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Published on Dec 31, 2012 John Paton Laurie (25 March 1897 -- 23 June 1980) was a Scottish actor born in Dumfries, Scotland a very funny scene from dads army this is Private James Frazer (John Laurie)—a dour Scottish undertaker and a Chief Petty Officer on HMS Defiant in the RRRRRRRoyal Navy who served at the Battle of Jutland as a ship's cook if you enjoy dads army have you joined the dads army fan page on facebook yet Category Private James Frazer | Dad's Army Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia ― Frazer [[ Dad’s army |[src]]] James Frazer was born in 1882 and was a sailor, then shop-keeper (possibly of a shop that sold coffins), and later the undertaker of Walmington-On-Sea . He served at the Battle of Jutland, albeit as a cook, and later became a private of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard .

Personality Edit Frazer is a pessimistic, dour, trouble-stirring, exaggerating, wild-eyed Scottish undertaker (formerly the keeper of a philatelist's shop with a hobby of making coffins). He hails from the "wild and lonely" Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, an apparently desolate and bleak place that appears to have informed most of his pessimistic, dark tendencies. He was a Chief Petty Officer (and cook) in the Navy during World War One , he also mentions being one of the mine sweepers and is shown to be a crack shot due to that (although he has to wave the gun up and down, because as he says "It's the only way I can shoot sir, this is the motion of the sea"), but later retired to Walmington-On-Sea . Frazer makes no secret of his desires for increased rank and power within the platoon. To that end, Frazer is frequently negative and hyper-critical of his superior officers and their decisions, and clearly considers Captain Mainwaring , Sergeant Wilson and Lance-Corporal Jones barely fit for command.

When given even a little bit of power, however (or even just the taste of it), it frequently goes straight to his head; notably, in the episode " If the Cap Fits... ", Frazer is temporarily given command of the platoon for a few days as an exercise in the difficulties of leadership, which, far from educating him in the pressures that Mainwaring faced, merely result in him acting even more exceedingly arrogant and tyrannical than before. In Something Nasty in the Vault , after Jones assumes control of the platoon following Mainwaring and Wilson's incapacitation, Frazer declares that he is second in command; something which goes undisputed by the rest of the platoon. Furthermore, in the recently-discovered episode A Stripe for Frazer , Frazer is promoted to Lance-Corporal. To reach his ends, Frazer is somewhat two-faced; he has a Machiavellian tendency to doubt people and their situations, and is usually responsible for gossiping and sowing the seeds of unease or insubordination amongst the other members of the platoon.

His is usually the loudest voice of condemnation or criticism in any given situation - however, if and when his current target triumphs or is validated, he will instantly alter his position with a hasty "I never doubted you for a second", to ensure that he's never on the losing side. A prime example of this is his attitude in the episode " Branded ", where his is the loudest voice of condemnation regarding Private Godfrey 's conscientious objection and apparent 'cowardice' during the First World War, only for Frazer to immediately change his position when it transpires that Godfrey is nevertheless a decorated war hero. Another, less prominent, example is in " Sgt - Save My Boy !"; Frazer criticizes Godfrey for fleeing "at the first sign of trouble", only to dub him "a man of steel... just like I've always said" when he sees Godfrey bypass the mine-infested beach on his own. A notoriously miserable and miserly soul, Frazer is known for his bleak, pessimistic outlook on life. In any situation where circumstances seem bleak for the platoon, he will never fail to find more reasons to feel doom.

He will often find the time in the various predicaments that the platoon face to observe that their potential fate is "a terrible way to die", to note that "we're doomed" when peril is awaiting them or to regale the platoon with an anecdote of a much similar experience he is aware of that ended rather bleakly for all concerned. He also has quite a line in dark, atmospheric and rather long-winded tales which start promisingly with the lure of supernatural horrors and terrors, only to ultimately prove disappointing and end rather mundanely, such as the tales of 'The Auld Empty Barn' (there was nothing in it) and his friend Jethro, who apparently fell victim to a long-lasting curse that ensured that he lived to a ripe old age. It was revealed in the episode " Operation Kilt " that he sports a tattoo on his arm which he claims "cost a fortune" and states "Scotland forever". It's also revealed in " When Did You Last See You Money? " that he knows hypnosis, as he says "When I was sailing the China seas, I studied the art of hypnosis" and successfully hypnotises Lance-Corporal Jones.

His main rivalries are with the other ageing members in the platoon, notably Corporal Jones , who fights back, and Private Godfrey , who doesn't. He possesses a curious fascination with women who have large, thick thighs. Frazer does show a more generous side to his character when he saves Private Godfrey 's cottage from being demolished to make way for a runway. When all hope seems lost, Frazer saves the day by threatening to reveal a senior politician's past indiscretions, although in typical Frazer style he doesn't let on that he was the hero of the hour. It is also reported that Frazer is President of the local Caledonian Society. Private Walker often calls Frazer "Taffy". Who’s Who In The Dad’s Army Movie? Who’s Who In The Dad’s Army Movie? Tom Butler Pin it Share Dad’s Army, the classic BBC sitcom, is getting another shot at big-screen glory (there was already a movie in 1971), but don’t panic, don’t panic, the cast is looking pretty good. Directed by Oliver Parker (the filmmaker responsible for the ‘St.

Trinian’s’ reboot and its sequel) ‘Dad’s Army’ will follow the exploits of the aged Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard as they attempt to root out a German spy in their town, as World War II reaches its climax. But who’s playing who and who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler? (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Toby Jones is Captain Mainwaring Toby Jones is perfect casting for Mainwaring if you ask us. The diminutive actor has previous with Oliver Parker, having played the Bursar in his mildly successful ‘St Trinian’s’ adaptation. Bill Nighy is Sergeant Wilson The ‘Love Actually’ star will take on the iconic role of the louche and diffident Sergeant Wilson, originally played by John Le Mesurier, who acts as Uncle to the wimpy Private Pike. Blake Harrison is Private Pike He plays simpleton Neil in ‘The Inbetweeners’ and now he’ll be playing the bumbling milquetoast Pike (played first by Ian Lavender), in perhaps his biggest post-Inbetweeners role to date.

Sir Tom Courtenay as Lance-Corporal Jones Read More Clive Dunn memorably played the decorated former soldier, who provided much of the comic relief, in the original, so the acting Knight who rose to fame in ‘The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner’ has big boots to fill. We’re sure he’s up to it Sir Michael Gambon as Private Godfrey Seeing the imposing actor best known as Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ (nowadays at least) as the doddery Godfrey is an inspired piece of casting if you ask us. Danny Mays as Private Walker James Beck playing the black market spiv in the original and now Danny Mays, the amazing character actor from ‘Welcome To The Punch’, ‘Atonement’, and ‘Made In Dagenham’ will don the pencil tache Bill Patterson as Private Fraser Rounding out the core corp is Scottish actor Bill Patterson as yes, you guessed it, the Scottish one, Fraser. The ‘Law and Order UK’ star has had an active movie career, often in comedy, and he seems perfect for the dour undertaker.

