The Complete A–Z of Everything Carry On. Richard Webber

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      Flo (Esma Cannon) is prevented from earning a few extra pennies by Allbright (Norman Chappell)

      Charlie Hawkins is the proud owner of Speedee Taxis, dedicating so much time to his work that his relationship with his wife, Peggy, who feels neglected and unloved, suffers. The final straw comes when Charlie, who’d forgotten their wedding anniversary until reminded by his wife, fails to arrive home in time to take her out for a meal. A last-minute cabbing job had turned into a nightmare, ferrying an expectant woman and her husband back and forth to the hospital.

      Feeling increasingly depressed, coupled with the knowledge that her dream of starting a family and settling into a quiet country-cottage lifestyle seems increasingly remote, Peggy decides it’s time for revenge. Speedee Taxis have been unhindered by competition in the district since the company was established, so she forms a rival taxi firm and gives her uncaring husband a run for his money. After buying a fleet of new Ford Cortinas and employing a team of leggy lovelies to drive them, Glamcabs opens for business, without Charlie knowing that the driving force behind his competitor is none other than his own wife. Before long, the company is the most popular taxi firm in town, hitting Charlie Hawkins where it hurts the most – in his pocket. Customers, particularly men, opt for Glamcabs every time: new motors and attractive drivers have much more pulling power than crusty old men driving antiquated wrecks.

      Charlie reaches for the bottle as business hits rock bottom; attempts to sabotage his rival’s vehicles and to pinch their business by intercepting their radio messages fail. Unable to muster any more ideas to see off Glamcabs, Charlie realises there is no option but to reluctantly meet Mrs Glam and discuss a merger, but nothing prepares him for the shock when he discovers that Mrs Glam is none other than his wife.

      It looks as if irreparable damage has been done to the Hawkins’s marriage, but when Peggy and her closest friend, Sally, run into trouble, it’s Charlie who comes to the rescue. While the girls are heading for the bank with their takings, two crooks jump in their Glamcab and force them at gunpoint to drive out of town; with their lives in peril, Charlie coordinates a bold rescue using his fleet of taxis. After eventually catching the criminals and freeing his beloved, Charlie receives further good news when he hears he’s going to be a father.