Bernard Bresslaw Stars in The Ugly Duckling this afternoon on Talking Pictures TV!

Talking Pictures TV are once again showing a rather rare curio from the vaults this afternoon. Carry On regular Bernard Bresslaw rarely took a starring role on the big screen and was more often the ensemble player in films such as Too Many Crooks, the Carry Ons and the television series, The Army Game.

In the late1950s, at the height of his Army Game fame, Bernard was much in demand he starred in a spin off feature film named after his Army Game catchphrase, released a number of novelty records and took the lead in a comedy called The Ugly Duckling. The film, a parody of the classic horror tale of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, was directed by Lance Comfort and produced by Michael Carreras for Hammer Films. The script came from Jack Davies and Sid Colin, a long time friend and collaborator of Talbot Rothwell. Colin went on to contribute to Carry On Spying in 1964.

The film tells the story of Henry Jekyll (Bernard Bresslaw) who is a bungling, awkward and socially inept buffoon working in his uncle's pharmacy. One day he discovers an old formula created by his uncle which claims to turn 'a man of timid disposition into a bold, fearless dragon'. He eagerly mixes the formula, takes one drink, and is transformed into the suave, dashing and self-confident Teddy Hyde. Teddy immediately becomes a darling of society and a big hit with the ladies. However he also craves the thrill of becoming a master criminal, and recruits a gang of expert crooks to join him in carrying out a series of daring and ambitious jewel robberies.

The formula wears off, and Teddy changes back into Henry, who is appalled at the crimes committed by his alter ego. Feeling overcome with guilt, he helps the police to round up and capture the robbers who have evaded them for so long.

Starring alongside Bernard are several well known comedy character actors who went on to enliven the Carry Ons. Jon Pertwee co-stars as Victor Jekyll while familiar names such as Richard Wattis, David Lodge, Michael Ward and Cyril Chamberlain also pop up in supporting roles. 

Apparently, the film was not a success when first released, losing money at the box office, which is a bit of a shame. I can't really comment as I haven't seen it yet but I plan to put that right by tuning in to Talking Pictures TV this afternoon at 13.40!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carrying On with Norman: Just My Luck

This is part of a brand new series of blogs looking back at some of my favourite Norman Wisdom films. Although never as fruity or innuendo-laden as the Carry Ons, Sir Norman's films share a similiar feel to many of the early Carry Ons. Indeed they quite often shared the same production base - Pinewood Studios - and Wisdom's films often co-starred some very familiar Carry On faces. 

Norman Wisdom was one of the most bankable British film stars in the 1950s and early 1960s. His stardom lasted long after his peak at the box office too. He appealed to a cross section of society and young and old loved him in equal measure. His cheeky, child-like charm, excellent comic timing and sheer energy catapulted him to fame and he's very clearly one of our most talented comedy stars full stop. 

We're continuing this series of blogs with a look at one of Norman's 1950s film hits - Just My Luck from 1957.

What's it about?


Norman Hackett (Norman Wisdom) is employed in a jeweller's workshop and is innocently preoccupied with dreaming of meeting the window dresser in the shop across the street from his workplace. He wishes to purchase a diamond pendant for her and, after persuasion, gambles a pound on a six-horse accumulator at the Goodwood races. The bookmaker grows concerned when it appears Hackett, after winning on the first five races, could win over £16,000.

 Who's in it?

Another one of Norman's films with an impressive supporting cast, he is joined once again by the glorious Dame Margaret Rutherford playing Mrs Dooley. His regular film sparring partner Edward Chapman also appears, not as Mr Grimsdale this time, but as Mr Stoneway. Just My Luck also co-stars Jill Dixon and Delphi Lawrence.

Carry On faces?

As with the earlier Trouble In Store, Just My Luck features a lovely supporting turn from a pre-Carry On Joan Sims. Joan's film career was gathering momentum by this stage and by the end of the following year she'd had joined the Carry On team as Stella Dawson in Carry On Nurse. Here she plays Phoebe and enjoys an eventful trip to the cinema with our Norman! 

