"Dad's Army" is another of many British TV series that never made it to American TV, or that came out much later on video or DVD. I, for one, am glad that this one is out on DVD – at least part of it. Other reviewers have noted that it's British humor or that it's not a rollicking laughter series. Those are warnings or heads-up to viewers who prefer the rambunctious sort of humor. While I enjoy various types of comedy, I especially enjoy that with tongue-in-cheek, cynical, witty, or whimsical dialog. And the Brits really know how to deliver, as in this series.
All the actors are quite good, and the scripts and direction for each episode are right on target. I too especially enjoyed the development of the various main characters. Besides the wonderful lines, the physical expressions and demeanor of the actors alone added immensely to the humor. Each character seemed to have a nice niche in the series.
Clive Dunn excelled as Lance Corporal Jones. His over-the-top elucidations of his WWI Sahara service, and other unrelated machinations, were sometimes side-splitting funny. John Laurie's Private Frazer was a hoot with his goofy stories and tidbits. Each other character had his own quirk or two. But, the funniest part overall to me was Arthur Lowe's role. Captain Mainwaring had me laughing out loud the most often with his subtle quips as retorts to his group's shenanigans. And his facial expressions of disbelief or incredulity brought out constant smiles and chuckles. The would-be hard-nosed Captain Mainwaring comes across as a gentle friend and patriot, even in his pomposity.
The writers, directors and actors excelled in making this a warmly funny series, poking fun at a time and place and group of people in history. They did it without demeaning a large number of people who did their part to help there homeland during World War II. No aspect of society escapes a friendly jab or poke. The series has fun with class, military brass, clergy, country, custom and patriotism. This is the type of entertainment that can be enjoyed on repeated showings when one wants to relax and have some good clean fun at home.
All the actors are quite good, and the scripts and direction for each episode are right on target. I too especially enjoyed the development of the various main characters. Besides the wonderful lines, the physical expressions and demeanor of the actors alone added immensely to the humor. Each character seemed to have a nice niche in the series.
Clive Dunn excelled as Lance Corporal Jones. His over-the-top elucidations of his WWI Sahara service, and other unrelated machinations, were sometimes side-splitting funny. John Laurie's Private Frazer was a hoot with his goofy stories and tidbits. Each other character had his own quirk or two. But, the funniest part overall to me was Arthur Lowe's role. Captain Mainwaring had me laughing out loud the most often with his subtle quips as retorts to his group's shenanigans. And his facial expressions of disbelief or incredulity brought out constant smiles and chuckles. The would-be hard-nosed Captain Mainwaring comes across as a gentle friend and patriot, even in his pomposity.
The writers, directors and actors excelled in making this a warmly funny series, poking fun at a time and place and group of people in history. They did it without demeaning a large number of people who did their part to help there homeland during World War II. No aspect of society escapes a friendly jab or poke. The series has fun with class, military brass, clergy, country, custom and patriotism. This is the type of entertainment that can be enjoyed on repeated showings when one wants to relax and have some good clean fun at home.