A delightful British comedy, devoid of expletives and a joy to watch. Simple story line held together by excellent acting by the numerous celebrity cast list. Michael Gambon, Toby Jones and Bill Nighy can do no wrong. Catherine Zeta Jones has also matured into a lovely actress, excelling with tongue in cheek scenarios. I had never watched the tv series of Dad's Army so was not acquainted with the characters. This is a stand alone movie anyway.
This big screen version of the legendary BBC sitcom does little to tweak the formula, and is all the better for that. Most of the situations are repeated from the series, and they are still funny. And best of all, the incredible all-time-great tv comedy cast is all present. Their roles are mere caricatures, but the brilliant actors made them all national treasures.
My personal favourite is John Le Mesurier as the effete and ever-so-reasonable Sergeant Wilson. The few alterations are all fine. There is a different location used for Walmington-on-Sea, but it still conveys the impression of an idealised English village. Liz Fraser steps in to play Wilson's lady friend, but she is actually perfect.
It's an origins story of how the Walmington Home Guard came together under the bumptious leadership of Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe). And spread chaos over their corner of the south coast. Until, inevitably they prove themselves against the enemy. Creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft, and the incredible cast had already made three series, and were well drilled... ...
Even if the Home Guard wasn't. By 1971, the British film industry was in decline. Big screen spin offs from tv series were money makers, if unambitious. It was a chance to see popular favourites in widescreen with much bigger budgets. Dad's Army is easily the best of these. Not because of these production values, but because its characters and the ensemble cast are immortal.