What a Carry On this Good Friday!

Once again ITV3 have delved into the archives and brought out several classic examples of Carry On comedy for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Yes, we've seen them all before but who can resist a good Carry On on a lazy Friday? I've put together a handy guide for Good Friday to help you make sure you don't miss any of your favourites.

So without further ado...

Carry On At Your Convenience (1971) 07.45

Trouble at the works caused trouble at the box office as the treatment of the ordinary working man and woman and the trade unions who represented them made this a controversial outing for the team. Despite this, Convenience is the purest Carry On of them all. It's set in a toilet factory and involves a prolonged sequence in Brighton, the series' spiritual home. A cast of prime Carry On performers including Sid James, Joan Sims, Bernard Bresslaw and Kenneth Williams are joined by the likes of Jacki Piper, Richard O'Callaghan and Kenneth Cope with a bigger than usual supporting role for the brilliant Patsy Rowlands.

Carry On Cruising (1962) 09.30

The first colour Carry On is pretty innocent by series standards and floats along quite happily. It's undemanding but beautifully performed fare with a cast headed by Sid James as the Happy Wanderer's Captain Crowther. The bumbling new recruits (this is a Hudis script so they must feature) are Kenneths Williams and Connor and Lance Percival while the glamorous passengers on the Mediterranean cruise which never left Pinewood are Liz Fraser, Esma Cannon and a debuting, and very impressive Dilys Laye. Dilys stepped in to replace an ill Joan Sims at three days notice!

Carry On Cowboy (1965) 11.20

An ambitious picture for a series at the peak of its powers, Cowboy was that rare thing, a successful British Western. With most of the regular cast attempting American accents, the likes of Sid James, Joan Sims and Jim Dale have a ball. There are important series debuts too as Cowboy brings us the first Carry On performances from valuable character players Bernard Bresslaw and Peter Butterworth. New leading lady Angela Douglas also appears for the first time as the gun toting heroine Annie Oakley.

Carry On Screaming (1966) 13.10

One of the most iconic of all the Carry Ons and definitely a favourite not just with fans but with many other cinema aficionados, this Hammer Horror pastiche is beautifully scripted with great period costumes and attention to detail. The cast is also on top form as they tell the gruesome tale of young courting ladies disappearing into the night and turning up as dress shop mannequins. Harry H Corbett is an able replacement for the absent Sid James while Jim Dale and Peter Butterworth shine in major supporting roles. And of course there's that wonderful revue-like double act of Kenneth Williams and the late, great Fenella Fielding as fiendish, bickering siblings. It doesn't get any better than this.

Carry On Follow That Camel (1967) 15.10

This French Foreign Legion spoof has all the right intentions but for me, doesn't quite come off despite a prime cast of classic Carry On actors. There are substantial, hilarious roles for pros like Kenneth Williams, Peter Butterworth and Jim Dale while Angela Douglas excels as the upper class Lady Jane and Joan Sims gives it her all in a feisty cameo as Zig ZIg, a local cafe owner. However the central performance, from American comedy legend Phil Silvers doesn't quite gel with the rest of the cast or the Carry On image. An attempt to expand the Carry On market overseas which perhaps just didn't quite hit the mark.

Carry On Doctor (1967) 17.00

Perhaps the best medical Carry On of them all, Carry On Doctor pitches hospital patients against corrupt medical staff and it's a no brainer which side the audience are on. Doctor features one of the biggest collection of team regulars with only Kenneth Connor missing. Much energy is brought to proceedings by the fantastic Frankie Howerd in his first of two superb guest starring roles in the series as bogus faith healer Francis Bigger. Much of the action revolves around Frankie, Kenneth Williams' mean Dr Tinkle, Hattie Jacques' bombastic Matron and Jim Dale's kindly Dr Kilmore. The rogues gallery features stunning support from Sid James, Charles Hawtrey, Bernard Bresslaw and Peter Butterworth while there are cameos from the likes of Dandy Nichols, Derek Francis, Brian Wilde and Deryck Guyler.


