This is a Carry On movie that didn’t have the Carry On prefix to its title (but this was added in some territories).

For this film, the gang take on all things Scarlet Pimpernel and provide a humourous take on the French Revolution. The guillotine features heavily hence the title.

As this is an entry that I hadn’t heard too much about, I was thinking that maybe this was more low-key and not one of the stronger films. Was I wrong! Every member of the troupe goes the extra mile with their performances and the fun they must have had onset translates brilliantly to the screen.

This also contains some of the funniest character names as well whether it’s Sid James as The Black Fingernail or Kenneth Williams as Citizen Camembert (which reminds me of the song Williams sings during his masterful An Audience With featuring all of the French terms commonly used in Britain).

There’s also dialogue to die for with almost every gag being a zinger. My favourite must be Williams exclaiming ‘I’m Camembert! I’m the big cheese!’

With this being a historical parody covering a decadent period of time, the costumes are lavish and utterly fantastic.

I love low-key films that feel like hidden gems. That applies to Don’t Lose Your Head. Why isn’t this movie been spoken about more?!

4 out of 5 stars