Just to say that those who would like to see again this classic 70's sitcom (and a rare good one from ITV), check out a certain well known video sharing site. Like others, I recall watching this as a kid, my Dad who did National Service, though in the army, loved it too and thought it realistic. The writers both did National Service in the RAF in the 1950's. A classic line, from the very first episode, from the wonderful Tony Selby as the fearsome NCO, 'my name is Marsh, that's B-A-S-T-A-R-D!' As well as giving Robert Lindsay his first major role, before another well remembered part where he was also named 'Smith'. I don't think there has been any real intention of not repeating this series due to some PC concerns, it's just got lost in the crowd of 70's sitcoms, though popular it's just not as well known as others like 'Porridge'. It might be that the BBC just looks after it's sitcom legacy better. The corporate convulsions of the old ITV network in the 1990's and 2000's might also have played a part here.
22 Reviews
Was Great
simon-leonard27 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This, as was noted in the previous comment was a great show, and may well have been Tony Selbys greatest character (barring the worst cockney rhyming slanging rag and bone man from the Good life)
However this actually was repeated on UK Gold in the late 80's early 90's from the pilot episode through to its final season. Although like most comedies from this time the later seasons output was of a poorer quality.
I think it should be noted that Robert Lindseys portrayal of the teddy boy was pure genius and deserves to be shown again.
This show also introduced Karl Howman (of Brush Strokes fame) in the later series as a replacement for Lindsey.
However this actually was repeated on UK Gold in the late 80's early 90's from the pilot episode through to its final season. Although like most comedies from this time the later seasons output was of a poorer quality.
I think it should be noted that Robert Lindseys portrayal of the teddy boy was pure genius and deserves to be shown again.
This show also introduced Karl Howman (of Brush Strokes fame) in the later series as a replacement for Lindsey.
''Fag for the Corporal?''
Rabical-9130 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The BBC's long running 'Dad's Army' showed middle-aged to elderly men fighting for their country yet ITV's 'Get Some In' was quite the opposite - here we saw young men signing up for combat. It was written by John Esmonde & Bob Larbey, of 'Please Sir' and 'The Good Life' fame.
Four young men from varying backgrounds - Cockney teddy boy Jakey Smith ( Robert Lindsay in what was a prototype Wolfie Smith role ), glum Scotsman Leckie ( Brian Pettifer ), posh-spoken vicar's son Matthew Lilley ( Gerard Ryder ) and well-to-do Grammar student Ken Richardson ( David Janson ) - are all called to sign up for their national service at R.A.F Skelton. Upon arrival they are greeted by Corporal Percy Marsh ( Tony Selby ), a nasty piece of work if ever there was one.
Other regular characters include Marsh's long suffering wife Alice ( the lovely Lori Wells ) and Squadron Leader Baker ( played by John D. Collins ).
'Get Some In' predictably did not rival 'Dad's Army' in terms of popularity but it was enough of a hit to run to five seasons. Personally, I preferred it over 'Dad's Army'. Much of the comedy is culled from Marsh's maltreatment of the conscripts which would more often than not backfire on him. For instance, when Marsh stole coal from the recruits hut during winter, the lads coated the stuff with oil, hence it exploded the moment Marsh tried to light it ( that was a serious case of backfiring ). Also one time Marsh foolishly left his Christmas turkey unattended outside so when a passing dog noticed it, he made off with it straight away.
Tony Selby was hilarious as Marsh and his portrayal of the brash Corporal is frighteningly realistic. Robert Lindsay stood out from all as Jakey. When he left before the final series to star in 'Citizen Smith', he was replaced by future 'Brush Strokes' star Karl Howman. As a result, the show lost its edge somewhat. Brian Pettifer is better known to audiences as Andra from the wonderful 'Rab C. Nesbitt' while David Janson is probably best remembered as Hyacinth Bucket's postman in 'Keeping Up Appearances'.
There were many memorable guest appearances from the likes of Roy Kinnear, Cheryl Hall ( then married to Lindsay ), Alfred Marks, Angela Thorne, Simon Callow and George Baker. Michael Mills, who also worked on 'Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em', produced and directed.
'Get Some In' was not, in my view, a classic sitcom but all the same was good fun. All five series were repeated uncut on UK Gold in the '90's. It is also now available on DVD and makes enjoyable viewing for fans of Robert Lindsay.
