This
year marks Frankie Howerd's centenary. I am a massive Frankie fan and
have been since I was a small child. I'd love him even if he hadn't
guest starred in two Carry On films but the fact that he did (not to
mention an excellent turn in a Christmas Special) just makes me adore
him all the more.
March
2017 will see several tribute blogs from me to mark the occasion and I
really think we need to make a bit of a fuss. Frankie was quite simply
one of the best post-war comedians Britain produced. His life on screen
and off was fascinating and his many career highs and lows make for
great books and documentaries. What I love about Frankie was that he
always bounced back, no matter what. He continued to do what he always
did, all that changed was that society, whether it be film makers,
television producers or the great British public themselves, suddenly
remembered just what a talent he was and how much he could make us
laugh.
This
poll is for no reason other than I wanted to draw attention both to
Frankie's centenary and the fact that he made several great films during
his career (you'll notice I've not included The Cool Mikado...) Vote
for as many films as you like and vote as often as you like. Of course
I've included his two Carry On outings - Doctor and Up The Jungle but
I've also drawn attention to some of his lesser known 1950s films and of
course his trio of Up The...movies from the early 1970s.
Frankie
was mainly known for his television shows and stand up appearances but
he was also an accomplished screen actor at being, well himself. No
shame in that either. He was an original, a one off and we must always
remember how talented and unique he was. So on with the results! Which film came out on top?! Well, without further ado, the winner, with 26% of the vote is Up Pompeii, that classic camp comedy from 1971. Coming a close second with 21% is the 1967 medical Carry On, Frankie's first role in the series, Carry On Doctor. And in third place with 19% of the vote was that hidden comedy horror gem, The House in Nightmare Park.
4th place went to Carry On Up The Jungle with 15%. With 9% of the vote was The Great St Trinian's Train Robberyin 5th place and coming 6th was The Ladykillers with 5%. The Runaway Bus got 4% and finally with 1% is Up The Chastity Belt. Sadly neither Up The Front nor Further Up The Creek received any votes at all!
So do you agree with the result? Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote!
This year marks Frankie Howerd's centenary. I am a massive Frankie fan and have been since I was a small child. I'd love him even if he hadn't guest starred in two Carry On films but the fact that he did (not to mention an excellent turn in a Christmas Special) just makes me adore him all the more.
March 2017 will see several tribute blogs from me to mark the occasion and I really think we need to make a bit of a fuss. Frankie was quite simply one of the best post-war comedians Britain produced. His life on screen and off was fascinating and his many career highs and lows make for great books and documentaries. What I love about Frankie was that he always bounced back, no matter what. He continued to do what he always did, all that changed was that society, whether it be film makers, television producers or the great British public themselves, suddenly remembered just what a talent he was and how much he could make us laugh.
This poll is for no reason other than I wanted to draw attention both to Frankie's centenary and the fact that he made several great films during his career (you'll notice I've not included The Cool Mikado...) Vote for as many films as you like and vote as often as you like. Of course I've included his two Carry On outings - Doctor and Up The Jungle but I've also drawn attention to some of his lesser known 1950s films and of course his trio of Up The...movies from the early 1970s.
Frankie was mainly known for his television shows and stand up appearances but he was also an accomplished screen actor at being, well himself. No shame in that either. He was an original, a one off and we must always remember how talented and unique he was.
So Carry On Voting for Francis and I'll reveal the results on Monday! Voting closes this evening at 5pm!
This year marks Frankie Howerd's centenary. I am a massive Frankie fan and have been since I was a small child. I'd love him even if he hadn't guest starred in two Carry On films but the fact that he did (not to mention an excellent turn in a Christmas Special) just makes me adore him all the more.
March 2017 will see several tribute blogs from me to mark the occasion and I really think we need to make a bit of a fuss. Frankie was quite simply one of the best post-war comedians Britain produced. His life on screen and off was fascinating and his many career highs and lows make for great books and documentaries. What I love about Frankie was that he always bounced back, no matter what. He continued to do what he always did, all that changed was that society, whether it be film makers, television producers or the great British public themselves, suddenly remembered just what a talent he was and how much he could make us laugh.
This poll is for no reason other than I wanted to draw attention both to Frankie's centenary and the fact that he made several great films during his career (you'll notice I've not included The Cool Mikado...) Vote for as many films as you like and vote as often as you like. Of course I've included his two Carry On outings - Doctor and Up The Jungle but I've also drawn attention to some of his lesser known 1950s films and of course his trio of Up The...movies from the early 1970s.
Frankie was mainly known for his television shows and stand up appearances but he was also an accomplished screen actor at being, well himself. No shame in that either. He was an original, a one off and we must always remember how talented and unique he was.
So Carry On Voting for Francis and I'll reveal the results in March!
This year marks Frankie Howerd's centenary. I am a massive Frankie fan and have been since I was a small child. I'd love him even if he hadn't guest starred in two Carry On films but the fact that he did (not to mention an excellent turn in a Christmas Special) just makes me adore him all the more.
