This Carry ON looks very impressive. The sets, the scenery and the costumes are first rate. It is also well written although I must say I did not find it very funny, there are not that many laughs but kids I think will love it.I have found it interesting that the carry on movies are no longer as funny as I recalled them as a child. The slap stick in the movie seems very much geared to kids. Australian audiences are in for a special treat when they see one of this country's most loved actors, the great Ed Devereaux as Hook, the pirate. He was in a few Carry on movies but in this one he has a rather lovely cameo. He also is clearly having a ball hamming it up... something this fine actor rarely, if ever did. There are fine actors in the movie such as Donald Huston who puts on a star turn. Then in an all too brief appearance there is the great Cecil Parker. England's great actor brings a great deal of class to the movie.Of course Hawtrey and Williams are as much fun as always but there are many new faces. This is a great idea because it added a bit of variety to the series. Its nice to have a change.Jim Dale has a small appearance and the "taxi" gag (Flintstones inspired?) is cute rather than funny. Juliet Mills is utterly delightful and as always does a great job in the film.Of course its really pushing the boundaries of belief that the crew actually thought she was a bloke. She made another light comedy called Nurse on Wheels... wish it was available on DVD. The real star of the movie is the great Bernard Cribbens who is absolutely brilliant. Cribbens was a great talent and so much better than the awful Kenneth Connor who was the weakest link in all the Carry on movies. Its lovely not to have him in Jack.
34 Reviews
Not the best of the lot, but amusing enough
TheLittleSongbird13 June 2010
I do like the Carry On films in general, and while Jack is not the best, it is still amusing. I have to admit I do prefer Cleo, Screaming and Khyber, but I do think it is better than Columbus, England and Emmanuelle, which I consider the nadirs of the series. Jack does have its problems, it does have a thin story, some of the pacing isn't as secure as it could have been and I do miss Joan Sims, Sidney James and Hattie Jaques. However, the film looks great, great costumes and sets, and while never absolutely hilarious it is amusing enough. And the acting is fairly good, Charles Hawtrey almost steals the show, Kenneth Williams isn't given as much to do but he is good, Jim Dale's is small but he is hilarious, Juliet Mills is pleasant (and has a great derriere), while Bernard Cribbins is very likable. Overall, not outstanding but worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Twas on the good ship Venus
BA_Harrison4 December 2014
Winsome bar wench Sally (Juliet Mills) steals the identity of bumbling midshipman Albert Poop-Decker (Bernard Cribbins), taking his place aboard frigate HMS Venus in the hope of sailing to France to find her missing sweetheart Roger. Meanwhile, the real Albert is press-ganged into service on the same ship, but no-one will believe his unlikely story.
The mere thought of the lovely Juliet Mills being able to pass for a man is, of course, utterly ridiculous (reminding me of a similarly silly episode of Blackadder), but despite this preposterous conceit, the notable absence of many of the series' major players, and a lack of any truly classic gags, I can't help but enjoy this movie. With its well-realised period setting, Miss Mills obvious charms (she looks great even posing as a man), Jim Dale's brief but hilarious turn as a money-grabbing sedan chair operative, and some of the scurviest pirates ever to set sail for the seven seas, this rousing Carry On tale is still good for a Yo Ho Ho!
The mere thought of the lovely Juliet Mills being able to pass for a man is, of course, utterly ridiculous (reminding me of a similarly silly episode of Blackadder), but despite this preposterous conceit, the notable absence of many of the series' major players, and a lack of any truly classic gags, I can't help but enjoy this movie. With its well-realised period setting, Miss Mills obvious charms (she looks great even posing as a man), Jim Dale's brief but hilarious turn as a money-grabbing sedan chair operative, and some of the scurviest pirates ever to set sail for the seven seas, this rousing Carry On tale is still good for a Yo Ho Ho!
If you've got a heart of oak, it's got a worm in it.
hitchcockthelegend6 November 2010
Carry On Jack is directed by Gerald Thomas and written by Talbot Rothwell. It stars Bernard Cribbins, Kenneth Williams, Juliet Mills, Charles Hawtrey, Donald Houston & Percy Herbert. It's the 8TH of the popular film franchise that would eventually finish at 31.
