Volume 1

Dad's Army: The Very Best Episodes

Dad's Army fan Phill Jupitus selects four of his favourite episodes from the evergreen radio series, starring Arthur Lowe, John le Mesurier and Clive Dunn.

Diehard Dad's Army fan Phill Jupitus has selected four of his favourite episodes from the sitcom that captured the heart of a nation. As Jupitus says, 'There are episodes here you will be familiar with and some you may never have heard, but what I can promise is that they are all achingly funny.' 'The Man and the Hour' is the first ever episode of the series, in which Mainwaring barks out, 'Come on Adolf, we're ready for you!'; 'My British Buddy' finds Mollie Sugden guest starring as a Walmington inhabitant besotted with the new GIs in town; 'Time on My Hands' finds a German airman snagged by his parachute on the town hall clock; and in 'A Soldier's Farewell' Mainwaring dreams he is Napoleon at Waterloo, with Wilson an elegant Duke of Wellington... Providing stalwart support to the stars are John Laurie, James Beck, Arnold Ridley, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee. 
 
2 CDs. 1 hr 53 mins.

You Have Been Watching - The Autobiography Of David Croft

As the writer and creator of some of the best loved series in British TV history, David Croft has captivated audiences with such timelessly lovable sitcoms as Dads Army, Hi de Hi, Allo Allo and Are You Being Served.      David's autobiography reflects on a life that has always revolved around showbusiness  his mother was the famous actress Annie Croft  and provides a privileged insight into the workings of British TV in what Croft suggests was the golden era of the 60s to 80s.  The book also illuminates Croft as a person as he tells of his experiences during the war years and the ups and downs of his family life.      Characteristically warm and funny, David Crofts Autobiography is a first-class account of a life surrounded by celebrities. Devotees of his programmes will enjoy a wealth of anecdotes about actors such as Clive Dunn and Wendy Richards and relish the behind-the-scenes insights into the personalities and working styles of some of Britains most famous television actors.

Jimmy Perry

David Croft

Arthur Lowe

John Le Mesurier

Ian Lavender

Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee star in the radio sequel sitcom to ‘Dad’s Army’.   ‘The Pilot’ - In this rare pilot, war is over and former Home Guard Captain Mainwaring plans to renovate Frambourne-on-Sea’s pier. However, to get a loan he approaches local bank manager, Arthur Wilson.   ‘The Business Proposition’ - In the first episode of the series (and after the sad death of Arthur Lowe) Bert Hodges, former ARP warden, is looking for a partner to renovate the pier. Maybe he can get Frank Pike to talk to his ‘uncle’ Arthur...   ‘The Bank Loan’ - How can Hodges and Pike persuade Wilson to loan them the money...?   ‘Who Owned the Pier?’ - Pike and Hodges research the history of Frambourne Pier, and a visit by the electrician brings worrying news.   With Arthur Lowe as George Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Arthur Wilson, Ian Lavender as Frank Pike and Bill Pertwee as Bert Hodges, ‘It Sticks Out Half a Mile’ was written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, who also adapted ‘Dad’s Army’ for radio.

David Croft

Books by David Croft

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter