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The Mermaid Frolics (1977)
Character: E. L. Wisty
In May 1977 a second Amnesty benefit was held to build on the success of the first show and with the intent of developing momentum for a regularly-scheduled benefit show.
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Ten Thousand Talents (1960)
Character: N/A
The first film made by Don Levy is a comedic satire of pretensions and perversions of British academia. Made for the Cambridge Film Society, it is shot in grainy black-and-white scuffed up to resemble aged prints of 1920s Surrealist films and displays an astringent sense of the ironies that can be achieved through juxtapositions of image, voice-over text, and music.
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Diplomatix (1985)
Character: Narrator
Hilarious Norwegian Comedy Gold Medalist from Montreux, Switzerland
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Electric Blue 007 (1982)
Character: Self
Introduced by Seka the Platinum Princess, EB007 is a "Bond Girl Spectacular." Featured among the usual crop of centerfold models are five Bond girls, including Ursula Andress and Lalla Dean, who made quite a splash as "uncredited girl in pool" in For Your Eyes Only (1981), in the buff. In addition, there's nudity from singer / actress Hazel O'Connor plus appearances from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.
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A Life in Pieces (1990)
Character: Arthur Streeb-Greebling
Sir Arthur Streeb-Greebling shares his opinions on the Twelve Days of Christmas, in discussion with Ludovic Kennedy.
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Find the Lady (1976)
Character: Lewenhak
Two hoodlums, Trigger (Mickey Rooney) & Leo (Dick Emery) are hired by the unscrupulous J.K. (Peter Cook) to kidnap his niece Victoria (Alexandra Bastedo). The daughter of a wealthy businessman has been kidnapped, and the chief of police, under a lot of pressure to find her as soon as possible, assigns officers Kopek (John Candy) and Broom (Lawrence Dane) to track her down and bring her back safe and sound.
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Peter Cook & Co. (1980)
Character: Various Characters
A TV Special consisting of various sketches with the titular comedian and fellow comics in guest appearances.
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Peter Cook Talks Golf Balls (1994)
Character: Various
Peter Cook plays four characters in his last major work. Alec Dunroonie (Scotland), Dr. Dieter Liedbetter (Germany), Major Titherly Glibble (England) and Bill Rossie (U.S.A.) all of whom are eccentric to say the least.
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Kenny Everett's Christmas Carol (1985)
Character: the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Kenny gives us his rendition of Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol, "with apologies to C. Dickens, Esquire"
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Clive Anderson Talks Back: Peter Cook (1993)
Character: Norman House / Sir James Beauchamp / Alan Latchley / Eric Daley
One of the most beloved editions of the show, as Clive chats to a biscuit inventor who was abducted by aliens; Scunthorpe's football manager; a suspended high court judge and a rock legend - all of whom bear a resemblance to Peter Cook.
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Supergirl: The Making of the Movie (1984)
Character: Self / Nigel
A documentary filmed during production of the film "Supergirl" showing the world how and who made it. This interesting featurette includes interviews with the cast and crew along with footage from the film and excerpts from the musical score.
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Group Madness (1983)
Character: Self
A behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of 1983's Yellowbeard
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Roger Mellie: The Man on the Telly (1991)
Character: Roger Mellie
Foul-mouthed, alcoholic, misogynistic, bigoted (and occasionally violent) cocaine enthusiast Roger Mellie takes on various tasks to get a new TV show.
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The Undiscovered Peter Cook (2016)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Documentary about Britain's greatest satirist Peter Cook, with unprecedented access to his private recordings, diaries, letters, photographs and much more. Following his death, Peter Cook's widow Lin locked the door of his house and refused all access to the media. Until this year, when she invited her friend Victor Lewis-Smith and a BBC crew inside to make a documentary about the man she knew and loved.
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Peter Cook and Dudley Moore: The Missing Sketches (2016)
Character: Self (archive footage)
This documentary showcases a number of new clips which have recently come to light from sketches which were thought to have been lost forever, some not seen for over 50 years, plus rare footage of routines performed in Australia when Cook and Moore made two episodes of their show, Not Only... But Also..., for the country back in 1971. Rob Brydon narrates this very special programme as Pete and Dud fans, friends and colleagues watch these newly discovered clips in the studio for the very first time. The programme includes contributions from Not Only... But Also... producer Dick Clement, Pete and Dud collaborator Barry Humphries, and long-time fans Richard Ayoade, Josie Lawrence, Will Sharpe and Ronnie Wood as they enjoy the sketches and reflect on the career of one of Britain's best-loved comedy partnerships.
