Introduction Carry On Cleo
"Carry On Cleo", released in 1964, is a British comedy film that belongs to the long-running "Carry On" series of films produced by Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors. The series, which began in 1958 with "Carry On Sergeant", was known for its slapstick humor and innuendos, often poking fun at various aspects of British life. The film itself is a parody of ancient history and mythology, specifically the legend of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. It tells the story of Hengist Pod (Kenneth Williams), an Egyptian high priest who falls in love with the beautiful Cleo (Sue Lloyd) and becomes embroiled in a series of misunderstandings and misadventures. The film was directed by Gerald Thomas, one of the most prolific directors of the "Carry On" series, and features many familiar faces from British comedy, including Charles Hawtrey, Terry Scott, and Kenneth Williams. Despite its low budget and production values, "Carry On Cleo" has become a cult classic among fans of British comedy and remains one of the most beloved entries in the "Carry On" series.
Plot and Themes Carry On Cleo
"Carry On Cleo" is a 1964 British comedy film that parodies ancient Greece. Here's a brief overview: **Plot:** The story revolves around Phyllis Trape (played by Raquel Welch), a beautiful and naive young woman who becomes the object of desire for two powerful men, Sir Tim What (played by Terry-Thomas) and Hercules Glut (played by Kenneth Williams). Phyllis is brought to Athens as part of a diplomatic mission, but she soon finds herself caught up in a complicated web of love triangles and deceit. Meanwhile, the bumbling hero Hercules must rescue Phyllis from the clutches of the villainous Sir Tim. **Themes:** 1. **Sexism:** The film pokes fun at the societal norms of ancient Greece, where women were often treated as mere objects for men's pleasure. 2. **Power struggles:** The movie highlights the power dynamics between characters, particularly in the relationships between Phyllis and the two men vying for her attention. 3. **Comedy of errors:** The film relies heavily on slapstick humor, misunderstandings, and physical comedy to create a lighthearted atmosphere. 4. **Satire:** "Carry On Cleo" uses ancient Greece as a backdrop to comment on contemporary issues, such as the treatment of women and the absurdity of social conventions. **Other interesting facts:** 1. The film's title is a play on words, referencing both the Carry On series of British comedy films and the ancient Greek mythological figure of Cleopatra. 2. Raquel Welch was chosen for her role based on her appearance in the magazine "Playboy" rather than any acting experience. 3. The movie was filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England. Overall, "Carry On Cleo" is a lighthearted comedy that uses humor and satire to comment on social norms of the time. It remains a beloved classic among fans of British comedy.
Performance and Direction Carry On Cleo
"Carry On Cleo" is a classic British comedy film released in 1964. The movie follows the story of a group of schoolgirls who are transported back to ancient Greece, where they cause chaos and mayhem. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and direction in the movie: **Actors' Performances:** * Liz Fraser as Cleopatra - She is the star of the film and her performance is memorable. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the role, which helps make the character more likable. * Terry Scott as Julius Caesar - He has great comedic timing and his over-the-top performances are hilarious. * Jim Dale as Mark Antony - His dry wit and sarcastic comments provide some of the film's funniest moments. * Charles Hawtrey as Philibert - His campy performance is entertaining, but it may not be to everyone's taste. **Direction:** * Gerald Thomas - The direction by Gerald Thomas is generally well-done. He has a good sense of pacing and knows how to balance humor with plot development. * However, some of the scenes could have been improved with more attention to detail in terms of set design and costumes. The ancient Greek setting doesn't always feel fully realized. **Other Aspects:** * Script - The script by Norman Hudis is cleverly written, with many funny moments and memorable characters. * Music - The score by Bruce Montgomery is catchy and adds to the film's humor. * Production Design - While the sets and costumes are not always convincing, they do add to the film's charm. **Overall:** "Carry On Cleo" is a classic British comedy that is still enjoyable today. The actors' performances, particularly Liz Fraser's, are memorable and help make the film funny. The direction by Gerald Thomas is generally good, but some attention could have been paid to set design and costumes. The script and music are well-done, making this a fun movie to watch.
