMS Paradise. Chief Petty Officer Banyard (Ronald Radd). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Chief Petty Officer Banyard

Chief Petty Officer.   Played by: Ronald Radd

The real power on the island and the man around whom the station revolves. He's been in the Navy for years and has done pretty much everything that can be done. He knows all the angles and can get anything from a Capstan to a Cruiser - given time.

HMS Paradise. Able Seaman Murdoch (Angus Lennie). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Able Seaman Murdoch

Able Seaman, CPO Banyard's 'stooge'.   Played by: Angus Lennie

A bumbling idiot who staggers from one disaster to another but usually survives thanks to his boss, CPO Banyard. Instantly recognised by his broad Scottish accent.

HMS Paradise. Amanda (Priscilla Morgan). Copyright: Rediffusion London

Amanda

Wren typist.   Played by: Priscilla Morgan

A Wren typist who usually supplies the feminine view on the base, while keeping a watchful eye on all of Lieutenant Pouter's romances.

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