Dad's Army was a 1971 feature film based on the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. Directed by Normen Cohen, it was filmed between series three and four and was based upon material from the early episodes of the television series. The film told the story of the Home Guard platoon's formation and their subsequent endeavours at a training exercise. Jimmy Perry (1923- ) is a writer and actor, most famous for writing the BBC sitcom Dads Army with David Croft. ... David Croft (born September 7, 1922 in Sandbanks, United Kingdom) is a writer, producer and actor. ... Arthur Lowe (September 22, 1915—April 15, 1982) was a British actor. ... John Le Mesurier (Bedford, 5th April 1912 – 15th November, 1983), born John Charles Elton Le Mesurier De Somerys Halliley, was a British actor. ... Clive Dunn (born January 9, 1920) is a retired British actor, singer and entertainer best known for his role as Lance-Corporal Jones in the BBC sitcom, Dads Army. Born in London, a cousin of actress Gretchen Franklin, Dunn played small film roles from the 1930s onwards. ... John Laurie (25 March 1897 - 23 June 1980) was an actor born in Dumfries, Scotland. ... James Beck (February 21, 1929 – August 6, 1973) was an actor best remembered for his role as Pvt. ... Arnold Ridley (January 7, 1896 — March 12, 1984) was a British playwright and actor. ... Ian Lavender (born 16 February 1946) is a film and television actor best known for his role as Private Frank Pike in the BBC comedy series Dads Army. ... Bernard Archard is an English actor born in London, England on August 20, 1922. ... Columbia Pictures current logo. ... March 12 is the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (72nd in leap years). ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1971 calendar). ... Look up September in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1971 calendar). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1971 calendar). ... Dads Army was a British sitcom about the Home Guard in the Second World War, written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and broadcast on BBC television between 1968 and 1977. ...

Plot

Prologue

Operation Dynamo has just taken place. From the newly conquered French coastline, a Nazi colonel looks out over the English Channel with powerful binoculars. Surveying the White Cliffs of Dover, he spies Godfrey emerging from a lavatory. Godfrey joins the rest of his platoon, who are defiantly waving the Union Jack. Men from the French army disembark in England after evacuation of Dunkirk, France 1940. ... National Socialism redirects here. ... Satellite view of the English Channel Map of the English Channel The English Channel (French: La Manche (IPA: ) is the part of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the island of Great Britain from northern France and joins the North Sea to the Atlantic. ... The white cliffs of Dover The white cliffs of Dover, immortalized in popular song and verse (by Vera Lynn, Kate Smith, Matthew Arnold, Eric Johnson and others), are cliffs facing the Strait of Dover near the major English port town of Dover, in the county of Kent, and form part... Private Charles Godfrey is a fictional retired tailor and Home Guard platoon member portrayed by Arnold Ridley on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army, set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea during World War Two. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 Union Jack is the commonly used name for the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ...

The film

It is 1940. George Mainwaring, the manager of Martin's Bank, Walmington-on-Sea is walking to work through the town centre and once there, he opens the bank and refuses to cash a cheque for a man who does not have an account with them. Unbeknown to him, the man is Major General Fullard, a high ranking army officer, who refers to Mainwaring as a "Damn Bank Clerk". Meanwhile, once in his office, Mainwaring discusses with his chief clerk, Wilson, the recent downturn in the fortunes of British forces in France - German forces have advanced 50 miles, and have broken through the Maginot Line. Suddenly, he remembers that Anthony Eden is to make an important radio broadcast about civil defence. Thus, Mainwaring, Wilson and the junior clerk, Pike head down to the local wireless shop and demand the proprietor to switch on a radio. Eden announces that the a new civil defence initiative has been launched, to be called the "Local Defence Volunteers" and that men should register at their local police station. The three men go to register at once, picking up Jack Jones, the butcher, on the way. Captain George Mainwaring (pronounced Mannering) is a fictional bank manager and Home Guard platoon commander portrayed by Arthur Lowe on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army, set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea during World War Two. ... Walmington-on-Sea was a fictional seaside resort where the BBC tv comedy series, BBC radio series and film Dads Army was based. ... Sergeant (The Honourable) Arthur Wilson is a fictional Home Guard platoon sergeant and bank clerk portrayed by John Le Mesurier on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army. ... The Maginot Line (IPA: [maʒino], named after French minister of defense André Maginot) was a line of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, machine gun posts and other defenses which France constructed along its borders with Germany and with Italy in the wake of World War I. Generally the term... Robert Anthony Eden, 1st Earl of Avon, KG, MC, PC (June 12, 1897– January 14, 1977), British politician, was Foreign Secretary during World War II and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the 1950s. ... The stupid boy Private Frank Pike is a fictional junior bank clerk and Home Guard platoon member portrayed by Ian Lavender on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army, set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea during World War Two. ...

Once at the police station, chaos ensues because there is nobody to organise the enrollment of the men. Mainwaring, being the local bank manager, takes it upon himself to take charge, leading the men to St. Aldheim's church hall where he will take down names. On the way, he also picks up local spiv, Joe Walker, who imagines that where there are crowds, there is business. Private Joe Walker is a fictional black market spiv (or Wholesales Trader, as he politely puts it) and Home Guard platoon member portrayed by actor James Beck on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army. ...

