Britcom Goes To The Movies

Guy Walker and Rob Heath

This is the podcast where we decide if small-screen comedies should make the jump to the big screen. read less
TV & FilmTV & Film

Episodes

S02 E07 - Shaun of the Dead (w/ Ross Birks)
4d ago
S02 E07 - Shaun of the Dead (w/ Ross Birks)
Anger, Pain, Fear, Aggression….Watercolours and laughs! As we know from our special on Britain’s Best Sitcom, Spaced is in both Guy and Rob’s top 5, so neither could contain their excitement when it came to talking about Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes and Edgar Wright’s seminal turn of the century pop-culture-reference-a-thon.   Skip to the end….but there’s more. Joining our very own Tim and Daisy was filmmaker Ross Birks, fresh from stealing a tank and trying to invade Paris, to lend his two penn’orth. We could have done a whole two hours on that, but of course, this is a movie podcast so what better than the film inspired by a short segment in an episode of Spaced, Shaun of the Dead?   The movie that spawned the genre Zom Rom Com was 20 years old at the time of recording and all three of our panelists made no secret of their love, quotability, and rewatchabilty of one of the most influential films of the 00s… despite itself making so many references to all three of the genres it drew from.   After a truly terrible showing in last week’s quiz, who would break the deadlock this week with Ross’ fiendishly difficult questions?   So let’s take the car. Go to Mum's. Kill Phil, grab Liz, go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, listen to Britcom Goes To the Movies, and wait for all of this to blow over.   Simon Pegg and Jessica Stephenson in Six Pairs of Pants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-ZkItmbFiQ   Edgar Wright directed Asylum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhzHQfSkg0w   Mash & Peas – John Littlerichard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaGF5z4hyzY   Spaced – One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFoU_GG38Tc   Spaced – Clubbing Scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_wVOA_95QU   Spaced – The Matrix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5kLk9gfK_w   Comic Relief Blankety Blank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUC4un_G5AA   Big Train – Billie Piper fanclub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3oU-Z4Vxo   Shaun of the Dead trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIfcaZ4pC-4   Shaun of the Dead record throwing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHAOY7C1go   Shaun of the Dead – Prink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cJvDtF1ios   Edgar Wright’s Don’t https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czR4qJbkSuc
S02 E06 - The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
May 21 2024
S02 E06 - The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
Over halfway through series two of Britcom Goes to the Movies we’re back to the 1960s....and the 50s as we look at Spike Milliagn, the Goon Show, and the Post-Apocalyptic surreal comedy The Bed Sitting Room. This is the first of our episodes in which we look at a radio show as our source material (if you don’t include Hancock’s Half Hour for The Rebel in series one).   This film contains two of the three (or is it four) Goons as well as a plethora of British comedy talent of the time. Many of whom we’ve seen appear in previous episodes, including Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Frank Thornton, and of course Arthur Lowe, who is the Britcom Goes to the Movies record appearance maker so far. In a series and a half, Rob and Guy have been fairly united on their approval or disapproval of a film, but this time there is some serious disagreement. What will this mean for the rankings and could the non-believer yet be brought round to reform his opinion? All the while, the quiz scores are delicately poised with Rob having a one-point lead. Join us for episode six. The Goon Show – The Dreaded Battered Pudding Hurler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Vg2S3S8W0 The Goon Show – The Treasure of Loch Lomond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsGwAJtZKEc Tin Sandwich Anyone? The History of the Harmonica https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clsGakOc8AE Roy Kinnear on Give Us A Clue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKUvPSJfyn0   The Bed Sitting Room – Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATVZcY53nVU The Bed Sitting Room – Inside Leg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu-TjD7s-UY
S02 E05 - Kevin & Perry Go Large (w/ Ben Clark)
May 14 2024
S02 E05 - Kevin & Perry Go Large (w/ Ben Clark)
