The Secret Policeman's Balls

It began with Monty Python's John Cleese sending a donation to the fledgling human rights organization, Amnesty International, but quickly evolved into an annual benefit concert featuring a multi-generational Who's Who of British comedy, eventually adding music to the mix. In this boxed set compiling five mostly brilliant concert films, the best is saved for first: Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976), featuring almost the full Monty as well as members of Beyond the Fringe (minus Dudley Moore), performing such classic sketches as “Pet Shop,” the “Lumberjack Song” and Peter Cook's devastatingly deadpan “Miner” monologue. The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979) is enlivened by Pete Townshend's now classic acoustic performances of “Won't Get Fooled Again” and “Pinball Wizard,” while The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1981) is even heavies on the music side, boasting Sting's “Message in a Bottle,” Phil Collins' “In the Air Tonight,” Donovan's “Catch the Wind,” Bob Geldof's “I Don't Like Mondays,” and Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton's “Further Up the Road.” The Secret Policeman's Third Ball (1987) is hampered by the appearance of obnoxious celebrity interviewer Ruby Wax, but Hugh Laurie brings down the house with partner Stephen Fry in their deconstructionist “Hedge Sketch” (musical performers include Jackson Browne, Duran Duran, Joan Armatrading, Kate Bush, and Peter Gabriel). The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball (1989) gets back to comedy basics, although it is disconcerting to see the Monty Python classic “Crunchy Frog” performed by Lenny Henry and Robbie Coltrane. But Cleese and Michael Palin recreate “The Argument Clinic,” while Cook and Moore perform two of their best-loved sketches, “The Frog and Peach” and “One Leg Too Few.” DVD extras include audio commentaries by series co-creator Martin Lewis, the entertaining feature-length 2004 retrospective “Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball” (with somewhat shaky reminiscences by the performers), bonus songs and sketches, and a booklet. While several of these performers are sadly no longer with us (including Graham Chapman, Cook, and Moore), seeing them in these classic sketches more than compensates for the lackluster production values. Just the ticket for British comedy and pop music aficionados, this is highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)