Everyone else Also in the cast is Catherine Zeta Jones is listed as Rose, with Alison Steadman, Annette Crosbie, and Mark Gatiss playing unspecified roles. What’s the betting Gattiss is our spy? One famous character yet to be cast is that of Warden Hodges, Mainwaring’s greengrocer nemesis. The shows creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft get exec-producer credits (David via his relatives Ann and Penny Croft, as he sadly died in 2011) on the film which has a script by Hamish McColl, the man responsible for ‘Mr. Bean’s Holiday’ and ‘Johnny English Reborn’. ‘Dad’s Army’ doesn’t have a release date as yet, but we expect it’ll get a release sometime in 2015. Dad's Army (TV Series 1968–1977) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends.

Error During WW2, in a fictional British seaside town, a ragtag group of Home Guard local defense volunteers prepare for an imminent German invasion. Creator: After a surreal lecture on telling allied parachutists from German ones, the platoon is ordered to pick up a stranded U-boot's crew. Wilson feels live hand-grenades are too dangerous for his hot-head... 8.9 At long last Corporal Jones is marrying Marcia Fox. He asks Mainwaring's permission as his commanding officer, which involves the captain being caught over the phone by his wife having coffee with ... 8.8 It is revealed that Private Godfrey was a Conscientious Objector in the First World war, leading Mainwaring and some of the platoon to brand him as a coward. However, during an exercise in which ...

8.6 a list of 33 titles created 13 Oct 2012 a list of 34 titles created 26 Jul 2013 a list of 35 titles created 28 Jan 2014 a list of 21 titles created 30 Nov 2014 a list of 33 titles created 26 Dec 2015 Search for " Dad's Army " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Title: Dad's Army (1968–1977) 8.1/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 1 win & 9 nominations. See more awards » Photos The misadventures of a ragtag group of elderly Home Guard local defense volunteers at the onset of WW2. Director: Norman Cohen The prison life of Fletcher, a criminal serving a five-year sentence, as he strives to bide his time, keep his record clean, and refuses to be ground down by the prison system.

Stars: Ronnie Barker, Brian Wilde, Fulton Mackay The Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deal with a visiting female journalist and a German spy as World War II draws to its conclusion. Director: Oliver Parker Arkwright is a tight-fisted shop owner in Doncaster, who will stop at nothing to keep his profits high and his overheads low, even if this means harassing his nephew Granville. Arkwright's ... See full summary » Stars: Ronnie Barker, David Jason, Lynda Baron Long running BBC comedy show consisting of sketches and humourous musical routines involving the large Ronnie Barker and the small Ronnie Corbett. Most sketches involved both men, but ... See full summary » Stars: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, The Fred Tomlinson Singers Classic 1960s British comedy series about a middle aged man and his elderly father who run an unsuccessful 'rag and bone' business (collecting and selling junk). Harold (the son) wants to ... See full summary » Stars: Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H. Corbett, Frank Thornton Accident-prone Frank Spencer fails to navigate the simplest tasks of daily life, while also trying to look after his wife and baby.

Stars: Michael Crawford, Michele Dotrice, Jessica Forte Victor Meldrew is a retiree who attracts bad luck. If he's not driving his long suffering wife Margeret crazy with his constant moaning, he's fighting with neighbors. Stars: Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, Doreen Mantle This prison comedy is based on the popular British television series of the same name. Long time Slade prison inmate Fletcher is ordered by Grouty to arrange a football match between the ... See full summary » Director: Dick Clement Popular sitcom set in a seedy bedsit lorded over by the mean, vain, boastful, cowardly landlord Rigsby. In each episode, his conceits are debunked by his long suffering tenants. Stars: Leonard Rossiter, Don Warrington, Frances de la Tour The comic adventures of a group of misfits who form an extremely bad concert party touring the hot and steamy jungles of Burma entertaining the troops during World War II. Stars: Windsor Davies, Melvyn Hayes, Donald Hewlett In 1967 actor Jimmy Perry shows his friend David Croft the script of a sitcom he has written based on his time in the Home Guard, entitled 'Fighting Tigers'.

Head of BBC TV comedy Michael ... See full summary » Director: Steve Bendelack Edit Storyline Popular BBC comedy series set in the fictional south coast seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea during World War 2. Alternating moments of gentle character comedy with broad slapstick, it recounts the misadventures of the local voluntary defence force (or 'Home Guard') consisting of men too old or 'unfit' for military service. They are led by the pompous Mainwaring, manager of the local bank, and consist of the suave, mild-mannered Sergeant Wilson , Lance-Corporal Jones, the town's butcher and an old soldier prone to hysteria, cockney spiv Walker, dour Scots undertaker Frazer, gentle, elderly and incontinent Godfrey and dim-witted mummy's boy, Pike, whose mother is 'friendly' with Wilson. They are based in the Church hall where there is much friction between Mainwaring, the effeminate Vicar, his creeping Verger and ARP Warden Hodges (the grocer) who calls Mainwaring 'Napoleon' and strongly dislikes him.

The 80 episodes (the last 68 made in colour) have been frequently repeated, many are ... Written by Allen Dace <a.w.dace@maff.gov.uk> 31 July 1968 (UK) See more » Also Known As: Daar komen de schutters See more » Filming Locations: Did You Know? Trivia An episode is kept on standby by the BBC for use as an emergency backup program, to be broadcast if a major technical problem prevents normal programs being shown. This came to light on June 20, 2000 when the BBC Six O'Clock News (1984) was interrupted by a power failure at the BBC, and an episode of Dad's Army was transmitted in its place. See more » Goofs Throughout the series LCPL Jones is the only member of the platoon to wear medal ribbons on his uniform. Frazer, Wilson, and Godfrey (and possibly others) all saw service in WWI and would have medals and ribbons, and would most likely have worn them proudly as well. See more » Quotes [They are telling off a cheeky young boy] Jones : Ere. I know him. He's a cheeky little monkey.

He comes into my shop when it's full of persons and shouts out, "Sainsbury's." Pike : Yeah. And he runs into our bank and shouts out, "National Provincial." My favourite comedy series of all time 6 November 2002 | by BritishFilms1 WARNING: This review contains spoliers "Dad's Army" has got to be my favourite comedy series of all time. It is about the adventures of a Home Guard platoon on the South Coast of England during World War II. Pompous bank manager Mr Mainwaring [Arthur Lowe] is Captain of the platoon. He is assited by his chief clerk Arthur Wilson [John Le Mesurier] who is the Home Guard sergeant.

The other main characters who formed the platoon were 70 year old devoted solidier Lance-Corporal Jack Jones [Clive Dunn] who fought in the Sudan under the command of General Kitchener during the 1880s, James Frazer [John Laurie], a doom-and-gloomy old Scotsman who runs an undertakers in Walmington-on-Sea [the town where the series is situated], who was formerly a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy [my favourite character], retired Menswear salesman Charles Godfrey [Arnold Ridley], the platoon's medical orderly who lived in a country cottage with his sisters [Dolly and Cissy], Cockney "spiv" Joe Walker [James Beck] who was usually seen with various lady friends and was well-known for being able to obtain rationed goods for people [if they paid him for them] and finally, Frank Pike [Ian Lavender], the youngest member of the platoon who was very much a "mummy's boy" and usually made a mess of things, Mainwaring was often heard to describe him as a "stupid boy".

Another regular character was the Chief Air Raid Warden, Mr Hodges [Bill Pertwee], who expressed a severe dislike for Mainwaring and his men, due to the fact that they often curtailed his plans. He referred to Mainwaring as "Napoleon" and the two soon developed an instant dislike for each other, doing more fighting among themselves rather than with the Germans [!]. There was also other regulars including Mrs Pike [Janet Davies], Pike's mother and Wilson's girlfriend, Wilson being Pike's Uncle Arthur. Mrs Fox [Pamela Cundell], a resident of the town who had a long-running relationship with Jones, before the two eventually married in the final episode and OAP Mr Blewitt [Harold Bennett] was also seen many times.

Many guest stars were also seen in the programme including Barbara Windsor ["EastEnders" as a theatre star], Nigel Hawthorne ["Yes Minister" as a man on a bike], Wendy Richard ["EastEnders" as Walker's girlfriend], Carmen Silvera ["Allo Allo" as Mainwaring's lady friend], Geoffrey Hughes ["Coronation Street" as a bridge controller], Phillip Madoc [a German Captain], Peter Butterworth ["Carry On" films as a printer] and Fulton MacKay ["Porridge" as a doctor]. This has to be the best British comedy series of all time and if it doesn't make you laugh, I don't know what will. 10 out of 10! Literary Norfolk Literary Norfolk Dad's Army Dad's Army was a much-loved BBC sitcom - written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft - which ran from 1968 to 1977. It featured the exploits of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard led by the pompous Captain Mainwaring (pronounced 'Mannering') and supported by the debonair and indecisive Sergeant Wilson.

Set during WW2 the series boasted a great ensemble cast and produced some of the most memorable comedy catchphrases of all time including Corporal Jones' 'Don't Panic!' and 'They don't like it up 'em! Each week the platoon would attempt to protect England from German invasion - which embroiled them in some hilarious adventures. Statue of Captain Mainwaring in Thetford ï¿½ Cameron Self The original idea for the series came from Perry's own experiences in the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV) or Home Guard as it was later called. Perry was only 15 when he joined the Hertfordshire Battalion and Private Pike and Mavis Pike are clearly based on himself and his mother. While serving in the platoon he also came across a veteran of Kitchener's campaigns who used to talk about the 'Fuzzy Wuzzies' - which provided the inspiration for Corporal Jones. The series derived much humour from the fact that all the leading characters had 'day jobs' in Walmington-on-Sea.

Mainwaring, Wilson and Pike all worked in Swallow's Bank, while Jones was the butcher, Hodges the greengrocer, Fraser the undertaker and Walker the local spiv and black marketer. Although the idea was Perry's - both he and David Croft used to write the scripts. They would meet to discuss various possibilities for the plot and then go away and write each episode separately. Perry and Croft both had a theatrical background and had a shared love of farce - so their ideas usually gelled together perfectly. The series was originally going to be called 'The Fighting Tigers' - but was later changed to Dad's Army. Many modern sitcom writers including Ben Elton, John Sullivan, Richard Curtis and David Renwick have paid homage to the quality of the Dad's Army scripts. The show ran for twelve series and regularly reached audiences in excess of 13 million. To view a complete list of all the Dad's Army episodes click here .

Captain George Mainwaring Arthur Lowe Sergeant Arthur Wilson John Le Mesurier Lance Corporal Jack Jones Clive Dunn Private Joe Walker James Beck Private Charles Godfrey Arnold Ridley Private James Fraser John Laurie Private Frank Pike Ian Lavender Chief Warden Hodges Bill Pertwee Reverend Timothy Farthing Frank Williams Verger Maurice Yateman Edward Sinclair Mrs Fox Pamela Cundell Norfolk (and Suffolk) Film Locations Most of the external footage for the series was filmed in and around the town of Thetford in Norfolk. Each summer the cast and crew would come up to the town and stay in either the Bell or the Anchor Hotels in Bridge Street. The actors usually stayed at the more 'up-market' Bell while the crew lodged at The Anchor. (The Anchor Hotel is now boarded up and derelict but may be re-developed shortly.) The Derelict Anchor Hotel in Thetford Thetford Guildhall became Walmington-on-Sea Town Hall - and it was from the Guildhall clock tower that the German pilot dangled in 'Time On My Hands' (1972). The Guildhall was also used in 'The Captain's Car' (1974).

Thetford Guildhall The flint cottages of Nether Row were used in four episodes: 'Man Hunt' (1969), 'The Armoured Might of Corporal Jones' (1969), 'The Big Parade' (1970) and 'Time On My Hands' (1972). Nether Row, Thetford Thetford's Palace Cinema featured in both 'The Big Parade' (1970) and 'A Soldier's Farewell' (1972). The Palace was also the place were the cast gathered at the end of each week's filming to view the 'rushes'. Newtown, Old Bury Road and Mill Lane, in the town, also make an appearance. The Palace Cinema, Thetford The Bell Hotel was used for the first scene of the first show called 'Man of the Hour' (1968). It made use of the 'Norvic Room' which is now the hotel's restaurant. The Bell Hotel, Thetford Stanford Battle Area The Stanford Battle Area (STANTA) lies a few miles north of Thetford and was created during WW2 as a training area for British and NATO forces.

Five villages were evacuated to create the area - namely: Stanford, Lynford, Tottington, West Tofts and Buckenham Tofts. The area provides many of the iconic locations for Dad's Army including the marvellous end-credit sequence where the platoon move across open ground wearing camouflage.

It was BBC director Harold Snoad who was ultimately responsible for choosing Thetford saying: 'I wanted a battle area we could have control over and had narrowed it down to Stanford, which I knew was going to work very well.' Below is a list of the episodes featuring the Battle Area: 'No Spring for Frazer' (1969) Baileybridge, Buckenham Tofts 'Battle of the Giants' (1971) Stanton Lake, West Tofts 'Battle of the Giants' (1971) and 'Come in Your Time Is Up (1975) Blackrabbit Warren 'Everybody's Trucking' (1974), 'Wake-Up Walmington' (1977) and 'Number Engaged' (1977) Croxton Heath 'The Day the Balloon Went Up' (1969) and 'Gorilla Warfare' (1974) Frog Hill, Stanford Opening and closing sequences from series 3 onwards.

Buckenham Toft stables 'Command Decision' (1968), Boots Boots Boots' (1970) and 'the Test' (1970) West Tofts Church 'The Lion Has 'Phones' (1969) and 'Don't Forget the Diver' (1970 Cross Roads, West Tofts 'Battle of the Giants' (1971 Many other external scenes were shot in Norfolk or Suffolk. 'Sons of the Sea' (1969) was shot on the Norfolk Broads and 'Don't Forget the Diver' (1970) at Drinkstone windmill in Suffolk. Other locations used include: Honington, Bardwell, Bressingham, Wacton, Brandon, Santon Downham, Oxburgh Hall ('Museum Piece' 1968), Weeting, Great Yarmouth , Lowestoft and Lynford Hall (Mundford). Weybourne Railway Station in North Norfolk was the location for 'The Royal Train' (1973) Weybourne Station Many of the extras for the series were drawn from the Thetford Music and Drama Society or the Thetford Senior Citizen's Club.

The Steam Museum at nearby Bressingham provided authentic fire engines, steam rollers and traction engines for a number of the episodes. Today, Bressingham hosts an impressive recreation of Walmington-on-Sea - as well as a collection of Dad's Army memorabilia. A Dad's Army museum has recently been set up inside Thetford Guildhall by the Friends of Thetford Dad's Army. It is quite hard to find as it lies on Cage Lane behind the Guildhall. The Dad's Army Museum, Thetford On Sunday 20th June, 2010 a statue of Captain Mainwaring was unveiled by David Croft - on ground close to the River Little Ouse . It was made by the sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn and features Mainwaring wearing his Home Guard uniform, seated on bench with his baton across his knees. Local councillors have also approved plans for the redevelopment of the Anchor Hotel and it is hoped that, in future, this will provide accommodation for Dad's Army fans wanting to visit Thetford.

Dad's Army - the movie However, when Columbia Pictures came to make the Dad's Army movie(released in 1971) - they abandoned the normal Norfolk locations and headed further south. Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire was transformed into Walmington-on-Sea - while other scenes were shot at Seaford in Sussex and at Shepperton Studios. The famous scene with the white horse on the raft heading down river was filmed at Chobham in Surrey. Famous Catchphrases from the Series: Mainwaring: 'You stupid boy, Pike.' and 'Right then, pay attention.' Godfrey: 'May I be excused?' Frazer: 'We're doomed!' Jones: 'Don't Panic, Mr Mainwaring!', 'They don't like it up 'em!' and 'Permission to speak, sir'. Hodges: 'Put that light out!' and 'I'm going to get you Napoleon.' Wilson: 'Is that wise, Sir?' Pike: 'What would mum say, Uncle Arthur?' The Theme Tune The Dad's Army theme tune was written by Jimmy Perry and Derek Taverner and was performed by Bud Flannagan. Here are the lyrics: Who do you think you are kidding Mr.

Hitler If you think we're on the run? We are the boys who will stop your little game. We are the boys who will make you think again. 'Cos who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler? If you think old England's done? Mr. Brown goes off to town On the 8:21, But he comes home each evening And he's ready with his gun. So watch out Mr. Hitler You have met your match in us. If you think you can push us We're afraid you've missed the bus. So who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler? If you think old England's done. The Missing Episodes In an attempt to save space in its library, the BBC (criminally) wiped three original video tape recordings from series two - namely: 'The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Walker', 'A Stripe for Frazer' and 'Under Fire'. If you possess any recordings of these episodes - then the world would love to hear from you! Dad's Army (Series) - TV Tropes Dad's Army You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share "Who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler?

If you think we're on the run. We are the boys who will stop your little game, We are the boys who will make you think again. Cos, who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler? If you think old England's done." Permission to describe Dad's Army here, sir? Permission granted. Dad's Army was an ensemble sitcom on The BBC about the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon in World War II, a band of mostly elderly volunteers who would have been their (fictional) town's first line of defence, had the Germans invaded (Walmington-on-Sea and Eastgate (their rival town) are mirrored in the real Northern Kent seaside towns of Birchington-on-Sea and Westgate). The show aired for nine years (1968-77), though the war had only lasted six. While waiting for the invasion, the platoon did its best to prepare, resulting in many hilarious mishaps . They occasionally did some military work, such as guarding downed German pilots, and took part in training exercises with the regular army, where they were often surprisingly successful.

They also had a vigorous rivalry with the neighbouring platoon and with the Chief Air Raid Warden, who sometimes tried to sabotage the platoon. Almost every character involved had a catchphrase that most British people can still repeat with very little memory-searching. The characters included: Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) - pompous bank manager, no combat experience, appointed himself captain. Pronounced "Mannering". Catchphrases: "Stupid boy" (directed at Pike), "Good thinking, Wilson. I was wondering who'd be the first to spot that " (whenever Wilson points out what he's doing wrong), and "I think you're getting into the realms of fantasy Jones" (at the end of one of Jones' rambling monologues). Sergeant Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier) - diffident deputy bank manager, Captain in the Royal Artillery during World War I, of a higher social class than his superior as well as more experienced - alternatively verging on being a Cloud Cuckoo Lander at times. Was strongly implied to be having an affair with Pike's mother, with a suggestion that he might actually be the boy's father.

(One episode revealed that he already had a daughter by his estranged wife.) Catchphrase: "Are you sure that's wise?" (usually in response to the Zany Scheme of the week) as well as "How absolutely lovely!" when responding to something that Mainwaring would prefer to treat as Serious Business . Lance-Corporal Jack Jones (Clive Dunn) - butcher and 30 year veteran of the British Army, having served in the Sudan and WWI, longwinded but eager for action. Four catchphrases: "Don't panic" (while panicking), "Permission to speak, sir?", "They don't like it up 'em" (talking about the African tribesmen ("fuzzy-wuzzies") he fought in his youth and flourishing a bayonet ), and "Sir, I should like to volunteer to be the one to... " (whenever Mainwaring looks for a volunteer for something). Private Frank Pike (Ian Lavender) - mollycoddled teenager . Was often seen wearing a scarf. Always addresses Wilson as "Uncle Arthur", though Pike may in fact be Wilson's (illegitimate) son.

Catchphrase: "Uncle Arthur?" Private James Frazer (John Laurie) - Scottish undertaker, former Royal Navy cook, very gloomy. Catchphrase: "We're doomed!" (words can't quite describe his delivery, but it would not look out of place on the set of a Hammer Horror film, on a villager warning the hero not to go up to the castle.) Private Charles Godfrey (Arnold Ridley) - Even older than the rest of the platoon, excessively polite and friendly and a butt of constant humour relating to his weak bladder. Catchphrase: "Might I be excused ..." (Gesturing to the bathroom, or a convenient hedge) Private Joe Walker (James Beck) - good-natured spiv who evaded conscription on dubious grounds. (Allergic to corned beef. Allegedly...) Usually to be found trying to sell people things. Occasionally came good by happening to have just the item the platoon needs - for a price, of course. The actor died during the course of the series and was replaced by... Private Cheeseman (Talfryn Thomas) - Welshman with a camera, big teeth and glasses, introduced only in later seasons.

(First appeared as a one-off press photographer character the year before he became a regular.) Almost no-one remembers him, he didn't stay long, and his departure gave a small boost to... Private Sponge (Colin Bean) - farmer, generic guy, used when one of the main cast needed a supporting character to talk to. Later put in charge of the second half of the platoon, and given slightly more plot relevance. ARP Warden William Hodges (Bill Pertwee) - a grocer, Mainwaring's would-be nemesis . Catchphrases: "Now look 'ere, Napoleon ...", "Ruddy 'ooligans! and "Put that light out! PUT THAT BLOODY LIGHT OUT!" Maurice Yeatman, the Verger (Edward Sinclair) - Hodges' fawning lackey (He's exactly the same with the Vicar too) The Rev. Timothy Farthing (Frank Williams) - The Vicar Mrs Pike (Janet Davies) - Pike's neurotic, overprotective mother who often interrupts him in the middle of platoon activity. Suspiciously close "friend" of Wilson.

Mrs Fox (Pamela Cundell) - overbearing and flirty local woman, often causes trouble when the platoon is involved in arranging public events. Later marries Jones at the end of the series. Captain Square (Geoffrey Lumsden) - leader of the Eastgate platoon and occasional rival to Mainwaring. Catchphrase: "You blithering IDIOT!" Much humour was derived from Mainwaring's resentment of Wilson. Even though Mainwaring was in charge, both at work and in the Home Guard, Wilson was from a much higher social stratum and eventually inherited a title. His effortless charm and dignity utterly infuriated Mainwaring, the archetypal " pompous little man ". The interplay between the two characters was always beautifully worked and the series is often held up as an example of near-perfect character comedy, enhanced by the acting talents of Arthur Lowe (Mainwaring) and John Le Mesurier (Wilson).

Lowe has merely to bristle his moustache to render the audience helpless with laughter; Le Mesurier was hired because (in the words of a member of the production team) "He suffers so beautifully." The show, whilst at all times remaining funny, also had more serious plots, like the way the platoon react when they find out that Private Godfrey was a conscientious objector in World War I . The show did not have an arc, but it did have continuity. During the first season, the platoon's equipment gradually improved as the regular army provided them with surplus gear. Over the series, Jones had a romance which culminated with a marriage in the final episode. Came fourth in Britain's Best Sitcom . A feature film remake was released in February 2016 starring Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring and Bill Nighy as Sgt. Wilson. We're Doomed, a Docudrama about the behind-the-scenes making of the show, aired in December 2015. This show provides examples of: Abhorrent Admirer : Mrs Fox occasionally fills this role, although Jones didn't seem to mind her too much ...

AB Negative : In one episode, Pike is finally called up to join the Royal Air Force. During a blood donation drive, he finds out that he has a very rare blood type, and the RAF later rejects him as they would not be able to give him a blood transfusion should he need one. Pike doesn't tell the rest of the platoon this until after they've held an expensive fish and chip supper to say goodbye. Anti-Climax : Frazer's story about the "old empty barn" among others. Armed Farces Ascended Extra : The previously unnamed Private Desmond, when he joins the main characters on a mission in the episode "Sons of the Sea." It's never explained why they didn't use Sponge, who by this stage was getting more lines and character focus. Ash Face : Happens to Mainwaring when he attempts to shut off the power to the lighthouse, but ends up blacking out the entire pier, in "Put That Light Out!". Bad Omen Anecdote : The dour Scot Frazer is fond of doing this, much to Mainwaring's exasperation.

Banana in the Tailpipe : In the first episode, while having a discussion of how to take on a tank with improvised weapons, Jones suggests plugging the exhaust with spuds (potatoes). Mainwaring points out that it wouldn't work because tanks have long, thin exhaust pipes. Jones asks why they can't use long, thin spuds. Baseball Episode : Well, Cricket episode, Home Guard vs. ARP Wardens. Bawdy Song : Godfrey's song about a monk, although we're only ''told'' he sang it, not what it was about. The cast's reactions are more than enough for us to guess. Beware the Nice Ones : Sergeant Wilson. In the last episode it was even revealed that he had been an artillery captain during the First World War. Additionally, Private Godfrey, who was revealed as having been a conscientious objector during the First World War, but had served as an unarmed stretcher bearer, rescuing injured soldiers during the Battle of the Somme, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Big Damn Movie : The Movie has this atmosphere to it, even though it's adapted from the early episodes. Blind Without 'Em : Corporal Jones.

He accidentally signs the desk when he enlists in the Home Guard. Borrowed Catchphrase : In one episode, an army officer demands to know why Mainwairing believes a stranded German pilot will give himself up any minute. Mainwairing, in no mood to explain that the reservoir he landed in is being filled and the German will be under water in ten minutes simply replies that "It seems that they really don't like it up 'em." Near the beginning of the 2016 film, we see Hitler borrow the lines from the title song. Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Churchill? Also in the 2016 film, Mainwaring borrows Jones's "Don't panic, don't panic" when breaking the news that a Nazi spy is in Walmington. Breaking the Fourth Wall : The cast turning to the camera and toasting the real Home Guard at the end of the final episode. Break Out the Museum Piece : In an early episode the platoon go to the museum with the intention of taking weaponry, but do not succeed in finding anything usable. The museum's caretaker who is trying to stop them, however, makes good use of the pieces inside to stop them entering.

Butt Monkey : If anyone is going to be getting soaked to the skin, clumsily tripping over themselves or otherwise being made to look like an idiot, it's Private Pike. This was something of a justified / invoked trope, since the actor was one of the younger members of the cast and thus one of the few who was actually capable of doing such physical comedy without potentially risking serious injury or illness. Catch Phrase : Aside from their individual catchphrases, a character tended to say, "There is a war on, you know" in almost every episode. Character Outlives Actor : Walker. When actor James Beck was taken into hospital, Walker got a Written-In Absence , leaving a note in his place on patrol to explain that he has gone to conduct "business" in London. Beck later died and Walker was never heard of again - at least on television, When the show was remade for radio other actors continued the role after Beck's death, and when the show got a radio sequel years after the end of its run, Walker was mentioned as alive and having returned to Walmington-on-Sea. He's also seen in the scene set in 1968 featuring several of the characters that opens the very first episode.

Cheese-Eating Surrender Monkeys : Discussed by Mainwaring, who does not rate the French ("no use after lunch - all that wine and garlic is very debilitating"), and Wilson, who, being an actual veteran of WWI, does. Chekhov's Gun : In the episode "Battle of the Giants", Walker mentions having made flags for both their platoon and the Eastgate platoon. They will be used at the end of a contest, in short form, whoever flies their flag first, wins. Although just a passing remark, it turns out later that Walker made both flags say "Walmington-on-Sea" so they would win whoever flew the flag first. In the 2016 movie, the mention by Walker's girlfriend that Rose Winters's dress is Chanel. This leads the men to the discovery that she is the Nazi agent they're looking for - Cissy and Dolly Godfrey contacted the Chanel company, who confirmed that Rose is a regular customer from Berlin. Child Soldiers : Jones was one, joining the British Army as a drummer boy in 1884. Chuck Cunningham Syndrome : Miss King vanishes without a trace after series one.

