Showing posts with label Dads Army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dads Army. Show all posts

Sunday, 31 January 2010

Googie Withers!!!!

I'll name that film in.....erm, just a moment...

Hello and a very belated Happy New Year! Apologies for the distanct lack of blogs over the last few months. I've been very remiss in my posting -and there's been loads of news too! Hopefully I'll get through most of it over the coming weeks. First though, onto a fantastic piece that one our listeners has written; a certain Mr James White-Aldworth. Now many months ago, James listened to Tony and I talk about the many references to old films that Messrs Perry and Croft make throughout Dad's Army. Somehow, we managed to inspire Mr White-Aldworth to begin a task that he had been mulling around in his mind - to document every film mention throughout the entire run of Dad's Army! So here it is, with a introduction from James - a spreadsheet that chronicles every film reference made by Pike, Wilson and all the others! You can view or download the spreadsheet by clicking on the image below but first, here's an intro from James himself.

Welcome my name is James White-Aldworth and I have been a Dad’s Army fan for roughly 25 years. Having, as many of us were, been inducted into the world of Walmington on Sea by my Grandfather Godfrey ‘Dan’ Brown I became a fully fledged addict myself.

I have been listening to James’ Dad’s Army Podcast and was inspired by something he and his colleague Tony discussed a couple of years ago. Whilst watching an early episode of Dad’s Army the two wondered if the many references made to films by the cast were in fact real films that the characters really could have been watching at the time. Coincidently this was a thought that had passed through my mind. As a big film fan myself I too had often wondered whether the real population of Great Britain had watched these films escaping the dark nights of the war and pre-war years. Also these references are often my favourite moments in the episodes as two or three characters drift off into recollection and discussion of a film as Captain Mainwaring becomes more and more frustrated and finally snaps.

So I set myself to work watching every episode and of course the Movie noting down the films referred to and by whom. Then I began to investigate. I discovered that in only a couple of cases I couldn’t find a film of the same name in the correct period that conclusively was the film in question.

So behold my friends and I hope you too find similar interest in discovering a little more detail in the tapestry of Dad’s Army and perhaps even venture out and seek out these films for yourself.



Dad's Army Film References

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

Godfrey's Ghost

New Arnold Ridley book to published September 2009

A new book about Arnold Ridley is being published by Mogzilla Life on 1st September 2009. The book has been penned by Arnold’s son Nicolas, and is called “Godfrey’s Ghost: From Father to Son”. Nicolas has kindly sent the podcast the following information about the book.

Arnold had a fascinating life which stretched from the rule of Queen Victoria to the ascension of Margaret Thatcher to the office of Prime Minister. He fought in two world wars, wrote a best selling play that is still frequently performed today and is perhaps most famous for playing the eldest member of the Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard, Pte. Charles Godfrey.

You can request a signed copy of the book be sent to you pre-publication from
Mogzilla’s Godfrey's Ghost webpage – otherwise the book will be available in both hardback (£15.99) and paperback (£9.99).

Friday, 10 July 2009

Pike's Broadcast to the Empire **updated 14 July 2009**

Ian Lavender to star on LBC Radio

Ian Lavender is guesting on Steve Allen's popular LBC radio chat show, 'In coversation with....' The interview is being recording this weekend. However, at the time of writing, I cannot find out for sure when it will be broadcast. LBCs scheduling has an 'In conversation with...' show going out this Sunday at both 7:00am and 9:00pm although it is not clear if this will be the Lavender interview. LBC goes out on 97.3 FM. If anyone knows or manages to find out when the show is due to go out, please let me know by sending me an e-mail james@dadsarmypodcast.com or by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

**UPDATED 14 JULY 2009**

Ian's interview was broadcast on London Broadcasting Radio (LBC) on Sunday 12 July 2009. Ian spent an hour talking to Steve Allen (pictured above) about his life and career. As one would expect, Dad's Army featured prominantly. At one point, Ian said that every role he has won since his days in Dad's Amy was due to his success as Frank Pike. Ian also talks about his part as Derek Harkinson in EastEnders and his past stage performances. In the final ten minutes, Ian talks candidly about his health and describes what happened when he suffered a heart attack whilst he was a member of the EastEnders cast. Moving stuff.

