Carry On Don't Lose Your Head (1966)
"Mon blooming
dieu!" A send-up of the French
Revolution, with attractive costumes and elegant staging - and
just as vulgar as ever.
Don't Lose Your Head is a beautifully constructed period
piece, thanks largely to lavish stately home location shooting and
particularly high production values, the film is a rip-roaring
romp through the French revolution and the cinematic legacy of
Leslie Howard.
The scenario, French aristos having their heads chopped off for
the glory of the country, arouses the interest of a couple of
foppish dandies from the stiff upper-lipped land of gallantry and
fun - England.
Michael Ward's whimpering servant breaks down in
front of his master and sobs an explanation of the French
situation, and the mincing English lords (Sid James and Jim Dale)
listen with wide-mouthed anguish.
A plan is brewing and when Ward
informs the duo that women are getting the chop as well, the time
is right for the British invasion.
The action changes from the British battling the French on
their home terrain to England, with Williams et al approaching Sid
at his mansion.
Finally it's all back to France for the dramatic
climax in Williams' luxurious mansion as his 'beautiful things'
are quickly smashed and destroyed!
On the way, Sid and the good guys pick up the camp nobleman of
Charles Hawtrey - gleefully embarking on a crusade of rapier
battles - while the French have the seductive figure of Joan Sims,
bubbling and giggling as the uneducated sex pot in a world of
perfect manners.
Sid's ultimate macho man finds the perfect damsel in distress
in the shape of French actress Dany Robin, projecting a wisp of
romantic charm and subtle acting style that blends with James'
hero to perfection.
It's a colourful, rip-roaring historical romp
through the French revolution.
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