In this entry, we learn that King Henry VIII, in fact, had two more wives- the garlic-loving Marie de Normandy and Bettina (Joan Sims and Barbara Windsor, respectively).

I’m so glad that the Carry On team tackled this period of history as it was ripe for it’s portrayal through the bawdy and smutty lens of the series. Sid James was born to play Henry VIII and any film that casts Kenneth Williams as Oliver Cromwell is a winner in my eyes (Williams was actually once cast as the lead in a serious adaptation of the life of Napoleon years before this. When he asked the director about him being cast, he replied, ‘When in doubt, get someone funny…’)

We also get Charles Hawtrey as Sir Roger de Lodgerley (I think this might be a fictional character) and Terry Scott as Cardinal Wolsey. If only this film had been shown in my GCSE History class.

The sets and costumes are duly lavish and reminded me of the opulence of Cleo and Don’t Lose Your Head. I’d love to see these films on the big screen.

Carry On Henry (named Carry On Henry VIII in America) is another underrated and under appreciated gem in the series.

4 out of 5 stars