Another glorious Carry On star turning up for fun with Wisdom is the legendary Leslie Phillips as the Hon. Richard Lumb. There are also small supporting roles for early Carry Oners Michael Ward, Cyril Chamberlain and the brilliant Marianne Stone as a Tea Bar Attendant. Of course Marianne appeared in more British films of the era than practically anybody else!

Did you know? 

Regular stooge to Norman Wisdom, the great Jerry Desmonde, appears in an uncredited role as a racegoer in Just My Luck. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Carrying On with Norman: Trouble in Store

 

This is part of a brand new series of blogs looking back at some of my favourite Norman Wisdom films. Although never as fruity or innuendo-laden as the Carry Ons, Sir Norman's films share a similiar feel to many of the early Carry Ons. Indeed they quite often shared the same production base - Pinewood Studios - and Wisdom's films often co-starred some very familiar Carry On faces. 

Norman Wisdom was one of the most bankable British film stars in the 1950s and early 1960s. His stardom lasted long after his peak at the box office too. He appealed to a cross section of society and young and old loved him in equal measure. His cheeky, child-like charm, excellent comic timing and sheer energy catapulted him to fame and he's very clearly one of our most talented comedy stars full stop. 

To start this blogging series I'm going to look at one of Norman's earlier film hits - Trouble in Store from 1953.

What's it about?

Norman, a lowly stock clerk at Burridge's department store, is in love with another employee, Sally Wilson  though he has been unable to muster the courage to let her know how he feels. After he antagonizes the new head of the store, Augustus Freeman, he is promptly fired. On his way out, Norman helps Miss Bacon carry her bulging suitcases, unaware that she is an audacious shoplifter. Freeman sees Norman assisting a "customer" and rehires him.

Meanwhile, Peggy Drew, the store's personnel manager, flirts with Mr. Freeman, while plotting with her boyfriend Gerald to rob the place. Norman is fired and rehired again and again, as his escapades somehow manage to benefit the store. He also finally becomes acquainted with Sally, chasing her down through the city streets to return her purse. Norman inadvertently uncovers the robbery plot, scheduled to coincide with a big sale the next day. But, he is unable to get Sally or anyone else to take him seriously.

 

Who's in it?

Norman is joined by one of his regular co-stars and stooges, the wonderfully suave Jerry Desmonde (read more about him here). Also along for the fun are Moira Lister, part of the Hancock's Half Hour team in its early years, Lana Morris as Norman's love interest and the inimitable Dame Margaret Rutherford as shoplifting Miss Bacon!

 Carry On faces?

Trouble in Store features an early supporting role for future Carry On leading lady Joan Sims, playing shop assistant Edna. Reliable, instantly recognisable character actor Michael Ward also crops up as Wilbur. There are also small roles for regular Carry On faces Cyril Chamberlain, Esma Cannon and Ian Wilson.

 
Did you know? 

Allegedly, Jill Craigie, who wrote the first draft of the script, is reported to have asked for her name to be removed from the credits after learning of Norman Wisdom's involvement.(Boo hiss!) 

Despite this, Sir Norman went on to win a BAFTA award for best newcomer for his performance in this film.


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Carry On Blogging Interview: James Hogg on Michael Ward

 

I recently caught up with the writer James Hogg. James was fortunate enough to get to know the wonderful actor Michael Ward towards the end of his life in the 1980s and 1990s. James looked after Michael and has set up a terrific website to help celebrate his memory. Michael starred in many classic films and television shows over the years, including supporting roles in no less than five Carry Ons - Regardless, Cabby, Cleo, Screaming and finally, Don't Lose Your Head. Carry On Reading to find out more about Michael Ward, one of the very best British character actors of his generation.
 