March 2017 will see several tribute blogs from me to mark the occasion and I really think we need to make a bit of a fuss. Frankie was quite simply one of the best post-war comedians Britain produced. His life on screen and off was fascinating and his many career highs and lows make for great books and documentaries. What I love about Frankie was that he always bounced back, no matter what. He continued to do what he always did, all that changed was that society, whether it be film makers, television producers or the great British public themselves, suddenly remembered just what a talent he was and how much he could make us laugh.
This poll is for no reason other than I wanted to draw attention both to Frankie's centenary and the fact that he made several great films during his career (you'll notice I've not included The Cool Mikado...) Vote for as many films as you like and vote as often as you like. Of course I've included his two Carry On outings - Doctor and Up The Jungle but I've also drawn attention to some of his lesser known 1950s films and of course his trio of Up The...movies from the early 1970s.
Frankie was mainly known for his television shows and stand up appearances but he was also an accomplished screen actor at being, well himself. No shame in that either. He was an original, a one off and we must always remember how talented and unique he was.
So Carry On Voting for Francis and I'll reveal the results in March!
After several false starts in recent years, a brand new
Carry On film is supposedly going into production later this year. The film, titled Carry On Doctors (not to be confused with the
original Carry On Doctor) will start filming later this summer for a
2017 release. Not only that, it is already being heralded as the
beginning of a whole new series of films. Another title, Carry On
Campus, is being lined up to go into production hot on the heels of
Doctors.
According
to the producers, the film will be aiming to create a brand new
ensemble of British comedy actors and not attempting to find the next
Sid James or Kenneth Williams. Just as well really as in my opinion the
entire Carry On team were one off talents and completely irreplaceable. I
do like the idea of the new series allowing new comedy talent to thrive
and find its niche.
I've
already heard rumours that no surviving stars will be involved in the
new film. I'm in two minds about this. While I think a new generation of
creative people should be in charge of such a project, the film will
inevitably sink or swim depending on how it is received by the Carry On
films' loyal fan base. Surely if you are resurrecting the name Carry On,
you must use it as an opportunity to give longstanding fans an
unexpected treat. While I think new blood should carry the film, what
about a few sparkling cameos would give
the traditional Carry On audience something to cheer for and really get
them onside.
With that in mind and delving into Carry On fantasy land, I wanted to throw this question open to loyal Carry On fans. If you could choose, which surviving Carry On actors would you love to see appear in Carry On Doctors? I have narrowed it down to fourteen of our favourite stars and I want you to vote for who you would most like to see back to help relaunch the series. So here are my top choices: Amanda Barrie is one of the most recognisable faces from the original series thanks to her prominent, eye-catching roles in two classic Carry Ons - as Anthea in Cabby and in the title role in Carry On Cleo. Her popularity has endured thanks to her two decades as Alma in Coronation Street. Bernard Cribbins is a national institution, beloved for his countless screen appearances and for his involvement with classic childrens' series such as Jackanory and The Wombles. He starred in Carry On Jack, Spying and Columbus. Jim Daleis a Carry On hero and the romantic lead in 11 of the films. Starring in some of the classic 1960s series entries, he is best remembered for playing bumbling handsome doctors in Carry On Doctor and Again Doctor.
Angela Douglas is a real fans' favourite having appeared in four 1960s Carry Ons - Cowboy, Screaming, Follow That Camel and Up The Khyber. Shirley Eaton was one of the original stars of the Carry Ons, most famously playing the lead in Carry On Nurse. Fenella FIelding needs no introduction thanks to her amazing performance as the Carry On vamp in the 1966 film Carry On Screaming as well as several supporting roles in the Doctor series. Liz Fraser appeared in countless classic British comedies, Carry On Regardless, Cruising, Cabby and Behind amongst them. Anita Harris made two Carry On appearances, in Follow That Camel and the original Carry On Doctor.
Carol Hawkins provided a glamorous touch to two 1970s films in the series - the classic Carry On Abroad and Behind. Julian Holloway notched up eight supporting turns in the series, including the likes of Doctor, Khyber, Camping and Henry. Valerie Leonadded stunning support to six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls. Jacki Piper starred in four series entries, Up The Jungle, Loving, Convenience and Matron. June Whitfield appeared in four of the films spanning the entire run, from Nurse in 1958 to Columbus in 1992. Finally, Carry On blonde bombshell Barbara Windsor appeared in nine original Carry Ons and is one the series' most high profile stars.
So now is the chance to have your say, just for fun! Voting closes on Friday!
After several false starts in recent years, a brand new
Carry On film is supposedly going into production later this year. The film, titled Carry On Doctors (not to be confused with the
original Carry On Doctor) will start filming later this summer for a
2017 release. Not only that, it is already being heralded as the
beginning of a whole new series of films. Another title, Carry On
Campus, is being lined up to go into production hot on the heels of
Doctors.
