Dad's Army

Series 3 - Episode 2 Battle School

Review

by Mark Braxton

Some cute rarities in tonight’s old boys’ parade, among them a train trip, the sight of Frazer knitting and the self-referential gag of the platoon whistling the show’s theme tune. But to begin with, spirits plummet after Mainwaring’s map-reading deficiencies cause the men to miss supper at a weekend camp. A surly Spanish captain (Alan Tilvern) who’s determined to catch them out just compounds the misery.

Footage from the ensuing field exercise (filmed at an actual Second World War training area in Thetford, Norfolk) will be familiar from the series’ end credits, and the episode’s broad-as-a-barn comedy is carried off with such aplomb you can’t help but smile.

Summary

The men head off for a weekend at a training camp, but arrive late and hungry after Mainwaring's map-reading skills are found to be somewhat lacking. They then have to capture an enemy's camp during an exercise, giving the captain a chance to earn back his men's respect. Comedy first broadcast in 1969, starring Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.

Cast & Crew

Capt Mainwaring Arthur Lowe

Sgt Wilson John Le Mesurier

Lt Cpl Jones Clive Dunn

Pte Frazer John Laurie

Pte Walker James Beck

Pte Godfrey Arnold Ridley

Pte Pike Ian Lavender

Pte Sponge Colin Bean

Capt Rodrigues Alan Tilvern

Maj Smith Alan Haines

Producer David Croft

Writer David Croft

Writer Jimmy Perry

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Review

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