Roger Graef

Monty Python: The Meaning of Live

Roger Graef, James Rogan

John Cleese, Terry Gilliam

With unprecedented access, this program reveals the humour, chaos and passion that went into bringing the Flying Circus to the stage cumulating in the legendary One Down, Five To Go.

Pleasure at Her Majesty's

Jonathan Miller, Roger Graef

John Cleese, Alan Bennett

The first of the Amnesty International comedy benefit galas. The title is a play on the phrase at Her Majesty's pleasure (the show was performed at Her Majesty's Theatre, London). This show came to be considered part of the Secret Policeman's Ball series of shows that it inspired, although it pre-dated the first show in the series by three years. The event was organized by a team of three: Monty Python member John Cleese, Amnesty's Assistant Director Peter Luff and Transatlantic Records executive Martin Lewis. It featured the cream of Britain's comedic talent of the era, setting a precedent that would inspire many subsequent Amnesty galas...

The Flying Alberts

Roger Graef

Jill Bruce, Dougie Gray

The Alberts (Bruce Lacey, Tony Gray and his brother Dougie Gray) attempt to take off. There are two edits of this film, both with their own distinct ending.

The Secret Policeman's Ball

Roger Graef

Роуэн Себастьян Аткинсон, John Cleese

Amnesty decided not to present a benefit show in 1978 in order to consider how to make better use of the performing talent so favourably disposed to assist it in raising funds. Peter Luff left Amnesty in 1978 and the organisation's new fund-raising officer, Peter Walker, was deputed to work with Lewis on reconfiguring the show to raise more money and greater awareness of Amnesty. Lewis proposed to Cleese that in addition to the comedy performances the show should feature some contemporary rock musicians. Cleese delegated this responsibility to Lewis who recruited Who guitarist Pete Townshend to perform, as well as New Wave singer-songwriter Tom Robinson.

The Mermaid Frolics

Terry Jones, Roger Graef

Julie Covington, Pete Atkin

In May 1977 a second Amnesty benefit was held to build on the success of the first show and with the intent of developing momentum for a regularly-scheduled benefit show.

Closing Ranks

Roger Graef

Rob Spendlove, Elizabeth Edmonds

A drama-documentary reflecting the pressures afflicting the modern police community both at work and home. About a London cop who transfers to the country, and his wife who joins the anti-nuclear lobby.

One of Them Is Named Brett

Roger Graef

Stanley Baker

A look into the life of Brett, a boy born without arms due to thalidomide exposure.

Steel

Roger Graef

Directed by Roger Graef.

Right To Work March

Frances de la Tour, Tony Anscombe

Young Socialists from Glasgow, Liverpool and Swansea march to London and discuss their economic struggles en route. Supporting them are Ken Loach, Corin Redgrave, Arnold Wesker and other leading cultural figures of the left of British politics. The march is intercut with scenes dramatising parallel injustices in the English Civil War era and earlier - featuring Frances de la Tour in queenly mode as Elizabeth I. The film's unconventional structure also features frequent extracts of the rousing pop concert, with the band Slade, which culminated the epic march.