Review of The Ship Was Loaded

Not a "Carry On" in the generally accepted sense - the canon didn't start until a couple of years later with "Carry On Sergeant" - but instead a typical British service comedy of the 1950s with all the vices and virtues of the genre. A quite fabulous cast is headed by Mr D.Tomlinson - soon to become America's favourite silly - ass Englishman and Mr B.Reece,hot from his success as P.C.49 and an accomplished farceur.The sublime Mr A.E.Matthews plays the eponymous admiral.Miss E.Gayson,the first Bond girl and Miss J.Sims were on the brink of successful careers on TV and films. The plot is wonderfully silly but the pleasure is all in the performances.Absolutely innocent good - natured fun is had by all. What a treasure house of actors was available to directors fifty - odd years ago.Eccentrics of every kind flourished - indeed were encouraged. A naval officer and a civilian friend get drunk together and end up doing each other's jobs.Well,no one said it was pushing the envelope. But it is very funny,beautifully played and the small parts are exceptionally happily cast for those with a nostalgic eye for the stage and TV performers of what has become to be regarded as as Golden Age. I am an old man but not a grumpy old man,"Carry on Admiral"is a quickie picture from over half a century ago that,bathed in the glow of nostalgia,has the air of a masterpiece of ensemble comedy.