| Carry on Cleo (1964) | |
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Rating: 6.7/10 (4,963 votes) Director: Gerald Thomas Writer: Talbot Rothwell, William Shakespeare Stars: Kenneth Williams, Sidney James, Kenneth Connor Runtime: 92 min Rated: Not Rated Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Romance Released: 25 Oct 1965 |
| Plot: Two Britons, Hengist and Horsa, are captured and enslaved by invading Romans and taken to Rome. One of their first encounters in Rome leaves Hengist being mistaken for a fighter, and gets drafted into the Royal Guard to protect Ca... | |
So, we come to the tenth film in the series, and for many this is the best of the run. Coming amongst a strong run of entries, the film sees Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Kenneth Connor, Jim Dale, and Charles Hawtrey return, along with Joan Sims (who would go on to star in all the films until 1978 from this point) and Amanda Barrie in the title role. The story sees English primitives, Horsa and Hengist (Dale and Connor) captured and sold as slaves in the Rome. Meanwhile Caesar (Williams) is facing ill omens as attempts are made on his life. His closest friend and advisor, Marc Anthony (James) is sent to Egypt to force Cleopatra (Barrie) to abdicate, but he ends up seduced by her charms, and plots to betray his Emperor…
For a spoof, the plot is rich in intrigue and political machinations – but never feels heavy at any point. In fact, the dialogue is sparkling, with marvellous wordplay and humour throughout, ensuring that the whole affair feels quite light in tone. With lines such as the now immortal, “Infamy! Infamy! They’ve all got it in for me!” yelled quite early on in proceedings, it could easily have peaked too soon, but not to worry as the antics of the whole gang consistently deliver throughout.
The look of the film is sumptuous, and far better than the low budget affairs usually put out. Most of this is due to the use of some sets which were intended for the film Cleopatra before that production moved to Rome. The genius idea was made to use these sets before they were stripped down, and it certainly gives the Carry On films their most lavish looking production to date.
Amanda Barrie, returning for her second and final outing, makes a great impression, with a portrayal of Cleopatra which is charming, seductive, and devious in equal measure. It’s easy to believe the comical struggle for her affections that go on around her when she commands such simple charm in every moment on screen.
This is the series at the peak of their output. Immensely rewatchable, and riotously funny, Carry On Cleo is a timeless classic of comedy.
