Walmington-On-Sea 333

On Television: Dad's Army - The Movie

2012-03-03T00:00:00.015Z

The Dad's Army platoon fall in three times this weekend
on GOLD

Catch the Dad’s Army movie on GOLD today between 10:10 hrs to 12:00 hrs and between 17:50 hrs to 19:40 hrs in which Local Bank Manager George Mainwaring responds to his country’s call and forms the Local Defence Volunteers in Walmington-On-Sea against would be Nazi invaders.

The film is also repeated on GOLD tomorrow between 17:10 hrs to 19:00 hrs

On Television: Dad's Army - Battle School

2012-03-03T00:00:00.003Z

In Battle School, Captain Mainwaring and The Platoon spend the weekend in training, but all doesn’t go too well as the platoon continue to miss their meal times.

Battle School was originally broadcast on BBC1 in 1969.

Dad’s Army begins on BBC2 at 18:50 Hrs. Check TV listings for regional variations.

On Radio: Dad's Army - Getting The Bird

2012-03-01T00:00:00.009Z

Trouble with Birds - Dad's Army on BBC Radio 4 Extra

Walker (Larry Martyn) arranges to get Jones (Clive Dunn) some off ration meat – but is this connected with The Pigeons stored in the Church?

Getting The Bird was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1975.

Dad’s Army is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30Hrs, 12:30Hrs and 19:30 Hrs and available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

On Radio: It Sticks Out Half a Mile - War Damage

2012-02-29T00:00:00.002Z

In Episode 11 of It Sticks Out Half A Mile, Arthur, Frank and Bert travel to London in the hope of claiming compensation for Frambourne Pier which was damaged during the war.

It Sticks out Half a Mile is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 17:00 Hrs and repeated again tomorrow morning at 05:00 Hrs. It is also available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

New AudioGO Releases - It Sticks Out Half A Mile and Parsley Sidings

2012-02-28T00:00:00.010Z

Parsley Sidings - Used With Permission: AudioGO

AudioGO have announced several new Vintage comedy releases for March including two Dad's Army related titles.

Parsley Sidings By Jim Eldridge

The first release, Parsley Sidings by Jim Eldridge sees Arthur Lowe, Kenneth Connor, Liz Frazer and Ian Lavender star in four episodes of the radio comedy series set in a sleepy railway station.

The recordings featured in this collection broadcast between 1971 and 1973 are among the few that survive in the BBC archive. They include:

Goodbye Parsley Sidings (Series 1, Episode 10) Horace Hepplewhite gets promoted and leaves for pastures new, but his replacement seems a right old ogre.
The Entente Cordiale (Series 2, Episode 3) After an exchange visit to France, the Head of French Rail is keen to see Gloria's tannoy.
A Night Out (Series 2, Episode 4) Thanks to Percy and Bert, a lady misses the last train to Birmingham and has nowhere to stay the night.
The New Level Crossing (Series 2, Episode 8) What will happen to Bradshaw now that Parsley Sidings gets a new automated level crossing?

Parsley Sidings is available as an audio download from March 1^st 2012 and on CD from March 8^th 2012.

It Sticks Out Half A Mile...Continued
Used With Permission: AudioGO

It Sticks Out Half A Mile By Harold Snoad And Michael Knowles

Ian Lavender returns in the radio sequel to Dad’s Army in It Sticks Out Half A Mile... Continued which also features John Le Mesurier, and Bill Pertwee.

The collection features :

Inspecting the Piles (Episode 4) In order to save money, Hodges, Pike and Wilson decide to inspect the foundations of Frambourne Pier in an inflatable rubber dinghy at night.
Pike in Love (Episode 5) Uncle Arthur is called in to give Pike a lesson on the birds and the bees.
The Friends of Frambourne Pier (Episode 6) Pike and Hodges decide to launch a campaign asking for volunteers. And so The Friends of Frambourne Pier Association (FOFPA) is born.
The First Meeting (Episode 7) The first meeting of The Friends of Frambourne Pier Association is convened. Arthur Wilson attends, but has to explain his evening out to a suspicious Mrs Pike.

It Sticks Out Half A Mile... Continued is now available on CD while the audio download format will be available from March 1^st 2012.

Check Out AudioGO’s website for full information on their comedy releases.

Website Of The Week: The Siren Sisters

2012-02-27T23:09:00.000Z

The Siren Sisters - Used With Permission: Sarah Perryman

One aspect of Dad's Army I intend to feature in future posts is some of the wonderful music that originated from the 1940s and featured in the television show.

Much of the featured music always helped add authenticity to the Dad's Army shows and it was an added bonus a few years ago when I attended the stage show Dad's Army Marches On at Cardiff New Theatre that I caught a live appearance in the theatre's bar area of three girls, whom I later discovered were The Siren Sisters performing a selection of songs from the Second World War.

