Over the years many actors came in to swell the Carry On ranks. Some stuck around and became firm favourites while others popped in and out and some just made one off appearances. No matter, what this blog is concerned with is which actors made the biggest first impression.
Nobody did big actors and big characters quite like the Carry On films. Larger than life performances which often practically jumped out the screen and hit the audience in the face. No room for subtlety here, however even with these pantomime turns there was still great skill, total professionalism and sometimes, real heart and soul. Over twenty years and thirty films hundreds of great British character actors added proper depth, quality and class to these cheaply made, quickly churned out comedies and that's why they've lasted so long and still entertain us. Most of the actors are no longer around and they come from a breed raised on drama school and rep theatre week in week out for years so they learned their craft and perfect their timing.
We simply don't see their like these days in the age of instant fame and Instagram stories. The likes of Peter Butterworth, Joan Sims and Joan Hickson slaved away for years in regional theatres and small yet eye catching roles before getting their big breaks and that's what made their contributions later on so valuable. Their experiences guided and informed their talent and we all benefited from that time and time again.
So who made the biggest initial impression on me when they first appeared in the Carry Ons? Here's my admittedly very personal Top 5, in my particular order:
Barbara Windsor as Daphne Honeybutt - Carry On Spying (1964)
Fresh off the back of success on the small screen in The Rag Trade and in the cinema as Maggie in Joan Littlewood's sublime Sparrows Can't Sing, Barbara was riding the crest of a wave when she was cast in Carry On Spying opposite Kenneth Williams, Bernard Cribbins and Charles Hawtrey. She shines alongside these more experienced male co-stars and really holds her own in scenes with the formidable Williams. So much so that the pair became lifelong friends and confidants. As Daphne Honeybutt, Barbara exudes comedy confidence and not only adds glamour and feminine charm to the film but also plays the most intelligent, resourceful of all the agents. Barbara definitely had star quality and immediately fitted with the Carry On series. More than that, her debut in the series is in my opinion her best performance because there is subtlety, innocence and genuine charm in her character not the cliche she could become by the early 1970s.
Leslie Phillips as Jack Bell - Carry On Nurse (1959)
Leslie is an incredibly experienced actor with scores of credits to his name but in spite of this he remains instantly recognisable and constantly associated with the Carry On films, even though he only made three in the original run of films followed by a cameo in Columbus many years later. Such is the strength of that wolfish upper class persona he created. I love his early black and white appearances, there's such comedic charm and handsome charisma there as he enjoys romantic liaisons with the likes of June Whitfield, Joan Sims and Shirley Eaton. His debut, as bunion-afflicted Jack Bell in Nurse is sublime and earned him his unforgettable 'Ding Dong' catchphrase. Leslie doesn't even appear in Nurse until over half way through but really hits the ground running and freshens things up no end. He really adds something the Carry On films had missed previously and it's a joy to behold.
Imogen Hassall as Jenny Grubb - Carry On Loving (1970)
By the time Carry On Loving was made in 1970 the Carry Ons were part of the British film establishment. Their stars were household names and many had been appearing every year in the series and were hugely successful elsewhere. Despite this, the producer Peter Rogers obviously felt the cast needed freshening up so added some more youthful talents, rising stars if you like, to add a new dimension. Loving, a sexy seventies update on the episodic Carry On Regardless of ten years earlier, was the perfect time to add the likes of Janet Mahoney, Richard O'Callaghan, Jacki Piper (having debuted in Up The Jungle) and Imogen Hassall. Imogen in particular was impressive in her role as dowdy Jenny Grubb who transformed so glamorously half way through the picture. Paired with Terry Scott, Imogen shines. She brings glamour for sure, but also proves her acting credentials and demonstrates a clear flair for comedy. Sadly this was Hassall's one and only Carry On role and I have no idea why she wasn't asked back as she was sublime. We all know Imogen's real life took a tragic turn and for me, not keeping her on as a series regular was one of the Carry Ons' biggest errors of judgement.
Kenneth Cope as Vic Spanner - Carry On At Your Convenience (1971)
Kenneth would have been quite a coup for the Carry On team when he joined for his first of two films in the Spring of 1971. Cope was already a big name thanks to his regular role as Jed Stone in Coronation Street and his starring turn with Mike Pratt in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). Still, Kenneth was the Carry On new boy for Convenience, which remains a controversial film for fans mainly due to its treatment of the trades unions and the working class. While it may have misfired at the time, Convenience is possibly the purest Carry On of them all - set in a toilet factory and even a trip to Brighton thrown in. Perfection. Kenneth is given a difficult role, playing the deeply unlikeable and irritating little union leader Vic Spanner. Forever chasing Jacki Piper's Myrtle, saddled with a thick best mate in Bernie (Bresslaw) and brow beaten by his domineering mother Agatha (Renee Houston). Despite this, Kenneth manages to produce a beautifully comedic performance and really does give it his all. He also fits in seamlessly with the established cast.
