The definitive history of Carry On, Britain's largest film franchise, including exclusive interviews with stars including Bernard Cribbins, Angela Douglas and Kenneth Cope. For the first time, loved ones of some of the films' biggest names on and off screen share their personal memories from this unique filmmaking era - from the gentle capers of the 1950s, through the glorious golden age of the 1960s, to the creative challenges in the years that followed. This book takes you on a happy walk down memory lane to enjoy Sid James's conspiratorial chuckle, Kenneth Williams' elongated vowels, Charles Hawtrey's bespectacled bashfulness and Barbara Windsor's naughty wiggle, as writer Caroline Frost explores the different ingredients behind their huge appeal. It all seemed effortless, but Frost sheds new light on just how much talent and hard work went into creating the laughs - and she examines the real-life struggles of the stars who found solace in their tight companionship at Pinewood Studios. She asks, was Carry On really as sexist, racist and bigoted as critics claim? Three of the female stars explain why they never felt remotely exploited. Plus Frost takes a fresh look at some of the series' biggest titles and argues that, in reality, they were far more progressive than their detractors would have you believe. Finally, with constant talk about new films, fresh productions and renewed speculation about a brand new era of Carry On, Frost asks - does this ever-popular series still have legs?
About the AuthorCAROLINE FROST is a bestselling author, journalist and broadcaster. She is a regular commentator on national TV and radio about entertainment, media and culture. One of her earliest memories is of meeting Barbara Windsor backstage after the Christmas pantomime at Richmond Theatre, where the star sweetly let her try on her stage wig. Caroline lives in Ealing, west London where, almost every day, she passes the blue plaque marking Sid James's family home. She is a lifelong fan of the films and, while writing this book, took the opportunity to laugh all over again - delving into the timeless delights of the Carry On catalogue.
Book InformationISBN 9781526774781
Author Caroline FrostFormat Hardback
Page Count 232
Imprint White OwlPublisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd