Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done

For those who are interested, there exists an illustrated book of the movie. It was published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. It is probably now out of print, but might be found in some library collections. It incorporated original designs by Ronald Searle on the inside covers, and character drawings by Bill Melendez Productions. Gilbert and Sullivan lovers will find all the words to many of their favorite songs which were used in the movie, with additional lyrics by Robin Miller. Text was by Jeremy Hornsby, while the original story (of the movie) was by Leo Rost. Interestingly the copyright is by Ronald Searle, dated 1975.

With the vogue for cartoons to be successful (Antz, Toy Story, Nemo etc), it is surprising that Dick Deadeye has largely disappeared without a trace. Based on the drawings of Gerlad Scarfe - which do take some time to get used to if unfamiliar with his style (he also did the opening titles of BBC's 'Yes Minister'), the stroy is simply cobbled together from a selection of Gilber & Sullivan operettas (Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore to name only three). The story is reasonably followable (for a cartoon), but there are many wonderful musical moments with updated (even 'Pop') treatments to well known G&S songs, plus a few new ones. 'The Moon & I' sung by Linda Lewis was even a minor hit in 1976, but this didn;t seem to help the film receive greater viewing audiences.

It did not receive a full UK distribution, but did play in selected 'art house' cinemas, then disappeared without a trace. As far as I am aware it has never released on video or DVD, but it would certainly be worthwhile for those who like pleasant comedy and G&S's music.

Have always gotten a lot of enjoyment from Gilbert and Sullivan's work. Gilbert's lyric and dialogue writing tickles the funnybone constantly while also being layered and enhancing the storytelling, Sullivan's music is often sublime and the characters are colourful with the odd complex one.

'Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done' was a true delight. Of the three animated versions seen of Gilbert and Sullivan's work, it is by far the best. The others are a heavily abridged but interesting and well made 1960s version of 'Ruddigore' and 'The Gentlemen of Titipu' which is so bad and such a disgrace to the Gilbert and Sullivan name that it's not worth commenting on.

The film does drag a tad at the end, and also wouldn't have said no to more of 'Ruddigore' and 'Princess Ida' (neither among their best, but both undervalued, especially 'Ruddigore'). However, it entertains hugely, was clearly made with a lot of love and affection and will be a delight for fans and an interesting experience for anybody who's new to G&S or just getting into their work.

Gilbert and Sullivan's talent, even with the songs with modern lyrics being more based on their original work, shine immensely here and it felt like a very affectionate tribute, which was appropriate considering that it was a centenary commemoration. The writing is witty, charming, sometimes insightful and layered, and never less than very funny and often hilarious. Even with some updated treatment with some modern lyrics, the music is as sublime as ever and recognising highlights from several operettas was a huge part of the fun as well as recognising the included characters. It's beautifully performed too all round.

Some may say that the story is cobbled together and feels more an excuse of stringing highlights and scenes together. That is true, but in this case it doesn't matter because the characters (still colourful and interesting), music and writing are so good and the story is cohesive and compelling throughout. Plus Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas are not exactly seen for their stories, but more the characters, writing and music.

Lastly, the animation is very nicely done with the detail of the background art being especially noteworthy.

Overall, a delight for Gilbert and Sullivan fans. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Found out about this from the Gilbert and Sullivan page on Facebook, and saw it on YouTube. It lies buried and almost forgotten - WHY??? If there's an entrepreneur out there out there who wants to bring culture and a refreshing breeze to British Animated excellence - GET THIS MASTERPIECE ON DVD NOW!!! Especially if you like Gilbert and Sullivan operas. And NO! I'm NOT going to tell you what the ultimate secret is - you'll have to watch this gem for yourselves.

Dick Deadeye is an incomprehensible jumble of disconnected story ideas and popified Gilbert & Sullivan songs with poorly rewritten lyrics. And according to IMDB users, it's absolutely terrific.

The only explanation I have is that the reviewers saw this as children and developed an eternal fondness for it. Children are less concerned by things like coherent storytelling and wit and more likely to be drawn in by speed and noise, which Dick Deadeye has in abundance.

The visual design by Searle is pretty nice, but there's little else to recommend this.