The Whippit Inn Summer Garden Party
May 20th 2012
The Grange, Ealing
Special guests: Alan Curtis, Hugh Futcher, Merlin Ward, Stephen Garlick, and Ian Whittaker.
With actress, and daughter / biographer of Harry H. Corbett, Susannah Corbett.
Event organised by Brett Tremble, Paul Stephen and Dean Barker
Carry On regular Hugh Futcher returned for his second event with us and was reunited with his fellow Elsbels bobby, Alan Curtis. Both Alan and Hugh have a wealth of stories about their time on the films and their illustrious careers, and it was a treat to hear their memories.
Alan and Hugh with some of the gang in Carry On Abroad
|
Hugh Futcher as The Jailer in Carry On Abroad
Alan Curtis, and as the Police Chief in Carry On Abroad
|
Alan Curtis became a good friend to several members of The Whippit Inn, and it was with great sadness that we learned of his passing in February 2021. We shall never forget the day we spent with him in Ealing. He was the greatest of story tellers, and the nicest man you could ever wish to meet.
As well as Alan, we were fortunate to have three more stars make their Carry On event debut; Stephen Garlick, Guy Ward and Ian Whittaker.
Stephen Garlick created a memorable scene in Carry On Doctor when he appeared as the young boy who had the chamber pot stuck on his head. Stephen revelled in regaling us with his memories of the film and in particular, his fond memories of working with Anita Harris.
A lifelong Carry On fan, Stephen got into the spirit of the day by wearing his Sid James t-shirt. It was interesting to hear actor turned Radio DJ Stephen talk about other aspects of his career which we weren’t aware of, including him being on a 1960’s hit record (Keith West’s Excerpt from a Teenage Opera).
|
Stephen in Carry On Doctor with Jim Dale and Marianne Stone
Stephen Garlick
|
Guy in Carry On Emmannuelle, with Sentry, Malcolm Johns
It was a thrill to welcome Guy Ward and hear his stories about his time on Carry On Emmannuelle and his dual career as a playwright. Guy told us about his humorous encounter with Kenneth Williams on the set, and also set the record straight as to why sometimes he is credited as Guy and other times as Merlin. (He was advised to change it to Guy by his agent!). |
Guy Ward
"Thank you very much for inviting me to your event yesterday. It was great fun. It was also very interesting hearing the other Carry On actors talking about their careers and to have the pleasure of holding an Oscar. Thank you very much for inviting me and for taking me down memory lane!"
Merlin (Guy) Ward |
Ian Whitaker appeared as the medical corporal in Carry On Sergeant, and later was contracted to play a shop assistant in Carry On Regardless. Sadly that scene was cut from the final edit of the film. Ian shared stories from his time as an actor before he had a change of career and worked behind the camera, in the capacity of a set designer. Ian has worked on many iconic movies including Alien, Sense and Sensibility and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ian as the Medical Corporal in Carry On Sergeant
It was for his work on Howard’s End that Ian won an Academy Award. He was met with applause from the floor when he mentioned this, and to everyone’s surprise, rustled in his bag and produced the very Oscar that he had won. There were lots of excited gasps from the floor and another round of applause, before Ian allowed us to have our photographs taken with it. A very exciting, and memorable moment indeed! |
Ian Whittaker with his Oscar for Best Production Design, on the 1993 film "Howard's End".
|
"I enjoyed the occasion very much and meeting you and your fellow members, as well as my fellow panellists, was a real pleasure. Cheers, Ian"
Ian Whittaker
And lastly, we were joined by actress and author Susannah Corbett. Susannah is the daughter of Carry On Screaming’s Harry H. Corbett and had recently released a biography of her father, entitled ‘The Front Legs of the Cow’. Susannah was on hand to sign copies of the book, as well as her children’s books ‘Dragon’s Dinner’ and ‘One Cool Cat’. It was a joy to meet Susannah and hear her memories of the world of Carry On, from a unique point of view.
I am glad Su's visit went down well and the fans enjoyed it.
We had a very nice afternoon ourselves.
We had a very nice afternoon ourselves.
Dan Hallam (Susannah Corbett's husband)