Once at the church hall, Mainwaring appoints Wilson as his sergeant and (after a bribe of some sausages) Jack Jones as his Lance-Corporal. However, the enrollment does not go entirely to plan due to using choir sign-up sheets instead of official forms and the ARP wardens holding a meeting in the hall. Mainwaring therefore tells his men to parade at the church hall later that evening with any weapons they can find. Air Raid Precautions (ARP) was an organization in the United Kingdom dedicated to the protection of civilians from the danger of air-raids. ...

At the parade, some soldiers have made more effort than others, with Pike attaching a carving knife to a brush handle, but leaving the bristled end on as well. However, some have formidable weapons, and one man even has a gun (although he refuses to give in to Mainwaring). Mainwaring then gives the men a lecture on how to stop tanks with makeshift petrol bombs. Meanwhile, a lorry arrives at the vicarage to take away the church bells for gun metal. Upset that this will end his hobby of campanology, the Vicar decides to ring the bells for the last time. However, the ringing of church bells was designated as the warning signal of an invasion, and the troops improvise a blockage on the main road into the town. Once the truth emerges they are told to move the blockade by Chief ARP Warden Hodges. Campanology is the study of bells — the methods of casting and tuning them, and the art or science of ringing them. ... Chief ARP Warden Bert Hodges, nearly always referred to as Hodges, is a fictional greengrocer and Chief Air Raid Warden portrayed by Bill Pertwee in the BBC television sitcom Dads Army. ...

The platoon is then seen marching along, gradually gaining their uniforms and weapons. Also, following Dunkirk, the LDV is to be renamed the "Home Guard". This is intersperced by a number of demonstrations of Jones' makeshift weapons. The first is a rocket launcher designed to take down enemy aircraft. This works well, although unfortunately sets fire to a nearby barn. Next, Jones demonstrates his tank, which is an upturned bath on wheels. However, it rolls down a hill, crashes into a pond and sinks. The next invention is Frazer's oil slick creator, which is a tank full of oil, which spreads oil over the road through a cistern. Major General Fullard is invited to inspect this device, although the demonstration is ruined when Jones falls onto the handle, which spreads oil over the road, causing the general's staff car to skid. Finally, Jones demonstrates his converted butcher's van, with gun-slots in the side and roof. This is a success, and Mainwaring imagines it will be the star of the upcoming Home Guard training weekend, and informs Jones that due to petrol rationing he has arranged to have it converted to gas. The Local Defence Volunteers (LDV) or Home Guard, was instituted by the British government during World War II to defend the UK in the event of an invasion by Germany. ... Private James Frazer is a fictional undertaker and Home Guard platoon member portrayed by John Laurie on the BBC television sitcom Dads Army, set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea during World War Two. ... Rationing is the controlled distribution of resources and scarce goods or services: it restricts how much people are allowed to buy or consume. ...

The platoon is on the way to the training weekend in Jones' newly-converted van, with the gas being stored in a large bag on the roof. Jones is in the back talking about his previous campaigns and demonstrating his skills with the bayonette. Suddenly, Mainwaring spots what he thinks is a Stuker dive bomber and orders the platoon to fire on it. Unfortunately, Jones still has his bayonette attached, and the gas bag is punctured, rendering the van unusable. The platoon arrive at the camp late, with the van towed by a steam roller. However, neither Jones or Mainwaring know how to drive it or stop it, and the roller ends up destroying the platoon's tents, as well as other equipment, furthur angering Major General Fullard, who is in charge of the weekend exercises. Bayonet OKC_3S _ Ontario Knife Company. ... A steamroller is a type of heavy machinery which consists of a large tractor and a heavy cylinder that sits in front of it and functions as the front wheel. ...

In the morning, after a night spent sleeping without tents, the platoon wake up to find that they have overslept and (apart from Wilson) missed breakfast. Confidence in Mainwaring's leadership is beginning to falter. Major General Fullard informs them that they are to look after the pontoon bridge during the day's exercise. However, the bridge has been sabotaged by the Royal Marines, and the cable ties cut. Luckily, Walker and Jones spot the bridge is loose and manage to stop it floating away. Unfortunately, the general arrives on his horse to inspect them and demands a salute. Thus, the bridge floats away with the general and his horse aboard. Pontoon bridge across the James River at Richmond, Virginia, 1865. ... Her Majestys Royal Marines, also known as the Royal Marines (RM), are the United Kingdoms amphibious force and Naval Infantry. ...

The platoon manage to catch up with the general, and lean over a bridge to pull him to safety. However, Jones falls off and ends up hanging onto the general's horse, which is still on the boat. Mainwaring and the others then run after him, leaving the general fuming. Mainwaring, Wilson and Frazer manage to board the floating bridge, although it soon gets stuck in the middle of some weeds. Captain Mainwaring decides that there is no alternative but to swim for help. He ceremoniously removes his hat and items, only to jump into shallow water. They are then able to ride across and back to the camp. In the morning, Captain Mainwaring is summoned to the general's office and is told that due to the platoon's poor showing, he is to recommend Mainwaring be replaced.

