Carry On Cleo

Carry On Cleo is a 1964 British comedy film and the 10th in the series of Carry On movies. This installment takes a humorous dive into ancient history, lampooning the story of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, blending historical grandeur with the trademark Carry On bawdiness. The film was directed by Gerald Thomas and features a script by Talbot Rothwell, a regular writer for the series.

The movie stars Kenneth Williams as the haughty and egotistical Julius Caesar, while the role of Mark Antony is played by the roguish Sidney James, both regular figures in the Carry On ensemble. Kenneth Connor adds to the comic mix as the hapless Hengist Pod, an inventor of the square wheel, who by a twist of fate finds himself entangled in the political machinations of Ancient Rome and Egypt.

Carry On Cleo opens with the backdrop of ancient Britain, where the locals are revolting (quite literally) against the oppressive rule of Rome. In a classic Carry On style caper, we witness a bungled kidnapping attempt that ensnares Hengist and his friend Horsa, forcing them into the heart of the Roman Empire, far from their quaint village.

The narrative soon shifts to the mighty city of Rome itself, where we are introduced to the larger-than-life figure of Julius Caesar. Kenneth Williams delivers a performance filled with pomp and imperious wit, depicting Caesar as a man who is not only in love with power but also quite taken with his own intelligence and cunning. His plot threads seamlessly interweave with those of the hapless Britons, setting the stage for comedic mayhem.

Sidney James portrays Mark Antony as a man whose loyalty to Rome is rivaled only by his penchant for wine, women, and song. His Mark Antony is less the noble statesman of historical records and more a lovable rogue, always looking for the next opportunity to indulge his appetites, often resulting in humorous situations that poke fun at the excesses of Roman high society.

The story eventually moves to Egypt, where the infamous Cleopatra holds court. She is not directly portrayed by any of the main three actors but plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events. True to the Carry On formula, her character is treated with the same comic irreverence as the others, and the film does not miss the chance to play up Egypt's exotic allure and mystique for laughs.

Throughout the movie, Carry On Cleo revels in anachronisms and deliberate historical inaccuracies, all part of its charm. The film features scenes of ancient life filled with slapstick and wit, with gladiatorial combats, senate debates, and Egyptian opulence serving as the backdrop for the series' trademark sexual innuendos and puns. It's all quite silly, of course, but carries on in the Carry On tradition of not taking itself too seriously while still delivering a surprisingly well-crafted plot amidst the chaos.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy, filled with other Carry On regulars including Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims, and Jim Dale. Each actor brings their unique comedic style to the film, enhancing the overall humorous tapestry with their own special brand of lunacy. Their characters are often exaggerated for comedic effect, but they still manage to be endearing and contribute significantly to the film's narrative progression.

Visually, Carry On Cleo is notable for its use of impressive sets. Indeed, the movie famously borrowed the lavish sets and costumes from the expensive Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton epic, "Cleopatra," which had been left behind at Pinewood Studios, thereby giving Carry On Cleo a surprisingly opulent look that greatly enhances the film’s spoof nature. This unusual circumstance adds a rich and authentic-looking environment to the otherwise low-budget Carry On production, lending an air of grandeur that plays well against the film's farcical tone.

The direction by Gerald Thomas is efficient and brisk, keeping the story moving at a fast pace and ensuring that the jokes land with frequency. The editing, too, serves the comedy well, with well-timed cuts that heighten the impact of the visual gags and one-liners.

In essence, Carry On Cleo stands as a classic example of British cinema's ability to take an irreverent look at history and make it accessible and entertaining to a broad audience. While it may not offer a history lesson in the conventional sense, it provides plenty of laughter through its unique blend of farce and cleverness. Fans of the Carry On series and newcomers alike can enjoy this light-hearted romp through Ancient Rome and Egypt, all served up with a distinctly British sense of humour.