As I've previously blogged, the British Film Institute will be showing one of the very best Carry On films, Carry On Cleo, as part of their Comedy Genius season. Cleo will be shown tomorrow at the BFI on London's Southbank and if you've got a ticket you're in for an extra special treat as Cleo herself, the fabulous Amanda Barrie will be there in person to introduce the screening.
Amanda is one of the best things about Cleo, despite claiming to be shocked when originally asked to play the part. She had played a smaller role in Carry On Cabby (my own personal favourite in the series) the year before and was at the time becoming a stand out star in the very best of West End theatre. Cleo boasts a sparkling script from Talbot Rothwell and looks fantastic thanks to many of the sets and costumes being purloined from the big budget epic Cleopatra. The Elizabeth Taylor extravaganza had left Pinewood several months before when production moved to Italy and Peter Rogers Productions quickly pounced on what they left behind.
Amanda is at the heart of Cleo, portraying Cleopatra as a rather dippy, childlike creature. She shares terrific screen chemistry with the star of the film, Sidney James, and it's great to hear they got on just as well off screen as on. The cast also features particularly fine turns from Charles Hawtrey, Joan SIms, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor while Jim Dale excels in the first of several leading dashing romantic hero roles. Cleo also boasts sterling cameos from big names like Warren Mitchell, Jon Pertwee and Sheila Hancock.
Amanda will be introducing the film, in conversation with writer, broadcaster and Carry On fan Samira Ahmed tomorrow evening at the BFI. I believe the event is now sold out but you might be lucky at the box office if any tickets are returned.
You can read my interview with Amanda Barrie here
My blog on five reasons why I love Carry On Cleo can be found here
And you can read why Cleo is my top ten favourite Carry Ons right here
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
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