Ian is currently playing Monsignor Howard in the stage version of Sister Act at the London Palladium.

The interview is currently available by visiting the LBC listen again website and then clicking on 'In coversation with...'. You will need to sign up in order to download the interview and pay a nominal charge.

Monday, 6 July 2009

Pike at the Palladium

Ian Lavender to star in Sister Act


Ian Lavender has been cast as Monsignor Howard in the London Stage show Sister Act. The play opened at the London Palladium on 2 June and currently booking until February 2010 - although it has not been confirmed how long Lavender will star. The show has received mixed reviews - and I will bring you mine once I have booked my ticket! I never thought I'd have a reason to go and see Sister Act - cheers Mr Lavender! The former stupid boy stars alongside Sheila Hancock and Patina Miller and has received third billing. Ian's biog apprears on the production's official website.
Good luck to Ian - in all seriousness, it is good see Ian back treading the West End boards - I wish him the best of luck.

Monday, 22 June 2009

Colin Bean RIP 1927 to 2009

Private Sponge actor passes away

It is with great sadness that I report that Colin Bean passed away on Saturday 20 June 2009. Colin played Private Sponge throughout the whole of nine years Dad's Army was produced and was a keen supporter of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society for many years. An ever-present section leader in the Walmington-on-Sea platoon, Private Sponge was seen in the second rank in most parade scenes. As time moved on, he was given several speaking parts and a little character development. Colin's career was varied, but he will be best remembered for the part he played in Dad's Army.

In later years, Colin regaled audiences with stories about his time filming Dad's Army in the popular 'An Audience with Colin Bean' events, some of which were filmed and can be seen on YouTube.

The story is reported in Wigan Today and can be read here.

Rest in peace Colin, you will be most affectionately remembered.

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Podcast to record Dad's Army Movie special!

Your comments are required!

Following several requests from listeners, this weekend, the entire podcast team will be recording a round table discussion about the sometimes controversial, 1971 Dad's Army movie. I have great pleasure in announcing that Frank Williams, (the Reverend Timothy Farthing) will be joining us for what promises to be a very entertaining and lively discussion. If you have comments about the movie in general, or have any questions you like us to put to Frank then please send them to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com by 6:00pm Friday 20 February (GMT) and I'll do my best to include them in the podcast.

The recording will form Episode 33 of the podcast and is likely to be on-line mid to late March 2009. Episode 32 should be on-line at some point over the next 10 days or so. The podcast's main page is here.

Tuesday, 30 December 2008

Stupid Boy on Mastermind!

Ian Lavender to star on Celebrity Mastermind


Ian Lavender will be appearing on Celebrity Mastermind at 8pm on New Years Day on BBC1. Good to see that Ian is maintaining his high profile! See the official BBC what's on listings here.

Friday, 19 December 2008

Bressingham 2009

Perry and Croft Day 2009 announced


The date for the now annual Perry and Croft Day has been announced for 2009. The event, to be held once again at Bressingham Steam Museum, will take place on Sunday 10 May. Past years have seen stars aplenty attend - Jimmy Perry, David Croft, Bill Pertwee, Ian Lavender, Clive Dunn, Frank Williams, Harold Snoad, Michael Knowles and Pamela Cundell have all made appearances, some attending practically every year since the event began in 2000. Make sure you check out the photographs from previous Dad's Army Days and Perry and Croft Days by clicking on the slide show to your right.

There is no need to buy tickets in advance for the event, but if you intend to travel some distance to Bressingham, then it may well be worth your while to arrange accommodation as soon as possible - guest houses and B&Bs are almost always fully booked long before the annual event.

