FALL IN LADS, IT’S DAD’S ARMY’S NEW PLATOON
Aplatoon of new actors has been drafted to fill in for the legendary Dad’s army company when three lost episodes of the celebrated comedy are re-shot, nearly 50 years after they were originally filmed.
the new cast will be led by Kevin Mcnally, who appeared in the pirates of the Caribbean films and many tV dramas.
he has been signed to play dithering Captain Mainwaring — the part that was made famous by arthur lowe in the original tV series, which ran from 1968 until 1977.
Joining Mcnally will be Robert Bathurst (of Cold Feet and Downton abbey fame) who will take on the part of silvertongued Sergeant Wilson, originally played by John le Mesurier.
it’s not Bathurst’s first take on le Mesurier. he portrayed the actor in the BBC television film hattie, about le Mesurier’s second wife, hattie Jacques.
Veteran star Bernard Cribbins, who celebrates his 90th birthday next month, has been persuaded to play private Godfrey, a part that was originally taken by arnold Ridley.
Cribbins’s career has spanned more than 70 years, and he has starred in countless films and tV shows including the Wombles (which he narrated) and the Railway Children. Several other actors are in the frame for the new look at the old episodes, including Gavin & Stacey star Mathew horne, who’s currently touring in Rain Man with ed Speleers.
the three Dad’s army shows were lost decades ago when BBC technicians recorded over them. originally broadcast in 1969, they were part of the second series about the fictional Walmington-onSea home Guard, created in 1968 by David Croft and Jimmy perry.
the episodes — the loneliness of the long-Distance Walker, a Stripe For Frazer and Under Fire — will be filmed early in the new Year by UKtV for the Gold satellite channel.