The first Carry On film was Carry On Sergeant, released in 1958, a quintessential British comedy examining the trials and tribulations of army life. The series concluded with Carry On Columbus, released in 1992, a historical spoof that, sadly, failed to capture the magic of its predecessors.
The Dawn of a Comedy Phenomenon: Carry On Sergeant
The Carry On films, a staple of British cinema for over three decades, represent a specific brand of humour: bawdy, slapstick, and endearingly silly. But where did it all begin? The answer lies in the post-war austerity of 1950s Britain, a time ripe for escapist entertainment. Carry On Sergeant, released in 1958 and directed by Gerald Thomas, captured the spirit of the nation with its relatable characters and gentle ribbing of military life.
The film revolves around Sergeant Grimshaw, played by William Hartnell (later known as the First Doctor in Doctor Who), who faces forced retirement. His last mission? To whip his ragtag bunch of recruits into shape. The ensemble cast, a hallmark of the Carry On series, already featured familiar faces like Kenneth Connor, Charles Hawtrey, and Hattie Jacques, establishing the core comedic talent that would define the franchise.
Carry On Sergeant was a resounding success, proving there was a considerable appetite for this type of comedy. It wasn’t high art, but it was undeniably funny and, importantly, affordable to produce, paving the way for the avalanche of Carry On films that followed.
The Sunset Years: Carry On Columbus
Contrast this with the final instalment, Carry On Columbus, released in 1992. The landscape of comedy had drastically changed. The humour that once delighted audiences now felt dated, and the familiar faces, with a few exceptions, were absent.
Directed by Gerald Thomas’s son, Peter Rogers (who did not enjoy his father’s success), Carry On Columbus attempted to capitalize on the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to America. Sadly, the film was widely panned by critics and audiences alike. The script lacked the wit and charm of the earlier films, and the production values, despite a larger budget, felt cheap and uninspired.
Many attribute the film’s failure to the changing tastes of the public, a lack of genuine comedic talent in the cast, and a general feeling that the Carry On formula had simply run its course. Despite the best efforts, Carry On Columbus proved to be a disappointing end to a beloved, though uneven, series.
From Triumph to Trouble: The Rise and Fall of a Franchise
The journey from Carry On Sergeant to Carry On Columbus is a fascinating study in the evolution of British comedy and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing world. While the series produced many memorable moments and beloved characters, it also suffered from inconsistencies in quality and a reliance on tired tropes.
The key to the early Carry On films’ success lay in their ability to tap into the zeitgeist, reflecting the everyday anxieties and aspirations of ordinary people. The films offered a safe space to laugh at authority, poke fun at social conventions, and revel in the sheer absurdity of life. However, as British society became more sophisticated, and comedy styles more diverse, the Carry On formula began to feel stale and predictable.
The Golden Age: Finding the Formula
The period between the late 1950s and the mid-1970s represents the golden age of Carry On. Films like Carry On Nurse, Carry On Cruising, Carry On Camping, and Carry On Up the Khyber are considered classics, showcasing the series’ trademark blend of slapstick, innuendo, and memorable catchphrases.
The Decline: Losing Touch
From the late 1970s onwards, the Carry On films began to decline in quality. The scripts became weaker, the performances less inspired, and the overall sense of fun seemed to dissipate. Films like Carry On Emmannuelle (1978) were criticized for being overly reliant on cheap titillation and lacking the genuine humour of the earlier films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Carry On Films
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of Carry On:
FAQ 1: What made the early Carry On films so successful?
The success stemmed from several factors: their low-budget production, which allowed for more frequent releases; the ensemble cast with excellent comedic chemistry; the relatable subject matter that resonated with post-war audiences; and, of course, the broad, accessible humour.
FAQ 2: Who were the key recurring actors in the Carry On films?
Many actors became synonymous with the Carry On series, including Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Barbara Windsor, Hattie Jacques, Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Connor, and Jim Dale. Their presence was crucial to the films’ success.
FAQ 3: Were the Carry On films popular internationally?
While the Carry On films were hugely popular in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, their success was more limited in the US and other international markets. The British humour, filled with innuendo and cultural references, didn’t always translate well.
FAQ 4: What was the most successful Carry On film at the box office?
Carry On Camping (1969) is often cited as the most successful Carry On film at the box office. Its blend of rural setting, suggestive humour, and memorable characters proved to be a winning combination.
FAQ 5: Why did the Carry On films decline in popularity?
Several reasons contributed to the decline: the formula becoming tired, the absence of key actors, the changing tastes of audiences, and the failure to adapt to evolving comedic sensibilities.
FAQ 6: Were the Carry On films ever critically acclaimed?
The Carry On films were rarely critically acclaimed. They were often dismissed by critics as being lowbrow and vulgar. However, they maintained a loyal following among audiences who appreciated their unpretentious humour.
FAQ 7: How many Carry On films were made in total?
In total, 31 Carry On films were made, spanning from 1958 to 1992. This excludes television spin-offs and stage productions.
FAQ 8: Is there any prospect of a Carry On revival?
There have been several attempts to revive the Carry On franchise over the years, with varying degrees of success. While there’s always a possibility of a new film being made, capturing the original magic remains a significant challenge.
FAQ 9: What impact did the Carry On films have on British comedy?
The Carry On films had a significant impact on British comedy, shaping the landscape for decades. They helped to popularize a particular style of humour that was broad, accessible, and unashamedly silly.
FAQ 10: What are some of the most famous catchphrases from the Carry On films?
The Carry On films are known for their memorable catchphrases, including “Ooh, Matron!” and “Stop messing about!” These phrases have become ingrained in British popular culture.
FAQ 11: What was the budget for the first and last Carry On film?
Carry On Sergeant had a relatively low budget, estimated at around £73,000. Carry On Columbus, on the other hand, had a much larger budget, estimated at around £3.5 million. The increase in budget did not equate to an increase in quality or box office success.
FAQ 12: Were there any controversies surrounding the Carry On films?
The Carry On films were often criticized for their sexist and politically incorrect humour. Some critics argued that they perpetuated harmful stereotypes and reinforced outdated social attitudes. However, fans defended the films as being harmless fun and a reflection of their time.