"Brass Eye" (1997) TV series 1997-2001

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

29 January 1997 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Controversal spoof of current-affairs TV and the role of celebrity in the UK.

Plot Keywords:

Spoof | Current Affairs | Celebrity | Satire | Censored

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 11 of 23)

Christopher Morris	...	Christopher Morris / ... (7 episodes, 1997-2001)
Mark Heap	...	'Would You?' Man / ... (7 episodes, 1997-2001)
Kevin Eldon	...	Alan, Role Play Husband / ... (5 episodes, 1997-2001)
Doon Mackichan	...	Accelorata Jengold / ... (5 episodes, 1997-2001)
David Cann	...	Vicar / ... (4 episodes, 1997)
Barbara Durkin	...	French Woman / ... (4 episodes, 1997)
Amelia Bullmore	...	Beauty Pageant Mother / ... (3 episodes, 1997-2001)
Albert Welling	...	Clerk of the Court / ... (3 episodes, 1997)
Gina McKee	...	Libby Shuss / ... (3 episodes, 1997)
Claire Skinner	...	Board Member / ... (3 episodes, 1997)
Bill Moody	...	Bill Laswell / ... (3 episodes, 1997)

Also Known As:

BrassEye (UK) (alternative spelling)
Torque TV (UK) (working title)
Trip TV (UK) (alternative title)

Runtime:

25 min (6 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

TalkBack Productions

Trivia:

An untransmitted pilot episode of Brass Eye called "Torque TV" exists, though for some reason it was never included on the Brass Eye DVD. It was made in 1995 by Christopher Morris and the rest of the crew. Most of the material in "Torque..." was re-used for the Animals episode of this series, but there are several scenes that are either unique to "Torque...", or were edited down for inclusion in the series. Of note is an entirely excised interview between David Jatt (Morris) and Sir Peregrine Worsthorne, ex-editor of The Sunday Telegraph talking about domestic hippos; an extended WOFDCAP sequence in which the animal rights activists have a telephone conversation with Martin Amis about the plight of Karla the elephant; a thrilling look at how animals are gaining respect, including the heartwarming tale of a mouse that saved a drowning tramp; an extended sequence in which Dr. Jonathan Kwattes (Ian Gelder) explains why all animals are vegetarian - even the carnivores - to a press conference; a heartfelt plea from murderous scamp Reggie Kray, and an extended interview with Carla Lane.

Quotes:

Christopher Morris: You haven't got a clue have you, But you will do.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 50 Most Shocking Comedy Moments (2006) (TV)

Brass neck, keen eye

Chris Morris' brilliant 'Brass Eye', a satire on tabloid television, the ascendancy of the celebrity class and, more generally, the culture of stupidity, is arguably the most subversive television comedy ever made, and one the funniest. In an age where programs abound in which the rich and famous are invited to gently send themselves up, on the grounds that all publicity is good, Morris triumphantly shatters the myth, as a rich stream of unwitting victims emerge exposed as the idiots they are. Some tried to get the program banned, but undeterred, Morris retorted by making a special episode on the taboo issue of paedophilia. The wholly staged segments are good as well, and though 'Brass Eye' occasionally makes for uncomfortable viewing, this is to the credit of a program designed to force one to think about one's beliefs. Personal favourite scenes include MP Rhodes Boyson gormlessly endorsing the deployment of Batman as a way of fighting crime, and the jam-making company which encourages the use of illegal drugs to enhance performance. A program to watch and enjoy, but also to remember the next time you're asked to take something for granted.