Final Part, Carry On Darkly

Final part of the 1998 Channel 4 documentary "Carry On Darkly".
... Posted the whole programme by request, in 6 parts. ;-)

[@carbonnieferrous2689]

Ken Russel was a sad old man who always felt he was underappreciated and who died shortly after this was made. 13 years later people still love the Carry On movies probably more so than when this crap was made and very few people will ever remember who Russel was.

[@Karliene]

Oh my god, is he kidding? Carry On films weren't crap, i've been watching them since I was a wee tot, ( I watched Cleo a million times ) and even now, at 28, if I feel sick or a bit sad I'll get out my carry on collection and treat myself to an afternoon of good old comfy, seaside comedy. Kenneth Williams, Sid James and Babs, I just love them. They continue to make me laugh again and again, how is that crap? There not even from my generation so that's pretty amazing staying power.

[@Sol-Cutta]

You wrote what a lot of us think..you are completely correct..if I were to count up the amount of times Ive watched a particular carry on then 500 times each would not be anywhere near exaggerating..

[@chrisevans5259]

Bet ken Russell wish his films gained a fraction of the longevity and fondness that the Carry-on films are still remembered to this day.

[@simonprice243]

Ah, Kenneth Russell - now what does Wikipedia say about him?: 'In the late-1980s, Russell directed the music video for "It's All Coming Back to Me Now", a song written and produced by Jim Steinman for his Pandora's Box project. The production featured a range of erotic imagery, including studded bras and spiked codpieces.' POT, KETTLE, BLACK!

[@Pisti846]

I've just discovered the Carry On films and think they are a hoot. Ken Russel is a pretentious twit. Nothing wrong with some silly, escapist humor. A good laugh to forget the troubles of the day. I live real life, movies are entertainment. Thank you Kenneth, Charles and Hattie for giving people such belly laughs! The sad thing is that so many of the stars had such unhappy lives.

[@JAY-lo3sx]

I love them all and all ways will. I have so much love and affection for each and every one of the cast members. Would so much liked to have met sid James and Kenith Williams. Kenith was an Absolute genius. I love them all. Thank you for the joy and laughter it all ways warms my heart to see and hear them. 🇬🇧

[@casualgamers6020]

It is heritage ,. It was all absolutely second to none. How could anyone in their right mind say "crap"? The cast and the films will always be on a pedestal and there they shall stay.

[@steffywoo1]

when you see how sad these stars were in real life its heart breaking considering how many they've made laugh and still laugh to this day rip to all the comic genius's mentioned here you had so much more talent than you knew

[@kazakhseven]

Ken Russell is wrong as the carry on films, in my opinion were some of the funniest ever, they are classics.

[@tonywhee]

I agree Ken I love these movies, and still watch them today.

[@GEricG]

It's subjective anyway. He's just being a grumpy snob.

[@Syklonus]

How can you say that Ken is wrong, and then claim a matter of opinion for yourself? ALL film, music, and art is subjective, so there is no wrong or right. Stop being so butthurt.

[@rnw2739]

@@Syklonus Can easily say that moron was wrong as he stated that "People who laugh at the Carry Ons are the sort of people who laugh at those less fortunate than themselves" as though it was fact. Absolute bollocks so take your pathetic American sayings and get f***ed.

[@EEWW2006]

every Carry on film is a small time capsule from the period, right from the very beginning of the series. No, its not Ben Hur, no it isn't Gone with the Wind, its a Carry on film. Does what it says on the lobby card, does it very well. As a famous producer once said to Peter Rogers "Hello Peter, you still making the same old crap", to which he replied "If you consider money to be crap, then the answer is Yes" Carry on forever!

[@Loverboy19691]

The Carry on films most certainly capture a time that has sadly gone as the world has changed so much, if they made a new Carry on film now like I heard they're going to it would feel like a completely different film all together, complete with foul language and scenes that leaves nothing to the imagination and not the innuendo's that the classic films were.

[@albaproductions9602]

At the end Ken Russell says they are crap, well Ken some of your productions won't go down in cinematography history will they. You are forgetting the first rule of show business ken.

[@scottb4697]

So Ken Russell thinks the carry ons are crap? This is the man responsible for Lair of the white worm.

[@LALakersNornIron]

Bar Amanda Donohoe who as always gave her best you are correct the film is a load of rubbish

[@adriandavidson1110]

It does not matter what these great characters did in their private life, it is what they created on screen that should be remembered and honoured. when you look a the state of programming on TV or the remakes the big screen no one has ever come close to or even measured up to the feel good factor these films and the era in which they were created have given us.

