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