Albert Poopdecker (Cribbins) is all set to finally take up assignment on HMS Venus when he loses his uniform in a house of ill repute. Press ganged the next day onto the Venus, nobody believes him and he is forced to serve his time on board as a menial worker. However, there's mutiny afoot and Albert soon finds himself at the centre of all sorts of misunderstandings.
Not one from the series that is name checked by fans or critics, Carry On Jack is a little better than its reputation suggest it is. It's also a very important entry in the Carry On pantheon,for it was the first time Rothwell, the man who shaped the series, would be in sole charge of writing. It's also the first venture into historical parody, from where the series would get its best ideas and promptly make the best film's of the run. This one clearly revels in sending up Mutiny On The Bounty, HMS Defiant (using some of the same sets from that production) and the Hornblower writings. The absence of Sid James is very much felt since piracy and mutiny appear to be themes you would think suited him. But no Barbara Windsor is not an issue here, simply because there's only one female role of note, and Mills attacks it with gusto and delivers a fine performance. Cribbins, too, is full of life and raises enough laughs as he plays off of the reliable Hawtrey.
Not overtly smutty or as manic as some of the other historical parodies that followed it, Carry On Jack is a fun and tidy time filler. 6/10
Albert Poopdecker (Cribbins) is all set to finally take up assignment on HMS Venus when he loses his uniform in a house of ill repute. Press ganged the next day onto the Venus, nobody believes him and he is forced to serve his time on board as a menial worker. However, there's mutiny afoot and Albert soon finds himself at the centre of all sorts of misunderstandings.
Not one from the series that is name checked by fans or critics, Carry On Jack is a little better than its reputation suggest it is. It's also a very important entry in the Carry On pantheon,for it was the first time Rothwell, the man who shaped the series, would be in sole charge of writing. It's also the first venture into historical parody, from where the series would get its best ideas and promptly make the best film's of the run. This one clearly revels in sending up Mutiny On The Bounty, HMS Defiant (using some of the same sets from that production) and the Hornblower writings. The absence of Sid James is very much felt since piracy and mutiny appear to be themes you would think suited him. But no Barbara Windsor is not an issue here, simply because there's only one female role of note, and Mills attacks it with gusto and delivers a fine performance. Cribbins, too, is full of life and raises enough laughs as he plays off of the reliable Hawtrey.
Not overtly smutty or as manic as some of the other historical parodies that followed it, Carry On Jack is a fun and tidy time filler. 6/10
CARRY ON JACK (Gerald Thomas, 1963) **1/2
Bunuel19769 February 2008
This title intended as a spoof on the troubled MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1962) emerges as the odd one out in the "Carry On" series: not only do we only find just three regular performers here (Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey and Jim Dale), but there's little typical material; taken on its merits, however, it isn't bad at all and not quite the dud described on the series' official website!
Incidentally, the irregular actors are the ones who score best particularly Bernard Cribbins as an unlikely but likable hero (his character is named Poop-Decker!) and Donald Houston, intense as the villain of the piece; on the feminine side, there's the surprise casting of Juliet Mills (as a floozie who passes off as a midshipman she sets out in search of her lost love, who turns out to be a pirate leader!). As I said, the "Carry On" stalwarts rather play second-fiddle here (especially Dale, who only gets an inconsequential bit early on), though Williams and Hawtrey manage to assert themselves during the film's latter half (when Houston and cohort Percy Herbert instigate a mutiny and our heroes are cast off at sea).
While there are obviously a number of laughs scattered throughout, the general tone is atypically serious: Williams playing the cowardly skipper of the "Venus", he's given the unsurprisingly ironic name of Captain Fearless even loses a leg and, consequently, gets twice the "desk job" he so craved for. Also in the cast is Cecil Parker as the long-suffering Admiral who sets the naïve, bumbling Cribbins off on a naval career and reappears at the end to decorate him and his companions (Houston has blackmailed Spanish Governor Patrick Cargill into yielding his entire fleet and is taking it victoriously back to England, when it's unwittingly destroyed by Cribbins & Co. the ship's loaded cannons go off during a deck-fire, with the deed being taken for a successful attempt on their part to repel the oncoming Spanish invasion!).
