The Complete A-Z of Dad's Army

Sitting on a train back in 1967, Jimmy Perry started to formulate an idea for a television sitcom. Until this point, his only experience in the medium had been as an actor, but he harboured a dream to write for the small screen, partly because he could create a good part for himself.

A year later, Dad’s Army was born and, although there was no part for him, Jimmy Perry could not believe his luck when the BBC commissioned a series, which was produced and co-written by leading producer, David Croft. The hilarious adventures of Walmington-on-Sea’s Home Guard platoon brought together an irreplaceable cast, comprised of actors who had largely learnt their trade treading the boards in repertory companies up and down the country. Over the nine years the show ran, Messrs. Lowe, Laurie, Le Mesurier, Beck, Dunn, Lavender, Ridley et al became household names, capturing the heart of the nation.

The show ran to 80 episodes and spawned a film, stage show and long-running radio series. Regularly repeated, Dad’s Army is arguable the best situation comedy ever written. To celebrate this enduring appeal, this book has been written with the full co-operation of the script writers, Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who have made available documents and scripts during the research process. Covering every aspect of the Dad’s Army legend, this book sets out to provide fans with everything they should ever need to know about the show and includes cast lists, previously unpublished photos, character profiles, actor profiles, and much more.

As well as an exhaustive source of reference, this book is tribute to a much-loved gem of British comedy.