car+ry on vb. (adv.) 1. (intr.) to continue or persevere: we must carry on in
spite of our difficulties. 2. (tr.) to manage or conduct: to carry on a business. 3.
(intr.; often followed by with) Informal. to have an affair. 4. (intr.) Informal. to cause
a fuss or commotion. ~n. car*ry-on. 5. Informal, chiefly Brit. a fuss or commotion.
- (Collins English Dictionary.)
The Carry On films are a series of films - 31 in all were made.* Some would suggest that was too, too many. Others would suggest that it was two too many.** Some would even have you believe that not enough were made. Still others (killjoys?) would suggest that they should never have been made in the first place. They are notable for the fact that each film has the words Carry On in its title - and for not much else. They are comedy films, designed to appeal to as wide a cross-section of the public as possible. Much of the humour contained in them is regarded by most as being somewhat juvenile, and perhaps even peurile. Having said this, however, there is no doubting their appeal, particularly in Britain but also in many other countries as well. The first one was made in 1958, the last in 1992.
There were many actors who made regular appearances in the series. It has been suggested that the Carry
On concept was such that it didn't really matter too much who the actors were. Don't you believe it! Certain actors
became synonymous with the films, including (and perhaps especially) the following:
Sidney James. Described in one film as having a face like a relief map of the Himalayas. The womaniser
of the series. Notable for his laugh and for saying things such as "Blimey" and "Get away."
Hattie Jacques. A large lady. Brunette. Usually plays matronly types - literally and figuratively speaking.
Often makes exclamations such as "Oooooh" and "Well, really."
Kenneth Williams. Slim and slight. Usually plays intellectual characters. Notable for saying things such as
"Stop messin' about" and "Frying tonight."
Joan Sims. A largish lady. Blonde. Often plays sympathetic characters. Not really notable for anything in
particular. Her character is usually cheerful and efficient.
Charles Hawtrey. Thin, wears spectacles. Plays characters such as Private Widdle and Pintpot - although
not in the same film. Often says "Oh, hello" when introducing himself.
Barbara Windsor. Attractive blonde lady. Sometimes says things such as "Ooh, saucy" and "Ooh,
cheeky." Smiles and giggles quite a lot. Usually the love interest for one of the male characters.
Kenneth Connor. Small and stocky. Falls in love with Joan Sims' character in more than one film. Often
says "Cor" or "Phwoar" in a drawn out way, and generally looks rather bemused.
Others who appeared in the series on a regular basis and who are regarded as part of the Carry On team
include Jim Dale, Bernard Bresslaw, Patsy Rowlands, Peter Butterworth, Terry Scott and Jack Douglas.
Fans of the films often leave out the words Carry On when discussing them, e.g. Carry On Sergeant is
referred to as Sergeant, etc. Many of the films portray, to some extent, the social pretensions of the time. Some
of the films refer to historical events. The earlier films (many of which were black and white) often followed the
theme of misfits doing almost everything wrong but who end up getting it right, usually more by good luck than
good judgement. The later films tended to move away from this theme, concentrating more on sexual innuendo
and bawdiness. Most would agree that the films are, for the most part, a lot of fun and are not to be taken too
seriously. When you watch any of them, just accept them for what they are, i.e. amusing, lightweight and
entertaining films which were made to be enjoyed rather than to be analysed and criticised.
* The Carry On series of films were produced by Peter Rogers and directed by Gerald Thomas. This means
that Carry On Admiral, made in 1957, is not one of the series.
** The two too many refers to Emmannuelle and Columbus, the last two films of the series.