English actor and television screenwriter Jimmy Perry, best known for co-creating the BBC sitcom Dad’s Army and for his long partnership with producer-writer David Croft, died today after a short illness. He was 93. Born in London in 1923, Perry served in the Home Guard during World War II and would later mine those experiences for his most well-known television show. In partnership with Croft, Perry created the sitcom Dad’s Army, about members of the Home Guard, in 1968…...
- 10/23/2016
- Deadline TV
As Gord Downie’s neuro-oncologist, Dr. James Perry knew his patient would face mental and physical challenges while on stage for The Tragically Hip’s cross-Canada tour but admits he never doubted the frontman’s conviction, boldness and energy as a performer. “I was impressed. That’s what I can say. The best moment for me was the very […]...
- 8/10/2016
- by kmorawetz
- ET Canada
facebook
twitter
google+
The new take on Dad's Army gives a standout role to Toby Jones. Here's our review of the new comedy.
Don't panic! Oliver Parker's big screen version of classic British sitcom Dad's Army (48 years old this year) is remarkably faithful to Jimmy Perry and David Croft's much-loved original and by no means the travesty that some had feared. It benefits chiefly from a note-perfect cast and a warm glow of reverential nostalgia that pervades the entire project, but it's slightly let down by a meandering script and the playing-it-safe comedy moments tend to generate amused smiles rather than out-and-out laughter.
Set in 1944, in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, the film stars Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, the leader of an elderly platoon of the Home Guard that comprises Oxford-educated Sergeant Wilson (Bill Nighy), doddery Private Godfrey (Michael Gambon), excitable Lance Corporal Jones (Tom Courtenay...
google+
The new take on Dad's Army gives a standout role to Toby Jones. Here's our review of the new comedy.
Don't panic! Oliver Parker's big screen version of classic British sitcom Dad's Army (48 years old this year) is remarkably faithful to Jimmy Perry and David Croft's much-loved original and by no means the travesty that some had feared. It benefits chiefly from a note-perfect cast and a warm glow of reverential nostalgia that pervades the entire project, but it's slightly let down by a meandering script and the playing-it-safe comedy moments tend to generate amused smiles rather than out-and-out laughter.
Set in 1944, in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, the film stars Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, the leader of an elderly platoon of the Home Guard that comprises Oxford-educated Sergeant Wilson (Bill Nighy), doddery Private Godfrey (Michael Gambon), excitable Lance Corporal Jones (Tom Courtenay...
- 2/3/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
facebook
twitter
google+
We're Doomed: The Dad's Army Story is touching, humorous and ultimately heartwarming piece of television...
New Dad’s Army casts are like buses: you wait ages for one to come along, and then when two turn up at once they don’t like it up ‘em. While it’s never been far from the public consciousness, the sitcom about the Home Guard of Walmington-on-Sea seems to have experienced a surge in popularity over the last few years, with repeats on BBC Two having become a Saturday night staple - only a few weeks ago, it was the programme with the highest Appreciation Index for the whole of a Saturday which included Strictly, The X Factor, I’m A Celeb and the Doctor Who finale. And with the new Dad’s Army film starring Toby Jones and Bill Nighy set for release in February, it’s the perfect...
google+
We're Doomed: The Dad's Army Story is touching, humorous and ultimately heartwarming piece of television...
New Dad’s Army casts are like buses: you wait ages for one to come along, and then when two turn up at once they don’t like it up ‘em. While it’s never been far from the public consciousness, the sitcom about the Home Guard of Walmington-on-Sea seems to have experienced a surge in popularity over the last few years, with repeats on BBC Two having become a Saturday night staple - only a few weeks ago, it was the programme with the highest Appreciation Index for the whole of a Saturday which included Strictly, The X Factor, I’m A Celeb and the Doctor Who finale. And with the new Dad’s Army film starring Toby Jones and Bill Nighy set for release in February, it’s the perfect...
- 12/22/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Don't panic! Your first look at BBC Two's upcoming Dad's Army origins drama is here.
We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story tells of the struggles creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft had to endure to get the classic comedy on screen.
The stills show Friday Night Dinner's Paul Ritter and Game of Thrones actor Richard Dormer as Perry and Croft, respectively, and John Sessions as a dead ringer for Arthur Lowe.
EastEnders star Shane Richie will play Bill Pertwee in the one-off film, with the rest of the Dad's Army actors portrayed by Julian Sands (as John Le Mesurier), Mark Heap (as Clive Dunn), Kevin Bishop (as James Beck), Michael Cochrane (as Arnold Ridley) and Ralph Riach (as John Laurie).
Meanwhile, Keith Allen will appear as TV executive Paul Fox and Sally Phillips will play Croft's wife Ann.
The drama has been written by Stephen Russell (Shameless) and...
We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story tells of the struggles creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft had to endure to get the classic comedy on screen.
The stills show Friday Night Dinner's Paul Ritter and Game of Thrones actor Richard Dormer as Perry and Croft, respectively, and John Sessions as a dead ringer for Arthur Lowe.
EastEnders star Shane Richie will play Bill Pertwee in the one-off film, with the rest of the Dad's Army actors portrayed by Julian Sands (as John Le Mesurier), Mark Heap (as Clive Dunn), Kevin Bishop (as James Beck), Michael Cochrane (as Arnold Ridley) and Ralph Riach (as John Laurie).
Meanwhile, Keith Allen will appear as TV executive Paul Fox and Sally Phillips will play Croft's wife Ann.
The drama has been written by Stephen Russell (Shameless) and...
- 10/27/2015
- Digital Spy
A crack commando unit they ain't, but Walmington-on-Sea's Home Guard could turn out to be a war-saving weapon as the Allies turn their faces to Hitler's Atlantic Wall. That's the set-up for the new Dad's Army movie. The key players have assembled for the new poster below and look suitably patriotic on a clifftop, most likely before scarpering from an irate cow.Hitler’s Atlantic Wall can probably sleep easy a while longer, because Captain Mainwaring (Toby Jones) and his cohort remain the loveably ramshackle bunch of memory. The spirit of the great Jimmy Perry/David Croft BBC sitcom runs through this playful return to the home front during the dark days of World War II. This time it’s 1944 that forms the backdrop, a pre-invasion climate of paranoia and high anxiety largely lost on Privates Godfrey (Michael Gambon), Walker (Daniel Mays) and especially Pike (Blake Harrison). But somewhere in...
