An energetic mix of parody, farce, slapstick and double entendres, the Carry On films typify the very essence of British comedy. From the National Health Service to the monarchy, no British institution was safe from being sent up by the Carry On team. Here, for the very first time, is the essential biography of this most treasured institution in the world of British cinema. From fairly inauspicious beginnings, the spectacle of Carry On rapidly rose to great heights. In August 1958 the very first Carry On Film - a low-budget film spotlighting the adventures of a bunch of dysfunctional national servicemen - was warmly received by cinemagoers around the country. A year later, producer Peter Rogers and director Gerald Thomas realised they had struck gold when Carry On Nurse, just as cheaply produced, became the highest grossing film in Britain for the year and became a roaring success in the States, too.Over the next 20 years, Rogers and Thomas churned out film after film to the delight of millions of fans around the world. The seaside postcard humour, ensemble acting and uncomplicated storylines became trademarks of the Carry On films, which have since become embedded in the public's conscience as British cinema classics. Fifty Years of Carry On is Richard Webber's detailed history of the Carry On phenomenon - published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first film - and will include an in-depth assessment of each film, complete with individual film synopses, cast lists and transmission details. Contributions from many of those involved will complete this entertaining and very original biography.