Introduction Carry On Screaming!
"Ah, 'Carry On Screaming!' - a delightfully daft and entertaining romp through the world of Hammer Horror, circa 1966. The film is part of the beloved 'Carry On...' series, which has been poking fun at British institutions and societal norms since 1958. 'Carry On Screaming!' is, however, something rather special - a loving homage to the classic Hammer horror films that were all the rage during the 1950s and early 1960s. Directed by Gerald Thomas and starring Kenneth Williams, Fenella Fielding, and Peter Butterworth, this winking send-up of Gothic Horror features plenty of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and outrageous costumes. The plot revolves around a group of innocent villagers terrorized by a mad scientist (played by Charles Hawtrey) who's creating a terrifying monster using the bodies of young women. With its blend of campy humor, over-the-top performances, and clever references to classic horror films, 'Carry On Screaming!' has become a cult classic in its own right. So grab some popcorn, settle in with your favorite horror buffs, and get ready for a hilarious romp through the world of Hammer Horror - as it's meant to be seen: campy, cheesy, and utterly delightful."
Plot and Themes Carry On Screaming!
Carry on Screaming is a British horror comedy film released in 1966. It was directed by Gerald Thomas and stars Fenella Fielding, Kenneth Connor, and Peter Butterworth. The story takes place in the fictional town of Fearsville, where a series of gruesome murders has been taking place. The local residents are terrorized by a mysterious killer who is using various torture devices to murder his victims. Professor Waldron (Kenneth Connor) and his niece Valerie (Fenella Fielding) arrive in Fearsville to investigate the murders. They soon discover that the killer is none other than Fenella's character, Valerie's aunt, Valeria Malvern, a beautiful and seductive woman who has a habit of marrying wealthy men and then killing them off. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Valeria is not alone in her murderous ways. She is aided by a group of dwarfs who are also involved in the murders. The film features many comedic elements, including slapstick humor and witty dialogue. It also parodies many horror movie cliches, making fun of the genre while still delivering some genuine scares. One of the main themes of Carry on Screaming is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Valeria Malvern appears to be a beautiful and charming woman, but she is actually a cold-blooded killer. The film also explores the theme of class and social status, as many of the characters are from different walks of life. Overall, Carry On Screaming! is a hilarious and entertaining horror comedy that has become a cult classic over the years. It's a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their horror movies.
Performance and Direction Carry On Screaming!
"Carry on Screaming!" (1966) is a classic British horror-comedy that still holds up today. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and the direction: **The Cast:** 1. **Peter Butterworth**: As Dr. Watt, he plays a bumbling doctor who often finds himself at the center of chaos. He's well-cast in this role, bringing a sense of comedic timing to the character. 2. **Kenneth Williams**: His portrayal of Detective Bung is both hilarious and annoying. He brings a level of eccentricity that adds to the film's humor. 3. **Charles Hawtrey**: His character, Professor Cox, is another highlight of the movie. Hawtrey brings a sense of flamboyance and energy to the role, making it memorable. 4. **Thorley Walters**: As the villainous Baron Frankenstein, he plays the part with a level of gravitas that contrasts nicely with the more comedic elements. **The Direction:** 1. **Gerald Thomas**: The director does an excellent job of balancing the humor and horror elements. He keeps the pace fast-moving and entertaining throughout. 2. **Script by Henry Blyth and Talbot Rothwell**: The script is full of clever one-liners, slapstick humor, and ridiculous situations that add to the film's comedic charm. **Criticisms:** 1. **The Plot**: While the plot itself isn't particularly original or engaging, it serves as a backdrop for the comedy and horror elements. 2. **Pacing**: At times, the pacing feels a bit slow, especially during some of the more serious moments. Overall, "Carry on Screaming!" is a delightful blend of horror and comedy that still holds up today. The cast brings their A-game to their roles, and the direction balances both genres with ease. While there are some minor criticisms, they don't detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
Technical Aspects Carry On Screaming!
