10 Funniest Non-Monty Python Films From Monty Python Members
3. The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
Anyone who tries to convince you that Eric Idle hasn't done anything worthwhile outside of Monty Python has either never seen his work as a mock-Beatle or thinks the Scary Movie franchise is the epitome of groundbreaking parody.
Before there was Spinal Tap, there were The Rutles. Dirk, Nasty, Barry, and Stig, form the not-so-fab four that tirelessly pay homage to the actual Beatles throughout this brilliant mockumentary. Hell, even George Harrison liked their representations, and decided to make a cameo in the film, along a much-too-eager Ronnie Wood and half of the original Saturday Night Live cast.
Everything about this parody is spot-on, from the distinct mannerisms of each Beatle to the near exact recreations of famous news footage during the height of Beatlemania.
Sure, some of the humor will seem a little dated to those unfamiliar with The Beatles beyond their greatest hits, but the comedy is so self-assured that it's impossible not to get swept up in it.
This pastiche skewers the legendary Liverpudlians with great joy and giddiness. It's infectious, really. And although Spinal Tap would later one-up The Rutles in many ways, it can never rival Eric Idle and company's portrayals in terms of sheer specificity. This is definitely one of those that requires the audience to be fully "in" on the joke.