The Original Dad’s Army cast members
(Image: BBC)
The moment Bud Flanagan croons “Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Hitler,” you’re instantly transported back into the uproarious, disorderly world of Dad’s Army.
For the next half an hour, you’re under the command of Capt Mainwaring and his motley Home Guard platoon as they “defend” the fictional coastal town of Walmington-on-Sea. Despite the final series airing in 1977, the comedy remains immensely popular.
The original actors bore uncanny resemblances to their characters. Allegedly, Clive Dunn was as rambling as Jones, Arthur Lowe was as haughty as Mainwaring, and John Le Mesurier was as vague and eloquent as Sgt Wilson.
The show, which ran for 80 episodes from 1968 to 1977, with its iconic catchphrases and wild antics, was inspired by co-writer Jimmy Perry’s real experience in the Home Guard during World War II.
Arnold Ridley, who played Private Godfrey, was a private in the Somerset Light Infantry, was wounded three times, and went over the top at the Somme in the First World War.
He suffered shellshock and a blow to the head from a German soldier’s rifle butt left him prone to blackouts. He was medically discharged with the rank of captain.
(Image: BBC)
Jimmy joined the 10th Hertfordshire Battalion at 17, and was the model for the overprotected Pike, portrayed by Ian Lavender. He revealed: “My mum didn’t make me wear a scarf but she came pretty near.” The show was initially going to be named The Fighting Tigers until Michael Mills, then head of BBC comedy, suggested Dad’s Army.
(Image: Getty)
Jimmy insisted on Lowe for Mainwaring but there were fears Arnold Ridley, 72 in 1968, would be too old to play doddery, benign pacifist Godfrey.
The first episode was watched by eight million people and, in its heyday, Dad’s Army drew more than 18 million viewers.
For the first series Le Mesurier was paid £261 per episode, Lowe and Dunn £210, John Laurie (Frazer) £105, James Beck (Walker) £78 and Ridley just £63.
It was filmed in Thetford in Norfolk and extra Keith Eldred recalled: “They were charming company but they didn’t pull punches.”
“John Le Mesurier was playing my piano and complained it was a rotten piano and was out of tune. It seemed to get better after a couple of gin and tonics, though.”
(Image: BBC)
The actor said Beck, who played black-marketeer spiv Joe Walker, “was constantly chatting up all the girls” while Le Mesurier, who had been married to Carry On star Hattie Jacques, was shrewd enough to take Perry’s advice on Wilson.
He wrote: “I thought, why not just be myself, use an extension of my own personality and behave rather as I had done in the army?”
“So I always left a button or two undone, and had the sleeve of my battle dress slightly turned up.”
“I spoke softly, issued commands as if they were invitations (the sort not likely to be accepted) and generally assumed a benign air of helplessness.”
(Image: Getty)