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Reviewed by UK Guest, 18th Nov 2002. |
| Review Summary: The Best Of The Medical Carry On's |
Overall Score: 4/5
 
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Review: Carry On Again Doctor is easily the funniest of the medical Carry On's. There is some structure to the plot and the film being divided into three sections works well as there really feels as though there is a beginning, middle and end of a story. Most of the same actors that were used in Doctor (1967) crop up in this entry with some playing almost identical characters. Jim Dale plays a doctor who is sent out to the Beatific Islands on a medical mission and discovers a special weight-reducing potion. Once back in England he opens a new clinic for women who wish to lose weight.
The cast also includes Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James (who is not introduced until at least half way through the film), Hattie Jaques, yet again reprising her familiar role of the Matron (though plays this more gently in this one) and the bubbly Babara Windsor who quickly catches Jim Dales roving eye.
Carry On Again Doctor on the whole plays very well. Whilst seemingly settling down as a hospital based comedy, the film wildly steers direction and heads off to the Beatific Islands where the sleazy goings on are used to great comic effect from the impeccably timed Sid James who has a great role in this one though is a in a smaller role than usual in a Carry On film. Then the film settles down and sees its last half hour almost encapsulate the feel of a regular T.V sitcom with the weight reducing clinic scenes where the likes of Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey (hilariously in drag) are staying for full treatment. The ending is a little shoddy as it quickly cuts to the wedding of Jim Dale and Babara Windsor to give the film a happy ending but its so overly rushed it loses its effect quite easily. Still on the whole this ranks as one of my own very favourite Carry On's. The dialogue sparkles along with fast, witty repartee, and there are some impeccably timed performances from virtually all of the regular cast - Jim Dale, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James, Babara Windsor, Hattie Jaques and Patsy Rolands. and generally as it captures the true spirit of the Carry On's that somehow was lacking in some of the later entries. This belongs in the classic era of the series where they enjoyed enormous success with such entries as Camping (1969), Up The Kyber (1968), Doctor (1967) and Screaming (1966). Certainly many laughs to endure and is a must-see for fans. Generally a recommended comedy all round. A classic! |
Ratings
| Value For Money: |
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4 |
| Review Score: |
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4 |
| Recommended? | |
Yes |
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