My Top 20 Favourite Carry On Actors: Number 14 - Barbara Windsor

This is part of a brand new series of blogs where I will take a purely personal look at my favourite Carry On actors. I will be doing a countdown of my top twenty actors and actresses in this, the sixtieth anniversary year of Carry On. So why top twenty? Well top ten didn't allow me to include all my favourites and any more than twenty and I'd be at it forever, as it were.

This top twenty will be a mix of regular top team actors and many of those instantly recognisable supporting actors who popped in and out of the series, adding superb cameos here and there. You will probably agree with some of my main choices and be vehemently opposed to others, but it's meant to encourage debate! 

So here we go with Number Fourteen: An East End blonde bombshell who became a national treasure - Dame Barbara Windsor.

 

This might be a little controversial putting Barbara outside my top ten but, while I admire her grit and determination and her longevity in the acting profession, she's never been one of my very favourite Carry On actors. For a start, I think she was, sometimes unfairly, limited to a particular type of role in the films, that of the glamorous bubbly blonde. Meanwhile other main actresses like Joan Sims and Hattie Jacques were allowed to create roles with more depth and character. 

Compared to many of the main team, Barbara only appears in a fraction of the series too even though she has arguably become the most iconic figure from the films. For me her first role, as Daphne Honeybutt in Carry On Spying was her very best as it showed off her comedic talents and allowed her to portray an intelligent, sweet and well formed character. Barbara's biggest Carry On roles were in some of the later films, particularly Carry On Girls and Dick, and I'm not really a fan of either of those pictures.

Babs was still responsible for some pretty iconic moments though - the infamous bra pinging in Carry On Camping, the three strategically placed hearts in Again Doctor and of course, the wonderful "what a lovely looking pear" gag with Peter Gilmore in Doctor. She's an irrepressible force of nature who fought hard to move on from the fluffy Carry On image and prove to the British public what a good straight actress she could be. I'll always admire her and there was no way I could leave her off this list of my favourite Carry On performers.

 

So Barbara Windsor comes in at Number 14 in my top twenty list of favourite actors. Who'll be next?

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The late, great George Woodbridge

I was watching the classic war time murder mystery film Green For Danger the other evening, starring amongst others Alastair Sim and Trevor Howard, when I spotted a familiar face. That of the portly, amiable character actor George Woodbridge. Sadly George passed away a long time ago, way back in 1973 to be exact, however his countless appearances in the very best of British film mean that he pops up on our screens often to this day. 

Woodbridge made several brief appearances in the films of Peter Rogers in the early 1960s, including one Carry On. In 1963 he popped up in the role of Ned in the nautical comedy, Carry On Jack. First seen in the aptly named DIrty Dicks, he enjoys some fruity banter with Juliet Mills' Sally. He then reappears later on in the picture for some more japes on board. George had already worked for Peter Rogers Productions in the 1961 music school comedy Raising The Wind, in the small role of the Yorkshire Orchestra Leader. And the following year he took on the role of Mr Ludge in the Michael Craig comedy The Iron Maiden. Finally, probably George's biggest role for Peter and Gerald came the following year when he played the bed bound Mr Beacon in the charming district nurse comedy Nurse On Wheels, again starring Juliet Mills. Here George was blessed with a screen wife in the wonderful Renee Houston, herself a veteran of several Peter Rogers Productions.

By the early 1960s, George Woodbridge had been appearing regularly in films for over twenty years. With credits dating back to the late 1930s, George, who was born in Exeter in 1907, found a niche in both straight and comedy roles. He was possibly best known for comedy performances but he also carved out a career in horror pictures such as Dracula (1958), Jack The Ripper (1959), The Curse of the Werewolf (1961) and Doomwatch (1972). More dramatic roles also included the role of the Sergeant in The Fallen Idol (1948), Stanley, the fish and chip shop owner in the Alastair Sim film An Inspector Calls (1954) and the 1955 film Richard III.

