james d
I enjoy the older British classics and have always enjoyed the carry on films 31 in total.
It was very funny when it was released back then. Although I think hattie jaques could have had a better role instead of trying to be a Spanish speaking cook.
I doubt very much if it would be as popular made today than back then. But its a good bit of slapstick comedy filled with innuendos
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
03/22/24
Full Review
martin a
A somewhat dated film, tacky in many ways, and sexist. However, the cast are all here and this was the last film with Charles Hawtrey as his alcohol problem had become too difficult to work with.
The film does its funny moments, but it is not one of the best in the series and the focus on non-stop sex lets it down badly
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
andy f
A film of absolute beauty and nostalgia. An all star cast at the top of their game and all clearly loving what they are doing. Brings back memories of yesteryear and equally holidays abroad today (we should be so lucky!). I had tears in my eyes at the end - a film of exquisite perfection depicting a world where things used to be just silly and fun.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
tim s
"Carry On Abroad"sees the regular franchise cast return to go on their holiday. A package holiday to be precise. In 1972 Britain holiday's abroad had just become popular with the masses due to the arrival of cheap charter airlines. Those familiar faces return as they all escape for a long weekend of sun, sea, sand and debauchery. However the Mediterranean resort of Elsbels isn't all that it's cracked up to be, as the hapless holidaymakers are presented with woeful service and an unfinished hotel.
This Carry on film would be the last real popular success before the decline of the franchise and poor box office receipts of the 1970's. By now the formula was tried and tested and the stars familiar with their characters and catch phrases. The introduction of Sally Geeson ( Sid James's T.V. on screen daughter in the long running "Bless This House") and Carol Hawkins added a fresh and vibrant dynamic to the proceedings. Unfortunately Charles Hawtry is sadly underused in what would be his last Carry On film outing. The rest of the cast are in top form delivering the tried and tested comedy in their trademark styles.
Overall "Carry On Abroad"is the last of the funny and well structured Carry On films. It is not to everyone's taste, the humour is a little dated, but the warmth and chemistry of the cast shines through and it still makes you laugh out loud at some of the jokes. It's certainly worth watching to see what the most successful British Comedy film franchise was all about.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
bill t
A really funny Carry On film! One of their best, as the gang go to a resort only to find it half completed. A lot of great gags here. Sort of really collapses in the end though.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Carry On Abroad truly encapsulates the feel-good spirit that made the films such an enduring success. All of the team's favourite regulars are here, as well as some welcome guest stars, making for one of the largest casts put together in a 70s Carry On film. The usual batch of players that are present and clearly on good form are Sid James, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Peter Butterworth, Charles Hawtrey, Babara Windsor, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Connor and Bernard Bresslaw and are joined by Scottish comedian Jimmy Logan and a host of other familiar T.V stars of the day such as June Whitfield, Ray Brooks, Carol Hawkins, Derek Francis, Patsy Rolands, Sally Geeson and John Clive.
Vic (Sid James) and Cora Flange (Joan Sims) join a pack of tourists on a package holiday deal to the Island of Elsbells. Vic's plans had already been mucked up as the holiday was intended to be a dirty weekend with his mistress, Sadie Tomkins (Babara Windsor), but all plans went down the drain after Cora (Joan Sims) decided she'd like to go on holiday to keep an eye on her straying husband. Once all the tourists arrive at their destination, they are astounded to discover that the hotel is only half built and there are no more than three staff members (Peter Buterworth, Hattie Jacques and Ray Brooks). So follows several comic mishaps that are all as predictable as ever yet remains entertaining throughout with a healthy injection of laughs to be endured. There's great fun to be had especially when the gang get arrested and end up spending a night in jail, following a fight that occurred outside a brothel. But its the ending where the film really scores best as the hotel slowly begins collapsing around their ears. Only problem is everyone is too drunk and feeling too amorous to even care. Peter Butterworth manically runs around trying to get everyone to vacate the building but his efforts are blatantly ignored. You can't help thinking of Basil Fawlty in those sequences! The film has a happy ending and the fun sequence where the gang are all reunited and decide to have a lock-in at Vic and Cora's pub is one of the best endings in a Carry On film, firmly holding onto that fine, feel-good spirit which would slowly dissolve from here on.
The cast are all on usual form, though Peter Butterworth and Hattie Jaques are, perhaps, the best players here. They make a Laurel and Hardy-like duo and Jacques in particular is inan unusual role, playing a Spanish, downtrodden and utterly demented cook. The rest of the cast certainly get their moments including Joan Sims in the hilarious umbrella sequence where she and Sid James are suddenly soaked from the roof collapsing during the storm of the last night just when they were planning a bit of "nookie". Priceless stuff! Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey hilariously mince around during the majority of the film, putting in their more familiar characterisations whilst Jimmy Logan is a welcome addition to the cast who provides sparkle in every scene he's in.
All in all, Carry On Abroad was one of the last true great Carry On's. The series was on a slippery slope now and this would also be the last to feature Charles Hawtrey - a much loved regular in the series. Carry On Abroad was one of the greatest of all the 1970's Carry On's and proved to be another big smash hit at the Box Office. Great fun. Recommended.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
Full Review
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