- 10/20/2015
- EmpireOnline
There's already a Dad's Army movie remake on the horizon, and now there's going to be a drama based around its origins.
EastEnders star Shane Richie will play Bill Pertwee in BBC Two's Making Dad's Army, a one-off film about the classic and beloved British sitcom.
The drama will focus on the show's original idea in 1967 up until its first broadcast in 1968, and the struggles creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft had to endure to get it on screen.
Friday Night Dinner's Paul Ritter will play Perry, while Game of Thrones actor Richard Dormer will portray Croft.
The rest of the Dad's Army actors will be played by John Sessions (as Arthur Lowe), Julian Sands (as John Le Mesurier), Mark Heap (as Clive Dunn), Kevin Bishop (as James Beck), Michael Cochrane (as Arnold Ridley) and Ralph Riach (as John Laurie).
Meanwhile, Keith Allen will play TV executive Paul Fox,...
EastEnders star Shane Richie will play Bill Pertwee in BBC Two's Making Dad's Army, a one-off film about the classic and beloved British sitcom.
The drama will focus on the show's original idea in 1967 up until its first broadcast in 1968, and the struggles creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft had to endure to get it on screen.
Friday Night Dinner's Paul Ritter will play Perry, while Game of Thrones actor Richard Dormer will portray Croft.
The rest of the Dad's Army actors will be played by John Sessions (as Arthur Lowe), Julian Sands (as John Le Mesurier), Mark Heap (as Clive Dunn), Kevin Bishop (as James Beck), Michael Cochrane (as Arnold Ridley) and Ralph Riach (as John Laurie).
Meanwhile, Keith Allen will play TV executive Paul Fox,...
- 8/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Don’t panic! The new adaptation of the 1970s sitcom that stars Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and Catherine Zeta Jones might not be completely terrible
Big-screen transfers for much-loved television sitcoms tend to follow something of a hit and miss pattern: for every Inbetweeners Movie there’s a League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse, and for every Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa there’s a Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie. And so it is with trepidation that we peer tentatively at the debut trailer for Dad’s Army, the second attempt to translate Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s adored 1970s show for the cinema (following the 1971 UK box office smash), in the potentially vain hope that it will enhance, rather than ruin fond memories of the original.
Continue reading...
Big-screen transfers for much-loved television sitcoms tend to follow something of a hit and miss pattern: for every Inbetweeners Movie there’s a League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse, and for every Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa there’s a Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie. And so it is with trepidation that we peer tentatively at the debut trailer for Dad’s Army, the second attempt to translate Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s adored 1970s show for the cinema (following the 1971 UK box office smash), in the potentially vain hope that it will enhance, rather than ruin fond memories of the original.
Continue reading...
- 8/13/2015
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
We’ve seen the images of the cast. We’ve had the poster. You know what follows next… That’s right, the first teaser trailer for the Dad’s Army film has come striding in like Captain Mainwaring and his less-than-elite squad in the end credits of the series.From the looks of this, the film has captured the spirit of the show with its bumbling Home Guard patrol forever doing their best to keep wartime Britain safe while never quite getting it right. The big test, of course, will be the film itself, but there’s certainly decent signs here, with Jones in particular finding a take on Mainwaring that doesn’t copy Arthur Lowe’s impeccable original, but echoes it.Oliver Parker is directing the remake of the classic Jimmy Perry/David Croft sitcom, which features a wide array of big British talent including Toby Jones (as Captain...
- 8/12/2015
- EmpireOnline
Remember Kinvig, Clone, Not With A Bang? These are the UK sci-fi sitcoms you’re unlikely to see on comedy best-of lists…
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
- 7/23/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Principal photography has wrapped on Dad’s Army, with Universal Pictures releasing in UK on Feb 5, 2016.
Written by Hamish McColl and directed by BAFTA award-winner Oliver Parker, the remake of the classic UK series stars Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon.
“This feature film re-imagining of the characters from the original comedy series, which remains a cultural heritage, is sure to please all audiences,” said Niels Swinkels, managing directorof Universal Pictures International UK & Eire.
The film was shot entirely on location in Yorkshire for seven weeks, beginning in early October and ending on Dec. 3.
“[Yorkshire’s] stunning locations give the film an epic scale and the people were beyond helpful” said producer Damian Jones.
Jimmy Perry, Ann Croft, Penny Croft, Hugo Heppell, Steve Milne, Christian Eisenbeiss, Josephine Rose and Miles Ketley serve as executive producers.
Universal Pictures International, through its division Universal Pictures International Production (Upip), previously acquired worldwide rights...
Written by Hamish McColl and directed by BAFTA award-winner Oliver Parker, the remake of the classic UK series stars Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon.
“This feature film re-imagining of the characters from the original comedy series, which remains a cultural heritage, is sure to please all audiences,” said Niels Swinkels, managing directorof Universal Pictures International UK & Eire.
The film was shot entirely on location in Yorkshire for seven weeks, beginning in early October and ending on Dec. 3.
“[Yorkshire’s] stunning locations give the film an epic scale and the people were beyond helpful” said producer Damian Jones.
Jimmy Perry, Ann Croft, Penny Croft, Hugo Heppell, Steve Milne, Christian Eisenbeiss, Josephine Rose and Miles Ketley serve as executive producers.
Universal Pictures International, through its division Universal Pictures International Production (Upip), previously acquired worldwide rights...
- 12/10/2014
- ScreenDaily
The upcoming Dad's Army remake has been handed an official release date.
Universal Pictures has announced that the wartime comedy will reach UK cinemas on February 5, 2016.
Based on the classic British sitcom of the same name, it was shot on location in Yorkshire over the past seven weeks, concluding on December 3.
Directed by Oliver Parker, the film stars Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Bill Nighy as Wilson, Catherine Zeta Jones as Rose, Tom Courtenay as Jones and Michael Gambon as Godfrey.
The cast is completed by Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser. It will also star Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman, Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie among others.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Universal Pictures has announced that the wartime comedy will reach UK cinemas on February 5, 2016.