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Why Do ITV3 Carry On Cutting?

I'm the first to thank ITV3 for being the main home for Carry On these days. They regularly show many of the Rothwell era films and there's a guarantee there will be a score of Carry Ons on the channel over Christmas. They also of course brought us the wonderful Carry On Forever three part celebration of the series back in 2015.

However, I've noticed quite a bit of criticism of the ITV channel in recent weeks over on my Twitter feed. While all fans applaud seeing a Carry On film on the telly for us all to enjoy, many fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with ITV3 and their decision to chop out sections from our favourite films. I noticed it on several occasions during Carry On Up The Jungle yesterday and I agree it is rather annoying. I know the films are from a certain era and some of the content might be viewed somewhat differently in 2018 but as always, I urge modern viewers to see the Carry Ons for what they are - they were not created to be offensive, challenging or controversial. 

I can understand the occasional brief moment of nudity being cut from one of the films or the odd naughty word but compared to a lot of what is passed for general consumption today, the Carry Ons are mild and relatively family friendly fare. I do honestly believe audiences today are immediately looking for something to shock them or some kind of content they can be offended by and 'take to Twitter' to clutch their pearls over. Perhaps ITV are mindful of this, as all networks will be these days, but please do not butcher our beloved Carry Ons as a result!

So why are the Carry Ons cut so often? Well these made for the cinema features weren't designed for the modern, ever more frequent commercial break. ITV must cut into the action every so often to bring us those all so necessary adverts we all immediately fast forward through. Surely though ITV could just provide a longer slot for the films to allow them to be shown in their entirety and still make way for the adverts? I think it's more than that though - I think most of the cuts are down to the content of the films.

If ITV feel they must cut scenes from the Carry Ons, then why are they still showing them in the afternoons or even the early mornings? If they do not believe the films are suitable for that time of day, I'm sure most fans would prefer to see the films in the evenings if it means they are left unscathed by the ITV3 pruning shears. I love seeing the Carry Ons being shown so often on our screens don't get me wrong, I just wish we could watch them as they were originally shot and edited by the masterful Alan Hume and Gerald Thomas.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Two more Carry Ons to enjoy this weekend!

Once again ITV3 and Film4 are showing one Carry On a piece this coming weekend. The early days of the film series are represented by the 1963 swashbuckler Carry On Jack on Film4 while ITV3 are going Up The Jungle with Frankie Howerd. 

So set your devices to record, sit back and enjoy some wonderfully funny films from a bygone era. More details and further reading on the two films can be found below:

Saturday 6 October, 15.10 - Carry On Up The Jungle (1970) - ITV3

Carry On Up the Jungle is the nineteenth in the series to be made, released in 1970. The film marked Frankie Howerd;s second and final appearance in the series. He stars alongside regular players Joan Sims, Sid James, Terry Scott, Bernard Bresslaw and Charles Hawtrey. Kenneth Connor returns to the series for the first time since Carry On Cleo six years earlier and would now feature in almost every entry up to Emmannuelle  in 1978. Jacki Piper makes the first of her four appearances in the series. This movie is a send-up of the classic Tarzan films.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging Interview: Jacki Piper 
Carry On Blogging Interview: Valerie Leon 

Sunday 7 October, 16.55 - Carry On Jack (1963) - Film4

Probably one of my lesser favourites, this swash buckling yarn from the early 1960s marked a return to colour for the Carry Ons and also saw the films take on a period subject matter for the very first time. Until this point, every series entry had been firmly based in the present day so for the loyal cinema-going audiences this must have been quite a shock! Jack, written by Talbot Rothwell, is also fairly light both on innuendos and familiar cast members. Indeed of the regular team at this stage, only Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey appear. Jim Dale, back for his second brief cameo role after Cabby earlier the same year, was yet to become a main presence however his appearance is a funny one and most welcome. Grabbing most of the action are Juliet Mills and Bernard Cribbins and very good they are too. Both new to the films, this was Juliet's only Carry On, despite appearing in two other films for Peter Rogers, Nurse On Wheels and Twice Round The Daffodils. Jack does feature some stunning actors in supporting roles, namely Donald Houston, Percy Herbert, Cecil Parker and Patrick Cargill.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: A Change of Tack about Carry On Jack

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Two Classic Carry Ons on the box this Saturday!

