When the Carry On Stopped (Hardback)

As a huge fun of Carry on... movies I was looking for to read the book. It didn't disappoint - great information on life of the actors, full of anecdotes and and some photos. Very enjoyable read!

NetGalley, Meg Gajda

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an interesting and insightful read showing what happened to the ‘Carry On…’ franchise of films when its studio chose to stop producing them. The Carry On movies are well known in the UK, having been created and distributed by Anglo-Amalgamated, but when one of the two men who created the studio died, the Carry On films stopped being made. The remaining owner of Anglo-Amalgamated wanted to move away from the comedies, but without the film studio to support them what would happen to the Carry On movies that producer Peter Rogers still wanted to create?

I’ve really enjoyed reading this book which I was drawn into from the very start. I’ve always enjoyed the Carry On movies, having watched them since I was a child, but I never knew the story behind what happened in 1967 when the films studio credits suddenly went from being Anglo-Amalgamated to Rank. The book begins by explaining where the majority of the famous cast of the movies were in their careers during 1966 and earlier, and I like how many well known names are included in the explanations of various theatre shows some of the actors were in at the time.

The book is separated into chapters, with a bit of a background for each actor before explaining a little background about how Anglo-Amalgamated came to be. I knew nothing about this and found it very interesting, the writing flowing easily through what was happening and giving you a real insight into the many characters, personalities and relationships the actors had. I like how we find out more about what happened with people like Charles Hawtry, the death of his mother being something that affected him greatly, and as the book heads into the late sixties we find out more about the problems Joan Sims and others had in securing the roles and recognition they deserved.

The book discusses a lot about a few specific movies at the time, beginning with Carry On Screaming, as this was the last film made by Anglo-Amalgamated, and I like the details we find out about the filming and actors here, although this only occurs with a few of the films around this period where the changeover from Anglo-Amalgamated to Rank takes place. The rejection of the original film studio to any more future Carry On movies was something I’d never known, but it’s interesting to read how this occurred and the difficulties producer Peter Rogers had with getting the studio Rank to take on the future films in the series, especially as Rank didn’t want to use the ‘Carry On’ name with any of the future films being made.

As the book moves on through the difficult years it does seem as if the author speculates a little in his observations over which films were the best, being a little overly critical (in my mind) in saying that none of the films were that good following Carry On Doctor. After the difficult period of the changeover from Anglo-Amalgamated to Rank, the book then wraps things up relatively quickly explaining what happened to some of the main actors in the years since, some of which I knew was sad, though the contrast between the producer’s and director’s lives later compared to that of the actors leaves you feeling sad for the actors, and those last few paragraphs summing up everything in a good way, that last line being an honest and powerful one.

The book has an index at the back and a selection of photos and prints from several different Carry On movies (and other films) which are worth looking at. Overall I have really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fascinating insight into what happened in the middle of the Carry On franchise, at a time when it faced being shut down. And even though it has a bit of a sad ending, it’s a must read for anyone who loves the Carry On movies and for those interested in the UK film industry at this time too.

NetGalley, Cat Strawberry

It truly is a deep dive into the world of Carry On and a well researched look into the lives of all of those involved... Peeking behind the curtain made me appreciate the craft of the stars of the movies even more.

NetGalley, Yvonne Richardson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


I thought this was a really nostalgic and entertaining read.! It was a series of films that I’d enjoyed watching as a child.
I loved the anecdotes and insights into the “ Carry On “ actor’s lives ,while they were starring in the films, and beyond
Some of the tales I’d heard before but there were plenty of new stories I wasn’t aware of.
After finishing this book I’ll definitely be revisiting the series.

NetGalley, Alison Bevington

When The Carry On Stopped by Dave Ainsworth is a heartfelt and nostalgic look at the decline of the beloved Carry On film series and the lives of those involved. Ainsworth blends humor with melancholy, offering an insightful tribute to the era and its fading stars. Though occasionally dwelling on minutiae, the book is a must-read for fans of British comedy and classic cinema.

NetGalley, Moshita Prajapati

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The author's obvious affection for the Carry On performers enthuses every single page with vibrant humour and charm. His knowledge of their lives and careers is encyclopedic and he offers a poignant commentary on triumphs and tragedies and the inevitable clashes of personality amongst such talented but fragile egos. He also clearly understands the nuts and bolts of getting films into production in England at a time when cinema admissions were plummeting and financing ever more difficult to attract.
I have worked in the film industry for most of my life and met many of the artistes, producers and distributors mentioned in this book. It's nostalgic, honest, and warmly embraces those talented performers whose stars shone so brightly in the Carry On films.

NetGalley, Robin Price

I’ll make no apology for saying, as a starter, that I like the Carry On films. As a child in the late 1950s, I went to the cinema every week. and Carry Ons and Norman Wisdom were the films I enjoyed most. Obviously it was the silliness that appealed, I was too young to understand the innuendos, but even now, I find them entertaining and have boxed sets of both. Carry Ons were of their time. I don’t agree with revisionist history that changes content or excludes material because it’s no longer deemed correct. I would far prefer the innocence of that era to the dark waters of material available online at the touch of a button.

Dave Ainsworth’s insight into the franchise is fascinating. It’s a great slice of social and film history and I enjoyed the detail he provides about each of the cast. Most made their name through these films but were poorly recompensed and this caused anger and resentment. I thought the ‘ tight as a camel’s arse in a sandstorm’ reference to Rogers meanness was unnecessary. It brings down the tone of the text and does the author no favours. The narrative is easy to read and absolutely packed with trivia. There’s a great collection of promo posters and film stills at the end, along with a comprehensive index and each chapter has notes with reference to source material. I really enjoyed this dip into the story behind pad the franchise. It’s a niche area but Mr Ainsworth has served it well with this well researched and comprehensive overview.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

As a casual enjoyer of the Carry On films, I found When the Carry On Stopped to be a fascinating deep dive into a turning point for the series. It covers the transition from Anglo-Amalgamated to the Rank Organisation and the struggles that came with it, but what really stood out to me were the insights into the personal lives of the cast. Barbara Windsor's ill-fated stage venture, Sid James' health issues, and Joan Sims' struggles with fat shaming all add a human element to the behind-the-scenes drama. It's well-researched and engaging, offering a fresh perspective on a much-loved British institution. A must-read for Carry On fans and anyone interested in the realities of show business in the 1960s.

NetGalley, Bradley Harmer-Barnes

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Now who does Just love these carry on films................When the Carry On Stopped by Dave Ainsworth was a brilliant book and a great book for new or old fans Plus a great book to have sitting on your coffee table, out on display out on show. This is a book that will bring back so many memories and will have you Laugh out loud when you look at the photo's/illustrations and read about the famous actors who were brilliant characters in every film. These films are my to go films when I feel Blue! It does not matter how many times you sit down and watch them they will always make you laugh.

The author Dave Ainsworth did all the characters within the Carry on films Proud!!!!
It was a joy to read .

I highly recommend this book. Superb!

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

I had such a good time reading this as a big carry on film fan this brought back lots of memories from my childhood watching carry on movies with my Dad. I really enjoyed learning more about the films and actors and there were lots of facts I didn't know.

NetGalley, Mel Smith