Tomorrow on Talking Pictures TV: Dentist in the Chair

Talking Pictures have scheduled yet another piece of classic British comedy. Next Monday, 21 August they will be screening the 1960 comedy film, Dentist in the Chair. Written by legendary film director Val Guest, Dentist in the Chair was the first of two Dentist comedies with plans for further sequels which sadly didn't come to fruition. 

Based on a novel by Matthew Finch, the film was directed by Don Chaffey and produced by Bertram Ostrer. The story centres around two dental students, David Cookson and Brian Dexter, who become mixed up in the misadventures of a thief, Sam Field. Sam tries to sell the two students stolen dental equipment and all hell breaks loose!

Dentist in the Chair proved a success - it was the 11th most popular film at the British box office in 1960. Clearly capitalising on the success of the early Carry On films, Dentist in the Chair cast several actors from Peter Rogers' regular pool of talent. The star of the film is Carry On Sergeant original Bob Monkhouse as David Cookson. He is teamed up with Ronnie Stevens, a regular in revue with Joan Sims, who would go on to make a supporting appearance in the 1962 Carry On film, Carry On Cruising. 

The big draw for me is the fabulous Kenneth Connor, cast here as the crook, Sam Field. Connor was at the height of his fame around this time, being the leading light of the early Carry Ons. He would branch out to other starring roles in the likes of What A Carve Up, His and Hers and Watch Your Stern. Also along for the ride are familiar Carry On faces in Eric Barker and Vincent Ball. Watch out also for an appearance from Dale Winton's mother, actress Sheree Winton, as Jayne.

Dentist on the Job followed the following year with the addition of Carry On Nurse actress Shirley Eaton and Carry On Spying and Sykes star Richard Wattis. 

Dentist in the Chair will be broadcast on Talking Pictures TV on Monday 21 August at 12 noon.


You can watch Talking Pictures TV on: Virgin 445 / Freeview 81 / Sky Channel 343 / Freesat 306 / Youview 81

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