The television schedules have a couple of treats in store for Carry On fans this weekend with two classic series entries showing this coming Saturday 15 September. As usual they are on ITV3 and Film4, both now regular homes to different ends of the film franchise. While ITV3 tend to show the later, Talbot Rothwell era films, Film 4 shares the more innocent, usually black and white Norman Hudis gems.

So get these times in your film watching diaries!

Carry On Loving (1970) - ITV3, 15.05.

Carry On Loving is the twentieth in the series to be made, and was released in 1970. By 1970 times were most certainly a changing. The cosy postwar years which launched the Carry Ons were long gone and everything was a lot more liberated and up front, as it were. After nearly twelve years of hit films, the Carry On team were still at the top of their game but perhaps there was felt to be a need to adapt and change to maintain their position at the top of the comedy charts? Carry On Loving saw an attempt at this. Basically Loving is a saucy seventies tribute to Norman Hudis' classic 1961 film Carry On Regardless. Instead of the Helping Hands Agency of the earlier film, this 1970 update saw Talbot Rothwell set the film at the Wedded Bliss Matrimonial Agency, run by Sid and Sophie Bliss. Loving even saw the outside of the Wedded Bliss Agency filmed on the same location in Windsor that had been used for Regardless almost a decade earlier.It features series regulars Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Terry Scott, Charles Hawtrey and Bernard Bresslawalongside newcomers Richard O'Callaghan (in his first Carry On) and Imogen Hassall (in her only Carry On role). The dialogue veers toward open bawdiness rather than the evasive innuendo characteristic of the earlier films in the series. 

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Hattie Carries On as Sophie Bliss
Carry On Blogging: Five Reasons I Love Carry On Loving 

Carry On Constable (1959) - Film4, 17.00. 

Another 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

I hope you enjoy them both!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram 

Two Classic Carry Ons on TV this week!

You'll be pleased to know the schedulers have popped two classic Carry Ons into the televisual line up for the week ahead. So without further ado, set your videos (or whatever it is you have these days) for these two wonderful British comedy films.

Wednesday 5 September, 16.50, Film 4:

Carry On Spying (1964)

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.

Saturday 8 September, 15.10, ITV3:

Carry On Matron (1971)

The last film in the series with a medical theme, Matron is pretty much a homage to Hattie Jacques and her wonderful character. This film, set in a maternity hospital - naturally, presents a softer, kinder Matron and Hattie looks splendid throughout. Much of the film feels like a tribute to the earlier classic Too Many Crooks, a crime caper which also stars Bernard Bresslaw and Sid James. Matron sees Sid and Bernard team up with Bill Maynard and Kenneth Cope to rob the Finisham Maternity Hospital of its stash of the pill. Mayhem ensues with Cope going undercover in drag as a student nurse. Lovely supporting turns from Joan Sims as an expectant mother and Kenneth Connor as the ever-anxious father to be. With the hospital staff including Charles Hawtrey, Terry Scott and Kenneth Williams, what could possibly go wrong?

Hope you enjoy these classic treats in the week ahead! 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

What a Carry On this Easter Monday!

This Easter weekend sees ITV3 once again roll out several classic Carry On films for your viewing pleasure. In what has become a bit of a tradition on the ITV station, any bank holiday weekend seems the right time to trot out some tried and trusted Pinewood favourites and why not?

Over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, ITV3 will be showing a range of wonderful Carry On films, so stay tuned to the blog for the low down on which films will be showing and when.

