I'm happy to say that I well remember the Army Game, especially the later episodes. By that time, as the previous reviewer says, the show revolved largely round Bootsie and Snudge, which is not to say that there were no other very talented members of the cast. The personnel changed a good bit over time but one noteworthy feature was the allocation of catchphrases to cast members, rather in the manner of 'Allo 'Allo more recently. Thus, a generation grew up saying 'still, ne'er mind, eh?' in the manner of Bootsie or making Snudge-like references to a 'proper nana'. It was a great show in its time but shunting Bootsie and Snudge into a spin-off and the approaching end of National Service ensured its cancellation.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Hallowe'en Capers Get Out of Hand.
23 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
An agreeable piece of hokum for Hallowe'en, in which Robin, Marian and a group of the Merrie Men go to Thorkil Castle, partly to exercise their right to cakes and ale at that time of year and partly to check out reports of a murdering ghost, which they appear to encounter about halfway through the episode. But is all as it seems? A mystery is solved with the help of a deaf mute using sign language. The Sheriff, Little John and Friar Tuck are all absent from this episode, meaning that some minor characters, such as Derwent, can be featured more prominently than usual. Look out for Barbara Mullen playing an aristocrat of latent evil, in the days long before she progressed to serving the tea at Arden House in Dr Finlay's Casebook.
Maid Marian's Arrest, Trial and Outcome
21 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
To say that this begins with a fit of comic rage from Friar Tuck might suggest that this is going to be a light-hearted episode. In fact, it's a dark tale, as Maid Marian is framed for a murder that she didn't commit. During the legal proceedings, she opts for trial by battle, overlooking the fact that Robin has been injured in combat. The outlook seems pretty hopeless. But can she get out of that? This gives an interesting insight into the legal system of the time and also shows that there are even more evil people about than the Sheriff, whose regard for Marian makes him a very reluctant participant in the process--though he can't resist some opportunistic moments. Look out for a young Nicholas Parsons, who plays the nice but wimpish Sir Walter.
Marian Comes Into Her Own
19 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
When Sir Hubert is intercepted in Sherwood Forest and tells Little John that he's on his way to Fitzwalter Hall to marry Maid Marian for the sake of her dowry, he is forcibly invited to dinner with the outlaws, so that details of his intentions can be made clear. This causes Robin to pursue an original way to deal with the issue.
Most of the action is based in Fitzwalter Hall rather than Sherwood Forest but this gives a chance to feature Marian in some depth and Bernadette O'Farrell puts in a particularly fine performance, with strength and sensitivity. A further pleasure is a guest appearance by Thora Hird, as a comic servant at Fitzwalter Hall who has definite ideas of her own as to how to handle this. It's a pity that such a funny and resourceful character didn't appear in more episodes. But this is a really enjoyable story, with humour as well as drama.
Most of the action is based in Fitzwalter Hall rather than Sherwood Forest but this gives a chance to feature Marian in some depth and Bernadette O'Farrell puts in a particularly fine performance, with strength and sensitivity. A further pleasure is a guest appearance by Thora Hird, as a comic servant at Fitzwalter Hall who has definite ideas of her own as to how to handle this. It's a pity that such a funny and resourceful character didn't appear in more episodes. But this is a really enjoyable story, with humour as well as drama.
Retelling a Legend
19 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This episode retells one of the best known stories of the canon, how the outlaws help the penniless Sir Richard of the Lea pay a debt of £400 back to the wicked Abbot, who had hoped to use non-payment of the debt as an excuse to seize the knight's lands and house. Much of the help is given by Friar Tuck, with Alexander Gauge's quirky but consummate portrayal having full rein. Other characters, even Robin, seem to play a minor role. A strong retelling, nonetheless, and an unexpected sting in the tail. On a point of continuity, right at the start a character mentions that it is to be Prince John's birthday the following week, which would set the episode in about mid-December, but the ambiance is unmistakably that of summer.
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