Carry On Up the Khyber

Carry On Up the Khyber

Year: 1968

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Gerald Thomas

AdventureComedyCrude humor and satireAmusing jokes and witty satireGags jokes and slapstick humor

Drafted into the hilariously chaotic British outpost at the Khyber Pass, Sir Sidney Ruff‑Diamond commands the quirky, kilt‑clad Third Foot and Mouth regiment. While the Khazi of Kalabar plots to wipe out the garrison, his own troops tremble at the legend of the ‘skirted‑devils’—rumoured to fight without any underwear. Expect slapstick mayhem and absurd bravado.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Carry On Up the Khyber (1968)

Trace every key event in Carry On Up the Khyber (1968) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Underpants Revelations Spark Rebellion Plot

In Kalabar, Private Widdle is discovered wearing underpants after an encounter with Bungdit Din's Burpa tribe. The Khasi of Kalabar seizes on the incident to undermine the British and puncture their 'tough' image. He plans to use the evidence to spark a rebellion and topple the governor without a full-scale fight.

early morning Kalabar Province, near Khyber Pass
2

Diplomatic Efforts to Publicly Prove Aberration

Britain mounts a diplomatic operation to publicly prove the incident was merely an aberration. The effort fails to yield convincing proof, allowing the rebellion plot to linger. The lack of a clear public verdict keeps tensions high between the British and Kalabar leadership.

mid-morning Kalabar
3

The Photograph and the Wily Lady

The Governor's wife photographs the inspection where many soldiers are revealed to be wearing underpants. She hopes to use the image as leverage, but also insists that the Khasi sleep with her before she parts with the photograph. The photo becomes a potential weapon to deter or provoke further action.

late morning Governor's residence, Kalabar
4

Khasi's Gamble and Abduction

Having the photo, the Khasi would mount an invasion, but he delays due to the Governor's wife's unattractiveness. Eventually he escorts her away to Bungdit Din's palace, dragging the plan into the heart of the palace intrigue. The photograph remains the key, even as personal entanglements complicate matters.

afternoon Kalabar, then Bungdit Din's palace
5

Disguised Interlopers Enter Bungdit Din's Palace

Disguised as Afghan generals, the British and their allies are ushered into Bungdit Din's palace. They are introduced to Bungdit Din's sultry concubines, blurring lines between espionage and seduction. The ruse buys time but raises the stakes inside the palace.

late afternoon Bungdit Din's palace, Kalabar
6

Harem Humor and Escape Plan

Amid a farcical orgy, the disguises are finally seen through and the group is imprisoned with a sunset execution looming. Princess Jelhi aids their escape by disguising them as dancing girls, turning the tables on their captors. The escape plan hinges on quick, comic misdirection.

late afternoon Bungdit Din's palace, harem
7

Disguises Exposed, Escape Attempt

During the entertainments, the disguises are glimpsed and the British and the Princess rush to flee. The pursuit spills into the palace grounds as the fragility of their ruse becomes clear. They escape by weaving through the chaos of the harem's revelry.

evening Bungdit Din's palace, Kalabar
8

Photograph Drops, Escape to Khyber Pass

Lady Ruff-Diamond drops the photograph on leaving the palace, scattering the crucial evidence. The group races back toward the Khyber Pass to warn their allies and salvage the situation. The act of dropping the photo marks a turning point in the unfolding crisis.

evening Palace gardens to Khyber Pass
9

Battle at the Khyber Pass

Back at the Khyber Pass, the guards have been massacred and weapons comically mutilated, a rare moment of poignancy amid the chaos. The invasion advances with unexpected ferocity, testing the British and their allies. The mood shifts from farce to the grim realities of war.

night Khyber Pass / Kalabar frontier
10

Invasion Advances; British Retreat

All attempts to hold off the Afghan invaders fail miserably, forcing a hasty retreat to the Residency. The defenders are overwhelmed as the siege tightens around their last bastion. The retreat crystallizes the collapse of the initial British posture.

late night Residency, Kalabar
11

Governor's Dinner Amid Siege

Sir Sidney holds a crisis meeting while the invasion rages outside, entertaining his fifty-one wives in constant anticipation of conflict. He resolves to 'do nothing'—a plan that proves disastrously ill-timed as the siege intensifies. The scene blends political indecision with domestic distraction.

evening The Residency, Kalabar
12

Black Tie Dinner as War Rages

A prolonged black-tie dinner unfolds as shells shake the building and plaster rains down into the soup. The fakir's severed talking head is served as a bizarre centerpiece, underscoring the absurdity beneath the carnage. The guests maintain their composure, as if nothing monumental is happening outside.

midnight Residency, Kalabar
13

The Kilts Reveal the Underwear Secret

Captain Keene suggests a final gambit, and Sir Sidney orders the Regiment to form a line and lift their kilts. The revelation of the underwear under the kilts sends the Afghan army into a panic and they retreat in disarray. The sight restores a faint sense of British resolve amid the farce.

finale Residency courtyard, Kalabar
14

Resolution and Flag Moment

The men return indoors and resume dinner as the battle rages outside. Brother Belcher finally panics earlier but is calmed by the stubborn cheer of his comrades. The Union flag proclaims 'I'm Backing Britain,' and the villagers quip that the British must be 'raving mad' to celebrate amid ruin.

end Residency, Kalabar

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:51

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