By the early seventies the Carry On films had lost their innocent charm and instead aimed for the sauciness of McGill's famous postcards. Here that sauciness is provided by a beauty contest arranged by Sidney Fiddler, councillor in the seaside resort of Fircombe. The idea of a beauty contest isn't approved of by everybody though councillor and women's libber Augusta Prodworthy strongly objects to such sexist activities in the town. In order to make the contest a financial success Sid invites the contestants and publicity agent Peter Potter to come down a week before, staying free at his fiancée's hotel. Of course it isn't long before they are getting the sort of publicity money can't buy as a fight between contestants Hope Springs and the ample chested Dawn Brakes leaves the mayor with his trousers round his ankles! That is just the first thing to hit the front pages; the mayor is once again left trouserless in an incident involving a fire engine and Peter Potter is persuaded to disguise himself as a women to enter the contest! The arrival of so many beautiful young women has an effect on the hotel's regular clientèle; some of whom decide to leave and others such as the Admiral who can't get enough of them! As the film reaches its conclusion the contest begins to open when the protesters strike.
I must admit that I didn't have high hopes of this when I sat down to watch it, mainly watching it for completeness; perhaps because of that I rather enjoyed it. Sid James gave his standard performance as Sydney Fiddler which was just what the role demanded, Joan Sims did a fine job playing it straight as Sid's Fiancée and Peter Breslaw was good as Peter Potter. I was less sure of Barbara Windsor though; her sense of fun and mischievous laugh are always charming but she didn't really have the necessary beauty queen look. Kenneth Connor's performance as the mayor had its moments but for the most part he was out performed by Patsy Rowlands who played his put upon wife. To my mind however the worst character was William, the hotel receptionist played by Jack Douglas; a one joke character who will only amuse those who find speech problems and physical impediments funny. While not employed for their acting talents the contests were suitably attractive; especially Margaret Nolan who had difficulties keeping her top covered as Dawn Brakes! I admit the humour is fairly puerile but it made me laugh far more than I expected and in the end that is what makes a comedy; I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the series but be warned some parents might think there is too much flesh on display and too much innuendo despite its PG certificate.
I must admit that I didn't have high hopes of this when I sat down to watch it, mainly watching it for completeness; perhaps because of that I rather enjoyed it. Sid James gave his standard performance as Sydney Fiddler which was just what the role demanded, Joan Sims did a fine job playing it straight as Sid's Fiancée and Peter Breslaw was good as Peter Potter. I was less sure of Barbara Windsor though; her sense of fun and mischievous laugh are always charming but she didn't really have the necessary beauty queen look. Kenneth Connor's performance as the mayor had its moments but for the most part he was out performed by Patsy Rowlands who played his put upon wife. To my mind however the worst character was William, the hotel receptionist played by Jack Douglas; a one joke character who will only amuse those who find speech problems and physical impediments funny. While not employed for their acting talents the contests were suitably attractive; especially Margaret Nolan who had difficulties keeping her top covered as Dawn Brakes! I admit the humour is fairly puerile but it made me laugh far more than I expected and in the end that is what makes a comedy; I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the series but be warned some parents might think there is too much flesh on display and too much innuendo despite its PG certificate.