Carry On Matron

Carry On Matron follows a scrappy gang of petty thieves who hatch a plan to lift a shipment of contraceptive pills from Finisham maternity hospital. They slip into the building under a string of disguises hoping to pull off a clean job. Their scheme collides with the hospital routine and a chorus of meddling staff, from the anxious matron to a self important consultant who treats the place like a stage. As gags pile up through mistaken identities and slapstick mishaps, the would be robbers find themselves outmaneuvered at every turn by nurses, doctors and the endless small emergencies of hospital life. The cast fires off rapid one liners as the mayhem escalates with disguises and pratfalls.

Directed by Gerald Thomas and written by Talbot Rothwell, the 1972 Carry On Matron keeps its cheeky hospital farce with a brisk pace and broad character bits that fans expect from the series, blending in familiar energy and the franchise’s characteristic punch lines.

The film lands squarely in the Carry On tradition with a familiar troupe including Sidney James, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques and Joan Sims. Its hospital setting provides fodder for the series' gags and quick witted lines that fans remember.

Critics at the time appreciated the brisk pace and ensemble energy, while noting the light satirical bite about medical bureaucracy and class through a harmless, rowdy farce. The themes lean on disguise, improv and shared humor rather than sentiment, keeping the tone playful.