Watch Carry On Cabby

Carry On Cabby is a classic British comedy film from 1963 which stars some of the best-loved actors of the era, including Sidney James, Hattie Jacques, and Kenneth Connor. Directed by Gerald Thomas and written by Talbot Rothwell, this movie is the seventh installment in the Carry On series and is regarded as one of the funniest and most iconic comedies of the entire franchise.

Set in London, the film follows the misadventures of Charlie Hawkins (Sidney James), a struggling taxi driver who is facing competition from a new and flashy taxi service run by his own wife, Peggy (Hattie Jacques). Peggy's cab company, Glam Cabs, is staffed entirely by beautiful women who are hired for their looks rather than their driving skills. This concept proves to be incredibly successful, and Glam Cabs becomes an overnight sensation, leaving Charlie and his all-male taxi fleet struggling to compete.

Determined not to be beaten, Charlie decides to get revenge on his wife by starting his own rival company called Speedee Cabs, staffed entirely by men. However, his plan backfires when his all-male drivers prove to be slow, inefficient, and not very good at their jobs. Meanwhile, Peggy's Glam Cabs continues to thrive, and she soon becomes the target of the city's most eligible bachelor, Tom (Kenneth Connor), who becomes smitten with her.

As the competition between the two cab companies heats up, the film becomes a hilarious battle of the sexes. Charlie and his drivers try everything they can think of to sabotage Glam Cabs, including stealing their customers, staging fake accidents, and using their cars for street racing. But Peggy and her team of capable female drivers are always one step ahead, and they refuse to let the men get the best of them.

The film's plot is full of witty one-liners, slapstick comedy, and hilarious situations, making it a must-see for fans of the Carry On franchise and British comedy in general. The performances by the cast are superb, with Sidney James giving a standout turn as the hapless Charlie, and Hattie Jacques proving once again that she was one of the funniest women on screen at the time.

But the film is much more than just a collection of jokes and gags. It also features some clever social commentary on gender roles and the changing face of society in 1960s Britain. Peggy's Glam Cabs, with its all-female staff and emphasis on looks over ability, is presented as both a threat to male-dominated industries and a symbol of the new freedoms that women were starting to enjoy in the workplace. Meanwhile, Charlie's Speedee Cabs, with its bumbling male drivers, is a satire on the outdated attitudes of traditional masculinity.

Overall, Carry On Cabby is a delightful and entertaining comedy that still holds up today, more than 50 years after its initial release. It's a must-see for fans of classic British humor and a great introduction to the Carry On series for those who have never seen it before. Whether you're looking for a good laugh or a fun trip down memory lane, this film is sure to deliver.