The Carry On films will live once more

The original Carry On series of films is the most successful British comedy film series of all time. It ran from 1958-92 and had 31 films in total. They starred the likes of Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Charles Hawtrey, Barbara Windsor, Jim Dale, Kenneth Connor, Bernard Bresslaw and so many more.

They were smutty, silly and often very funny. A mainstay of the British Bank Holiday for many a year.

It seems there is life in the old dog yet as plans are afoot for a new Carry on film. The 32nd in the series which will be written by Tim Dawson and Susan Nickson, the writers of hit BBC sitcom “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.”

Nickson commented, “I’m thrilled to be involved in perhaps the biggest comedy franchise in Britain. I grew up watching these films and to be working on this project feels like coming home. They’re peculiarly British but the appeal of the humor and the ever-present message that good people always win is absolutely global.”

I was chatting to my friend Neil about this last night and we couldn’t decide whether this will be a good or bad thing. The original Carry On films were definitely a product of their time, so it remains to be seen whether they will work in today’s climate.

Obviously it all depends on how good the script it and who they get to star in the film.

“Carry On” historian Robert Ross is attached to the project as an advisor.

Baker said, “I’m very excited for the project to go into production, and to honor Peter Rogers’ legacy. He was a cornerstone of the British film industry for many years and it is a privilege to continue the ‘Carry On’ tradition.”

Dawson said, “These films are a part of British culture and to be carrying on the legacy of Norman Hudis and Talbot Rothwell is a thrill and a responsibility. We intend to be sympathetic to the heritage whilst being unafraid to modernize the franchise for a whole new audience. This is my dream job.”

Cast and filming dates on the new film are to be announced. Hereford Films’ Jonathan Sothcott, alongside Carry On Films are producing.

Sothcott said the new addition would be in the spirit of the original franchise, “‘Carry On’ is a national treasure: the most successful British comedy film series of all time. We are making a new entry in the series with love and care: it isn’t a remake or an attempt to reinvent the wheel. We won’t be trying to find new Sids or Kenneths — we’re looking to create a whole new ensemble of brilliant British comedic actors. No stunt casting. No big American stars. This will be British film at its best, as the truly remarkable heritage deserves.”

Do you think a new Carry On film will work? Who would you like to see star in it?

Via Variety