Although some may beg to differ, I find Carry On Again Doctor to be the funniest of the medical-based in the series. There is more structure to the plot than there was in the earlier Carry On Doctor. The film being divided into three sections works very well as this actually makes it feel as though there is a beginning, middle and end of a story.Most of the same actors that were used in Doctor (1967) crop up in this entry, some playing almost identical characters, others completely different. Jim Dale, for instance, virtually resurrects his accident-prone but well-meaning character from 'Doctor', although here he is named Dr. Jim Nookey. Kenneth Williams is as supercilious as always, although his character displays more of a sense of humour than usual. Even so, he is typically snide and as self-serving as his part in 'Doctor'. Joan Sims proves that, when called for, she can be sexy and glamorous, and it's nice to see her in a role where she isn't pigeon-holed in the battle-axe character she would often play. Charles Hawtrey is hilarious in drag, Sid James (who is not introduced until at least half way through the film) is in one of his most unusual roles, and Hattie Jacques, yet again reprises her familiar role of the Matron,though is more gentle in here, conveying a warmth in her character that was absent from her part in 'Doctor'. Then of course we have the bubbly Babara Windsor, whose character Goldie Locks quickly catches Jim Dale's roving eye. Their romance provides a nice sub-plot.Carry On Again Doctor, on the whole, plays very well. Whilst seemingly settling down as a hospital based comedy, the first 15 minutes or so seeming like 'Carry On Doctor 2', the film then wildly steers direction when Dr. Nookey (Jim Dale) is sent out to the Beatific Islands on a medical mission and discovers a special weight-reducing potion. Once back in England, he opens a new clinic for women who wish to lose weight. Then the film settles down and sees its last half hour almost encapsulate the feel of a regular TV sitcom with the weight reducing clinic scenes, with the likes of Joan Sims and Charles Hawtrey (hilariously in drag) staying for full treatment.Following on from 'Up The Khyber' and 'Camping', both of which were landmarks in the series, this ranks as one of my own favourite Carry On's. The dialogue sparkles along with fast, witty dialogue, and there are some impeccably timed performances from virtually all of the regular cast - Jim Dale, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James, Babara Windsor, Hattie Jaques and Patsy Rolands. It generally captures the true spirit of the Carry On's, yet somehow stands out as quite a unique entry in the series. Certainly many laughs to endure and is a must-see for fans. Generally a recommended comedy all round. A classic!Ian Phillips

The creators certainly seemed to like setting their films amongst the medical profession; this is no bad thing though as some of the best non-historical Carry On films were set in hospitals and this one is particularly funny. This one sees the gang playing just the characters one would expect; Jim Dale is the (slightly) misunderstood Dr. Nookey, Kenneth Williams is the slightly snobby Consultant, Sid James is the orderly are a tropical health mission with five wives and Hattie is the matron; other regulars Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey and Barbara Windsor also star.The film opens in an NHS hospital where Dr. Nookey accidentally goes into the women's shower; this is just the first of many mishaps which puts him top of the list when wealthy benefactor Ellen Moore wants a new doctor to take over a clinic she sponsors of a remote tropical island. Dr. Nookey finds it an utterly hellish job until he learns that his orderly, Gladstone Screwer, knows how to make an amazingly successful weight loss serum. Nookey is soon back in England making a fortune with the serum; he still has a few problems though; Gladstone expects paying fairly and his old consultant Dr Carver is not pleaser that Mrs Moore has set Nookey up in a clinic when he though she would support him.I had feared that this would be one of the weaker Carry On films; I didn't even recognise the title when I was it advertised! Thankfully I was laughing from the start; yes the jokes were fairly saucy but if that is what one expects of Carry On films of this era. There was also more flesh on display than in previous outings; when we first see Barbara Windsor she is wearing the tiniest costume imaginable and later appears naked... from behind of course. The cast perform their regular roles with aplomb; they know what they are doing and they do it well; especially Jim Dale who handles the lead role brilliantly. The story itself is fairly light but it serves its purpose which is to give a reason for the various jokes. If you enjoy the series I'm sure you'll like this one; it might not be the best but it is certainly a long way from being the worst.

This is a good Carry On, but not in the top 10. Jim Dale makes his final appearance as the head doctor. All of the characters are different in this Doctor sequel except for Hattie Jacques who plays the Matron. Valerie Van Ost is also in the sequel and she has a small part as an out patient nurse. I have liked her a lot since I saw her in an Avengers episode. Jim Dale has a lot of funny stunts during the film and they are all done by him. As he gets into trouble, he is sent to a mission in another country and it is run by Sid James. Sid is great as always, but his part is cut way too short. Jim takes back a serum that helps take off weight quickly. Sid follows him to get a piece of the profit. Turns out he took the wrong formula and it changes women into men. They all become partners in the end and Jim marries the girl he was pursuing. Solid film, but I need more Sid James.

I have to give the makers of this film credit from the outset. They could have made Carry On Doctor volume 2, retreading the gags. Although it is a sequel (sort of), this film ventures farther afield, often out of the hospital, where the first Carry On Doctor was set. Most of the crew from the original is here, and they try. Kenneth Williams is, of course, great in his role. More of the same double entendres and one liners are evident. However, the story itself is somewhat flimsy, and a few times I was just shaking my head. I would recommend you see the first one, its great fun. This film has some laughs, just not as many. However, it is a Carry On film, so you're probably going to leave the film smiling at least.