Stars: Eric Idle, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Neil Innes, Michael Palin, Rikki Fataar, John Halsey, George Harrison

Director: Eric Idle

Summary: A classic, vicious and hilarious comedy following the Pre Fab Four on the path to publicity, profits and problems. A new version with previously unavailable scenes.

THE RUTLES is a hilarious send-up of the myth and reality--mostly the myth--of the Beatles. Created by Monty Python's Eric Idle and produced by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE creator Lorne Michaels, this mockumentary contains cameos from Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Ron Wood, Bill Murray, and even one of the mocked himself, George Harrison. To make the comedy all the more exciting, this version was banned from United States television. Songs include: 'Hold My Hand', 'Number One', 'Love Life', 'Living in Hope', 'Get Up and Go', 'Cheese and Onions', 'Doubleback Alley', and many others. It is not a stretch to say that without THE RUTLES--ALL YOU NEED IS CASH, there might never have been a SPINAL TAP.

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First screened on BBC2 in 1978, at a time when the standing of The Beatles was at its lowest, The Rutles--All You Need is Cashis the original and (pace This is Spinal Tap) best "rockumentary" spoof. Codirector Eric Idle was then enjoying success with Rutland Weekend Television, while his script displays the same feeling for the inane non-sequitur evident in his Monty Pythonwork. The band's progress from "penniless, untalented nobodies" to "rich, untalented somebodies" is vividly brought to life--with dialogue adapted from actual Beatles interviews and newsreels, and a roster of songs sounding uncannily close to Beatles originals thanks to "Nasty" Neil Innes' genius for pastiche. Interviews with a suitably primed Mick Jagger and Paul Simon give added realism, as do cameos from George Harrison (one-time Beach Boy Rikki Fataar plays his Rutles double Stig) and Stones guitarist Ron Wood. Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi make characterful, pre-Blues Brothersappearances.

On the DVD:The Rutles--All You Need is Cashhas come up well in this DVD transfer. The fullscreen 4:3 ratio picture and mono sound wear their age well, enhanced by the extra scenes included. There's further interview material with Jagger and Simon, and a specially recorded, though wholly unfunny, DVD introduction from Idle, who also contributes a running commentary. All in all, this is an ideal way to get to know, or renew acquaintance with, a film that brings the swinging 60s back down to earth. --Richard Whitehouse

Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 0
Special Features:	Further Deleted Scenes, Eric Idle Commentary, Eric Idle Introduction
Year:	1978
Release Date:	April 25, 2005
Runtime:	73 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	P P A 1637 R D
Label:	Second Sight
Keywords:	Special, You, Need, Comedy, General, Edition, Cash, Rutles, All
Genre:	Comedy