The story of the carry on films.The story of the carry on films.The story of the carry on films.
Browse episodes
Photos
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis documentary includes all 31 movies in order across the 3 hours - including the very rarely seen last 2 films, "Carry on Emmanuelle" and "Carry on Columbus".
Featured review
Cash & Carry On
By 1958 it was clear that military conscription would soon end in the UK, and someone thought that a few cinemagoers might like to salute its passing with a low-budget film-comedy. Nobody had high hopes for it, and its title 'Carry On Sergeant' was simply a drill-command remembered by a million demobbed National Servicemen. Yet it became a runaway hit, and the same producer and director would be working on their 31st 'Carry On' as late as 1992.
To the astonishment of the film world, the producers earned consistently high profits by refusing to pamper their stars, and paying the sort of money that would normally interest only those who needed the series more than it needed them. To some degree, this is what happened. Many big names made only a single appearance. The silly and temperamental Charles Hawtrey tried to make a stand, and was dropped. Kenneth Williams sulked about it, but it is doubtful whether he was in much demand elsewhere. And so, he and a few other stalwarts made up a recognisable team that kept the brand going. It was, after all, regular work. Shirley Eaton comments that because nobody was allowed to be the star, it made everybody feel like the star, though producer Peter Rogers claims that the series itself was the star. According to a few commentators, anyway, the team evolved into enough of a happy family to look back on with affection after half a century, Hattie Jacques being voted as the most agreeable to work with.
If your own favourites include 'Carry on Cleo' or 'Carry on Screaming', these took advantage of sets and costumes that were already conveniently lying around at Pinewood. My own favourite is 'Carry on Regardless', an early one that was still in the original format - which would soon change, as the traditional taboos were steadily eroded. Some say the 'accidental' snapping of Barbara Windsor's bra-strap marked the end of an era.
For me, the series came up with no great comedic moments that ring down the years, only a few good ones: Kenneth Connor trying to ride a bike with square wheels (though his neurotic style of humour did not usually do much for me), and Joan Sims taking a whip to Sid James.
But I do wish I could make out what the lovely Liz Fraser was trying to whisper to us, as her reason for not wanting the dressing-room next to Kenneth Williams...
To the astonishment of the film world, the producers earned consistently high profits by refusing to pamper their stars, and paying the sort of money that would normally interest only those who needed the series more than it needed them. To some degree, this is what happened. Many big names made only a single appearance. The silly and temperamental Charles Hawtrey tried to make a stand, and was dropped. Kenneth Williams sulked about it, but it is doubtful whether he was in much demand elsewhere. And so, he and a few other stalwarts made up a recognisable team that kept the brand going. It was, after all, regular work. Shirley Eaton comments that because nobody was allowed to be the star, it made everybody feel like the star, though producer Peter Rogers claims that the series itself was the star. According to a few commentators, anyway, the team evolved into enough of a happy family to look back on with affection after half a century, Hattie Jacques being voted as the most agreeable to work with.
If your own favourites include 'Carry on Cleo' or 'Carry on Screaming', these took advantage of sets and costumes that were already conveniently lying around at Pinewood. My own favourite is 'Carry on Regardless', an early one that was still in the original format - which would soon change, as the traditional taboos were steadily eroded. Some say the 'accidental' snapping of Barbara Windsor's bra-strap marked the end of an era.
For me, the series came up with no great comedic moments that ring down the years, only a few good ones: Kenneth Connor trying to ride a bike with square wheels (though his neurotic style of humour did not usually do much for me), and Joan Sims taking a whip to Sid James.
But I do wish I could make out what the lovely Liz Fraser was trying to whisper to us, as her reason for not wanting the dressing-room next to Kenneth Williams...
helpful•00
- Goingbegging
- May 21, 2021
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Color
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content