07.05 - Carry On Cowboy (1965) 

Carry On Cowboy is the eleventh in the series to be made. It was released in 1965, and was the first film to feature series regulars Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw. Series regulars Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Jim Dale and Joan Sims all feature, and Angela Douglas makes the first of her four appearances in the series.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: My Favourite Scene - Carry On Cowboy 
Carry On Blogging Interview: Angela Douglas 

08.55 - Carry On Behind (1975) 

I have such a soft spot for this one, pretty much Carry On Camping: The Revenge! Swapping a bunch of holidaymakers in tents for a bunch of holidaymakers in caravans, this is probably the most 70s of all the Carry Ons made in that very dodgy decade! With the likes of Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor and Sid James absent from in front of the camera and Talbot Rothwell handing over his writing duties to Dave Freeman, times were a-changing. Glamorous, exotic international guest star Elke Sommer adds some fresh talent to proceedings while then current stars of the small screen such as Ian Lavender, Adrienne Posta, Sherrie Hewson and Windsor Davies bolster the slimmer than usual ranks of top class Carry On talent. Don't worry, the broad comedy is still ably delivered by Kenneths Williams and Connor, Joan Sims, Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw while Patsy Rowlands grabs her last major supporting role and Liz Fraser pops in her for her first appearance in the series since Cabby twelve years before.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Carry On Behind, A Guilty Pleasure
Carry On Blogging: My Top Ten Carry Ons - Carry On Behind


10.45 - Carry On Dick (1974)

Not one of my favourites by any means, but Dick is a memorable milestone in the history of the Carry Ons, although perhaps not for all the right reasons. This period feature, providing a comic retelling of the legend of Dick Turpin, stars Sid James, Barbara Windsor and Hattie Jacques, all in their last roles in the film series. Sid grabs the impressive dual role of Big Dick and the Rev Flasher and in many ways it's a bit of a retread of Don't Lose Your Head. It's still a great acting performance though. Kenneth Williams works well with Jack Douglas the law enforcers trying to capture Big Dick however stalwarts Joan Sims, Patsy Rowlands and Peter Butterworth are all given little to do. This was also the last film written by Talbot Rothwell as ill health prevented any further involvement in the series. 

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Carry On Dick - A Fitting Farewell?
Carry On Blogging: Barbara Carries On as Harriet
Carry On Blogging: Joan Carries On as Madame Desiree

 12.30 - Carry On At Your Convenience (1971) 

The first Carry On to fail at the box office, this one is now hailed as a classic of its kind. Tackling the thorny issue of trade unions put off the films' core audience when the film was released but Convenience is arguably the purest Carry On of them all. A wonderful prime cast of favourites headed by Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Bernard Bresslaw, Hattie Jacques and Charles Hawtrey and a bigger than usual supporting turn from fan favourite Patsy Rowlands make this toilet factory farce hard to resist! Throw in a memorable trip to Brighton and you're all set for a joyous lesson in labour relations!

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: My Top Ten Carry Ons: Convenience
Carry On Blogging: Why Was Convenience Such a Flop? 
Carry On Blogging: My Favourite Scene in Convenience 

14.15 - Carry On Henry (1971) 

Carry On Henry is the 21st in the series of Carry On films to be made and was released in 1971. It tells a fictionalised story involving Sid James as Henry VIII, who chases after Barbara Windsor's character Bettina. James and Windsor feature alongside other regulars Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Terry Scott, Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Connor. This was the first time that Williams and Connor appeared together since Carry On Cleo seven years previously. The original alternative title was to be Anne of a Thousand Lays, a pun on the Richard Burton film Anne of a Thousand Days, and Sid wears exactly the same cloak that Burton wore in that film. 

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Barbara Carries On as Bettina

Carry On Blogging: Carry On, Henry 


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

What A Carry On this Easter Sunday!