Before the show began the girls belted out a selection of classic wartime favourites capturing the essence of The Andrew Sisters but adding much of their own unique charm.

Since that time, the girls (who all originate from Wales) have gone from strength to strength, and recently released a CD of Christmas songs.

Check out The Siren Sisters excellent retro style website which is packed with soundbytes and video clips as well as information on forthcoming live appearances.

On Television: Dad's Army - The Armoured Might Of Lance Corporal Jones

2012-02-25T02:22:00.000Z

In tonight's episode of Dad's Army Mainwaring's platoon acquires platoon transport courtesy of Lance Corporal Jones and Private Walker.

The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones was the first colour episode of Dad's Army broadcast in September, 1969.

Dad's Army will be broadcast on BBC2 at 18:50 hrs (UK regions may vary).

On Radio: Dad's Army - Mum's Army

2012-02-23T00:00:00.018Z

Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) opens the Platoon up to women members and seemingly his heart up to Mrs Gray (Carmen Silvera).

Dad’s Army’s take on Brief Encounter was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1975.

Dad’s Army is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30Hrs, 12:30Hrs and 19:30 Hrs and available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

On Radio: It Sticks Out Half A Mile - The Builder

2012-02-22T00:00:00.011Z

In today's episode of It Sticks Out Half A Mile, originally broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1984, old hostilities surface for Arthur, Frank and Bert when a workman’s nationality comes into question.

It Sticks out Half a Mile is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 17:00 Hrs and repeated again tomorrow morning at 05:00 Hrs.

It is also available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

On Radio: Dad's Army - War Dance

2012-02-16T00:00:00.012Z

An engagement is announced by Private Pike (Ian Lavender) at the War Dance in today’s radio episode of Dad’s Army originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1975.

Dad’s Army is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30 Hrs, 12:30 Hrs and 19:30 Hrs and available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

On Radio: It Sticks Out Half A Mile - The Fancy Dress Parade

2012-02-15T07:37:00.000Z

The Pier Costume Party is in full swing until Frank (Ian Lavender) brings a piano and his mother turns up.

Treading The Boards: John Laurie In "The Improper Duchess" (1932)

2012-02-12T22:35:00.003Z

Two programmes from the
production of The Improper
Duchess in Liverpool
and London performed
only weeks
of each other in early 1932.

Production: The Improper Duchess by James B Fagan

Venues: The Globe Theatre, The Liverpool Empire

Date: Jan - Feb 1932

Starring: Yvonne Arnaud, Harold Thorley, Maxwell Lowe, John M Moore, Torin Thatcher, Zena Howard, Sam Livesey, Annie Esmond, Peggy Livesy, John Laurie, Hartley Power, Annie Esmond, Winifred Oughton.

By the time John Laurie joined Dad's Army in 1968, he already had a spectacular CV behind him on stage and screen. John's career on stage went right back to the early years of the 20th Century where he had played many strong support roles to great actors of the day.

One major success was James B Fagan's modern comedy The Improper Duchess of which John toured extensively during 1931 and 1932.

The Improper Duchess starred French actress Yvonne Arnaud and Hartley Power (who would later go on to feature in many movies). John Laurie played the role of the Rev. Adam P. McAdam.

A page from the Liverpool Empire programme
for The Improper Duchess

The Improper Duchess was a well received production with Yvonne Arnaud receiving much praise and critic James Agate describing both John and Hartley Power's presentations : "As the egregious senator and pastor, Messrs Hartley Power and John Laurie do excellently." Another reviewer described John's performance : "Mr. John Laurie makes a grim ascetic of the pastor..." Shades of Private Frazer to come no doubt!

Yvonne Arnaud pictured in The Globe Theatre
programme for The Improper Duchess

John Laurie remembered the play well himself, recalling on Desert Island Discs in 1976 that one performance had coincided with him going to the races and getting "tight" and particularly remembering Arnaud's kindness to him when turning up for a performance not the best for wear.

The cast for The Improper Duchess
as featured in the Liverpool Empire programme

Described as an American skit The Improper Duchess toured the UK in early 1932. Two venues it was performed at were The Globe Theatre in London in January (which featured at least one performance of the role of The Duchess played by Zena Howard as opposed to Arnaud) and The Liverpool Empire from 1st February.

Yvonne Arnaud later starred in a 1936 film adaptation, although John did not appear in this. John himself was already in demand featuring in films like The Edge Of The World and The Lady Vanishes.

On Television: Dad's Army - The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage

2012-02-11T00:00:00.002Z

Captain Mainwaring leaps
into action!

The Church bells have sounded and with the majority of the platoon absent it’s up to Captain Mainwaring. Corporal Jones and Private Frazer to take the first line of defence against a Nazi invasion – Godfrey’s Cottage!