Four young men from varying backgrounds - Cockney teddy boy Jakey Smith ( Robert Lindsay in what was a prototype Wolfie Smith role ), glum Scotsman Leckie ( Brian Pettifer ), posh-spoken vicar's son Matthew Lilley ( Gerard Ryder ) and well-to-do Grammar student Ken Richardson ( David Janson ) - are all called to sign up for their national service at R.A.F Skelton. Upon arrival they are greeted by Corporal Percy Marsh ( Tony Selby ), a nasty piece of work if ever there was one.
Other regular characters include Marsh's long suffering wife Alice ( the lovely Lori Wells ) and Squadron Leader Baker ( played by John D. Collins ).
'Get Some In' predictably did not rival 'Dad's Army' in terms of popularity but it was enough of a hit to run to five seasons. Personally, I preferred it over 'Dad's Army'. Much of the comedy is culled from Marsh's maltreatment of the conscripts which would more often than not backfire on him. For instance, when Marsh stole coal from the recruits hut during winter, the lads coated the stuff with oil, hence it exploded the moment Marsh tried to light it ( that was a serious case of backfiring ). Also one time Marsh foolishly left his Christmas turkey unattended outside so when a passing dog noticed it, he made off with it straight away.
Tony Selby was hilarious as Marsh and his portrayal of the brash Corporal is frighteningly realistic. Robert Lindsay stood out from all as Jakey. When he left before the final series to star in 'Citizen Smith', he was replaced by future 'Brush Strokes' star Karl Howman. As a result, the show lost its edge somewhat. Brian Pettifer is better known to audiences as Andra from the wonderful 'Rab C. Nesbitt' while David Janson is probably best remembered as Hyacinth Bucket's postman in 'Keeping Up Appearances'.
There were many memorable guest appearances from the likes of Roy Kinnear, Cheryl Hall ( then married to Lindsay ), Alfred Marks, Angela Thorne, Simon Callow and George Baker. Michael Mills, who also worked on 'Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em', produced and directed.
'Get Some In' was not, in my view, a classic sitcom but all the same was good fun. All five series were repeated uncut on UK Gold in the '90's. It is also now available on DVD and makes enjoyable viewing for fans of Robert Lindsay.
My old Dad swore by this one
enochsneed19 July 2011
When this was first broadcast in the mid-1970's it quickly became one of my Dad's favourites. He had completed his own National Service with the RAF at exactly this time so he could sympathise with the 'erks' and what they endured under Corporal Marsh. He said his introduction to service life was arriving at an RAF station in the pouring rain after travelling from one end of England to the other (taking him at the base nearest to his home would, of course, defy service logic). He was given two damp blankets, and shown to an empty hut - and I mean empty, not even a bed. He lay on the floor in his wet clothes and didn't close an eye all night.
Eventually, after training, he was posted overseas and it is fascinating to look in his photo album and realise these were the dying days of the British Empire: Palestine, South Africa, RAF Khartoum, even Iraq ("Saddam knew my father, father knew Saddam..."). On one occasion he was with a small patrol in the desert. They camped for the night and woke the next morning to find themselves lying on the open sand. Tents, equipment, anything they weren't actually wearing had gone and they never knew a thing. He said they could steal your socks without taking your boots off.
None of this has anything to do with reviewing the programme, but it does show it was grounded in real life. In its day it seemed very funny but nowadays it would be frowned on to call someone 'poofhouse' week after week on prime-time. I don't know why people can't see this as reflecting the ignorance of the person who uses this type of abuse - they insist it makes the show itself 'homophobic'. It was well-written and acted and there are far worse quality programmes around today.
Eventually, after training, he was posted overseas and it is fascinating to look in his photo album and realise these were the dying days of the British Empire: Palestine, South Africa, RAF Khartoum, even Iraq ("Saddam knew my father, father knew Saddam..."). On one occasion he was with a small patrol in the desert. They camped for the night and woke the next morning to find themselves lying on the open sand. Tents, equipment, anything they weren't actually wearing had gone and they never knew a thing. He said they could steal your socks without taking your boots off.
None of this has anything to do with reviewing the programme, but it does show it was grounded in real life. In its day it seemed very funny but nowadays it would be frowned on to call someone 'poofhouse' week after week on prime-time. I don't know why people can't see this as reflecting the ignorance of the person who uses this type of abuse - they insist it makes the show itself 'homophobic'. It was well-written and acted and there are far worse quality programmes around today.
