The Classic Carry On Film Collection
'The Classic Carry On Film Collection' was a series of magazines released by De Agostini in 2003.
They were about the classic 'Carry On' films and the television series 'Carry On Laughing'. Each magazine was accompanied by a DVD or VHS video. The series also provided collectors with a special 'suitcase' container for storing your films and also special magazine binders for the magazines.
The only 'Carry On' not to be included was 'Carry On Columbus' - it is unknown why this is but it could possibly be because the DVD's and VHS tapes included within the collection were all released by Carlton International Media Limited with 'Carry On Columbus' being under a different label.
Each magazine hosted six different chapters:
* What A Carry On! - A light hearted look at the plot.
* Classic moment - A detailed look at a key scene.
* The Carry On Years! - Details of events from the year of release, or the period the story is set.
* Stop Messing About! - Anecdotes and memories from cast and crew, together with unseen pictures.
* Oh I Never! - A brief section about a minor member of the cast.
* Best of British! - A brief biography of a member of the cast and crew.
The only 'Carry On' not to be included was 'Carry On Columbus' - it is unknown why this is but it could possibly be because the DVD's and VHS tapes included within the collection were all released by Carlton International Media Limited with 'Carry On Columbus' being under a different label.
Each magazine hosted six different chapters:
* What A Carry On! - A light hearted look at the plot.
* Classic moment - A detailed look at a key scene.
* The Carry On Years! - Details of events from the year of release, or the period the story is set.
* Stop Messing About! - Anecdotes and memories from cast and crew, together with unseen pictures.
* Oh I Never! - A brief section about a minor member of the cast.
* Best of British! - A brief biography of a member of the cast and crew.
Above (Top): The spines of the dvd's/VHS tapes created the classic 'Carry On' team logo; Above (Bottom): The 'Carry On' suitcase to house the films.
The magazine series was not released in chronological order of the films themselves. It is also apparent that the 'Carry On Laughing' TV series may not have originally been planned to form part of the series hence the 'blank' spines creating the off-centre caricature logo in the line up.
I actually remember showing a few of the magazines to Carry On Producer, Peter Rogers & Carry On Writer, Norman Hudis during an event at Pinewood in 2007. Both were really interested in the series, particularly their caricatures!
I actually remember showing a few of the magazines to Carry On Producer, Peter Rogers & Carry On Writer, Norman Hudis during an event at Pinewood in 2007. Both were really interested in the series, particularly their caricatures!
Left: The cover of the 'Carry On' magazine binder & an example of the 'Best of British' caricature section.
As previously mentioned, the only film missing from the series was 'Carry On Columbus' (1992).
In order to complete the series I decided to design my own DVD cover staying true to the format of the others in the series. Not one to like things 'incomplete' I set out on a mission to also design the DVD disc overlay to complete the collection!
Regardless of people's personal views of 'Carry On Columbus' it is an official entry into the 'Carry On' series and therefore should have been included for completeness.
In order to complete the series I decided to design my own DVD cover staying true to the format of the others in the series. Not one to like things 'incomplete' I set out on a mission to also design the DVD disc overlay to complete the collection!
Regardless of people's personal views of 'Carry On Columbus' it is an official entry into the 'Carry On' series and therefore should have been included for completeness.
Left to Right: The front & back cover for 'Columbus' & the dvd disc
It wasn't until I started designing the website that I actually remembered this series of magazines & films & so decided to revisit them & researched them a little further.
By doing so I actually came across the original creator of the caricatures that are featured in the 'Best of British' section of the magazines. I was delighted to speak with the artist, Robin Carter, about the history of the magazines & his involvement with the production.
A few days later Robin contacted me to advise me that after further consideration, & as the original artworks were now gathering dust in his attic, that he would like to gift them to me for inclusion on the website. I cannot express my gratitude & thanks enough to him for such a generous & kind gesture & was was truly bowled over by his offer. I have therefore pictured a selection of these original pieces of 'Carry On' artwork below. It will be the first time in around 15 years that they have seen the light of day & hopefully fellow fans will also love them as much as I do!
In thanks for such a generous gift I have made a donation to my charity of choice, Help for Heroes.
By doing so I actually came across the original creator of the caricatures that are featured in the 'Best of British' section of the magazines. I was delighted to speak with the artist, Robin Carter, about the history of the magazines & his involvement with the production.
A few days later Robin contacted me to advise me that after further consideration, & as the original artworks were now gathering dust in his attic, that he would like to gift them to me for inclusion on the website. I cannot express my gratitude & thanks enough to him for such a generous & kind gesture & was was truly bowled over by his offer. I have therefore pictured a selection of these original pieces of 'Carry On' artwork below. It will be the first time in around 15 years that they have seen the light of day & hopefully fellow fans will also love them as much as I do!
In thanks for such a generous gift I have made a donation to my charity of choice, Help for Heroes.
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