Entrance is usually exceptional value for money and will be around the £10 mark - but members of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society get in cheaper and may have access to some members only areas inside the museum. You can join the DAAS for a ludicrously cheap annual fee at
www.dadsarmy.co.uk.

In addition to the Dad's Army cast and crew, actors and production teams from other Perry and Croft programmes will be invited too. Keep an eye on the DAAS website for the latest information.

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Room on Newsnight

Restoration Reported on current affairs programme


A feature concerning the restored colour version of Room at the Bottom appeared on Newsnight last week. A video of the piece has now been uploaded onto the Newsnight website – watch it by clicking here.

The BBC also have reported on the new the recently re-discovered Dad's Army audios tracks here.

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Father Christmas exists! (Updated 5 December 2008)

'Lost' audios found

The podcast has received early reports that an audio version of the 1968 Dad's Army 'A Christmas Night with the Stars' sketch has been found and returned to the BBC. This special sketch is one of two previously 'lost' sketches recorded for festive celebratory programme - the other being the Cornish Floral Dance sketch. The re-discovered audio of the 1968 special has no official title, but features members of the platoon arriving at the Church Hall dressed as Father Christmas giving various different reasons for their attire. **UPDATE 5 DECEMBER 2008** This story has now been confirmed by the BBC!! Great news!


Rumour also has it that a new, high quality audio version of the television version of a Stripe for Frazer has also made its way back to the BBC. dadsarmy.tv reports the story.

The podcast will bring you further details when the these two stories have been confirmed. **UPDATE 4 December 2008** The Dad's Army Appreciation Society have now confirmed that a recording of A Stripe for Frazer has been found and returned to the BBC.



'Mini' Dad's Army night in December


The BBC have announced that they are screening the newly colourised version of the season three episode Room at the Bottom as part of another evening dedicated to Dad's Army. The broadcast date is currently Saturday 13 December and the scheduled to begin at 7:10pm on BBC2. The new version of the episode is also being shown as part of the BFI's Dad's Army 'Oddities and Rarities' night later in December (see blog posting Sunday 16 November)






Sunday, 5 October 2008

Pte. Godfrey in the papers!

Ridley's war


Chris Hastings of The Telegraph has written a comprehensive article about Arnold Ridley's wartime experiences. Many aspects of Ridley's life were seemingly mirrored through Godfrey's adventures on screen in Dad's Army. Ridley was a fascinating man and lived and fought through both world wars. Take a read of Hasting's article - amongst those whom he discusses Arnold's life with is Nicholas Ridley - Arnold's son, who is planning to visit the battlefield where his father sustained a crippling bayonet wound that troubled him for the remainder of his life. It's a great article and not a little touching. Read it here.

Monday, 29 September 2008

Dad's Marches on!!

New Dad's Army Stage Play tour in 2009


Following the success of the 2008/09 tour, Calibre productions have announced that four more episodes will be adapted for a new tour in 2009. Very little additional information is available at the moment - but as soon as we have it, it'll be on the blog!! Click here to see the announcement on Calibre's site, and for a short video of this year's tour.

The new episodes have yet to be chosen by Calibre - why not have your say?! Which episodes would you like to see on stage? Just click on 'comments' below this post and make your suggestion!








Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Eric Longworth's obituary

Telegraph publish obituary for Eric Longworth


An obituary for Eric Longworth appeared in the Daily Telegraph on the 22nd September 2008 and is available to read here.

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

New podcast imminent (updated 18 September 2008)

Episode 27


The first new episode of the Dad's Army podcast for over a month will be on-line this evening. In a last minute change to the content, Paul Carpenter and Tony Tarran take over the featured episode segment and provide inside information on Is There Honey Still For Tea?

In addition, there is my review of the recent Jonathan Ross and Comedy Connections programmes that formed part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.

You will be able to listen to the new podcast at http://www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com/, through iTunes or on our myspace page.


