Talking Pictures: Great British Comedies

This afternoon BBC2 repeated a great little documentary first shown a few years back. Talking Pictures, not to be confused with the brilliant Talking Pictures TV channel, is a series profiling well known names from the past in classic films both in Britain and beyond. Narrated by screen icon Sylvia Syms, this particular edition looked back at the glory days of British film comedy.

Featuring rarely-seen interviews and classic clips from the BBC archives, this episode sees many of our favourite stars take a bow. From the early pre and post war days of George Formby to the classic Ealing comedies, Carry On fans won't be disappointed as eventually both the Doctor and the Carry On series are covered. There is some archive footage of leading man Dirk Bogarde, giving a revealing and insightful interview for the BBC series Omnibus in 1983 and black and white clips of a young Joan Bakewell chatting with the legendary actor James Robertson Justice.

The programme then goes on to talk about the Carry Ons. Here we get some classic interviews from the 1970 Carry On Forever documentary which went behind the scenes of Carry On Up The Jungle. I've featured this show before, but it's always great to see the likes of Gerald Thomas, Sid James, Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey out of character and relaxed as themselves. It's a rare treat. 

The programme also touches on Peter Sellers' work on the Pink Panther films and later comedy efforts from the Monty Python films, the John Cleese picture A Fish Called Wanda and more recent films like Four Weddings and a Funeral. Anyway, never mind these also-rans, tune in for the classic clips of Bogarde, James and Sims. It's superb.

You can watch the programme here: Great British Comedies.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carrying On with … A Doctor in Clover

This is part of a brand new series of blogs looking back at the wonderful series of British comedy films - the Doctor … series. There were seven Doctor films produced at Pinewood Studios between 1954 and 1970, all with Betty Box and Ralph Thomas at the helm. With Betty being Peter Rogers' wife and Ralph the brother of Gerald Thomas, there were bound to be a fair few Carry On connections.

These medical comedy films were extremely popular at the time and while perhaps they do not have the lasting appeal of the Carry Ons, there is no doubting their classic status. Always looking more lavish than their sister films in the Pinewood stable, they did share a cosy ensemble feel with many familiar faces appearing again and again over the years.

So let's continue today by looking at the sixth film in the Doctor series, the 1966 film Doctor in Clover.

What's it about?

The film is based at St Swithin's Hospital, with Leslie Phillips as Dr Gaston Grimsdyke, an accident-prone doctor and cad, more interested in the nurses than the patients.

Grimsdyke is sacked from his job as a medical officer at a men's prison, for his misbehaviour with the Governor's daughter, so he enrolls in a refresher course with his old medical tutor Sir Lancelot Spratt, who he is determined to make him a successful surgeon.

Grimsdyke discovers that a plum senior medical post is shortly to become vacant, and starts scheming to be considered, instead of his cousin, who has already been unofficially offered the job.

Spratt and the newly appointed hospital matron clash, leading Spratt to 'volunteer' Grimsdyke to romance her and 'soften her up'. But she mistakenly believes Spratt to be her admirer, and many funny and inevitable complications ensue.

At a hospital dance, a 'rejuvenation serum' which Grimsdyke has accidentally injected into Sir Lancelot, causes the latter to run amok at the party and romance the new matron. She decides to resign and a new matron is appointed. But she turns out to be equally opposed to Spratt's ideas of how the hospital should be run.

Who's in it?

Leslie Phillips returns for his second Doctor film, this time as the main star following the departure of Dirk Bogarde. Joining him once again is James Robertson Justice, in his fifth Doctor film as Sir Lancelot Spratt. 

Also look out for co-starring roles for Shirley Anne Field as Nurse Bancroft, John Fraser as Dr Miles Grimsdyke and television comedian Arthur Haynes as Tarquin Wendover.


Carry On faces?

As always, the Doctor films featured many familiar actors who were also mainstays of the Carry Ons. As well as the aforementioned Leslie Phillips, another Carry On star with a major role here is Joan Sims as Matron Sweet. This was fourth role in the Doctor films. Returning for her third appearance is Carry On Screaming legend Fenella Fielding, this time playing ballet dancer Tatiana Rubikov!

