Rhino is well known for its film soundtrack and pop CD releases but the Company
also releases the occasional video. This programme, in aid of Amnesty
International, and originally filmed in 1987, features many stars from the
pop, TV and film worlds. It is well worth considering. Rhino is releasing
it now to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the human rights
organisation.
The line-up of talent from the Pop world is impressive: Kate Bush; Joan
Armatrading, Duran Duran; Mark Knopfler with Chet Atkins; Bob Geldorf; and
Peter Gabriel.
The there are the comedians. John Laurie and Stephen Fry swop roles as shopkeeper
and customer over a transaction involving a hedge (small, standard or Imperial,
sir?), because they keep forgetting their lines and get hopelessly muddled
when they try to prompt each other. John Cleese receives the Rubber Duck
Award, and Ruby Wax is ticked off by Sir Bob Geldorf for not curtsying to
him. But it is Lenny Henry who steals the show. He is absolutely hilarious
in mile-wide padded shoulders, heavy shades, loud check suit and wide brimmed
pork-pie hat as 'Low Down, Left-Handed, Hound-Dog, Blues Singer'
"…abandoned on a doorstep by my foster parents…' '…singin'
on vocals.. with Mike 'no-fingers' McGinty on piano…in a group called
the beautiful people…' His song includes such fine classical lines as
"…cabbage- patch baby, I've got a great big hose for you.."
Reviewer
Ian Lace
RHINO Home Video R3 2563 $14:95 and available through retailers or through the Internet at www.rhino.com
