Rating: C+
Dir: Gerald Thomas
Star: Sidney James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims
While sex had been a regular component of the Carry On films to this point, it had typically been couched in relatively veiled terms. This time, it becomes the central focus, the entire film basically inspired by the newly permissive attitudes which were becoming increasingly prevalent as Britain moved into the seventies. The tension between this new openness and traditional, deep-seated British prudery are the engine which drives the comedy in this. It centres on the Wedded Bliss dating agency, where Sidney Bliss (James) and long-suffering partner Sophie Plummett (Jacques) attempt to match their clients, most of whom are singularly unsuited for the purpose, due to one reason or another, e.g. “confirmed bachelor” Percival Snooper (Williams).
There’s a whole slew of love polygons resulting from this, though for once, at least they largely seem age-appropriate, such as Bliss, Plimmett and long-standing customer Esme Crowfoot (Sims), all of whom are at least middle-aged. Indeed, it’s kinda refreshing to see people of both sexes and that maturity, depicted as romantically and sexually active. While there are no shortage of dolly birds, they occupy an entire separate subplot, mostly involving the bland Bertrum Muffett (Richard O’Callaghan). For example, there’s a extended sequence where Bertrum is supposed to meet a prospect in a hotel bar, only to go home with the wrong girl, a model (Jacki Piper). Cue an extended stream of “How do you want me?” and “Shall I take my clothes off now?” comments, to Bertrum’s increasing discomfort. I can only presume Jim Dale was unavailable.
The fact that the film is plugged directly into specific elements from the zeitgeist of the time make it seems more dated than many entries. It’s almost Shakespearean in outlook, with the fashions and dialogue sometimes getting in the way of the comedy. There are still moments to treasure, such as Peter Butterworth showing up as a client looking for wife number three. His first spouse died after eating poisonous mushrooms, the second from a fractured skull. “How did that happen?” asks Sid. “She wouldn’t eat the mushrooms,” deadpans the prospective husband. It’s almost Jimmy Carr levels of darkness. The film ends in a glorious and energetic slapstick food-fight (top), which could have strayed in from a Buster Keaton short, and spares no-one.
Also among the supporting cast are Charles Hawtrey as a largely incompetent private eye, Bernard Bresslaw as pro wrestler Gripper Burke, and bit parts for Bill Pertwee, Kenny Lynch and Bill Maynard. But there were a number of chunks which just didn’t hold my interest, and I drifted off into loosely connected research. For instance, the hotel bar where Bertrum meets his date was the Harte and Garter Hotel. It’s literally across the street from Windsor Castle, and in a previous incarnation was a setting for The Merry Wives of Windsor. [Yes, again with the Shakespeare!] It’s currently up for sale, if you have £13.25 million spare. That this was more interesting than parts of the movie, likely tells you something.