There is a supporting role for Carry On Sergeant, Constable and Spying actor Eric Barker, playing Professor Halfbeck while future Carry On leading player Terry Scott appears in the role of Robert. Also look out for Peter Gilmore as a Choreographer, Ronnie Stevens as a Publicity Man, Wendy Richard in an uncredited role as a Nurse with false eyelashes and Jack Smethurst as a long-haired patient!

Did you know? 

With Peter Rogers planning a return to the hospital wards with his next film, Carry On Doctor, Joan's performance as Matron Sweet in Betty Box's Doctor film initially made her ideal casting as Matron Lavinia in the Carry On. Eventually Joan passed over the role in favour of her good friend Hattie Jacques with Joan taking the role of hard of hearing hospital visitor Chloe Gibson.

The novel Doctor in Clover had been published in 1960 and while the film rights were purchased the following year and the title announced in 1964, it was a further two years before the film eventually came to fruition. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carrying On With a … Doctor in Distress

This is part of a brand new series of blogs looking back at the wonderful series of British comedy films - the Doctor … series. There were seven Doctor films produced at Pinewood Studios between 1954 and 1970, all with Betty Box and Ralph Thomas at the helm. With Betty being Peter Rogers' wife and Ralph the brother of Gerald Thomas, there were bound to be a fair few Carry On connections.

These medical comedy films were extremely popular at the time and while perhaps they do not have the lasting appeal of the Carry Ons, there is no doubting their classic status. Always looking more lavish than their sister films in the Pinewood stable, they did share a cosy ensemble feel with many familiar faces appearing again and again over the years.

So let's continue today by looking at the fifth film in the Doctor series, which saw the return of a very familiar face for the last time, 1963's Doctor in Distress.

What's it about?

Simon Sparrow, now a senior doctor at Hampden Cross Hospital, falls in love with Delia, a model and aspiring actress. They eventually move in together, but then she goes to Italy to try out for a film.

Meanwhile, Spratt injures his back in a fall. Placed under the care of physiotherapist Iris Marchant, he is initially hostile, but soon succumbs to her charms. He turns to his friend Simon for advice. Simon sends him to a nature cure clinic in a vain attempt to help him lose weight. Spratt has Iris followed, and, when his private investigator turns up at Hampden Cross as a patient, follows her himself (terrorising a nervous train passenger in the process). He proposes to her, but is eventually rejected in favour of another of her patients, retired army Major Tommy French.

Delia returns in England, having somehow acquired an expensive Italian car and expensive clothes, though she did not land a part in the film. It is implied that she and Simon get together again.

Who's in it?

Dirk Bogarde returns to the Doctor films for the first time since Doctor At Large in 1957 and for his fourth and final film in the series. Joining him once again is James Robertson Justice as Sir Lancelot Spratt while Doctor in the House original actor Donald Houston returns, although this time playing a different character.

Also starring are Samantha Eggar as Delia Mallory, Barbara Murray as Iris Marchant and Mylene Demongeot as both Sonia and Helga.

Carry On faces?

Following on from the previous film, Doctor in Love, Distress sees a huge cast of familiar Carry On faces trot across Pinewood Studios to join in the fun for Betty Box and Ralph Thomas. As already mentioned, Donald Houston, returns to the Doctor films. Donald played a major supporting role in Carry On Jack made the same year as this film.

Returning for her second Doctor film is Carry On Regardless and Screaming star Fenella Fielding, playing a rather distraught train passenger. Carry On Constable supporting actress Jill Adams plays in her second Doctor film in the role of Genevieve. Also look out for future Carry On Cleo leading lady Amanda Barrie who has a cameo role as Rona. Amanda made her Carry On debut this same year, 1963, as Anthea in Carry On Cabby.

Carry On Cruising actor Ronnie Stevens appears as a Hotel Manager while future Carry On legend Peter Butterworth plays the small role of an Ambulance Driver during the opening credits and the first few scenes of the film. Towering actor and stunt man Joe Robinson, who sadly passed away just last year, appears briefly as Sonia's boyfriend. Three years earlier he played Dynamite Dan the boxer in Carry On Regardless.

