A magazine cover of the TV Times NORTHERN ENGLAND A NEW book showcases the very best of the classic – and naughty- Carry On film posters including Dame Barbara Windsor are bound to catch your eye. Images are bound to remind you of nostalgic catchphrases from the iconic British films such as “Ooh matron”, include restored film posters, behind the scenes photos of the cast and crew filming and even promotional flyers for the performers at the time. Carry On is a British comedy franchise comprising 31 films, four Christmas specials, a television series and stage shows produced between 1958 and 1992. Produced by Peter Rogers, the Carry On films were directed by Gerald Thomas and starred a regular ensemble that included Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims, Kenneth Connor, Peter Butterworth, Hattie Jacques, Terry Scott, Bernard Bresslaw, Barbara Windsor, Jack Douglas, and Jim Dale. The humour of Carry On was in the British comic tradition of music hall and bawdy seaside postcards. The success of the films led to several spin-offs, including four Christmas television specials (1969–1973), a 1975 television series of 13 episodes and three West End stage shows that also toured the United Kingdom. The Carry On series contains the largest number of films of any British film franchise, and is the second longest running, albeit with a 14-year gap (1978–1992) between the 30th and 31st entries. The hardback book by Jay Slater is available for purchase and will cost between Ł28-Ł40 ($35-Ł50). The full and hilarious story of the Carry On films that have given audiences bawdy, rude and fun entertainment since 1958. From Barbra Walter bra busting workout, Ooh Matron, to Sid James’ perfect comedic timing, these films are a pillar of British cinematic history. “Lavishly illustrated with many rare mono and colour photographs, cinema posters, production stills, memorabilia,” states the press release. “Features iconic stars who have entered popular culture such as Sid James, Frankie Howard, Kenneth Williams and Barbara Windsor. “Written and researched by an expert on British film and television who authored the critically acclaimed The Worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson: The Story Behind International Rescue and The British Horror Film: From the Silent to the Multiplex. “Carrying On presents the complete story of the Carry Ons, which have made Britain laugh for generations on film, television and stage, and of the unique British filmmaking partnership of producer Peter Rogers and director Gerald Thomas. "Writer and film historian Ian Fryer takes us on a journey into the glorious days of classic British humour, bringing to life the Carry On films and the vibrant, fascinating world of comedy from which they sprang. "This lively and entertaining book presents detailed histories of the thirty-one Carry On films, revealing a cinematic legacy that is often cleverer and more complex than expected – from the post-war optimism of Carry On Sergeant and Carry On Nurse, via mini-epics such as Carry On Cleo, all the way to the smut-tinged 1970s. "Carrying On also turns the spotlight onto the host of other productions the Rogers and Thomas partnership brought to the screen along with detailed biographies of legendary Carry On stars, such as Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims, and Barbara Windsor who have brought fun and laughter to millions for decades. "Ian Fryer is a writer and film historian. He spent much of the 1990s as editor of Impact: The ActionMovie Magazine and is co-editor of FAB: The Official Gerry Anderson Appreciation Society Magazine. "In recent years, Fryer has put his fascination with and encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of cinema and television to work in writing the books The Worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and The British Horror Film (Fonthill Media, 2016, 2017). "He lives in Northern England with his partner, two cats and a huge library of books and DVDs, which he promises will all be read and watched someday." ENDS