The Kenny Everett Naughty Joke Box, 1981
A show that only Kenny Everett could produce but certainly not suitable even at the time for mainstream TV.
Kenny Everett’s TV show “Kenny Everett Video Cassette” was coming to an end in 1981. Ever the innovator Kenny Everett compered this very different comedy show tailored for the new home video market.
Shot in a nightclub in London’s Soho it features old-school comics, some in evening dress, doing dirty material that would not have been allowed on TV at the time and certainly not now. The material is very much of its era, i.e. sexist, racist, homophobic, although in the early 1980’s this style of comedy was already on its way out and about to give way to the new alternative comedy that would soon be the norm.
In keeping with Everett’s unique style, mistakes and chat with the film crew are kept in and there are constant references to tape editing and rewinding (as well as sinful Soho). The comics are a mixed bunch and some of their jokes whilst funny would certainly not be allowed now.
Despite the material the project was clearly successful at the time as it was followed in 1982 by “The New Kenny Everett Naughty Video”.
Summary
Old school comics join Kenny Everett for some old school comedy. Stand up routines are interspersed with sketches and stand up routines from Kenny Everett.
Despite the material the project was clearly successful at the time as it was followed in 1982 by “The New Kenny Everett Naughty Video”. Both tapes will be included as extras on a forthcoming Blu-ray release of the Everett movie “Bloodbath at the House of Death”. Almost certainly they will be have to be preceded by warnings about outdated discriminatory language.
Clips
[alert type=white ]Warning, contains material of an adult nature that some may find offensive[/alert]
Starring
Kenny Everett – self/various characters
Lennie Bennett
Barry Cryer
Fogwell flax
Leslie Crowther
John Junkin
Pat Mooney
William Rushton
Debbie Bishop – Naughty Girl
Carol Jelenska – Naughty Girl
Debbie Linden – Naughty Girl
Details
Idea Conceived By: Kenny Everett
Produced By: Ray Cameron and Stuart D. Donaldson
Directed By: John Kaye Cooper
Release Date: Released as a VHS Video in 1981
Where To Watch
Currently available to view on You Tube.