Also happens to Private Cheeseman ; Ascended Extra Private Desmond, who had a role in one episode and was never heard from again; and Private Bracewell, a character who appears only in the first episode. Word of God has it that Bracewell was intended to be a recurring character but was cut because the producers felt his character was too much like Godfrey's. Classically Trained Extra : John Laurie as Private Frazer. The actor was somewhat bitter about being best remembered for this role rather than his theatrical work. According to show writer Jimmy Perry, most of the background platoon members were played by retired actors or writers rather than the usual extras. Deadpan Snarker : Wilson. Downer Ending : 'Mum's Army' — Mainwaring falls in love, but the woman leaves him rather than destroy his life with a scandal. Draft Dodging : Frank Pike doesn't want to evade military service, but his medical test reveals a rare blood group. He's excused from active service on the grounds that they'd have nothing to transfuse him with in the event of injury. So he stays in the Home Guard instead - except that he doesn't admit to this until after the platoon has held a fish-and-chip supper in his honour.

A now Missing Episode from series two was based around Walker's attempts to evade the draft. He fails, and has to join the army - but is soon discharged when he turns out to be allergic to corned beef, the only rations available. Drill Sergeant Nasty : A few one-off characters fit this trope. Drill Sgt. Gregory in "Room at the Bottom" and Captain Ramsey in "We Know Our Onions" are excellent examples. Dropped After the Pilot : The pilot episode had a character called Private Bracewell who never appeared again. Word of God says it was decided that he was too similar to Private Godfrey and dropped. Early Installment Weirdness : Every episode of Series 1 begins with faked newsreel footage, combining real-life World War II footage with material containing the show's actors. This was dropped starting with Series 2. For some bizarre reason the first episode has a laugh track over the title sequence, which ends up rendering the series' theme tune completely indecipherable. Fortunately, this was never done again.

The black-and-white episodes have a much more crudely animated title sequence, very little location filming, and lack the ending montage that the colour episodes had (instead featuring the actors superimposed over a still image, with the technical credits rolling over a black background). Edible Ammunition : In "We Know Our Onions", the platoon, having failed to retrieve the cache of rubber ammunition they were supposed to use, win an initiative test by firing onions at their attackers. Establishing Character Moment : Almost every episode started with Mainwaring inspecting the troops, giving first time viewers a quick run down of the main cast Frazer: We're dooooomed! Facepalm : Sergeant Wilson, frequently. Forgotten Framing Device : The first episode started in the 1960s with Captain Mainwaring addressing a Rotary Club dinner and reminiscing about his time in the Home Guard, before flashing back to the story of the founding of the platoon. This was never referred to again in the remainder of the series. Frozen in Time : The series started in 1940, went through 1941, and then at a point roughly in the middle decided to stay somewhere in 1942.

Justified, in that after 1942 it became increasingly clear that the Germans weren't going to win, Britain wasn't going to be invaded, and there was less overall need for the Home Guard. Gentlemen Rankers : Sergeant Wilson behaves very much like a cool, calm, collected, and softly spoken officer (in contrast to the order barking martinet that was Captain Mainwaring) in his WW2 Home Guard duties, however this was eventually explained as him actually having been an officer in the First World War. Getting Crap Past the Radar : Barely even trying. In the episode "The Four-and-a-Half Feathers", Jones describes his patrol in the Sudan encountering an elderly fakir (a sort of monk, pronounced "fa-keer"). Jones constantly refers to him as the "Old Fakir" (pronouncing it as "fak-er"). Say it out loud and wonder how that made it past the censors... And at least one episode title. "Round And Round Went The Great Big Wheel" is a quote from a really filthy song. The Ghost : Mainwaring's wife. Closest we get to seeing her is the large overhang she leaves in the bunk bed.

She is finally seen in the 2016 movie. The Guards Must Be Crazy : In the episode where the platoon are delegated to guard a captured German submarine crew, the platoon do pretty well on this score. It's Hodges who falls for the old sick prisoner trick and lets the Germans get the upper hand. Mind you, Mainwaring really should've left his revolver with Wilson or Jones before going over to help. Handcar Pursuit : The climax of "The Royal Train" involves Hodges on a handcar chasing a runaway train with the platoon aboard, so he can throw them the widget they need to stop the train. Then they throw the train into reverse, and it becomes Hodges on a handcar fleeing a runaway train instead. Hidden Depths : Captain Mainwaring knows how to play the bagpipes. (See Sexless Marriage for the reason why.) Leeroy Jenkins : Corporal Jones. Let's Get Dangerous!

: In a sense; while the platoon rarely saw anything in the form of a genuine military operation, every so often the viewer was reminded that behind the bumbling Mainwaring and his men were brave soldiers fully prepared to fight and die in the defense of their homes and country if it came down to it. And none braver than Mainwaring himself, who would be the last man out of a bombed building and once faced down a desperate German prisoner with an unloaded gun. (It turned out that the German's gun was unloaded too.) Typified by this exchange in an early episode when the elements of the platoon believe an invasion is underway and elect to stay and try and delay the German advance to give the regular army time to counter-attack. Captain Mainwaring: It'll probably be the end of us, but we're ready for that, aren't we, men? Private Frazer: Of course. The Movie (which RetConned most of the first episode) Ms. Fanservice : Miss King, a character in the first series, was intended to be this. She was then inexplicably written out , and hardly anyone remembers she was ever in the show. Later on, Mrs Pike would often take the role.

The Napoleon : Captain Mainwaring. Hodges eventually calls him "Napoleon" to irritate him. In one episode, he even literally dreams that he's Napoleon. No Longer with Us : Corporal Jones gets one regarding his mother: Pike: Why don't you have a word with Mr Jones' mother? [facetious, since Jones is elderly] Jones: [sadly] You leave my mother out of this. My mother's gone to another place. Pike: [quietly] Sorry, Mr Jones. Jones: Angmering. Narrative Profanity Filter : In "The Two-and-a-half Feathers" Jones speaks of serving under an incredibly profane sergeant but whenever the sergeant is shown swearing, all the actual curses are replaced with spitting noises. Not So Different : For all their class-conscious rivalry and dislike of each other, both Captain Mainwaring and Warden Hodges are rather pompous men who've let the sudden burst of power and authority they now have as a result of their wartime duties go to their heads a bit too quickly. That said, Mainwaring has a sense of personal integrity that Hodges is entirely devoid of. Mainwaring and Wilson also count.