However, for me, George's physical characteristics and jaunty, rosy cheeked charm lent themselves best to comedy. One of his best film roles was as kindly Prison Warder Jenkins in the Peter Sellers film Two Way Stretch in 1960. Another great film was the comedy horror, What A Carve Up in 1961. George played Dr Edward Broughton in the film which co-starred Sid James, Kenneth Connor, Esma Cannon and Shirley Eaton. Casting very much playing on the success of the early Carry On films! And in 1963 George played the Bishop in the classic Boulting Brothers' comedy Heavens Above, again starring Sellers. Later roles on the big screen included that of the Publican in the 1970 film Take A Girl Like You and a Fat Bather in the brilliant 1971 big screen adaptation of the Frankie Howerd series Up Pompeii. 

As his popularity grew and his career progressed, the world of television also came calling. Later in his career, George became a regular fixture on the small screen. Having initially debuted in very earliest days of the new medium just before the Second World War, by the 1960s George was appearing in guest roles in the likes of Dixon of Dock Green, Softly Softly, The Forsyte Saga and the Benny Hill Show. 

Woodbridge gained popularity late in his career as the title character, the puppet maker in the children's TV show, Inigo Pipkin. Sadly, George died five weeks into the filming of the second series, an occurrence which was dealt with in the programme's storyline. The series continued on for another seven years however under the revised title of Pipkins. Suffering from ill health by the early 1970s, George continued to act right up until the end. He died from kidney failure in Barnet, North London on 31 March 1973 at the age of 66.

George Woodbridge was one of those brilliant British character actors who always added an extra special something whenever he appeared. Another actor who could create an awful lot from sometimes very little. Never a star, he won over 180 screen roles during a forty year career. I enjoyed his brief, yet memorable roles in all his films for Gerald and Peter however I only wish he'd managed to notch up a few more Carry On credits. 


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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

An Afternoon Down Memory Lane with Valerie Leon

The lovely Valerie Leon will be giving a talk about her life and career at the Phoenix Artist Club tomorrow, Saturday 7 April! The ever glamourous icon of the 70s, Valerie  made her West End debut in Funny Girl with Barbara Streisand.

During her career Valerie has been associated with three British cult film series, two Bond films, six Carry Ons and a dual starring role in a Hammer Horror. We know Valerie best for her Carry On roles which began with small parts in Up the Khyber and Camping before progressing to larger roles as Deirdre in Again Doctor opposite Jim Dale and Leda in the 1969 classic, Carry On Up The Jungle. Valerie returned to the Carry Ons in the 1970s for roles in Matron as glamorous movie star Jane Darling and as Patricia/Paula Potter in Carry On Girls. She also popped up in the 1972 Carry On Christmas special on television, Carry On Stuffing (!)

Valerie has worked with Michael Caine, and taken whipping lessons to prepare for her role as Tanya the Lotus Eater in Revenge of The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers!

This presentation is about her life and work during the golden age of film and television and is illustrated with vintage material from her association with some of the 70s classics.

Encore Magazine:

"Valerie gave us an insight into her long and varied career....and we realised why she still tops the bill as one of the UK's most glamourous and articulate thespians."

After the performance Valerie will be taking part in a paid signing and meet and greet with the audience.

You can buy tickets for the show here 

Valerie Leon will be at the Phoenix Artist Club in London's West End on 7 April 2018 with the show beginning at 2.30pm.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carry On Originals: Hattie Jacques

This is part of a new series of blogs looking back at the stars of the original Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant. 2018 marks 60 years since Sergeant was made and released so what better time to turn the focus on all those brilliant actors who brought our favourite series of comedy films to life? 

I'm continuing today with one of the most well-loved faces from the entire franchise,  Hattie Jacques

Role in Carry On Sergeant: Captain Clark

Other Carry On roles: Hattie was a constant presence in the early years of Carry On, clocking up six films by 1963. Following a four year break Jacques returned and starred in eight more films up to and including Carry On Dick in 1974.

