Carry On Up the Khyber Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

British soldiers in skirts cause an international incident when everyone finds out they’re secretly wearing pants, which somehow makes them less scary.

🍿 Carry On Up the Khyber: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The British in Colonial India

The film opens in 1895, showcasing the British presence in colonial India. Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond, the governor of Khalabar province, oversees the region, protected by the kilted Third Foot and Mouth Regiment, known as the ‘Devils in Skirts.’ Their fearsome reputation stems from the belief that they wear nothing under their kilts.

The Underwear Revelation

Private Widdle, seeking comfort from the windy Khyber Pass, wears underpants under his kilt. This discovery by Bungdit Din, a warlord, leads to the Khasi of Khalabar plotting a rebellion. The Khasi aims to undermine the British by revealing their soldiers’ supposed lack of bravery.

A Diplomatic Disaster and a Photograph

The British attempt to downplay the incident fails. Lady Ruff-Diamond, seeking favor with the Khasi, provides him with photographic evidence of soldiers wearing underpants. This photo becomes a powerful tool for the Khasi, potentially inciting an Afghan invasion.

Rescue Mission and Harem Hijinks

Captain Keene and his men, aided by Princess Jelhi (who is in love with Keene), embark on a mission to retrieve the incriminating photograph. Disguised, they infiltrate the Khasi’s palace, leading to humorous encounters in the harem and their eventual capture.

The Dinner Party During the Siege

As the Khasi’s army attacks, the British, with their trademark stiff upper lip, continue with a formal dinner. Despite the chaos and destruction around them, they maintain composure, showcasing a satirical view of British stoicism.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond (Sidney James): The British governor in Khalabar, he embodies the stiff upper lip and staunchly maintains decorum amidst chaos.
• The Khasi of Kalabar (Kenneth Williams): The cunning and educated leader of the local Indian population who seeks to undermine British authority.
• Lady Ruff-Diamond (Joan Sims): The socially ambitious and somewhat vulgar wife of the governor, she causes diplomatic incidents with her indiscretions.
• Pte. James Widdle (Charles Hawtrey): A bumbling and cowardly private whose actions inadvertently spark a rebellion.
• Capt. Keene (Roy Castle): A resourceful British officer who attempts to maintain order and retrieve a compromising photograph.
• Bungdit Din (Bernard Bresslaw): The Khasi’s imposing henchman and leader of the Burpas, who discovers the truth about the ‘Devils in Skirts’.
• Brother Belcher (Peter Butterworth): A somewhat unorthodox missionary who reluctantly guides the British on their mission.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Khasi of Kalabar: “May the benevolence of the god Shivoo bring blessings on your house.” – Said during a strained diplomatic exchange with Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond.
• Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond: “And up yours.” – Response to the Khasi, escalating the tension and showcasing British irreverence.
• Bungdit Din: “Fakir – off!” – Said to the Fakir in a dismissive manner.
• Brother Belcher: “Well, I’m not standing around here waiting for mine to stiffen!” – Said to Capt. Keane. during bombardment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Carry On Up the Khyber Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I laughed… a lot. It’s so politically incorrect it’s almost shocking, but there’s a silly charm to it. Sid James is hilarious, and Kenneth Williams is just amazing. The scene where they’re having dinner while the building is falling apart? Classic! It definitely wouldn’t be made today, but it’s a fun glimpse into a different era of comedy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British comedy”
  • “Viewers who appreciate satire and parody”
  • “Those familiar with the Carry On film series”
  • “People interested in historical comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial stereotypes”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mild innuendo”
  • “Some scenes may be offensive to modern sensibilities”

Professional Reviews

• The Radio Times: “A riotous romp that skewers British colonialism with cheeky wit and slapstick humor. The cast is on top form, particularly Kenneth Williams as the Khasi. The jokes are relentless, and the ending is pure British absurdity.
• Empire Magazine: “While undeniably dated, ‘Carry On Up the Khyber’ remains a landmark in British comedy. Its success lies in its relentless silliness and the cast’s commitment to the ridiculous. The racial stereotyping is problematic, but the film’s self-aware satire provides some counterbalance.
• AllMovie: “One of the best ‘Carry On’ films, skillfully balancing slapstick with sly political commentary. The chemistry between Sid James and Kenneth Williams is electric. Some viewers may find the humor outdated, but its place in British comedic history is secure.

Audience Reactions

The dinner party scene is legendary, a masterclass in British stiff upper lip humor.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s over-the-top humor and memorable one-liners.

Kenneth Williams’ performance as the Khasi is a standout, delivering some of the film’s funniest moments.: The cast’s chemistry and comedic timing are frequently cited as highlights.

Overall Consensus: A classic British comedy, beloved for its silly humor and memorable performances, though some viewers may find it dated and offensive.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Snowdonia in Wales doubled as the Khyber Pass, with the rest of filming done at Pinewood Studios.”
• “When the film was released, an old soldier who had served in the Khyber Pass area wrote to the film studio, informing them that he recognized the area at once.”
• “The film satirizes British Imperialism and the ‘stiff upper lip’ mentality.”

🖥️ How to Watch Carry On Up the Khyber?

Carry On… Up the Khyber is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible streaming options, as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Carry On Up the Khyber, you might like these similar films:

• Carry On Cleo (1964): Another historical spoof from the Carry On series, with similar bawdy humor and ensemble cast.
• Dad’s Army (1971): A British comedy that pokes fun at wartime Home Guard volunteers, sharing a similar spirit of British self-deprecation.
• Zulu (1964): A serious depiction of British colonialism in the same era, providing a stark contrast to the comedic portrayal in ‘Carry On Up the Khyber’.
• Blackadder the Third (1987): A British period sitcom, poking fun at the aristocracy, and full of dry wit and social satire.

🛒 Carry On Up the Khyber Related Products

• Carry On: Complete Collection [DVD]: Own all the Carry On movies in one massive collection! Includes ‘Carry On Up the Khyber’ and every other film in the series, providing hours of classic British comedy.
• Keep Calm and Carry On T-Shirt: A T-shirt with the famous ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ slogan.
• Men’s Scottish Kilt Outfit: A traditional kilt outfit to show your appreciation for the movie and Scottish culture. This package includes a kilt, sporran, belt, flashes, and kilt pin.

🎧 Soundtrack

Carry On Up the Khyber features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Light Cavalry Overture” – performed by Franz von Suppé

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Carry On Up The Khyber – 1968 (Ken Burns Edit)

Want a quick dose of ‘Carry On Up The Khyber’ hilarity? This super fan edit packs all the best bits into just a few minutes. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to relive the funniest scenes!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=MWhOMmFr7Dc

Carry On Nursing interview – Bernard Bresslaw, Jack Douglas, Gerald Thomas

Ever wondered what it was like behind the scenes of a ‘Carry On’ film? Check out this vintage interview with some of the cast and the director! It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of British comedy, plus you’ll hear about a ‘Carry On’ movie that sadly never happened.

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