Main Cast: Kenneth Connor, Windsor Davies, Patrick Mower, Judy Geeson, Jack Douglas
Release Year: 1976
Country: UK
Run Time: 89 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
The long-running series of British "Carry On" comedies was nearing the end of the line when this 28th film in the cycle was released in 1976. Set in World War II, Carry On England explores what happens when the British military decides to set up an experimental mixed-gender anti-aircraft battery. While commanding officer Captain Melly (Kenneth Connor) is a stickler for military discipline, it soon becomes obvious that the interaction of male and female soldiers doesn't lend itself to a crack fighting unit, though it makes for plenty of broad physical comedy, especially with Major Bloomer (Windsor Davies), Melly's second-in-command, on deck. Judy Geeson, Patrick Mower, Jack Douglas, and Joan Sims lead the supporting cast. This feature was followed by That's Carry On (1977), a "greatest hits" collection of highlights from the series, and Carry On Emmanuelle (1978), which marked the end of the series until 1992's Carry On Columbus. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Diane Langton - Pvt. Alice Easy; Melvyn Hayes - Gunner Shorthouse; Joan Sims - Pvt. Ffoukes Sharpe; Peter Jones - Brigadier; Peter Butterworth - Major Carstairs; David Lodge - Capt. Bull; Julian Holloway - Major Butcher; Linda Hooks - Army Nurse; Patricia Franklin - Corporal Cook; Vivienne Johnson - Freda; Johnny Briggs - Melly's Driver; Brian Osborne - Gunner Owen; Larry Dann - Gunner Shaw; Barbara Hampshire - Pvt. Carter; Tricia Newby - Pte. Murray; Jeannie Collings - Pvt. Edwards; Louise Burton - Pvt. Evans; Linda Regan - Pte. Taylor; Billy Mitchell - Gunner Childs; Richard Bartlett - Gunner Drury; Peter Banks - Gunner Thomas; Peter Quince - Gunner Sharpe; Richard Olley - Gunner Parkes; Paul Toothill - Gunner Gale; Barbara Rosenblat - ATS; Michael Nightingale
Credit
Lionel Couch - Art Director, Gerald Thomas - Director, Richard Marden - Editor, Max Harris - Composer (Music Score), Ernest W. Steward - Cinematographer, Peter Rogers - Producer, David Pursall - Screenwriter, Jack Seddon - Screenwriter
An experimental mixed sex anti-aircraft battery in wartime is enjoying making love not war. However, the arrival of the new Captain S. Melly brings an end to their cosy life and causes terror in the ranks.
Production
This film featured few established members of the Carry On team. Carry On regular Kenneth Connor played a leading role, however the only other longterm regulars present, Joan Sims and Peter Butterworth, had only small roles in the film.
Windsor Davies who had joined the series with a main role in the preceding film Carry On Behind again plays a major role. Other main roles are played by established and recognisable actors Judy Geeson and Patrick Mower, both newcomers to the Carry On films.
This film was a major commercial failure and was withdrawn from some cinemas after just three days. [1]
References
Keeping the British End Up: Four Decades of Saucy Cinema by Simon Sheridan (Reynolds & Hearn Books) (third edition) 2007
^ Ross, Robert. The Carry On Companion, B. T. Batsford: London, 1996. ISBN 0-7134-7967-1 p 120
