We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story

Don't panic! (Apologies, couldn't resist) Why would you in fact? It's the story of how Dad's Army was born! And it is sublime. A word or two if I may, on a wonderful piece of one-off BBC television drama surrounding the birth of one of the best examples of British sitcom of all time.

Focusing on how writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft, both struggling in their own ways within the realms of the BBC in the 60's, both came together and struggled to bring what became the infinitely successful and still charmingly funny Dad's Army into the world.

I love programmes like this, and I feel the BBC does them especially well. Heavily based on rather interesting historical incidents and entertainment archive trends, yet with the proviso and the exception that these events will be embellished and stylishly presented just enough to enhance their own considerable value to an audience. This is not the first time in recent memory the Beeb has produced this sort of thing (see my BLOG ARCHIVE for something similar about the early life of Sir Lenny Henry) but I am glad to say they have pulled it off again.

At its heart, the narrative is simple - the various ups and downs of the craft and release of Dad's Army series one. Yet the performances and the supreme moments of charm that adorn this narrative are joyous to behold. 

The ensemble cast is supremely delightful, and it is heavily populated with numerous gems. Richard Dormer and Paul Ritter have for many years been very successful character actors, and here they are again - the key roles of David Croft and Jimmy Perry respectively seem made for them.

The "gang", or cast of Dad's Army as presented in this programme themselves feature some great performances also. The casting of the likes of the legendary John Sessions as the equally so Arthur Lowe, Keith Allen as BBC One Director Paul Fox, Julian Sands as John Le Mesurier along with various others, are inspired. Each and every scene this results in brilliant moments of quality, drama and hilarity.

This may seem like something out of nothing, and at its heart it is just about the making of Dad's Army. Yet I urge you to iPlayer this one - as I am sure it will at the very least put a smile on your face.