Incidentally, the irregular actors are the ones who score best particularly Bernard Cribbins as an unlikely but likable hero (his character is named Poop-Decker!) and Donald Houston, intense as the villain of the piece; on the feminine side, there's the surprise casting of Juliet Mills (as a floozie who passes off as a midshipman she sets out in search of her lost love, who turns out to be a pirate leader!). As I said, the "Carry On" stalwarts rather play second-fiddle here (especially Dale, who only gets an inconsequential bit early on), though Williams and Hawtrey manage to assert themselves during the film's latter half (when Houston and cohort Percy Herbert instigate a mutiny and our heroes are cast off at sea).
While there are obviously a number of laughs scattered throughout, the general tone is atypically serious: Williams playing the cowardly skipper of the "Venus", he's given the unsurprisingly ironic name of Captain Fearless even loses a leg and, consequently, gets twice the "desk job" he so craved for. Also in the cast is Cecil Parker as the long-suffering Admiral who sets the naïve, bumbling Cribbins off on a naval career and reappears at the end to decorate him and his companions (Houston has blackmailed Spanish Governor Patrick Cargill into yielding his entire fleet and is taking it victoriously back to England, when it's unwittingly destroyed by Cribbins & Co. the ship's loaded cannons go off during a deck-fire, with the deed being taken for a successful attempt on their part to repel the oncoming Spanish invasion!).
Not a great film nor a great Carry On but it is amusing and broad enough to satisfy fans
bob the moo28 June 2005
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.
Bernard isn't a lead
riggo-735036 July 2019
Hilarious historical comedy starring Bernard Cribbins, Juliet Mills and Kenneth Williams
Hayden-8605517 January 2021
One of the better Carry on films, set in 1700s England and aboard a ship, there's lots of nice detail here and genuinely good characters. Captain Fearless played by Kenneth Williams is brilliant and it's great to see Bernard Cribbins leading a film, we also get Juliet Mills, Donald Houston and Percy Herbert thrown into the mix, so not a conventional casting for a Carry on film! The jokes are very witty without being crude and certainly have a quality to them.
7/10: It's good and colourful
7/10: It's good and colourful
The seventeenth best Carry on Film
Committed_to_nitrate18 September 2023
RANKING: This is not one of the best but it's not at the bottom either. Best described as: "watchable at a push." It's better than those from the late seventies when desperate for ticket sales they just became crude and a bit sordid and it's better than those first six which were scripted by a different writer so don't feel anything like Carry On films. The reason this isn't ranked higher is because it's silly rather than funny.
TYPICAL: This should be typical because it was the first one Talbot Rothwell wrote but he hadn't quite gotten into his stride yet. It wasn't even conceived as a Carry On film and although they stuck the Carry On prefix onto it, it doesn't feel like one. It's just an immature comedy with Kenneth Williams doing his silly voices. He is actually very amusing but not enough to fill an hour and a half - a decent script would have helped. Giving a foretaste of the "big-budget" historical ones to come (well, relatively big budget) this one looks really good. It's set in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars, and real effort seems to have gone into its art direction to create a reasonably authentic early 19th century feel. It's a shame that this much effort didn't go into making it funny. What this feels like is that Talbot Rothwell had just come on board and was joining a very established team. Not wanting to rock the boat too much he wrote something which was more like the Norman Hudid stories of the very early Carry Ons. He'd let rip with his bawdy seaside postcard humour next time once he'd gotten his sea legs.
SEXY LADIES: The other essential of a Carry On film is saucy, sexy ladies and in this one we're treated to the loveliness of Juliet Mills. She's very sweet but maybe a little too sweet considering that she is supposed to work at Dirty Dicks, the sailors' favourite brothel. Juliet Mills does not seem the type but fits in well with the 'family friendly' style of what is essentially a 'kid's film.'
TYPICAL: This should be typical because it was the first one Talbot Rothwell wrote but he hadn't quite gotten into his stride yet. It wasn't even conceived as a Carry On film and although they stuck the Carry On prefix onto it, it doesn't feel like one. It's just an immature comedy with Kenneth Williams doing his silly voices. He is actually very amusing but not enough to fill an hour and a half - a decent script would have helped. Giving a foretaste of the "big-budget" historical ones to come (well, relatively big budget) this one looks really good. It's set in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars, and real effort seems to have gone into its art direction to create a reasonably authentic early 19th century feel. It's a shame that this much effort didn't go into making it funny. What this feels like is that Talbot Rothwell had just come on board and was joining a very established team. Not wanting to rock the boat too much he wrote something which was more like the Norman Hudid stories of the very early Carry Ons. He'd let rip with his bawdy seaside postcard humour next time once he'd gotten his sea legs.
