Dad's Army Radio Guide - Episode 2

Radio Episode 2: Museum Piece

Based on the TV Episode: Museum Piece (1968)
Studio Recording: Thursday 7^th June 1973
Original Broadcast: Monday 4^th February 1974, BBC Radio 4, 6.15pm
Adapted for Radio By Michael Knowles & Harold Snoad
Based on the Television Scripts by Jimmy Perry & David Croft.
Produced By John Dyas.

With the Walmington on Sea LDV up and running the next priority is to acquire some weaponry to fight off any would-be invading Nazi hordes.

As resources are low, Captain Mainwaring decides that the platoon should descend on the Peabody Imperial War museum and acquire any weaponry that would be useful to their cause. Unfortunately, their problem lies with acquiring the weaponry from the stubborn caretaker, who happens to be Corporal Jones father.

Cast:
Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring) , John Le Mesurier (Sergeant Wilson), Clive Dunn (Lance Corporal Jones), John Laurie (Private Frazer), James Beck (Private Walker), Ian Lavender (Private Pike), Eric Woodburn (George Jones), John Snagge (BBC Announcer)

Now, Pay Attention...

The 1973 radio recording of "Museum Piece" features the appearance of Corporal Jones father (played by Eric Woodburn) who also appeared in the TV version in 1968.

It is in this episode that we discover Jones relationship with his father is not a smooth one. After Jones senior asks after Elsie, Jones Junior replies that she has trouble with her legs, "..They never troubled anyone else!" Jones senior retorts.

An argument ensues in which Jones senior accuses his son of "getting ugly" and Jones Junior accuses his father of been "a randy old drunk".It is never established who Elsie is, Wilson of course remains vague on this and comments he has heard of "Gert and Daisy", Gert & Daisy being characters on the popular BBC Radio Show "ITMA".

Arnold Ridley doesn't feature in this episode although the character of Private Godfrey is mentioned, as in most cases with the early radio episodes, it was quite common for cast members not to appear due to keeping production costs down.