**UPDATED 18 SEPTEMBER 2008**
Episode 27 is now on-line. Have you not listened to it yet?!

Friday, 29 August 2008

Comedy Connections

New Dad's Army documentary to be screened this evening


The BBC series, 'Comedy Connections' finally concentrates on Dad's Army, and will be screened on BBC1 tonight (Friday 29 August 2008) at 10.30pm. The programme is being repeated tomorrow evening (Saturday 30 August 2008) at 11:10pm on BBC2 and last for forty minues. The following information has been published on BBC's website;

The gentle war time comedy Dad's Army has charmed millions of viewers since its first transmission forty years ago, becoming one of the most popular and best-loved series of all time. Set in wartime Britain, its cast featured many veterans of stage and screen including Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Arnold Ridley and John Laurie. The series created a template for future ensemble sitcoms, and established one of British TV's most successful writing partnerships - Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Neither of the writers gave the show its name: originally called Fighting Tigers, the title Dad's Army was imposed on the show by the BBC's Head of Comedy, Michael Mills. With contributions from writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry, and actors Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Frank Williams, Bill Pertwee, Wendy Richard and Pamela Cundell.

Make sure you set your video!! Feel free to send in your comments to us about the programme to james@dadsarmypodcast.com and they'll be read out on a future podcast.

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Anchor not sunk yet

Dad's Army hotel could be saved

The Anchor Hotel used by many of the cast during location filming has been derelict and due for renovation for some time now. Several fires have been attended by the fire brigade and the boarded up hotel has been a trouble spot for over the last few years.

Well, now it appears that the seemingly inevitable fate of demolition might yet be averted. The Eastern Daily Press published the following article on their website on the 8th August 2008. The report alleges that Breckland Councillors have now decided to enter negotiations to acquire the town centre site.

Nothing further has emerged since the publication of the article, but it would be fantastic to think that this site could still be owned by a Council who has a vested interest in keeping the legacy of Dad's Army a prominent part of Thetford's future.

We'll keep you posted!

With thanks to Ian Sherwood.

Thursday, 21 August 2008

Eric Longworth 1918 to 2008

Eric Longworth, who played Walmington-on-Sea's Town Clerk, passed away peacefully on Monday 18 August 2008. Eric recently celebrated his 90th birthday in July.

Eric was a stoic ambassador of Dad's Army, and his line in The Godiva Affair has become legendary throughout fandom - I wonder if another actor could make his character synonymous with the word 'fleshings' quite as fantastically as Eric did.

The actor frequently attended Dad's Army events, and I, along with many other members of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society, were lucky enough to see and speak to him at the programme's 40th Anniversary event held at the Imperial War Museum in London this year. Little did we know that we wouldn't see him again.

The Dad's Army Appreciation Society published the following about Eric's life and and career on their website;

Eric had decided from an early age to become an actor, but had his hopes dashed when his father died and Eric had to help support the family. He was 17 at the time. Up to his call up in 1939, which included a spell in Bombay, he had joined the Crompton Stage Society, a local amateur company, playing character parts to stall his ambitions. After demob, he decided to go professional, joining the Oldham Rep, staying with them for 11 years. A break in acting occurred when he decided to work as a theatre manager between 1951 & 1957. His first TV appearance was in 1963, and was usually cast as civil servants or retired colonels. Eric appeared in a 1972 episode of 'Lollipop' written by Jimmy Perry, which could have lead to him being chosen for the part of the Town Clerk. During the Dad's Army Stage Show, Eric understudied (but, as he states, was thankfully never used for) Arthur Lowe. he has made a few films, and latterly did the occasional voice over.

Eric will be sadly missed, and all of us at the podcast send Eric's family and friends our condonances. Rest in peace Eric and in the knowledge that your portrayal of Claude Gordon will continue to make countless viewers laugh for many years to come.

Friday, 8 August 2008

Podcast on hiatus!

We'll be back......