SEXY LADIES: The other essential of a Carry On film is saucy, sexy ladies and in this one we're treated to the loveliness of Juliet Mills. She's very sweet but maybe a little too sweet considering that she is supposed to work at Dirty Dicks, the sailors' favourite brothel. Juliet Mills does not seem the type but fits in well with the 'family friendly' style of what is essentially a 'kid's film.'
An average Carry-On
Caz196413 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This isn't the best of the carry-ons but its nowhere near the worst.There are only three of the regulars in Carry-On Jack,and they are Kenneth Williams,Charles Hawtrey and Jim Dale and if you can count Peter Gilmore as the fourth as he did appear in a few other Carry-Ons{Henry,Up The Kyhber,Cabby}in brief roles.However Carry-On Jack does have a splendid cast such as Juliet Mills,Bernard Cribbins,Patrick Cargill and some other famous faces from British cinema,who you will easily recognise.The jokes in this one are very few and far between although the idea of the whole story is amusing,a woman stealing an officers clothes so that she can impersonate him and run off to sea.The story is quite good and would be very amusing for kids,as it has the usual slapstick humour and also has battle scenes and pirates.This Carry-On is rarely seen on TV these days and is probably one of the first Carry-Ons to be made in colour.Id highly recommend this one for the under twelves,although its also mildly amusing if your an adult.
Warming Up
markjellis22 May 2007
Carry on Jack is not the most memorable Carry On, in fact its all a bit silly really and lacks much of the sauciness of latter films. I think Talbot Rothwell was still finding his feet as it has more of a Norman Hudis feel to it. There are incompetent silly people somehow triumphing in the end, squeaky clean but quite lovely heroines (despite coming from Dirty Dicks) and the bad guys getting their comeuppance in the end. Personally I don't blame the Venus crew for getting rid of their captain. I would have even tied a weight to his (gammy) leg to make sure. Still better was to come and there is at least a nod to that here. Give it a watch if you are a Carry on fan (like me), but its no 'Camping' or 'Up the Khyber'
The Plot/Jokes/Screenplay save the Day!!!
dhsb5827 February 2005
Many would say if the Name "Carry On Jack" was mentioned, "I haven't seen that one" or "That was terrible wasn't it." To many Carry On Fans..the film is often very underrated.This is due to a very large lack of regulars within it.
Sid James is not in it, nor is anyone common from the Hudis films such as Liz Fraser or Ted Ray.
This was in fact the first film "written" by Talbot Rothwell (though Carry On Cabby was screened first but written second).
The film i feel is a classic.The jokes come thick and fast.Many are quite visual! (wont spoil it for you!) Superb Performances from Charles Hawtrey, Jim dale (In the little part he plays) and Bernard Cribbens(in fact his first carry on outing!).
8.7/10
Sid James is not in it, nor is anyone common from the Hudis films such as Liz Fraser or Ted Ray.
This was in fact the first film "written" by Talbot Rothwell (though Carry On Cabby was screened first but written second).
The film i feel is a classic.The jokes come thick and fast.Many are quite visual! (wont spoil it for you!) Superb Performances from Charles Hawtrey, Jim dale (In the little part he plays) and Bernard Cribbens(in fact his first carry on outing!).
8.7/10
Not The Best Thus Far
MuggleLoverAtHeart13 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I have just watched my first two "Carry On" films: this one and Carry on Cleo. I am a big fan of Round the Horne, so I was overjoyed to find out that Kenneth Williams (whom I have never seen in real life- on film or TV, etc.) would be the star. However, I was disappointed with Carry on Jack; either it is because Williams doesn't have a very big part as he did in C.O. Cleo, or there was two much action and a very unfunny side plot (the first-mates or whoever plotting against the captain). As well, Albert Poopdecker wasn't as funny as I had hoped, as he was pretty much the main character. It was "Yeah, I see the humour." but wasn't laugh-out-loud stuck-with-you humour.
Overall, Carry On Cleo was by far the funniest so far; Carry On Jack can just, well, carry on and keep going!
Overall, Carry On Cleo was by far the funniest so far; Carry On Jack can just, well, carry on and keep going!