Other notable film performances: Away from the Carry Ons Hattie had roles in Trottie True, as Daisy (1949); Chance of a Lifetime, as Alice (1950); Scrooge, as Mrs Fezziwig (1951); The Square Peg, as Gretchen (1958); Follow A Star, as Dymphna Dobson (1959); Make Mine Mink, as Nanette Parry (1960); Watch Your Stern, as Agatha Potter (1960) and The Plank, as Woman with Rose (1967).

Best remembered for: Without a doubt Hattie is best known for her long working relationship with Eric Sykes, which spanned two runs of their domestic sitcom for the BBC - Sykes and A… from 1960 until 1965 and Sykes between 1972 and 1979. Eric and Hattie also teamed up in a wide variety of other shows on television and the theatre.

Did you know?: Hattie's closest friend in the Carry On cast was fellow actress Joan Sims. Hattie was married to the Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier from 1949 until 1965.

What happened to her?: From the mid 1970s Hattie's health began to deteriorate. She very sadly passed away on 6 October 1980 at the age of just 58.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

My Top 20 Favourite Carry On Actors: Number 15 - Esma Cannon

This is part of a brand new series of blogs where I will take a purely personal look at my favourite Carry On actors. I will be doing a countdown of my top twenty actors and actresses in this, the sixtieth anniversary year of Carry On. So why top twenty? Well top ten didn't allow me to include all my favourites and any more than twenty and I'd be at it forever, as it were.

This top twenty will be a mix of regular top team actors and many of those instantly recognisable supporting actors who popped in and out of the series, adding superb cameos here and there. You will probably agree with some of my main choices and be vehemently opposed to others, but it's meant to encourage debate! 

So here we go with Number Fifteen: one of my very favourite character actresses - Esma Cannon.

 

Esma is another actress who, if she had gone on to appear in more of the Carry Ons, would be much further up this list. There was only one Esma Cannon and she brought something quite unique to each of her four Carry On appearances. Esma had been appearing in films in the UK since the 1930s after arriving from Australia. While she had memorable, decent-sized roles in films like Holiday Camp, What A Carve Up and Sailor, Beware, Cannon quite often had small, cameo roles in films, mostly in comedy roles.

Esma first appeared in the Carry On series towards the end of her prolific, diverse acting career. She first played an old lady who batters P.C Kenneth Williams with her baguette in Carry On Constable before returning for a major supporting role as Miss Cooling in Carry On Regardless. Probably Esma's best remembered role in the series was as the chirpy spinster Bridget Madderley in the bright and colourful Carry On Cruising. Her drunk scene with Dilys Laye has gone down as one of the best in the film and in the series itself.

Sadly, Carry On Cabby was Esma's last role in the films before she retired from the profession the following year. I'm not sure some of the later films would have suited her particular talents but I really do wish she'd stuck around for a few more hours of fun with the gang. Nobody quite matched Esma for beautifully played, twittery, joyful comic energy and an innocent sense of fun. She was unique and added so much to those early Carry On films.

 

So Esma Cannon comes in at Number 15 in my top twenty list of favourite actors. Who'll be next?

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The Gerald Thomas Archive: Carry On Abroad Scrapbook

Two weeks ago I made a rather delayed trip (thank you British weather) to the British Film Institute on London's Southbank. As I've mentioned over on Twitter, the BFI hold the entire Gerald Thomas archive which is chock full of delightful artifacts from Gerald's long, varied and illustrious career in British film. I was quite frankly dazzled by the array of material on offer and have only managed to flick through a fraction of it, but this blog today is the start of several pieces looking at different aspects of what I've had the very good fortune to see.

I started off looking at one of Gerald Thomas’ scrapbooks. Gerald kept meticulous records of all the films he directed and these scrapbooks provide a fascinating insight to the publicity machine behind the success of the Carry On films. Gerald took an intense interest in how the films were perceived in both the national and regional press and as well as organising countless promotional shoots, tit bits and interviews, he also kept reviews from a wide range of publications.

What struck me immediately when I started to flick through the scrapbook for the 1972 film Carry On Abroad, was how old fashioned the reporting was. There was a definite trend towards using the often new, glamorous young actresses from the film to help sell it at the box office. Of all the cast of Carry On Abroad, there are endless photo features and little interviews with the likes of Sally Geeson, Carol Hawkins and Gail Grainger. Sally and Carol, both then in their early twenties are frequently described as “dollies” or “dolly birds” while Barbara Windsor is “pert”, “bouncy” and “bubbly”. Nothing mentioned about their acting talents you might notice!

Barbara Windsor, by then a main draw for the series, was interviewed by Margaret Pride for Reveille magazine. Even though the journalist was female, she was obviously still under the guidance of her male bosses as the following description of Miss Windsor shows: “She is nearly 35 and has a fabulous skin with not a wrinkle in sight. She says she can look like a twenty year old floosie, why make the most of it after all?” I can’t really imagine actresses wishing to be portrayed in such a fashion these days.

Carol Hawkins, fresh from success in the big screen version of Please Sir and the spin off television series The Fenn Street Gang, was also garnering a fair amount of publicity for the film. This was Carol’s first with the Carry On team, despite having filmed a uncredited cameo in the Thames Television Carry On Again Christmas special back in 1970. Hawkins would go straight on from filming Abroad to playing Kate Baines, daughter of Terry Scott and June Whitfield, in the Peter Rogers/Gerald Thomas film of Bless This House, also filmed at Pinewood in 1972. 

The Sunday Express reported that Carol announced her engagement at the Carry On Abroad end of picture party. There was a great deal of publicity on the wedding, which took place at Northaw Church on 25 June that year. Carol was born and raised in Barnet, North London, and the local paper, the Barnet Press, carried a story “Wedding Bells for Carol”. The paper noted that the reception, where the happy couple of Carol and new husband, electrician John Brown would greet their guests, would take place at the Terenure Country Club in Totteridge, North London.

And if you’re interested, Gerald also kept a clipping which gave details on Carol’s wedding attire. Under the headline “Sunshine Look for Bo-Peep Bride” we learn that Carol wore a bo-peep style chiffon dress with a rose decorated picture hat. Well it was 1972…

Another headline describes Miss Windsor in the following glowing terms: “What A Carry On for Bouncy Barbara” – yet again the newspapers focussing on Barbara’s appearance rather than the fact she was just finishing a five month run on the West End stage in The Three Penny Opera. 

A quite frankly hilarious colour article is also pasted into the scrap book, this time featuring a young Sally Geeson. Sally, already a name on the small screen thanks to her prominent role as Sid James’ daughter in Bless This House, is featured in “Fashion Chat” with Diana. We glean the following fascinating insight into young Sally’s sense of style. Apparently Sally liked “pretty frocks” and her main fashion tip was “for casual wear, smock top and plimsolls!” How enlightening.

In a more serious piece, entitled Carry On Sid, journalist Bruno Broffenbrenner went to meet the series’ leading man Sidney James. In quite a frank interview, of the kind that’s pretty rare these days, Sid briefly talks about his decision to focus on comedy parts: “I’ve played a couple of serious parts and made a bloody mess of them that I just don’t want to know anymore”. I think Mr James is being far too hard on himself. I’ve certainly seen evidence of his great depth and range as an actor on screen. “Seriously though, I’m not that good an actor- I’m a re-actor. I never wanted to be a star because I’m very far removed from being a star. I’m a chief supporting actor and as that you get a long life”.  I think this is typical of Sid James – his down to earth everyman modesty was a bit factor in him becoming that star he claimed not to want to be. Everyone in the audience knew a Sid, was a Sid or had a Sid as a husband, son, father or brother.

The article concluded as Sid is called back to work on Carry On Abroad: “The final call comes and Sid jogs off, stopping mid-way to exclaim ‘ Why the heck am I running? Struth! This picture’s already three days ahead of schedule! I don’t want to put anybody out of work!”. I think these snippets show the real man behind the famous Sid laugh and the lusty on screen antics. And it was a joy to read.

Stay tuned for the next in my series of special blogs on Gerald's archive coming up soon!

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