First of all, it would be good to find out more about how you came to know Michael Ward in the first place?
​I went to interview him not long after I moved down to London in 1989. It would have been about June, I think. I was always a fan and after purchasing a copy of Peter Noble's Film & TV Yearbook, which had Michael's number in it, I gave him a call and asked for a chat. He obliged and around I went. As soon as he picked up the phone I knew it was him and I don't think I'd ever been as nervous. Anyway, when I got to his flat he was in a wheelchair and was obviously desperately lonely. In fact, apart from home-helps, who were worse than useless and couldn't give a damn, he had virtually no visitors at all and I felt very, very sorry for him. I was new to London at the time and didn't know anybody else so despite the age difference (about 72 years!) we became great mates and got on fantastically. 

After that I would stay at his a few nights a week and would take him to visit friends and family. He hadn't been out of his basement flat for over two years when I got to know him!  ​

Michael Ward with his mother. © James Hogg

Very little is known about Michael's life away from his acting roles. Can you tell me anything about his early life and how he became an actor?

​He was brought up in Cornwall, the only son of a vicar.​ His father was quite old when he was born and so he didn't really have much of relationship with him. He was extremely close to his mother though and after an idyllic childhood in Cornwall the family moved up to Bedfordshire when he was in his teens. After his father died in 1939 he became an ambulance driver for the duration of the war and I think that was when he developed an interest in acting. He wrote letters to various agents and the majority who met Michael told him he didn't stand a chance because of the size of his nose and his peculiar voice! This simply drover him on and I think one of the first jobs he ever got was understudying Vic Oliver in a show called The Night & the Music at the London Coliseum. That would have been in 1946. He attended the Central School of Speech and Drama for a time after winning a scholarship although I don't know exactly when. Probably after the war though.

Can you tell me more about Michael's stage career? He is mainly known for his  film and television appearances and it would be good to know more about this area of his career.
​This was quite sporadic although he did appear in the West End a few times at the beginning of his career. Two shows that spring to mind are The Gay Pavilion which was on at the Piccadilly Theatre and a production of Hamlet at the New Theatre (now the Noel Coward) in 1949. There were also lots of pantomime appearences at places like the Wimbledon Theatre but not much else. Once film and then TV took over he never had time. ​

Michael Ward aged 6/7. © James Hogg

You knew Michael for several years towards the end of his life. What was he like to be with and did he talk much about his life as an actor?
​Michael was an extremely complicated character and never really recovered from the death of his mother in the late 60's. He was also gay (openly from the late 1960's) which caused him a lot of problems. Michael was a very sensitive man and needed to be reassured regularly. I have letters from Norman Wisdom written during Up in the World reassuring Michael that he and the other members of the cast like him. I used to find it very sad. He did talk about his career but only after a few whiskeys! 

He and Harry Fowler, who was a great friend of his, were once sacked by Ken Tynan during the rehearsals of a play simply for laughing. Michael was dreadful giggler and one day it got out of hand. When I stayed at his flat we'd sit in the kitchen for hours and the more drunk we got the funnier the stories became. The director John Paddy Carstairs was probably Michael's best friend (he too wrote many letters of reassurance) and when he died in 1970 that also hit Michael very hard. The only actor who seemed to keep in touch with him latterly was Jonathan Cecil. He and I arranged Michael's funeral and he was a great help. He was a lovely chap too, and like Michael is much missed. The Wisdom films were his favourites, I think. Especially Trouble in Store.  

Why do you think Michael is still so popular with fans of British comedy?

​Because he's unique, both in terms of his voice, appearance and ability. And because he represents a golden age of film. There are probably twenty or thirty such actors - Michael, Ian Wilson and Cyril Chamberlain, et al​ - whose filmographies read like an AtoZ of British Comedy Classics. The Carry On's, The Doctors, The Ealings and the Wisdoms. Films by the Boulting Brothers and Launder & Gilliat. Everything about that era was golden, not least the supporting players.  

What qualities do you think Michael had that made his appearances in films like the Carry Ons so memorable?
​He could do "effete" or "aloof" like nobody else on earth and so whenever such a character arose Gerald and Peter would pick up the phone. I used to know Gerald Thomas relatively well and whenever I mentioned Michael's name he would smile broadly and start asking me how he was. The BFI once sighted Michael's "What, with Tweeds?" gag from Carry on Cabby as one of the best ever delivered in a British comedy and when I mentioned this to Michael - probably in the early 1990's - he talked about nothing else for weeks. It was probably his proudest moment. 

What's your own favourite of Michael's many film and television performances? 

​Probably Up in the World, which is my favourite Wisdom film. ​Although he was gloriously OTT in Don't Lose Your Head.

How do you think Michael would have liked to be remembered?

​I don't think there's any particular film or show. I think he'd just like to remembered. In fact I know he would!

Michael Ward in "The Gay Pavilion at the Piccadilly Theatre © James Hogg

Do you think Michael would have expected the popularity of the Carry On series to have endured so long after they were made? 
​No!! It used to baffle him. I used to take him to my parent's place sometimes for lunch, and even out with my girlfriend once or twice which was fun, and whenever people used to ask him about Carry On films - which they invariably did - he'd shake his head in disbelief and say, "are people still watching that stuff?" ​


You have set up a website in Michael's memory. How important do you think it is to keep the memory of actors like Michael alive in the 21st Century?

​Massively important. In fact I've been thinking about creating one for that marvellous stable of character actors Michael belonged to. Blue plaques are all good and well but if you want to shout about somebody's talent, and to to as many people as possible, a website is ideal. I've got lots of photographs of Michael as a child and pretty soon I'm going to update the site and add more to it.
 

I'd like to thank James for sharing his memories of Michael with me. You can visit James Hogg's website dedicated to Michael Ward here

I'd also like to thank James for providing the photos for this blog from his own collection - they are the copyright of James Hogg. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also on Facebook

 

A Lesson in Camp: The Genius of a Michael Ward Carry On Cameo

 

Michael Ward is an actor I'm always pleased to see in a British film or television series. Sadly Michael passed away in 1997 at the grand old age of 88, however thankfully we still have his many appearances in the very best of British film and telly to enjoy and to remind us of what a talented character actor he was.

Michael Ward appeared in many films and shows during his acting career and often managed to make his mark with very little screen time. He was adept at the camp, slightly waspish cameo without ever really being as flamboyant as Kenneth Williams or Charles Hawtrey. His career dates back to the post-war film industry, starting off mainly in bit parts or uncredited roles. He's one of those actors you can bank on seeing and take great joy in spotting, even if he has nothing much to do. 

Michael appeared in several of the Norman Wisdom comedy films of the 1950s, popped up in the classic film I'm All Right Jack as a reporter, formed a bizarre double act with Irene Handl in Doctor In Love and appeared on television with a wide range of comics such as Charlie Drake, Dick Emery, Jimmy Edwards and The Two Ronnies. He also had the role of the gloriously named Adrian Fondle, neighbour to Morecambe and Wise in their 1970s BBC series. 

 

Michael acted regularly until a stroke forced him to retire following the filming of Revenge of The Pink Panther in 1978. He would spend the next two decades out of the limelight and unable to perform, which I think is a great shame. Of course my favourites out of all his performances came in the Carry On films. Michael only appeared in small roles in five of the films however he was one of those actors who you feel starred in many many more. His first role came in Carry On Regardless, made towards the end of 1960. He had a brief scene as a photographer, teaming up effectively with the diminutive actor Ian Wilson for a comic scene involving Kenneth Williams and a bee keepers mask!

Michael was obviously a hit with Peter and Gerald as he was asked back for a further cameo over two years later in my favourite Carry On, Cabby. Michael filmed a memorable scene on location in Windsor with Kenneth Connor. Having exited Connor's cab, Kenneth calls after him that he has found a pearl earring in the back seat. Connor tentatively asks if it belongs to Michael, who turns and with peerless timing replies "A pearl earring? What...with tweeds?" Classic stuff!

