The Carry On series is one of Britain’s best comedy franchises spanning between 1958 and 1992 with a gross of 31 films, a tv series and multiple Christmas specials. It is united by a common theme of slapstick humor, double entendres and satirical movies that redefine genres, at its peak, carry on encapsulated the ‘feel’ of British comedy in the mid 1900s.
Franchise Summary
The audience enjoyed the consistent cast in the carry on series as there reunions were very entertaining as the films were mostly low budget. The fun in the comedies was largely due to the over–the–top absurd situations or through the twist parodying major British institutions including the healthcare system in (Carry On Nurse), military units in (Carry On Sergeant) and schools in the movie (Carry On Teacher).
Notable Movies in the Series
- Carry on sergeant (1958): Focuses on recruiting an ill fated group, also on army conscription it is the first film in the series.
- Cleopatra: Framed around historical dramas such as Cleopatra and includes a famous phrase “Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me!”
- Carry on camping (1969): It is concentrated on four camping enthusiasts and emphasizes their ‘crazy’ camping trips.
- Carry On Doctor (1967): This particular movie showed patients’ affairs and the protagonist of the comedy dérive played the role of a doctor.
- Carry On Up the Khyber (1968): This colonial spoof set in British India is quite probably the best of the series.
Effects’ and Consequences’ Recurring Characters
- Sid James: The loveable rogue who is always in trouble in most of the films.
- Kenneth Williams: Appears on stage dressed so freakishly, that his performance speaks for itself.
- Joan Sims: The queen of comedy actresses who added glamour to her characters.
- Barbara Windsor: Her vivacious charm and comic moments are a hallmark (including her bikini stunt in Carry On Camping).
- Charles Hawtrey: Famed for the eccentricity of his numerous roles and his slushy voice.
History Lessons
British Comedy classics are on the ascendancy guaranteeing future interest of the ages to come. The above classic shows a shift in perspectives, some of the humor may not sit well with the audience but remember its British. The motion pictures also produced arguably one of the best comedic cast to have ever existed.
Today’s Heritage
The Carry On films are still patronized by a good number of viewers. They are broadcast on television and have paved way for documentaries, books and retrospectives. Over the years, plans for reviving the film series has been mentioned here and there, but none were fully able to reproduce the appeal of the original films.