Carry On Cabby

PLOT

Charlie Hawkins (Sid James) is the workaholic owner of thriving taxi company Speedee Taxis, but his wife Peggy (Hattie Jacques) feels neglected by him because he works long hours. When Charlie misses their fifteenth wedding anniversary because he is out cabbing, after promising Peggy a night out, she decides to punish him. For tax reasons, all the company funds are held in Peggy's name, so she tells Charlie that she is going to 'get a job', then uses the money to establish a rival company, GlamCabs. The cars are brand new Ford Cortina Mk1s driven by attractive girls in provocative uniforms. Flo, the wife of one of Charlie's drivers, is appointed to the post of office manager.

Charlie continues to coach his mainly inept drivers, including the clumsy Terry "Pintpot" Tankard (Charles Hawtrey), whilst Peggy refuses to tell Charlie about her new job. Charlie feigns a lack of interest, but he is dying to know what she is up to, particularly as he gets a taste of his own medicine because she now works long hours. He struggles to cope while Peggy's company becomes a thriving success due to the large number of male taxi passengers preferring to ogle her sexy drivers during journeys. Speedee rapidly starts losing money and faces bankruptcy. Peggy feels terrible for what she has done. Charlie and his drivers attempt to sabotage the rival company, but they are chased off.

In desperation, Charlie suggests a merger with his rivals, but is furious to discover who the real owner is and storms off.

A month later, Peggy is living at the office and Charlie has turned to drink, allowing his company to collapse around him. Peggy and Sally (Liz Fraser) are hijacked by gangsters. Peggy manages to use the taxi radio to subtly reveal their situation and location. Charlie intercepts the broadcast and rallies the other Speedee drivers in pursuit. The outlaws are cornered and captured.

Peggy and Charlie are reconciled, especially over the fact that she is expecting a baby.

CAST

Sid James as Charlie Hawkins

Hattie Jacques as Peggy Hawkins

Charles Hawtrey as Terry "Pintpot" Tankard

Kenneth Connor as Ted Watson

Esma Cannon as Flo Sims

Liz Fraser as Sally

Bill Owen as Smiley Sims

Milo O'Shea as Len

Jim Dale as Expectant father (credited as "Small man" and named "Jeremy" in the film)

Norman Chappell as Allbright

Judith Furse as Battleaxe

Renée Houston as Molly

Ambrosine Phillpotts as Aristocratic lady

Amanda Barrie as Anthea

Carole Shelley as Dumb driver

Cyril Chamberlain as Sarge

Peter Gilmore as Dancy

Michael Ward as Man in tweeds

Noel Dyson as District nurse

Michael Nightingale as Businessman

Ian Wilson as Clerk

Peter Byrne as Bridegroom

Darryl Kavann as Punchy

Peter Jesson as Car salesman

Don McCorkindale as Tubby

Charles Stanley as Geoff

Marian Collins as Bride

Frank Forsyth as Chauffeur

Norman Mitchell as Bespectacled businessman (uncredited)

Marian Horton as Glamcab driver (uncredited)

Valerie Van Ost as Glamcab driver (uncredited)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 the seventh in the series of 31 Carry On films (1958–1992).