A Good-un - even with few regulars
FUX6 November 1998
Despite only having TWO (albeit the best two) regulars (Williams and Hawtrey) (Dale could not be considerd a regular at this point), this remains one of my favourites. Only Kenneth Williams could pull of the "Throw the book at him" joke. Likewise only the Carry On team could have a cow in tow on a ship without it being TOTALLY stupid. Despite lacking Sid James (possibly as the pirate?) this is very good!
Carry On No.8
michaelarmer21 April 2020
This would have been better served by calling it Carry On Sailor, however what's in a name. Its not as good as Cabby, but not bad, Colour is back which improves how it looks , and it looks great.
Kenneth Williams returns to the fore in this, and is top of the bill with new boy Bernard Cribbins next, his first of a few, and with the sweet. lovely and very pretty Juliet Mills, Juliet only did this one, and what a good role it was, Juliet of course being the daughter of Sir John Mills has had an extensive acting career, she started as a baby and is still going now aged 78 and looking great. Of the usual Carry on Team at this stage there was only one other - Charles Hawtrey, Jim Dale who became a regular lead only had a bit part and was yet to establish himself. Sid James, Kenneth Connor, Joan Sims (again) and Hattie Jacques all missed out.
But they had willing replacements in Donald Houston and Percy Herbert, Patrick Cargill, Cecil Parker and Peter Gilmore, Peter became a semi-regular, this was his second. Anton Rodgers had a small part at the start, It was Donald Houston's only Carry On role, he mostly did war movies, he did a very good over the top Lieutenant Seaman, he passed away in 1991 aged 67.
The acting ok, but not great, Juliet Mills was lovely and Bernard Cribbins was fun, it was their film, Ken and Charlie were subordinate in this, nice colour but a bit average.
Kenneth Williams returns to the fore in this, and is top of the bill with new boy Bernard Cribbins next, his first of a few, and with the sweet. lovely and very pretty Juliet Mills, Juliet only did this one, and what a good role it was, Juliet of course being the daughter of Sir John Mills has had an extensive acting career, she started as a baby and is still going now aged 78 and looking great. Of the usual Carry on Team at this stage there was only one other - Charles Hawtrey, Jim Dale who became a regular lead only had a bit part and was yet to establish himself. Sid James, Kenneth Connor, Joan Sims (again) and Hattie Jacques all missed out.
But they had willing replacements in Donald Houston and Percy Herbert, Patrick Cargill, Cecil Parker and Peter Gilmore, Peter became a semi-regular, this was his second. Anton Rodgers had a small part at the start, It was Donald Houston's only Carry On role, he mostly did war movies, he did a very good over the top Lieutenant Seaman, he passed away in 1991 aged 67.
The acting ok, but not great, Juliet Mills was lovely and Bernard Cribbins was fun, it was their film, Ken and Charlie were subordinate in this, nice colour but a bit average.
Rule Brittania
bkoganbing17 September 2014
The Carry On comedy team takes on all those sagas of the British Navy from the Napoleonic Era with Carry On Jack. The title comes from what they used to call British sailors, Jack Tars.
Midshipman Albert Poopdecker played by Bernard Cribbins is little thrown out of sea school just to make room and given his first assignment on the HMS Venus a frigate ship of the line. But on his way there Cribbins is waylaid in a cat house where one of the girls played by Juliet Mills steals his uniform and credentials. To make matters worse a press gang comes along and takes Cribbins and Charles Hawtrey.
The HMS Venus has a Regency fop for a captain in Kenneth Williams and a first officer in Donald Houston who'd like to take his place. And Juliet Mills on board playing a midshipman named Albert Poopdecker. Her breasts are just super spectacular man boobs if she'd let the crew see them and confirm their beliefs.
In the end after surviving a mutiny, a capture by pirates and saving the United Kingdom from invasion, Hawtrey, Cribbins, Mills, and Williams, are national heroes.
But it's how they do it that provides loads of laughs in this Carry On classic.
Midshipman Albert Poopdecker played by Bernard Cribbins is little thrown out of sea school just to make room and given his first assignment on the HMS Venus a frigate ship of the line. But on his way there Cribbins is waylaid in a cat house where one of the girls played by Juliet Mills steals his uniform and credentials. To make matters worse a press gang comes along and takes Cribbins and Charles Hawtrey.