The Battle Of Godfrey's Cottage, like Operation Kilt, was for many years missing from the BBC archive until it was returned in 2001.

Dad’s Army begins on BBC2 at 19:00 Hrs. Check TV listings for regional variations.

On Radio: Dad's Army - Brain Versus Brawn

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000Z

Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) and the platoon are on exercise dressed as firemen when they find themselves called to deal with a real-life crisis in today's episode of Dad's Army from 1975.

Dad’s Army is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30 Hrs, 12:30 Hrs and 19:30 Hrs and available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week after broadcast.

On Radio: It Sticks Out Half A Mile - Marooned

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000Z

Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier) and Miss Perkins take a trip to the pier in today’s episode of It Sticks out Half a Mile, but will they get back?

On Television : Hattie

2012-02-05T00:00:00.004Z

Ruth Jones stars in Hattie on BBC Four Tonight

Ruth Jones, Robert Bathurst and Aidan Turner star in the drama Hattie on BBC4 today at 21:45 Hrs.

The drama, based on real life events looks at Carry On actress Hattie Jacque’s relationship with her chauffeur while she was married to John Le Mesurier.

Robert Bathurst takes on the role of John Le Mesurier.

For a review of Hattie read on: Television Review: Hattie

On Television : Dad's Army - Operation Kilt

2012-02-04T00:00:00.002Z

Private Pike's not such a Stupid
Boy in today's Dad's Army

Captain Mainwaring’s platoon find themselves pitted against the might of a Highland regiment in today’s episode of Dad’s Army on BBC2 at 19:30 Hrs.

Operation Kilt was originally broadcast in 1969 and was lost for many years before it was recovered along with The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage as part of the BBC's Treasure Hunt in 2001.

Check TV listings for regional variations.

On Radio: Dad's Army - A Soldier's Farewell

2012-02-02T00:00:00.002Z

Today's radio episode of Dad's Army sees "Napoleon" aka Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) embark on his own Battle of Waterloo following a trip to the cinema and an illicit toasted cheese supper.

A Soldier's Farewell was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.

Dad's Army can be heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30 hrs, 12:30hrs and 19:30hrs and is also available to listen again on the BBC iplayer for up to a week after broadcast.

On Radio: It Sticks Out Half A Mile - The First Meeting

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000Z

In today's episode of It Sticks Out Half A Mile broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 17:00 Hrs, both Pike (Ian Lavender) and Hodges (Bill Pertwee) campaign to save the Pier. Meanwhile, Arthur (John Le Mesurier) upsets Mrs Pike (Janet Davies).

Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles this episode of It Sticks Out Half A Mile was originally broadcast in January 1984 on BBC Radio 2. This episode gets a further repeat on BBC Radio 4 Extra on Thursday morning at 05:00 Hrs and is available to listen again on the BBC iPlayer for a week.

Dad's Army's Desert Island Discs

2012-01-29T00:00:00.005Z

Arnold Ridley appeared on Desert Island Discs in 1973

BBC Radio's long running series Desert Island Discs celebrates it's 70th birthday today. The programme was first broadcast on the BBC Home Service on January 29,1942 in which creator Roy Plomley's guest was the comedian and actor Vic Oliver.

Desert Island Discs premise is that each guest chooses 8 records, a book, and a luxury item that they would take with them if they were stranded on a desert island.

Between 1970 and 1976, five of the seven Dad's Army regulars were cast away on the mythical desert island. On each occasion they were interviewed by the show's creator Roy Plomley. Here are the stars complete with original broadcasting dates and links to the Desert Island Discs archives where you can find out a little more about their choices:

December 12, 1970 Arthur Lowe
June 19, 1971 Clive Dunn
February 17, 1973 John Le Mesurier
November 3, 1973 Arnold Ridley
May 15, 1976 John Laurie

David Croft Featured On Desert Island Discs in 1993

Further to this, Dad's Army producer David Croft was Sue Lawley's guest on Desert Island Discs in March 14, 1993, you can download a podcast of that programme from David Croft's Desert Island Discs page.

Desert Island Discs Guests Who Chose The Dad's Army Theme Song

Interestingly several guests have chosen the Dad's Army theme Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr.Hitler? by Bud Flanagan as a recording they would take away on a desert island with them.
They include:

Henry Blofeld, Cricket Commentator
Arthur Lowe, Actor, Dad's Army
Wendy Richard, Actress, EastEnders, Dad's Army, Are You Being Served
Judith Kerr, Children's writer and illustrator

At the time of writing this article there are still a few notable Dad's Army connections that it would be interesting to see as castaways. Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee and Jimmy Perry would all make interesting castaways - in the meantime, Happy Birthday Desert Island Discs!

Read More about Desert Island Discs:

On Television: Dad's Army - Shooting Pains

2012-01-28T14:52:00.002Z

Private Pike (Ian Lavender) takes aim!