[@MsFanmail]

god bless the carry on stars not with us anymore

[@gamewizard7562]

The Carry On films are definitely NOT crap. They are genius. Some of the later ones like England, Emmanuelle and Columbus, weren't as good, but as for the ones before they were some of the best comedy films to come out of Britain during that time period.

[@michaelfozzard4122]

They brought us so much pleasure all of them as a child of the 70s ! It’s such a shame some of them had deep troubles and some died so young god rest them all and thank you all ! May you rest in peace !

[@richardl772]

Two Carry On images that will stay with me for ever.......’Infamy infamy they’ve all got it in for me’ and Amanda Barrie as Cleopatra taking a bath. Ah, the memories.....

[@EvilCensor]

I would say that Ken Russell has contributed more to the decline of British Cinema by the 1980s than the Carry On movies did.

[@colinwestwood921]

Sid. Kenneth. Bernard. Peter. Ken. All the carry on stars. God bless. I watch them all over and over again. They were a part of me growing up. 👍🙌

[@visornet24]

Carry On's are Masterpieces.

[@Idol2Idol]

Carry On's are certainly not crap and they are a part of British culture. They're not meant to be heavy or serious they are there to provide humour. Even though they did have a lot of innuendo they were much funnier than a lot of comedy films or shows now that are just crude and shocking to make up for a lack of material. The Carry On's were much better than the rubbish Ken Russell made over the years.

[@henguspod3899]

the carry on films were a good laugh and a big part of british comedy

[@ianthomas1724]

Ken Russell, the so called crap that you are referring to will be remembered for longer with fondness which is more than the boring drivel that you have produced, The Carry on films made me laugh through my childhood and youth along with millions of other people. Your films; I'll probably be yawning within the first five minutes.

[@rockie0708]

I know right ? What a bitter old bigot he really is. I'm 26 and I can't imagine my childhood without the carry on's. I love them. Make me laugh so much. Who let this moron airtime to slate the carry on's.

[@rnw2739]

Completely agree mate, This is the imbecile that made such sickening shit as 'The Devils', simply shocking for shock sake and has the front to criticise the Carry On's.

[@rockie0708]

Exactly. What a tool.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I can't name a single one of Ken Russell's films. Mind you, he probably has not seen any of mine either, so that makes us equal.

[@Prisoner_of_Gravity]

I totally agree. This similar to the debate, with The Simpsons and the problem with apu. Just because it contained things that are inappropriate today, they want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

[@johnlavery6116]

My favourite..Carry on Cabby..a time capsule... looking back to my school days

[@BNCA70]

in answer to the "why don't we stand up and say it's crap question" etc....I think the reason the films are so popular with me (I'm 40) is that I grew up knowing those faces. So while everyone on TV, in the cinema and even my life changed as the yearswent by - these same old smiling faces were always there. Same goes for Dad's Army, Are You Being Served, Rising Damp etc. Familiarity. That's my theory anyhow!

[@QuorkEx]

"The reclusive comic actor... died alone". Well, if someone is reclusive, that sort of thing does tend to happen. Some amazing "insights" in this mockumentary.

[@gordontaylor5373]

Charles Hawtrey was WAY too thin! No living man should ever be as thin as that!

[@markgbullen]

Well said Sir! Carry on Camping/Cleo/Kyber/Screaming certainly aren't crap!

[@ThePeterBluth]

Sid James died with his boots on. For an actor, that's dying on stage. It's not a great way to die, but I can think of worse and more undignified ways to go.

[@tobyaughnotobi3919]

Loved em and always will. To me they are as British as a fry up and crap weather. RIP the Carry On team ❤

[@gordontaylor5373]

When the part about Charles Hawtrey comes on, the wife of a friend of mine used to serve him when she worked as a barmaid in Deal. She says he wasn't very pleasant. And the bit about his house catching fire - he was in actual fact with a teenage boy at that time

[@slyph63]

I can't think of a film off hand of your's Mr Russell that I actually like so what does that say about you. I like Carry On's because they take me back to my youth. They are a part of our history and the funniest ever, and this is official, comes from Carry on Cleo. "Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me." This is part of British humor. Some is slap stick and silly one liners, toilet humor and irony. Personally Ken I can move on from your movies without a second thought.

[@realfingertrouble]

I think Ken is annoyed more people saw Carry Up The Khyber than The Devils...

