You'll be pleased to know the schedulers have popped two classic Carry Ons into the televisual line up over the next few days. So without further ado, set your videos (or whatever it is you have these days) for these two wonderful British comedy films.
Carry On Constable (1959) - Film4, Saturday 8 December, 16.40.
A glorious black and white feature, this film yet again plays to Norman Hudis' strengths by focusing on another British institution, the police force. There's the figure of authority pitched against a group of bumbling incompetents too as new recruits battle to success during a flu epidemic at the local station. This film marks a major turning point for the Carry Ons as it sees the debut of a certain Mr Sidney James in the starring role of Frank Wilkins. It's a fairly low key entrance for Sid, given what was to come but it's a superb performance and it's clear he's firmly in charge! Eric Barker returns for the first time since Sergeant, playing a similar officious role while the new recruits are played with relish by Leslie Phillips, Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor. Throw in some lovely supporting turns from Joan Sims and Hattie Jacques and a cameo from original Carry On girl Shirley Eaton and you have a great afternoon matinee film to enjoy!
Further reading - Carry On Blogging: Connor Carries On as Constable Constable!
Carry On Blogging: Joan Carries On as WPC Gloria Passworthy
Carry On Blogging: Hattie Carries On as Laura Moon
Carry On Spying (1964) - Film4, Monday 10 December, 17.10.
One of the most under-appreciated of all the Carry Ons (in my view) Carry On Spying was the last in the series to be shot in black and white and the first to star none other than Barbara Windsor. The black and white film makes everything look gorgeous and the film is in part a tribute to The Third Man, a classic Gerald Thomas worked on as an editor. The main subject of Spying however is a pastiche of the James Bond films. Spying was released the same year as the mega-hit Goldfinger and while both series shared Pinewood Studios, they couldn't have been more different. Brilliant performances from Barbara, Bernard Cribbins, Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Williams in full on Snide mode. Jim Dale proves himself as a suave spy while the bickering Eric Barker and Richard Wattis provide peerless character actor support. Also look out for the gorgeous Dilys Laye in a wonderful supporting role as a glamorous double crossing spy who can't half sing a bit! Lovely stuff.
Further Reading: Carry On Blogging: In Praise of Carry On Spying
Carry On Blogging: Barbara Carries On … As Daphne Honeybutt
I hope you enjoy them both!
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