The Best of British Comedy: Dad's Army: The Best Scenes, Jokes, and One-Liners

by Richard Webber

In the annals of British television, no finer example of classic comedy exists than in the shape of 'Dad's Army'. Now approaching its 50th anniversary year, what better time to celebrate the magic of the show.

As well as script extracts, brilliant one-liners and jokes, 'The Best of British Comedy - Dad's Army' includes fascinating facts, memories from those who worked on the series, quizzes and much, much more.

A pocket book full of the best bits of one of our best-loved comedies, this is the perfect reminder of why 'Dad's Army' remains so popular.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best scenes, jokes and one liners from the amazing nine year run of the classic UK sit-com Dad's Army. Another laugh-out-loud documentary of the best scenes and exchanges between Mainwaring, Jones, Wilson, Godfrey etc. and co, as well as a lot of insight from both the actors and the writing team of David Croft Jimmy Perry (they also wrote Hi-De-Hi and You Rang M'Lord). 7 out of 12

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder if this show would have been as popular if it had retained its originally intended title? That was 'The Fighting Tigers'. Possibly, possibly not, but it doesn't matter now for 'Dad's Army' it became and an immediate success if proved to be.

The programme began on 31 July 1968 and ran until 1977 by which time nine series and three Christmas specials, totalling 80 instalments, had been screened - and enjoyed by the millions of fans who tuned in. Ironically the writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft considered calling it a day in 1975 but the then Controller of BBC1, David Attenborough, persuaded them to continue for another series and two further Christmas specials.

The casting was interesting for some of the actors were not the original first choice for their respective roles but when it was finally sorted out, everybody was happy with Arthur Lowe and his troops.

This book has brief sketches, and quite a number of one-liners, such as 'You stupid boy' (Mainwaring to Pike), 'Right, now pay attention, all of you' (Mainwaring to his troops) and 'I would like to volunteer, sir' (Jones to Mainwaring). In addition there are many memories from the actors and writers all of which present a fun-filled time and which also make a most readable and funny book. 'Is that wise, sir?' [not to read it], that is a question often asked by Wilson of Mainwaring! The answer with my words added to the question is very definitely 'No!'

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing stocking filler.

[Ross Whamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snippets that capture the essence of the best comedy ever.From short script extracts and quotes from the cast.

This brings back all the memories