As the Venga Boys once said, "We're going to Ibiza"... unfortunately the BritCom goes to the Movies budget didn't stretch as far as actually going to the Balearics, but via the magic of podcasting, we can transport you there by discussing Kevin and Perry Go Large.   Ben Clark joins Guy and Rob for this episode. The writer, director, and comedian is also one-third of Pappys and had, up until this moment, never seen the movie. Luckily he's still talking to us!   We talk about the origins of Kevin the teenager from Kevin the annoying little brother in Harry Enfield's Television Programme to Superstar DJ with sidekick Perry, played by the inimitable Kathy Burke. Kevin became the benchmark by which all millennial teenage boys were (rightly or wrongly) compared.   But as big a cultural phenomenon as Kevin and Perry were (along with many other of Enfield and Burke's characters) how did that translate to the big screen? How kind has the last quarter of a century been to the movie and of course, its memorable soundtrack packed with dance anthems. Join Rob, Guy, and Ben to find out.   Kevin the annoying little brother https://youtu.be/WIhtPCyEDCY?si=t0Hox3WsE86aif-I   Kevin becomes a teenager https://youtu.be/dLuEY6jN6gY?si=F-1K44boOCE1JTA3   Kevin washes the family car https://youtu.be/-qUP3yHEpRw?si=TrEMvywKMm1EtJWd   Perry returns from Manchester https://youtu.be/ZDKF8KkD7rE?si=RQS0wn9ypYPp4DCJ   Kevin the teenager Pillsbury Toaster Pockets https://youtu.be/EuNTG1sOovU?si=Bf-dnR0gIO_onEGD   Ben Clark in Badults https://youtu.be/R7w6y6snkzo?si=u8rY5f-BCmEHzKzm   Smashie and Nicey End of an Era https://youtu.be/UP67GQoII5M?si=kDdkcNC-59ohvn53   Wobbly Randy Old Ladies https://youtu.be/vPrI8rIcFSk?si=7CHDCGmk-W780lH6   Fast Show - Newlyweds https://youtu.be/LXxgxXiqZZw?si=kM-b6r3m2VEDuSYI   Kevin and Perry Go Large Trailer https://youtu.be/nENwy9GRyF0?si=aTI3i1P3n9rq4lkD   Precious Bratz presents Kevin and Perry - Big Girl https://youtu.be/iEk-bUC1sGs?si=wo7dT__R3NdZIDdo   Fragma - Toca's Miracle https://youtu.be/zlDn4_sMUtg?si=xvql3LC73XHwa_8G   Kevin and Perry Go Large - Turd in the sea https://youtu.be/_nETL4r2mrc?si=bvgZgsj_4ma5Eqxg
S02 E04 - Drop Dead Fred (w/ Charlotte White)
May 7 2024
S02 E04 - Drop Dead Fred (w/ Charlotte White)
Four episodes deep into our difficult second series, and to make it a little easier, we’ve enlisted the help of an expert. It’s fair to say Rob and Guy had probably never really considered the impact of the world of Psychotherapy, early 90s favourite Drop Dead Fred had...but it did! In a big way and to help us get to grips with that we enlisted Psychotherapist Charlotte White to talk not only about the significance of imaginary friends but also the roles of women and girls in cinema and abusive relationships. Don’t worry, this is a comedy...or Is it? This film tests both aspects of the criteria of our podcast in that it is arguably neither British nor comedy! But how can you have British Cinema without Working Title and how can you say a film starring Rik Mayall is not a comedy? As our source material, we go back to the beginning of TV for Rik and talk about The Young Ones, a seminal piece of British comedy history. It changed the British Sitcom forever (while maintaining a laughter track) influencing the entire generation of comedians that came after it, not to mention its admiration across the pond, becoming the first non-musical show to be broadcast on MTV. But was it any good and has it held up over time? Find out what we think about The Young Ones and Drop Dead Fred in episode 4.   Our list continues to grow. We’ve already had a new number one in this series, could there be another? The quiz is hotting up this series, with Rob leveling the scores at 7-7 in episode three, with Charlotte writing the questions this time, who could take the lead after four episodes? Young Ones – Opening Titles THE YOUNG ONES - Intro (youtube.com) The Young Ones – Bambi The Young Ones Bambi (youtube.com) Rik Mayall – Legend of Zelda Advert Link’s Awakening Nintendo Gameboy Zelda Link's Awakening TV advert - 1993 - Rik Mayall (youtube.com) Rik Mayall in Man Down rik mayall man down romantic story (youtube.com) Drop Dead Fred Trailer 🎥 DROP DEAD FRED (1991) | Trailer | Full HD | 1080p (youtube.com) Drop Dead Fred – Dog Poo Drop Dead Fred - Got Some Dog Poo (youtube.com)
S02 E02 - Sightseers (w/ Jessica Regan)
Apr 23 2024
S02 E02 - Sightseers (w/ Jessica Regan)
