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Many consider Carry On... Up the Khyber (d. Gerald Thomas, 1968) to be the
best in the series. It was the Carry On entry that got the most votes in the
1999 British Film Institute poll of the 100 finest British films ever
made (it was placed 99th). A zany look at Britain's colonial past, it spoofs
such Empire adventures as Zulu (d. Cy Enfield, 1964) and Khartoum (d. Basil
Dearden, 1966), delighting in its emphasis on British peculiarities and
eccentricities. Part of the reason for its continuing appeal certainly lies in
the way it seeks to deflate the traditional British values of restraint and
decorum and the associated obsession with class values.
The splendidly daft plot revolves around the fact that the Highland regiment
guarding the Khyber Pass (represented by a small wooden gate), known locally as
the 'devils in skirts', actually wears underpants beneath their kilts. Sid James
and Joan Sims play Lord and Lady Ruff-Diamond, and live up to their name during
a polo sequence inspired by Shaw's Pygmalion (and My Fair Lady). In a neat
re-write of Eliza Doolittle's remarks at Ascot, Joan Sims, in a mock posh
accent, congratulates a player by exclaiming, "He didn't half crack that one,
did he not!" While Sid James plays his typical roguish self, forever retiring
for a spot of 'Tiffin', at least this time Joan Sims, in her usual role as the
put-upon wife, gets a chance to try and even the score with some reciprocal
adultery (albeit unsuccessfully).
Location filming took place in May 1968 in North Wales, with Snowdonia
standing in for India, the furthest afield the Carry On team ever travelled. The
rest was shot back at Pinewood studios, including the film's memorable finale.
Taking the British stiff-upper lip to outrageous lengths, James and his guests
insist on having a formal evening meal while their home is under heavy attack
from the men of the Khasi of the Kalabar, played with relish by Kenneth
Williams.
Sergio Angelini
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1. Anglo-Indian relations (2:15)
Production stills
