The Case of the Screaming Winkles

"Carry On Laughing", semi-forgotten TV series from 1975, is currently back on TV again (in UK on Rewind TV). It's funnier than you might expect and this is one of the best episodes. It's one of several featuring Lord Peter Flimsy (Jack Douglas) and his man Punter (Kenneth Connor), a parody of Dorothy L. Sayers' characters. Douglas is miscast as the aristocratic sleuth, and it doesn't matter in the slightest. The plot is ridiculous; ditto. What's surprising is that Dave Freeman's script is far better than the one he wrote for the dreadful "Carry on Columbus", last in the film series. The innuendos are clever and, what's more, there's a preponderance of rude poetry and tongue-twisters. A very long one that Joan Sims is saddled with is perfectly delivered. I nearly applauded at the end.

Move over Sherlock Holmes. This is a slightly risque spoof of the Lord Peter Wimsey detective stories that were dramatised by the BBC during that era.

You have characters such as Inspector Bungler. There is a toff Admiral Clanger. Scamps such as Charwallah Charlie.

Lord Peter Flimsy and Punter investigate a murder that has roots in Bangalore but although with some amusing moments. It does not go anywhere.