Episode 2 of Series 2 sees another crossover with the Best Pick Podcast as another of its hosts Jessica Regan (our second guest after Tom Salinsky) joins to talk about the 2012 darkest of dark comedies Sightseers. Jess provided unparalleled insight into director Ben Wheatley’s process, starring as she did in his 2009 sketch show The Wrong Door. We take a closer look at The Wrong Door, a show in which dinosaurs are dates, Pirates hijack commuter trains and Matt Berry puts John Virgo’s trick shots in the shade, as well as a deep dive into Wheatley’s third feature-length film, which became the first big screen starring roles for comedy collaborators Steve Oram and Alice Lowe. It helped to have a voice of Irish sanity to help assess a movie that so precisely captures a slice of English eccentricity, repressed anger and downright insanity! We also take a look at the use of double, double pop covers for needle drops and a supporting cast of some of the British movie industry’s very best bit players. How would Guy and Rob get on with Jess’ questions on the Oram and Lowe and could we have a new contender for the top spot? Find out in episode two. The Wrong Door Episode one - The Wrong Door S01E01 The World's Most Annoying Creature (youtube.com) The Wrong Door – Train Pirates starring Jessica Regan 2008 The Wrong Door. The Train Pirates! (youtube.com) Alice Lowe and Steve Oram interviewed by Alan Partridge - EM 10004 Video NA RunEscape GunShot TsktpkV15 Nor Q F NA EN PC A bluedemo (youtube.com) A Dark Song Trailer A Dark Song - Official Trailer I HD I IFC Midnight (youtube.com) Sightseers Trailer Sightseers trailer (youtube.com) Sightseers – Report that to the National Trust - SIGHTSEERS - National Trust - Film Clip (youtube.com)
S01 E11 - Love Actually *Christmas Special* (w/ Monica Sagar)
Dec 20 2023
S01 E11 - Love Actually *Christmas Special* (w/ Monica Sagar)
The main series may be over, but we’ve one more festive treat. Guy and Rob joined by actor Monica Sagar to discuss the divisive Christmas classic on its 20th birthday, Love Actually. We also get stuck into the Vicar of Dibley Christmas special, which is perhaps the most tonally similar to Love Actually of all of Richard Curtis’ TV work. A movie that’s been reappraised by both its cheerleaders and detractors over the course of the past two decades, Love Actually has also caused Richard Curtis himself to address things he would rather have changed with his time again. With a multitude of plots, some classic rom-com, some a bit more esoteric, and some just downright weird and difficult to defend, our panel try their best to revisit with an open mind to see where it will place in the final league rankings of series one of Britcom Goes to the Movies. We will also crown the series one winner of the Britcom Goes to the Movies quiz. After episode 10, Guy led for the first time in the series, but who would come out on top? Vicar of Dibley Christmas Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTon56Kb3P0 Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special – Sprout-off https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ck4qRdfGCU Red Nose Day Actually Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9vGoj449s4 Love Actually Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z3_ifFheQ Love Actually – Dancing Prime Minister https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcgxBHBsl-4 Love Actually – To me you are perfect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7u6bMBlCXw Lynden David Hall – Sexy Cinderella https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqmsWk2gO3o Martine McCutcheon – This is my Moment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG16jv-itYw
S01 E09 - People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan (w/ Daisy Edwards)
Dec 6 2023
S01 E09 - People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan (w/ Daisy Edwards)
Hold tight man like Guy and Rob as Britcom Crew are joined by galdem Daisy Edwards from the W-Rated Possee. That’s right, episode nine is all about People Just Do Nothing and it’s movie spin-off Big in Japan. It was great to have Daisy (a self confessed PJDN fan) to talk about a film she knew she liked as opposed to some of the dross she usually gets served in her W-Rated podcast.   There’s plenty of UK garage chat as Guy looks on in bewilderment with Rob and Daisy chatting about their all-time favourite garage tracks. At Britcom Goes to the Movies we’ve had a mixed bag of direct sitcom spin-offs. Could People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan, tickle our funny bones as much as or more than the Inbetweeners Movie, or will it be a straight-up Man About The House style disappointment? Tune in to find out.   Wasteman TV – People Just Do Nothing first webisode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G65UwuxPOOI   People Just Do Nothing – First Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up0dG-2mUf8   Chabuddy G’s best bits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obHVXrqogr8   UK Garage Horseracing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq99acy8xdE   Azzido Da Bass – Dooms Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cYwggM2UGk   DJ Deekline – I Don’t Smoke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu7Hyk14s0g   Marcus Brigstocke in Barking – I Don’t smoke the reefer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eWQFV9ulV8   Oxide and Neutrino – Bound 4 da Reload https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-27rdwJPs   The Streets – Dry Your Eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyHr-4SeILI   People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan – Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6cAyHXrE4
