The Goodies (TV Series) The Stolen Musicians (1971) User Reviews

The Stolen Musicians

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 7 June 2023]

Musicians all over Britain are going missing. In some cases, whole orchestras have disappeared.

The Goodies are determined to get to the bottom of it. Graeme has an idea, they will become musicians.

Only no one turns up to see them perform. The plan is successful though, they too are abducted.

The mastermind of this dastardly scheme is The Music Master (Henry McGee.) He wants to own all the music in the world and make money from releasing it all. He is a loony.

He has them all in little cells, even The Beatles but they are too busy arguing than actually making new music.

Now the Goodies have to write a hit song, but it is to make sure everyone escapes, apart from Cilla Black that is. Bill finds her too loud.

There are plenty of barbs against Rolf Harris, a small disc that is his greatest hits record, it has no songs. I wonder if Rolf once tried to get Bill to play with his didgeridoo.

Cilla Black makes a vocal only appearance. McGee once again shows he is a master of light comedy.

"You're a looney!". "Thank you!"

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 29 November 2006]

The Goodies are watching a live concert in Hyde Park when sinister Mafia-types make off with the orchestra. Everywhere, musicians are mysteriously vanishing. The Goodies give a free show on Hackney Marshes. No-one turns up to hear them play, but someone makes off with their lorry - with them inside.

Our heroes are taken to the country home of one M.J. Coggleton, also known as 'The Music Master'. The villain has stolen the world's musicians so that people will have to pay him if they want to hear them again. He wants the Goodies to make a record - if they refuse, they will be forced to face the ultimate punishment - namely, be locked in a cell with Rolf Harris...

One of my all-time favourite 'Goodies' episodes. With his slicked-back hair, Dracula-style cloak and mobile, rocket-firing Hammond organ, The Music Master is the nearest the show got to one of those eccentric super-villains so typical of the 'Batman' television series. The late Henry McGee is best remembered for his work on 'The Benny Hill Show'. Its a pity this episode wasn't shown as a tribute to him earlier this year. Full of great gags, including a couple at the expense of Cilla Black's singing. She couldn't have been offended, because she contributed to the final scene.

Funniest moment - the final battle between the Goodies and the Music Master, where a euphonium is used as a cannon!