Marmite maybe
lancer16519 November 2015
This is perhaps only viewed as a somewhat nostalgic memory. I was a volunteer in the army starting life as a boy soldier engineer at Chepstow but due to being thick moving on to the cavalry in what was then known as the ROYAL SCOTS GREYS. My training was at Catterick and while the live in barracks were new much of our time was spent in the wooden hut like buildings learning things like Guard duty. Yes her we would meet the character represented by Alfred Marks but thankfully not the drunk liable to destroy a career of a just starting soldier. I must admit that I never met a Corporal Marsh type in my training days as a boy soldier or my Catterick days. I was and do not remember a swearing at me or us instructor or a bully so cannot fully appreciate the humour of such comedies other than as a stereotypical effort. corporal Marsh was no Sgt Major Shut up Williams as in 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum'. Perhaps the RAF was not able to conjure up a background such as the army did with here and the ARMY GAME with Bootsie and Snudge. How could a public that had more perceived knowledge of the military as it being the army understand that in Get some in we are historically told is an effeminate old fashioned hair oiled RAF. Do not understand this gel headed perception This is trying to show the RAF doing its best to be animal like its senior arm. A load of Wannabes possibly. Admittedly it does have the RAF Regiment which is effectively the same as the army but in RAF blue. It guards airfields but is not an aggressive arm to my knowledge. Due to this it can spend more hours perfecting those now non essential drill movements making them a most accomplished drill smart unit that can carry out a choreographed movement lasting some time and envied. The real ARMY in times gone by did this under fire. But conversely I was with 23 Parachute Field Ambulance for some time and I can relate that for the parachute period of training the Paras are not entrusted with this but it is carried out by the RAF. Perhaps due to a less aggressive training attitude giving the lie to Marsh's training principles.
While this has not been a positive review the series did crate a diversion recently for me but in its day due to my service commitments missed so much. I did however see It Ain't half hot mum start and even the last few series as I had left the army by then. Get some in did not match up. Dads army coming from a different viewpoint also was much superior. While I can empathise with any conscript in any part or the services it does not always transfer on to the silver screen. This is a vehicle for making money and not to give history lessons or create nostalgia. I do not think that our actors were notable other than the swine Selby. The turn out in uniform shows that no one had much interest in realism unlike dear Windsor Davies who would not have looked out of place in the real world. Marsh while having been a CORPORAL for 8 years mu have had previous service. Assuming that he worked his way through the ranks I can give him a another three years from joining the RAF. This make surely his entrance at about 1944. Not a ribbon in sight for one entrusted with the moulding of recruits. In truth Marsh should never have been given this task. Training post wartime took on a new and more enlightened role. While I enjoyed this for a little nostalgia and the ability to laugh at idiotic behaviour. It is not a classic as suggested by I suppose Riff Raff veterans. In any case allow me to say that any ex service man who willingly gave his all, I do not mean gave his life, for his unit/ship/etc is to be applauded. May I be able to enjoy a good laugh at all the comedic situations that story tellers can without malicious intent conjure up for our entertainment. My overall thinking is that it showed National service with the RAF as opposed to the usual Army fare. It did introduce some new people into the TV world. Robert Lindsay of course its main export.
While this has not been a positive review the series did crate a diversion recently for me but in its day due to my service commitments missed so much. I did however see It Ain't half hot mum start and even the last few series as I had left the army by then. Get some in did not match up. Dads army coming from a different viewpoint also was much superior. While I can empathise with any conscript in any part or the services it does not always transfer on to the silver screen. This is a vehicle for making money and not to give history lessons or create nostalgia. I do not think that our actors were notable other than the swine Selby. The turn out in uniform shows that no one had much interest in realism unlike dear Windsor Davies who would not have looked out of place in the real world. Marsh while having been a CORPORAL for 8 years mu have had previous service. Assuming that he worked his way through the ranks I can give him a another three years from joining the RAF. This make surely his entrance at about 1944. Not a ribbon in sight for one entrusted with the moulding of recruits. In truth Marsh should never have been given this task. Training post wartime took on a new and more enlightened role. While I enjoyed this for a little nostalgia and the ability to laugh at idiotic behaviour. It is not a classic as suggested by I suppose Riff Raff veterans. In any case allow me to say that any ex service man who willingly gave his all, I do not mean gave his life, for his unit/ship/etc is to be applauded. May I be able to enjoy a good laugh at all the comedic situations that story tellers can without malicious intent conjure up for our entertainment. My overall thinking is that it showed National service with the RAF as opposed to the usual Army fare. It did introduce some new people into the TV world. Robert Lindsay of course its main export.
