Dad's Army

by Graham McCann

When we laugh at Dad's Army we laugh at ourselves, and more than 30 years after it was first broadcast, millions of us are still laughing—whenever and wherever it is repeated. With contributions from the people who planned, produced, and performed in the sitcom, and material drawn from the BBC archives, acclaimed author Graham McCann has written the definitive story of a very British comedy. This is the story of a classic British sitcom and its enduring appeal.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Biography, War, Humor, Comedy

292 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2001

Reviews

[Mark Porton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh the memories

Dad’s Army by Graham McCann…..The Story of a Very British Comedy commences with a thorough ‘real’ history of the creation of the Home Guard in 1940 during WWII. The British felt the need to prepare an ‘army’ of volunteers of non-conscripted men (many old, women joined later) into a UK based force to repel a German invasion. The politics (Churchill was a big supporter) behind the creation of the Home Guard was fascinating, as were some of the difficulties – for example, no uniforms, no weapons, little organisation, and lack of training. Over 1.5 million were eventually recruited and formal structures, and better organisation implemented.

Dad’s Army was a legendary (9 seasons) BBC weekly comedy TV show created in the 1960s. This book discusses the creation of the show, and some of the many difficulties getting a show like this off the ground. Such as the issue of creating a comedy about a brutal war that only finished a few years ago. The detail here was just brilliant, the author provided a real behind the scenes explanation of program production.

Then we move onto the show. The writers, directors, actors, scripts, sets and so much more. For any fans of this legendary TV series, this really is a MUST READ. We are also treated to many of the funny scenes and lines – there were so, so many.

This clip is typical of the ineptitude of Captain Mainwaring:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YMVP...

One of my favourite memories, and it is still with me today – just like it happened yesterday. Is my brother and I, sitting with mum and dad watching Dad’s Army and Dad, not being able to breathe due to laughing – I’m not sure whether we were laughing at Dad, with Dad or at the show – probably all of that. Even just reading some of the lines and imagining the pompous face of Captain Mainwaring as he scolds Private Pike had bubbles of laughter ready to erupt out of my windpipe. Giving me so many warm memories, I almost wept.

Those who have watched this show will remember the pompous Captain Mainwaring, the posh Seargent Wilson (and their interplay), the dopey Private Pike, the ever obedient and dutiful Lance Corporal Jones, the grumpy and forthright Private Frazer, the old dear – Private Godfrey and the geezer Private Walker. There’s also a host of memorable support characters. If you read this, you’ll learn a whole lot more about them.



The Cast of Dad’s Army

Sadly, we also learn about them passing away, to the extent that the show needed to be cancelled after an impressive nine seasons.

Now Dad’s Army is just a memory. My Mum and Dad are a memory too, as are the actors. But oh, what an emotional story. I’m sure I won’t be alone on that score. After I finish this review, I will be putting my own copy of this book, back to sleep in my bookcase and just the thought of that makes me choke too. Sometimes it’s nice to be happy and sad.

If a light-hearted show can do that – it can’t be half bad.

5 Stars

[Plum-crazy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read into the background & production of the TV series. It also includes the formation of the real Home Guard, the casting of the actors, the character's own "history" as well as how they developed & concluding with a complete episode guide.

For me the highlights were the clips of dialogue. Anyone who has enjoyed this classic series will find themselves sniggering away -it's impossible not to hear the voices of Captain Mainwaring & co as you read.....especially in the timeless classic "Don't tell him Pike" - that never fails to make me laugh :o)

[Benedict Reid]

Very little information in this book. There was a short chapter about creating the show and then a whole lot of padding which had me screaming at the pages "But I've seen the show, that's why I'm reading the book. Don't just describe the show, give me something more!"

[George Fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's love and regard for his subject shines through in this detailed and very human account of a unique ensemble of actors who came together, almost by accident, and created something enduring and magic.

It's fascinating to be taken through the development and rehearsal process, and watch as some of the actors' own personality traits come to inform the characters they play. The actors themselves, Arnold Ridley and John Laurie in particular, are fascinating in their own right, and it's poignant to read of their smoldering anger over the Great War even fifty years on.

This is a great read, and one that you can go back to time and again, select a random page and enjoy it just as much as the first time.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nostalgic look back at the timeless sitcom, Dad's Army, which will never age due to it's setting on the south coast of England during WW2. Everyone will have their own favourite character (Fraser, a fellow Scotsman, for me) and they are all well covered in here. I love how the main cast treated the extras as equals. How they all worked really well together. And how you still find it being shown on telly to this day. Fan of the show? Buy this book.

Ray Smillie

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very gentle and rather intensely charming. It's a guide to Dad's Army and the people that made it happen, and traces the show from conception through to that moving final breaking of the fourth wall and beyond. McCann's gift here is in his genuine love for the topic: this book comes from such a good, loving place. You can literally feel it. And I rather loved how that came across in every single page.

[Matthew Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, TV royalty Dad's Army was not viewed by the Beeb Bigwigs as being a big hit- "Haven't we had a bit too much about the war?" asking a scepticle DG. Then there was Arthur Lowe, " he works for the other side you know But Croft & Perry stuck to their guns and recruited the perfect cast. The pacifist Clive Dunn as the belligerent Lance Corporal Jones, the kindly Godrey, the pawky scot, the mummy's boy etcl Sheer genius, a must read for all Walkington devotees

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable and homely dive into one of British comedy's greatest successes, and one I can see myself returning to. Packed with new interviews, internal correspondence, and nuggets of information that make the material leap off the page, McCann's book gets to the heart of the series' appeal and how it was made. Great stuff.

[Michael Eklund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good chapter about the original Home Guard. But I was a bit disappointed with the rest about the series. A deep discussion about the characters is not what I was interested in. A bit thin.
And of course it ends at 1999, so nothing about the 2016 movie.

[Simone Retro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a charming book.

[Andy Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is so much like the series he describe and delights in. It is well written, well paced with laughter and pathos richly mixed on every page.

[Simon S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was lovely. A warm and informative history of a much-beloved series, revealing the care and dedication which went into crafting it.

[Ade Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic UK TV comedy show 'about' the Home Guard in World War Two, in the programme represented by a motley crew of characters from the 'stupid boy' Pike to the octagenarian Godfrey, all led by the pompous bank manager aka Captain Mainwaring. However. Although this book is delightful in recalling the humour and giving biographies of the actors, and addressing the interesting aspects of production, what's best about it stems from what the great Dennis Potter said of it: "Dad's Army is made possible by the extended koke which allows the British, or more specifically the English, to turn every possible encounter into a subtle joust about status." Yes, it is about class. The book is supported by many references and quotations from erudite sources - including Wittgenstein! - though it is appropriately a highly pleasurable and affectionate read. It all revolves around Mainwaring - that bumptious little Englander who is with us today and about whom we can only feel a sort of tender pity while at the same time ridiculing him.

[Emily Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the program since I was a young girl after my grandma introduced me to the platoon. Much of this book is a recount of each series and it's episodes; however, there are also many interviews and insights into the people involved in the series which offer a heartwarming and affectionate retelling of one of the best written British comedies.

[ScottyEnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, affectionate and detailed overview of one of Britain’s seminal comedy series. Some interesting character analysis, but at times it seems like everything was a little too pleasant to make an exciting biography. But then, what else would you expect from the Walmington-on-Sea platoon?

[Gareth Suddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Really enjoyable read.

[Colin Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into a timeless TV series a must read for all fans of the show.

[Patrick Whitman]

CAROL Did you "friend" me here? I'vemissed you and would like to write.

[Steve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love anything to do with this excellent show. I watch every episode at least once a year.