In 2003, Eric Idle wrote, directed and starred in a belated sequel to his 1977 spoof documentary ( yes, they existed long before 'The Office'! ) 'All You Need Is Cash', better known as 'The Rutles'. The Pre-Fab Four - Dirk, Nasty, Stig, and Barry - were back! But nobody noticed. The film rehashes everything that happened in the first one. If you've seen the original, you've seen this as well. Obviously Idle was never going to make fun of the death of John Lennon, but even so the comic imagination that gave us so many wonderful Monty Python sketches and Rutland Weekend Television is sadly not in evidence here. Steve Martin, Carrie Fisher, David Bowie, Billy Connolly, and Tom Hanks are among those unfortunates taking part. The BBC screened 'The Rutles' many times in the 70's and 80's, but ignored this one and I don't blame them. There were more honest-to-goodness laughs to be found in 'The Beatles Anthology'.
Review of The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch
The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch
(2003 TV Movie)
Not Eric Idle's Finest Hour
11 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers