The Carry On franchise, a beloved series of British comedy films, has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. With its unique blend of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and saucy innuendos, the franchise has become an integral part of British popular culture. However, as with any creative work, the question of copyright arises. In this article, we will delve into the world of Carry On and explore the intricacies of copyright law as it applies to this iconic franchise.
A Brief History of Carry On
The first Carry On film, “Carry On Sergeant,” was released in 1958, directed by Gerald Thomas and produced by Peter Rogers. The film’s success spawned a series of 31 films, with the last one, “Carry On Columbus,” released in 1992. The franchise was known for its ensemble cast, including Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, and Barbara Windsor, among others. The films were produced by Anglo-Amalgamated and later by The Rank Organisation.
Copyright Law and the Carry On Franchise
Copyright law protects original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. In the case of the Carry On franchise, the films are protected by copyright as cinematographic works. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA) is the primary legislation governing copyright law in the United Kingdom.
Under the CDPA, the copyright in a film typically belongs to the producer and the principal director. In the case of the Carry On franchise, the copyright would have initially belonged to Anglo-Amalgamated and Gerald Thomas, respectively. However, as the franchise was produced over several decades, the copyright ownership may have changed hands several times.
Copyright Duration
The duration of copyright in a film is typically 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last principal director or producer dies. Since Gerald Thomas passed away in 1993, the copyright in the Carry On films will expire 70 years after his death, in 2063.
However, it’s essential to note that copyright law is complex, and there may be exceptions or variations depending on the specific circumstances. For instance, if a film is considered a “work of joint authorship,” the copyright duration may be calculated from the death of the last surviving co-author.
Who Owns the Carry On Copyright?
The ownership of the Carry On copyright is a complex issue, with several parties involved. In 1961, Anglo-Amalgamated was acquired by The Rank Organisation, which subsequently acquired the rights to the Carry On franchise. In 1995, The Rank Organisation was acquired by Granada Group, which later merged with Carlton Communications to form ITV plc.
In 2004, ITV plc sold the rights to the Carry On franchise to StudioCanal, a French film production and distribution company. StudioCanal has since managed the franchise, releasing restored versions of the films on DVD and Blu-ray.
Licensing and Merchandising
While StudioCanal owns the rights to the Carry On franchise, the company licenses the films to various distributors and broadcasters. For instance, the films are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and BritBox.
In addition to film distribution, the Carry On franchise has spawned a range of merchandise, including books, DVDs, and clothing. The licensing of these products is typically managed by StudioCanal or its appointed agents.
Trademark Protection
In addition to copyright protection, the Carry On franchise also benefits from trademark protection. The “Carry On” name and logo are registered trademarks, owned by StudioCanal. This protection prevents unauthorized use of the brand name and logo, helping to maintain the franchise’s integrity and value.
Challenges to Copyright Ownership
While StudioCanal owns the rights to the Carry On franchise, there have been challenges to copyright ownership over the years. In 2011, a group of investors claimed to have acquired the rights to the franchise from a former Rank Organisation executive. However, the claim was ultimately rejected by the courts.
In another instance, a writer claimed to have written a script for a proposed Carry On film, which was allegedly used without permission. The claim was settled out of court, but it highlights the complexities of copyright law and the potential for disputes.
Public Domain and Fair Dealing
While the Carry On films are still protected by copyright, some of the earlier films may be approaching the end of their copyright term. Once a film enters the public domain, it can be freely used and distributed without obtaining permission or paying royalties.
However, even if a film is still protected by copyright, fair dealing provisions may allow for limited use without permission. Fair dealing is a doctrine that permits the use of copyrighted material for specific purposes, such as criticism, review, or research.
Parody and Satire
Parody and satire are also permitted under fair dealing provisions. These forms of creative expression often rely on copyrighted material, but are allowed as they are considered transformative and do not harm the original work.
In the case of the Carry On franchise, parody and satire have been used to great effect. For instance, the film “Carry On Cleo” (1964) is a parody of the epic historical drama “Cleopatra” (1963).
Conclusion
The Carry On franchise is a beloved institution in British comedy, with a legacy spanning over six decades. While the franchise is still protected by copyright, the ownership and licensing of the films are complex issues. StudioCanal currently owns the rights to the franchise, but there have been challenges to copyright ownership over the years.
As the franchise approaches the end of its copyright term, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of copyright law and the potential for disputes. However, with fair dealing provisions and parody and satire permitted, the Carry On franchise will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
The Carry On franchise is a testament to the power of comedy and the enduring appeal of British popular culture. As we look to the future, it’s essential to respect the copyright ownership and licensing agreements in place, while also allowing for creative expression and innovation.
By understanding the complexities of copyright law, we can ensure that the Carry On franchise continues to thrive, entertaining audiences and inspiring new generations of comedians and writers.
| Carry On Film | Release Year | Director | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry On Sergeant | 1958 | Gerald Thomas | Peter Rogers |
| Carry On Nurse | 1959 | Gerald Thomas | Peter Rogers |
| Carry On Teacher | 1959 | Gerald Thomas | Peter Rogers |
| Carry On Constable | 1960 | Gerald Thomas | Peter Rogers |
| Carry On Regardless | 1961 | Gerald Thomas | Peter Rogers |
Note: This table is not an exhaustive list of all Carry On films, but rather a selection of some of the most notable titles.
In conclusion, the Carry On franchise is a beloved institution in British comedy, with a legacy spanning over six decades. While the franchise is still protected by copyright, the ownership and licensing of the films are complex issues. By understanding the intricacies of copyright law, we can ensure that the Carry On franchise continues to thrive, entertaining audiences and inspiring new generations of comedians and writers.
What is the Carry On franchise, and why is it significant in British comedy?
The Carry On franchise is a series of British comedy films produced between 1958 and 1992. The series is significant in British comedy due to its impact on the country’s film industry and its enduring popularity. The franchise consists of 31 films, including Carry On Sergeant, Carry On Nurse, and Carry On Cleo, among others. These films are known for their slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and memorable characters, which have become ingrained in British popular culture.
The Carry On franchise played a crucial role in launching the careers of several notable British actors, including Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, and Barbara Windsor. The series also helped establish the careers of directors Gerald Thomas and Ralph Thomas, who worked on many of the films. The franchise’s influence can still be seen in British comedy today, with many contemporary comedians and writers citing Carry On as an inspiration.
Is the Carry On franchise copyrighted, and who owns the rights?
The Carry On franchise is copyrighted, and the rights are owned by StudioCanal, a French-based film production and distribution company. StudioCanal acquired the rights to the franchise in 1992, and since then, the company has been responsible for managing the distribution and licensing of the films. The copyright for each film in the franchise is set to expire 70 years after its initial release, which means that some of the earlier films are now in the public domain.
Despite the copyright, the Carry On franchise has been subject to various licensing agreements and merchandising deals over the years. This has allowed the franchise to continue generating revenue through DVD sales, streaming, and other forms of distribution. The copyright has also been used to protect the franchise’s intellectual property, including its characters, logos, and other trademarks.
How has the Carry On franchise been preserved and restored over the years?
The Carry On franchise has undergone significant preservation and restoration efforts over the years. In the 1990s, StudioCanal embarked on a major restoration project, which involved digitally remastering the films and restoring their original soundtracks. This project helped to improve the overall quality of the films and made them more suitable for modern audiences.
In recent years, the British Film Institute (BFI) has also played a crucial role in preserving the Carry On franchise. The BFI has worked with StudioCanal to restore several of the films, including Carry On Sergeant and Carry On Cleo. These restorations have involved using original film elements and advanced digital techniques to create new, high-quality versions of the films.
What is the cultural significance of the Carry On franchise in the UK?
The Carry On franchise holds significant cultural value in the UK, where it is widely regarded as a beloved and iconic part of British comedy heritage. The films are often cited as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era, and their characters and catchphrases have become ingrained in British popular culture. The franchise has also played a significant role in shaping British comedy, influencing generations of comedians and writers.
The Carry On franchise has also been recognized for its historical significance, with several of the films being selected for preservation by the BFI. The franchise has been the subject of various documentaries, books, and exhibitions, which have helped to cement its place in British cultural history. In 2012, the franchise was celebrated with a series of events and screenings at the BFI Southbank in London.
How has the Carry On franchise influenced British comedy?
The Carry On franchise has had a profound influence on British comedy, shaping the careers of many notable comedians and writers. The franchise’s use of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and memorable characters has been cited as an inspiration by many contemporary comedians, including John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, and Ricky Gervais.
The franchise’s influence can also be seen in many British sitcoms and comedy films, which have borrowed elements of the Carry On style. Shows such as Fawlty Towers, The Young Ones, and The Office have all been influenced by the franchise’s irreverent humor and physical comedy. The Carry On franchise has also been name-checked in numerous other TV shows and films, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Austin Powers.
Are there any plans to revive the Carry On franchise or produce new films?
There have been several attempts to revive the Carry On franchise over the years, including a proposed TV series and a feature film. However, none of these projects have come to fruition. In 2016, it was announced that a new Carry On film was in development, with a script written by the comedian and writer, Johnny Vegas. However, there has been no update on the project’s status since then.
Despite the lack of new films, the Carry On franchise continues to be popular, with many of the original films remaining in circulation on DVD and streaming platforms. The franchise’s enduring popularity suggests that there may still be opportunities for new Carry On films or TV shows in the future, although any such projects would require careful handling to ensure that they remain faithful to the spirit of the original franchise.
What is the legacy of the Carry On franchise, and how will it be remembered?
The Carry On franchise will be remembered as a beloved and iconic part of British comedy heritage. The franchise’s influence can be seen in many areas of British comedy, from sitcoms and films to stand-up comedy and sketch shows. The franchise’s use of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and memorable characters has become ingrained in British popular culture, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world.
The Carry On franchise will also be remembered for its historical significance, with many of the films providing a unique insight into British society and culture during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The franchise’s preservation and restoration efforts have ensured that the films will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come, and its legacy will remain an important part of British comedy history.