I recently caught up with super fan Robert Jervis-Gibbons to talk about all things Carry On. When he's not indulging in his love of Carry On films, Robert is a bit of a political animal, with keen interests in consumer rights and animal welfare. But let's focus on what makes him laugh for now...so Carry On Reading to find out more:
- Can
you remember the first time you ever saw a Carry On film and which
film was it?
When
I was a child, like many would remember I first saw the series
"Carry On Laughing" on ITV which used clips of the Rank
Colour films. It was mainly a filler for ITV between programmes and
lasted for about 20mins in all with various funny clips and the
oldest running gags. It was that became sort of a gateway to the
Carry On films for me when I was about 8. Obviously, when you are 8
you don't get the innuendo but for me they were like a cartoon, with
people larking about, stunts such as Jim Dale bouncing across
hospital beds , jumping on a trolley and crashing through a window.
My parents allowed me to watch the films because they are innocent
fun. I reject views which suggest they are filth and not appropriate
for children, this is utter rubbish. Yes, there is vulgarity but it
was only when I was 14 did I realise what some of the words meant in
the comedy lines. When I was 14, my parents bought me some VHS Carry
On films, they were Carry On Doctor, Carry On Again Doctor, Carry on
Abroad and Carry On Behind. I always loved Carry On Abroad because
probably it was the last time all our beloved Carry On team were
together. I have to say Carry On Again Doctor is one of my all time
favourites, it oozes class and fine performances. Peter Rogers used
to say that hospital patients used to feel better when they saw the
films when they were in hospital. That is certainly true, they
uplift the spirit.
- You are obviously a massive fan of the
films. What is it about them that you love so much?
Many
things. Obviously, the clever innuendo which anyone will tell you is
close to my own humour. They are essentially a British institution
and the humour matches that, they make me smile and laugh however
many times I have seen them, particularly some of them which I must
have seen thousands of times, to the extent I can reel off the
script.
Whilst
it would be easy to concentrate on the fun and laughs, I think we
should always remember the fine acting, the incredible supporting
cast of British acting stalwarts and the fantastic quality of the
films, particularly when they entered the colour era. We should
remember those that worked behind the scenes on the Carry On's often
worked on other big budget movies such as James Bond. With that
level of experience you can make anyone and anything great.
-
Do you prefer the black and white charm of the early Carry Ons or
the full on saucy colour films of the Seventies? And why...
It
is a difficult question to answer. I think Carry On Spying is one of
the greatest, especially with the performances of Dilys Laye, Kenny
Williams and Barbara Windsor. I think Screaming and Khyber are the
best colour ones, but we can never forget Camping and Loving, the
ultimate journeys in innuendo, like to Jim Tanner "Are you
going to stay with us all the time? Oh yeah, I go all the way"
and Imogen Hassalls "I've put it in.... the sugar!" and
Terry Scott's eyes! Those eyes said it all in Matron! He didn't need
to say a word, especially when he saw Mrs Tucker (Margaret
Nolan).
- Do you think the likes of Carry On England
Emmannuelle went too far from the traditional Carry On brand?
I
never liked England. As Joan Sims said in 1998 "Go home and put
your feet up love" about her performance in the film. I find
that film crude, I never really watch it. Emmannuelle I actually
though was funny and Susanne Danielle terrific in the role. It also
has a memorable sequence with Joan Sims and Victor Maddern in a
Launderette, it was almost a tribute moment, because they knew that
this was it, no more after this. They were right. Whilst these films
did go off the well-known innuendo, you have to think why that was
the case. They needed to stay relevant and British films were
getting far more crude and pushing the innuendo boundaries. Carry On
films pushed taboos but in a funny way but the later films were
doomed because society had moved on, and tastes changed. That's why
I think it would be difficult to replicate this today. I went to see
Columbus at the cinema aged 14 and I never watched it again. I
refuse to own a copy, its utter rubbish.
- Are you fan
of any of the other comedy films Rogers and Thomas produced at the
time? If so, what are your favourites?
I'm hardcore Carry On
only, but I do like the Doctor (Dirk Bogarde) series directed by
Ralph Thomas, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them. Twice
Round the Daffodils was good which is a Gerald Thomas.
- Why
do you think the Carry Ons are still so universally popular in
2016?
