The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
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.
Insights
Plot Summary
A star-studded comedy and music revue staged to benefit Amnesty International, this film features a series of sketches and musical performances by some of the era's biggest British comedians and musicians. The show is presented as a series of disjointed but hilarious acts, ranging from political satire to absurd observational humor, all tied together by the common cause of human rights.
Critical Reception
The film was largely praised for its comedic talent and the vital cause it supported. Critics noted the high caliber of performers and the effectiveness of the sketches and musical numbers in both entertaining and raising awareness. It is remembered as a significant event in comedic and charity performance history.
What Reviewers Say
- An excellent showcase of comedic talent for a worthy cause.
- Features memorable performances from a generation of British comedy legends.
- The blend of sketch comedy and musical interludes is highly entertaining.
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Awards & Accolades
None notable beyond its success as a charity event.
Fun Fact
The concert, and the subsequent film, raised over £1 million for Amnesty International, making it one of the most successful charity events of its time.
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