The HMS Venus has a Regency fop for a captain in Kenneth Williams and a first officer in Donald Houston who'd like to take his place. And Juliet Mills on board playing a midshipman named Albert Poopdecker. Her breasts are just super spectacular man boobs if she'd let the crew see them and confirm their beliefs.
In the end after surviving a mutiny, a capture by pirates and saving the United Kingdom from invasion, Hawtrey, Cribbins, Mills, and Williams, are national heroes.
But it's how they do it that provides loads of laughs in this Carry On classic.
Carry On Jack
jboothmillard27 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know what the title Jack relates to, probably some kind of pirate word, or maybe to do with Treasure Island (Jack Hawkins), but anyway, this is the Carry On film where they're all pirates. Basically Midshipman Albert Poop-Decker (Bernard Cribbins) has managed to get himself aboard frigate Venus, commanded by actually quivery Captain Fearless (Kenneth Williams), and they all have adventures on the high seas through Spanish waters, rebelling and shipwrecking. Also starring Juliet Mills as Sally, Charles Hawtrey as Walter Sweetly, Donald Houston as First Officer Jonathan Howett, Percy Herbert as Mr. Angel, Ed Devereaux as Pirate Hook, Jim Dale as Young Carrier, Ian Wilson as Ancient Carrier, George Woodbridge as Ned, Cecil Parker as First Sealord, Jimmy Thompson as Adm. Horatio Nelson, Anton Rodgers as Hardy, Patrick Cargill as Spanish Governor Don Luis and Peter Gilmore as Pirate Captain Patch/Roger. I can see why this film is not as memorable as most of the others, I did lose interest a little ,and didn't understand everything going on, and there was hardly any innuendo at all, only some jokes about the woman disguised as a man, and it has only three regulars, all male, where are Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor and Joans Sims when you want them? Okay!
Seabound CARRY ON antics in a colourful costume comedy
Leofwine_draca14 January 2012
Although it's not up there with the best of the CARRY ON series, CARRY ON JACK proves to be as likable and inoffensive as the majority of the films. This one suffers from a lack of regulars (only Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey & Jim Dale appear) but makes up for it with great authenticity in the costumes and early 19th century locales.
Bernard Cribbins (CARRY ON SPYING) stars as a Midshipman who's accidentally pressganged into working aboard one of the British's fleets ships. The usual slapstick and shenanigans occur, with much of the humour arising from delicate Juliet Mills masquerading as a man. Cribbins plays it straighter than you might expect, and doesn't get many gags (saying that, the one involving his sword and a carriage wheel is a classic), although Williams has fun as the cowardly Captain Fearless and both Dale and Hawtrey are delightful.
Bernard Cribbins (CARRY ON SPYING) stars as a Midshipman who's accidentally pressganged into working aboard one of the British's fleets ships. The usual slapstick and shenanigans occur, with much of the humour arising from delicate Juliet Mills masquerading as a man. Cribbins plays it straighter than you might expect, and doesn't get many gags (saying that, the one involving his sword and a carriage wheel is a classic), although Williams has fun as the cowardly Captain Fearless and both Dale and Hawtrey are delightful.
Should've given Jimbo a bigger part...
natcarr-74-271147 December 2012
Watched this for the first time since I was 5 or 6 last night and it pre-dates Carry On's golden age and is a bit boring to be honest, okay I was watching it at midnight, but I dozed through the third quarter and considering I was wide awake and laughing out loud through an episode of the IT crowd at 1am the movie has to take some of the blame! The film struggles because most the carry on team are missing! Bernard Cribbins is hog tied by a bad script with few laughs. Not even the usually watchable Keneth Williams can spark much interest. In fact the best moments come from Jim Dale's cameo right at the start of the movie. His hilariously OTT west-country accent and plain charisma steal the movie. No wonder he became the leading man a few years later! Coming from Plymouth I did enjoy the opening scenes. there is a great line about Plymouthians later in the film. Jim Dale does a generic west country accent rather than a proper Plymouthian "Janner" accent which would've been amazing, but he's still the best thing in the movie.
To summarise, awful script, few laughs, few carry on stars, too long. Sadly, you can watch the first 15 minutes and then turn it off safe in the knowledge that you've seen the best bits and its going down hill from here... I've given it 2/10 rather than 1/10 for Jim Dale's cameo.
