HMS Paradise

1 9 6 4 (UK)
26 x 30 minute episode

Associated-Rediffusion produced this land-based TV version (with a different cast and characters) of the long-running BBC radio series The Navy Lark, also written by Lawrie Wyman.

Set on the (fictitious) island of Boonsey off Portland on the Dorset coast of England, the Royal Naval base HMS Osprey is known as “HMS Paradise” because it is the softest billet in the Navy.

The commanding officer, Commander Fairweather (Frank Thornton), is a peaceable character more interested in fishing than in discipline.

A regular visitor to the island is Captain Turvey (Richard Caldicot) whose seniority makes him a victim of the crew’s misdemeanours.

Fairweather’s “Number One” is Lieutenant Pouter (Robin Hunter).

Priscilla Morgan played Amanda the WREN who combined typing and switchboard duties with keeping an eye on Pouter and his romantic attachments.

Guest stars included Stanley Unwin, Clive Dunn, Patrick Troughton, Wendy Richard, John Bluthal, Pat Coombs, and Ernest Clark. Exterior scenes for the series were filmed at Portland and Portsmouth with full cooperation from the Royal Navy.

Commander Fairweather
Frank Thornton
Lieutenant Pouter
Robin Hunter
Captain Turvey
Richard Caldicot
CPO Banyard
Ronald Radd
Able Seaman Murdoch
Angus Lennie
Amanda
Priscilla Morgan
Commander Shaw
Graham Crowden
Mrs Turvey
Ambrosine Phillpotts
Admiral
Cameron Hall