 

The following year Ward was back at Pinewood for a supporting turn as Archimedes in the classic costume romp, Carry On Cleo. Appearing in several scenes at Cleopatra's palace, Michael exudes the haughty attitudes of a senior servant and quite clearing looks down on their Roman guests! 1966 saw Michael make two more and sadly final appearances in the Carry Ons. First up was a brief, almost wordless turn as "poor Mr Vivian" in Carry On Screaming. He appears in the sequence which sees Frank Thornton's dress shop broken into my Oddbod. Later Ward is seen in the background as Peter Butterworth is transformed from bumbling police officer to genteel lady in the hope it will help catch the creature in Hocombe Woods! 

Michael Ward made his final Carry On appearance later in 1966 as Henri in the lavish costume epic, Don't Lose Your Head. He appears at the very start of the film as a very foppish, bewigged dandy opposite Sid James and Jim Dale. Another brief, yet satisfying cameo from a truly great character actor. I have no idea why Michael did not continue appearing in the Carry Ons after 1966 so if anyone can enlighten me, do get in touch! He continued to appear regularly in films and television for the next decade so he definitely could have added his own special brand of magic to some of the later Carry Ons.

 

Anyway, despite only making five small appearances, Michael Ward will always be one of my favourite Carry On supporting actors. If anyone has any more information on the life and career of Michael, please do get in touch. 

Stay tuned tomorrow an exclusive interview with James Hogg, a man who knew Michael Ward well in the last years of his life and has also set up a website in his memory.  


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Carry On Voting: The Results!

A couple of weeks back I started a poll on this blog asking you all to tell me who your favourite Carry On supporting actor is. As part of this blog I want to highlight some of the lesser known but always fantastic supporting actors and actresses who contributed so much to the Carry On films over the years.

I selected five actors and five actresses, aiming for the most prolific and well-loved that appeared during the Carry Ons' original twenty year run. The voting closed last night so it's time to reveal the results!

Over a hundred votes were cast, so first of all a big thank you to everyone who took part!  There is no surprise for me when it comes to the winner. With 28.75% of the vote is the wonderful Patsy Rowlands! I think we'll all agree that Patsy was a great actress and a great addition to each and every Carry On film she appeared in. A shame perhaps that she was rarely elevated to the main team but she will also be a fan favourite.

Next up, with an impressive 18.75% of the vote was cheeky chappy Julian Holloway. Another great actor who should have been a main team member after Jim Dale's departure. Coming next was Valerie Leon with 11.25%. 

Sharing joint fourth spot are two classic British actresses: Joan Hickson and Marianne Stone. And fifth was that unassuming presence of seven early Carry Ons, Cyril Chamberlain with 3.75%. Michael Ward and Margaret Nolan shared joint sixth spot with 2.5% of the vote each. While bringing up the rear with 1.25% each are Bill Maynard and Peter Gilmore.


Other suggestions included Esma Cannon and Jacki Piper. The question is, would you consider them part of the main team for the films in which they appeared? I'm not sure!

So do you agree with the result? 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

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It's your last chance to...Carry On Voting!

One of the things I want to do with this blog is turn the spotlight onto some of the supporting actors who appeared time and time again in the Carry On films without becoming as famous as the regulars.

I intend to continue dedicating separate blogs to these wonderful actors but in the meantime I thought it would be interesting to give you the chance to vote on which supporting actor is your all time favourite. I have selected five actors and five actresses who made several notable appearances in the Carry Ons during their lifespan. I know there are loads to choose from but I decided to limit the poll options to ten so the choice doesn't boggle your mind too much!

Cyril Chamberlain appeared in the first seven Carry Ons, making him a reliable presence during the Hudis years. Peter Gilmore clocked up no less than eleven appearances while Joan Hickson appeared in five of the films. Julian Holloway turned up in eight roles, starting with Doctor in 1967 and ending in 1976 with a cameo in England. Glamorous Valerie Leon clocked up six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls.

