Messiah (1984) (TV)

Director:

Geoffrey Sax

Writers:

Jim Broadbent
Patrick Barlow

Release Date:

18 January 1984 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | History

Plot Keywords:

Reference To Jesus Christ | Based On Play

Cast

Patrick Barlow	...	Desmond "Olivier" Dingle
Jim Broadbent	...	Wallace

Directed by
Geoffrey Sax

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Patrick Barlow
Jim Broadbent

Produced by
Jenny Reeks	....	producer

Distributors

• Channel 4 Television Corporation (UK)

Also Known As:

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Movie Connections:

Followed by "Massive Landmarks of the 20th Century" (1999)

Biblical epic performed by two men, playing a cast of thousands!

Adapted from a stage play, this hilarious production stars Patrick Barlow and Jim Broadbent as leading lights in the 'National Theatre of Brent'. It's nearly 30 years since I saw it, yet I remember well falling on the floor at Broadbent's depiction of the virgin Mary. But there is really nothing mocking or sacrilegious about the show at all; it's a gentle, heart-warming kind of comedy. Whereas Monty Python's Life of Brian strove (very effectively) for a realistic depiction of the Holy Land around the time of Jesus, with broad characters and outlandish behaviour, most of the humour here derives instead from the brilliantly understated subtlety of the acting, and the touchingly amateurish production values.. This is long overdue for a repeat, or preferably a video release.