I don't think anybody would disagree with you about Jones' bravery and his character in general, Will. But even you admit "moments can grate a little".
I think it's a sign of a good comedy if you choice of favourite character changes from time to time, even if it means not liking one as much for a while...
My vote is for Wilson. John Le Mesurier played the part so well. He was such an unlikely character to be in this Army, even in this series and of course the writers gave him a bit of mystery with Mavis and Pike.
I like the way he would stroke his ear and look so exasperated sometimes at Mainwaring. He played the part of an upper class man, in a subordinate role, of the late thirties/early forties to perfectionl Easily my favourite. Others I liked very much were Fraser, Walker and Godfrey.
Ron.
I just loved Private Walker, I don't know what it was about him that attracted me, maybe his flaunting of authority? Don't we all want to rebel against authority at times? I absolutely HATED Cheeseman!
Yeah! How dare you take that tone with my uncle Arthur. I used to fancy John Le Mesurier when I was 11, but sometimes now I find his vagueness with lines a bit frustrating.
It has to be Mainwaring - I've been making a compilation of clips for YouTube and I have to say that after trawling through hours of episodes in minute detail he gets the best laughs, the rest of the cast only really work when reacted to by him. My only criticism being those scenes with the wonky glasses - once would have been enough!
The tension between him and Wilson is brilliantly scripted and amazing to watch. Despite all that I've read about the two actors, I'm no closer to really knowing whether they actually got on. Anyone know?
Sorry to add a little controversy - but Godfrey? I could take him or leave him. Although I wouldn't go as far as Mainwaring suggests in 'We Know Our Onions' and push him out of a hot air balloon!
And just a note to end on - Cheeseman ruined a perfectly good series for me.
I have always liked L/Cpl Jones for the way he said: "They don't like it up 'em Mr. Mainwaring. They don't like it up 'em."
I actually met Clive Dunn and a good few years back, but never got to talk about Dad's Army.
I have also met Bill Pertwee at Sheringham on the North Norfolk Railway where they filmed 'The Royal Train' episode and had a very brief chat with him. _________________ Stand by your beds.
I think it's got to be Mainwaring. The only way I can work that out is by seeing what it's like without him in certain scenes. I often find that when he's not there the episode seems to lose a bit of focus. I guess because Wilson is so laid back that he doesn't really have that much command over the men so it ends up a bit like a load of chums together. When Mainwaring comes on the scene then he wants everyone to follow his orders - and that's where alot of the laughs come from.... "I bags chairman" etc.
Still it's a very close call.
I have to say though that I really liked Cheesman in season 7 and think they could have done alot of good stuff with him, but I can understand why they decided to not have him back for seasons 8 and 9. He was a bit over the top, but I'm sure they could have altered that later on. Just take a look at Pike and how he sounds in the first 3 seasons - he changed quite a lot, so maybe it would have been possible with Cheesman. Still, it's water under the bridge now! Right o!
Always sneaking about, a mysterious character, even.
+ Although he could be annoying towards Mainwaring at times, he always had a good heart.
For example;
+ He got things in short supply for the people of Walmington-On-Sea, helped out the characters when in trouble (+the The Showing Up of Corporal Jones episode in particular, he came up with an idea to help out Jonesy and in Room at the Bottom also displays his support towards his down-trodden captain)
+ Knows, despite his view on the law in terms of his dealings, the difference between moral right and wrongs.
(For example, in Branded, his facial expression towards Godfrey shows his pain towards the treatment of him, When Did You Last See Your Money? shows that he really does care about Jonesy's well being and, finally, in A Brush with the Law, he also shows not only his feelings, but his friendship towards Mainwaring when he sticks up for him.)
Was a tragic loss for the series when he died. Personally, I think introducing Cheeseman was a huge mistake.
I know that they made a tribute towards him in the van during Things that Go Bump in the Night, but I thought they could have done a small tribute towards him in the last episode. I cant remember who said it, but if Jonesy was given a bottle of wine from Walker who was still in "The Smoke" via post, wouldve shown that Walker must not be forgotten as a member of the Platoon, despite his absence in the final 3 series.
_________________ *A thankyou to all the cast and crew of Dads Army, who helped make Dads Army what it is to me today - my favourite TV show, my first call of comedy and something to drop off to sleep to!*
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