The Miser's Hoard (23 Oct. 1977)

Doctor McCeavedy, who signals undertaker Frazer deaths, accidentally discovers his life savings, hundreds of sovereigns, and tells Mainwaring the scrooge should be persuaded to put the ... See full summary »

Director:

Bob Spiers

Writers:

Jimmy Perry (by), David Croft (by),

Stars:

Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Arthur Lowe	...	Capt. George Mainwaring
John Le Mesurier	...	Sgt. Arthur Wilson
Clive Dunn	...	LCpl. Jack Jones
John Laurie	...	Pte. James Frazer
Arnold Ridley	...	Pte. Charles Godfrey
Ian Lavender	...	Pte. Frank Pike
Fulton Mackay	...	Doctor McCeavedy
Bill Pertwee	...	Chief Warden Hodges
Frank Williams	...	The Vicar
Edward Sinclair	...	The Verger
Colin Bean	...	Private Sponge
Bud Flanagan	...	The Voice of (voice)

Storyline

Doctor McCeavedy, who signals undertaker Frazer deaths, accidentally discovers his life savings, hundreds of sovereigns, and tells Mainwaring the scrooge should be persuaded to put the fortune in safety. The captain's lecture on money in wartime, after Jones' ludicrous demonstration of fixing bayonets while wearing a gas mask, fails to secure the banker a fat annuity commission, he's even called not trustworthy. However the rumor soon spreads, so after half of Walmington beleaguers Frazer in vain for generosity that never comes, he misses his first parade ever to 'secure' his gold, so they all try to spy where he would bury it at night.

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Genres:

Comedy | War

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 October 1977 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Frazer: Captain Mainwaring. I've only got one thing to say to you. If you think you're getting your hands on my gold you can think again. I don't trust banks, I don't trust bankers and I don't trust you. That's all I wanted to say. Thank you.

User Reviews

I don't trust banks, I don't trust bankers and I don't trust you

A fine episode from the final series of my favourite sitcom 'Dad's Army'

Frazer is counting out gold sovereigns in his home (he has hundreds of pounds worth). He then gets a knock on the door, it is Doctor McCeavedy. He quickly hides his gold and invites him in for a whiskey. McCeavedy then accidentally knocks all the gold on the floor and is astonished Frazer has so much. He goes and tells Mainwaring at the bank. Mainwaring believes that the gold should be sold and the money is to be put in the bank. Frazer tells him to mind his own business. The people of Walmington hear about the gold and he can't leave his house for people wanting money, the Vicar wants some. He doesn't turn up for parade. In the early hours of the morning, Frazer is seen in the church yard, burying a box. Everyone thinks it is his gold. The men dig it up when Frazer is gone. The next day at parade, which Frazer turns up to, Mainwaring opens the box in front of everyone, but to Mainwaring's horror, it is a brick. To which point Frazer reassures everyone that his gold is staying with him.

This being from the last series, so the show had past its best, but it was still must-watch television and this was a great episode. The sad thing about watching the last series is that with it being an old cast to begin with, by 1977 many of the cast was looking ill, especially poor old John Le Mesurier, who looks like a ghost in the final series. Mainwaring for once is in the wrong in this episode, he has no business harassing Frazer for his fortune. Terrific performance from John Laurie in this episode. Also, another great Scottish actor, Fulton Mackay played Doctor McCeavedy. It was his second appearance in 'Dad's Army' having played Captain Ramsey in the episode 'We Know Our Onions' He today of course is remembered for his role as Mr Mackay in 'Porridge'

Best Bit: When McCeavedy visits Frazer. Despite him having a fortune, Frazer is very mean when he is pouring out McCeavedy's whiskey, tipping a bit of the small bit of whiskey in McCeavedy's glass into his own.

Second Best Bit: At Hodges's shop. The Vicar is thrilled to hear Hodges secretly has onions. Hodges tells him he can have half a pound, on the promise he will cut his sermon down to eight minutes.