Having managed to destroy traditional British comedy by the early '90's, the alternative comedy brigade then made complete fools of themselves by signing up for 'Carry On Columbus'. Why, exactly? Alexei Sayle was a vociferous critic of 'old school' comics such as Les Dawson, so what's he doing here? Actually, neither he, Rik Mayall, Julian Clary, Keith Allen and co. can be blamed for the film turning out a stinker. Sid James, Kenneth Williams and the original gang would have had a tough time making this dreadful script funny. It plays like a bad 'Carry On' spoof done by 'The Comic Strip Presents' team. Clary manages a few guffaws as a Hawtrey-substitute, but the only person to emerge with any credit is Jim Dale. Old-timers Jack Douglas, Leslie Phillips, June Whitfield and Jon Pertwee feature in so few scenes as to be barely noticeable. I pity anyone who paid to see it on its original release; on television you can always change channels, or better still put on a 'Carry On Screaming' D.V.D.
Review of Carry on Columbus