Mainwaring is envious of Wilson's social position in life (upper class, gets on easily with others) while Wilson is envious of Mainwaring's professional position. (Manager of the bank and Leader of the home guard platoon) Not What It Looks Like : In one episode, Pike borrows a bank staff car to take Hodges's niece on a date to the cinema; but the car breaks down and it takes him all night to push the car back to Walmington-on-Sea. Hilarity Ensues the following day as he hopelessly tries to convince everyone that's all they were doing during the night ... Obsolete Mentor : Corporal Jones is a veteran of many wars but his love of bayonets is more often a hindrance than a help. Of Corsets Funny : In one episode, the various members of the Home Guard are desperately attempting to look younger to avoid being transferred to the ARP. Captain Mainwaring notices that Sergeant Wilson is standing straighter than usual and it is revealed that he is wearing a girdle (or, as he refers to it, a "gentleman's abdominal support"). Only Sane Man : Sergeant Wilson. Pike and Walker also have their moments.

Pantomime Animal : In "Operation Kilt", the platoon attempts to use a pantomime cow to sneak up on a highland regiment during a training exercise. Things do not according to plan when a bull takes an interest . Parachute in a Tree : "Time On My Hands" centres on the characters' efforts to pull down a German pilot whose parachute is caught on the town clock. Patriotic Fervor : Captain Mainwaring often naively harps on about the strengths of the allied forces, but quickly dismisses any positive remarks about the Nazis with "We'll have none of that talk here!" Our side displayed "British initiative!", while similar behaviour by the enemy was derided as a "typical underhand Nazi trick!" Perilous Old Fool : Corporal Jones, a veteran of three wars and probably a bigger danger to his allies than he ever could be to the enemy. Phony Veteran : Captain Mainwaring had a habit of exaggerating his military service in the Great War. Mainwaring: I served in France [quietly] during the whole of 1919. Wilson: I thought the war ended in 1918. Mainwaring: Someone had to clean up the mess!

Real Song Theme Tune : Averted, though the Dad's Army theme is often mistaken for a real wartime song. It was actually written by Jimmy Perry and performed by Bud Flanagan, who was a popular singer in the 1930s and 1940s. Red Baron : Jones was known as "the Mad Bomber" in WWI due to his interesting grenade drills. Retcon : The Movie retcons most of the first episode. Mrs Fox's first name is initially given as Marcia, but becomes Mildred in the final episode of the show. Square is first introduced as "Corporal-Colonel Square" and later becomes Captain. Handwaved by the show's producers stating that he had simply received a promotion ("Corporal-Colonel" being an amalgamation of his current rank in the Home Guard and his previous one while in the military, Truth in Television as this was done in real life with some veterans). In the first episode, Fraser runs a philatelist's shop. In later episodes, he's an undertaker. Several minor characters' names were retconned over the course of the show. Mrs.

Yeatman's name is initially given as Anthea, then Tracy and finally Beryl. Mr. Blewitt's name changed from Norman to Sidney, while Walker's recurring girlfriend was named Edith Parish in her first appearance but became Shirley in subsequent episodes. Retired Badass : He may not seem it, but Jones more than qualifies for this trope after spending 30 years in the British Army and serving with distinction in Sudan and WWI. Rising Water, Rising Tension : In "Asleep in the Deep", a bomb falls on the local pumping station as Godfrey and Walker are patrolling there, trapping them. When the platoon try to free them, they get stuck with them, and when a pipe bursts the room rapidly begins filling with water. The Rival : Hodges. Captain Square occasionally fills this role as well. Runaway Train : In one episode, the unit had to move a train out the way of an incoming one after the drivers got drunk, but ended up with a runaway train after it turned out they'd left the brake wheel back at the station and that the line was all downhill from that point.

Cue Captain Mainwaring climbing over the train roof, the warden, vicar and verger on a handcart trying to bring them the brake wheel and then them having to go damn fast the other way after the platoon accidentally put the train into reverse. The Runt at the End : Corporal Jones is always a beat behind the rest of the platoon when drilling. Sea Mine : In "Menace from the Deep" the Walmington-on-Sea platoon is stranded on the Walmington-on-Sea Pier. The situation becomes worse when a sea mine drifts underneath the pier. When Hodges falls of the pier, the magnetic mine is attracted to his steel helmet. Secret Weapon : The platoon are called on to stop a radio-controlled mobile bomb (based on the real-life Panjandrum ) that's rampaging around the countryside. Screw the War, We're Partying! : Pvt. Walker - skirt-chaser and black marketeer who has avoided the draft due to a 'corned beef allergy'. Justified somewhat: a Missing Episode did actually have Walker drafted, and discharged on medical grounds because of the allergy - corned beef was the only rations available!

Second Face Smoke : In the episode where the platoon are delegated to guard a captured German submarine crew, the German officer is smoking a cigarette and blows smoke in Mainwaring's face. Mainwaring waits until he's out of sight to cough and splutter. Separate Scene Storytelling : Technically speaking, the entire show. The very first episode begins in 1968, with Mainwaring addressing his men as part of the "I'm Backing Britain" campaign. The entire show is his fond recollection of those halcyon days... Sexless Marriage : Explains why Mainwaring learned the bagpipes: Mainwaring: I spent my honeymoon in a remote village in Scotland called InverGeechie. It was a wild and lonely place. The nights were long... and there was nothing else to do. Sharp-Dressed Man : When out of uniform Walker wore incredibly well tailored suits. Shoo Out the New Guy : Private Cheeseman. Also counts as a Replacement Scrappy . Happened in-universe when the Vicar joined the platoon and proved such an annoying burden that everyone made sure he left again soon after.

A Simple Plan : The Walmington-On-Sea platoon could produce a chaotic outcome to the simplest of tasks. The So-Called Coward : Private Godfrey, as detailed above. Also Corporal Jones in "The Two and A Half Feathers". A veteran of the Sudan War claims that he was saved by a native tribeman after Jones left him out in the desert to die. The tribesman was Jones dressed in Arab robes; he remained silent about his role in order to cover up a scandalous affair the veteran was involved in. Soldiers at the Rear : Private Joe Walker's "allergy" to corned beef. Sound to Screen Adaptation : Reversed: there is an original cast radio series based on the TV episodes. Spin-Off : The aforementioned radio series, It Sticks Out Half a Mile, broadcast between 1983-84. It centred around Hodges, Pike and Wilson teaming up to renovate the abandoned pier in a nearby seaside town, and was later turned into an original TV series called High and Dry The pilot featured Mainwaring and Wilson. Arthur Lowe died soon afterwards hence Mainwaring being replaced with Hodges.

Then, when John Le Mesurier passed away after recording one series, it was decided to just put it to rest (as a direct Dad's Army Spin-Off , at least). Spotting the Thread : The U-Boat crew's plan to take the platoon prisoner via a grenade down Jone's trousers is foiled when the Colonel notices that Jones isn't wearing his full uniform, out of charcter for Mainwarring to let anyone in his platoon do so and out of character for Jones himself. And then he literally spots the thread of string connecting the grenade pin to the U-Boat captain's hand. Spreading Disaster Map Graphic : The Animated Credits Opening shows Swastika-emblazoned arrows sweeping over western Europe (including one that gets lost for a bit), while the lone Union Jack arrow retreats back to its start point, then sticks its tail out further and pulls back across the Channel. All set to a jaunty tune about how Britain's not beaten yet . Squirrels in My Pants : In "Room at the Bottom", Corporal Jones gets ants in his pants and, while trying to remove them, accidentally signals the platoon to advance into an ambush.

