50 Years of Carry onParody, farce, slapstick and double entendres -- Richard Webber has written a unique biography of the "Carry On" phenomenon. In August 1958, the very first "Carry On" film -- a low-budget caper about the adventures of a bunch of dysfunctional national servicemen -- was warmly received by British cinemagoers. A year later, producer Peter Rogers and director Gerald Thomas realized 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 twenty years, Rogers and Thomas churned out film after film to the delight of millions of fans around the world. From the National Health Service to the Monarchy, no British institution was safe from being sent up. Its seaside-postcard humour, ensemble acting and simple storylines became trademarks of the "Carry On" films, which have since become embedded in the public's mind 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 assessments of each film, cast lists and transmission details. Contributions from many of those involved will complete this entertaining and very original biography. |