If you are looking for Carry On movies at their hilarious best then, try Carry on Sergeant, Cowboy, Cleo, Up the Kyber and Screaming. Pure British comedy gold, Don't let this turkey colour your judgement of a wonderful comedy institution.
To summarise, awful script, few laughs, few carry on stars, too long. Sadly, you can watch the first 15 minutes and then turn it off safe in the knowledge that you've seen the best bits and its going down hill from here... I've given it 2/10 rather than 1/10 for Jim Dale's cameo.
If you are looking for Carry On movies at their hilarious best then, try Carry on Sergeant, Cowboy, Cleo, Up the Kyber and Screaming. Pure British comedy gold, Don't let this turkey colour your judgement of a wonderful comedy institution.
Less than a full Carry On Crew in this naval comedy
Tweekums6 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This Carry On film features surprisingly few of the regulars; Bernard Cribbins plays Midshipman Albert Poop-Decker; a naval officer who hasn't passed his training despite being at it for eight years. He finally gets sent to sea when Britain goes to war against Spain. Unfortunately for him he has knocked out by a young woman called Sally who steal his uniform so she can go to sea. This doesn't mean he will miss his boat though as he finds himself press-ganged. Once aboard he tries to explain the situation but comes up against First Officer Howett, an officer who is not impressed with him claiming to be Midshipman Albert Poop-Decker when he is already aboard
of course he is Sally but nobody seems to notice despite the fact that she doesn't look at all masculine! The ship is commanded by the cowardly Captain Fearless who wishes all his crew to be happy; and to that end avoids any conflict with the Spaniards. Howett is not impressed and is determined that something must be done to persuade the captain to leave the ship along
these events leave Fearless; Poop-Decker, Sally and seaman Walter Sweetly afloat in the lifeboat off the Spanish coast. Their journey back to England will lead them to encounter Spaniards, pirates and their former shipmates.
While this is not a classic outing for the Carry On team it is funny enough. The best performance came from Donald Houston as by the book Howett who believes in strict discipline and is willing to take the fight to the enemy; he played the part fairly straight while those around him provided the gags. Kenneth Williams was suitably cowardly and incompetent as the captain and Juliet Mills was fine as the beautiful Sally. With so few of the Carry On regulars in main roles this could almost have been a comedy that just happened to feature a few of the team; it had some good moments though and as it contained less innuendo than most Carry On films can be enjoyed by children with out parents worrying they will be asked to explain some double entendre.
While this is not a classic outing for the Carry On team it is funny enough. The best performance came from Donald Houston as by the book Howett who believes in strict discipline and is willing to take the fight to the enemy; he played the part fairly straight while those around him provided the gags. Kenneth Williams was suitably cowardly and incompetent as the captain and Juliet Mills was fine as the beautiful Sally. With so few of the Carry On regulars in main roles this could almost have been a comedy that just happened to feature a few of the team; it had some good moments though and as it contained less innuendo than most Carry On films can be enjoyed by children with out parents worrying they will be asked to explain some double entendre.
Juliet's derrière
willjohn7 November 2009
How old was I when I saw this film? Old enough to know that no sailor worth his salted pork and rum ration would think anybody with a classical "cliffhanger" backside like Juliet Mills had at that time could possibly be a man.
Juliet Mills was a full bodied young woman who would attract stares anywhere she went wearing the tight trousers she wore impersonating a midshipman. Watching it we were supposed to suspend disbelief and believe that a rugged crew on a warship would not know the difference between the shape of Juliet's bum and that of a young man. Were we expected to believe the sailors were virgins?
Regarding the word "Jack" sailors were often referred to as "Jack Tar", probably because of the amount of tar that would be used sealing leaks on the wooden hulled ships, some of which would stick to the sailors.
Juliet Mills was a full bodied young woman who would attract stares anywhere she went wearing the tight trousers she wore impersonating a midshipman. Watching it we were supposed to suspend disbelief and believe that a rugged crew on a warship would not know the difference between the shape of Juliet's bum and that of a young man. Were we expected to believe the sailors were virgins?
Regarding the word "Jack" sailors were often referred to as "Jack Tar", probably because of the amount of tar that would be used sealing leaks on the wooden hulled ships, some of which would stick to the sailors.