Based on the classic British sitcom of the same name, it was shot on location in Yorkshire over the past seven weeks, concluding on December 3.
Directed by Oliver Parker, the film stars Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Bill Nighy as Wilson, Catherine Zeta Jones as Rose, Tom Courtenay as Jones and Michael Gambon as Godfrey.
The cast is completed by Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser. It will also star Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman, Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie among others.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
- 12/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Mark Gatiss has revealed that he was "sceptical" about the upcoming Dad's Army movie remake.
The Sherlock co-creator and actor will star as Captain Mainwaring's colonel-in-chief in the new version, Radio Times reports.
He promised fans of the original that the remake is "charming" and stays faithful to the classic BBC sitcom.
"I was genuinely sceptical - as I think many people will be - but the script really loves the original," he said.
"It's charming and quite moving at times. People love the original and want to honour it but it has to be its own thing as well. So far I'm having a great time."
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Bill Nighy will play Wilson, with Catherine Zeta-Jones as journalist Rose, Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison as Pike, Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay...
The Sherlock co-creator and actor will star as Captain Mainwaring's colonel-in-chief in the new version, Radio Times reports.
He promised fans of the original that the remake is "charming" and stays faithful to the classic BBC sitcom.
"I was genuinely sceptical - as I think many people will be - but the script really loves the original," he said.
"It's charming and quite moving at times. People love the original and want to honour it but it has to be its own thing as well. So far I'm having a great time."
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Bill Nighy will play Wilson, with Catherine Zeta-Jones as journalist Rose, Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison as Pike, Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay...
- 11/19/2014
- Digital Spy
The first images from the upcoming Dad's Army movie have been revealed.
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones lead the cast in the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom.
The film will see Nighy play Wilson and Zeta-Jones take on the role of glamorous journalist Rose.
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - begins this month on location in Yorkshire.
A film version was first announced in 2012. It will arrive in cinemas in 2015.
Watch a classic clip from the original Dad's Army...
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones lead the cast in the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom.
The film will see Nighy play Wilson and Zeta-Jones take on the role of glamorous journalist Rose.
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - begins this month on location in Yorkshire.
A film version was first announced in 2012. It will arrive in cinemas in 2015.
Watch a classic clip from the original Dad's Army...
- 10/26/2014
- Digital Spy
The first images from the upcoming Dad's Army movie have been revealed.
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones lead the cast in the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom.
The film will see Nighy play Wilson and Zeta-Jones take on the role of glamorous journalist Rose.
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - begins this month on location in Yorkshire.
A film version was first announced in 2012. It will arrive in cinemas in 2015.
Watch a classic clip from the original Dad's Army...
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones lead the cast in the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom.
The film will see Nighy play Wilson and Zeta-Jones take on the role of glamorous journalist Rose.
Toby Jones is starring as Captain Mainwaring, with Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) directing.
Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Sir Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Daniel Mays as Walker, Sir Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - begins this month on location in Yorkshire.
A film version was first announced in 2012. It will arrive in cinemas in 2015.
Watch a classic clip from the original Dad's Army...
- 10/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Though the announcement was only made earlier this month, the dedicated troops of Walmington-on-Sea’s Home Guard have assembled in costume for a first-look Dad's Army picture duo faster than you can say “fall in!” Oliver Parker is directing the remake of the classic Jimmy Perry/David Croft sitcom, which features a wide array of big British talent including Toby Jones (as Captain George Mainwaring), Bill Nighy (as Sergeant Arthur Wilson), Michael Gambon (as Private Godfrey), Tom Courtenay (as Corporal Jones), Bill Paterson (as Private Frazer), Daniel Mays, (as Private Walker) and Blake Harrison (as Private Pike). The cast also includes the likes of Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman and Mark Gatiss.With shooting underway in Yorkshire, the film will see the Home Guard welcoming journalist Rose Winters (Catherine Zeta-Jones) arriving to write about the area at the same time that MI5 brings word that there’s a spy on the loose.
- 10/24/2014
- EmpireOnline
The first images from comedy reboot Dad’s Army have been released as well as fresh cast details.
Universal Pictures, Screen Yorkshire and DJ Films have released the first images from British comedy reboot Dad’s Army.
The ensemble playing the Home Guard during the Second World War includes Bill Nighy as Wilson, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
The other image shows Jones as Mainwaring leaning against a car with Catherine Zeta Jones, who plays journalist Rose.
Other previously announced cast includes Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman , Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie.
New cast announced today includes Felicity Montagu (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Julia Foster (Alfie), Holli Dempsey (Derek), Oliver Tobias (Arthur of the Britons) and Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners).
Oliver Parker directs the new take on the classic British sitcom, which ran from...
Universal Pictures, Screen Yorkshire and DJ Films have released the first images from British comedy reboot Dad’s Army.
The ensemble playing the Home Guard during the Second World War includes Bill Nighy as Wilson, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
The other image shows Jones as Mainwaring leaning against a car with Catherine Zeta Jones, who plays journalist Rose.
Other previously announced cast includes Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman , Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie.
New cast announced today includes Felicity Montagu (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Julia Foster (Alfie), Holli Dempsey (Derek), Oliver Tobias (Arthur of the Britons) and Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners).
Oliver Parker directs the new take on the classic British sitcom, which ran from...
- 10/24/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The all-star cast for the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom Dad's Army has been revealed.
Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and Michael Gambon are among the actors to feature in the film, written by Hamish McColl and directed by Oliver Parker.
The BBC One comedy was created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft and originally aired between 1968 and 1977.
Here's our guide of who's playing the seven main platoon members below:
Captain George Mainwaring
Marvellous actor Toby Jones takes on the pompous, patriotic bank manager and pillar of the community Captain George Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe in the BBC comedy.
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Bill Nighy will be playing privately educated, former city banker Sergeant Arthur Wilson, who is of a cheerful and carefree disposition yet exudes an aura of mystery. He's at odds with Captain George Mainwaring over his privileged background.
Wilson was originally played by the late British actor John Le Mesurier.
Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and Michael Gambon are among the actors to feature in the film, written by Hamish McColl and directed by Oliver Parker.
The BBC One comedy was created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft and originally aired between 1968 and 1977.