[@FishOnTwoWheels]

The only crap in all this is Ken Russell

[@kawaiifluff2025]

Wtf it's not crap it's my childhood it's where we get our dry crude sense of humor now it's all too open nothing to the imagination carry ons were the lingerie of British comedy just enough flesh to not be horribly vulgar but still elements of naughtiness lol

[@Syklonus]

Why? Because he has a different opinion to you? That's pretty weak and snowflakey of you.

[@rnw2739]

@@Syklonus Nope... because the conceited snob makes assumptions about the people who find them funny and states them as if fact.

[@dotandgrahamxxxx4487]

Loved the carry. On. Films

[@nervo6321]

I have only fond memories of the Carry on films.....still funny today....

[@Red-Revolution708]

I loved the guy and so did millions of other youngsters and men did and he was a great guy in real life also .

[@Hilux5972]

Who does ken Russell think he is? The carry ons are British heritage. They are not crap and they will live forever

[@neilforbes416]

Ken Russell is CRAP! The Carry-On movies were roll-on-the-floor-laugh-out-loud hilarious and can still raise a laugh even after repeated viewings......And THAT is the hallmark of TRUE COMEDY!

[@ThePuppi3000]

Why do they keep going on about Sid being in his early 60s chasing 25 year-olds. Barbara Windsor was in her late 30s/early 40s by 1974. Hardly a 25 year-old.

[@derekhorne8076]

Let's not forget that Baba herself is married to a man much younger than her, or is it ok for a woman but not for a man? Anyway, age really doesn't matter as long as two grown adults live each other

[@noelmajers6369]

Barbara Windsor (born 1937) was 27 when she did her first Carry On film and was 37 in 1974 when she did Carry on Dick. Hardly an ingenue and rather poor research here....

[@Syklonus]

You seriously think that it was only Babs that he was chasing?

[@dotandgrahamxxxx4487]

The best. Lines. Ever. In for me. In for. Me. They all go it. In for. Me

[@davidcassidy9116]

In for me, in for me, they've all got it in for me. Get it right!

[@Cherlippy]

Very true - Ken Russell is entitled to his opinion but whether he is talking out his backside or with sense, I ask this: how titles of Carry Ons films can you recall and how many of his films/works can you recall, and I would suggest the one with the least recalled titles is the ones that should labelled as 'crap, let's dump it, we can do better things and would rather forget it". ;-\

[@MsFullheart]

This is 1 of the most real documentaries Ive seen though!

[@BritishComedyUK69]

lol Love it

[@TriciaSenior25557]

I loved the Carry on films as a child, I still do. They made me laugh, and still do. Yes, they are 'saucy' but at least not full of profanity. The Carry on stars are still recognised and remembered long after their deaths..........who's the white haired old codger at the end of the film? He's not even remotely interesting 🙄

[@rnw2739]

The nonentity that was Ken Russell. Made the most grotesque, repulsive and sick films about lesbian nuns and bestiality. The Carry Ons are and always will be, remembered fondly and that frazzle-haired, fat idiots pathetic, shock value efforts are utterly forgotten.

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

i did, and i just skipped through the whole thing again looking for him. cant see him anywhere in it

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

i did watch it, and i just rewatched parts skipping through trying to find him anywhere at all. Where is he? I checked IMDB and it says he is in it, but his wikipedia page makes no mention of it.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

For those of us watching this, it is hard to see how anyone would want a 'better role'. However when one sees Kenneth Williams, there is something of the Shakespearian actor in him, the way he speaks off screen and I can understand how he must he have felt when doing the silly voices when he yearned for something more 'serious'.

[@danielwoodhouse8720]

There is some great british tradition of something being so cack/crap that it actually ends up being so good perhaps some people miss the point that the carry-ons were never ment to be "serious" acting.

[@johnking5174]

1:57 - I have to take issue here, Sid would never want to die just because of Barbara. Sid had four children who he loved and adored, as well as Val his wife. You really think Sid wanted to die and leave behind his children who he doted on and loved, and he also loved Val too. Come on!

[@charlottebruce979]

Read Barbara's autobiography he was besotted with her and wanted Barbara and him to be together. He said if they couldn't be together he'd be dead within 18 months and he was. He was prepared to leave his wife and children for her, but Barbara put an end to it as he was too controlling and jealous.

[@rnw2739]

@@charlottebruce979 She would say that though, wouldn't she. Funny how she makes no mention about the true extent if her promiscuity and seven abortions...

[@slyph63]

But I am adding this. Carry on Behind, Emmanuelle, and England should never have been included in the series. They really were rubbish. But Cleo, Screaming, Nurse, sergeant, Constable, Teacher, and so on were great. Cruising is my favorite. Cabby had an interesting little story with it concerning the battle of a the sexes.

