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FREEDADS ARMY: THE STORY OF A VERY BRITISH COMEDY EBOOK Graham McCann | 304 pages | 02 Sep 2002 | HarperCollins Publishers | 9781841153094 | English | London, United Kingdom Dad's Army: The Story of a Classic Television Show by Graham McCann Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Other editions. Enlarge cover. Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Details if other :. Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. When we laugh at Dad's Army we laugh at ourselves, and more than 30 years after it was first broadcast, millions of us are still laughing—whenever and wherever it is repeated. With contributions from the people who planned, produced, and performed in the sitcom, and material drawn from the BBC archives, acclaimed author Graham McCann has written the definitive story of a v When we laugh at Dad's Army we laugh at ourselves, and more than 30 years after it was first broadcast, millions of us are still laughing—whenever and wherever it is repeated. With contributions from the people who planned, produced, and performed in the sitcom, and material drawn from the BBC archives, acclaimed author Graham McCann has written the definitive story of a very British comedy. This is the story of a classic British sitcom and its enduring appeal. Get A Copy. Paperbackpages. Published by Fourth Estate first published October 15th More Details Other Editions 2. Friend Reviews. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Dad's Armyplease sign up. Lists with This Book. Community Reviews. Showing Average rating 4. Rating details. More filters. Sort order. Jul 10, George Fairbrother rated it it was amazing. The author's love and regard for his subject shines through in this detailed and very human account of a unique ensemble of actors who came together, almost by accident, Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy created something enduring and magic. It's fascinating to be taken through the development and rehearsal process, and watch as some of the actors' own personality traits come to inform the characters they play. The actors themselves, Arnold Ridley and John Laurie Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy particular, are fascinating in their own right, and it's po The author's love Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy regard for his subject shines through in this detailed and very human account of a unique ensemble of actors who came together, almost by accident, and created something enduring and magic. The actors themselves, Arnold Ridley and John Laurie in particular, are fascinating in their own right, and it's poignant to read of their smoldering anger over the Great War even fifty years on. This is a great read, and one that you can go back to time and again, select a random page and enjoy it just as much as the first time. Aug 15, Kay Smillie rated it really liked it. A nostalgic look back at the timeless sitcom, Dad's Army, which will never age due to it's setting on the south coast of England during WW2. Everyone will have their own favourite character Fraser, a fellow Scotsman, for me and they are all well covered in here. I love how the main cast treated the extras as equals. How they all worked really well together. And how you still find it being shown on telly to this day. Fan of the show? Buy this book. Ray Smillie. Mar 15, Simone Retro rated it liked it. Such a charming book. May 15, Ade Bailey rated it it was amazing Shelves: culture. Classic UK TV comedy show 'about' the Home Guard in Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy War Two, in the programme represented by a motley crew of characters from the 'stupid boy' Pike to the octagenarian Godfrey, all led by the pompous bank manager aka Captain Mainwaring. Although this book is delightful in recalling the humour and giving biographies of the actors, and addressing the interesting aspects of production, what's best about it stems from what the great Dennis Potter said of it: " Dad's Army is made possib Classic UK TV comedy show 'about' the Home Guard in World War Two, in the programme represented by a motley crew of characters from the 'stupid boy' Pike to the octagenarian Godfrey, all led by the pompous bank manager aka Captain Mainwaring. Although this book is delightful in recalling the humour and giving biographies of the actors, and addressing the interesting aspects of production, what's best about it stems from what the great Dennis Potter said of it: " Dad's Army is made possible by the extended koke which allows the British, or more specifically the English, to turn every possible encounter into a subtle joust about status. The book is supported by many references and quotations from erudite sources - including Wittgenstein! It all revolves around Mainwaring - that bumptious little Englander who is with us today and about whom we can only feel a sort of tender pity while at the same time ridiculing him. Jan 01, Emily Shepley rated it it was amazing. I've been a fan of the program since I was a young girl after my grandma introduced me to the platoon. Much of this book is a recount of each series and it's episodes; however, there are also many interviews and insights into the people involved in the series which offer a heartwarming and affectionate retelling of one of the best written British comedies. Aug 11, Benedict Reid added it. Very little information in this book. There was a short chapter about creating the show and then a whole lot of padding which had me screaming at the pages "But Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy seen the show, that's why I'm reading the book. Don't just describe the show, give me something more! Aug 08, Gareth Suddes rated it it was amazing. Really enjoyable read. I'vemissed you and would like to write. Feb 05, Steve Jones rated it it was amazing Shelves: ww2. Love anything to do with this excellent show. I watch every episode at least once a year. Nov 14, Colin Taylor rated it it was amazing. Fascinating insight into a timeless TV series a must read for all fans of the show. Maureen Killip rated it really liked it Aug 11, Mark Cowen rated it really liked it Jul 31, Barry Williams rated it really liked it Oct 14, Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy rated it really liked it Aug 20, Lucy rated it it was amazing Nov 16, Ian Elliott rated it really liked it Jun 19, Mike rated it really liked it Oct 25, Matthew Brannigan rated it really liked it Mar 11, Emma rated it liked it Apr 14, Nicholas rated it really liked it Feb 09, Tim rated it it was amazing Feb 19, Panouououls rated it it was amazing Oct 09, Peter Moore rated it liked it Jul 20, Stephen Robert Collins rated it liked it Nov 11, Geevee rated it really liked it Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy 28, Paul rated it liked it Jul 03, Floyd Blackwood rated it it was amazing Jun 18, Stewart Ogilvie- Goddard rated it it was amazing Sep 01, Adam Tyson rated it really Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy it May 11, There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Readers also enjoyed. About Graham McCann. Graham McCann. Books by Graham McCann. Escape the Present with These 24 Historical Romances. You know the saying: There's no time like the present In that case, we can't Read more No trivia or quizzes yet. Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Dad's Army - Wikipedia The sitcom ran for nine series and 80 episodes in total; there was also a radio version based on the television scripts, a feature film and a stage show. The series regularly gained audiences of 18 million viewers, and is still repeated worldwide. The Home Guard consisted of local volunteers otherwise ineligible for military service, either because of age hence the title Dad's Army or by being in professions exempt from conscription. Younger members of the cast included Ian LavenderClive Dunn who played the oldest guardsman, Lance Corporal Jones, despite being one of the younger cast membersand James Beck who died suddenly during production of the sixth series in It had been placed 13th in a list of the Greatest British Television Programmes drawn up by the British Film Institute in and voted for by industry professionals. The series has influenced British popular culturewith its catchphrases and characters being Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy known. Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy was only 17 years old when he joined the 10th Hertfordshire Battalion. His mother did not like him being out at night, and feared he might catch cold; he partly resembled the character of Private Pike. Film historian Jeffrey Richards has cited Lancastrian comedian Robb Wilton as a key influence; [9] he portrayed a work-shy husband who joined the Home Guard in numerous comic sketches during WW2. Perry wrote the first script and gave it to David Croft while working as a minor actor in the Croft-produced sitcom Hugh and Ioriginally intending the role Dads Army: The Story of a Very British Comedy the spivlater called Walker, to be his own.