The Innes Book of Records (1979)
Synopsis
Neil Innes performs parody songs old and new, all set to specially-shot footage, and including special guest performers. Plotless and surreal, Innes described the programme as "songs and pictures, about people and things".
Network
BBC Two
Episodes
Episode 1
In this new musical diversion, the sounds of today echo back nostalgically from a loophole in time.The programme features the words, music and performance of Neil innes with special contributions from Sir John Betjeman, Johnny Morris, Gillian Gregory, Bryan Payne and The West Somerset Morris Men
Episode 2
The spacesuited man sits down to hear tales of disenchantment from a farmer, a tired married couple and a shoe factory quality control manager. Also features an exercise dance class with Nick Cabaret, and the Marx Brothers in the jungle.
Episode 3
A lonely sentient flower is interrupted by the bird calls of Percy Edwards, while the Alligator Jug Thumpers put on a show, as does a man who can regurgitate cigarettes. However, none of them are as enlightening as some toilet graffiti.
Episode 4
Frying tips from a chef, votes for the Apathy Party, how to draw a leader, the nature of freedom, and the illicit thrills of late night fish and chips are this week's subjects from the Innes Book of Records.
Episode 5
The female gender gets dissected, be it Jake Thackray's song about being nagged, Nick Cabaret's wishes for love, a protest singer dedicating a track to Melissa, or the art of romance being disrupted by the return of Godzilla.
Episode 6
The man in the spacesuit sits down to listen to the Innes Book of Records for the final time. There, he learns about the simplicity of Shangri-La, hears organ music from Robin Richmond, and some more poetry from Sir John Betjeman.
Cast
Details
Original Title
The Innes Book of Records
Status
Ended
Seasons
3
Episodes
18