The renowned actor John Bluthal, who appeared in Carry On Spying, Follow That Camel and Henry, plays a Railway Porter while taking on the part of a Cafe Waitress is none other than the amazingly prolific Marianne Stone. And in the uncredited role of a medical student (alongside other such famous names as Christopher Beeny and Richard Briers) is future Coronation Street legend Johnny Briggs. Johnny went on to play small parts in Up The Khyber, Behind and England. Finally, there is a small uncredited appearance by Hilda Fenemore as a Railway Station Barmaid. Hilda played Brian Oulton's wife in Carry On Nurse and a lady in need of a copper (!) in Carry On Constable.

Did you know? 

One of the ten most popular films at the British Box Office in 1963.

Although some ideas were taken from the books of Richard Gordon, this film did not come from one of Gordon's books.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carrying On with a … Doctor At Sea!

This is part of a brand new series of blogs looking back at the wonderful series of British comedy films - the Doctor … series. There were seven Doctor films produced at Pinewood Studios between 1954 and 1970, all with Betty Box and Ralph Thomas at the helm. With Betty being Peter Rogers' wife and Ralph the brother of Gerald Thomas, there were bound to be a fair few Carry On connections.

These medical comedy films were extremely popular at the time and while perhaps they do not have the lasting appeal of the Carry Ons, there is no doubting their classic status. Always looking more lavish than their sister films in the Pinewood stable, they did share a cosy ensemble feel with many familiar faces appearing again and again over the years.

So let's continue today by looking at the follow up to the hugely successful Doctor In The House, the 1955 film Doctor At Sea. 

What's it about?

With a view to escaping his employers' daughter, who has amorous designs on him, Dr Simon Sparrow (Bogarde) signs on as medical officer on a cargo ship, "SS Lotus". The ship is commanded by hot-tempered and authoritarian Captain Wentworth Hogg.

Sparrow overcomes initial seasickness and settles into life on board. After arriving in a South American port (unspecified, but possibly in Ecuador), Sparrow meets Hélène Colbert , a sexy young French nightclub singer.

The misogynist Captain Hogg is forced to take on two female passengers, Muriel Mallet, the daughter of the chairman of the shipping company, and her friend, Hélène, for the return trip. Romance blossoms between Simon and Hélène, and when they reach home, Helene receives a telegram offering her a job. She and Sparrow return together.

Throughout the trip, Hogg has been romanced by Muriel and eventually becomes engaged to her - with almost certain promotion to Commodore.

Who's in it?

Dirk Bogarde stars once again as Simon Sparrow, indeed he is the only actor from the original film to reprise the same role. James Robertson Justice also returns but in the different role of Captain Hogg. 

Also starring is Brenda De Banzie as Muriel Mallet and a certain Brigitte Bardot as Helene Colbert. Familiar character actor Maurice Denham also appears as Steward Easter.

Carry On faces?

Joan Sims is back for her second outing in a Doctor film, this time playing unlucky in love Wendy, who takes rather a shine to Dr Sparrow! Playing Wendy's mother is the actress Joan Hickson, another face making a return appearance.

Carry On Nurse guest star Michael Medwin grabs a leading role as Sub-lietenant Trail while  Carry On Constable supporting actress Jill Adams plays the aptly named Jill. Returning after the first film the previous year is reliable supporting actor Cyril Chamberlain, here playing Whimble. 

Also keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Fred Griffiths in an uncredited role as a Seaman and apparently also future Carry On Teacher and Cathy Come Home star Carol White in an uncredited bit role.

Did you know? 

Doctor At Sea was Brigitte Bardot's first ever English speaking film.

The film was nominated for a 1956 BAFTA Film Award for Best Screenplay.

Doctor At Sea was the third most popular film at the British Box Office in 1955, after The Dam Busters and White Christmas. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carry On Faces in Different Places: Upstairs and Downstairs

Here we go with another in my series of blogs looking at some of the cream of British comedy film making from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Although this blog is all about the Carry Ons, believe it or not, there were some other joyous comedy films made away from Peter Rogers Productions. However, given the quality of the actors Peter employed to make his series, it's no wonder that most of them popped up elsewhere.

