Dad’s Army is a classic bit of British Television and is pretty mcuh required viewing for any patriotic Brit.
The patriotic show focuses on the Home Guard, the groups of locals who formed during World War II, made up of people unable to go fight over seas, to protect their communities in the event of invasion.
A show made up of characters with strong identities and catchphrases this clip features one of the stand out guardsmen Lance Corporal Jones the family butcher (played by Clive Dunn). While serving a customer with her rations of meat he drops this line:
I have to assume he’s employing a bit of that typically British language.. the rhyming slang and Veronica Lake being a long winded way of saying "Steak"
Not sure if it was contemporary to the time period or just something made up by Croft & Perry (the writers). I’m also unsure if she would have been flattered by the reference but it shows the longevity of her work as these shows were produced during the 1970’s.
"Dad’s Army" is a classic British sitcom that aired from 1968 to 1977. Created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who also co-wrote the episodes, the series is set during World War II and focuses on the misadventures of a local Home Guard platoon, a volunteer military force assembled in Britain as a secondary defence force in case of invasion by Germany. The show is renowned for its character-driven humour, wit, and reflections on British society and class during the war era.
The Home Guard, consisting of men ineligible for military service, mostly due to age, being in reserved occupations, or being deemed unfit for service, is depicted in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea. The platoon is led by the pompous yet courageous Captain Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe, and his mild-mannered deputy, Sergeant Wilson, portrayed by John Le Mesurier. The ensemble cast also includes characters such as Lance Corporal Jones, Private Frazer, Private Walker, Private Godfrey, and Private Pike, each bringing their own quirks and backgrounds to the platoon’s dynamic.
"Dad’s Army" humorously explores themes of camaraderie, the British "stiff upper lip," and the social changes brought about by the war. The series is celebrated for its clever writing, character development, and the ability to blend comedy with moments of poignancy and genuine emotion. Despite the comedic nature of the show, it also pays tribute to the real Home Guard and their contribution to the war effort, providing a sense of nostalgia and national pride.
The popularity of "Dad’s Army" has endured over the years, making it one of the most beloved British TV shows of all time. It spawned a radio adaptation, a feature film in 1971, stage shows, and a further film remake in 2016. The series’ catchphrases, such as Captain Mainwaring’s "You stupid boy!" directed at the naive Private Pike, have entered British pop culture lexicon.
The show’s ability to resonate with audiences, both during its original run and in reruns, lies in its universal themes of unity, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. "Dad’s Army" remains a high point in British television history, celebrated for its humour, heart, and historical context.
