Tags
1960's, Carry On Constable, Carry On Movies, Charles Hawtrey, Comedy, Eric Barker, Gerald Thomas, Hattie Jacques, Joan Hickson, Joan Sims, Kenneth Connor, Kenneth Williams, Leslie Phillips, Shirley Eaton, Sid James, Terence Longdon
Film Title
Carry On Constable
Director
Gerald Thomas
Starring
- Sid James as Sergeant Frank Wilkins
- Kenneth Connor as Constable Charlie Constable
- Leslie Phillips as PC Tom Potter
- Kenneth Williams as PC Stanley Benson
- Charles Hawtrey as Special Constable Timothy Gorse
- Joan Sims as PC Gloria Passworthy
- Hattie Jacques as Sergeant Laura Moon
- Eric Barker as Inspector Mills
- Shirley Eaton as Sally
- Terence Longdon as Herbert Hall
- Joan Hickson as Mrs May
A wacky fourth entry into the comedy series, Carry On Constable spoofs the police force with humour and eventfulness. Sid James joins the cast here and while it’s not classic Carry On, Constable has a lot of things to recommend.
A busy police station is struck by flu, leaving many of the staff unable to work. As the station is already understaffed, it’s difficult to find temporary replacements. They eventually come in the form of fresh out the academy; snobbish and sardonic Stanley Benson, society Lothario Tom Potter and highly superstitious Charlie Constable . Also joining them is the harmless and clumsy Special Constable Timothy Gorse and overly efficient Policewoman Gloria Passworthy. Yet even before the day has really begun, the main trio inadvertently aid robbers in getting away, setting in motion the rest of the day. Assigned to watch them is experienced Sergeant Frank Wilkins, who is under pressure from his superior due to the conditions of the place and repeatedly threatened with a transfer. His hope for something good to happen quickly goes south when the stand ins reveal that they are hopelessly inept and prone to mistakes. Nevertheless, Wilkins perseveres with them as he feels something for them and wants anything to rub the Inspector’s nose in it, yet avoid a transfer. But dealing with this quartet is no easy task as he soon discovers. Let’s just say there’s a whole abundance of mishaps along the way for the stand in coppers, with chaos seeming to happen everywhere they go. But can they all pull together and show some backbone in order for Wilkins to stay at the station?
Gerald Thomas makes the lively events and humour shine through with his customary gift for moving the story along at a riotous pace. Carry On Constable is quite similar to Sergeant, in that the batch of recruits are bumbling and prone to folly. Their antics are comedic and eventful. A few interludes don’t do much and lag, but the overall escapades are in high abundance and ready to gain the laughs from you. Some of the highlights include Charlie bursting into an apartment, only to discover that what he believes to be a murder is actually a radio program, Gorse attempting to rescue a cat from a bell tower and funniest of all, Gorse and snobby Benson dressed in drag to stop criminals, yet cause a lot more trouble when their harebrained idea goes to pot. The double entendres and sauciness is upped, with some fine play on words and the first instance of nudity( shown when the quartet experience a freezing shower and end up stumbling into the cells, much to the dismay of a drunken lady). A rollicking score plays well in time with the comedic occurrences that are around every corner of Carry On Constable.
We get the first appearance of the beloved Sid James. Playing a largely serious man who has to witness the chaos ensuing, James gets in some great laughs as he chafes at his superior and it exasperated by the ineptitude of his new recruits( though warms to them). He’s an authority figure, but a funny one that James plays well in his first outing in the Carry On series. The hilarious Kenneth Connor is on hand to be spooked and a bundle of nervous energy waiting to erupt, when playing the most timid and omen obsessed member of the team. We also have Leslie Phillips, him of the posh voice and wicked smile, as the charming dandy with only ladies on the mind throughout. Kenneth Williams is a right delight; outrageously and amusingly playing the pretentious member of the group, who believes he can spot a criminal from just a look. Such delusions of grandeur and sarcasm are embodied wonderfully by the great gifts of Williams. And of course there is the playful, almost childlike giddiness or Charles Hawtrey to recommend to everyone. Relating to Connor, Phillips, Williams and Hawtrey, you can really feel how comfortable they are in these roles and it shows a lot on screen. I think however that the female cast members are pretty underused in Constable; Joan Sims and Hattie Jacques are both gifted comic actresses, but neither of their roles allows for much of that to come through. It was nice seeing Eric Barker do a gruff and smarmy act as the chief Inspector, who no one has much time for because he doesn’t seem to have a clue about running the station. Shirley Eaton pops up briefly for the glamour and sex appeal, though her and Terence Longdon are not given nearly enough to do to make a dent on the film. Look out for Joan Hickson as a boozy society lady who seems to enjoy getting arrested on a daily basis.
Not vintage Carry On but still a riot of laughter, Carry On Constable has enough comedy and outrageous things to have a ball with.
fragglerocking said:
You got your constable and sergeant mixed up at the end there V-man, but great review anyway 😊 Sid James was a great addition to the series.
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vinnieh said:
Oh bother, thanks for telling me. I will edit that now. You gotta love Sid James, it’s that laugh.
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gunnardeckare said:
I have never heard of this film before but it looks interesting
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vinnieh said:
I think you’d have fun with it.
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beetleypete said:
One of the less ‘bawdy’ Carry-On films, but it still has a lot to offer. I love the period details, and the ensemble feel that comes across. I never tire of watching them.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
It’s still largely innocent, with the occasional nudge wink element. Still a whole ball of fun though.
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michael9murray said:
Nothing, not even those wild horses, could get me to watch these films.
My greatest fear with the English Bexit vote is being stuck here in a stagnant pond with the likes of this lot.
I don’t know if you deserve a medal, or ‘treatment’ (joke)
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vinnieh said:
I don’t think these films are for everyone.
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linnetmoss said:
This series is all new to me–looks like something I’d enjoy.
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vinnieh said:
Oh if you like comedy and a bit of naughtiness, these films are required viewing.
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Richard said:
I bloody love the Carry On films, seen every single one! Whenever they’re on the telly I’ll watch them. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Hi Richard. Will be sure to check your blog out more. I’m really having a fun time with these films. The humour, naughtiness and general feeling of camaraderie between the cast is so enjoyable.
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Richard said:
I’ve been a bit MIA recently due to job interviews, home improvements and just life in general.
🙂
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vinnieh said:
We all get times when life takes over.
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Jay said:
These early Carry Ons are sometimes overlooked, but they have a lot of charm. It’s interesting how different Sid James is in these, he’s almost a straight man at times.
I’m not sure I’d want to watch the whole series like this though, and the 1970s films will be a bit of a slog. I don’t think there’s any Carry On film after 1970 that needs to be watched more than once (and some not even once).
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vinnieh said:
Yes, I think some of them deserve attention. They have a gentleness and comic attitude that is pretty infectious. I’ve only seen a handful of the Carry On movies, but am aware that they get much saucier and more in your face later. Thanks for commenting here, I really like your blog.
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Jay said:
Thanks, I like your blog as well. I’m interested in seeing how you get on with the rest of this series.
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vinnieh said:
I too am anticipating what else will come. I’m always up for trying different genres, nothing like variety.
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keepsmealive said:
All new to me! Looks fun, though.
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vinnieh said:
The Carry On movies are definitely fun. I’m having a fine time watching them lately.
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