It is the 50th anniversary of the Carry On films, which first hit our screens with Carry On Sergeant in 1958.

It has certainly kept its iconic value and humour and even though corny is a word which is often used to describe them today, I doubt there is anybody on this planet who can't resist a wry smile when watching one.

Wednesbury's and Walsall's very own Richard Wattis was in Carry On Spying in 1964 with Bernard Cribbens, Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, Dilys Laye and the usual crew.

When writing the biography of Richard between 2003 and 2006 I was often given comments like this about Richard: "Ahhh yes, Richard Wattis, the Carry On bloke..."

This amused me because, in reality, Richard only starred in one film and that was in 1964.

Many have seen Richard in so many comedy films like St Trinian's that the expectation that he was in a Carry On star is natural in many ways.

My view is that he should have been offered more parts, but that's all in hindsight now.

I received lovely tributes to Richard from some of the remaining Carry On team like Bernard and Dilys as well as the Carry On office at Pinewood Studios, but, sadly, I never received a reply from Barbara Windsor.

Dilys and Richard were the only two original cast members from the St Trinian's films on the set of Carry On Spying, so one would imagine they had a lot of experience to offer.

After all, the St Trinian's films were the precursors to the Carry Ons.

Carry On Spying was Barbara Windsor's debut role in a Carry On film and she went on to make 13 more.

Richard and Barbara went on to star together in a spoof theatrical appearance in Come Spy With Me at London's Whitehall Theatre in 1966, directed by Ned Sherrin and also starring Danny La Rue.

Richard and Barbara also appeared together again during 1969 in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Kenneth Williams says this about Carry On Spying in his diaries: "The scripts of Carry On Spying is so bad that I'm really beginning to wonder. I've changed one or two things but the witless vacuity of it all remains."

Well Ken, the films gave you an income and made you famous. Whatever one thinks of these films today - like them or loath them - nobody can deny they are part of British culture and comedy and long may they remain so.

Also in the words of Ken Williams - in respect for all those working in Midland hospitals, like my wife: "Ooooooh Matron."

And for all those who are fed up with hearing about Richard Wattis: "Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me."

IAN PAYNE

Thornbury Road, Walsall.

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Can you help us to track down lost relative?

Dear editor, I would like the people of Birmingham to help me search for my partner's father who used to be in the Army and was known by the name of Carl Burdock.

She used to see her father regularly until her teens and then lost touch. I have been trying to get some contact with him for several years now and have not had any success.

I know he was born and lived in Birmingham and now ask the public for help. If you could help, please get in touch. My partner and I now have a son we would like him to get to know his grandfather.

CRAIG WEEKS

craigis211@yahoo.co.uk.

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Admiration for brave words

Dear Editor, As a person who winces at the words Mothers Day, Easter Sunday, Princess Diana and Boxing Day Tsunami, I can only admire the bravery of Gavin Drake ("Holy Saturday, not Easter Saturday", The Birmingham Post readers' letters, Monday, March 17) in trying to foist information on the uncaring public. And is there anything that can be done to alleviate the short "a" whilst we are at it?

ANN YORKE

Greenfield Road, Harborne.

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Stereotype language

I have just read the provocative headline "Schizophrenic caged after he stabbed woman with sword" (The Birmingham Post, Saturday, March 15) regarding the man who has been detained indefinitely at a secure unit following a knife attack last year.

To say he has been caged is absolutely appalling when referring to a human being. There is so much misunderstanding surrounding mental illness which is debilitating and frightening, not only for the person themselves but also for friends and family who see them going through it.

Using provocative language such as this reinforces stereotypes fear of mental illness and also treatment.

Thankfully, cases such as these are actually very rare, and this man has had to be detained to protect himself and the public. I do not know what you were seeking to achieve with such a headline but it will only fuel misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and is completely irresponsible.

RACHEL MURRAY by email