Carry On Sergeant
Carry On Sergeant

Movie spotlight

Carry On Sergeant

1958
Movie
84 min
English

Sergeant Grimshawe wants to retire in the flush of success by winning the Star Squad prize with his very last platoon of newly called-up National Servicemen. But a motley bunch they turn out to be, and it's up to Grimshawe to put the no-hopers through their paces.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Gerald ThomasGenres: Comedy, War

Plot Summary

In this inaugural entry of the beloved British comedy series, Sergeant Grimshawe, a tough but fair drill sergeant, is tasked with training a motley crew of National Service recruits. These unlikely soldiers, including the naive Percy Stubbs and the rebellious Peter Penwarden, struggle to adapt to military life, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous misadventures. The film culminates in a tense but comical final exercise where the recruits must prove their worth.

Critical Reception

Carry On Sergeant was a significant box office success, establishing the 'Carry On' franchise and proving immensely popular with audiences. While critical reception at the time was generally positive for its comedic escapism, it was primarily recognized for its entertainment value rather than cinematic artistry. Its enduring legacy lies in its launch of a long-running comedy series.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its straightforward, laugh-out-loud British humour.

  • Appreciated for its broad appeal and energetic comedic performances.

  • Seen as a lighthearted and fun romp through basic training.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for Carry On Sergeant from 1958 is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Carry On Sergeant was the first film in the Ealing Studios' 'Carry On' series, which went on to become one of the most successful British film franchises of all time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I suppose that this first of the "Carry On" films suffered quite definitely from being all to easily compared with the far funnier and potent wartime efforts of the likes of Will Hay and Norman Wisdom. These latter efforts had a far more im...