Looking for a good laugh and a break from the daily grind? Look no further than “Carry On Cleo,” the classic British comedy that takes you on a hilarious journey through ancient Rome. This rib-tickling romp follows the misadventures of Hengist Pod, a bumbling slave played by Kenneth Conner, a scheming emperor played by Kenneth Williams as Julius Caesar in the role of his career, and a bevy of beautiful maidens, all brought to life by a talented cast that also includes Sid James as Mark Anthony, and Joan Sims as Caesar’s wife. With its witty dialogue, outrageous characters, and over-the-top slapstick humor, “Carry On Cleo” is a true gem of British cinema that is guaranteed to leave you in stitches. So sit back, relax, and let the laughs roll as you join in on the fun and follies of this riotous Roman romp.
If you’ve never seen a Carry On film before, “Carry On Cleo” is a great place to start. The film is a perfect example of the series’ signature blend of cheeky humor and clever writing, and its historical parody elements make it a fun watch for fans of epics like “Ben-Hur” and “Cleopatra.” The performances are top-notch, with each actor clearly having loads of fun in their role and delivering laughs at every turn. The film is also surprisingly smart, with its satire of power, politics, and gender roles adding a layer of depth to the comedy.
So the next time you’re looking for a good laugh and a break from the daily grind, give “Carry On Cleo” a watch. With its outrageous characters, clever writing, and over-the-top humor, it’s a riotous Roman romp that is sure to leave you in stitches.
The History of the Carry On Films
The Carry On franchise was a British institution from 1958, throughout the 1960s and 1970s up until Carry On Emmannuelle in 1979. There were a total of 31 films between 1958 and 1992 attempt to revive the franchise with Carry On Columbus. The series was known for its bawdy humor, slapstick comedy, and recurring cast of actors, including Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, and Barbara Windsor. The Carry On films were a product of their time, reflecting the changing attitudes of post-war Britain towards sex, class, and gender.
The first Carry On film, “Carry On Sergeant,” was released in 1958 and was a box office success. It was followed by a string of sequels, each with a different setting and cast of characters. The series eventually became known for its historical parodies, including “Carry On Cleo,” “Carry On Henry,” and “Carry On Up the Khyber.” Despite the often-ridiculous plots and low-budget production values, the Carry On films were beloved by audiences and remain cult classics to this day.
Why Carry On Cleo was the Best Comedy of the 1960s
“Carry On Cleo” is widely regarded as one of the best films in the Carry On series, and for good reason. The film is a hilarious spoof of the sword-and-sandal epics that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, such as “Ben-Hur” and “Cleopatra.” The story follows the misadventures of a bumbling slave named Hengist Pod, played by Kenneth Connor, who is mistaken for a gladiator and sent to Rome to fight in the arena. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including the scheming Emperor Julius Caesar, played by Kenneth Williams, and the sultry Queen Cleopatra, played by Amanda Barrie.
What sets “Carry On Cleo” apart from other comedies of the era is its clever writing and talented cast. The film is packed with witty one-liners, double entendres, and outrageous gags, all delivered with impeccable timing by the likes of Sid James, Joan Sims, and Charles Hawtrey. The performances are larger than life, with each actor fully committed to their role, no matter how ridiculous. The result is a film that is both hilarious and surprisingly smart, poking fun at the conventions of historical epics while also celebrating their spectacle and grandeur.
Trivia about Carry On Cleo
- The film was shot on a shoestring budget using leftover sets and costumes from the 1963 epic “Cleopatra.”
- The role of Julius Caesar was originally offered to Peter Sellers, but he turned it down, citing conflicts with other projects.
- The film’s most famous line was “Infamy, Infamy, They’ve All Got It In For Me,” which was said by Kenneth Williams as Caesar and was voted the greatest one-liner in British film history in a 2003 poll
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