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Let's be realistic.

Crappy film

A Masterpiece!

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Based on the BBC comedy that began in 1968 and ran for nine years, this feature released by Cloumbia Pictures is basically a retelling of a few of the early episodes of the series but with a new ending. The TV cast recreate their roles for the big-screen, and as other reviewers have said, it is the best of the spin-off films of British TV comedies of that era. The regular cast are ably supported by some great guests actors, such as the late,great, beloved Bernard Archard as General Fullard, Michael Knowles-who had appeared in the series as military officers, Fred Griffiths as a cheeky steeplejack, Liz Frazer replacing Janet Davies of the TV series, as Mrs Pike and a small but nice role for John Baskcomb as the Mayor of Warmington. Dr Who will remember him for his role in Terror Of The Autons. A lovely recreation of the period is created by Terry Knight art department work and the period feel is enhanced by a wonderful music score from the under-rated Wilfred Burns, who as well as capturing the sound of late 30's/40's dance band also provides dramatic cues and a delightful 'dusk' theme as (SPOILER ALERT) as the Captain, Wilson and Jones ride the General's horse back to camp. The cue is a mixture of the period's slow dance/jazz band and woodwind to evoke a 'Crossing the prairie' feel. There are some beautiful nighttime and day-for-night shots courtesy of Terry Maher's photography. What a shame he did not move into major features.

If you have never seen the TV series, or you want to know how it all started, then watch this comedy film. Basically Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) sets up the World War II home guard from many volunteer Walmington-on-Sea town residents, including Sgt. Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier), LCpl. Jack Jones (Clive Dunn), Pte. James Frazer (John Laurie), Pte. Joe Walker (James Beck), Pte. Charles Godfrey (Arnold Ridley) and Pte. Frank Pike (Ian Lavender). The story basically sees the clumsy, near-witless and always enjoyable troops tackling the Nazi invasion of their town, and they go through many amusing slapstick moments to try and stop them. Also starring Liz Fraser as Mavis Pike, Bernard Archard as Maj. Gen. Fullard, Derek Newark as Regimental Sergeant-Major, Bill Pertwee (Jon's brother) as A.R.P. Warden Hodges, Frank Williams as Vicar, Edward Sinclair as Mr. Yeatman the Verger, Anthony Sagar as Police sergeant and Pat Coombs as Mrs. Hall. The programme was number 4 on Britain's Best Sitcom, Captain Mainwaring was number 29 on The World's Greatest Comedy Characters, and he was number 21 on The 100 Greatest TV Characters, the Christmas Special (My Brother & I) was number 46 on The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments, and the programme was number 13 on The 100 Greatest TV Programmes. Worth watching!

Perhaps the TV show was just too good, or having the Germans land in Walmington was just too improbable. Whatever, this film version of the much-loved BBC classic doesn't quite work. Everyone in it is fine but it is less slapstick and silly than it was on the small screen, and suffers a bit in comparison. I do like the bit where the stuck up officer sails down river on a bit of broken bridge still sitting on his horse though, and the oil slick machine is pretty funny!

Often when TV series are transferred to the big screen, they lose their appeal. Not in this case! The historical accuracy in costumes, equipment and general art direction, like the TV series, is outstanding. A good example of comedy and farce, with excellent script and comedy actors in the right parts. Based on a classic TV series that stands alone in British TV Comedy history.