Here's our guide of who's playing the seven main platoon members below:
Captain George Mainwaring
Marvellous actor Toby Jones takes on the pompous, patriotic bank manager and pillar of the community Captain George Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe in the BBC comedy.
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Bill Nighy will be playing privately educated, former city banker Sergeant Arthur Wilson, who is of a cheerful and carefree disposition yet exudes an aura of mystery. He's at odds with Captain George Mainwaring over his privileged background.
Wilson was originally played by the late British actor John Le Mesurier.
- 10/8/2014
- Digital Spy
The all-star cast for the big-screen reboot of the classic sitcom Dad's Army has been revealed.
Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and Michael Gambon are among the actors to feature in the film, written by Hamish McColl and directed by Oliver Parker.
The BBC One comedy was created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft and originally aired between 1968 and 1977.
Here's our guide of who's playing the seven main platoon members below:
Captain George Mainwaring
Marvellous actor Toby Jones takes on the pompous, patriotic bank manager and pillar of the community Captain George Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe in the BBC comedy.
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Bill Nighy will be playing privately educated, former city banker Sergeant Arthur Wilson, who is of a cheerful and carefree disposition yet exudes an aura of mystery. He's at odds with Captain George Mainwaring over his privileged background.
Wilson was originally played by the late British actor John Le Mesurier.
Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and Michael Gambon are among the actors to feature in the film, written by Hamish McColl and directed by Oliver Parker.
The BBC One comedy was created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft and originally aired between 1968 and 1977.
Here's our guide of who's playing the seven main platoon members below:
Captain George Mainwaring
Marvellous actor Toby Jones takes on the pompous, patriotic bank manager and pillar of the community Captain George Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe in the BBC comedy.
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Bill Nighy will be playing privately educated, former city banker Sergeant Arthur Wilson, who is of a cheerful and carefree disposition yet exudes an aura of mystery. He's at odds with Captain George Mainwaring over his privileged background.
Wilson was originally played by the late British actor John Le Mesurier.
- 10/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones are to star in a new film version of Dad's Army.
The big-screen adaptation of the classic sitcom - first announced in November 2012 - will be directed by Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn).
Nighy has been cast as Wilson, with Zeta-Jones playing glamorous journalist Rose and Toby Jones starring as Captain Mainwaring.
The Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Danny Mays as Walker, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Mark Gatiss, Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman and Annette Crosbie are also among the cast of the feature film, written by Hamish McColl.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - will begin this month, on location in Yorkshire.
Dad's Army,...
The big-screen adaptation of the classic sitcom - first announced in November 2012 - will be directed by Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn).
Nighy has been cast as Wilson, with Zeta-Jones playing glamorous journalist Rose and Toby Jones starring as Captain Mainwaring.
The Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Danny Mays as Walker, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Mark Gatiss, Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman and Annette Crosbie are also among the cast of the feature film, written by Hamish McColl.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - will begin this month, on location in Yorkshire.
Dad's Army,...
- 10/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones are to star in a new film version of Dad's Army.
The big-screen adaptation of the classic sitcom - first announced in November 2012 - will be directed by Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn).
Nighy has been cast as Wilson, with Zeta-Jones playing glamorous journalist Rose and Toby Jones starring as Captain Mainwaring.
The Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Danny Mays as Walker, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Mark Gatiss, Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman and Annette Crosbie are also among the cast of the feature film, written by Hamish McColl.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - will begin this month, on location in Yorkshire.
Dad's Army,...
The big-screen adaptation of the classic sitcom - first announced in November 2012 - will be directed by Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn).
Nighy has been cast as Wilson, with Zeta-Jones playing glamorous journalist Rose and Toby Jones starring as Captain Mainwaring.
The Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison will play Pike, with Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Danny Mays as Walker, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
Mark Gatiss, Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman and Annette Crosbie are also among the cast of the feature film, written by Hamish McColl.
Dad's Army - created by Jimmy Perry and the late David Croft - originally aired on BBC One between 1968 and 1977.
Shooting on the movie version - which counts Perry among its executive producers - will begin this month, on location in Yorkshire.
Dad's Army,...
- 10/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Don’t panic! Don’t panic!The full cast for Oliver Parker’s remake of the classic Jimmy Perry-David Croft sitcom, Dad’s Army, has finally been announced, and it reads like a Who’s Who-do-you-think-you-are-kidding-Mr-Hitler of British acting talent. We know that there’ll be scepticism and cynicism in some quarters about this update of a beloved institution, but here at Empire Towers, we’re genuinely enthused and excited by the prospect. And when we tell you the names of the cast involved, belying Captain Mainwaring’s famous order, hopefully you’ll share that excitement.On board as the fastidious, uptight Captain Mainwaring, leader of the beleaguered Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard, we have Toby Jones, replacing the legendary Arthur Lowe. As his right-hand man, the eternally suave Sgt. Wilson, Bill Nighy steps into John Le Mesurier’s shoes; perfect casting if ever we saw it.Speaking of perfect casting,...
- 10/8/2014
- EmpireOnline
Universal Pictures on board film adaptation of classic British series; cast to include Billy Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones and Toby Jones
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed and Universal Pictures International has acquired worldwide rights.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small English village toward the end of the Second World War.
His softly-spoken right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include [link=nm...
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed and Universal Pictures International has acquired worldwide rights.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small English village toward the end of the Second World War.
His softly-spoken right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include [link=nm...
- 10/8/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures on board film adaptation of classic British series; cast to include Billy Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones and Toby Jones
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small village toward the end of the Second World War.
His right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known to international audiences for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Harry Potter...
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small village toward the end of the Second World War.
His right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known to international audiences for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Harry Potter...
- 10/8/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
With the news that Dad's Army is to be remade as a film starring Bill Nighy and Toby Jones, we take a look at which TV classics should get the big screen treatment
Bill Nighy and Toby Jones set to star in big-screen Dad's Army
Much loved BBC sitcom Dad's Army is to be brought to the big screen with Toby Jones and Bill Nighy starring as Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson. The film is to be directed by Oliver Parker, responsible for Johnny English Reborn and the St Trinians remake, and original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry is on board as a producer.
Reaction to the news has not been universally positive among Guardian readers:
Nighy and Jones are excellent performers, but no-one will better the chemistry between the original cast members of Dad's Army.