They represent a Britain that never really existed.
They also provide continuity. People like continuity and they like
to know what they are going to get. Why is Coronation Street so
successful? Because the characters become part of the family. Carry
On films provide the same continuity and it was because the same
actors were always there, Sidney James, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams,
Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Connor, Bernard Bresslaw, Terry Scott and
Hattie. They are much loved and remain part of the British psyche.
-
Do you have any Carry On memorabilia or signed photos?
Yes I
do. I have signed photographs from Valerie Leon, Margaret Nolan and
Dilys Laye. I wrote to Dilys before she died, she sent me the most
lovely letter back which I treasure. She was a very kind lady, and a
fantastic underrated actress. Bizarrely, I also own a wig once
owned by Joan Sims which I bought from ebay, but rest assured I do
not wear it!! I just wanted to own something that she owned and I
snapped the first thing I saw.
- I set up my blog as a
tribute to the late great Joan Sims. Were you a fan of Joan and if
so, what are your thoughts on her career?
Without doubt, she
is my all time favourite. Joan was a sensation in the Carry On's and
a uniquely gifted actress. I believe Sidney James and her still hold
the record of the number of appearances as husband / wife / couple
in films. I think it is appalling she did not have any major
public recognition before she died, such as an OBE or CBE. Joan I
would argue had the longest lasting career, but why for such little
money or recognition? Her autobiography is sad in many ways, I felt
sorry for Joan when I read it. A national icon who wasn't as
cherished as she should be!
I
also think it is a great tragedy Joan died and was cremated without
many at her funeral, and her ashes scattered in a mass grave with no
marker. I went to Putney Vale Cemetery to mark her birthday last
year but whilst I found the scattering site, I left a tribute near
the site which was apparently removed by the owners. I even enquired
whether I could help pay or fundraise for a marker to Wandsworth
Council in London, but I never received a response. I find it deeply
unpleasant.
But
lets not dwell on the negatives. We can put these right. Her career
will be ever lasting for us to enjoy and also we should be thankful
for film it captures Joan at her greatest for us, forever. If
anyone were to ask, who was she? I think her performances will
answer that.
- Are there any Carry On actors still
around today that you would love to meet? Who would they be and
why?
I used to work for an MP at the House of Commons. One
day, when I was leaving for the evening, I remember seeing this very
short lady walking in front of me. She had huge back combed blonde
hair. I thought nothing of it. Then the police officer said "Hiya
Barbara" and I heard next to me "Hello darlin'" then
that cackle of a laugh. I was so taken aback that she was walking
beside me and I didn't even notice that I couldn't actually speak i
was in shock. I immediately phoned my boss, an MP, and said you
won't believe who I have just seen!? She said who? Thinking it was a
politician, I said "BARBARA WINDSOR" as I watched her trot
across Westminster Hall. I was terrified to go and say hello, which
I now deeply regret. I was struck dumb.
The
new Carry On film is launched by the Conservative Party in the
House of Commons.
|
Fenella
Fielding and Margaret Nolan are two of my living favourites but I
have yet to meet them in person.
- Who do you think is
the ultimate unsung hero of the Carry On films? And why do you think
so?
Patricia Rowlands as I call her, or known to us as Patsy.
Totally underrated, but what a much loved member of the team. I saw
Patsy interviewed on Brighton Pier for that documentary
"What's a Carry On?" I always think of her when I'm on
Brighton Pier when she was larking about with Mr Boggs!
I
think we should also remember the likes of Rene Houston, Esma
Cannon, Imogen Hassall and Amelia Baytun. Supporting stalwarts of
Carry On.
-
As you know there are plans to relaunch the series for the 21st
Century. What are your thoughts on this?
It has been tried
before. I think some things should perhaps never be remade. Just
look at the rehash of "Are you Being Served?" a close
cousin of Carry On. Disastrous.
- Who is your all-time
favourite Carry On actor?
Joan Sims for the woman, Terry
Scott for the men.
And finally, what's your favourite
Carry On film of all time?
Carry On Abroad. It has all the
bawdy jokes, an all star cast and is the last one when they were
altogether.
Many thanks to Robert once again for this lovely interview - you can find out more about Robert by following him on Twitter here
