CARRY ON LOVING is a surprisingly enjoyable Carry On movie given that the entire script is given over to sexual innuendos and the lowbrow. Sure, there are a few slapstick moments dotted here and there through the film, but this is noticeably more sexualised than all of the other Carry Ons made previously.
The film has a contemporary setting, with Sid James and Hattie Jacques the owners of a wedding agency who aim to set up various hopefuls in wedded bliss. There are shades of CARRY ON REGARDLESS here with the agency setting, but this is very much a film of its era and the 1970s look and feel is priceless. Cast-wise, James and Jacques are solid and enjoyable, but it's the minor players who really shine in this one.
I'm not usually a fan of Terry Scott but his set piece scene in Joan Hickson's house is the highlight here. Imogen Hassall's transformation from prim and proper to alluring sex-pot is highly memorable too - what an incredible-looking actress! Charles Hawtrey bags the second funniest moment with his incident in the gents. Peter Butterworth is limited to a one-scene cameo but makes the very best of it, while Bernard Bresslaw has a wonderful larger-than-life role as a wrestler. It's just a shame that Kenneth Williams had little to do and that Richard O'Callaghan is such a poor replacement for Jim Dale; but then you can't win 'em all.
The film has a contemporary setting, with Sid James and Hattie Jacques the owners of a wedding agency who aim to set up various hopefuls in wedded bliss. There are shades of CARRY ON REGARDLESS here with the agency setting, but this is very much a film of its era and the 1970s look and feel is priceless. Cast-wise, James and Jacques are solid and enjoyable, but it's the minor players who really shine in this one.
I'm not usually a fan of Terry Scott but his set piece scene in Joan Hickson's house is the highlight here. Imogen Hassall's transformation from prim and proper to alluring sex-pot is highly memorable too - what an incredible-looking actress! Charles Hawtrey bags the second funniest moment with his incident in the gents. Peter Butterworth is limited to a one-scene cameo but makes the very best of it, while Bernard Bresslaw has a wonderful larger-than-life role as a wrestler. It's just a shame that Kenneth Williams had little to do and that Richard O'Callaghan is such a poor replacement for Jim Dale; but then you can't win 'em all.