This note is to let you know that I will be taking a break from the Dad's Army podcast for the next couple of months. There are two reasons for this; 1) and of course, most importantly, I am about to become father for the first time at some point during the next six weeks and 2) we have builders from hell in refurbishing our bathroom. I sincerely hope that point number 2 is fully delivered before point no 1!!

Never fear though, the podcast will be back - I am just not sure when at this stage. Keep subscribed to the feed though - we may have the odd one two pre-recorded files ready during the hiatus.

Thanks again to you all for your support - keep the feedback coming in and we will catch up on it all when the podcast returns.

In the meantime, the following is a video I found on YouTube that made me smile....and I will update thw blog every now and again.

Warmest regards,

James




Sunday, 3 August 2008

Jonathan Ross Special airs

Dad's Army tribute airs on BBC1

Tonight saw the broadcast of the celebratory programme recorded to mark the 40th anniversary of Dad's Army. Jonathan Ross was joined by Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Frank Williams, Pamela Cundell, Jimmy Perry and David Croft in a one-off special looking back on the programme, its origins and examined the careers of the actors involved. Ross was also joined by 'celebrity' fans Ronnie Corbett, Jon Culshaw and John Thompson.

Ross presented in his usual, laid back demeanor, but the most notable thing for me was how this programme was edited. At complete odds with the original audience of Dad's Army, this programme was made in the era of disposable television. This was clearly demonstrated by Ross spending longer talking to the celebrity guests than the cast and writers themselves. Now to a degree I understand that it is important to have current stars feature to maintain the interest of the casual viewer, but it was criminal the way Jimmy and David were limited to just five minutes between them. Both Frank Williams and Bill Pertwee were hardly given any airtime at all.

Lastly there was the tribute to those cast members no longer with us - which was poignant, if fleeting. However the way John Le Mesurier was hardly mentioned was generous given that you could be forgiven for not realising that James Beck actually starred in the programme. I am not sure that Beck's name was actually mentioned by Ross even once.

Disappointing for me, but at least they didn't carry out the threat to include the audience singing the theme tune.

Despite my gripes, it was fantastic to see the cast as they are today on prime time (ish) telly once again - and it was fantastic to see Ian, Pam and Jimmy clearly loving being in the limelight once again. The set used was fantastic - it's a shame to think that we may never see it again. If only they could sell that one to Bressingham.....

Here's to the next 40 years.

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Dad's 40th (updated 11th July 2008)

40th Anniversary of Dad's Army celebrated

Yesterday (9th July 2008) saw a number of Dad's Army stars and fans celebrate the anniversary of programme at the Imperial War Museum in London. The first episode, The Man and the Hour was originally transmitted on 31st July 1968, and the Dad's Army Appreciation Society, together with the Imperial War Museum organised an celebration to remember. The event attracted significant interest from the press, and the story appeared in many of today's national dailies. The Sun's story is available on line here and focusses on some of Ian Lavender's comments - the sentiments of which he echoed when I interviewed him for the podcast. The BBC were also there, filming interviews with the cast and production crew.

In attendance were Jimmy Perry, David Croft, Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Frank Williams, Pamela Cundell, Eric Longworth, Harold Snoad, Mary Husband, Jefferey Holland, Ronnie Grange and Joan Le Mesurier. We were also joined by the former forces sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn.

Tony and I from the podcast were there too with our trusty MP3 recorders, and we managed to speak to many of the stars. Look out for podcast 25 where you will get to hear the speeches made by the stars, and my interviews with them - including one with none-other than Dame Vera Lynn! I never thought I would be chatting to the person who sung the immortal words we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when about Dad's Army!!

Pictures of the event will be on the blog over the next few days. If you attended then event then please feel free to send in your photos and stories about the day to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com - it would be great to hear from you. I'm off now to find Dame Vera's back-catalogue on iTunes....

**updated 11 July 2008**

The BBC also reported the story on-line here.