S01 E06 - The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer (w/ Tom Salinsky)
Nov 15 2023
S01 E06 - The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer (w/ Tom Salinsky)
Episode six of Britcom Goes to the Movies marks the halfway point of the series and this week we’re going all the back to 1970. Having said that the themes and satire from The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer are all too prescient in 2023. Guy and Rob are joined to talk all things Peter Cook, David Frost and of course The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer by writer, producer and host of the Best Pick Podcast Tom Salinsky. Tom’s insights and political context for this episode were invaluable and he also wrote and hosted our quiz. Among other things, we talk about That Was The Week That Was, Goodbye Again, Frost/Nixon, and a sprinkling of Monty Python. We wouldn’t always urge listeners to watch the film we’re talking about (Lesbian Vampire Killers we’re looking at you) but The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer is worth everyone’s time, if not for anything other than Arthur Lowe. Could this biting satire challenge the top of our table, tune in and find out. Ned Sherrin introduces TW3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e4R2038tfU Goodbye again – full episodehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfnrTdecoVc David Frost on his Nixon Interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fpYu36q_tQ Arthur Lowe narrating the Mr Men https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2D1fDiSP_Y The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer – Full Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_prfYb6DE The Cadbury’s Flake advert on which the Scorpio Humbugs commercial is based https://youtu.be/DqTPVvam1uY?si=cd9-uUyhmxPgpUN_ Harold Wilson and pipe exhibition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Ssw_WQ-y4 Monty Python – The Silly Party hold Leicester https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVI5ZOT5QEM
S01 E05 - The Parole Officer (2001)
Nov 8 2023
S01 E05 - The Parole Officer (2001)
Episode 5 of Britcom Goes to the Movies. Rob and Guy are on a Busman's Holiday (not On the Buses yet thank God) as they research the writing team of Steve Coogan and Henry Normal. A chance to fanboy the shit out of things as this episode is on 2001's The Parole Officer. Although memories of the movie aren't completely favorable, both Rob and Guy are huge Coogan and Normal fans. The Parole Officer's genesis seems to lie in Coogan's Run and Paul and Pauline Calf, so expect some deep dives into those shows. The Parole Officer was Coogan's first feature-length writing credit and featured breakthrough appearances from Lena Headey and Stephen Dillane, making episode 5 a must-listen for Game of Thrones completists. Is The Parole Officer capable of knocking Mike Bassett off the top spot of the Britcom goes to the Movies chart or will we think it's a bag of shite. Tune in to find out. Paul Calf's Video Diary in full. https://youtu.be/VrIx9exTyxY?si=8CEXxo94RpjKw0kP Paul and Pauline Calf on the Filth Tour https://youtu.be/M0_bxdRWWSk?si=1w5g-4QJwOq1VpKB Pauline Calf Hen Party https://youtu.be/DLHWzj5dhTg?si=W465x3Moacm7erTT Coogan's Run - Get Calf clip https://youtu.be/UjFP-K9uzC4?si=IGT9dO7v2fLUDLNI Coogan's Run - A Handyman for all Seasons cliphttps://youtu.be/nF71JU___js?si=Kg7cLAMEEp4kVuiD Coogan's Run Titles https://youtu.be/1gf0YdnSnN4?si=3DoqtCAujTxFiRwI Henry Normal and Steve Coogan in Packet of Three https://youtu.be/PL3rXczQSm0?si=zWuxx3IIlBC23D4_ The Parole Officer Trailer https://youtu.be/nJw7JrN3vOY?si=gLKx5QJ6ZxcARs5R Parole officer bits https://youtu.be/o_r65nWn_Mk?si=Nr-o_qY_VA_Nl2Yq Atomic Kitten -Eternal Flame videohttps://youtu.be/yE3O-bx0noI?si=NwJhuW0gpFJuCljb
S01 E04 - Mike Bassett: England Manager (w/ Steve Dunne)
Nov 1 2023
S01 E04 - Mike Bassett: England Manager (w/ Steve Dunne)
Episode four already?! Guy and Rob are building up a head of steam and are joined for the first time by a guest. TV Writer Steve Dunne chips in with his thoughts on the 2001 football fan favourite Mike Bassett: England Manager.   Ricky Tomlinson, at the height of his Jim Royle fame, starred as the ever-optimistic lower league football manager turned England’s savior at a time when the real England team was looking to the continent in Sven Goran Eriksson and playing some of the most memorable matches in the last 30 years. As we’ll hear, there were moments when art and life intertwined.   We delve deep into not only Mike Bassett but also the Royle Family and the film’s major inspiration, the groundbreaking documentary, The Impossible Job. But does this film work on any level if not being watched by someone who is already a football fan?    