Jim Dale as Expectant Father - Carry On Cabby (1963)
Unlike Sid James, Kenneth Connor or Joan Sims, Jim Dale had to work his way up through the ranks of cameos and small part player to fully fledged team member. It wasn't until his fourth film in the series, Carry On Cleo, that he was billed as part of the main team. To be fair, JIm was a relatively untested actor having first claimed fame as a pop star in the late 1950s. His rise to Carry On stardom and romantic lead was thoroughly well deserved and his later roles in the likes of Cowboy, Don't Lose Your Head and Doctor are superb performances which blend pure comedy flair with excellent timing, depth of character and a natural gift of physicality. His debut in Cabby is a fairly small part but it's immediately eye-catching and he sets up a great, easy going chemistry with established leading man Sid James. It's a joy to watch and it really is age and experience versus youthful energy. Watching it back now, it's no surprise Jim went on to such success.
So there you have it, my own favourite five Carry On debuts. So what are yours?
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
We all know about the very sad news that Dame Barbara Windsor is battling Alzheimer's disease. Since Barbara and her husband Scott went public with the news, there has been so much support for the couple which has been wonderful to see. Barbara and Scott have conducted themselves with such dignity and I know they are in all our thoughts.
Scott Mitchell, Barbara's husband of many years now, has proven himself to be a tower of strength to Barbara and they are now doing their bit to raise awareness and much needed money for research into Alzheimer's. It's been in the news that Scott will be running the London Marathon this year, on his 56th birthday, on behalf of The Dementia Revolution. Scott has set up a fundraising page so I thought I would share the details on the blog to help make sure as many people are aware of it as possible. He has also shared his own personal message which I've shared here:
Thank you for taking the time to read this page. As some of you may be aware through the press, my darling wife Barbara was diagnosed in 2014 with Alzheimer’s disease and has been and is living with it along with 1 million other people to this day in the UK alone. To watch first hand as a loved one is slowly stripped of their memories and how they function in day to day life is a heartbreaking and often painful experience for any family member or friend as well as the person living with it, who at times can feel confused, disorientated, frustrated and afraid. And it has been no exception for Barbara. Barbara was fortunate enough to have had a career where she entertained people and has been able to have helped others in her numerous charity efforts and in some way her own involvement in The Dementia Revolution (www.dementiarevolution.org) is a continuation of that generosity of spirit to be of use to others.
I will be entering The Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 (28th April 2019 and also my 56th birthday) in support of The Dementia Revolution in the largest push ever to raise funds to help research and find preventative measures and hopefully a cure for this awful disease. I will be joining a team of Barbara’s ex TV soap Eastenders cast colleagues (to be revealed at a later date) and together we hope we can with your support raise vital funds towards future generations being spared the painful experience that so many families have and will continue to experience.
Please I am asking you to give as much or as little as you can spare and no amount will be considered too small! Every pound helps! Let’s all try and help find a day when everyone’s memories will stay with them for all of their lives and time with our loved ones can last longer. This effects all our futures. Thank you.
Scott and Barbara are calling on people to run the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon for the Dementia Revolution, to raise desperately needed funds for the UK Dementia Research Institute. Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have joined forces for the Dementia Revolution campaign as charity partner for the marathon in 2019. To find out more about the Dementia Revolution and how to take part, visit www.dementiarevolution.org
If you'd like to support Scott you can visit his fundraising page here
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
We all know about the very sad news that Dame Barbara Windsor is battling Alzheimer's disease. Since Barbara and her husband Scott went public with the news, there has been so much support for the couple which has been wonderful to see. Barbara and Scott have conducted themselves with such dignity and I know they are in all our thoughts.
Scott Mitchell, Barbara's husband of many years now, has proven himself to be a tower of strength to Barbara and they are now doing their bit to raise awareness and much needed money for research into Alzheimer's. It was in the news the other day that Scott will be running the London Marathon next year, on his 56th birthday, on behalf of The Dementia Revolution. Scott has set up a fundraising page so I thought I would share the details on the blog to help make sure as many people are aware of it as possible. He has also shared his own personal message which I've shared here:
Thank you for taking the time to read this page. As some of you may be aware through the press, my darling wife Barbara was diagnosed in 2014 with Alzheimer’s disease and has been and is living with it along with 1 million other people to this day in the UK alone. To watch first hand as a loved one is slowly stripped of their memories and how they function in day to day life is a heartbreaking and often painful experience for any family member or friend as well as the person living with it, who at times can feel confused, disorientated, frustrated and afraid. And it has been no exception for Barbara. Barbara was fortunate enough to have had a career where she entertained people and has been able to have helped others in her numerous charity efforts and in some way her own involvement in The Dementia Revolution (www.dementiarevolution.org) is a continuation of that generosity of spirit to be of use to others.
I will be entering The Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 (28th April 2019 and also my 56th birthday) in support of The Dementia Revolution in the largest push ever to raise funds to help research and find preventative measures and hopefully a cure for this awful disease. I will be joining a team of Barbara’s ex TV soap Eastenders cast colleagues (to be revealed at a later date) and together we hope we can with your support raise vital funds towards future generations being spared the painful experience that so many families have and will continue to experience.