According
to the producers, the film will be aiming to create a brand new
ensemble of British comedy actors and not attempting to find the next
Sid James or Kenneth Williams. Just as well really as in my opinion the
entire Carry On team were one off talents and completely irreplaceable. I
do like the idea of the new series allowing new comedy talent to thrive
and find its niche.
I've
already heard rumours that no surviving stars will be involved in the
new film. I'm in two minds about this. While I think a new generation of
creative people should be in charge of such a project, the film will
inevitably sink or swim depending on how it is received by the Carry On
films' loyal fan base. Surely if you are resurrecting the name Carry On,
you must use it as an opportunity to give longstanding fans an
unexpected treat. While I think new blood should carry the film, what
about a few sparkling cameos would give
the traditional Carry On audience something to cheer for and really get
them onside.
With that in mind and delving into Carry On fantasy land, I wanted to throw this question open to loyal Carry On fans. If you could choose, which surviving Carry On actors would you love to see appear in Carry On Doctors? I have narrowed it down to fourteen of our favourite stars and I want you to vote for who you would most like to see back to help relaunch the series. So here are my top choices: Amanda Barrie is one of the most recognisable faces from the original series thanks to her prominent, eye-catching roles in two classic Carry Ons - as Anthea in Cabby and in the title role in Carry On Cleo. Her popularity has endured thanks to her two decades as Alma in Coronation Street. Bernard Cribbins is a national institution, beloved for his countless screen appearances and for his involvement with classic childrens' series such as Jackanory and The Wombles. He starred in Carry On Jack, Spying and Columbus. Jim Daleis a Carry On hero and the romantic lead in 11 of the films. Starring in some of the classic 1960s series entries, he is best remembered for playing bumbling handsome doctors in Carry On Doctor and Again Doctor.
Angela Douglas is a real fans' favourite having appeared in four 1960s Carry Ons - Cowboy, Screaming, Follow That Camel and Up The Khyber. Shirley Eaton was one of the original stars of the Carry Ons, most famously playing the lead in Carry On Nurse. Fenella FIelding needs no introduction thanks to her amazing performance as the Carry On vamp in the 1966 film Carry On Screaming as well as several supporting roles in the Doctor series. Liz Fraser appeared in countless classic British comedies, Carry On Regardless, Cruising, Cabby and Behind amongst them. Anita Harris made two Carry On appearances, in Follow That Camel and the original Carry On Doctor.
Carol Hawkins provided a glamorous touch to two 1970s films in the series - the classic Carry On Abroad and Behind. Julian Holloway notched up eight supporting turns in the series, including the likes of Doctor, Khyber, Camping and Henry. Valerie Leonadded stunning support to six Carry Ons, most notably Up The Jungle and Girls. Jacki Piper starred in four series entries, Up The Jungle, Loving, Convenience and Matron. June Whitfield appeared in four of the films spanning the entire run, from Nurse in 1958 to Columbus in 1992. Finally, Carry On blonde bombshell Barbara Windsor appeared in nine original Carry Ons and is one the series' most high profile stars.
So now is the chance to have your say, just for fun! The pool will close on Friday 1 July, so Carry On Voting!
Earlier last month I asked you all to decide which of all Kenneth Williams' performances in the Carry On films were your favourites. A tough decision to make given that he appeared in 26 of the films! Well thankfully loads of you took part in my poll, designed to be a part of Kenneth's 90th birthday celebrations this week. I found it difficult to choose from such a range of characters. Kenneth spanned the entire run of the series from Carry On Sergeant in 1958 through to Emmannuelle in 1978. There couldn't be more of a contrast between these two films. He appeared in contemporary set and historical parody films and thrived in the medical Carry Ons too. So without going through each of the 26 film roles, which ones came out on top? Well I have decided just to list the top 5, so here goes.
Coming in first place was Kenneth's classic role as Julius Caesar in the 1964 film Carry On Cleo. It was a decisive win for this role and it has become a iconic part for Kenneth, complete with that wonderful line "infamy, infamy...." I don't even need to finish it! Caesar collected 12% of the total vote.
In second place with 10% of the vote came The Khasi in the majestic Carry On Up The Khyber. Coming up in third place is Kenneth's barnstorming performance as Orlando Watt in the classic Carry On Screaming. That polled 8% of the vote.
In joint fourth place came two later Carry On roles for Kenneth. Sharing the honours are factory boss W.C Boggs in Carry On At Your Convenience and Professor Roland Crump in what I consider to be the last proper Carry On, 1975's Carry On Behind. Both performances received 7% of the vote.
Finally, sharing fifth place are Kenneth's classic performances as Citizen Camembert in Don't Lose Your Head and super spy Desmond Simkins in the last black and white film in the series, Carry On Spying.
Out of interest, the only one of Kenneth's performances not to poll any votes at all was his last role in the series, as Emile Prevert in Carry On Emmannuelle. I can't help but think Kenneth would have been happy with that!
So what do you think of the results? Did your favourite win?
A very big thank you to all the Kenneth fans out there who got involved with the poll. I hope you enjoyed taking part and I hope you agree with the result!
