VHS : Carry on Again Doctor [1969]

Rating: - a 1969 classic
is this a sequel to the mush lauded carry on doctor,on some levels it is but in terms of characterisation it isnt,fair enough the same cast return more or less but the story takes the drama from the national health service to the private sector and lords that up instead,what we also get here is missionary work where medics were sent abroad to help poorer countries and medic jim dale is asked to do that after becoming disgraced in england,once abroad he meets a bit of a loose cannon in sid james who gives him the medicine to turn large ladies into slimline ones,clearly that would sell well today in this body mad world,but once jim dale returns and becomes a success there are others such as kenny williams and charles hawtrey along with sid james who never knew the real value of his medicine.
The film is quirky while maintaining more obvious laughs so with all of that in mind carry on again doctor is more than a blinding success,and who can forget the wee outfit that babs wears on the doctors lounge,goodness.

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Rating: - The Best Of The Medical Carry On's
Carry On Again Doctor is easily the funniest of the medical Carry On's. There is some structure to the plot and the film being divided into three sections works well as there really feels as though there is a beginning, middle and end of a story. Most of the same actors that were used in Doctor (1967) crop up in this entry with some playing almost identical characters. Jim Dale plays a doctor who is sent out to the Beatific Islands on a medical mission and discovers a special weight-reducing potion. Once back in England he opens a new clinic for women who wish to lose weight.
The cast also includes Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James (who is not introduced until at least half way through the film), Hattie Jaques, yet again reprising her familiar role of the Matron (though plays this more gently in this one) and the bubbly Babara Windsor who quickly catches Jim Dales roving eye.
Carry On Again Doctor on the whole plays very well. Whilst seemingly settling down as a hospital based comedy, the film wildly steers direction and heads off to the Beatific Islands where the sleazy goings on are used to great comic effect from the impeccably timed Sid James who has a great role in this one though is a in a smaller role than usual in a Carry On film. Then the film settles down and sees its last half hour almost encapsulate the feel of a regular T.V sitcom with the weight reducing clinic scenes where the likes of Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey (hilariously in drag) are staying for full treatment. The ending is a little shoddy as it quickly cuts to the wedding of Jim Dale and Babara Windsor to give the film a happy ending but its so overly rushed it loses its effect quite easily. Still on the whole this ranks as one of my own very favourite Carry On's. The dialogue sparkles along with fast, witty repartee, and there are some impeccably timed performances from virtually all of the regular cast - Jim Dale, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James, Babara Windsor, Hattie Jaques and Patsy Rolands. and generally as it captures the true spirit of the Carry On's that somehow was lacking in some of the later entries. This belongs in the classic era of the series where they enjoyed enormous success with such entries as Camping (1969), Up The Kyber (1968), Doctor (1967) and Screaming (1966). Certainly many laughs to endure and is a must-see for fans. Generally a recommended comedy all round. A classic!

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Rating: - THE BEST OF THE MEDICAL CARRY ON'S
Although many would beg to differ but I actually find Carry On Again Doctor (1969) to be even better than it's predecessor, Doctor (1967) and perharps is the best of the medical Carry On films. Although it's plot is typically thin it still holds very well. The plot is of a doctor who is sent to the Beatific Islands on a medical mission in which he discovers a slimming potion. The film starts off as looking like it was to be restricted to hospital and it's patients again, but surprisingly there are many turns to the plot. Jim Dale is fantastic as Dr.Nookey, who is typically accident-prone. He also impressivley performs the stunts for the film and does a spectacular job in doing so. Sid James is not introduced to the film until at least half way through, but his essential contribution is effective regardless. Bubbling in the background are all the familiar favourites such as Joan Sims, who is as loveable as ever, the irreplacable, Hattie Jaques as yet again in the role of the matron (although she takes a calmer, subtle approach to this role and is still effective in doing so), the bubbly Barbara Windsor who sparkles in every scene she is in, Charles Hawtrey who is hilarious in drag and finally Patsy Rolands in a small but essential contribution. All the corny jokes are delivered deliciously by these irreplacable actors and are all on top form, although generally the film is a little less manic than ususal but its pleasurable in doing so. The film develops at a leisurley pace and remains consistently amusing. One of my personal favourites to the series, which in my own opinion ranks up with the greats such as Up The Kyber (1968), Cleo (1965), Camping (1969) and Screaming (1966). Highly recommended.

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Rating: - If you like one Carry On, you'll like them all
One of the funniest of the Carry On Series. These seem to be the only films where sexism is acceptable, hilarious. This plot sees Dr Nookey (Jim Dale) getting posted to a South Sea Island where he discovers a miracle drug.

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Rating: - The Funniest Carry On!
This is one of my favorite Carry On films. The two main doctors are played by Kenneth Williams and Sid James. The Carry on team are at there very best - again! This is also one of the Carry on movies staring the fantastically funny Jim Dale, getting himself into endless bother over GoldieLocks (played by Barbara Windsor). It is the funniest Carry On that I have seen and I have seen all of them! It is well worth watching if you already haven't of course!