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Some Interesting Facts About Peter Cook (1995)
Character: Self
A documentary about the life of British satirist and founder of 'Private Eye' Peter Cook.
“marvelous, engrossing tribute” Allison Pearson, The Observer
“painstakingly constructed.. sharp yet sensitive” Victor Lewis-Smith
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Joan Rivers at the BBC (2024)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Katherine Ryan presents a celebration of one of the biggest comedy talents to ever appear on the small screens – the razor-sharp-tongued first lady of laughter, Joan Rivers.
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The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
Character: Various Roles
Amnesty decided not to present a benefit show in 1978 in order to consider how to make better use of the performing talent so favourably disposed to assist it in raising funds. Peter Luff left Amnesty in 1978 and the organisation's new fund-raising officer, Peter Walker, was deputed to work with Lewis on reconfiguring the show to raise more money and greater awareness of Amnesty. Lewis proposed to Cleese that in addition to the comedy performances the show should feature some contemporary rock musicians. Cleese delegated this responsibility to Lewis who recruited Who guitarist Pete Townshend to perform, as well as New Wave singer-songwriter Tom Robinson.
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The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (1989)
Character: Self
After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival Of Youth weekend concert in 1988, Amnesty returned to the original formula that had been so successful in the 1976-1981 era with a primary focus on comedy. Pat Duffy was dropped from organising any further benefit events for Amnesty and for the 1989 show, Amnesty hired producer Judith Holder.
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The Best of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore (2003)
Character: Self (archive footage)
In this tribute to the late greats Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, a frankly large collection of some of their best bits. 1965 saw Pete and Dud in a new show NOT ONLY BUT ALSO and their now classic act was an irresistible combination of scripted and seemingly improvised sketches, where corpsing and ad-libs were an integral part of their often bizarre entertainment. Highlights include: the cloth-capped 'Dagenham Dialogues,' 'Sir Arthur Greeb-Streebling,' '5-4-3-2-1...,' 'The Superthunderstingraycars,' 'the Leaping Nuns,' 'The Gliddof Glood,' 'Bo Dudley' and 'Goodbyee song'
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Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe (2002)
Character: Self (archive footage)
TV documentary tracing the life of the comedian and satirist from his school days, through the Cambridge Footlights, to Beyond the Fringe and his partnership with Dudley Moore. With contributions from Cook's school friends Peter Rabey and Jonathan Harlow; Cook's first wife Wendy Cook; Cambridge University friends Tim Harrold and Roger Law; Adrian Slade (ex-president of Cambridge Footlights); Jonathan Miller; Sir David Frost; Ned Sherrin; John Bassett (creator, Beyond The Fringe); Willie Donaldson (producer, Beyond The Fringe); John Cleese; Eric Idle; Michael Parkinson; Brenda Vaccaro; John Fortune; Nicholas Luard (co-owner with Cook of The Establishment club); actress Gaye Brown; Christopher Booker; Ian Hislop; Victor Lownes and Michael Bawtree (friends of Cook); Joe McGrath; Dick Clement; Mel Smith; Clive Anderson; tv producer and executive Paul Jackson; Harry Enfield, radio presenter Clive Bull, and archival interview footage of both Cook and Dudley Moore.
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Offensive: The Real Derek and Clive (2002)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Documentary charting the Derek and Clive phenomenon. The two foul-mouthed toilet attendants were the creations of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and were responsible for some of the filthiest comedy to come out of Britain. Despite being banned from radio and television the duo achieved great success and a cult status, but the act broke up one of the greatest comedy partnerships of recent years. Featuring excerpts from the actual records and video footage of Cook and Moore.
