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Ratings4.3K
alexanderdavies-99382's rating
Reviews699
alexanderdavies-99382's rating
"Carry On Regardless" is one of the most loosely plotted in the entire franchise. There's only a basic outline: Sid James is advertising his new business of "Helping Hands" and can't attract any potential employees. Suddenly, a rush of several people storm his office looking for work. They are all hired on the spot. That's it, as far as story is concerned. The film is focused on the various misadventures of all the employees: Kenneth Connor believing he's been engaged on a mission involving spies and espionage (an affectionate tribute to "The 39 Steps"); Charles Hawtrey attempting to be a boxer as a last minute replacement. But it's Kenneth Williams who comes off best. He has some hilarious experiences, including being a babysitter to a chimpanzee, acting as a translator during a domestic argument etc. He was in his element and manages to steal the film.
I'm not surprised Frankie Howerd didn't fully succeed in films, judging by this rubbish! "Jumping for Joy" has Howerd cast as a slow-witted employee for a London dog track. Predictably, our hapless hero gets himself into all kinds of mischief - which is embarrassing to look at. The biggest problem with this film is the script. Rarely have I come across such abominable dialogue. It is unfunny on a chronic scale. From the opening few minutes, it's clear the film is doomed. In addition, the plot suffers as well as the narrative. At a running time of 88 minutes, the pace really drags until it feels as though I'm stuck with a ball and chain. The supporting cast are wasted. What must they have been thinking??
"A Man Called Shenandoah" is unjustly overlooked, amongst the Western shows made during the 1960s. One interesting aspect, is the way the protagonist is presented as vulnerable. The episode "Run Killer Run" is typical of this. Shenandoah (Robert Horton) works as a foreman at a wharf, whilst trying to trace his real identity. Unknown to him, there's a bounty on his head. A professional gunslinger (Leonard Nimoy) has come to collect. The writing and acting are great. We have more idea what Shenandoah was like, via a flashback scene based before the attack that rendered him amnesic. Sally Kellerman is on hand as the love interest, hoping this man with a mysterious past shall stay and settle down. For a 30 minute show, there's plenty going on. This isn't one of your usual gunfighting, horse chasing productions. The emphasis is on character and drama.