La folle croisière

I'm a Yank who's always loved British comedy and I'm sorta amazed that the reputation of this series never really traveled over to this side of the pond.

I haven't seen all of the Carry Ons, but of the ones I've enjoyed, Cruising stands out. I'm not sure why it doesn't get the love of the later films. Maybe it's because it's a relatively laid-back affair with a breezy sense of humor that never really sinks into toilet jokes or smutty double entendres.

Some say that Sid and Kenneth are underused - my opinion is that they're like a dash of cayenne pepper in the mix. A little dab'll do ya! I miss Charles Hawtrey but Lance Percival is hilarious. The color works well and the sets are very elaborate, especially the shot when the camera pans down into the ship's swimming pool. I showed this one to my girlfriend (who generally doesn't like older movies) and she was laughing out loud the whole time.

There seems to be a minority who rate this entry highly. For my money this one's better than Cleo and Cowboy...maybe not as good as Screaming. Just my 2 cents.

I enjoyed Carry on Carry on Cruising, but I don't consider it one of the better entries. The story is pretty basic, some parts aren't as funny as others and this film could have done with a Barbara Windsor, a Hattie Jaques or a Jim Dale. It looks great though, and the score is nice and quirky. While there is nothing absolutely hilarious, some dialogue is funny and there are some decent gags. The acting is good if nothing more than that. Sidney James and Kenneth Williams are both underused but they do a fine enough job with what they have, though James does appear somewhat more subdued here. Kenneth Connor is amusing here, Liz Fraser is pleasant enough and Dilys Lane is good too. Overall, unexceptional but charming and pretty entertaining. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Although missing some of the regular cast members (Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey), this Carry On is one of the better ones in the series. The script is sharp with some great gags deftly delivered by the ensemble. Sid James plays the experienced Captain of a cruise liner in charge of a crew with some inexperienced new recruits. This is the perfect setup for a series of disasters and the film duly delivers. Cruising is one of the earlier Carry Ons (first in colour) and maybe because of this, everyone seems fresh and on top of their game. The editing complements the script and the cast seem to have an energy which sometimes flags later in the series. The newer cast members keep the mix interesting and stand out performances from the wonderful Esma Cannon, Kenneth Williams (shower scene !) and Sid James combine to produce one of the definitive Carry Ons.

Before the 'Carry On' series had busty Barbara Windsor and more than a subtle touch of the bawdy about it, this funny example took to sea with some of the regulars (the crumpled Sid James, the priceless Kenneth Williams, and boggle-eyed Kenneth Connor). With the wonderful Esma Cannon getting tiddled in the bar, and Lance Percival as a disgustingly inventive cook, it couldn't miss.

The best bits by a long way include Connor's clumsy courtship of Liz Fraser; alongside Williams' stilted and self-righteous officer, all nostrils and hardly-hidden indignation. Very funny, as most of the 'Carry Ons' were.

There's something wonderfully fresh, cheery and bright about Carry on Cruising. 1962 gave us the first Carry on Film in colour, and it does feel different to the early Black and White entries.

It's slightly cheekier in several ways, we're not talking Carry on Behind, but it does have its moments, that naught, picture postcard brand of humour is just about starting.

It worries me that repeats have dried up, as has comedy, some of the reviews.....you'd wonder if people have any sort of sense of humour.

For me the addictive element is the diminutive Australian actress Esma Cannon, who is hilarious, a total joy from start to finish, the drunken scene between her and Dilys Laye is side splitting. The usuals are on great form, Sid and Kenny contrast well, it is missing Joan, Charles and Hattie, but there are enough lovely performances to make it enjoyable, Liz Fraser and Dilys Laye in particular are utterly lovely.

A nice film for all the family to sit down and enjoy.

7/10.