The Walmington-On-Sea platoon use their rifles and their wits for the honour of guarding a VIP visitor in today's episode of Dad's Army broadcast on BBC2 at 19:10hrs (check local listings for regional variations).

Shooting Pains concluded the first series of Dad's Army in 1968.

Look out for a guest appearance from Carry On actress Barbara Windsor and the appearance of series creator Jimmy Perry as comedian Charlie Cheeseman.

On Radio: Vic Oliver - The First Castaway Remembered

2012-01-26T00:45:00.000Z

Vic Oliver Remembered : BBC

Bill Pertwee today contributes to a programme about the comedian Vic Oliver, who coincidentally was the first ever castaway on Desert Island Discs, this week in 1942. Desert Island Discs Creator and Presenter Roy Plomley interviewed Oliver at the bomb-damaged Maida Vale studios, London, on 27 January 1942.

In the forties, as a comedian, musician, host and music hall act Oliver was a household name. He'd married Winston Churchill's daughter and found fame appearing on the wartime radio show "Hi Gang" while forging a successful stage career.

During those war years he'd also attracted the attention of the Nazi party who'd included his name on a list of people to be arrested in the event of a successful invasion of Britain, there are also false reports that his mother had perished in a concentration camp despite Oliver confirming in his 1950's autobiography that his mother was alive and well and living in London.

As David Baddiel discovers there's a series of false accounts, myths and contradictions concerning Oliver's personal life, his relationship with the Churchill family, his impact on the world of entertainment along with an untold story of how he appeared to keep his Jewish background private.

With archive of Oliver in conversation and performance, contributors include; Bill Pertwee, Writer Brad Ashton, Theatre Historian Chris Woodward and trumpeter Joan Hinde.

The programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 11:30am is written by Phil Collinge and produced in Salford by Stephen Garner. It will be available on the BBC "Listen Again" service for up to a week after broadcast.

On Radio: Dad's Army - A Brush With The Law

2012-01-26T00:00:00.019Z

Warden Hodges (Bill Pertwee) gets Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) just where he wants him today when the Captain is put on trial for leaving a light on in the Church Hall during a blackout.

The 8th episode of the second Dad's Army radio series, A Brush With The Law was adapted from the original television script by Michael Knowles and Harold Snoad and originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April, 1975.

Listeners can hear A Brush With The Law on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 08:30, 12:30 and 19:30 and on the "Listen Again" service for up to a week after broadcast.

An Audience With Ian Lavender at Slapstick 2012

Also at 19:30 today, attendees of the Slapstick event in Bristol will get the chance to hear Ian Lavender AKA Private Pike reminisce about his time on Dad's Army. For further information about Slapstick 2012, visit their official website.

Treading The Boards: Bill Pertwee in Habeas Corpus (1988)

2012-01-22T00:00:00.002Z

Production: Habeas Corpus by Alan Bennett

Venue: York Theatre Royal

Date: March 1988

Starring: Julian Glover, Jane Freeman, Mary Sheen, Adam Robinson, Su Elliott, Bill Pertwee, Madeleine Newbury, Duncan Preston, Claire Parker, David Fielder, Tom Karol

I am grateful to fellow blogger Andy Walmsley who recently sent me information on Bill Pertwee's appearance in Habeas Corpus at York Theatre Royal in 1988.

I'm reproducing Andy's comments and memories on the production here along with scans from Andy's programme:

"Back in March 1988 at the York Theatre Royal we saw a production of Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus. Amongst the cast was Bill Pertwee as Sir Percy Shorter. I still recall the biggest laugh of the night came from one of Bill’s lines, but not in a way that Alan Bennett originally intended."

Thanks to Andy's wife Val, we have the relevant part of the script that got Bill the big laugh...

Lady Rumpus: That would be the Second World War, the one to make the world safe for democracy?
Sir Percy: That was how it was advertised.
Wicksteed: When the enemy was always listening, and cigarettes were two a penny. (He lights a cigarette lighter.)
Mrs Swabb: Put that light out. (Darkness, the sounds of an air raid.)

Andy continues: "In the production we saw it was Sir Percy Shorter that took the line “Put that light out”. Dad’s Army fans in the audience hooted with delight. For a moment ARP Warden Hodges was back on stage."

Thanks to both Andy and Val Walmsley for sharing their memories. If anyone recalls seeing any Dad's Army stars in a production or wants to share a scan, review or clipping from a theatre production, please get in touch!

On Television: Dad's Army - The Showing Up Of Corporal Jones

2012-01-21T00:00:00.024Z

Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn)
rises to the challenge

Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn) role in the Home Guard comes into question in tonight's episode of Dad's Army.

The Showing Up Of Corporal Jones sees the old campaigner rise to the challenge of completing an assault course in 12 minutes.

The episode was originally broadcast on BBC1 in September, 1968.