Why remake something which is already perfect? It's like rewriting Hamlet!
Well, at least...
Bill Nighy and Toby Jones set to star in big-screen Dad's Army
Much loved BBC sitcom Dad's Army is to be brought to the big screen with Toby Jones and Bill Nighy starring as Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson. The film is to be directed by Oliver Parker, responsible for Johnny English Reborn and the St Trinians remake, and original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry is on board as a producer.
Reaction to the news has not been universally positive among Guardian readers:
Nighy and Jones are excellent performers, but no-one will better the chemistry between the original cast members of Dad's Army.
Why remake something which is already perfect? It's like rewriting Hamlet!
Well, at least...
- 4/28/2014
- by Hannah Jane Parkinson
- The Guardian - Film News
News Simon Brew 28 Apr 2014 - 06:38
Bill Nighy and Toby Jones are being lined up for a new take on Dad's Army...
A new modern day take on Dad's Army is heading to cinemas, it's been revealed. The news broke over the weekend that Jimmy Perry, the creator of the show (along with the late David Croft), has agreed to the project, with the Telegraph reporting that it's "on the condition he doesn't have to do anything".
Toby Jones is being lined up to take on the role of Captain Mainwaring in the film, with Bill Nighy set to play Sergeant Wilson. The pair inherit roles originally played by Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.
Damian Jones is to produce the film, although we don't know yet who's writing and directing it. More as we hear it...
Telegraph.
Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here.
Bill Nighy and Toby Jones are being lined up for a new take on Dad's Army...
A new modern day take on Dad's Army is heading to cinemas, it's been revealed. The news broke over the weekend that Jimmy Perry, the creator of the show (along with the late David Croft), has agreed to the project, with the Telegraph reporting that it's "on the condition he doesn't have to do anything".
Toby Jones is being lined up to take on the role of Captain Mainwaring in the film, with Bill Nighy set to play Sergeant Wilson. The pair inherit roles originally played by Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.
Damian Jones is to produce the film, although we don't know yet who's writing and directing it. More as we hear it...
Telegraph.
Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here.
- 4/28/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Despite all the brands currently being given a new coat of movie paint – the toys, the games, the sweets – we’re not sure we would have predicted Dad’s Army going the same way, even though rumours of a movie have floated for years and film audiences met them once before in 1971. But according to reports from the Sunday Times, it’s a done deal.The BBC – which carries more details on the story because of the Times’ pay wall – brings word that St. Trinian’s director Oliver Parker and his Johnny English Reborn script collaborator Hamish McColl are at works on script that would bring Captain Mainwaring and his dedicated but lacklustre platoon of troops to life once more.Dad’s Army, which was created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, first aired in 1968 and ran until 1977. It followed the bumbling efforts of recruits to the Home Guard service,...
- 4/27/2014
- EmpireOnline
A new feature film for Dad's Army starring Toby Jones and Bill Nighy has been announced.
Jones will play Captain George Mainwaring - a role which belonged to Arthur Lowe in the original BBC comedy - while Nighy will take on Sergeant Arthur Wilson, made famous by John Le Mesurier.
The film will be produced by original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry and BAFTA-winning Damian Jones, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Damian, who has worked on Adulthood and The Iron Lady, praised the "universal appeal" of the franchise.
The plot will remain faithful to the show, with Captain Mainwaring commanding a makeshift troop of soldiers and defending his hometown against the invading German army.
80 episodes of the comedy were aired between 1968 to 1977, while a feature film also launched in 1971.
Toby Jones has featured in the Hunger Games series as Claudius Templesmith, as well as ITV's Titanic miniseries and 2006 film Infamous.
Nighy...
Jones will play Captain George Mainwaring - a role which belonged to Arthur Lowe in the original BBC comedy - while Nighy will take on Sergeant Arthur Wilson, made famous by John Le Mesurier.
The film will be produced by original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry and BAFTA-winning Damian Jones, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Damian, who has worked on Adulthood and The Iron Lady, praised the "universal appeal" of the franchise.
The plot will remain faithful to the show, with Captain Mainwaring commanding a makeshift troop of soldiers and defending his hometown against the invading German army.
80 episodes of the comedy were aired between 1968 to 1977, while a feature film also launched in 1971.
Toby Jones has featured in the Hunger Games series as Claudius Templesmith, as well as ITV's Titanic miniseries and 2006 film Infamous.
Nighy...
- 4/27/2014
- Digital Spy
A new feature film for Dad's Army starring Toby Jones and Bill Nighy has been announced.
Jones will play Captain George Mainwaring - a role which belonged to Arthur Lowe in the original BBC comedy - while Nighy will take on Sergeant Arthur Wilson, made famous by John Le Mesurier.
The film will be produced by original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry and BAFTA-winning Damian Jones, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Damian, who has worked on Adulthood and The Iron Lady, praised the "universal appeal" of the franchise.
The plot will remain faithful to the show, with Captain Mainwaring commanding a makeshift troop of soldiers and defending his hometown against the invading German army.
80 episodes of the comedy were aired between 1968 to 1977, while a feature film also launched in 1971.
Toby Jones has featured in the Hunger Games series as Claudius Templesmith, as well as ITV's Titanic miniseries and 2006 film Infamous.
Nighy...
Jones will play Captain George Mainwaring - a role which belonged to Arthur Lowe in the original BBC comedy - while Nighy will take on Sergeant Arthur Wilson, made famous by John Le Mesurier.
The film will be produced by original Dad's Army writer Jimmy Perry and BAFTA-winning Damian Jones, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Damian, who has worked on Adulthood and The Iron Lady, praised the "universal appeal" of the franchise.
The plot will remain faithful to the show, with Captain Mainwaring commanding a makeshift troop of soldiers and defending his hometown against the invading German army.
80 episodes of the comedy were aired between 1968 to 1977, while a feature film also launched in 1971.
Toby Jones has featured in the Hunger Games series as Claudius Templesmith, as well as ITV's Titanic miniseries and 2006 film Infamous.
Nighy...
