CAMPING ON SCREEN
For the most part, camping gets a raw deal when it comes to TV and film (although not as bad as caravanning, it has to be said). The typical camping storyline goes like this: a group goes on a camping trip and disaster follows.
Usually the group is made up of reluctant campers, with just one gung-ho member (often a bumbling dad) who thinks the trip is a good idea. Classic disasters include terrible weather, running out of food, an inability to get the campfire going, getting attacked by bears (or some other random animal) or more often than not a combination of them all.Here are some of the best – and worst – portrayals of camping on-screen.
1. INBETWEENERS
Will attempts to organise one last jape for the lads before they end up going their separate ways. The four of them head off for a camping trip in the countryside. Will finds himself drawing on his scout training for the experience while Jay, Neil and Simon are simply not prepared for the great outdoors. Unsurprisingly, it all ends in disaster.As you may expect, this clip contains some strong language.
What the full episode by clicking here.
2. CARRY ON CAMPING
Packed with the sort of corny gags and double entendres you’d expect from the Carry On team, this is one of the best films in the series. Made in 1969, it stars Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey and Terry Scott among others.The film also contains one of the most famous scenes in British movie history – where Barbara Windsor’s bikini top flies off during her morning exercises. After all these years, it’s still many people’s idea of what camping is really like.
3. DELIVERANCE
As portrayals of camping trips go, this much-referenced and parodied 1972 film is probably not going to feature high on the Camping and Caravanning Club’s list of recommended movies. Or the Georgia Tourist Board’s. Or, for that matter, the American Banjo Fraternity’s.A group of city types decide to go on a camping trip in the wild countryside of America’s deep south. All seems to be going fine as they indulge in a little canoeing and play a little banjo. But things soon go awry as one of the party is raped by a pair of local hicks, one of whom is then killed by one of the group. The film is best known for the disturbing “squeal like a pig” quote and the Dueling Banjos scene.
4. BOTTOM
Richie and Eddie go camping on Wimbledon Common. Eddie remembers the tin opener but unfortunately Richie has forgotten the tins. How will they survive? Could chocolate Hob-Nobs save the day? Er, no… violence and hilarity ensues. (Along with the occasional strong language!)5. NUTS IN MAY
Nuts in May was a comedy play directed by award-winning film-maker Mike Leigh, originally broadcast as part of the BBC's Play for Today series in 1976. It is the story of a nature-loving and rather smug couple's attempts to enjoy an idyllic camping holiday. Pompous Keith gets increasingly frustrated at the antics of fellow campers, culminating in a violent outburst.The site used for filming was Woodlands Camping Park, at Corfe Castle, Dorset.
6. ARE YOU BEING SERVED
In this episode of the ‘classic’ 70s sitcom, a transport strike leaves the staff of Grace Brothers stranded at the store, so they decide to spend the night camping on the shop floor. Tents from the camping department are erected (fnaar), although Mr Lucas has trouble getting his up (fnaaaaaaaar). Meanwhile, John “Camp As A Boy Scouts’ Jamboree” Inman prances around in a silk gown while Mrs Slocombe frets about her… well you know the rest.7. BLAIR WITCH PROJECT
This low-budget 1999 American horror movie has probably done more to put people off camping than any other film since Deliverance. It tells the story of three students who hiked into the hills to film a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch, and disappeared. Viewers are told that the three were never seen or heard from again, although their video and sound equipment, along with most of the footage they shot, was discovered a year later. This “recovered footage” is presented as the film the viewer is watching.8. HAPPY DAYS
The guys and their gals go on a camping trip for their spring vacation. Under Richie Cunningham's leadership, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Probably as close to the classic camping storyline as you can get. As in most episodes, Richie is a dreary goody two-shoes while The Fonz is the king of cool.9. I LOVE LUCY
In this episode of the much-repeated US sitcom, Lucy fears she and Ricky don't have enough in common, so she decides to pursue one of his interests, camping. Alarmed at the possibility of actually having to spend time with his wife, Ricky decides to take her on a "trial run" in the woods and make her life miserable. But Lucy is wise to his plan, with – you guessed it – hilarious consequences.10. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
When SpongeBob and Patrick decide to go camping for the weekend, they pitch-up in the backyard, much to Squidward’s annoyance. He then inexplicably agrees to camp with them but only manages to lure a sea bear to the campsite. Features the Campfire Song SongTo see the full episode just click here.
