This is another Carry On film I was keen to see  I dont recall seeing this one ever before, amazingly  but this one let me down! Even the usually wonderful Sid James and Hattie Jacques couldnt save it for me. I now think that the earlier films in this otherwise great comedy series can fall a bit flat  theyre not as cheeky, somehow. Somethings missing! I dont claim to have seen every Carry On ever made, but Ive seen lots, and I dont ever recall James and Jacques as husband and wife, which they are in this, and it doesnt work for me. I am now going to avoid the black & white Carry Ons, but I sure dont speak for anyone else. The worst of these are probably still better than a lot of other modern comedies, dated though they are. Others may love this comparatively thoughtful take on the battle of the sexes, despite the predictable stereotypes that predominate, and Ive just realised that this film could possibly be the first and only attempt at a feminist Carry On! Given that these fantastically corny films spanned a twenty-year period in British comedy history (between 1958  1978) and produced thirty films, theres no denying their popularity when originally released, and theyre bound to touch upon the social preoccupations of the times. This film, made in 1963, could arguably be said to reflect the growing social impact of a feminist consciousness  in its own inimitable style, of course!

The story revolves around a local London cab company, and its owner, Charlie (Sid James) who is verging on the workaholic, and who constantly promises to spend quality time with his long-suffering wife, Peggy (Hattie Jacques), but of course never manages it. Increasingly resentful, she enlists the help of a couple of girlfriends and hatches a secret plan to establish her own rival cab company  with one powerful advantage; attractive women drivers! Lustful male customers desert Charlies previously thriving cab company in droves, and every dirty trick he employs to put his competition out of business backfires. All the while Peggy manages to hide the fact that she is the driving force behind it all  or does she? Ill leave the rest up to potential viewer curiosity  will the guilt of causing her husbands increasing distress drive her to reveal the truth? Will he discover the truth? Can they work in harmony? Will their marriage survive the betrayal of trust?

Although I still dont think this is one of the best, I realise that I want a consistently lighthearted, saucy banter from my Carry Ons, and this doesnt really fit the mould, so Ive rated it accordingly. By the way, dont be fooled into thinking that all the recently released Carry On films are the more classic colour films. Many arent, so CHECK the DVD covers carefully if youre not buying a specific title. Use the internet to find the specific titles you actually want. The only place where Ive found by far the most comprehensive list of classic Carry Ons is on amazon UK (surprise, surprise), but be aware of the cost in Aussie dollars  including delivery - if you cant wait for the Australian release. Im cynical  it may never happen, especially when they release what I see as the inferior versions FIRST! I could speculate further, but wont.

THE EXTRAS

Apart from chapter selection, there are no extras. English language only, no subtitle options.

No stars

CONCLUSION

I dont think this is one of the best offerings from the great British Carry On series (that spans over twenty years, and thirty films). Still  its an interesting one, as it may possibly be the only comparatively feminist Carry On ever made! Its certainly also one of the earlier ones. Shot in black and white, Sid James and Hattie Jacques star in this comparatively thoughtful look at the battle of the sexes. I truly believe both actors have seen much better films in this series, but I cant speak for all fans, and Ill bet there are loads of them out there. Mono sound sucks, but 5.1 would be wasted  gimme STEREO at least! Extras? Theres no such thing, sadly. Even the poorer examples in this series are really quite decent compared to some of the crap out there today. Anyone who truly understands the quirky joys of British comedy at its corny best will be happy with these recent releases. These films reflect a DISTINCT period in the history of British comedy, undeniably. If you get it, you get it, if not, watch Friends and be happy.