16 Things You Didn’t Know About British Classic ‘Dad’s Army’

4. The Benefit of Michael Mills

It’s a good thing that Mills was let in on the fun, because he’s the one who added several touches that became hallmarks of the series. Outside of the three main leads, he changed all the characters’ names, the town’s name, and even the series’ name. Originally, the comedy was supposed to be called The Fighting Tigers.

5. Test Audiences Thought It Sucked

Thank goodness David Croft doesn’t check his inbox. When the pilot was initially shot and screened for test audiences, the reaction to the show was less than optimal. In fact, the majority of the audience thought the show was terrible. Thankfully, the crafty production team put the feedback at the bottom of David Croft’s inbox, so he didn’t actually see the results until months after the show’s successful premiere.

6. Blending A Dark Truth

Early in the series — especially in the first season — Dad’s Army wasn’t afraid to make a few political points on the Home Guard’s behalf. In some episodes, the platoon is equipped with cardboard guns. In spite of that fact, the plots of several episodes have these dummies willingly put themselves in front of the German advance in order to even slightly delay any invading force.