This Easter weekend sees ITV3 once again roll out several classic Carry On films for your viewing pleasure. In what has become a bit of a tradition on the ITV station, any bank holiday weekend seems the right time to trot out some tried and trusted Pinewood favourites and why not?

Over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, ITV3 will be showing a range of wonderful Carry On films, so stay tuned to the blog for the low down on which films will be showing and when.

06.00 - Carry On Cruising (1962)

You'd better set the video to record this early screening of the first colour Carry On. The last film in the series to be written by Norman Hudis, Cruising follows the chaotic happenings of a new crew on a luxury cruise ship, without actually leaving Pinewood Studios. The first of the films to feature less than the standard cosy main cast list which had been assembled during the black and white era, the mainstays appearing are Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor. While the film misses the likes of Hattie Jacques, Charles Hawtrey and Joan Sims, there is still much fun to be had from the likes of Liz Fraser, Dilys Laye and the ever excellent Esma Cannon.


Further Reading: Carry On Blogging: In Praise of Carry On Cruising

11.10 - Carry On Cowboy (1965) 

Carry On Cowboy is the eleventh in the series to be made. It was released in 1965, and was the first film to feature series regulars Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw. Series regulars Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Jim Dale and Joan Sims all feature, and Angela Douglas makes the first of her four appearances in the series.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: My Favourite Scene - Carry On Cowboy 
Carry On Blogging Interview: Angela Douglas 

13.10 - Carry On Behind (1975) 

I have such a soft spot for this one, pretty much Carry On Camping: The Revenge! Swapping a bunch of holidaymakers in tents for a bunch of holidaymakers in caravans, this is probably the most 70s of all the Carry Ons made in that very dodgy decade! With the likes of Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor and Sid James absent from in front of the camera and Talbot Rothwell handing over his writing duties to Dave Freeman, times were a-changing. Glamorous, exotic international guest star Elke Sommer adds some fresh talent to proceedings while then current stars of the small screen such as Ian Lavender, Adrienne Posta, Sherrie Hewson and Windsor Davies bolster the slimmer than usual ranks of top class Carry On talent. Don't worry, the broad comedy is still ably delivered by Kenneths Williams and Connor, Joan Sims, Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw while Patsy Rowlands grabs her last major supporting role and Liz Fraser pops in her for her first appearance in the series since Cabby twelve years before.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Carry On Behind, A Guilty Pleasure
Carry On Blogging: My Top Ten Carry Ons - Carry On Behind

15.10 - Carry On Camping (1969)

Camping, made in the Autumn of 1968, features series regulars Sid James, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Bernard Bresslaw, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams and Peter Butterworth. Sid Boggle (Sid James) and his friend Bernie Lugg (Bernard Bresslaw) are partners in a plumbing business. They take their girlfriends, prudish Joan Fussey (Joan Sims) and meek Anthea Meeks (Dilys Laye), to the cinema to see a film about a nudist camp called Paradise. Sid has the idea of the foursome holidaying there, reasoning that in that environment their heretofore chaste girlfriends will relax their strict moral standards. Sid easily gains Bernie's co-operation in the scheme, which they attempt to keep secret from the girls.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: My Favourite Scene- Carry On Camping 
Carry On Blogging: The Chayste Place Girls 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

What A Carry On this Saturday!

This Easter weekend sees ITV3 once again roll out several classic Carry On films for your viewing pleasure. In what has become a bit of a tradition on the ITV station, any bank holiday weekend seems the right time to trot out some tried and trusted Pinewood favourites and why not?

Over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, ITV3 will be showing a range of wonderful Carry On films, so stay tuned to the blog for the low down on which films will be showing and when.