"There's Only One Way To Get Out And That's To..."
ShadeGrenade5 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
John Esmonde and Bob Larbey's 'Get Some In' was one of several military-themed sitcoms inspired by the success of 'Dad's Army'. The main difference being that while the latter was about old men training for combat, the former concerned young men ( teddy boy Jakey, vicar's son Lilley, academic Ken, and Scot Leckie ) conscripted into the R.A.F. in '50's Britain.
As someone too young to have experienced National Service, I shuddered at the horrors the conscripts were forced to endure, such as having their boots nailed to the floor ( whilst in them ), cleaning the latrines and made to go on exhausting, cross-country hikes. As well as being verbally abused by Corporal Marsh, one of the most frightening characters to ever appear in a sitcom.
'Get Some In' had the ring of truth about it. I expect the reason why it has never been repeated is because of Marsh's homophobic and bigoted attitudes. Ken isn't gay, but Marsh treats him as though he is, while Leckie is so fed up of the Corporal's constant derogatory references to his nationality he even contemplates suicide. Impossible to imagine these things happening in a modern sitcom.
But the lads occasionally got their own back. In one episode, Marsh has been stealing coal from the barracks, leaving the conscripts to freeze in the middle of winter, so Leckie coats the anthracite with oil from the armoury. When Marsh next tries to make a fire, the grate blows up in his face. In another, Jakey sabotages one of the supports on Marsh's caravan, causing it to collapse when Marsh climbs into bed with his wife.
So popular was the show that when Thames Television announced its cancellation, 'The News Of The World' started a campaign for its return. It was successful; unfortunately, it came back without Robert Lindsay, who had left to take up the role of 'Wolfie' in the B.B.C.'s brilliant 'Citizen Smith'. Future 'Brush Strokes' star Karl Howman replaced him. Talented though he is, Karl just wasn't 'Jakey', and the show suffered as a result.
Even so, 'Get Some In!' remains one of I.T.V.'s best '70's sitcoms, and a D.V.D. release is long overdue.
As someone too young to have experienced National Service, I shuddered at the horrors the conscripts were forced to endure, such as having their boots nailed to the floor ( whilst in them ), cleaning the latrines and made to go on exhausting, cross-country hikes. As well as being verbally abused by Corporal Marsh, one of the most frightening characters to ever appear in a sitcom.
'Get Some In' had the ring of truth about it. I expect the reason why it has never been repeated is because of Marsh's homophobic and bigoted attitudes. Ken isn't gay, but Marsh treats him as though he is, while Leckie is so fed up of the Corporal's constant derogatory references to his nationality he even contemplates suicide. Impossible to imagine these things happening in a modern sitcom.
But the lads occasionally got their own back. In one episode, Marsh has been stealing coal from the barracks, leaving the conscripts to freeze in the middle of winter, so Leckie coats the anthracite with oil from the armoury. When Marsh next tries to make a fire, the grate blows up in his face. In another, Jakey sabotages one of the supports on Marsh's caravan, causing it to collapse when Marsh climbs into bed with his wife.
So popular was the show that when Thames Television announced its cancellation, 'The News Of The World' started a campaign for its return. It was successful; unfortunately, it came back without Robert Lindsay, who had left to take up the role of 'Wolfie' in the B.B.C.'s brilliant 'Citizen Smith'. Future 'Brush Strokes' star Karl Howman replaced him. Talented though he is, Karl just wasn't 'Jakey', and the show suffered as a result.
Even so, 'Get Some In!' remains one of I.T.V.'s best '70's sitcoms, and a D.V.D. release is long overdue.
Forces Tv
pompeymeowth17 December 2019
Brilliant
SilverShiney9 September 2016
I never really got the chance to see more than a couple of episodes when first aired but now it's being re-shown on Forces TV.
I was an apprentice at RAF Cosford in the early 70s and find this series so true to life.