- 4/27/2014
- Digital Spy
House of Cards
Kieran Kinsella
David Croft
If you write a list of your 10 favorite British TV sitcom characters, probably half of them were created by comic genius David Croft. His creations include Mr Humphries (Are You Being Served?), Sergeant Major ‘Shut up’ Williams (It Ain’t Half Hot Mum) Herr Flick (Allo, Allo) and Corporal Jones (Dad’s Army). Like many great comedy writers, Croft collaborated with others including Jimmy Perry and David Floyd. Few writers though could match his creativity or career longevity. Such was Croft’s popularity that he was a regular guest on the British TV convention circuit right up until his death at the age of 89.
Paul Abbott
BAFTA and Emmy winning writer Paul Abbott, rose from humble origins to become one of the most successful writers in British TV history. His hard-hitting dramas are far removed from the idyllic world of Marple and Midsomer Murders.
Kieran Kinsella
David Croft
If you write a list of your 10 favorite British TV sitcom characters, probably half of them were created by comic genius David Croft. His creations include Mr Humphries (Are You Being Served?), Sergeant Major ‘Shut up’ Williams (It Ain’t Half Hot Mum) Herr Flick (Allo, Allo) and Corporal Jones (Dad’s Army). Like many great comedy writers, Croft collaborated with others including Jimmy Perry and David Floyd. Few writers though could match his creativity or career longevity. Such was Croft’s popularity that he was a regular guest on the British TV convention circuit right up until his death at the age of 89.
Paul Abbott
BAFTA and Emmy winning writer Paul Abbott, rose from humble origins to become one of the most successful writers in British TV history. His hard-hitting dramas are far removed from the idyllic world of Marple and Midsomer Murders.
- 7/31/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Actor best known for playing the officious Arp warden William Hodges in Dad's Army
In his early days as a cabaret artist, the actor Bill Pertwee, who has died aged 86, did a manic cricket revue sketch at a fashionable club in central London. A haughty and inebriated diner kicked over his stumps and shouted: "How's that?" Pertwee punched him in the stomach and was escorted out by the head waiter, who informed him that the customer was always right. "As far as I'm concerned, he isn't!" retorted Pertwee.
This bubbling belligerence was successfully incorporated into the bossy character that made Pertwee famous: Arp Warden William Hodges in the celebrated BBC television series Dad's Army (1968-77), written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As Hodges, he perpetually clashed with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) of the Home Guard.
The inspiration for the way Pertwee played the warden came from his boyhood during the second world war,...
In his early days as a cabaret artist, the actor Bill Pertwee, who has died aged 86, did a manic cricket revue sketch at a fashionable club in central London. A haughty and inebriated diner kicked over his stumps and shouted: "How's that?" Pertwee punched him in the stomach and was escorted out by the head waiter, who informed him that the customer was always right. "As far as I'm concerned, he isn't!" retorted Pertwee.
This bubbling belligerence was successfully incorporated into the bossy character that made Pertwee famous: Arp Warden William Hodges in the celebrated BBC television series Dad's Army (1968-77), written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As Hodges, he perpetually clashed with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) of the Home Guard.
The inspiration for the way Pertwee played the warden came from his boyhood during the second world war,...
- 5/27/2013
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
Big names will take part in venture with Comedy Central, BBC sketch had over 2,000 complaints, plus Ian McKellen's sitcom
This week's comedy news
Can't get to Edinburgh? Kilkenny just that bit too far away? Never fear. The cable channel Comedy Central is teaming up with Twitter to launch the first 140-character comedy festival. The festival will commence on 29 April and run for five days, featuring a host of comedy names tweeting jokes and posting six second videos using Twitter's new video app Vine. Next Monday, Twitter will stream the only live #ComedyFest event, a panel discussion featuring Mel Brooks and Judd Apatow. The New York Times has more on the story, including the lowdown on a new app Comedy Central is developing to help users discover their favourite new comedians.
Back in the world of real festivals, veteran Anglo-American standup Rich Hall has won the Barry award at the Melbourne comedy festival,...
This week's comedy news
Can't get to Edinburgh? Kilkenny just that bit too far away? Never fear. The cable channel Comedy Central is teaming up with Twitter to launch the first 140-character comedy festival. The festival will commence on 29 April and run for five days, featuring a host of comedy names tweeting jokes and posting six second videos using Twitter's new video app Vine. Next Monday, Twitter will stream the only live #ComedyFest event, a panel discussion featuring Mel Brooks and Judd Apatow. The New York Times has more on the story, including the lowdown on a new app Comedy Central is developing to help users discover their favourite new comedians.
Back in the world of real festivals, veteran Anglo-American standup Rich Hall has won the Barry award at the Melbourne comedy festival,...
- 4/23/2013
- by Brian Logan
- The Guardian - Film News
A film version of Dad's Army is reportedly in the works. The classic BBC sitcom would be revamped for the big screen and could feature a female Captain Mainwaring, according to The Independent. The show's co-creator Jimmy Perry - who wrote the series with the late David Croft - is "in the midst of discussions" about the project, according to his agent Lynda Ronan. The original Dad's Army - which followed the British military's Home Guard during the Second World War - aired on BBC One between July 31, 1968 and November 13, 1977 (more)...
- 11/13/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Fans of Dad's Army have been told to heed the "Don't Panic" catchphrase made famous by the late Clive Dunn, who played Corporal Jones, as there is a re-invention of the classic sitcom in the pipeline. Nearly four decades since the last episode of the show about bumbling Home Guard soldiers, co-writer Jimmy Perry has revealed a film version is in the works. Perry revealed to a meeting of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society that a film version could be developed – but received a round of "groans". Perhaps because speculation emerged that Captain Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe in the series, might be played by a woman. Permission to speak, ma'am.
Television industryClive DunnComedyComedyTelevisionMonkey
guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
Television industryClive DunnComedyComedyTelevisionMonkey
guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 11/13/2012
- by Monkey
- The Guardian - Film News
Character actor best known for his role in The Italian Job
The distinctive character actor John Clive, who has died aged 79, will be best remembered by cinemagoers for his appearances in a string of films that gained cult status. In The Italian Job (1969), the British-flag-flying yarn about a daring heist in Turin using Minis as getaway cars, Clive was the garage manager gleefully receiving a wad of banknotes from the released convict Michael Caine as payment for storing his Aston Martin DB4 convertible. The scene was said to have been ad-libbed between the two actors, with Caine putting his enforced absence down to tiger shoots in India. "You must have shot an awful lot of tigers, sir," said Clive as he counted the notes enthusiastically. "Yes, I used a machine gun," retorted Caine.
