The Carry On Girls

As with those other bastions of British popular culture, the James Bond films, the Hammer Horrors and The Benny Hill Show, the importance of the glamour girl to the eternal success of the Carry Ons can never be overvalued. This is their story.

Whether it is the seaside postcard bubbly blondes of Barbara Windsor, the hysterically historical leading ladies of Joan Sims, the coquettish authoritarians of Hattie Jacques, or the statuesque confidence of Valerie Leon, the Carry On girls are stoic, sexy and fiercely independent.

In this lavish celebration of a pioneering generation of comedy actresses who continue to radiate charm and contemporary relevance, a few home truths are revealed and some myths are debunked; but, above all, some of the best-loved icons of British entertainment are given fitting affection and respect.