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Post by kfbate on Jan 16, 2016 20:20:06 GMT
I know this may have been written before, in other forums, or perhaps here. But I heard someone on the Periscope today, mention this and it got me thinking again. I would assume that the licence is with the BBC, and I understand that a few years ago that BBC Radio 4 made some audio drama's around the lost episodes, I don't know if there were any good, I will have to see if I can check them out. The thing is I think that the whole concept would work so well on audio and I no doubt think that Big Finish, would probably handle the thing with a careful hand, and probably, increase it's appeal. For anyone not familiar with Dad's Army, then, check out the Wikipedia page. So with that wonderment in mind, who would you guys cast for the following roles: - Captain George Mainwaring Sergeant Arthur Wilson Lance-Corporal Jack Jones Private James Frazer Private Joe Walker Private Charles Godfrey Private Frank Pike ARP Warden William Hodges Dads Army Wiki link |
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Post by fitzoliverj on Jan 17, 2016 9:13:48 GMT
That's not quite the case, no. Back in the 1970s (and even into the 1980s) there was a trend for remaking television shows for radio. So there are original cast radio adaptations of shows like "Steptoe and Son", "Yes Minister" and "Dad's Army". The "Dad's Army" series is one of the mainstays of BBC Radio 4 Extra and is on every week, more-or-less. It consists of adaptations of most of the television scripts using substantially the same cast (though, like with the stage show, Walker was recast following the death of James Beck). This includes stories for which the television version no longer exists, and also includes an adaptation of one of the brief specials done for "Christmas Night with the Stars". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dad's_Army_radio_episodes Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, who adapted the scripts, were then commissioned to write a sequel series. A pilot for "It Sticks Out Half a Mile" was recorded with Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier; when Arthur Lowe died the idea was retooled, with Mannering replaced with the unlikely combination of Hodges and Pike. As for who might play the roles were they to be recast today, there are already two sets of choices. Firstly, there's the cast of the "Dad's Army" movie out next month; secondly, there's the cast of "We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story" from the end of last year. It has been suggested in the press that the latter might conceivably be used to re-record the missing episodes, although whether there is any real authority for that story, I don't know. Amongst the two casts there are some remarkable likenesses. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2016 9:34:03 GMT
I'd struggle to fancast it without nicking half the picks from the upcoing film and the Perry-Croft docu-drama last month. I might have a go later once I've had tie to think about it though I think my names would be too "big" for BF. I'll try it for a bit of fun anyway.
If you'll indulge me just talking about the series itself - I adore it. It may well be the best sitcom of all time. I have it all on DVD and await the upcoming animated episode eagerly. I wish the BBC would show the black and white ones again instead of rotating the colour ones ad-infinitum. There's a bit more bite to the early years and I love the spooky closing credits. I always loved that Ep 1 has the laughter track over the opening titles as I think they really are hilarious. Everytime the Union Jack gets uppity AFTER retreating...hilarious. It may have wavered a wee bit towards the end when Beck had died and dear Arnold Ridley could hardly move but by God, what a sitcom.
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Post by pawntake on Jan 17, 2016 10:00:48 GMT
Great series! In the words of pikey Whistle while you work! Hitler is a twerp! He's half barmy so's his army! Whistle while you work!  |
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Post by kfbate on Jan 17, 2016 11:12:19 GMT
That's not quite the case, no. Back in the 1970s (and even into the 1980s) there was a trend for remaking television shows for radio. So there are original cast radio adaptations of shows like "Steptoe and Son", "Yes Minister" and "Dad's Army". The "Dad's Army" series is one of the mainstays of BBC Radio 4 Extra and is on every week, more-or-less. It consists of adaptations of most of the television scripts using substantially the same cast (though, like with the stage show, Walker was recast following the death of James Beck). This includes stories for which the television version no longer exists, and also includes an adaptation of one of the brief specials done for "Christmas Night with the Stars". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dad's_Army_radio_episodes Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, who adapted the scripts, were then commissioned to write a sequel series. A pilot for "It Sticks Out Half a Mile" was recorded with Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier; when Arthur Lowe died the idea was retooled, with Mannering replaced with the unlikely combination of Hodges and Pike. As for who might play the roles were they to be recast today, there are already two sets of choices. Firstly, there's the cast of the "Dad's Army" movie out next month; secondly, there's the cast of "We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story" from the end of last year. It has been suggested in the press that the latter might conceivably be used to re-record the missing episodes, although whether there is any real authority for that story, I don't know. Amongst the two casts there are some remarkable likenesses. Thanks my friend that is very insightful of you, and fills in the gaps, I too watched the BBC documentary over Christmas and it has been playing on my mind, as for the comments about too big for BF, well who would have thought Sir John Hurt would be gracing the studios for us, or indeed any of the other actors of note that have made appearances in drama's in the past and future. I heard Stephen Fry say once, that audio is superior on many levels, one of which is the fact that the actor need not learn his lines in the conventional sense. I live in hope, you never know, like the War Doctor, who could have predicted the extended range we have to enjoy today say two years ago. |
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Post by CookieMaster on Jan 21, 2016 10:27:58 GMT
I've been thinking more and more about Dad's Army just recently, and I too watched We're Doomed -The Dad's Army story and absolutely loved it. I think it was the best piece of Christmas television over the entire period. John Sessions especially was a fantastic Arthur Lowe, his facial expressions were spot-on and made me laugh at loud many times. I wasn't as convinced by Julian Sands, as he seemed to portray John le Mesurier as being a bit mean, whereas I feel the actor was much like his character - charming and terribly polite.
I'd certainly be interested if Big Finish were to make a few audios with the actors from the Docu-drama, perhaps if there are any lost scripts out there that were never made into episodes, that could potentially be an avenue to explore. I think it's very important that they get the comedy just right, it's one thing that is worrying me about this new movie coming out, it seems to be made with a modern audience in mind. |
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