Follow That Camel

Follow That Camel is a captivating British comedy film released in 1967. It intertwines comedic brilliance with the star power of Phil Silvers, lending his renowned comedic talents alongside a strong ensemble cast including famous stars - Kenneth Williams and Jim Dale. The movie presents a humorous take on the French Foreign Legion with a dash of quintessential British humor that is both delightful and entertaining.

Directed by Gerald Thomas, Follow That Camel transports the audience on a cinematic journey that was novel to British comedy. The film reimagines a setting that one wouldn't usually associate with British humor – the unexpected yet striking canvas of the Sahara desert. Gerald Thomas, who helmed many successful films prior to this one, imparts a distinctive flavor to the narrative, maintaining a swift pace and comic rhythm that adds continuity to the movie.

The film introduces us to Bertram Oliphant West, affectionately known as Bo, played by Jim Dale. A gentleman of considerable respectability and rank, Bo is wrongfully accused of cheating at cricket, a slander upon his good name that pierces deeply to his honor. In order to restore his reputation, Bo promptly decides to undertake a self-imposed exile from his homeland. Consequently, he goes off to join the French Foreign Legion, a dreamy adventure that promises to be a laugh riot.

Phil Silvers stars as Sergeant Nocker in the film, his character playing a key role. Silvers's comedic timing and natural charisma leave a lasting impression. His role is an amalgamation of hilarity and wit, and his interactions with his fellow legionnaires are a delight to watch. The film also stars Kenneth Williams, who delivers a paradoxically stern yet funny performance as Commandant Maximilian Burger, the strict but inept officer in charge of the Legion fort.

The Legion, stationed in the harsh heartland of the Sahara desert, becomes an exciting backdrop for Bo's adventures. The desert’s profound silence and the sun’s unrelenting heat become the spice to Bo's inherent British character and serve as a humorous contrast that never fails to bring a chuckle.

The portrayal of culture shock and foreign adaptability of our quintessential British characters adds another layer of humor to the narrative. Their struggle in a place where the sun always shines is entertainingly captured in a series of mishaps and misunderstandings that make up the humorous backbone of the narrative.

The dialogues are well-penned with excellent humor and sarcasm that the cast delivers impeccably with good comic timing. The script keeps audiences glued to their seats through its various twists and turns, puns, and innuendos. The film combines verbal wit with slapstick, archetype characters, and a light-hearted ridicule of adventure epics' conventions.

On the technical front, special mention must be made of the film's cinematography. The camera captures the grandeur of the Sahara and the Legionnaires' life in a visual symphony that blends perfectly with the comedic tone of the narrative. Through the heat mirages of the Sahara to the resplendent sunset scenes, the cinematography is textured and creates the perfect setting for a comedy against all odds.

Follow That Camel, beyond all its humor, carries an underlying theme of valor, honor, and the perseverance of the human spirit. It imparts the message that no number of hurdles and misadventures can deter a heart intent on proving its integrity.

While Follow That Camel was made as part of the Carry On series, it was marketed away from the Carry On name upon its original release, due to the departure from its typical British setting and inclusion of American star Phil Silvers. However, the film retains that unique blend of British humor and satire, making it an integral part of the series.

In a nutshell, Follow That Camel offers a hearty laugh wrapped in a colorful cinematic package. Replete with situational comedy, excellent performances, and a well-executed plotline, the film maintains a charming quality that keeps audiences entertained, making it one of the memorable entries in British comedy's diverse and colorful history. It's an entertaining romp through the sands of the Sahara that will leave you laughing till the end. An absolute must-watch!