Corporal Marsh reminds me of the Apprentice NCOs who bullied us in the dormitories.
I am really glad to be able to watch the whole thing now as, although I didn't enjoy most of my time in the RAF, it brings back memories.
I would like to know where the series was filmed - I had thought RAF Innsworth, but those huts were used at many different bases.
I was an apprentice at RAF Cosford in the early 70s and find this series so true to life.
Corporal Marsh reminds me of the Apprentice NCOs who bullied us in the dormitories.
I am really glad to be able to watch the whole thing now as, although I didn't enjoy most of my time in the RAF, it brings back memories.
I would like to know where the series was filmed - I had thought RAF Innsworth, but those huts were used at many different bases.
A Directionless Catastrophe
offramp_tavanipupu18 April 2019
This really is painful to watch. I feel very sorry for Tony Selby. This was his main starring role in a British TV series and he was forced to play a ridiculous, unpleasant, unbelievable and unfunny bully who is a pathological liar and has psychopathic feeling of hatred towards all new recruits. He hates everyone who is ranked below him and will commit any enormity as long as it causes pain and distress to the people he is meant to be the guardian of.
To his credit he did play the disastrous part as well as he could. He still managed to be upstaged by the young Robert Lindsay, playing the world's only teddy boy who has no trace of teddy-boy-ness about him. There is also a Scotsman in the cast, included to allow Cpl Marsh an uninterrupted stream of vitriol against the Scots.
Because the Erks were training to be nurses there were lots of "jokes" about broken arms, legs, profuse bleeding, concussion, kidney damage: these are the funniest jokes in the series.
Lindsay was lucky: he got a better offer and jumped ship. The producers made the disastrous decision to keep the character going with a new actor. Why? Why not bring in a new character, and an explanation for the old character disappearing?
The theme song chirrups: "You'll be the lowest form of life, You'll wish that you were dead", that's how watching this series made me feel. I am sure that for the people nostalgic for National service in the 1950s this was the best sitcom of all time. For everyone else this was a pointless and inexplicable waste of time and money. The writers were wasting their time and talent on a directionless catastrophe.
Because the Erks were training to be nurses there were lots of "jokes" about broken arms, legs, profuse bleeding, concussion, kidney damage: these are the funniest jokes in the series.
Lindsay was lucky: he got a better offer and jumped ship. The producers made the disastrous decision to keep the character going with a new actor. Why? Why not bring in a new character, and an explanation for the old character disappearing?
The theme song chirrups: "You'll be the lowest form of life, You'll wish that you were dead", that's how watching this series made me feel. I am sure that for the people nostalgic for National service in the 1950s this was the best sitcom of all time. For everyone else this was a pointless and inexplicable waste of time and money. The writers were wasting their time and talent on a directionless catastrophe.
Laughs Galore!
j-carruthers9 January 2006
The nation should be re-exposed to the world of Corporal Marsh. I cannot believe some of the so rubbish that can be bought today masquerading as comedy. This is a genuine comedy from the days when comedy was funny. The marching chant of 'Corporal Marsh is very nice' in series 1 is a TV small classic moment and this programme has a number of classic moments. Please release this on DVD or re-run it again on TV so that we all can enjoy such a moment. There is not a weak episode or series and the characters are strong throughout. The relationship between Percy and Alice was worthy of a spin off series. This is possibly the writers best work although I am sure that others will argue otherwise.
The Futility of National Service
kris-gray28 July 2019
If this series did nothing else it highlighted the futility of National Service which robbed young men from the age of 18 of their career prospects for 2 years. Please note that women were exempted from this legalised torture, something the women's lib brigade fail to mention when they scream for equality. Instead a new batch of cannon fodder were permanently available to the British government up until the early 60's. If it moves salute it, if it doesn't paint it.
So a lot of the series is PC incorrect with the bully that is Cpl Marsh's constant racist remarks to Leckie and homophobic remarks to Ken. Remarks to 3 F's Smiff the ted would still be ok, after all he is just a white heterosexual male, ok to insult him. That was how England was back in the fifties and still even when this series was .made. To try and wipe it from history just wouldn't be right it was what it was.
Thankfully the brave Talking Pictures TV channel has been re-running it and I am enjoying it as much as I did when I first saw it back in the day. Takes a few episodes to get going but worth sticking with.
So a lot of the series is PC incorrect with the bully that is Cpl Marsh's constant racist remarks to Leckie and homophobic remarks to Ken. Remarks to 3 F's Smiff the ted would still be ok, after all he is just a white heterosexual male, ok to insult him. That was how England was back in the fifties and still even when this series was .made. To try and wipe it from history just wouldn't be right it was what it was.
Thankfully the brave Talking Pictures TV channel has been re-running it and I am enjoying it as much as I did when I first saw it back in the day. Takes a few episodes to get going but worth sticking with.
"Chips with everything" minus the pretensions.............
ianlouisiana9 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
And far more true - to - life. 'orrible NCOs,crafty cockneys,miserable Jocks....all 1950s human life is here - except for a marked absence of the calming influence of the opposite sex;from the colonel's lady to Rosie O' Grady they are seldom seen,as was the way in those primitive testosterone - fuelled years. Did they really put bromide in the tea? One thing's for certain - if you'd asked for coffee instead you would have been laughed out of the NAAFI. "Get some in" goes where "Carry on Sergeant" and countless army comedies had gone before,exploring the cultural differences of young conscripts and making brilliant comedy that reflected it's era. It could hardly do otherwise,of course,and to find it unacceptable to today's tastes does not mean that it was not hugely funny in 1975. Blokes with droopy moustaches and flares rolled about laughing at their TVs and again on the factory floor the next morning. Of course,today we may laugh at their clothes and their "juvenile" sense of humour,but we regret the passing of their factories and sense of comradeship and shared experiences they invoked. This series saw the first flowering of the great Mr R.Lindsay as a Teddy Boy - a species that was coming to the end of it's time by 1955. A few more years fuelled by the music of Bill Haley and they would fade away as Ruby Murray and Dickie Valentine crooned their way onto our record - players. But the shining star of the series was Mr T.Selby as the Hut NCO,a blustering bullsh*tter who tried but failed to rule by fear,whose façade was soon seen through by the more shrewd members of his squad. His was the performance that remains in the mind thirty years after the programme was televised. The intolerance towards "poofs",though regrettable,merely reflected that of society as a whole. But then we drove Austin Allegros and Vauxhall Vivas,went to Margate on our hols and loved our Queen and Country - what did we know?
Get some in
tedinashed26 July 2016
FORCES TV FREE-SAT CHANNEL 657
This program shows daily, 2 times a day.
SUPERB FUN PROGRAMME.
A comedy that will appeal to everyone, young and old (who might remember national service).
Robert Lindsey in one of his first roles on TV, is excellent as a Teddy Boy turned trainee airman.
The role of corporal could not have been played by a better actor, with iconic lines such as "fag for the corporal" and "light for the corporal".
This program shows daily, 2 times a day.
SUPERB FUN PROGRAMME.
A comedy that will appeal to everyone, young and old (who might remember national service).
Robert Lindsey in one of his first roles on TV, is excellent as a Teddy Boy turned trainee airman.
The role of corporal could not have been played by a better actor, with iconic lines such as "fag for the corporal" and "light for the corporal".
"Though you're in the RAF, you'll never see a plane"
hernebay2 September 2001
If "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" has suffered acutely from Politically Correct retro-censorship, being rarely repeated (and then only the odd episode that gets past the new puritans), "Get Some In!" has been officially airbrushed out of late 70s British sitcom history. The total ban on repeats of this series means that I have not seen it since it was originally aired. Set in the 1950s, when young British men were still obliged to undergo compulsory National Service in one of the armed forces, my recollections of this series take me back, nevertheless, to the late 1970s, when such National Service seemed a dim and remote memory (to teenagers like myself, smugly ineligible). It aired in that bizarre cusp or hinge of time between decadent hippie-dom (concept albums, and rock stars in mansions) and early punk, and sought to demythologise the wizard-prang, pipe-between-the-teeth image of the RAF by showing the lowly, earthbound National Service recruits to the air force ("Though you're in the RAF, you'll never see a plane" went one line of the theme song). The recruits ("erks", if memory serves) were the standard-issue collection of heterogeneous types, running the gamut of the English class system and its miscellaneous sub-categories, most notably including the brilliant David Janson, subsequently much under-used, and the no less brilliant Robert Lindsay, in his first starring role (pre-"Citizen Smith"). Presiding over these raw recruits was the fearsome NCO, Tony Selby, a superb utility actor who had graced "The Avengers", "Ace Of Wands" and many another must-see British series of the late 60s and early 70s. With a strong cast, and what seemed at the time to be funny scripts, it is puzzling that this series has never re-aired, but perhaps it reflected too closely the PC insensitivities of the 50s. Our loss!
It brings back memories.
wdgpwej19 September 2020
I missed National Service by about 12 months but I still went into the RAF in 1962 and was posted the RAF Bridgnorth, now closed as are most of the other stations I served on.
Many of the DIs must have drilled National Servicemen and forgot, or seemed to forget, that all of we recruits were regulars The character played by Tony Selby, aka Cpl Marsh spelt B.A.S.T.A.R.D, reminded my of the DIs I encountered at Bridgnorth namely Cpls Coyle and Jenkins.
Despite other reviewers complaining that it was politically incorrect it should be remembered that the series was set in the 1950s and shouldn't be judged by todays standards.
Like many programmes from the 50s and 60s they will not be aired again because they are deemed non-PC by todays, mandy pandy, society. They should be as people should see how people lived in the past.
History should be taught and not re-invented but man seems incapable, or unwilling, to do this.
Many of the DIs must have drilled National Servicemen and forgot, or seemed to forget, that all of we recruits were regulars The character played by Tony Selby, aka Cpl Marsh spelt B.A.S.T.A.R.D, reminded my of the DIs I encountered at Bridgnorth namely Cpls Coyle and Jenkins.
Despite other reviewers complaining that it was politically incorrect it should be remembered that the series was set in the 1950s and shouldn't be judged by todays standards.
Like many programmes from the 50s and 60s they will not be aired again because they are deemed non-PC by todays, mandy pandy, society. They should be as people should see how people lived in the past.
History should be taught and not re-invented but man seems incapable, or unwilling, to do this.
I preferred it too Dad's Army
keenanchris28 October 2000
This is probably one of the more under-rated comedies of the seventies. Whilst a number of it's contempories have gone on to cult status, this seems to have been forgotten.
I don't know whether it has dated, but they should try showing it again as it would make a refreshing change from the endless repeats of Dad's Army!
I don't know whether it has dated, but they should try showing it again as it would make a refreshing change from the endless repeats of Dad's Army!
Classic lines
naseby29 August 2006
Hi, I have most of the series dotted around on various videos. It is a shame a lot of you haven't seen it again, for I'd like to know what the favourite lines/episodes would be your choice. I like the ones Marsh delivered to Leckie, of course with racist overtones (a big reason why it probably hasn't been repeated) "You're a Scottish spy, sent to infiltrate Her Majesty's 'English' Royal Air Force, and when our backs are turned, you're gonna lead a bunch of rebellious fairies over Hadrian's Wall!" Perhaps another good one is where Marsh 'nails' Lilley's boots - with him inside them still of course, to the floor! (For not swearing by saying 'blimey'!) Perhaps the best sadistic streak was when he 'defused' Lilley by mentioning he was a walking time-bomb. He got the latter to cross his legs, pull his beret down to his nose, put his hands in his pockets, then proclaims "You are now defused!" Of course '3' - F smith always got one over on him and poor Ken was the butt of his 'poofhouse' jokes. It got a little sentimental as it wore on, Leckie getting married to Corporal Wendy (Who also managed not to give in to Marsh). Marsh's megalomania showed through in having his stripes even sewn on to his pyjamas! Well done to the scriptwriters and the five actors. I actually went out with Robert Lindsay's nanny in the late 80's, she said then that Robert still had Mike Grady (Who played Ken in Citizen smith with him) and David Janson (Ken 'poofhouse' Richardson) round from time to time. This hopefully will be out on DVD. Update, as many of you know from 2011, the series made it on DVD, thankfully!
This program was superb and it is a travesty it is not available on DVD
mission_control-126 February 2006
Welcome to the world, post war Britain and the subject is National Service in the RAF Regiment, as the theme music goes "now you're in the RAF you'll never see a plane". Fabulous cast, all of whom are covered elsewhere on this site but the episodes have to be seen to be believed. This program bears all the hallmarks of an illustrious age before any thoughts of a nanny state, no political correctness, no punches pulled, they just told it as it is. This series was pure entertainment and it is a complete shame that only people of my generation got to enjoy it. Previous reviewers on this site have nailed it on the head and I can only back it up. If you have seen "Bad Lads Army", supposed reality TV, this knocks it into a cocked hat, and this is "drama". Please, BBC, put this out on DVD and put me down for the first copies.
Get some in? I would, given a chance.
buckaroobanzai508 April 2003
Forget your 'Dad's Armys', and 'Aint 'Alf Hot Mum's, this was the business. I fortunately was able to recapture it when the complete series was aired on satellite in the UK. While watching them, I actually found myself utterly embarrassed...Because I was laughing aloud at the Television like an unhinged school boy.
I guess that's because it was made in the care free days of the 1970s, when sitcoms were actually funny.
NCO: 'Smiff? Is that spelt wiv one F or two.'
SMITH: 'No. Three.'
I guess that's because it was made in the care free days of the 1970s, when sitcoms were actually funny.
NCO: 'Smiff? Is that spelt wiv one F or two.'
SMITH: 'No. Three.'
Great Show
ian100018 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I remember this show well.
The phrase I recall was "fag for the corporal".
Marsh called the Grammar school boy "puffhouse" (not very politically correct"!).
In an early episode the teddy boy and another recruit were on guard duty. Confronted with a senior officer who refused to show his pass, threatening them with rank, the teddy boy threatened him back with a weapon, which of course earned the praise of the officer for the recruits and for Corporal Marsh.
In one memorable later episode, Paul Eddington starred as an RAF officer at a careers session. The Grammar school boy wanting to be an officer, frustrated by the officer's class-ridden questions about his father and background, exclaimed that today's RAF was surely beyond these attitudes.
"Good man" says the officer. "You know what you think and you're not afraid to say and not afraid to say it!". (pause). "Quite wrong of course" and dismisses his application anyway.
--- Some of the cast have gone on to great things of course, including Lindsay, Brian Pettifer and Tony Selby. Please release a DVD or show it on UK Gold.
The phrase I recall was "fag for the corporal".
Marsh called the Grammar school boy "puffhouse" (not very politically correct"!).
In an early episode the teddy boy and another recruit were on guard duty. Confronted with a senior officer who refused to show his pass, threatening them with rank, the teddy boy threatened him back with a weapon, which of course earned the praise of the officer for the recruits and for Corporal Marsh.
In one memorable later episode, Paul Eddington starred as an RAF officer at a careers session. The Grammar school boy wanting to be an officer, frustrated by the officer's class-ridden questions about his father and background, exclaimed that today's RAF was surely beyond these attitudes.
"Good man" says the officer. "You know what you think and you're not afraid to say and not afraid to say it!". (pause). "Quite wrong of course" and dismisses his application anyway.
--- Some of the cast have gone on to great things of course, including Lindsay, Brian Pettifer and Tony Selby. Please release a DVD or show it on UK Gold.
Odd
jocelyncarr18 September 2007
I find it odd that people are raving about this show. What I can remember of it was turgid and predictable, but people profess to think it marvellous despite the fact that it has been practically 30 years since they saw it. Good memories or rose tinted spectacles. My guess would be the latter. Also most of the comments on this page are bemoaning the fact that this isn't repeated due to political correctness. It may also not be reproduced on DVD since it isn't exactly Fawlty Towers. They haven't had any problem putting Love Thy Neighbour out on satellite television but you will see that the appalling Mixed Blessings, about an interracial couple and the "hilarious" angry reaction of their families and the general public never sees the light of day. Stuff goes because its rubbish.
Get Some in
poxysalad3 October 2016
Looking back to when it was first broadcast, England was in the grips of a punk revolution. However there were some real star turns from actors whose careers unfortunately never recovered from the typecasting. The only exception was Robert Lindsays' Jakey which helped him to Citizen Smith. Tony Selby played the finest DI this side of Lee M Ermey in Full Metal jacket. Watching with my father who served in the army at the same time , he would explain how accurate Mr & Mrs Marsh were portrayed & confirmed his thoughts on why he thought the armed forces were for singles as it was no life for married couples as this is what happens. I particularly loved Gerard Ryder as Lilley. The man with the strongest will but no physical prowess. If only he had met the monks of Tibet... Brian Pettifer as the babe magnet of trade training made me chuckle having seen similar. They were all great but the series just ran too long in the end.
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