Cast
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Sid James
as Big Dick Turpin / Reverend Flasher
Barbara Windsor
as Harriet
Kenneth Williams
as Captain Desmond Fancey
Hattie Jacques
as Martha Hoggett
Bernard Bresslaw
as Sir Roger Daley
Joan Sims
as Madame Desirée
Kenneth Connor
as Constable
Peter Butterworth
as Tom
Jack Douglas
as Sergeant Jock Strapp
Patsy Rowlands
as Mrs. Giles
Bill Maynard
as Bodkin
Margaret Nolan
as Lady Daley
John Clive
as Isaac the Tailor
David Lodge
as Bullock
Marianne Stone
as Maggie
Crew
Director
- Gerald Thomas
Producer
- Peter Rogers
Reviews
John Chard
I wouldn't fancy a poke with that.
The 26th film of the series, Carry on Dick marked the end of an era for a number of reasons. It would be the last appearance of Sid James, Hattie Jaques and Barbara Windsor, and the last to be scripted by Talbot Rothwell. As the title suggests, by this time the series had gone fully into innuendo mode, here they take the Dick Turpin legend and cloak it with sexual nudge nudges and wink winks. Character names are a riot, Reverend Flasher - Big Dick - Desmond Fancey (AKA: Dandy Desmond), Jock Strapp and Constable (ooh-err, it's all about the pronunciation - the rascals), thus it's all very low-brow for sure.
It's great to have Sid James in a period set dual role again (as in Don't Lose Your Head), he's nicely restrained as Reverend Flasher and on the other side he's all throaty laughs and cheek as the randy dandy highwayman, Big Dick! Playing the usual sexy foil to James is Windsor in one of her more meaty roles in the series, though Peter Butterworth and Kenneth Connor are not given nearly enough material to make a telling mark. Great to see Kenny Williams given some pompous caricature to get his teeth into, even if - unlike James' characters, this double act with Jack Douglas does feel like a lazy retread from Carry on Don't Lose Your Head.
Carry On Behind would follow this one, a decent enough film that with hindsight should have been the closure for the series. Carry on Dick tried to keep the rompy end up (ooh-err) for the series, a last hurrah grasping onto the historical/period pictures that proved so popular in the previous decade. It's not a fitting farewell for some major players, but some great gags and spirited performances ensure it doesn't disgrace itself in the eyes of the fans who liked a bit of sauce with their "Carry On" sandwich. 7/10
Aug 15, 2015
CinemaSerf
To be honest, I struggled with this a bit. It all centres on "Capt. Fancey" (Kenneth Williams) on the hunt for the legendary highwayman "Dick Turpin" - aka "Big Dick". Sadly, that's about the level of the rather crass and banal humour that pervades the rest of this pretty mediocre costume drama. The more "Carry On" films I watch, the more I do realise just how much Joan Sims contributed and here she shines as "Madame Desirée", but the rest of the cast seem content to take us down a rather childishly written path of stereotypes and slapstick and through a story that is a poor relation of "Doctor Syn" (1937). This franchise is reaching it's end now, the originality and playful humour of those made ten years ago has been replaced by an almost bawdy form of in-your-face comedy that really isn't anyone's finest work. Sorry, but I thought that this was quite poor.
Jul 23, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Carry On Dick represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Gerald Thomas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Carry On Dick took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 303 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Carry On Dick shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dragons Forever, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Carry On Dick offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like All Hat and A Genius, Two Friends, and an Idiot explore similar territory, Carry On Dick stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 1, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 31m