Please I am asking you to give as much or as little as you can spare and no amount will be considered too small! Every pound helps! Let’s all try and help find a day when everyone’s memories will stay with them for all of their lives and time with our loved ones can last longer. This effects all our futures. Thank you.
Scott and Barbara are calling on people to run the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon for the Dementia Revolution, to raise desperately needed funds for the UK Dementia Research Institute. Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have joined forces for the Dementia Revolution campaign as charity partner for the marathon in 2019. To find out more about the Dementia Revolution and how to take part, visit www.dementiarevolution.org
If you'd like to support Scott you can visit his fundraising page here
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
One of the highlights of Saturday night programming (yes there are one or two) are the constant repeats of the classic sitcom Dad's Army on BBC2. Dad's Army is a comedy series I really didn't have a lot of time for when I was younger. It's only now I've come to appreciate the quality of the performances and the standard of the scripts.
Last night's episode, the last from the very first series first broadcast 50 years ago in 1968 had a very special guest star, none other than Dame Barbara Windsor. I hadn't seen this particular episode before and it was lovely to see Barbara join the familiar Walmington-On-Sea platoon in glorious black and white. Playing a variety entertainer Laura La Paz, Barbara ends up in drag in a dual role (!) as Private Paderofsky, a crack shot the platoon recruit to take part in a shooting range competition!
The episode, Shooting Pains, focusses on the Walmington-On-Sea platoon when it is selected to provide the guard of honour for Winston Churchill's visit to the review the area's coastal fortifications, but a poor show at the shooting range prompts the irascible Major Regan to consider using the Eastgate platoon instead. A shooting contest between Walmington and Eastgate will settle the matter.
It's definitely worth a watch and if you missed it last night you can catch it again here
And you can read more on the various Carry On connections with Dad's Army in my blog here
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
We all know about the very sad news that Dame Barbara Windsor is battling Alzheimer's disease. Since Barbara and her husband Scott went public with the news, there has been so much support for the couple which has been wonderful to see. Barbara and Scott have conducted themselves with such dignity and I know they are in all our thoughts.
Scott Mitchell, Barbara's husband of many years now, has proven himself to be a tower of strength to Barbara and they are now doing their bit to raise awareness and much needed money for research into Alzheimer's. It was in the news the other day that Scott will be running the London Marathon next year, on his 56th birthday, on behalf of The Dementia Revolution. Scott has set up a fundraising page so I thought I would share the details on the blog to help make sure as many people are aware of it as possible. He has also shared his own personal message which I've shared here:
Thank you for taking the time to read this page. As some of you may be aware through the press, my darling wife Barbara was diagnosed in 2014 with Alzheimer’s disease and has been and is living with it along with 1 million other people to this day in the UK alone. To watch first hand as a loved one is slowly stripped of their memories and how they function in day to day life is a heartbreaking and often painful experience for any family member or friend as well as the person living with it, who at times can feel confused, disorientated, frustrated and afraid. And it has been no exception for Barbara. Barbara was fortunate enough to have had a career where she entertained people and has been able to have helped others in her numerous charity efforts and in some way her own involvement in The Dementia Revolution (www.dementiarevolution.org) is a continuation of that generosity of spirit to be of use to others.
I will be entering The Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 (28th April 2019 and also my 56th birthday) in support of The Dementia Revolution in the largest push ever to raise funds to help research and find preventative measures and hopefully a cure for this awful disease. I will be joining a team of Barbara’s ex TV soap Eastenders cast colleagues (to be revealed at a later date) and together we hope we can with your support raise vital funds towards future generations being spared the painful experience that so many families have and will continue to experience.
Please I am asking you to give as much or as little as you can spare and no amount will be considered too small! Every pound helps! Let’s all try and help find a day when everyone’s memories will stay with them for all of their lives and time with our loved ones can last longer. This effects all our futures. Thank you.
Scott and Barbara are calling on people to run the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon for the Dementia Revolution, to raise desperately needed funds for the UK Dementia Research Institute. Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have joined forces for the Dementia Revolution campaign as charity partner for the marathon in 2019. To find out more about the Dementia Revolution and how to take part, visit www.dementiarevolution.org
If you'd like to support Scott you can visit his fundraising page here
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
With thanks to a couple of lovely followers on Twitter for alerting me to this. Back in 2008 BBC Radio 4 broadcast this hour long documentary looking at the success of the Carry On films as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. And here we are already, ten years later!
Anyway, it's a really interesting programme, presented by Carolyn Quinn. As well as celebrating the very best of British comedy, Carry On Britain also asks what the success of the films says about British society during their lifetime, from the late1950s until the 1970s. In many ways the changes in the films can reflect changes in British society at the time and as an amateur historian, I find this fascinating.
Carolyn is joined by a range of top quality Carry On interviewees. These include original Carry On scriptwriter, Norman Hudis and some of the actors who made the Carry Ons so special: Dame June Whitfield, Dame Barbara Windsor, Fenella Fielding and Shirley Eaton.
You can listen to this programme online here and it's available for the next 29 days.
You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram
