On his deathbed, Nelson calls for a larger British Navy, a point that the Admiralty agree on. Problem is that they have limited men left a problem that leads to them finally allowing Albert Poop-Decker to pass out despite him having failed consistently for the past 8 years. However a visit to a house of ill-repute sees him knocked out by Sally and his uniform stolen; things get worse when he is then picked up by a pressgang and taken to the very ship that he was meant to be serving on. He can't even get his job back, because Sally has dressed as him and has taken his place convincingly. While Albert tries to cope with this, he unwittingly finds a plot by First Officer Jonathon Howett to remove Captain Fearless from command of the Venus.
I'm not entirely what to make of the decision to show this film on the day also taken to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (28th June 2005) but I decided to watch it anyway. Notable for being the first time that the Carry On series went for a full on historical setting with full costumes this film isn't really notable for anything else. Lacking many of the regulars, the material is not as funny as it could have been as it aims for a broad spoof that lacks enough clever lines to be considered a strong entry in the series. This is not to say that it is not amusing because, like many of the series, it is broadly entertaining in a very basic way and is fun if you like the series just don't expect to be bowled over by it.
The lack of the regulars is a bit of a problem but the film soldiers on regardless. Williams is enjoyable as Fearless, delivering his usual performance to good effect. Cribbins takes on the role usually played by Jim Dale (who turns up in a minor role) and does it reasonably well. Mills is quite good looking but not much else and she looks like a man in exactly the same way that Brittany Spears doesn't. Houston and Herbert provide some gruff support and do well despite not providing any laughs. Hawtrey is his usual self again to good effect.
Overall not a great film or a great entry in the series but it is broadly amusing and will please fans of the series. A few more regulars and a lot sharper and wittier lines would have made it much better but it is what it is and I guess you'll already know if you'll like it or not before you watch it.
I'm not entirely what to make of the decision to show this film on the day also taken to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (28th June 2005) but I decided to watch it anyway. Notable for being the first time that the Carry On series went for a full on historical setting with full costumes this film isn't really notable for anything else. Lacking many of the regulars, the material is not as funny as it could have been as it aims for a broad spoof that lacks enough clever lines to be considered a strong entry in the series. This is not to say that it is not amusing because, like many of the series, it is broadly entertaining in a very basic way and is fun if you like the series just don't expect to be bowled over by it.
The lack of the regulars is a bit of a problem but the film soldiers on regardless. Williams is enjoyable as Fearless, delivering his usual performance to good effect. Cribbins takes on the role usually played by Jim Dale (who turns up in a minor role) and does it reasonably well. Mills is quite good looking but not much else and she looks like a man in exactly the same way that Brittany Spears doesn't. Houston and Herbert provide some gruff support and do well despite not providing any laughs. Hawtrey is his usual self again to good effect.
Overall not a great film or a great entry in the series but it is broadly amusing and will please fans of the series. A few more regulars and a lot sharper and wittier lines would have made it much better but it is what it is and I guess you'll already know if you'll like it or not before you watch it.