...but I never liked it. If it weren't for the acting talents of all concerned, especially Arthur Lowe, John le Mesurier and Bill Pertwee (in my opinion, the only believable character of the lot as the ARP warden), I'd rank it down there with 'Are You Being Served' (probably another favourite of a lot of you, but in my opinion the worst calumny ever afflicted on the British television public).
Which is a pity, since the premise is superb; and the subject matter manna from heaven to the Beeb's costume/set departments. Unfortunately, it degenerates into unbelievable situations, childish slapstick, and that faithful fallback of so much mediocre British comedy - the walk-on line.
Perhaps it was the timing: I was 11 when it first came out, possibly too young to appreciate all the wartime references (my parents loved it, and they didn't agree on much); but in my view it stands as a missed opportunity for all the undoubted talent involved.
Which is a pity, since the premise is superb; and the subject matter manna from heaven to the Beeb's costume/set departments. Unfortunately, it degenerates into unbelievable situations, childish slapstick, and that faithful fallback of so much mediocre British comedy - the walk-on line.
Perhaps it was the timing: I was 11 when it first came out, possibly too young to appreciate all the wartime references (my parents loved it, and they didn't agree on much); but in my view it stands as a missed opportunity for all the undoubted talent involved.