I think Walker is everyone's favourite, deep down. He was just the most interesting character, but you never found out much about him in terms of his family and his life.
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?
I no longer remember where I read it, but somewhere there was mention of John constantly finding it irritating that Arthur didn't learn his lines. Don't know how much truth there was to that comment and probably never will.
Have also always wondered how much credence to give to the reports that opposing political views caused considerable conflict between Arthur and Clive?? It might have been enough to prevent them ever becoming close friends ... but bitter enemies??!!! I prefer to think they were both professional enough to just "agree to disagree" on politics and still retain a cordial working relationship. But that's something else I'll probably never really know ...
Walker ... in Branded, his facial expression towards Godfrey shows his pain towards the treatment of him ...
My favorite non-funny Walker scene. Proof of a good actor, I always think, to be able to convey as much as J.Beck did there without needing a word of dialogue.
I think that one of the true strengths of the show was that there is no clear favourite. Everyone has their own favourite, but it's right across the board. Some like Mainwaring, some like Wilson, others Jones. I think they all had great and well loved roles to play (even Private Cheesman). The verger, hodges, and especially the vicar were roles that were absolutely nailed by the actors, and they weren't the main cast!!!!!
I mean, try and think of your worst liked character? It's hard, isn't it!!!! They were all so cut out to be who they were that none of them were less than great.
Posted: Fri 07 Mar 2008 08:12 am Post subject: Greetings
Hi, I have just joined this forum having got the complete DVD set for Christmas. I'm watching them in order and have just completed "fallen idol" end of season 4.
My favourite characters are either Mainwaring or Godfrey.
I think Arthur Lowe's performance as Mainwaring is the most believable character and I think he really was a very fine comedy actor . I truly believe Mainwaring existed, just like I truly believe that Norman Stanley Fletcher existed. It's especially fun when he plays him out of character i.e as his brother or when Mainwaring has had a few too many drinks. For all Maiwarings pomposity he has the courage of a lion.
I do love Arnold Ridleys performance, especially the very effete lines he sometimes has, for example when he explains why he is wearing a bee keepers hood for camouflage. the episode when he reveals he is a conscientious objector is one of my favourites. I think it's a bit of a shame that they resorted too often to his bladder problems as a running joke.
My favourite is Wilson. When I was a kid I used to think Jonesy was hilarious but now I appreciate the more subltle humor of the Sgt Wilson character. Jonesy is a bit OTT but I wouldn't say I find him irritating. I do somethimes cringe at some of the story lines involving Godfrey, I thought they made him a little pathetic at times. It goes without saying that Mainwarring is a terrific character. I truly like them all but if I have to choose just one, it's Wilson - just the way he winds up Mainwarring sometimes (often unintentionally, just by being who he is) that really cracks me up!
Has to be Wilson! You just can't beat him, and John Le Mesurier as a brilliant actor and such a wonderful man! Although I have to admit that Walker and James Beck comes in at a very close second for me!
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