Bill Maynard began his Carry On career in 1970 with Loving, notching up four more performances in the series. Margaret Nolan is well known for her glamorous performances in six of the films, perhaps most famously Carry On Girls. Patsy Rowlands provided excellent support in nine Carry Ons, with Convenience, Girls and Behind being her best roles. Marianne Stone, a supporting actor in hundreds of films, clocked up eleven memorable Carry On cameos even though one of them hit the cutting room floor.  Finally, legendary character actor Michael Ward filmed his first Carry On with Regardless in 1961 making appearances in four further films until Don't Lose Your Head in 1966. 

Please feel free to comment below if you think someone else in particular has been missed off or is due for special recognition in the future.

In the meantime, please select your favourite actor or actress from the options below. I'll keep the poll open for a couple of weeks and reveal the result in due course! 



So, Carry On Voting! 

The poll will close at midnight on Sunday!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.

Carry On Voting!

One of the things I want to do with this blog is turn the spotlight onto some of the supporting actors who appeared time and time again in the Carry On films without becoming as famous as the regulars.

I intend to continue dedicating separate blogs to these wonderful actors but in the meantime I thought it would be interesting to give you the chance to vote on which supporting actor is your all time favourite. I have selected five actors and five actresses who made several notable appearances in the Carry Ons during their lifespan. I know there are loads to choose from but I decided to limit the poll options to ten so the choice doesn't boggle your mind too much!

Cyril Chamberlain appeared in the first seven Carry Ons, making him a reliable presence during the Hudis years. Peter Gilmore clocked up no less than eleven appearances while Joan Hickson appeared in five of the films. Julian Holloway turned up in eight roles, starting with Doctor in 1967 and ending in 1976 with a cameo in England. Glamorous Valerie Leon clocked up six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls.

Bill Maynard began his Carry On career in 1970 with Loving, notching up four more performances in the series. Margaret Nolan is well known for her glamorous performances in six of the films, perhaps most famously Carry On Girls. Patsy Rowlands provided excellent support in nine Carry Ons, with Convenience, Girls and Behind being her best roles. Marianne Stone, a supporting actor in hundreds of films, clocked up eleven memorable Carry On cameos even though one of them hit the cutting room floor.  Finally, legendary character actor Michael Ward filmed his first Carry On with Regardless in 1961 making appearances in four further films until Don't Lose Your Head in 1966. 

Please feel free to comment below if you think someone else in particular has been missed off or is due for special recognition in the future.

In the meantime, please select your favourite actor or actress from the options below. I'll keep the poll open for a couple of weeks and reveal the result in due course! 

So, Carry On Voting!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.

Carry On Voting!

One of the things I want to do with this blog is turn the spotlight onto some of the supporting actors who appeared time and time again in the Carry On films without becoming as famous as the regulars.

I intend to continue dedicating separate blogs to these wonderful actors but in the meantime I thought it would be interesting to give you the chance to vote on which supporting actor is your all time favourite. I have selected five actors and five actresses who made several notable appearances in the Carry Ons during their lifespan. I know there are loads to choose from but I decided to limit the poll options to ten so the choice doesn't boggle your mind too much!

Cyril Chamberlain appeared in the first seven Carry Ons, making him a reliable presence during the Hudis years. Peter Gilmore clocked up no less than eleven appearances while Joan Hickson appeared in five of the films. Julian Holloway turned up in eight roles, starting with Doctor in 1967 and ending in 1976 with a cameo in England. Glamorous Valerie Leon clocked up six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls.

Bill Maynard began his Carry On career in 1970 with Loving, notching up four more performances in the series. Margaret Nolan is well known for her glamorous performances in six of the films, perhaps most famously Carry On Girls. Patsy Rowlands provided excellent support in nine Carry Ons, with Convenience, Girls and Behind being her best roles. Marianne Stone, a supporting actor in hundreds of films, clocked up eleven memorable Carry On cameos even though one of them hit the cutting room floor.  Finally, legendary character actor Michael Ward filmed his first Carry On with Regardless in 1961 making appearances in four further films until Don't Lose Your Head in 1966. 

