Carry On Cowboy (1965)

Am I Missing Something?

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

When the Rumpo Kid rides into Stodge City it isn't long before the mayor sends a telegram to Washington asking for a marshal. Soon Marshal P. Knutt is on his way however nobody there knows that there has been a misunderstanding; Marshal is his name not his profession; he is actually a drainage engineer! When Rumpo hears that a marshal is on his way he tries to get the local Indians to ambush the stagecoach. When three of them are shot the rest break off the attack and it is assumed that Marshal is a marksman… however he didn't shoot any of them; they were shot be fellow passenger; a woman by the name of Annie Oakley. Still unaware that Marshal isn't a real marshal Rumpo tries to get him lynched but once again he is rescued by Miss Oakley. When Rumpo learns the truth we have the inevitable shoot out at high noon; it isn't the same as most western shoot-outs though as the Marshal uses his true profession to gain an advantage.Carry on films have a reputation for innuendo and double-entendres but here both are almost entirely lacking; instead the humour is somewhat cleaner than is often the case. That isn't to say it isn't funny though; plenty of jokes had me chuckling. The story plays with several western tropes of the era although the most obvious film being referenced is High Noon. While it is all being played for laughs there is a decent story to the film and the regular Carry on team do well in their roles; Sid James was born to play outlaw Rumpo, Jim Dale was good as Marshal P. Knutt and Joan Sims was fine as saloon owner Belle. I laughed at Charles Hawtrey's portrayal of Indian Chief Big Heap although having a white actor playing an Indian wouldn't be allowed these days. While not best known member of the team Angela Douglas was good as the beautiful markswoman Annie Oakley. I enjoyed this far more than I expected to and would recommend it to people even if they aren't big fans of the Carry on Series.

I think Carry On Cowboy could be my favorite Carry On film. Carry on up the Jungle and Carry on at your Convenience are equally great. There are four Carry On regulars that deliver their best roles from all of the Carry On films. Sid James, who is always the best part of any Carry On film, delivers a top notch performance as the Johnny Finger, the Rumpo Kid. He takes over a town and robs and kills anyone in his way. Kenneth Williams plays the mayor and he tries to stand up to Sid, but it's useless. The way Kenneth plays the part and talks is perfect. The other two leads that are perfect are Jim Dale, who plays a waste disposal man and gets mixed up for being a Marshall who cleans up the waste(bad guys). And then there is Angela Douglas, who plays Annie Oakley to perfection. She is so pretty and proper. I love the way she looks in this film. She is out to get revenge for the man who killed her father. Kenneth calls for a Marshall and they send Jim. They arrive after a failed attempt by Sid to stop them. He and Kenneth talk about the job and they finally realize he was called for the wrong job. He ends up taking the job. Angela helps him out as a perfect shot during his troubles. Joan Sims plays the saloon girl who likes Sid. Sid likes Angela when he finds her in the tub. She later finds out he is the man who killed her father and she tries to kill him. She ends up killing his partner by mistake. Angela has a very sexy scene where she is wearing a showgirl outfit and singing a sexy song. It's the highlight of the film. She has a great pair of legs. The final showdown takes place at high noon after Angela learns Jim how to shoot. He defeats them by going underground in the sewer and calling them out. They end up shooting each other, but Sid gets away with Joan Sims on a horse. Jim ends up shooting his foot as he walks away. What a solid, entertaining film. I would suggest starting with this film if you have not seen any of them yet.

I know the credit for the definitive comedy western mostly goes to Mel Brooks Blazing Saddles I think this is a pretty good contender. Weserns are often pretty funny to watch these days any way because apart from notable exceptions the genre seems a little camp these days. Its a very classy carry on and the budget seems much more generous than other offers in the series. The sets are very impressive and the costumes look wonderful. The outdoor locations are much more convincing than other efforts. I must check to see where it was filmed as it certainly looks like the west in USA. The English team handle the American accents very well and the ever reliables are all in fine form. If at times the accents sound a little like the south of London it actually adds to the fun of the proceedings.Having been to USA several times let me assure you the accents are accurate. Williams is very good as always and Joan Sims looks lovely and proves yet again what a great star she was. Jim Dale in many ways gives the stand out performance. This remarkably gifted actor gave so much to this series and his energy and comic timing is brilliant. Sid is there at the top of his game. Jon Pertwee gives a really funny performance as the sheriff, blind and deaf and it is a comedy masterpiece. Charles Hawtrey is camper than ever and plays the Indian chief with his famous glasses and unlike the others remains Hawtrey as we all want him. Of course its a stroke of comedy genius that all the actors have American accents except for the Indian chief who speaks with a perfect English Oxford English.There is no American accent from the loved performer. The early part is hilarious but once the great Hawtrey starts playing a drunk with a love of fire water it strangely gets a little sad when you are reminded of the great performers sad decline. Its a fun film and the only reason I give it a six is because despite the merit the gag gets a bit thin. Its a sketch idea dragged out into a movie length. Still its a a funny movie.

I have a weakness for western movies and maybe that's the reason why I enjoy this one so much when I find so many others in the series to be bland and boring. It predates Blazing Saddles and, to my mind, makes better use of genre clichés.Sid James is superb as the Rumpo Kid. As are the rest of the regulars though Kenneth Williqams' accent takes some getting used to. The studio sets look suitably like the American frontier and the plot involves all the western conventions from cowardly sheriffs, Indians and the obligatory bar room brawl. Carry on laughing indeed.