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The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)
Character: Self - Various Roles
Following the success of the 1979 show and the financial benefits accruing to Amnesty from the spin-off movie, TV special and record albums – Cleese, Lewis and Walker planned the next show to be a more spectacular event. Cleese focused on broadening the comedic talent to be presented at the show. In addition to the Amnesty show stalwarts drawn from the Oxbridge/Monty Python/Beyond The Fringe orbit, he invited newcomers such as Rowan Atkinson’s colleagues from the BBC TV show Not the Nine O'Clock News including Pamela Stephenson and Griff Rhys Jones; comedian Victoria Wood and regional comic Jasper Carrott. Lewis secured a return appearance by Billy Connolly and a debut appearance by "alternative" comedian Alexei Sayle who Lewis had recently discovered and was managing. Building on the success of Pete Townshend's 1979 appearance Lewis recruited other rock musicians to perform at the 1981 show including Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Donovan and Bob Geldof.
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Night of 100 Stars (1982)
Character: Self
The most glittering, expensive, and exhausting videotaping session in television history took place Friday February 19, 1982 at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The event, for which ticket-buyers paid up to $1,000 a seat (tax-deductible as a contribution to the Actors' Fund) was billed as "The Night of 100 Stars" but, actually, around 230 stars took part. And most of the audience of 5,800 had no idea in advance that they were paying to see a TV taping, complete with long waits for set and costume changes, tape rewinding, and the like. Executive producer Alexander Cohen estimated that the 5,800 Radio City Music Hall seats sold out at prices ranging from $25 to $1,000. The show itself cost about $4 million to produce and was expected to yield around $2 million for the new addition to the Actors Fund retirement home in Englewood, N. J. ABC is reputed to have paid more than $5 million for the television rights.
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Beyond the Fringe (1964)
Character: Various Characters
A TV version of the stage show originally performed at the Edinburgh Fringe (August 1960) and in London (Fortune Theatre, May 1961) and Broadway (October 1962).
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A Dandy in Aspic (1968)
Character: Prentiss
Double-agent Alexander Eberlin is assigned by the British to hunt out a Russian spy, known to them as Krasnevin. Only Eberlin knows that Krasnevin is none other than himself! Accompanying him on his mission is a ruthless partner, who gradually discovers his secret as Eberlin tries to maneuver himself out of a desperate situation.
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One Foot in the Algarve (1993)
Character: Martin Trout
The Meldrews go on holiday to Portugal with Mrs Warboys, who is hoping for romance with her penpal Alfonso. Photographer Martin Trout follows them there, believing they have a roll of film that belongs to him.
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Without a Clue (1988)
Character: Greenhough
Sherlock Holmes is as dashing as ever, but with a little secret: Dr. Watson is the brains behind the operation. When Reginald Kincaid, the actor he has hired to play Holmes becomes insufferable, Watson fires him and tries to go out on his own, but finds that he has done too good a job building Holmes up in the public's mind.
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Yellowbeard (1983)
Character: Lord Percy Lambourn
For years Yellowbeard had looted the Spanish Main, making men eat their lips and swallow their hearts. Caught and convicted for tax evasion, he's sentenced to 20 years in St. Victim's Prison for the Extremely Naughty. In a scheme to confiscate his fabulous treasure, the Royal Navy allows him to escape and follows him, where saucy tarts, lisping demigods and some awful puns and punishments await.
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Mr Jolly Lives Next Door (1988)
Character: Mr Jolly
A couple of bored escorts find themselves suddenly involved with a hit gang and an ax murderer - Mr. Jolly. Gratuitous violence, rivers of blood, and maximum hilarity, all rolled into one.
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Alice in Wonderland (1966)
Character: Mad Hatter
Alice in Wonderland (1966) is a BBC television play based on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. It was directed by Jonathan Miller, then most widely known for his appearance in the long-running satirical revue Beyond the Fringe.
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The Kate Bush Story: Running Up That Hill (2014)
Character: Self (archive footage)
This documentary explores Kate Bush's career and music, from January 1978's Wuthering Heights to her 2011 album 50 Words for Snow, through the testimony of some of her key collaborators and those she has inspired.
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Bedazzled (1967)
Character: George Spiggot
A hapless loser sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for seven wishes, but has trouble winning over the girl of his dreams.
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The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
Character: Inspector
In the hazy aftermath of World War III, the fallout from a 'nuclear misunderstanding' is producing strange mutations amongst the survivors, and the noble Lord Fortnum finds himself transforming into a bed sitting room.
