Cast
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Sid James
as Johnny Finger, the Rumpo Kid
Jim Dale
as Marshal P. Knutt
Angela Douglas
as Annie Oakley
Kenneth Williams
as Judge Burke
Charles Hawtrey
as Chief Big Heap
Joan Sims
as Belle Armitage
Bernard Bresslaw
as Little Heap
Peter Butterworth
as Doc
Percy Herbert
as Charlie, the Bartender
Jon Pertwee
as Sheriff Albert Earp
Sydney Bromley
as Sam Houston
Edina Ronay
as Dolores
Lionel Murton
as Clerk
Peter Gilmore
as Henchman Curly
Davy Kaye
as Josh the Undertaker
Crew
Director
- Gerald Thomas
Producer
- Peter Rogers
Reviews
John Chard
The Rumpo Kid and the parody supreme.
When Judge Burke sends for help to rid Stodge City of The Rumpo Kid and his gang of trouble makers, he's delighted to hear that he is being sent a trained Marshall. Trouble is is that it's Marshall P. Knutt, a trained sanitary engineer.
In 1964 the "Carry On" team has ventured into their first parody of the movies with Carry On Cleo. A huge success, and arguably the best film of the lot to many fans, it prompted the Thomas/Rogers/Rothwell team to believe that movie pastiche's was the way forward for the franchise. Enter Carry On Cowboy a year later. With a knowing of the genre and all its conventions, screenwriter Talbot Rothwell produced one of the better parodies to have ever been made. The stock cartoon fervour and cheeky asides still exist, but Carry On Cowboy is a more leaner, even darker "Carry On" than any of the others film's in the series. In its own right, with out the "Carry On" name attached, it's a fine comedy, with dashes of violence and even a revenge thread running thru it (courtesy of the gorgeous Angela Douglas as Annie Oakley). It's also one of the few film's in the series to demand a bit more from its actors outside of guffaw jinx and innuendos. Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Joan Sims rise to the challenge, happy in the knowledge that Jim Dale and Charles Hawtrey were there to grab (and get) the laughs. 8/10
Feb 19, 2017
CinemaSerf
When the legendary "Rumpo Kid" (Sid James) rides into the peaceful, tee-total town of Stodge City (population 201-204, depending), he shatters that tranquility despite the protestations of the local judge "Burke" (Kenneth Williams). Pretty soon, whisky is flowing, he is running/milking the town and has also befriended the glamorous "Bella" (Joan Sims) who is the star turn at the hotel. Desperate, the judge asks the governor to send them a sheriff with backbone, and by return they mistakenly get the sanitary consultant "Knutt" (Jim Dale) who is to law and order what an one armed man might be to juggling! Luckily, he has the feisty "Annie Oakley" (Angela Douglas) to assist him and soon, well - think OK Corral - sort of! It's not much good this. Maybe because the American accents are all over the place, or because the story is really thin and I'm afraid that I just found the antics-style comedy from Dale a bit repetitive and dull. Charles Hawtrey's efforts as "Big Chief Heap" don't fare a great deal better, and this seemed like a far longer than ninety minute watch. Not sure it'd be at the top of John Wayne's list - it isn't at the top of mine, either.
Jul 26, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Carry On Cowboy represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Western 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 1965, 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 Cowboy took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2475 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Carry On Cowboy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Giant, which focuses more on action than character development, Carry On Cowboy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dances with Wolves and Life of Brian explore similar territory, Carry On Cowboy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 26, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 33m