Two years later, Clive was the tormentor forcing Malcolm McDowell's psychotic teenager into licking his boot...
The distinctive character actor John Clive, who has died aged 79, will be best remembered by cinemagoers for his appearances in a string of films that gained cult status. In The Italian Job (1969), the British-flag-flying yarn about a daring heist in Turin using Minis as getaway cars, Clive was the garage manager gleefully receiving a wad of banknotes from the released convict Michael Caine as payment for storing his Aston Martin DB4 convertible. The scene was said to have been ad-libbed between the two actors, with Caine putting his enforced absence down to tiger shoots in India. "You must have shot an awful lot of tigers, sir," said Clive as he counted the notes enthusiastically. "Yes, I used a machine gun," retorted Caine.
Two years later, Clive was the tormentor forcing Malcolm McDowell's psychotic teenager into licking his boot...
- 10/18/2012
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
David Croft and Jimmy Perry
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on twitter.
David Croft, the British TV comic genius behind shows such as Allo Allo, Are You Being Served and Hi-De-Hi, has died aged 89. During a lengthy TV career as a writer and producer David Croft formed two hugely successful creative partnerships with Jimmy Perry and then Jeremy Lloyd. He passed away at his home in Portugal.
David Croft’s 10 Best Comic Characters
Recent Articles
Alex Kingston Joins Upstairs Downstairs
Doctor Who Christmas Special 2011
Downton Abbey Season Two Episode Two Review
The Sarah Jane Adventures Season Five...
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on twitter.
David Croft, the British TV comic genius behind shows such as Allo Allo, Are You Being Served and Hi-De-Hi, has died aged 89. During a lengthy TV career as a writer and producer David Croft formed two hugely successful creative partnerships with Jimmy Perry and then Jeremy Lloyd. He passed away at his home in Portugal.
David Croft’s 10 Best Comic Characters
Recent Articles
Alex Kingston Joins Upstairs Downstairs
Doctor Who Christmas Special 2011
Downton Abbey Season Two Episode Two Review
The Sarah Jane Adventures Season Five...
- 9/28/2011
- by admin
London, Sept 28: British television's most successful comic writer
David Croft passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
Croft's partnership with Dad's Army co-writer Jimmy Perry produced one of the country's most successful scriptwriting duos.
He was the genius behind some of the best loved moments in 'Dad's Army', 'Are You Being Served'? and 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum'.
"David invented a whole genre of comedy that was all his own," The Daily Star quoted Ex-bbc head of comedy, Jon Plowman as saying.
Croft died peacefully at home in Portugal.
His family said: "He would be.
David Croft passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
Croft's partnership with Dad's Army co-writer Jimmy Perry produced one of the country's most successful scriptwriting duos.
He was the genius behind some of the best loved moments in 'Dad's Army', 'Are You Being Served'? and 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum'.
"David invented a whole genre of comedy that was all his own," The Daily Star quoted Ex-bbc head of comedy, Jon Plowman as saying.
Croft died peacefully at home in Portugal.
His family said: "He would be.
- 9/28/2011
- by Arun Pantit
- RealBollywood.com
London — Television writer David Croft, who helped create much-loved British sitcoms such as "Dad's Army" and "Are You Being Served?," died Tuesday. He was 89.
Croft's agent Tim Hancock, said the writer died at his holiday home in Portugal. Croft's family said in a statement that he "died peacefully in his sleep," but did not give a cause.
The son of actors, Croft served with the Royal Artillery during World War II before starting a showbiz career, eventually moving into TV as a producer, director and writer.
Several of his comedies had military settings, including "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" – set in wartime India and Burma – and "Dad's Army," about a hapless World War II Home Guard unit.
Co-created with Jimmy Perry, "Dad's Army" is considered a comedy classic, and is still frequently rerun more than 40 years after its debut.
Croft and Perry had another long-running hit with "Hi-de-Hi!" set in a 1950s holiday camp.
Croft's agent Tim Hancock, said the writer died at his holiday home in Portugal. Croft's family said in a statement that he "died peacefully in his sleep," but did not give a cause.
The son of actors, Croft served with the Royal Artillery during World War II before starting a showbiz career, eventually moving into TV as a producer, director and writer.
Several of his comedies had military settings, including "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" – set in wartime India and Burma – and "Dad's Army," about a hapless World War II Home Guard unit.
Co-created with Jimmy Perry, "Dad's Army" is considered a comedy classic, and is still frequently rerun more than 40 years after its debut.
Croft and Perry had another long-running hit with "Hi-de-Hi!" set in a 1950s holiday camp.
- 9/27/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
British comedy writer David Croft has died at the age of 89.
The famed writer and producer, who was behind BBC comedy classics including Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo!, passed away in his sleep at his home in Portugal on Tuesday.
A statement from his family reads, "The family of comedy legend David Croft OBE are sad to report that David died peacefully in his sleep at his house in Portugal earlier today. He was a truly great man, who will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing and loving him. We know that he would have been proud that you had all been watching."
Croft's career began in the army after he enlisted during World War II and his experiences in the military went on to provide much of his inspiration for popular sitcoms Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which were written with collaborator Jimmy Perry.
He was also behind shows including 'Allo 'Allo!, Hi-de-Hi, Are You Being Served and its 1990s spin-off Grace and Favour.
Croft retired from work at Britain's BBC in 1993 and he was made an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 for his services to television. He was also honoured with the 1981 Desmond Davis award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
The famed writer and producer, who was behind BBC comedy classics including Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo!, passed away in his sleep at his home in Portugal on Tuesday.
A statement from his family reads, "The family of comedy legend David Croft OBE are sad to report that David died peacefully in his sleep at his house in Portugal earlier today. He was a truly great man, who will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing and loving him. We know that he would have been proud that you had all been watching."
Croft's career began in the army after he enlisted during World War II and his experiences in the military went on to provide much of his inspiration for popular sitcoms Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which were written with collaborator Jimmy Perry.
He was also behind shows including 'Allo 'Allo!, Hi-de-Hi, Are You Being Served and its 1990s spin-off Grace and Favour.
