Carry on Jack

I do like the Carry On films in general, and while Jack is not the best, it is still amusing. I have to admit I do prefer Cleo, Screaming and Khyber, but I do think it is better than Columbus, England and Emmanuelle, which I consider the nadirs of the series. Jack does have its problems, it does have a thin story, some of the pacing isn't as secure as it could have been and I do miss Joan Sims, Sidney James and Hattie Jaques. However, the film looks great, great costumes and sets, and while never absolutely hilarious it is amusing enough. And the acting is fairly good, Charles Hawtrey almost steals the show, Kenneth Williams isn't given as much to do but he is good, Jim Dale's is small but he is hilarious, Juliet Mills is pleasant (and has a great derriere), while Bernard Cribbins is very likable. Overall, not outstanding but worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox

On his deathbed, Nelson calls for a larger British Navy, a point that the Admiralty agree on. Problem is that they have limited men left – a problem that leads to them finally allowing Albert Poop-Decker to pass out despite him having failed consistently for the past 8 years. However a visit to a house of ill-repute sees him knocked out by Sally and his uniform stolen; things get worse when he is then picked up by a pressgang and taken to the very ship that he was meant to be serving on. He can't even get his job back, because Sally has dressed as him and has taken his place convincingly. While Albert tries to cope with this, he unwittingly finds a plot by First Officer Jonathon Howett to remove Captain Fearless from command of the Venus.

I'm not entirely what to make of the decision to show this film on the day also taken to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (28th June 2005) but I decided to watch it anyway. Notable for being the first time that the Carry On series went for a full on historical setting with full costumes this film isn't really notable for anything else. Lacking many of the regulars, the material is not as funny as it could have been as it aims for a broad spoof that lacks enough clever lines to be considered a strong entry in the series. This is not to say that it is not amusing because, like many of the series, it is broadly entertaining in a very basic way and is fun if you like the series – just don't expect to be bowled over by it.

The lack of the regulars is a bit of a problem but the film soldiers on regardless. Williams is enjoyable as Fearless, delivering his usual performance to good effect. Cribbins takes on the role usually played by Jim Dale (who turns up in a minor role) and does it reasonably well. Mills is quite good looking but not much else and she looks like a man in exactly the same way that Brittany Spears doesn't. Houston and Herbert provide some gruff support and do well despite not providing any laughs. Hawtrey is his usual self again to good effect.

Overall not a great film or a great entry in the series but it is broadly amusing and will please fans of the series. A few more regulars and a lot sharper and wittier lines would have made it much better but it is what it is and I guess you'll already know if you'll like it or not before you watch it.

Winsome bar wench Sally (Juliet Mills) steals the identity of bumbling midshipman Albert Poop-Decker (Bernard Cribbins), taking his place aboard frigate HMS Venus in the hope of sailing to France to find her missing sweetheart Roger. Meanwhile, the real Albert is press-ganged into service on the same ship, but no-one will believe his unlikely story.

The mere thought of the lovely Juliet Mills being able to pass for a man is, of course, utterly ridiculous (reminding me of a similarly silly episode of Blackadder), but despite this preposterous conceit, the notable absence of many of the series' major players, and a lack of any truly classic gags, I can't help but enjoy this movie. With its well-realised period setting, Miss Mills obvious charms (she looks great even posing as a man), Jim Dale's brief but hilarious turn as a money-grabbing sedan chair operative, and some of the scurviest pirates ever to set sail for the seven seas, this rousing Carry On tale is still good for a Yo Ho Ho!

Carry On Jack is directed by Gerald Thomas and written by Talbot Rothwell. It stars Bernard Cribbins, Kenneth Williams, Juliet Mills, Charles Hawtrey, Donald Houston & Percy Herbert. It's the 8TH of the popular film franchise that would eventually finish at 31.

Albert Poopdecker (Cribbins) is all set to finally take up assignment on HMS Venus when he loses his uniform in a house of ill repute. Press ganged the next day onto the Venus, nobody believes him and he is forced to serve his time on board as a menial worker. However, there's mutiny afoot and Albert soon finds himself at the centre of all sorts of misunderstandings.

Not one from the series that is name checked by fans or critics, Carry On Jack is a little better than its reputation suggest it is. It's also a very important entry in the Carry On pantheon,for it was the first time Rothwell, the man who shaped the series, would be in sole charge of writing. It's also the first venture into historical parody, from where the series would get its best ideas and promptly make the best film's of the run. This one clearly revels in sending up Mutiny On The Bounty, HMS Defiant (using some of the same sets from that production) and the Hornblower writings. The absence of Sid James is very much felt since piracy and mutiny appear to be themes you would think suited him. But no Barbara Windsor is not an issue here, simply because there's only one female role of note, and Mills attacks it with gusto and delivers a fine performance. Cribbins, too, is full of life and raises enough laughs as he plays off of the reliable Hawtrey.

Not overtly smutty or as manic as some of the other historical parodies that followed it, Carry On Jack is a fun and tidy time filler. 6/10

This Carry ON looks very impressive. The sets, the scenery and the costumes are first rate. It is also well written although I must say I did not find it very funny, there are not that many laughs but kids I think will love it.I have found it interesting that the carry on movies are no longer as funny as I recalled them as a child. The slap stick in the movie seems very much geared to kids. Australian audiences are in for a special treat when they see one of this country's most loved actors, the great Ed Devereaux as Hook, the pirate. He was in a few Carry on movies but in this one he has a rather lovely cameo. He also is clearly having a ball hamming it up... something this fine actor rarely, if ever did. There are fine actors in the movie such as Donald Huston who puts on a star turn. Then in an all too brief appearance there is the great Cecil Parker. England's great actor brings a great deal of class to the movie.Of course Hawtrey and Williams are as much fun as always but there are many new faces. This is a great idea because it added a bit of variety to the series. Its nice to have a change.Jim Dale has a small appearance and the "taxi" gag (Flintstones inspired?) is cute rather than funny. Juliet Mills is utterly delightful and as always does a great job in the film.Of course its really pushing the boundaries of belief that the crew actually thought she was a bloke. She made another light comedy called Nurse on Wheels... wish it was available on DVD. The real star of the movie is the great Bernard Cribbens who is absolutely brilliant. Cribbens was a great talent and so much better than the awful Kenneth Connor who was the weakest link in all the Carry on movies. Its lovely not to have him in Jack.