Watch Beyond The Fringe

Beyond The Fringe is a classic British comedy film from 1964, directed by Duncan Wood and starring the comedy quartet of Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore. Originally performed as a stage show, Beyond The Fringe was a groundbreaking work that helped to define a new era of comedy in both Britain and the United States.

The film consists of a series of sketches and musical numbers that parody various aspects of British society and culture, from the military and the aristocracy to the church and the arts. The satire is sharp and irreverent, and the performances are outstanding, showcasing the razor-sharp wit and comic timing of each of the four stars.

One of the film's most famous sketches is the "One Leg Too Few" routine, in which Cook plays a one-legged auditionee for a role in a production of the historical drama Richard III. The sketch is a perfect example of the absurd, surreal humor that the film specializes in, as Cook comes up with increasingly ludicrous suggestions for how his character's disability could be incorporated into the play. Another standout scene is Bennett's monologue as the "mad vicar," which hilariously sends up the absurdities of organized religion.

Music is also an important part of Beyond The Fringe, with several memorable musical numbers interspersed throughout the sketches. These include a parody of Gilbert and Sullivan's "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General" and a spoof of West Side Story entitled "Dudley Moore With His Electric Piano," in which Moore demonstrates his virtuosity on the piano while dressed in a leather jacket and denim jeans.

In addition to its comedy, Beyond The Fringe also has a more serious side, as it tackles issues such as war, social class, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. These themes are explored in sketches such as "Aftermyth Of War," in which Miller plays a soldier returning from World War II and struggling to readjust to civilian life, and "Take A Pew," in which Bennett and Cook play a pair of upper-class twits who attend a church service and are hilariously out of touch with the congregation.

Overall, Beyond The Fringe is a classic comedy that holds up well today, thanks to its clever writing, talented cast, and timeless themes. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of British comedy, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Whether you're a fan of satirical humor, musical comedy, or just great entertainment, Beyond The Fringe is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Beyond The Fringe is a 1964 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.