The "Carry On" films are a variable lot, but this take on The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of the funniest. (In its initial script, the movie was actually entitled Carry On Chopping and it was actually released in some areas as Carry On Pimpernel). True, some might argue that the French Revolution does not lend itself to a farcical approach, and it does seem at first that the idea of introducing the guillotine as a venue for satire and knockabout comedy is in extremely bad taste. Fortunately, it soon emerges that the movie is not primarily a take-off on the French Revolution (as a smartypants newsreel commentator implies as soon as the picture starts), but is actually a send-up of the Baroness Orczy novel, The Scarlet Pimpernel and its 1935 picturisation with Leslie Howard. No more dramatic a contrast to Howard could possibly be provided than Sid James, who has one of his best roles ever as Sid Rodney Ffing (I won't spoil the joke for you by pronouncing it). The scenario is full of the most ludicrous double entendres which all the players (except Jim Dale) heartily relish. Indeed, Kenneth Williams is often tempted to have too grand a time, but he receives such hilarious support from Peter Butterworth that we will excuse him. The only aspect of the movie I didn't really like (and speaking of aspects, full marks to Joan Sims and Dany Robin) was its over-produced slapstick finale. Otherwise, Talbot Rothwell has given us a really colorful script. Producer Peter Rogers has loosened the purse strings on this one and even Gerald Thomas has risen to the occasion with direction that can only be described as remarkably proficient.
Review of Carry on Don't Lose Your Head
