The 'Carry On' franchise was never likely to be regarded as the best of Britiah humour, but the earlier outings seemed wittier than those that came later.
Dating from 1964, 'Carry On Cleo' was right in the middle of the franchise that incorporated 'the gang', or at least a worthy cluster of its members. That crumpled old lecher Sid James was a staple of the genre, as was Hattie Jaques, the latter not scripted here.
A spineless Ceasar played by that lost national treasure Kenneth Williams, mistakenly employs an equally spineless bodyguard in the form of Kenneth Connor. In the meantime, a conspiracy is gathering to kill-off Ceasar, led by Sid James as Anthony.
All of the usual innuendo and double-entendres feature, with some nice little sight gags and puns. This movie features one of the best and corniest lines in British comedy: Ceasar, fleeing from what he suspects to be an attempt on his life shouts 'Infamy, infamy - they've all got it in for me.' Yes.
By the late 1960's the concept was wearing a bit thin. And by the 1970's the gang began dying-off, only to be replaced by inadequate stooges. The formula didn't translate.
This one is still worth a watch. But any outing that lacks the two Kenneths, Sid, and Hattie, is a busted flush.
Dating from 1964, 'Carry On Cleo' was right in the middle of the franchise that incorporated 'the gang', or at least a worthy cluster of its members. That crumpled old lecher Sid James was a staple of the genre, as was Hattie Jaques, the latter not scripted here.
A spineless Ceasar played by that lost national treasure Kenneth Williams, mistakenly employs an equally spineless bodyguard in the form of Kenneth Connor. In the meantime, a conspiracy is gathering to kill-off Ceasar, led by Sid James as Anthony.
All of the usual innuendo and double-entendres feature, with some nice little sight gags and puns. This movie features one of the best and corniest lines in British comedy: Ceasar, fleeing from what he suspects to be an attempt on his life shouts 'Infamy, infamy - they've all got it in for me.' Yes.
By the late 1960's the concept was wearing a bit thin. And by the 1970's the gang began dying-off, only to be replaced by inadequate stooges. The formula didn't translate.
This one is still worth a watch. But any outing that lacks the two Kenneths, Sid, and Hattie, is a busted flush.