I grew up watching Dads army in the 1970's. In those days TV programmes were much more about quality. They had to be!. There was so few channels to watch, BBC1 BBC2 and ITV.
Unlike today where you have a 100 channels plus of largely drivel.
Being set during the 2nd World War, the series is pretty much timeless and future proof. Quality family entertainment, likely to still be watched and enjoyed a 100 years from now.
Following the lives and comic escapades of a 'Home Guard' platoon. Commanded by the local pompous bank manager, Captain Mainwaring. As they prepare to defend their island from imminent invasion.
What makes this probably most appealing is the 'realisim'. It is based on the real experiences of the writers.
Most of the actors were in the military and in WW1 or WW2 (Clive Dunn was even a P.o.W. in WW2). So they knew how to march, they knew how to shoulder arms and salute. They weren't just acting, they had played the role for real. Which added a strong element of authenticity to the series.
You only have to see modern films/TV of actors 'playing' soldiers, marching badly, 'pork pie' berets and generally looking like bad actors pretending to be soldiers to know what I mean.
What really gives this series a final touch of class, is the respect you have for them.
Despite all the characters silliness and human weaknesses. The platoons ridiculous escapades. The bottom line is our hero's (like their real life counterparts) were prepared to fight and defend their country no matter what the odds.
Even if (as in one episode) the entire platoons weapons consisted of just one shot gun, 2 cartridges and some pitchforks.
When they heard the church bell warning of invasion they made a barricade across the road and prepared to face the might of the German army. As ridiculous as it was heroic.
Sadly they don't make TV series like this any more.
I haven't seen the current film. I know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, to me, trying to imitate/relive what was classic TV, seems doomed to failure. Aye doooooomed, there doooomed.
Unlike today where you have a 100 channels plus of largely drivel.
Being set during the 2nd World War, the series is pretty much timeless and future proof. Quality family entertainment, likely to still be watched and enjoyed a 100 years from now.
Following the lives and comic escapades of a 'Home Guard' platoon. Commanded by the local pompous bank manager, Captain Mainwaring. As they prepare to defend their island from imminent invasion.
What makes this probably most appealing is the 'realisim'. It is based on the real experiences of the writers.
Most of the actors were in the military and in WW1 or WW2 (Clive Dunn was even a P.o.W. in WW2). So they knew how to march, they knew how to shoulder arms and salute. They weren't just acting, they had played the role for real. Which added a strong element of authenticity to the series.
You only have to see modern films/TV of actors 'playing' soldiers, marching badly, 'pork pie' berets and generally looking like bad actors pretending to be soldiers to know what I mean.
What really gives this series a final touch of class, is the respect you have for them.
Despite all the characters silliness and human weaknesses. The platoons ridiculous escapades. The bottom line is our hero's (like their real life counterparts) were prepared to fight and defend their country no matter what the odds.
Even if (as in one episode) the entire platoons weapons consisted of just one shot gun, 2 cartridges and some pitchforks.
When they heard the church bell warning of invasion they made a barricade across the road and prepared to face the might of the German army. As ridiculous as it was heroic.
Sadly they don't make TV series like this any more.
I haven't seen the current film. I know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, to me, trying to imitate/relive what was classic TV, seems doomed to failure. Aye doooooomed, there doooomed.