Please feel free to comment below if you think someone else in particular has been missed off or is due for special recognition in the future.

In the meantime, please select your favourite actor or actress from the options below. I'll keep the poll open for a couple of weeks and reveal the result in due course! 

So, Carry On Voting!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.

Carry On Voting!

One of the things I want to do with this blog is turn the spotlight onto some of the supporting actors who appeared time and time again in the Carry On films without becoming as famous as the regulars.

I intend to continue dedicating separate blogs to these wonderful actors but in the meantime I thought it would be interesting to give you the chance to vote on which supporting actor is your all time favourite. I have selected five actors and five actresses who made several notable appearances in the Carry Ons during their lifespan. I know there are loads to choose from but I decided to limit the poll options to ten so the choice doesn't boggle your mind too much!

Cyril Chamberlain appeared in the first seven Carry Ons, making him a reliable presence during the Hudis years. Peter Gilmore clocked up no less than eleven appearances while Joan Hickson appeared in five of the films. Julian Holloway turned up in eight roles, starting with Doctor in 1967 and ending in 1976 with a cameo in England. Glamorous Valerie Leon clocked up six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls.

Bill Maynard began his Carry On career in 1970 with Loving, notching up four more performances in the series. Margaret Nolan is well known for her glamorous performances in six of the films, perhaps most famously Carry On Girls. Patsy Rowlands provided excellent support in nine Carry Ons, with Convenience, Girls and Behind being her best roles. Marianne Stone, a supporting actor in hundreds of films, clocked up eleven memorable Carry On cameos even though one of them hit the cutting room floor.  Finally, legendary character actor Michael Ward filmed his first Carry On with Regardless in 1961 making appearances in four further films until Don't Lose Your Head in 1966. 

Please feel free to comment below if you think someone else in particular has been missed off or is due for special recognition in the future.

In the meantime, please select your favourite actor or actress from the options below. I'll keep the poll open for a couple of weeks and reveal the result in due course! 

So, Carry On Voting!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.

Carry On Voting!

One of the things I want to do with this blog is turn the spotlight onto some of the supporting actors who appeared time and time again in the Carry On films without becoming as famous as the regulars.

I intend to continue dedicating separate blogs to these wonderful actors but in the meantime I thought it would be interesting to give you the chance to vote on which supporting actor is your all time favourite. I have selected five actors and five actresses who made several notable appearances in the Carry Ons during their lifespan. I know there are loads to choose from but I decided to limit the poll options to ten so the choice doesn't boggle your mind too much!

Cyril Chamberlain appeared in the first seven Carry Ons, making him a reliable presence during the Hudis years. Peter Gilmore clocked up no less than eleven appearances while Joan Hickson appeared in five of the films. Julian Holloway turned up in eight roles, starting with Doctor in 1967 and ending in 1976 with a cameo in England. Glamorous Valerie Leon clocked up six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls.

Bill Maynard began his Carry On career in 1970 with Loving, notching up four more performances in the series. Margaret Nolan is well known for her glamorous performances in six of the films, perhaps most famously Carry On Girls. Patsy Rowlands provided excellent support in nine Carry Ons, with Convenience, Girls and Behind being her best roles. Marianne Stone, a supporting actor in hundreds of films, clocked up eleven memorable Carry On cameos even though one of them hit the cutting room floor.  Finally, legendary character actor Michael Ward filmed his first Carry On with Regardless in 1961 making appearances in four further films until Don't Lose Your Head in 1966. 

Please feel free to comment below if you think someone else in particular has been missed off or is due for special recognition in the future.

In the meantime, please select your favourite actor or actress from the options below. I'll keep the poll open for a couple of weeks and reveal the result in due course! 

So, Carry On Voting!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.