12.20 - Carry On Cruising (1962)

The weekend begins with the very first colour Carry On and it's all fairly innocent by today's standards! The last film in the series to be written by Norman Hudis, Cruising follows the chaotic happenings of a new crew on a luxury cruise ship, without actually leaving Pinewood Studios. The first of the films to feature less than the standard cosy main cast list which had been assembled during the black and white era, the mainstays appearing are Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor. While the film misses the likes of Hattie Jacques, Charles Hawtrey and Joan Sims, there is still much fun to be had from the likes of Liz Fraser, Dilys Laye and the ever excellent Esma Cannon.

Further Reading: Carry On Blogging: In Praise of Carry On Cruising

14.05 - Carry On Up The Khyber (1968)

Carry On Up the Khyber is a British comedy and the sixteenth in the series to be made, released in 1968. It stars Carry On regulars Sid James, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Bernard Bresslaw, Peter Butterworth and Charles Hawtrey. Roy Castle makes his only Carry On appearance in the romantic male lead part usually played by Jim Dale. Terry Scott returned to the series after his minor role in the first film of the series, Carry On Sergeant a decade earlier. The film is, in part, a spoof movies and television series about life in the British Raj both contemporary and from earlier, Hollywood, periods. 

Further reading:  Carry On Blogging: Joan Carries On as Lady Ruff-Diamond



15.55 -  Carry On Forever Documentary - all three parts (2015)

A real treat to end the day. I loved this three part documentary first broadcast on ITV3 two years ago. Narrated by Martin Clunes, it tells the story of our favourite series of comedy films from the very beginning, going through the series in chronological order (although missing out the likes of Again Doctor and Behind for some reason!) There are plenty of wonderful interviewees including Liz Fraser, Amanda Barrie, Sally Geeson, June Whitfield, Fenella Fielding, Patrick Mower, Margaret Nolan and Rosalind Knight. My two favourite sequences see Carry On Jack stars Juliet Mills and Bernard Cribbins reunite for the first time since they made the film in 1963 and contributions from the sons of Peter Butterworth, Kenneth Connor and Bernard Bresslaw. If you've not seen it before, do not miss this and I think it's always worth another viewing even if you saw it first time round.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: My Verdict on Carry on Forever


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Room for a bit of Dick and Behind on ITV3 this Christmas?

ITV3 and Channel 4 have between them scheduled nearly all the Carry On films ever made over this festive season. With 4 hogging most of the early Anglo Amalgamated films, ITV3 have been littering their schedule with many of the later films. As far as I can see the only films from the series not being shown are the very first, Carry On Sergeant; the first colour entry, Carry On Cruising (I wish they were showing this one) and some of the later, more forgettable efforts like England and Emmannuelle.

Two of the later films they are showing however, are detailed below:

Christmas Eve, 23.35 - Carry On Behind (1975)

I have such a soft spot for this one, pretty much Carry On Camping: The Revenge! Swapping a bunch of holidaymakers in tents for a bunch of holidaymakers in caravans, this is probably the most 70s of all the Carry Ons made in that very dodgy decade! With the likes of Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor and Sid James absent from in front of the camera and Talbot Rothwell handing over his writing duties to Dave Freeman, times were a-changing. Glamorous, exotic international guest star Elke Sommer adds some fresh talent to proceedings while then current stars of the small screen such as Ian Lavender, Adrienne Posta, Sherrie Hewson and Windsor Davies bolster the slimmer than usual ranks of top class Carry On talent. Don't worry, the broad comedy is still ably delivered by Kenneths Williams and Connor, Joan Sims, Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw while Patsy Rowlands grabs her last major supporting role and Liz Fraser pops in her for her first appearance in the series since Cabby twelve years before.


Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Carry On Behind, A Guilty Pleasure
Carry On Blogging: My Top Ten Carry Ons - Carry On Behind


27 December, 16.10 - Carry On Dick (1974)

Not one of my favourites by any means, but Dick is a memorable milestone in the history of the Carry Ons, although perhaps not for all the right reasons. This period feature, providing a comic retelling of the legend of Dick Turpin, stars Sid James, Barbara Windsor and Hattie Jacques, all in their last roles in the film series. Sid grabs the impressive dual role of Big Dick and the Rev Flasher and in many ways it's a bit of a retread of Don't Lose Your Head. It's still a great acting performance though. Kenneth Williams works well with Jack Douglas the law enforcers trying to capture Big Dick however stalwarts Joan Sims, Patsy Rowlands and Peter Butterworth are all given little to do. This was also the last film written by Talbot Rothwell as ill health prevented any further involvement in the series.

