Sidney James
ActingAbout Sidney James
Sidney James (born Solomon Joel Cohen; May 8, 1913 – April 26, 1976) was a South African-born English-based actor and comedian. He made his name as Tony Hancock's co-star in Hancock's Half Hour and also starred in the popular Carry On films. He was known for his trademark "dirty laugh" and lascivious persona. Bruce Forsyth summed up his talent thus: "He was a natural at being natural."
Sidney James Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Sidney James reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Sidney James's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 68% of Sidney James's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The World of Budgerigars, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Sidney James Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Sidney James's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Sidney James has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Sid James: Comedy Icon | Self (Archive Footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | What's a Carry On? | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The World of Budgerigars | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Carry On Abroad | Vic Flange | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Bless This House | Sid Abbot | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Carry On Again Christmas | Long John Silver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Carry On Camping | Sid Boggle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Carry On Up the Khyber | Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Carry On Doctor | Mr. Charlie Roper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Don't Lose Your Head | Sir Rodney Ffing, the Black Fingernail | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Carry On Cowboy | Johnny Finger, the Rumpo Kid | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Big Job | George Brain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Carry On Cleo | Mark Antony | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Carry On Cabby | Charlie Hawkins | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | What a Carve Up! | Sid Butler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Pure Hell of St Trinian's | Alphonse O'Reilly | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Carry On Constable | Sergeant Frank Wilkins | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Idol on Parade | Herbie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Too Many Crooks | Sid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Make Mine a Million | Sid Gibson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw | The Drunk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | I Was Monty's Double | Porter YMCA | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Next to No Time | Albert, Cabin Steward | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Story of Esther Costello | Joe Ryan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | A King in New York | Johnson - TV Advertiser | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Hell Drivers | Dusty, Truck Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Quatermass 2 | Jimmy Hall | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Smallest Show on Earth | Mr. Hogg | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Interpol | Joe - First Bartender | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Dry Rot | Flash Harry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Extra Day | Barney West | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Joe Macbeth | Banky | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | A Kid for Two Farthings | Ice Berg | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Orders Are Orders | Ed Waggermeyer | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Belles of St Trinian's | Benny | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Father Brown | Bert Parkinson | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Rainbow Jacket | Harry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Weak and the Wicked | Syd Baden | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Square Ring | Adams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Titfield Thunderbolt | Harry Hawkins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Miss Robin Hood | Sidney (as Sidney James) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Father's Doing Fine | Taxi Driver | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Time, Gentlemen, Please! | Eric Hace | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Gift Horse | Ned Hardy, Landlord Golden Bull | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Emergency Call | Danny Marks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | I Believe in You | Sergeant Body | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Magic Box | Army Sergeant | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Lavender Hill Mob | Lackery | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Last Holiday | Joe Clarence | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Small Back Room | 'Knucksie' Moran | Hit | Similar → |
Sidney James - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Sidney James?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Sidney James is "The World of Budgerigars" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Sidney James acted in?
Sidney James has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Sidney James?
Other notable films include "Time, Gentlemen, Please!", "Next to No Time", and "Miss Robin Hood".