Main content
This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer

We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story

Scripted comedy drama about how the legendary creators of Dad's Army overcame BBC management scepticism, focus groups and cast constipation to get the much-loved show to air.

60-minute scripted comedy drama about how the legendary creators of Dad's Army - Jimmy Perry and David Croft - overcame BBC management scepticism, focus groups and cast constipation to get the much-loved legend onto air.

Running from Perry's initial idea in 1967 until the transmission of the first episode in 1968, this affectionate and witty film shows the beginnings of Perry and Croft's writing partnership and the casting woes, personal clashes and production difficulties that put the show's very existence in jeopardy. It reveals to fans and newcomers alike what went on behind the scenes in the making of the classic sitcom Dad's Army and is a true love letter to British creativity.

59 minutes

Last on

Sat 2 May 2020 18:00
BBC Two

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:11

    Dave Brubeck

    Take Five

  • 00:14

    The Dave Brubeck Quartet

    Unsquare Dance

  • 00:28

    Small Faces

    Tin Soldier

  • 00:33

    Acker Bilk

    Stranger On The Shore

  • 00:55

    The Kinks

    Days

Credits

Gilda Perry Sarah Alexander
Bud Flanagan Roy Hudd
James Beck Kevin Bishop
Tom Sloan Stuart McQuarrie
Clive Dunn Mark Heap
Michael Mills Harry Peacock
Jimmy Perry Paul Ritter
Arthur Lowe John Sessions
Sylvia Amy Hughes
Bill Pertwee Shane Richie
Paul Fox Keith Allen
John Le Mesurier Julian Sands
Waitress Amy O'Dwyer
Ann Croft Sally Phillips
Pat Coombs Charlotte McDougall
Arnold Ridley Michael Cochrane
Ian Lavender Kieran Hodgson
John Laurie Ralph Riach
David Croft Richard Dormer
Writer Stephen Russell
Production Company Darlow Smithson Productions
Producer Brett Wilson
Director Steve Bendelack

Broadcasts

  • Tue 22 Dec 2015 21:00
    BBC Two
  • Christmas Day 2015 22:20
    BBC Two
  • Boxing Day 2015 18:20
    BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
  • Mon 28 Dec 2015 18:00
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Mon 19 Dec 2016 19:00
    BBC Two
  • Sat 28 Jul 2018 19:30
    BBC Two
  • Sat 2 May 2020 18:00
    BBC Two except Scotland

Featured in...

  • VE Day 75

    A collection of programmes celebrating the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Don't panic!

Don't panic!

Classic episodes of Dad's Army are available on BBC iPlayer

Related Links