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The Princess Bride (1987)
Character: The Impressive Clergyman
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
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Jake's Journey (1988)
Character: King Arthur
A normal teenager is transported to a Monty Pythonesque medieval fantasy land where an odd, adamant knight takes him on a quest.
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Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976)
Character: Self
The first of the Amnesty International comedy benefit galas. The title is a play on the phrase at Her Majesty's pleasure (the show was performed at Her Majesty's Theatre, London). This show came to be considered part of the Secret Policeman's Ball series of shows that it inspired, although it pre-dated the first show in the series by three years. The event was organized by a team of three: Monty Python member John Cleese, Amnesty's Assistant Director Peter Luff and Transatlantic Records executive Martin Lewis. It featured the cream of Britain's comedic talent of the era, setting a precedent that would inspire many subsequent Amnesty galas...
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Supergirl (1984)
Character: Nigel
After losing a powerful orb, Kara, Superman's cousin, comes to Earth to retrieve it and instead finds herself up against a wicked witch.
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Black Beauty (1994)
Character: Lord Wexmire
The fates of horses, and the people who own and command them, are revealed as Black Beauty narrates the circle of his life.
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Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? (2004)
Character: Self
The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters - from Python and Beyond the Fringe - and performers then relatively unknown, like Rowan Atkinson. Narrated by Dawn French, the programme includes interviews with many of the comedians and musicians who took part: John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Sting, Lenny Henry and many more. The shows and their stars had a huge effect on modern British comedy. There are few comics today whose careers have not been heavily influenced by the anarchic and surreal humour of these events.
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Monte Carlo or Bust! (1969)
Character: Maj. Digby Dawlish
Sequel to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines". This time an international car rally from England to Monte Carlo provides the comedic farce.
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Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
Character: First English Reporter
The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unconventional lifestyle often brought him into conflict with others in the industry, and even earned him the scorn and condemnation of the public.
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An Audience with Dudley Moore (1981)
Character: N/A
Outstanding comedian and musician Dudley Moore regales his spellbound audience in typical fashion with his hilarious edition of the long-running An Audience With series. Backed by a full orchestra - and interrupted by both Peter Cook and the Dagenham Girl Pipers - Dudley entertains his audience of celebrities (including Stanley Baxter, Martin Shaw, Clive James, Lulu and Rolf Harris) and duets with singer-songwriter Christopher Cross on the award-winning 'Arthur's Theme'.
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Getting It Right (1989)
Character: Mr. Adrian
Gavin is 31 years old and still lives with his parents. He is awfully shy but before he knows it there are three women interested in him. Lady Minerva Munday has a casual way of life and lives in a basement, Joan is an over-sexed millionairess, married to a Greek architect. But Gavin prefers the ugly assistant in the barbershop.
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The Wrong Box (1966)
Character: Morris Finsbury
In Victorian England, a fortune now depends on which of two brothers outlives the other—or can be made to have seemed to do so.
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The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978)
Character: Sherlock Holmes
The death of Sir Charles Baskerville is blamed on a curse that has followed the Baskerville family for two hundred years. Sherlock Holmes is out to uncover the truth about a hound who roams the moors, waiting to attack the heir to the Baskerville estate.
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Whoops Apocalypse (1986)
Character: Sir Mortimer Chris (Prime Minister)
When a small British owned island in the Caribbean is invaded and the world's most dangerous terrorist kidnaps a member of the Royal family, the countdown to World War 3 begins. If anyone can prevent the oncoming apocalypse it's the American President, but her closest ally the British Prime Minister appears to have gone stark raving mad.
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The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (1972)
Character: Dominic
Barry McKenzie sets off for England with his aunt, Edna Everage, to advance his cultural education. Bazza is an innocent abroad, fond of beer, Bondi and beautiful sheilas, but he soon settles into the Australian ghetto in Earls Court, where his old mate Curly has a flat.
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The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970)
Character: Michael Rimmer
Fresh-faced young Michael Rimmer worms his way into an opinion poll company and is soon running the place. He uses this as a springboard to get into politics and in the mini-skirted flared-trousered world of 1970 Britain starts to rise through the Tory ranks.
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