So far I've looked at the wonderful 1959 crime caper Too Many Crooks , the 1954 domestic comedy starring Dirk Bogarde, For Better For Worse , the big screen spin off Please Sir! and the wonderful Up Pompeii and the brilliant John Gregson and Diana Dors vehicle, Value for Money. 
  
More recently I blogged about the Sid James and Kenneth Connor comedy horror What A Carve Up! and the the Gordon Jackson drama, Floodtide. 

I've also looked at the Carry On links with the wonderful film I'm All Right Jack

Recently I blogged about the Billy Fury and Amanda Barrie musical film I've Gotta Horse and the classic 1954 school comedy The Belles of St Trinian's

Today I'm going to blog about the 1959 romantic comedy from the Betty Box and Ralph Thomas stable, Upstairs and Downstairs.

What's it about?

On marrying the boss's daughter, Richard takes his father-in-law's advice to hire a live-in domestic. He soon finds good help is hard to come by. Run-ins follow with dipsomaniacs, bank robbers, a Welsh lass who takes one look at London and runs, and an Italian charmer who turns the place into a bawdy house. Then when Ingrid arrives from Sweden things actually start to get complicated.

Who's in it?

Leading the cast is Rank matinee idol, the great, rather handsome Michael Craig. Michael would soon work for Box and Thomas again in 1960's Doctor In Love. Playing Craig's wife is Anne Heywood and his father in law, reliable Box and Thomas regular James Robertson Justice. 

The supporting cast also features the Italian actress Claudia Cardinale and the French star Mylene Demongeot (who would return to work for Betty Box on Doctor in Distress four years later). 

Carry On Faces?

Carry On leading man Sidney James, soon to make his debut in Carry On Constable, guest stars as local police constable Edwards. Perhaps this was his dry run for the Carry On caper?! Joan Hickson appears as the rather unreliable, drunk cook Rosemary while Carry On favourite Joan Sims plays a Welsh domestic called Blodwen. 

Reliable character actors Cyril Chamberlain and Harry Locke play a train guard and ticket inspector respectively, while you should also look out for a small role for Carry On Regardless actor Nicholas Parsons, who plays Brian. The brilliant, ever wonderful Dilys Laye also pops up playing an Agency Girl, just over three years before she would join the Carry On team.

The scene stealing Irene Handl is given the rather unpleasant character of Large Woman while Carry On Regardless and Spying actor Eric Pohlmann plays Mario. Finally, look out for William Mervyn, playing Kingsley. Mervyn had supporting roles in Follow That Camel and Carry On Henry. 

Did you know?

Apparently Dirk Bogarde, then a regular actor in Betty Box productions, was asked to take on the role of Richard before Michael Craig came on board.

After a series of more expensive, action adventure films, Box was quoted in the press at the time stating that she was much happier being back in the world of comedy pictures.



You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carry On Faces in Different Places: A Pair of Briefs

Here we go with another in my series of blogs looking at some of the cream of British comedy film making from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Although this blog is all about the Carry Ons, believe it or not, there were some other joyous comedy films made away from Peter Rogers Productions. However, given the quality of the actors Peter employed to make his series, it's no wonder that most of them popped up elsewhere.

So far I've looked at the wonderful 1959 crime caper Too Many Crooks , the 1954 domestic comedy starring Dirk Bogarde, For Better For Worse , the big screen spin off Please Sir! and the wonderful Up Pompeii and the brilliant John Gregson and Diana Dors vehicle, Value for Money. 
  
More recently I blogged about the Sid James and Kenneth Connor comedy horror What A Carve Up! and the the Gordon Jackson drama, Floodtide. 

I've also looked at the Carry On links with the wonderful film I'm All Right Jack

Recently I blogged about the Billy Fury and Amanda Barrie musical film I've Gotta Horse and the classic 1954 school comedy The Belles of St Trinian's

Today I'm going to blog about the 1962 romantic comedy from the Betty Box and Ralph Thomas stable, A Pair of Briefs.

What's it about?

