Dad's Army

Dad's Army is a British situation comedy depicting the activities of Britain's Home Guard in the early years of World War II. It was created by Jimmy Perry based on his own wartime experiences, and co-written by Perry and David Croft. Perry also wrote the show's theme song, Who Do You Think You're Kidding Mr Hitler? At a basic level, Dad's Army generally uses broad humour, though often with serious undertones. However, the show employs sophisticated humour as well, and so it works on several levels, and this broad appeal may help to account for its enormous popularity. Dad's Army ran for nine series; there was a radio show, feature film and stage show. It continues in repeats all over the world and is available on video.

The programme starred Arthur Lowe as the unit commander, Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier, Bill Pertwee, Clive Dunn, Arnold Ridley, John Laurie, James Beck and Frank Williams, supported by Edward Sinclair and Colin Bean. Supporting females were Janet Davies, Pamela Cundell, Olive Mercer, and Wendy Richard. Dad's Army actually ran for longer than the Second World War itself, beginning in 1968 and coming to an end in 1977.