David Croft is the writer and creator of some of the best-loved series in British TV history. He has captivated audiences with such timelessly lovable sitcoms as Hi-de-Hi!, 'Allo 'Allo, Are You Being Served and Dad's Army - one of the nation's top ten favourite sitcoms.
Μύ
You Have Been Watching is David's first-class account of a life spent in the golden era of television.
Μύ
Born in Dorset on 7 September 1922, Croft is one of Britain's true kings of comedy. The son of acting parents - his mother was Annie Croft - David began his working life on the stage before moving into television production. His career was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War and the next five years saw him in the Army in North Africa, India and Singapore.
Μύ
Croft returned home safely in 1945 and worked as a singer, actor and television producer until in 1964 his wife Ann introduced him to a young actor called Jimmy Perry. The pair quickly began writing together, and Dad's Army was born, the first in a long line of Croft and Perry comedy classics.
Μύ
It was during the filming of Dad's Army that Croft met Jeremy Lloyd, another writer who was to play an immense part in his success. Their combined genius produced the hugely popular Are You Being Served? and its successor Grace and Favour, but it was the public's overwhelming affection for 'Allo 'Allo that would cement David's reputation as the man responsible for shaping half a century of British TV comedy.
Μύ
David continued to write more hilarious shows such as It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi!, You Rang, M'Lord and Oh Dr Beeching.
Μύ
He produced and directed the vast majority of the programmes he created and in 1978 was awarded the OBE for services to television.
Μύ
Devotees of his programmes will enjoy a wealth of anecdotes about life behind the scenes of the most famous comedy sets in Britain as well as personal insights into the many actors and actresses who started their careers in Croft's shows and went on to become household names.
Μύ
Published by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Books
Date: 29.04.04
Price: Β£18.99
Printable version
