This 'Comedy Playhouse' was based on a story called 'The General Dances At Dawn' by George Macdonald Fraser, author of the 'Flashman' books. It was adapted by David Climie, whose other credits include 'Wodehouse Playhouse' and 'Backs To The Land'. It is set in a British army regiment based in a Scottish castle. Among the privates is one 'McAuslan' ( the late Freddie Earlle ) and he is not only the dirtiest soldier in the world but also the most incompetent. Rather improbably, he is chosen to go on guard duty...
Earlle was a very funny man who, despite appearing in numerous shows of the period such as 'Yanks Go Home' and 'Clochmerle', never seemed to get the roles he deserved. The other cast members include Allan Cuthbertson, Moray Watson, Jack Watson, and John Standing. At first this looks as though its going to be centred around the character of McAuslan, but then, strangely, the narrative shifts to 'Lt. MacNeil' ( Standing ). During a military parade, MacNeil realises he has forgotten to put the buckle on his kilt, meaning it could fall down at any second. And with royalty present.
Funniest moment - MacNeil imagining his kilt going into free-fall, A sequence straight out of 'Billy Liar'.
Agreeable on the whole, but no series resulted.
Earlle worked with producer with Michael Mills again in 1979 on the ITV sitcom 'Room Service'.
Earlle was a very funny man who, despite appearing in numerous shows of the period such as 'Yanks Go Home' and 'Clochmerle', never seemed to get the roles he deserved. The other cast members include Allan Cuthbertson, Moray Watson, Jack Watson, and John Standing. At first this looks as though its going to be centred around the character of McAuslan, but then, strangely, the narrative shifts to 'Lt. MacNeil' ( Standing ). During a military parade, MacNeil realises he has forgotten to put the buckle on his kilt, meaning it could fall down at any second. And with royalty present.
Funniest moment - MacNeil imagining his kilt going into free-fall, A sequence straight out of 'Billy Liar'.
Agreeable on the whole, but no series resulted.
Earlle worked with producer with Michael Mills again in 1979 on the ITV sitcom 'Room Service'.