A thoroughly enjoyable fact-filled romp? a must-read for any fan of the Carry On films." - Daily Mail "We knew the Carry On films without really knowing them. Caroline Frost puts that right. A fascinating story." - Adrian Chiles "Essential reading for fans of the Carry On Films which were deceptively ahead of their times' - Tracy-Ann Oberman The completely updated, definitive history of Carry On, Britain's largest film franchise, includes exclusive interviews and personal memories from this unique filmmaking era. It follows the series from the gentle capers of the 1950s, through the glorious golden age of the 1960s, to the creative challenges of later years. Take a happy walk down memory lane to enjoy Sid James's conspiratorial chuckle, Kenneth Williams' elongated vowels, Charles Hawtrey's bespectacled bashfulness and Barbara Windsor's naughty wiggle, as writer Caroline Frost explores the different ingredients behind their huge appeal. Frost sheds new light on just how much talent and hard work went into creating the laughs - and she examines the real-life struggles of the stars who found solace in their tight companionship at Pinewood Studios. Was Carry On really as sexist, racist and bigoted as critics claim? Frost takes a fresh look at some of the series' biggest titles and argues that, in reality, they were far more progressive than their detractors would have you believe. Finally, with constant speculation about a brand new era of Carry On, Frost asks - does this ever-popular series still have legs? AUTHOR: Caroline Frost is a bestselling author, journalist and broadcaster. She is a regular commentator on national TV and radio about entertainment, media and culture. One of her earliest memories is of meeting Barbara Windsor backstage after the Christmas pantomime at Richmond Theatre, where the star sweetly let her try on her stage wig. Caroline lives in Ealing, west London where, almost every day, she passes the blue plaque marking Sid James's family home. 32 b/w illustrations