Further reading: Carry On Blogging: Carry On Dick - A Fitting Farewell?
Carry On Blogging: Barbara Carries On as Harriet
Carry On Blogging: Joan Carries On as Madame Desiree


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Ruth Jones stars as Hattie tonight on ITV3

ITV3 have a real treat in store for Carry On fans later this evening as they broadcast another chance to see Hattie, the biopic of the lovely, legendary Hattie Jacques. A BBC production, it was originally shown on BBC4 back in January 2011 so I'm not quite sure how it has ended up on the other side but it's great this drama is being given another airing. 

Ruth Jones excels as Hattie Jacques, telling the very private story of Hattie's rather tempestuous love life, her marriage to Dad's Army actor John Le Mesurier and of course, her successful acting career. While I'm never too keen on writing about the private lives of our best loved comedians or comic actors, this really does make for an unusual story and the performances are all spot on.

Co-starring with Hattie is Cold Feet actor Robert Bathurst who puts in a superb performance as the wonderfully urbane, vague Le Mesurier. And future Poldark star Aidan Turner also appears in the role of Hattie's sexy, dangerous partner John Schofield. I must also highlight a wonderful turn from Marcia Warren as the actress Esma Cannon. She features in several scenes depicting filming of Carry On Cabby in 1963 and Marcia is uncanny as Esma, dressed in her Glam Cabs trouser suit. A masterful piece of casting if ever there was one.

So if you fancy checking out this terrific drama, tune in to ITV3 this evening from 10pm.



You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Carrying On this Christmas Day on ITV3!

ITV3 are once again allowing the Carry On team to gatecrash their Christmas television schedule! So if you are looking for something to tickle your fancy on Christmas Day this year, there are wall to wall Carry Ons throughout the day, starting at 6.55am and running through until midnight! I'd be exhausted watching all that lot!

Anyway, the all important running order is as follows:

6.55am - Carry On Cowboy 

Carry On Cowboy is the eleventh in the series to be made. It was released in 1965, and was the first film to feature series regulars Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw. Series regulars Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Jim Dale and Joan Sims all feature, and Angela Douglas makes the first of her four appearances in the series.

8.50am - Carry On Don't Lose Your Head

Don't Lose Your Head is the thirteenth in the series to be made. It features regular team members Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Peter Butterworth, Charles Hawtrey and Jim Dale. French actress Dany Robin makes her only Carry on appearance in Don't Lose Your Head. It was released in 1966. Set in France and England in 1789 during the French Revolution it is a parody of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

The first Carry On to be produced by the Rank Organisation, Don't Lose Your Head was not conceived as a part of the series and was first released without the Carry On prefix. However the ongoing popularity of the series persuaded Rank to add the prefix to this and the following film, Follow That Camel, when they were re-released.

10.45am - Carry On Follow That Camel

Follow That Camel is the fourteenth in the series to be made, released in 1967. Like its predecessor Don't Lose Your Head, it does not have the words "Carry On" in its original title (although for screenings outside the United Kingdom it was known as Carry On In The Legion, and is alternatively titled Carry On ... Follow That Camel). It parodies the much-filmed 1924 book Beau Geste, and other French Foreign Legion films. This film was producer Peter Rogers' attempt to break into the American market; Phil Silvers (in his only Carry On) is heavily featured in a Bilko-esque role. He appears alongside Carry On regulars Kenneth Williams, Jim Dale, Peter Butterworth, Bernard Bresslaw, Charles Hawtrey and Joan Sims. Angela Douglas makes the third of her four Carry On appearances. Anita Harris makes the first of her two Carry On appearances.