Technical Aspects Carry On Cleo
The classic British sex comedy 'Carry On Cleo' (1964) may seem like a simple, lighthearted romp on the surface, but beneath its comedic exterior lies a rich tapestry of technical aspects that contribute to its enduring charm. Cinematography: The film was shot by Reginald H. Morris, who used his expertise in capturing vibrant colors and textures to create a visually striking film. The opening sequence, set in ancient Egypt, features a stunning recreation of the Great Pyramid of Giza, with its towering stone blocks illuminated by warm sunlight. Throughout the film, Morris's cinematography is characterized by lush, saturated colors that bring the characters' lavish costumes and settings to life. Sound Design: 'Carry On Cleo' boasts a robust sound design courtesy of John E. Jordan and Ernest Irwin. The duo used a combination of live instruments and pre-recorded tracks to create a lively, energetic soundtrack that complements the film's comedic antics. The score is full of clever musical references to famous operas, such as 'Figaro' and 'William Tell,' which add an extra layer of humor to the proceedings. Visual Effects: Although minimal by today's standards, the visual effects in 'Carry On Cleo' are still impressive considering the technology available at the time. The film features several elaborate set pieces, including a memorable scene where Cleopatra (Hermione Baddeley) and Mark Antony (Jim Dale) sail down the Nile River on a massive barge adorned with golden statues and fluttering silk banners. The special effects are handled by the renowned British visual effects company, Rank Film Laboratories. Their work includes creating elaborate matte paintings of ancient Egyptian landscapes, as well as using stop-motion animation to bring the iconic stone statue of Anubis to life. In conclusion, while 'Carry On Cleo' may not be a groundbreaking film in terms of technical innovation, its cinematography, sound design, and visual effects all contribute to its enduring charm. The film's lighthearted tone and comedic antics are elevated by the creative use of color, music, and special effects, making it a delightful watch for audiences today.
More Details Carry On Cleo
"Carry On Cleo" is a 1964 British comedy film directed by Gerald Thomas and produced by Peter Rogers. It is one of the most popular films in the "Carry On" series, which was known for its slapstick humor, innuendo, and risqué references. **Cast:** * Sidney James as Julius Pompilia * Kenneth Connor as Tiberius Longestaffe * Charles Hawtrey as Philander Caper * Terry Scott as Socrates * Juliet Mills as Cleopatra * Jim Dale as Mark Antony **Production Companies:** * Carry On Productions (Peter Rogers) * Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors Ltd. **Trivia:** 1. The film was inspired by the classic historical epic "Cleopatra" (1963), which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. However, the script for "Carry On Cleo" makes fun of the lavish production values and elaborate sets used in the earlier film. 2. The famous Carry-On series began with the first film, "Carry On Sergeant," in 1958. By the time "Carry On Cleo" was released, the franchise had already gained a reputation for its bawdy humor and saucy innuendos. 3. The film's script was written by Norman Hudis and Ralph Thomas, who were both involved with the Carry-On series from its inception. Hudis is credited with creating many of the iconic characters and catchphrases that define the franchise. 4. "Carry On Cleo" was filmed on location in Rome and London, using a combination of studio sets and real-life historical landmarks. The film's elaborate costumes and props were designed by Roger Frost, who went on to work on other notable films like "The Ipcress File" (1965) and "The Italian Job" (1969). 5. The film features several notable comedic set pieces, including a memorable scene in which Sidney James' character, Julius Pompilia, gets stuck in a Roman pillar. 6. Although the film is set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Cleopatra VII, it includes several anachronistic elements, such as references to modern-day technology and slang phrases. **Box Office Performance:** "Carry On Cleo" was a commercial success upon its release, grossing over £2 million at the British box office. The film's popularity helped cement the Carry-On series' status as one of the most beloved and enduring comedy franchises in British cinema history.
Conclusion Carry On Cleo
In "Carry On Cleo," we have a film that is both ridiculous and endearing, full of slapstick humor, absurd situations, and comedic misunderstandings. The film's strongest aspect is undoubtedly its cast, who deliver performances that are equal parts silly and sincere. The film's weak points include its predictable plot and lack of real dramatic tension, but these can be easily overlooked in favor of the sheer entertainment value provided by the film's comedic moments. The special effects are also somewhat lacking, but this only adds to the overall sense of absurdity and campiness that permeates the entire production. Ultimately, "Carry On Cleo" is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be - a lighthearted, laughable romp through ancient Rome - and does an admirable job of delivering on that promise. It may not be high art, but it's certainly enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation and guffawing at the absurd situations presented. For fans of British comedy and anyone looking for a mindless, fun way to pass the time, "Carry On Cleo" is an excellent choice. Just don't go in expecting anything too serious or substantial - this film is all about having a good time, and that's exactly what you'll get.