"Carry on Screaming!" is a 1966 British comedy horror film that was the 24th in the Carry On series. While it's not typically considered one of the best films in the series, it does have some notable technical aspects worth discussing. Cinematography: The cinematography for "Carry on Screaming!" was handled by Frits Woolgar, who had previously worked on several other British films. Woolgar's style is characterized by a bright, colorful aesthetic that adds to the film's comedic tone. He makes use of clever camera angles and movements to create a sense of energy and excitement during the film's action sequences. Sound Design: The sound design for "Carry on Screaming!" was handled by John Hoyland, who had previously worked on several other British films. Hoyland's work on the film is notable for its creative use of sound effects and music to enhance the film's comedic moments. For example, during a scene in which one of the characters is being chased through a dark forest, Hoyland uses creepy sound effects like creaking trees and howling wolves to create a sense of tension. Visual Effects: The visual effects for "Carry on Screaming!" were handled by Roy Ashton, who had previously worked on several other British films. Ashton's work on the film is notable for its use of miniature models and matte paintings to create the film's elaborate sets. For example, during a scene in which one of the characters is trapped in a haunted house, Ashton uses a combination of miniatures and matte paintings to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. Overall, while "Carry on Screaming!" may not be considered one of the best films in the Carry On series, its technical aspects are certainly noteworthy. The film's cinematography, sound design, and visual effects all contribute to its overall sense of energy and excitement, making it a fun watch for fans of British comedy horror.
More Details Carry On Screaming!
"Carry On Screaming!" is a British comedy horror film released in 1966, starring Ian Carmichael and Fenella Fielding as detectives trying to solve a series of murders at a wax museum. Here are some interesting facts about the production: **Cast:** * Ian Carmichael as Detective Bung * Fenella Fielding as Valerie Tringham * Dinsdale Landen as Detective Mullein * Valerie Van Ost as Valerie's sister, Sue * Harry H Corbett as the voice of Frankenstein's Monster * Charles Hawtrey as Dr. Watt **Production Companies:** * Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distribution Company Ltd. * Peter Rogers Productions Ltd. **Trivia:** 1. "Carry On Screaming!" is considered one of the best films in the Carry On series, and it was released during a period when the franchise was at its peak popularity. 2. The film's script was written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, who were responsible for many other successful British comedies. 3. Ian Carmichael was not an actor from the regular cast of Carry On films; he was a well-known stage and screen performer in his own right. He appeared in several other British films during the 1960s. 4. Fenella Fielding was a popular actress on the British stage, known for her vampish roles in plays like "The Vamp" and "Blithe Spirit". She also appeared in several other Carry On films. 5. The film's plot is loosely based on the classic horror story "Frankenstein", with a wax museum as the central location where all sorts of murders take place. 6. Charles Hawtrey, who played Dr. Watt, was openly gay and his character in the film is often interpreted as a nod to this aspect of his personality. 7. The film's score was composed by Bruce Montgomery, an accomplished musician who also worked on several other Carry On films. 8. "Carry On Screaming!" has gained cult status over the years due to its blend of horror and comedy elements, making it a standout in the British comedy genre. These are just a few interesting facts about the production of "Carry On Screaming!". The film remains a beloved classic among fans of British comedy and horror, and its unique blend of genres continues to entertain audiences today.
Conclusion Carry On Screaming!
"Carry on Screaming!" is a loving parody of classic horror films that manages to balance humor with homage, creating a delightful and entertaining experience for audiences. The film's strongest aspect is undoubtedly its script, which cleverly lampoons the genre while also showcasing genuine affection for it. The performances are similarly impressive, with particular praise going to Harry H. Corbett as the bumbling Inspector Mulcahy. On the other hand, some of the supporting characters feel slightly one-dimensional and could have benefited from more development. Additionally, the pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with certain scenes feeling like they're dragging on longer than necessary. Despite these minor flaws, "Carry on Screaming!" remains a joy to watch due to its infectious energy and commitment to its premise. The film's blend of slapstick comedy and horror tropes is undeniably charming, making it a must-see for fans of both genres. Ultimately, I highly recommend "Carry on Screaming!" to anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted romp through the world of horror cinema. Just be prepared to laugh at its silly jokes and groan at some of its dated humor – all part of the charm, of course!