No, *I* am Ensign Albert Poopdecker, RN.......
drummie28 June 1999
As a fan of the entire Carry On .... series, I was always disposed to like this movie. True, it had few regulars, but the script allowed the cast to shine. Kenneth Williams gives his usual over-the-top performance as the anything-but-fearless Captain Fearless, Juliet Mills gives the most amusingly unconvincing impersonation of a man since Some Like It Hot, and Bernard Cribbins is great as the good-hearted, but woefully naive Albert Poopdecker. Charlie Hawtrey plays his usual character as well as ever, and all in all the plot once more becomes just the backdrop for all the gags, double entendre, and slapstick we all expect and love from the movies we know so well.
Not the greatest but not the worst
franklawler-268332 January 2020
This is the 7th in the collection and it is definitely not one of the best but definitely not one of the worst, it is missing lots of the regulars and only starring Williams and hawtrey and a small part for dale, cribbins plays a good part and also the beautiful mills but after watching cabby this is a bit of a disappointment it has a few laughs so my final mark is 6/10
The 7th proper Carry On isn't REALLY a proper Carry On at all, unfortunately
danieljfarthing19 August 2023
The 7th proper Carry On, 1964's "Carry On Jack" was: the 1st that Kenneth Moore missed; the 2nd in colour (again under director Gerald Thomas); and the 2nd not first mean't as part of the iconic Brit-com series, being written again by Talbot Rothwell who first called it 'Up The Armada' and gave it far more plot than slapstick silliness. Bernard Cribbins, Charles Hawtrey, & Juliet Mills (terrific) are on a 1500's Brit navy ship under Capt Kenneth Williams who to the dismay of 1st Officer Donald Houston avoids fighting the Spanish - cue a slew of mediocre shenanigans (supported by the likes of Jim Dale & Roger Gilmore). It's a legitimate (but average) film... yet not REALLY a Carry On.
The First One I Would See
richard.fuller118 June 2004
Caught the second half of "Carry On Jack" about seven years ago. Thought it was completely unreal.
I recognized Cribbins from the Doctor Who movies with Peter Cushing. Here he reminds me a bit like John Cleese at times, and Trevor Bannister off "Are You Being Served?"
Clearly he is filling the blank left by Kenneth Conner.
Wonder why Juliet Mills appeared in this? As Haley's sister and Sir John's daughter, surely she could have gotten whatever she wanted and didn't have to join this bandwagon.
She reminded me of the young girl who "posed" as a boy in "Swiss Family Robinson". Not at all convincing.
The cow in the lifeboat bit was good.
The amputation joke would have NEVER existed in American film or television back in '64.
The one joke I always recalled was 'the captain fell on deck right where that plaque is.'
"I'm not surprised, I nearly tripped over the silly thing the other day myself."
When I first heard that line, I had to do a triple take.
No, Sid James, Kenneth Conner, Joan Sims, dear Hattie and Barbara Windsor (thus far, I have only seen her in one, Carry On Spying) weren't in this one.
The interchanging performers basically doing the same characters is a standout for this assortment of movies.
Now on to the next Carry On: Carry On Cowboy.
yee-hah!
I recognized Cribbins from the Doctor Who movies with Peter Cushing. Here he reminds me a bit like John Cleese at times, and Trevor Bannister off "Are You Being Served?"
Clearly he is filling the blank left by Kenneth Conner.
Wonder why Juliet Mills appeared in this? As Haley's sister and Sir John's daughter, surely she could have gotten whatever she wanted and didn't have to join this bandwagon.
She reminded me of the young girl who "posed" as a boy in "Swiss Family Robinson". Not at all convincing.
The cow in the lifeboat bit was good.
The amputation joke would have NEVER existed in American film or television back in '64.
The one joke I always recalled was 'the captain fell on deck right where that plaque is.'
"I'm not surprised, I nearly tripped over the silly thing the other day myself."
When I first heard that line, I had to do a triple take.
No, Sid James, Kenneth Conner, Joan Sims, dear Hattie and Barbara Windsor (thus far, I have only seen her in one, Carry On Spying) weren't in this one.
The interchanging performers basically doing the same characters is a standout for this assortment of movies.
Now on to the next Carry On: Carry On Cowboy.
yee-hah!
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