A Hard Day's Rut

In 1974 Monty Python's Flying Circus had ended and Eric Idle had a bit of time on his hands. The phone rings and its the BBC wondering if he wants to do his own show after a few seconds thought Mr Idle says "Yes" and so 'Rutland Weekend Television' was born. 

Rutland Weekend Television was  a 'zany' sketch show in the style of a regional TV broadcast "Britain's smallest television network" ran for 2 series and 1 Xmas special way back in 1975 written by Eric Idle with music by Neil Innes. The reason I'm blithering on about this (some may say) failed attempt at a comedy show is what happen after. 

During the making of RWT George Harrison (former beatle and long time python fan) got in touch with Eric, he too remember was also kicking his heels after the break up of The Beatles and was mainly meditating and landscape gardening at his oxfordshire home Friar Park.

After a brief chat Eric asked George if he'd like to appear in the Xmas special as George had a bit of spare time he said yes. see his performance as a pirate below... oh and be sure to stay till the end and watch George performing the pirate song. for the impatient it starts at 2:40... 

During the filming George regaled Eric with tales of his time in The Beatles this planted a seed in the mind of the Rutland Weekend Television creator and during the second series of RWT in November 1975 The Rutles were born. 

(The Rutles l-r Dirk, Stig, Barry & Nasty)

Based on The Beatles, the 1978 film 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash' is a piss-take of the work and career of the world's biggest band. Names have been changed, locations etc and all in all it's good knockabout fun. The best bit for me is watching people such as Mick Jagger & Paul Simon play it straight and recount their beatles experiences by just changing the name to rutles and carrying on regardless. it also features appearances from George Harrison (as a grey haired reporter) and early appearances from Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd & John Belushi who at the time were finding fame on NBC's Saturday Night Live.

So without further ado I present to you the movie 'mockumentary' The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash simply click the play below to watch a poorly pasted together youtube playlist trying to pass itself off as a film...