While the platoon are walking back to Walmington, a Luftwaffe aircraft is shot down and the three crew parachute out. They are told by Nazi headquarters that they are too valuable to be imprisoned, and must return to Germany at all costs. Therefore, they burst into Walmington church hall, where the mayor is holding a meeting, and hold the people at gunpoint with the vicar as the hostage. They demand a boat back to France, and release the Verger to arrange this. Meanwhile, Mainwaring and his men arrive back in Walmington after getting a lift back in a refuse lorry. However, they are surprised to find the church doors locked and demand entry. The vicar, at gunpoint, refuses them entry, saying that there is a "young mothers meeting" although his expression makes them suspicous. This suspicion is verified by the Verger, who has telephoned the army and police. However, by this point the "real" military have begun to arrive, and Major General Fullard tells the Walmington Home Guard to leave. Mainwaring has to comply, but congregates around the other side of the church. The Deutsche Luftwaffe or (German: air force, literally Air Arm or Air Weapon, IPA: [luftvafÉ™]) is the commonly used term for the German air force. ... A verger (or virger, so called after the staff of the office) is a person, usually a layperson, who assists in the ordering of religious services, particularly in Anglican churches. ...

The platoon then formulate a plan to infiltrate the building though the church crypt. Dressed in choir surpluses, they process into the church hall singing an irreverent version of All Things Bright and Beautiful. The Nazi airmen are confused and tell them to halt. Mainwaring suddenly pulls a gun out from under a collection plate and points it at the leader. They both say they will shoot after a count of three. There is a tense moment as both men count to three. Mainwaring then reminds him that if he is shot, there is a whole platoon to replace him. Suddenly the platoon all pull out rifles. The German airmen are forced to surrender, and the congregation burst into applause. Bemused, Major General Fullard enters and is shocked to see that Mainwaring and the Home Guard have ended the situation successfully. Crypt is also a commonly used name of water trumpets, aquatic plants. ... A rifle is a firearm with a stock and a barrel that has a spiral groove or grooves (rifling) cut into its interior. ... Applause (Latin applaudere, to strike upon, clap) is primarily the expression of approval by the act of clapping, or striking the palms of the hands together, in order to create noise; generally any expression of approval. ...

The following day, Mainwaring is walking to work again through the high street. Word of his heroics has spread around the town, and he is congratulated by several passers-by. At the bank, he is greeted by Wilson who tells him that the German's gun wasn't loaded. Mainwaring confesses that his wasn't either.

Epilogue

Mainwaring and the Home Guard are once again looking towards France from the cliff-tops. The weather has changed for the worst and it seems unlikely that the Germans will invade. Wilson asks if they may have the weekend off, but Mainwaring refuses, warning that they could invade at any time - they may even be tunnelling under their feet. Jones thinks he can hear a burrowing sound, and is joined by the others. The film ends with Mainwaring suspecting it is Pike shuffling his feet.

Differences to the television series

The film made a number of significant changes, imposed by Columbia Pictures, such as recasting Liz Frazer as Mavis Pike instead of Janet Davies and filming outdoor scenes in Chalfont St Giles rather than Thetford. Also, the bank was now "Martin's" rather than "Swallow" Bank. In addition, with the increase in budget, the set interiors and the vehicles used were completely different, and the streets of Walmington had extras walking on them. As well as this, the audience saw the Germans preparing across the Channel, rather than simply being an unseen threat. Columbia Pictures current logo. ... Janet Davies (1927–22 September 1986) was a British actress. ... Map sources for Chalfont St Giles at grid reference SU985935 Chalfont St Giles is a village in south east Buckinghamshire in the United Kingdom, on the edge of the Chilterns, 25 miles from London, and near to Seer Green, Jordans, Chalfont St Peter, Little Chalfont and Amersham. ... Map sources for Thetford at grid reference TL8783 Thetford is a town in the Breckland area of Norfolk, England. ...

Many of the changes, in particular the recasting of Mrs. Pike met with criticism. Jimmy Perry has said "It was a mistake...not to cast Janet in the role because the viewing public has come to recognise her as Mrs. Pike. But that was a decision made by Columbia.".^[1]

Reception

Filming took place between 10 August and 25 September 1970, at Shepperton Studios and various locations. The film's UK premiere was on 12 March 1971 at the Columbia Theatre in London. Critical reviews were mixed, but it performed well at the UK box office. August 10 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... September 25 is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years). ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1970 calendar). ... Shepperton Studios at Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making. ... March 12 is the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (72nd in leap years). ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1971 calendar). ... London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union. ...

Discussions were held about a possible sequel, to be called Dad's Army and the Secret U-Boat Base, but the project never came to fruition.^[2]

References

1. ^ Jimmy Perry interviewed in Richard Webber Dad's Army: A Celebration, (Virgin Publishing 1997), p.168, ISBN 0-7535-0307-7
2. ^ Richard Webber Dad's Army: A Celebration, (Virgin Publishing 1997), pp.164-169, ISBN 0-7535-0307-7

External links

• Dad's Army at the Internet Movie Database

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ...