Product Description

An energetic mix of parody, farce, slapstick and double entendres, the "Carry On" films typify the very essence of British comedy. From the National Health Service to the monarchy, no British institution was safe from being sent up by the "Carry On" team. Here, for the very first time, is the essential biography of this most treasured institution in the world of British cinema. From fairly inauspicious beginnings, the spectacle of "Carry On" rapidly rose to great heights. In August 1958 the very first "Carry On" Film - a low-budget film spotlighting the adventures of a bunch of dysfunctional national servicemen - was warmly received by cinemagoers around the country. A year later, producer Peter Rogers and director Gerald Thomas realised they had struck gold when "Carry On Nurse", just as cheaply produced, became the highest grossing film in Britain for the year and became a roaring success in the States, too.Over the next 20 years, Rogers and Thomas churned out film after film to the delight of millions of fans around the world. The seaside postcard humour, ensemble acting and uncomplicated storylines became trademarks of the "Carry On" films, which have since become embedded in the public's conscience as British cinema classics. "Fifty Years of Carry On" is Richard Webber's detailed history of the "Carry On" phenomenon - published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first film - and will include an in-depth assessment of each film, complete with individual film synopses, cast lists and transmission details. Contributions from many of those involved will complete this entertaining and very original biography.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #206775 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

From the Inside Flap
An energetic mix of parody, farce, slapstick and double entendres, the Carry On films typify the very essence of British comedy. From the National Health Service to the monarchy, no British institution was safe from being sent up by the Carry On team. Here, for the very first time, is the essential biography of this most treasured institution in the world of British cinema.

In August 1958, the opening scenes of a low-budget black and white film flickered onto cinema screens up and down the country. No one could have foreseen what impact Carry on Sergeant – a film spotlighting the adventures of a bunch of dysfunctional national servicemen – would have then and in the future. Not only did it become one of the top three grossing films for that year, it also kick started what would become the longest running and most successful comedy series of all time.

Over the next twenty years, producer Peter Rogers and director Gerald Thomas churned out film after film to the delight of millions of fans around the world. The seaside postcard humour, ensemble acting and uncomplicated storylines became trademarks of the Carry On films, which have since become embedded in the public’s conscience as British cinema classics.

Fifty Years of Carry On is Richard Webber’s entertaining and detailed history of the Carry On phenomenon. Complete with exclusive interviews with cast and crew and the debut publication of Vince Powell’s script of Carry On Down Under, this is a must for any fan of the unique and ever hilarious spectacle that is Carry On.

About the Author
Richard Webber is the author of many TV-related books including Fifty Years Of Hancock's Half Hour and a number of authorised Dad's Army titles, including the hugely successful Dad's Army scripts, as well as books about Only Fools and Horses, Porridge, Rising Damp, Some Mothers Do 'ave 'em and The Good Life.

Customer Reviews

A worthwhile addition to the Carry On library
I'm not a huge Carry On fan, so therefore I've been waiting for a book by a 'safe pair of hands' such as Richard Webber (author of very sensible and interesting studies of Dad's Army and Hancock) to cover this comic phenomenon with a fair degree of critical insight as well as the usual enthusiasm, and I'm not disappointed. Although, personally, I feel the quality of the Carry Ons dipped a bit earlier than Webber suggests, and I find the acting in the later films quite often pretty dire, this book offers a convincing and engaging celebration of what made these films (at their best) so enduringly popular. In-depth material on the actors thesmselves will demand another book, but what is here focusses on the films themselves, and, if you want just one Carry On volume on your shelf, this could well be the one to choose.

Carry On Must Have !
Love Carry On ?
Buy It !
I cant say any more than that really.
It contains all the little snippits abut the films, cast, production that will keep you chortling away into the small hours....Oooooh Matron !

A great story in a disappointing package
I've read most books available about the Carry On films and their stars (including Richard Webber's previous book on the series). I managed to get through this one quite quickly and if I'm honest, I didn't learn anything new. It might have been a good idea to have some better illustrations, including original poster artwork and rare production stills. Don't get me wrong, it's a good book to read if you haven't read a Carry On book before but for the price I was just expecting a bit more.