As much as I love seeing our Carry On regulars Carrying On, I also think it is fascinating to see some of them turn up in weird, wonderful and downright unexpected places. This blog post will take a look at some of my favourite Carry Oners in slightly strange appearances away from the main film franchise.Let's start off with my heroine, the glorious, gorgeous Joan Sims. Joan was multi and mega talented as we all know and her career took many interesting turns during her five decades as a working actress. One of her most curious appearances was in a music video which was actually banned by the BBC. Yes, I'm talking about Morrissey's Ouija Board, Ouija Board released in 1989. Morrissey is a well known fan of the Carry Ons, famously using an image of Charles Hawtrey on one of his album covers. I'm not sure what Joan made of her involvement in this, but it's certainly interesting!
Talking of Charles Hawtrey, he crops up in a truly bizarre British film from the swinging sixties, Zeta One. I admit I've not had the pleasure of this one myself, but I've heard enough about it to know it's a bonkers mix of comedy, science fiction and soft porn. Charles is cast as a rather camp henchman to James Robertson Justice. Also appearing in the film are future Carry On actresses Valerie Leon and Carol Hawkins. Here's the trailer, make of it what you will!
On a lot safer ground now, the lovely Julian Holloway, supporting player in many Carry Ons, cropped up in loads of classic British television in the 70s and 80s. One of my all time favourite novels is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Adapted for BBC television in the late 1970s, this version is, as far as I am concerned, the best ever. Starring Jeremy Brett, Anna Massey and Joanna David, Julian appears as the drunken Jack Favell and he is superb. Also keep your eyes peeled for Elspeth March, as Mrs van Hopper. Elspeth appeared in two Carry Ons, Don't Lose Your Head and Again Doctor.
Finally for today and also featuring Julian Holloway, we go back to the bizarre. In 1980 Julien Temple wrote and directed a Sex Pistols "Documentary" film entitled The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle. Alas another film I've never seen. The film does have some curious participants you maybe wouldn't expect. As well as Julian Holloway, classic comedy actresses Liz Fraser and Irene Handl pop up in a sequence shot in a cinema. Irene apparently plays a cinema usherette. Perhaps this film is worth tracking down just for their involvement! Who knows!
Anyway, I think that's enough for now. I have a few other interesting finds I think I'll save for a future blog post! In the meantime, if you have spotted anyone with Carry On connections in strange places (as it were) do let me know!
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