For this entry in the Carry On series, the team take aim at the Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton epic, Cleopatra.

Sets that were used and then discarded for the original were used again here. In fact, there seems to be more of an epic scale to this entry, as if Cleo was purposefully trying (and succeeding!) to aim for this.

It’s not only the scope of the production that takes aim and manages to accomplish a bullseye. The humour in the film is pinpoint perfect whether it’s the puns and wordplay or the more physical gags. The film’s music hall and vaudevillian roots also compliment proceedings brilliantly.

Amanda Barrie is perfect in the title role and it’s great to see Joan Sims back as part of the troupe.

There are numerous accolades attributed to the film with many polls calling it not just one of the best Carry On films but also one of the best comedy films ever. I wholeheartedly agree.

Apparently, Martin Scorsese is also a fan.

The film is even referenced in a Smiths lyric (‘As Anthony said to Cleopatra/As he opened a crate of ale…’)

Another sign of the film’s cultural impact is that the ‘Infamy! Infamy! They’ve all got it in for me!’ line has transcended the film and has been commonly quoted elsewhere.

Carry On Cleo is a shining example of why this series of films is seen as seminal, not just as genius comedy films but also as prime examples of the best of British popular culture.

5 out of 5 films