Jim Royle’s best bits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBZvagHfwDQ   Aha – Take on Me video by Steve Barron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914   The Impossible Job – Full Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLBA8ivsrt8   Mike Bassett: Benson & Hedges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PbP_pIgR4s   Mike Bassett: Three Cheers for Ramirez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpWUaRtZ-JU   Mike Bassett: On Me ‘Ead Son https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQfkcboDIE8   Markus Nikolai – Bushes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42gBMtL9zhE   Robbie Williams – Summertime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAqvSrjDljA
S01 E02 - Staggered (1994)
Oct 18 2023
S01 E02 - Staggered (1994)
Episode 2: Getting in the Swing. The only way is up (we hope) after Lesbian Vampire Killers. Next on our agenda was to take a closer look at the Martin Clunes 1994 vehicle Staggered. A film that at the time seemed ubiquitous because of an aggressive marketing campaign, but not one that’s widely remembered in 2023. In fact not even by Guy and Rob it would seem. Both huge Men Behaving Badly fans, one had seen Staggered but couldn’t remember it, while the other couldn’t remember if he had seen it. Keeping up? It’s fair to say that Staggered wouldn’t have received the exposure it did at the time without the burgeoning TV stardom of Martin Clunes on Men Behaving Badly and after losing the services on Comic Strip Presents director Sandy Johnson, Clunes was given the task of directing Staggered himself. Tune in to find out whether that was a good idea or not. Amongst other things, we get stuck into Men Behaving Badly, Robin of Sherwood, Babes in the Wood, Boobs in the Wood and the unforgettable Warren. See where Staggered rates in our master list of two and who can gain the upper hand (sadly a sitcom that never made the big screen) in the BritCom Goes to the Movies Quiz. You can follow Britcom Goes To The Movies on Twitter and Instagram as @britcomgoes you can email us at britcomgoes@gmail.com and don’t forget to like, subscribe and give us a lovely review wherever you get your podcasts to help us reach a wider audience. Staggered – Full Movie https://youtu.be/Iu_nz5StaWw?si=pRxzS2eJwSJzsygZ   Tim Nice But Dim feat. Martin Clunes https://youtu.be/5XHN_1oJXeY?si=POx13MMXgLltN0ee   Men Behaving Badly: What are you thinking? https://youtu.be/-GyxboBU4J4?si=qzNgq6YOtLizACwO   Men Behaving Badly: Toilet https://youtu.be/6NXpAjCudnA?si=XhYwrZiiqj8m2B6H   Robin of Sherwood Trailer https://youtu.be/b9BiXsnYd7k?si=oI6R4bNn2DtDPnLy   Babes in the Wood https://youtu.be/whj5h8-WZZc?si=tSs1qSuvTI56p7zu
S01 E01 Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009)
Oct 11 2023
S01 E01 Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009)
Series one episode one of Britcom Goes to the Movies. After a low-brow discussion in a high-end Leeds boozer, Guy Walker and Rob Heath decided to set on a quest to definitively rank as many British comedy small to big/screen transfers as they could before they or more importantly their audience got bored of it. Building the long list of movies that contained some kind of programme, sketch, or talent crossover was the fun bit, then the real work began.   It was decided that Britcom Goes to the Movies would kick off with the 2009 cinematic outing of the Horne & Corden partnership, Lesbian Vampire Killers. This was a film that had become a byword for terrible TV comedy transfers, which is why neither of our presenters had ever seen it. Was this Hammer Horror-inflected comedy really as bad as everyone said? There was only one way to find out.   Charting LVK’s origins all the way from the universally loved Gavin & Stacy to the unanimously slated late-noughties sketch show Horne & Corden, this is a deep dive into all things Lesbian Vampire Killers. As a quirk of format at the end of this episode this film would sit both top and bottom of the BGTTM rankings list, but how long would it stay at either end?   You can follow Britcom Goes To The Movies on Twitter and Instagram as @britcomgoes you can email us at britcomgoes@gmail.com and don’t forget to like, subscribe and give us a lovely review wherever you get your podcasts to help us reach a wider audience.   James Corden’s early TV comedy appearance in Boyz Unlimited https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z52BM_RXa-I   Lesbian Vampire Killers trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug60BEOdrB4   Viz Comic’s “Which McGann Brother are you? https://twitter.com/PaulBurleyHQ/status/583366696766967808?t=KfzOgNHagjBQG3Pp1nssLA&s=08   I like You So Much Better When You’re Naked by Ida Maria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkVy2FeqIyc    Shout by James Corden and Dizzy Rascal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHq3vy_7cJQ