[@MsFullheart]

its the british seaside humour and underdogs are still celebrated in Britain not many would agree with ken!

[@md-thecleverandplayful4597]

Ken Russell oh my god, can you imagine being in his company, how dare he say that people have no right to. Laugh... at crap!!!

[@PhflyDan1]

They are for ME! And my 7 year old daughter, who LOVES them...

[@abips2011]

“This is crap; let’s dump it” and “We can do better things; this isn’t British Heritage” is rather extreme from a man that gave us ‘The Lair of the White Worm’ and some very poor films of little merit! Long after Mr Russell’s films have been forgotten, Carry On films will continue to be bought, watched and enjoyed by many people besides which, he is wrong; the Carry On collection is an integral part of British Comedy and film history, to dismiss it as ‘crap’ is inaccurate and elitist arrogance.

[@robertparkes4982]

I love Carry on's..........British vulgarity at its best....................

[@gamewizard7562]

What's ironic is the earliest films weren't very vulgar at all and still managed to be good. They needn't necessarily have gone that route at all.

[@Jonathanbegg]

You've got Barbara Windsor's age ten years younger than she was. But even at that, she was still much too young for the clapped-out Sid James.

[@rnw2739]

You reckon? By the time she was 30 she'd put her minge about so much it must have been absolutely battered and gaping.

[@EBOWARRIOR]

I love you.

[@mikeperkins15]

Who is the old.guy with the white hair who says carry one are crap. Carry on screaming is a classic British movie. If any one is crap dear it's you!!!

[@U2QuoZepplin]

What does Ken Russel know about anything: in fact I think it might be a case of , What did Ken Russel know about anything; i.e. past tense coz I don't think he's around anymore. He probably went around the same sort of time as the last few greats of the Carry On family. We've only got the younger stars left now and I think they're all pretty old too.

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

the old man at the end isnt russell t davies, its Ken Russell

[@paulclayton8904]

Russell T Davies & Russell Davies are 2 different people. Russell Davies is in this doc. Russell T Davies brought back the Doctor Who's.

[@rederic2004]

@EccentricElectric1 I agree, although it's Ken Russell.

[@bensimps123]

@EccentricElectric1 that isnt ken loach at the end

[@EBOWARRIOR]

I love fishing lol sometimes it takes a while but someone always bites hahahh

[@sah10406]

@EccentricElectric1 It's Ken Russell, not Ken Loach!

[@SSCFPA]

While Ken Russel did have a point, you are bound to think, but from HIM? His early well regarded films were a distant memory by the time this doc was made, in fact no one would stump up any cash by the late 1990's for any of his projects. To see why, you might want to search on You Tube for one of his from 1988, 'The Lair Of The White Worm'. Like Carry On it's funny, just unintentionally so.

[@bowler8]

@EccentricElectric1 It's ken russell not ken loach

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

whats that about russell t davies? he wasnt in this documentary at all u mean ken russell? he had nothing to do with doctor who

[@stellaashker1]

But they ARE a part of British heritage!! It was a group marriage made in heaven!!!

[@woohooboy]

I get what Kenneth Russell is saying. These movies are filled with low brow, cliche ridden humour with a repetitive stream of stereotypical characters, catchphrases and situations. The men in these films are horny hound dogs/campy mamas boys and the women are objects of lust or forever starved of male affection. For their time they did their job and entertained audiences with laughter but nowadays, they come across as a relic from a bygone era. Much like blackface humour, the "Carry On" films belong to the past. Add to the fact that many of the cast members led such unhappy personal lives and came to rather lonely ends gives these movies an even sadder tone.

[@TheYUMMYCHLOE]

ken russell. how dare u slag off the carry on films. who does he think he is. i've seen his films & they WERE CRAP!! so he has nothing to harp on about!!!!!!!

[@jessiejames7492]

is barbara windsor the only remaining actor from the carry on series?

[@derekhorne8076]

No there are still some. Jim Dale is still with us as are some of those that only appeared in a few films like Leslie Philips, June Whitfield and Amanda Barrie as well as the younger 'dolly birds' such as Jackie Piper etc. That said, of the MAJOR stars of the series then I believe Babs and Jim Dale are the last ones

[@MrMotstoor]

What's ken Russell's problem iconic British films lost their way with England, Emmanuelle but films like carry on screaming are true classic and should be respected, not reduced to "crap"

[@markt1387]

So many inaccuracies in this mockumentary.

[@tonychuter4830]

Just found out ken Russell is dead RIP SIR but I still stand by my comment

[@EBOWARRIOR]

OK so who is John Swanson and why was this classed as televised by Russel T Davies.? Go back through the video and listen to what he says and who he says it about.

[@EBOWARRIOR]

Erm he was in this doc? Did you actually watch this doc all the way through before commenting?

[@uncreativeranter]

i thought the carry ons were the funniest comedies ever. Of course the main cast came from Hancock's half hour like Sid & Kenneth and Hattie & there were some classic politically incorrect moments which is so refreshing in this staid PC world we are forced to live in today.

[@xvlaarbruch]

Well done I quite agree with you . Supercilious old fart, another luvie no doubt , should keep his piousness comments to himself. Carry ons are a British tradition & I think that we are mostly all better of for having them around, They were spot on for there time.

[@jackbrown4130]

1:24 Where?

[@EBOWARRIOR]

Lol how many times did you actually go back through the vid? Doubting yourself lol?

[@marcusmorrison3292]

June Whitfield has a great life as did Kenneth Connor and Babs Windsor so it's not all gloom is it FFS.

[@druss69harad61]

It never tried to be pc.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

I also think that people who call Carry on Movies, Vulgarity are using the wrong words. It's Seaside Postcard Humour; risqué or naughty is the term. Vulgarity and words like that don't belong in the same sentence unless you're a narrow minds prude with your nose stuffed up the wrong end of something or other. Incidentally some of the language in the comments here is over stepping the mark a bit. By all means be passionate about your argument but using the sort of profanity that you would never hear in a carry on film is just losing the argument before you've even started.

[@jarradjones2235]

I'm not sure you can say it was obvious Thar Kenny killed himself

[@StephenDBurge-in5qi]

Best crap in the world 😇

[@talcumpowder1000]

The tragic lives are that of the commentators

[@fredwall5504]

)

[@dersinghampault]

See my comment - Ebowarrior is confusing Russell Davies with Russell T Davies

[@dersinghampault]

You have got totally confused between Russell Davies (broadcaster, journalist, editor of the Kenneth Williams Diaries, who IS in this programme) and Russell T Davies, the producer of Doctor Who. Please check first before accusing others (in this case SnoocheeBoochees) of mistakes.

[@Glassgirl2009]

The carry on's were the best films made in britain, but unfortunately because of the narrow minded attitude of modern society where you're too scared to breath heavily for fear of someone claiming descrimination. These films are no longer acceptible, which is completely wrong!!!

[@druss69harad61]

Its very poignant just now

[@NickRowsell]

Just a reactionary ole queen winding up the proles . . . and thats Ken Russell by the way . . . Savage Messiah is the bollocks mind and well worth checking out.

[@rnw2739]

'Savage Messiah' is absolute shit. Pretentious drivel only enjoyed by simpletons who think that smelly bitch, Tracey Emmin, is an artist.

[@bowler8]

Ken Russells movies aren't any better

[@EBOWARRIOR]

Erm i am ending this conversation, just watch the full doc please and please do not reply to me.

[@davidcassidy9116]

Don't put your opinions on a public forum then, if you don't want a response.

[@EBOWARRIOR]

Didnt realize Russel T Davies was a horrible small minded individual, still like his dr who reboot though. The carry on films entertained throughout my childhood years into my adult years and i will always watch them over and over year in and year out. Except Columbus which i really tried to like but then the end music just nearly made me smash my tv off the wall :(

[@abbamanic]

Who was that muppet at the end? A Guardian 'culture' editor? His comments are utter garbage for the reason his politics are probably also-he has absolutely nothing in common with the majority of other people. What does he watch, the latest incomprehensible self indulgent dross from say Philip Glass?Many many do like the Carry Ons; if some of the actors didnt like making them, and illiberal left luvvies think theyre crap, then quite frankly tough luck. They brighten peoples lives, no one should have to apologise for that.

[@JonYuill]

Comparing Ken Russell films with the Carry On franchise is just daft - they're totally different genres. But I think Ken might be missing the point here, as well as being mealy mouthed. Of course they're crap. That's the point. The acting, the sets, the scripts, the gags. But that's why we love them. And I'd imagine they'll still be talked about decades after any of Ken's work.

[@Goethefemme]

Why are we looking at these talking heads?

[@dancingovaries]

Him at the end also made some so called crap films as well as he thought i wonder what i,ll Russell up for people to watch naked nuns Kisangani buns and all that its funny how easy it is to criticise for that which lots of people left there crap lives at the door of the cinema for an hour and a half of silly laughter i call that a great idea