Series 2 Episode 1: Operation Kilt

[Katie]

Series 2 Episode 1: Operation Kilt

Broadcast on 01/03/69

While the platoon are completing their first PT lesson, Captain Ogilvy, of the Highland Regiment, arrives to brief the men on Saturday night's manoeuvres. Six of his regiment will attempt to capture Mainwaring's HQ. As the Walmington boys outnumber Ogilvy's bunch by three to one, they shouldn't have any problems; and that proves to be the case because after spying on Ogilvy at his base at Manor Farm, the Walmington platoon are successful in laying man traps to capture their opponents.

Also appearing: Janet Davies (Mrs Pike), James Copeland (Captain Ogilvy).

[Dave Homewood]

I consider this to be a very funny episode indeed, and i am so glad that it was rediscovered so we can all now enjoy it. The PT session scene alone is hilarious, where the little boys playing in the churchyard are ripping the mickey out of them, and of course Pike and his rifle bolt. Wilson dressed as a farmer is great, and Jones in the haystack is hilarious, but Walker and Frazer in the pantomime cow suit is pure comedy gold. That whole sequence is so funny, and something we'd never have enjoyed if the lost show never showed up as it's so visual and not in the radio version. Then later the man traps bit is great where Mainwaring is confidently telling the men how they work and Wilson quips "You saw it in a Tarzan film, didn't you sir?" Brilliant. And of course the ending with the Scottish captain upside-down in the trap is classic.

It's a pity the nighttime woodland set looked a bit fake, but that is the only detraction from the whole fantastic episode.

[Katie]

Operation Kilt is one of my favourite episodes. ;D

I love the wonderful scene where Walker and Frazer, in the cow suit, go into the field and all the real cows start following them! It makes me laugh every time!

Then they get back to Mainwaring and the platoon, and Frazer says "Terrible! A terrible experience!". You can see Clive Dunn struggling not to laugh! It's hilarious. ;D

Definitely the best of the black and white episodes.

[Dave Homewood]

Even the little scenes, like Mavis having a go at Wilson for putting on the vest with a hole in it, are great, eh? I reckon Mavis was the best occasional character in the show, she always made a huge impact to the comedy and also her little scenes set up the characterisation of Wilson, Pike and even Mainwaring beautifully, revealing their little secrets, their weaknesses and their prejudices, respectively.

[Katie]

May 5, 2010 8:16:03 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

I reckon Mavis was the best occasional character in the show,

Yes she was a brilliant character and so well played by Janet Davies.

Hey, maybe we should have a thread for the non regular character?

[Dave Homewood]

Go for it. Amazingly Janet Davies was not only an occasional character but also an occasional actress. Her main job was as a typist for the BBC.

[Molly]

One of my favourite episodes involving Mrs Pike is "Sergeant Wilson's Little Secret." I love this episode - so funny with all the little twists and turns and misunderstandings as well as Mainwaring's outrage at Wilson.

Who do you think we would class as the non-regular characters? Mrs Fox, Mr Gordon, Mrs Pike, Mrs Yeatman, Mr Bluett, Dolly and Cissy Godfrey, Captain Square, the Colonel (what was his name?) Who have I forgotten?

[Dave Homewood]

Colonel Pritchard is his name. Actually we saw Robert Raglan first as the Eastgate Sgt, then as Captain pritchard, then Colonel Pritchard, a swift rise through the ranks. He also played Inspector Hardwick in the Da's Army film.

Don't forget Shirl, she's semi-regular as Walker's girlfriend, though she'd known as Edith Parish in one episode. I suspect that was her real name because she was being introduced formally as Edith Parish in Mum's Army, and Shirl was her preferred (probably middle) name. That's how I'd explain that inconsistency anyway.

Oh, and don't forget a semi-regular bit part, Raymond. He's Jones's butcher-boy.

In the radio series the regularly heard Town Clerk is Mr Upton rather than Mr Gordon, and played by Julian Orchard quite differently from Eric longworth's lovely portrayal/

[jonboy]

Robert Raglan as the Eastgate sergeant in 'Don't forget the Diver' plays the part almost the same as later on - with the cigarette holder - when he is the Colonel , only his accent is slight cockney

[turntostone]

One of my favourite early episodes ;D

[Summerday Sands]

Really enjoyable episode & we are very lucky that it was found.

Best bits for me is the platoon excercisng & Mainwaring being so unfit. Check out Gofrey doing press-ups!!! Frazer breathing out & Walker asking "What's that smell?"

I also like when they strip of & the boys are heard laughing at them. Wilson's attempts to be stern & scold the boys is really funny.

Don't really like the cow part with Walker & Frazer, that feels like something ridiculous Jones would try would

[Andy Howells]

May 10, 2010 22:14:23 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Colonel Pritchard is his name. Actually we saw Robert Raglan first as the Eastgate Sgt, then as Captain pritchard, then Colonel Pritchard, a swift rise through the ranks. He also played Inspector Hardwick in the Da's Army film.

Don't forget Shirl, she's semi-regular as Walker's girlfriend, though she'd known as Edith Parish in one episode. I suspect that was her real name because she was being introduced formally as Edith Parish in Mum's Army, and Shirl was her preferred (probably middle) name. That's how I'd explain that inconsistency anyway.

Oh, and don't forget a semi-regular bit part, Raymond. He's Jones's butcher-boy.

In the radio series the regularly heard Town Clerk is Mr Upton rather than Mr Gordon, and played by Julian Orchard quite differently from Eric longworth's lovely portrayal/

Isnt it War Dance that Walker is seen dating twins? I almost think that his loyalties remained with the Parish sisters (recast in later episodes by Wendy Richard) as Edith and Shirl. I know its only a co-incidence probably but to me a logical one!

[Dave Homewood]

I never picked up on that before, I'll have to watch War Dance again now. Thanks Andy.

Welcome to the forum Summerday Sands

[jrt2345]

I love the drill, with Mainwaring's back going and Pike forgetting a vital part of his weapon. 8 .

[dazza97]

The best scene for me is with pike and the rifle bolt. I also like the part where Captain Ogilvy is explaining the paint system.

[stephen68]

The PE segment is my favourite, Mainaring not being able to complete a press up with out Wilson lifting him by the band of his trousers.

[Chris]

Noticed this on Twitter the other day

[Dave Homewood]

Has the episode been colourised? Or just a photo from it?

[Chris]

I'm not sure. I first thought the episode had been colourised, but wasn't it filmed in black and white?

[Dave Homewood]

It was indeed a monochrome episode, so there's no chance of the "colour recovery" process that Room At The Bottom has had.