Strapped to a Bomb : In a classic episode, the over-age Walmington platoon are tasked with guarding the captured crew of a U-boat. The Germans try to escape and take Corporal Jones as a hostage, rigging a hand-grenade down his trousers that will explode if the Captain's wishes are not complied with. Fortunately, Sergeant Wilson has seen to it that there is no detonator in the grenade... but only he knows this... Suicide as Comedy : Subverted. After Wilson hands Mainwaring the letter telling him he is no longer in charge of the platoon Wilson steps outside as it is read. A few seconds later a gunshot is heard to which Wilson blurts "My God, he's shot himself!" Fortunately it was an accident with the rifles outside and Mainwaring is instead having a more traditional Heroic B.S.O.D. . Surrounded by Idiots Mainwaring: You know, Wilson, over the years that I've come to know the members of the platoon, I've become quite fond of them. But I can't help feeling, sometimes, that I'm in charge of a bunch of idiots.

That Came Out Wrong : Captain Mainwaring manages to get a block of rationed cheese as a surprise for his wife. However, when he telephones her with the good news, things don't quite go as he planned. Mainwaring: Yes, Elizabeth. I think I may have a little surprise for you tonight ... One episode revolved around the platoon trying to find out whether a parachute that had landed in a nearby field was a British parachute (which are white) or Nazi parachute (which are cream.) Unfortunately, Walker had found it and had it made up into women's lingerie to sell. Hilarity Ensues as Mainwaring visits each of Walker's customers and has to ask to see their underwear ... Wholesome Crossdresser : Jones: Please let me be a nun Mr Mainwaring. Wrong Genre Savvy : Frazer, with his Doomy Dooms of Doom pronouncements, appears to think he's a character in a horror. Luckily for him, he's a sitcom character. You Didn't Ask : In one episode where the platoon helps to gather in a harvest, Mainwaring asks Sponge, a farmer, to show the others how to operate a threshing machine.

Sponge admits that he is a sheep farmer and doesn't know how the machine works. When Mainwaring demands to know why Sponge never said so before, Sponge points out that Mainwaring never asked him ... You Look Familiar : Michael Knowles played various small roles in different episodes. John Ringham played Private Bracewell in the first episode and returned later as Captain Bailey for several episodes. "And Captain Bailey has two Military Policemuuuuurn with him!" :: Indexes :: MainCharacters RETURN Lance Corporal Jack Jones (played by Clive Dunn) An experienced soldier, with many years service (and medals) to his name, Jack Jones clearly defines an old campaigner. He served with General Gordon, Lord Kitchener and General Macully becoming very fond of the cold steel. He may have mentioned that "they don't like it up 'em". Loaded with stories of adventure and heroism, Pte Pike made the perfect audience for him. Jones runs the local butchers shop, which had been handed down to him from his father, and the platoon were fortunate enough to have the use of his butchers van as troop transport, once Walker and he had converted it.

Mainwaring regarded Jones as a bit of a hazard, but as he said when he first made him Lance Corporal, "his experience will stand us in good steak er... stead". Apart from killing Nazis he has only one ambition in life - to marry Mrs Fox. RETURN Private James Frazer (played by John Laurie) Every town has a purveyor of doom and gloom. Everything, according to him, will turn into a disaster. James Frazer could almost be right in thinking this way when he joined the Home Guard. As the local undertaker, it is inevitable that he would see the war through different eyes. A war would bring about an increase in business after all! It is a little known fact that he also ran the local philatelist shop on the sea front, which he opened during the summer months. During the quieter months he indulged in his other hobby of hand making coffins. It was not always this way. He spent his youth on the wild and lonely Isle of Barra off the west coast of Scotland. It was a hard life. Being so close to the sea, he would eventually serve in the Royal Navy, reaching the position of Chief Petty Officer.

Like Jack Jones, James Frazer also has a wealth of stories to tell, albeit of a different nature. His were of adventure in exotic lands, strange and supernatural happenings. The whole platoon listened in awe when Frazer spun his yarn... RETURN Private Joe Walker (played by James Beck) If you need anything from whiskey to knicker elastic, watches or even weapons, Joe Walker will get them for you. "Mind you, as its war-time it will cost you, 'cos you can't get 'em". Joe is a typical cockney spiv, making his way through life ducking and diving, trying to avoid the law. Moving down to the south coast from his native Plaistow in east London to avoid call up, he was registered as having a reserved occupation (a banana salesman, as he once said) until the authorities eventually caught up with him. Luckily for him, he was allergic to corned beef, which invalided him out of the army, only to return to serve the needs of the local community. Walker very rarely dealt with money, relying on the bartering system to do business, and occasionally using his skills to do a little work for charity.

One of the cleverest in the platoon, others turned to him for inspiration in a tricky situations. RETURN Private Charles Godfrey (played by Arnold Ridley) With experience in the Army and Navy, you'd think that Charles Godfrey was the ideal man to have about you during war time. When you discover that his experience was in the gentleman's outfitting department of the Army and Navy Stores you would be right in thinking the opposite. However, Godfrey is full of surprises. Probably the oldest member of the platoon, Godfrey is a quiet and unassuming gentleman. Living in the quiet environment of Cherry Tree Cottage with his two sisters Cissy and Dolly, he spends most of his time tending the garden or visiting the clinic for his many complaints, the most noticeable being that of his weak bladder. He once revealed that he was a conscientious objector during the First War, and asked to leave the platoon which outraged Captain Mainwaring who could not believe it. It was shortly after this admission that Godfrey rescued Mainwaring from a smoke filled hut without regard for his own life.

It was at this time that it was revealed that he had won the Military Medal for bravery during the Battle of the Somme, rescuing several wounded soldiers as a member of the Medical Corps. As Wilson remarked at the time, you can't go by appearances. RETURN Private Frank Pike (played by Ian Lavender) By far the youngest member of the newly formed platoon at 17, Frank was too young to enlist in the services, but jumped at the change of belonging to the Home Guard, much to his mother's displeasure. For some reason this displeasure spread to Arthur Wilson, or Uncle Arthur, as Frank would usually address him. Frank regarded the Home Guard as an extension of the scouting movement, of which he was a keen member, and at times acted as if war was a bit of a game. This outlook changed when he eventually received his call up papers, but after it was discovered that he had a rare blood group, he was unable to fulfil his ambition to be a Spitfire pilot and become one of the 'second of the few'.

Frank Pike usually ended up wet, or covered in mud during the platoons escapades, he was usually volunteered because he was the youngest, despite his protests about suffering from vertigo, croup or hay fever.

Question: What was the forename of 'Private Fraser', the undertaker in 'Dad's Army'?
Answer: JAMES