The "Brief" of the title refers to the document which a solicitor in the UK court system writes to instruct a barrister who will plead the solicitor's case in court. Unfortunately barristers Tony Stevens and Frances Pilbright, as juniors, receive nothing but routine briefs concerning sewers. When a juicy brief concerning a writ for "restitution of conjugal rights" appears, they take opposite sides in the case. Pilbright works fiercely for her client, a woman whose marriage was disrupted by the Second World War. Stevens advocates for the other side, a man who denies that he was ever married to the plaintiff, although all records have been destroyed during bombing raids. For her part, the woman claims that her husband left her after she temporarily lost her memory. The two barristers squabble in court, inevitably becoming attracted to each other in the process.

Pilbright, about to lose the case, makes a furious declaration in which she declares "the Law is an Ass!". Stevens, by this time, has more sympathy for her and joins her in this. In their zeal, they offend the presiding judge, Justice Haddon. Taking them aside, he privately informs them that the suit is intended to fail, as the woman has married a millionaire and wants to remove any grounds for her previous husband to blackmail her, so their efforts were for nothing. By this time, however, the two barristers are in love.

Who's in it?

The two leading roles are played by Michael Craig (Tony) and Mary Peach (Frances). By this stage, Craig was something of a regular in light film comedies, taking over pretty much where Dirk Bogarde had left off. Also in the cast is Betty Box and Ralph Thomas regular James Robertson Justice playing Mr Justice Heddon. 

Brenda De Banzie, who had last acted with Michael Craig in the 1956 spy drama House of Secrets, plays Gladys Worthing while supporting parts are played by familiar faces in Ron Moody and Roland Culver.

Carry On Faces?

Liz Fraser, at the time a Carry On regular in the likes of Carry On Regardless and Cruising, co-stars as Gloria Hoskins. Two more glamorous Carry On faces also provide support - series regular Joan Sims plays a stripper by the name of Gale Tornado (!) while her partner in crime is Amanda Barrie, credited simply as Exotic Dancer (snake). At the time Joan was on a break from the Carry Ons, while Amanda would soon appear in Doctor in Distress (again for Box) and Carry On Cabby (for Betty's husband Peter Rogers).

Terry Scott plays yet another policeman in a small role as a policeman at the Law Courts while Carry On Cruising supporting actor Ronnie Stevens pops up playing a hotel under manager. Several other Carry On faces appear in small, uncredited roles. Cyril Chamberlain plays a policeman, Anthony Sagar a hotel meat porter and Michael Ward turns up playing a Dresser.  

Did you know?

The film is co-written by the actor Nicholas Phipps, who also appears on screen in the role of Sutcliffe. 

This was the actress Judy Carne's first film. She would go on to forge a successful career in America and would marry the actor Burt Reynolds the year after A Pair of Briefs was released. 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Classic Comedy on Talking Pictures TV this afternoon!

 

A quick note to remind you that Talking Pictures TV are showing two truly classic British comedy films from the glory days of British film making this very afternoon. If you are a fan of the likes of Leslie Phillips, Sid James or Bernard Bresslaw, read on...

The Fast Lady (1962) 2pm

Murdoch Troon (Stanley Baxter) is a dour Scot living and working for a local government authority somewhere in the south of London. A shy young man, his main excitement comes from cycling. After he's forced off the road by an impatient car driver, he tracks down the owner, only to find that he is Commander Chingford (James Robertson Justice), the domineering and acerbic owner of a sportscar distributorship.

This delightful comedy also stars Leslie Phillips and Julie Christie, in her second film appearance. Watch out for cameos from the likes of Eric Barker, Esma Cannon, Dick Emery and Deryck Guyler.

 

Too Many Crooks (1959) 4pm
 
A brilliant comedy film about a bunch of inept crooks who kidnap the wrong woman. It stars George Cole as the leader of the gang, Brenda de Banzie as the victim, and Terry-Thomas as her husband. The film co-stars two future Carry On greats in Sidney James and Bernard Bresslaw. Watch out also for appearances from Vera Day, Terry Scott and John Le Mesurier.

So sit back and enjoy this double bill of classic British comedy or if you get the chance, set the video to record!

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

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