Carry On Nurse

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Carry On Nurse is a British comedy film and the second in the series of Carry On films to be made. Released in 1959, it was directed by Gerald Thomas and produced by Peter Rogers. The screenplay was written by Norman Hudis, based on the nursing profession, and it follows the comedic mishaps and adventures of a group of patients and staff within the fictional Haven Hospital.

Plot

The plot of Carry On Nurse revolves around the patients and staff of a men's ward in Haven Hospital. The ward is overseen by the stern Matron, played by Hattie Jacques, and the efficient but kind-hearted Nurse Dawson, portrayed by Shirley Eaton. The patients include a mix of characters, such as the mischievous boxer Bernie Bishop (Kenneth Connor) and the pompous Colonel (Charles Hawtrey). The film humorously explores their interactions, pranks, and the romantic entanglements that ensue within the hospital setting.

Cast

• Kenneth Williams as Oliver Reckitt
• Hattie Jacques as Matron
• Charles Hawtrey as Colonel
• Kenneth Connor as Bernie Bishop
• Shirley Eaton as Nurse Dawson
• Joan Sims as Nurse Stella Dawson
• Bill Owen as Percy Hickson
• Leslie Phillips as Jack Bell

Production

Carry On Nurse was filmed at Pinewood Studios in England. The film's production followed the success of the first Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant, and sought to capitalize on its popularity by focusing on another well-known British institution: the hospital. The choice of setting allowed for a variety of comedic situations, playing on the interactions between patients and hospital staff.

Reception

Upon its release, Carry On Nurse was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1959 in the UK. It received positive reviews for its humor, performances, and the chemistry among the cast. The film is often cited as one of the best in the Carry On series, noted for its balance of slapstick, wit, and character-driven humor.

Legacy

Carry On Nurse has left a lasting impact on British comedy and the Carry On series. It established the formula for many of the subsequent Carry On films, which would often take a comedic look at various British institutions and professions. The film's success helped to solidify the Carry On series as a staple of British cinema and contributed to its ongoing popularity.