The 40th anniversary of Dad’s Army is upon us, and this Sunday on BBC Two Jonathan Ross will host a special broadcast at 7pm.

Despite the series’ immense popularity over the years, it is true to say that latterly the advenures of Captain Mainwaring and company haven’t really received the level of regard that perhaps they should.

Dad’s Army is a template for any ensemble drama, nevermind comedy, with a good 90% of the laughs coming from the characters, their traits and motivations.

Nothing is forced with Dad’s Army, and nor should it be. With stars like Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Bill Pertwee and Clive Dunn, and superb scripts from Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the series is a shining beacon of light, and should be the first port of call for any writer wanting to create a lasting, successful and popular comedy series.

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Not before time, the BBC are running a tribute to the long running classic sitcom Dad’s Army, set during World War Two.

Jonathan Ross Salutes Dad’s Army will be, it seems, hosted by Jonathan Ross, and will include some of the series’ stars, creators and celebrity fans.  The series originally ran from 1968 to 1977, and has been repeated almost constantly since then.  Dad’s Army featured the superb casting of Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring and John Le Mesurier as Sgt Wilson, while Clive Dunn  also starred as Corporal Jones. Creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft wrote It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum.

Interestingly, producers of the one-hour special want to hear from fans of the TV comedy and anyone who met the cast and crew.  Annoyingly the BBC webpage doesn’t indicate how you can contact the producers…

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