Carry On London

[Pip Madeley]

Talk of this film has been going on for so long that the original thread was on the old PS... the Beeb seem to believe it's going to happen:

Carry On script gets green light

The long-awaited 32nd Carry On film is one step closer to being filmed and could be in cinemas by the end of the year, the BBC has learned. A final script with a "fun storyline" has been signed off, a spokeswoman for the production company has confirmed.

With the working title Carry On London, the film centres on a limousine company ferrying celebrities to an awards show. The news comes ahead of a party this weekend at Pinewood Studios to celebrate 50 years of Carry On films.

Casting details for the new film are expected to be announced later in the year. Stars including Vinnie Jones, Shane Ritchie and Daniella Westbrook have previously been linked with the project. Plans to resurrect the camp comedy series began in 2003 but the production has had a troubled gestation.

EastEnders and Extras star Shaun Williamson was originally due to play chauffeur Dickie Ticker, but he pulled out in 2004 after producer James Black was replaced, delaying the film's production schedule. It was such a shame it didn't go ahead as planned because the script was absolutely marvellous - very funny and clever," said Williamson's agent at the time.

Carry On London will follow the mayhem behind the scenes as a fleet of limo drivers deliver celebrity clients to the Herberts - a British take on the Oscars. "We will be having some cameo appearances in the film," a spokeswoman for the film told BBC News. She also confirmed that sets for the movie were made last year, including a car yard for the limousine company. It is hoped the film will be released by the end of 2008 to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations but, depending on when production begins, it may not hit cinemas until 2009.

The last attempt to revive the franchise was 16 years ago with Carry On Columbus, which starred Julian Clary, Jim Dale, Maureen Lipman and Carry On veteran June Whitfield. But it was slated by critics - Empire magazine called it "a cheaper alternative to pantomime" - and the film failed to make an impact at the box office.

[Si Hunt]

This wretch of an idea has been hawked round for years, with the most undignified of lost TV d-listers mooted. What's the point? Like "The Avengers" the original product was defined by its time, so it makes no sense to bring it back.

"Straight to DVD" is the phrase that springs to mind.

Si.

[Pip Madeley]

I agree, it's going to be bloody awful. Vinnie Jones? Daniella Westbrook? Shane Richie?

[Dirk Gently]

I hope the idea dies on its arse. It was a Genre of its time & its time has past. Let it be.

The only way this would work is if the script is outstandingly funny.

[P-Bal]

St.Trinians has worked though.

[Dave Tudor]

It was a Genre of its time & its time has past. Let it be.

Also, the films were as much identified with those who appeared in them - i.e. Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims, Hattie Jacques etcetera etcetera etcetera - and since most of those people are no longer with us, just what is the point!?

[Dirk Gently]

St.Trinians has worked though.

But the difference is that St. Trinians was never reliant on actors but the situation. As Dave says, the Carry On's were as much about the actors than the characters they portrayed (Sid James was always himself essentially).

[Si Hunt]

Can they not get Babs Windsor back to flash her tits about? I'm sure she'd be happy of the extra dosh.

Si.

[Dirk Gently]

She might be happy of the extra dosh but would the viewer be happy with the saggy boobs!?

[Ralph]

I agree with the general view that the Carry On films were a collection of actors whose chemistry worked well to create a unique cinematic experience the likes of which matched a more gentle era of picture postcard humour. It simply can't be replicated with a different set of actors and neither should it be

[Rob McCow]

The BBC were so excited by the return of Carry On, they called in Robert 'Medicinal Purposes' Ross to tell them things everyone knows on BBC Breakfast!

Nice to see Ali's mate on the telly. He didn't plug his BF plays though!