Gold orders Dad's Army documentary series
- Gold will celebrate Dad's Army in a new documentary series later this year
- Alexander Armstrong will host 4 episodes of Saluting Dad's Army
- The hit BBC sitcom marks the 50th anniversary of its first broadcast today
Gold is to celebrate Dad's Army in its latest documentary series.
Announced today, the 50th anniversary of the iconic sitcom's first broadcast, Saluting Dad's Army will look at the comedy's history and legacy, and explore its enduring huge popularity.
Hosted by comic actor and TV presenter Alexander Armstrong, the four-part series is being made by Mercury Productions and is due to be broadcast on the UKTV channel later this year.
Dad's Army was first broadcast on Wednesday, 31st July, 1968. Postponed from an initially scheduled date of 5th June, it was aired at 8:20pm. Gold will tonight replay the very first episode, The Man And The Hour, at the same time.
Gold explain: "Saluting Dad's Army celebrates the genius and impact of the enduring classic and pays tribute to the people who created it. Presented by Alexander Armstrong, the series will cover the colourful history of Dad's Army, from the very first conversation and the true stories that inspired the series, through to its long-standing legacy. Using archive footage and newly captured interviews, the series will offer a true insight into how Dad's Army became not just a hit, but an institution."
Alexander Armstrong adds: "I'm thrilled to be involved in marking the 50th anniversary of the phenomenon that is Dad's Army. I've spent a lifetime enjoying the brilliance of Jimmy Perry, David Croft and the extraordinary cast. Now I get to explore everything from the birth of the show to its wonderful legacy and aim to bring fans new insights into the show we all loved so much."
Commissioner Richard Watsham says: "On Gold, we're carving out a growing and unique vein of high quality retrospectives. Dad's Army is one of Britain's best loved comedies and has been missing from our collection for too long. So, I'm very pleased that Alexander Armstrong has agreed to lead us through this revealing story, sharing fascinating archive that the talented team at Mercury Productions have uncovered. It will be a fitting tribute to help mark Dad's Army's 50th anniversary."
Gerald Casey, Gold channel director, said: "Dad's Army is a true favourite for Gold viewers and one that has stood the test of time. We can't wait to delve into its history in this retrospective series and find out more about the show that is very dear to our hearts."
Executive producer Tom Webber added: "It's great to be part of UKTV's commitment to Britain's comedy heritage and to honour Dad's Army in this special anniversary year."
The series is expected to air in the autumn.
Dad's Army - The Complete Collection
Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson, Corporal Jones and Privates Pike, Godfrey, Walker and Frazer are back in this complete series boxset - enjoy the endeavours and hilarious antics of the Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard!
This box set contains the complete series: One, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, The Christmas Specials and all 3 surviving episodes of Series 2, plus a great selection of extras including the radio adaptations of the 3 Series 2 missing episodes.
First released: Monday 29th October 2007
DVD- Distributor: 2 Entertain
- Region: 2
- Discs: 14
- Catalogue: BBCDVD2254
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