Carry On: Secrets & Scandals

The Carry On films are one of British cinema's biggest success stories. Made on the tiniest of budgets, they made millions at the box office, and are still regularly repeated on TV. Carry On... Secrets & Scandals reveals the truth behind the films' cheeky, cheerful image. With behind-the-scenes stories about how they were made, including shocking secrets from the series' stars. The documentary broadcasts, for the first time ever, interviews recorded by the cast at an event in 1998, where they reveal their true feelings about their treatment at the hands of millionaire producer Peter Rogers. Revelations include the cast's scandalous financial treatment as the films gained new popularity, as well as moving insights into the cast's friendships, love lives, and the difficulties they faced after the films ended. The programme exposes the lengths some of the producers went to in order to save money, from filming beach scenes in a studio car park and the occasions when cast members' lives were put at risk due to the tight schedules and tiny budgets. The programme reveals the impact Sid James and Barbara Windsor's affair had on filming, and how the close friendships among the other cast members led to some hilarious experiences, from finding themselves in a gangster's nightclub to being caught short in a caravan. There are also revelations about the games the films' producers played to get around the demands of the censors, and the times the risqué humour went too far. The programme also features interviews with stars of the films including Amanda Barrie, Sherrie Hewson and Valerie Leon, alongside family and friends of the films' producers and cast, production crew members, and historians and critics who discuss the lasting impact of the films.