Post by The Collector on May 13, 2008 9:23:39 GMT
Today's Cut and Paste...The Long running Water-logged classic
THE NAVY LARK
The Navy Lark was radio's longest running sitcom, sailing the airwaves for nearly twenty years before coming into harbour with a Jubilee Special in 1977. It was initially based on Jon Pertwee's experiences in World War 2. During his time in the Navy, Pertwee joined the cast of the naval radio show HMS Waterlogged after his senior officer had sent him to check the show for inappropriate jokes. After leaving the forces, Pertwee appeared in various other radio productions until The Navy Lark was created as a vehicle for his acting talents in 1959.
Another famous voice came in the shape of Leslie Phillips as the havoc-wreaking Sub-Lieutenant. His cries of "Left hand down a bit!" failed to instil any confidence in his skills as navigating officer. Leslie Phillips once said of his character: "I caused more damage to Naval property than the Navy had done in two world wars."
The series was written by Laurie Wyman, who also wrote for Tony Hancock, and was later co-written by George Evans, who wrote The Mike and Bernie Winters Show for TV. Although highly unrealistic, The Navy Lark turned out to be especially popular with Royal Navy sailors.
The show brought fame for a young Ronnie Barker. Before HMS troutbridge came along, Barker had performed in The Floggits (which also featured Anthony Newley and Joan Sims), but the stars of the show, Elsie and Doris Waters, were jealous that he got too many laughs, so the appearance was short-lived.
Between series four and five of The Navy Lark appeared a spin-off, The TV Lark, which featured Number One, Fatso et al in a different setting. 'troutbridge TV Ltd' was the crew's new home for 10 shows, but one land-based series was enough and they were soon back at sea.
THE NAVY LARK
The Navy Lark was radio's longest running sitcom, sailing the airwaves for nearly twenty years before coming into harbour with a Jubilee Special in 1977. It was initially based on Jon Pertwee's experiences in World War 2. During his time in the Navy, Pertwee joined the cast of the naval radio show HMS Waterlogged after his senior officer had sent him to check the show for inappropriate jokes. After leaving the forces, Pertwee appeared in various other radio productions until The Navy Lark was created as a vehicle for his acting talents in 1959.
Another famous voice came in the shape of Leslie Phillips as the havoc-wreaking Sub-Lieutenant. His cries of "Left hand down a bit!" failed to instil any confidence in his skills as navigating officer. Leslie Phillips once said of his character: "I caused more damage to Naval property than the Navy had done in two world wars."
The series was written by Laurie Wyman, who also wrote for Tony Hancock, and was later co-written by George Evans, who wrote The Mike and Bernie Winters Show for TV. Although highly unrealistic, The Navy Lark turned out to be especially popular with Royal Navy sailors.
The show brought fame for a young Ronnie Barker. Before HMS troutbridge came along, Barker had performed in The Floggits (which also featured Anthony Newley and Joan Sims), but the stars of the show, Elsie and Doris Waters, were jealous that he got too many laughs, so the appearance was short-lived.
Between series four and five of The Navy Lark appeared a spin-off, The TV Lark, which featured Number One, Fatso et al in a different setting. 'troutbridge TV Ltd' was the crew's new home for 10 shows, but one land-based series was enough and they were soon back at sea.