Croft retired from work at Britain's BBC in 1993 and he was made an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 for his services to television. He was also honoured with the 1981 Desmond Davis award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
- 9/27/2011
- WENN
David Croft, one of Britain's best loved and most popular sitcom writers, passed away aged 89 today. Croft teamed up with Jimmy Perry, Jeremy Lloyd and Richard Spendlove to create some of the greatest family comedies TV history. Digital Spy celebrates Croft's incredible back catalogue by picking our five favourite Croft shows and some of their finest moments. Dad's Army
Croft's biggest hit and most would argue his finest hour. Still a ratings hit 43 years after it originally aired, the Home Guard farce included an incredible cast and some of the most quoted lines in sitcom history. Watch the infamous Dad's Army 'Don't tell him Pike' scene: Are You Being Served?
Department store Grace Brothers provided the setting for some of Croft's finest double entendres and biggest laughs. Featuring Mrs Slocombe's (more)...
Croft's biggest hit and most would argue his finest hour. Still a ratings hit 43 years after it originally aired, the Home Guard farce included an incredible cast and some of the most quoted lines in sitcom history. Watch the infamous Dad's Army 'Don't tell him Pike' scene: Are You Being Served?
Department store Grace Brothers provided the setting for some of Croft's finest double entendres and biggest laughs. Featuring Mrs Slocombe's (more)...
- 9/27/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Many times, producers have attempted to turn a successful television series into a big blockbuster movie. Sometimes the resulting movie requires too much knowledge of the original series and non-fans are lost (The X-Files: Fight the Future). Sometimes, the film bears little or no relation to the original series and is not strong enough to stand on its own (Starsky and Hutch). Sometimes the connection goes the other way around, and a poor to middling film becomes a hit television series (Stargate, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). But every now and again, a film inspired by a television series stands on its own as a huge success, enriching the television series for its fans and providing a solid couple of hours’ entertainment for non-fans. These are just six of the best.
Dad’s Army (dir. Norman Cohen, 1971)
Dad’s Army was a phenomenally successful British sit-com of the 1970s. Based on...
Dad’s Army (dir. Norman Cohen, 1971)
Dad’s Army was a phenomenally successful British sit-com of the 1970s. Based on...
- 5/4/2011
- by Juliette Harrisson
- SoundOnSight
Wuthering Heights star, Bond girl and Leslie Phillips's wife
Angela Scoular, who has died aged 65 after reportedly taking her own life, was known as the wife of the actor Leslie Phillips, but she also had several acting roles of her own that brought her public attention.
She twice played a "Bond girl". First, she took the part of Buttercup, sharing a bath with David Niven as James Bond, in the spoof, "unofficial" release Casino Royale (1966). Then she was the flirtatious farmer's daughter Ruby, bedded by once-only-007 George Lazenby, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), which also featured the former Avenger Diana Rigg and the future New Avenger Joanna Lumley.
Scoular later had a regular role as Lady Agatha Shawcross in You Rang, M'Lord? the "upstairs, downstairs" sitcom set in the 1920s, from the Dad's Army creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As the mistress of Lord Meldrum (Donald Hewlett...
Angela Scoular, who has died aged 65 after reportedly taking her own life, was known as the wife of the actor Leslie Phillips, but she also had several acting roles of her own that brought her public attention.
She twice played a "Bond girl". First, she took the part of Buttercup, sharing a bath with David Niven as James Bond, in the spoof, "unofficial" release Casino Royale (1966). Then she was the flirtatious farmer's daughter Ruby, bedded by once-only-007 George Lazenby, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), which also featured the former Avenger Diana Rigg and the future New Avenger Joanna Lumley.
Scoular later had a regular role as Lady Agatha Shawcross in You Rang, M'Lord? the "upstairs, downstairs" sitcom set in the 1920s, from the Dad's Army creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As the mistress of Lord Meldrum (Donald Hewlett...
- 4/14/2011
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
Rotherham-born roly-poly Paul Shane is an unlikely TV star. Born George Frederick Speight, he originally worked as coal-miner before becoming a full-time funnyman in Yorkshire's clubland. His rubbery features and portly figure didn't suggest that he would make it out of the working men's bars, but after a few small TV parts, he was eventually picked up for a cameo in Coronation Street. His turn as Dave-The-Rave in the ITV soap attracted the attention of prestigious comedy writer Jimmy Perry, who snapped him up to play lead character Ted Bovis in his new corny holiday-camp (more)...
- 5/29/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Cinema Retro columnist Gareth Owen (left) with Jimmy Perry. .By Dave WorrallLast Friday (April 24th) saw scriptwriter Jimmy Perry as the guest speaker at The Lunch Club, a monthly networking club for people who work in the media industry. Perry, now a spritely 87, is the 'other half' of writing team Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who have written some of the most successful BBC comedy shows in the history of British television, including Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mom and Hi-De-Hi! Perry started his career as a bit-part actor before turning to writing, and was awarded an OBE in 1978 for his services to the TV industry. Many of the sitcoms Perry co-wrote with Croft drew heavily on his personal experience: at 17 he joined the Watford Home Guard (Dad's Army); two years later he was called up into the regular forces, and was sent to Burma with the Royal Artillery,...
- 5/1/2009
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Dame Judi Dench's hit TV series Cranford has picked up more prize nominations - this time for the Bafta Craft Awards.
The Bbc period drama scored seven nominations in various categories for the British ceremony, which celebrates the people behind the scenes.
Cranford has already been shortlisted for four TV BAFTAs at the main event on 20 April.
Screenwriters Jimmy McGovern and Doctor Who's Stephen Moffat will also be honoured for their craft, while comedy partners David Croft and Jimmy Perry - the team behind hit U.K. shows Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! - will be presented with a special award when winners are announced on 11 May.
The Bbc period drama scored seven nominations in various categories for the British ceremony, which celebrates the people behind the scenes.
Cranford has already been shortlisted for four TV BAFTAs at the main event on 20 April.
Screenwriters Jimmy McGovern and Doctor Who's Stephen Moffat will also be honoured for their craft, while comedy partners David Croft and Jimmy Perry - the team behind hit U.K. shows Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! - will be presented with a special award when winners are announced on 11 May.
- 3/26/2008
- WENN
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.