Comedy that lifted us out of a weekend Rut
We look back to the launch of the spoof TV channel Rutland Weekend Television, 45 years ago
MONTY Python star Eric Idle and Neil Innes had just finished work on the Monty Python and The Holy Grail movie when they came up with the idea of Rutland Weekend Television.
The BBC 2 comedy was set in the low budget television hub of England’s smallest county and launched on May 12, 1975. Only 14 episodes of the half hour mad-cap comedy were made, offering a mix of news stories, musical numbers and documentaries, such as how to ski at home and exposés like the massed flashers of Reigate.
Beatles guitarist George Harrison also appeared in the Christmas special as Pirate Bob complete with pirate costume and singing
The Pirate Song, co-written with Eric Idle.
Rutland Weekend Television was famously responsible for the birth of cult favourites The Rutles.
The Beatles spoof featured the “pre-fab four – Dirk, Nasty, Stig and Barry” and saw them making their debut playing I Must Be In Love from their movie A Hard Day’s Rut.
The parody proved so popular that spin-off film The Rutles (All You Need Is Cash) followed in 1978 plus an album featuring tracks like Baby Let Me Be, Let’s Be Natural and Hold My Hand. Other Rutles songs included All You Need Is Lunch.
George Harrison appeared as a news reporter interviewing Michael Palin in the spin-off and once said The Rutles was done with love.
John Lennon loved the special so much he kept hold of the videotape and soundtrack sent to him for approval.
Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Paul Simon also appeared as themselves. Mick is asked why did the Rutles break up and answers: “Women. Just women getting in the way. Cherchez la femme, you know.” And did he think they would ever reform? “I hope not.”
Former Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band member Neil, who passed away in December at the age of 75, used to joke to audiences: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve suffered for my music, now it’s your turn.”