12.40pm - Carry On Doctor

Released in 1967, It is the second in the series to have a medical theme. Frankie Howerd makes the first of his two appearances in the film series and stars alongside regulars Jim Dale, Sid James, Peter Butterworth, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey and Bernard Bresslaw. Hattie Jacques returns for the first time since Carry On Cabby four years earlier, while Barbara Windsor returns after her debut in Carry On Spying three years earlier. Carry On Doctor marked Anita Harris's second and final appearance in the series.


2.40pm - Carry On Up The Khyber

Carry On Up the Khyber is a British comedy and the sixteenth in the series to be made, released in 1968. It stars Carry On regulars Sid James, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Bernard Bresslaw, Peter Butterworth and Charles Hawtrey. Roy Castle makes his only Carry On appearance in the romantic male lead part usually played by Jim Dale. Terry Scott returned to the series after his minor role in the first film of the series, Carry On Sergeant a decade earlier. The film is, in part, a spoof movies and television series about life in the British Raj both contemporary and from earlier, Hollywood, periods.

4.30pm - Carry On Camping

Camping, made in the Autumn of 1968, features series regulars Sid James, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Bernard Bresslaw, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams and Peter Butterworth. Sid Boggle (Sid James) and his friend Bernie Lugg (Bernard Bresslaw) are partners in a plumbing business. They take their girlfriends, prudish Joan Fussey (Joan Sims) and meek Anthea Meeks (Dilys Laye), to the cinema to see a film about a nudist camp called Paradise. Sid has the idea of the foursome holidaying there, reasoning that in that environment their heretofore chaste girlfriends will relax their strict moral standards. Sid easily gains Bernie's co-operation in the scheme, which they attempt to keep secret from the girls.

6.20pm - Carry On Again Doctor

Carry On Again Doctor is the eighteenth in the series to be made. It was released in 1969 and was the third to feature a medical theme. The film features series regulars Kenneth Williams, Jim Dale, Hattie Jacques, Sid James, Joan Sims and Barbara Windsor. This was Jim's last Carry On appearance for 23 years until his return in Carry On Columbus.

8.05pm - Carry On Up The Jungle

Carry On Up the Jungle is the nineteenth in the series to be made, released in 1970. The film marked Frankie Howerd;s second and final appearance in the series. He stars alongside regular players Joan Sims, Sid James, Terry Scott, Bernard Bresslaw and Charles Hawtrey. Kenneth Connor returns to the series for the first time since Carry On Cleo six years earlier and would now feature in almost every entry up to Emmannuelle  in 1978. Jacki Piper makes the first of her four appearances in the series. This movie is a send-up of the classic Tarzan films.

10.00pm - Carry On Loving

Carry On Loving is the twentieth in the series to be made, and was released in 1970. It features series regulars Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Terry Scott, Charles Hawtrey and Bernard Bresslaw alongside newcomers Richard O'Callaghan (in his first Carry On) and Imogen Hassall (in her only Carry On role). The dialogue veers toward open bawdiness rather than the evasive innuendo characteristic of the earlier films in the series. 

11.50pm - Carry On Henry  

Carry On Henry is the 21st in the series of Carry On films to be made and was released in 1971. It tells a fictionalised story involving Sid James as Henry VIII, who chases after Barbara Windsor's character Bettina. James and Windsor feature alongside other regulars Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Terry Scott, Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Connor. This was the first time that Williams and Connor appeared together since Carry On Cleo seven years previously. The original alternative title was to be Anne of a Thousand Lays, a pun on the Richard Burton film Anne of a Thousand Days, and Sid wears exactly the same cloak that Burton wore in that film. 

I hope you manage to catch some of these wonderful classics during Christmas Day! I'll blog more details on any other Carry Ons showing over the festive period as soon as I get the details.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also on Facebook