R.I.P. Bill Pertwee

[DazzyD]

Anyone who knows me knows that the only thing to match my love of music is my love of comedy and especially British classic comedy. This is why I've been saddened by today's news that Bill Pertwee, who most will recognise as bungling ARP Warden Hodges in the BBC comedy serious Dad's Army, has died.

As the nemesis, and pain in the backside, of Captain Mainwaring and the platoon of the Home Guard of Walmington On Sea, Hodges was often seen panicking at the antics of the wannabe old soldiers and his cry of "Put that light out!" still makes me chuckle today. Well, Bill's light has finally been extinguished and we've lost yet another cast member of a fantastic show - in my mind, the third best British comedy following Fawlty Towers and Porridge.

Rest In Peace, Bill. And when you get through those pearly gates, say hello to Clive Dunn for me. Clive is one of my all-time comedy heroes who also dabbled in music with a song that is one of my earliest memories - Grandad.

http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/dads-army-star-bill-pertwee-dies-aged-86-115934855.html#oFeKnkV

[Excalibur]

I echo almost every word of the above. :(:(



( In case you're wondering where I differ, Last of the summer wine and open all hours join Fawlty Towers for me. )

[DazzyD]

The bit about Open All Hours my dad agrees with. He liked Porridge but loved Ah Ah Aaa Aah Arkwright in Open All Hours!!!! (see what I did there??? ;) )

Never really got in to Last Of The Summer Wine beyond Compo, Clegg and Foggy. The first and last, of course, are two other great comedy actors that are no longer with us. Not that Peter Salis isn't but I much preferred him as Wallace! Also, Brian Wilde, who played Foggy, was the link to Porridge and several actresses from Summer Wine were also regular customers in Arkwright's shop. It's a small world when it comes to British comedy, isn't it??

I often wonder if today's comedy shows, and comedy actors, will be remembered in 40 years time with the same endearment. Somehow, I can't see it.