Neil Innes

Acting

Neil Innes

Born December 9, 1944 · Danbury, Essex, England, UK

Died December 29, 2019 · aged 75

Neil James Innes was an English writer, comedian and musician. He first came to prominence in the pioneering comedy rock group Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and later became a frequent collaborator with the Monty Python troupe on their BBC television series and films, and is often called the "seventh Python" along with performer Carol Cleveland. He co-created the Rutles, a Beatles parody/pastiche project…

Known For

Monty Python and the Holy GrailMonty Python and the Holy Grail · 1975
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
7.81975
MovieAdventureComedy
King Arthur, accompanied by his squire, recruits his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Bedevere the Wise, Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot and Sir Galahad the Pure. On the way, Arthur battles the Black Knight who, despite having had all his limbs chopped off, insists he can still fight. They reach Camelot, but Arthur decides not to enter, as "it is a silly place".
Life of BrianLife of Brian · 1979
Life of Brian
7.81979
MovieComedy
Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.
JabberwockyJabberwocky · 1977
Jabberwocky
6.01977
MovieFantasyComedy
After the death of his father, young Dennis Cooper goes to town where he has to pass several adventures. The town and the whole kingdom is threatened by a terrible monster called 'Jabberwocky'. Will Dennis make his fortune? Is anyone brave enough to defeat the monster?
Erik the VikingErik the Viking · 1989
Erik the Viking
5.91989
MovieAdventureFantasy
Erik the Viking gathers warriors from his village and sets out on a dangerous journey to Valhalla, to ask the gods to end the Age of Ragnorok and allow his people to see sunlight again. A Pythonesque satire of Viking life.
Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The RutlesCan't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles · 2003
Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
5.82003
MovieComedyMusic
Twenty-three years after the release of the original Beatles mockumentary, 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash', famous artists, actors and musicians speak out on how The Rutles influenced them.
Magical Mystery TourMagical Mystery Tour · 1967
Magical Mystery Tour
6.61967
MovieMusicComedy
While on a coach tour, The Beatles and a few dozen friends experience strange happenings caused by magicians.
Concert for GeorgeConcert for George · 2003
Concert for George
8.12003
MovieMusicDocumentary
As a memorial to George Harrison on the first anniversary of his passing, The Concert for George was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 29 November 2002 . Organized by Harrison's widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, and arranged under the musical direction of Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne. A benefit for Harrison's Material World Charitable Foundation, the all-star concert took place on the day of the first anniversary of his death. Proceeds from the film also went to the Material World Charitable Foundation. The film was shot using discreet cameras from over twelve locations.
The MissionaryThe Missionary · 1982
The Missionary
5.61982
MovieComedy
In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, the Rev. Charles Fortesque is recalled to England, where his bishop gives him his new assignment - to minister to London's prostitutes.

Movies

Monty Python and the Holy GrailMonty Python and the Holy Grail · 1975
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
7.81975
MovieAdventureComedy
King Arthur, accompanied by his squire, recruits his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Bedevere the Wise, Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot and Sir Galahad the Pure. On the way, Arthur battles the Black Knight who, despite having had all his limbs chopped off, insists he can still fight. They reach Camelot, but Arthur decides not to enter, as "it is a silly place".
Life of BrianLife of Brian · 1979
Life of Brian
7.81979
MovieComedy
Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.
JabberwockyJabberwocky · 1977
Jabberwocky
6.01977
MovieFantasyComedy
After the death of his father, young Dennis Cooper goes to town where he has to pass several adventures. The town and the whole kingdom is threatened by a terrible monster called 'Jabberwocky'. Will Dennis make his fortune? Is anyone brave enough to defeat the monster?
Erik the VikingErik the Viking · 1989
Erik the Viking
5.91989
MovieAdventureFantasy
Erik the Viking gathers warriors from his village and sets out on a dangerous journey to Valhalla, to ask the gods to end the Age of Ragnorok and allow his people to see sunlight again. A Pythonesque satire of Viking life.
Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The RutlesCan't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles · 2003
Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
5.82003
MovieComedyMusic
Twenty-three years after the release of the original Beatles mockumentary, 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash', famous artists, actors and musicians speak out on how The Rutles influenced them.
Magical Mystery TourMagical Mystery Tour · 1967
Magical Mystery Tour
6.61967
MovieMusicComedy
While on a coach tour, The Beatles and a few dozen friends experience strange happenings caused by magicians.
Concert for GeorgeConcert for George · 2003
Concert for George
8.12003
MovieMusicDocumentary
As a memorial to George Harrison on the first anniversary of his passing, The Concert for George was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 29 November 2002 . Organized by Harrison's widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, and arranged under the musical direction of Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne. A benefit for Harrison's Material World Charitable Foundation, the all-star concert took place on the day of the first anniversary of his death. Proceeds from the film also went to the Material World Charitable Foundation. The film was shot using discreet cameras from over twelve locations.
The MissionaryThe Missionary · 1982
The Missionary
5.61982
MovieComedy
In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, the Rev. Charles Fortesque is recalled to England, where his bishop gives him his new assignment - to minister to London's prostitutes.
The Seventh PythonThe Seventh Python · 2008
The Seventh Python
2008
MovieDocumentary
Sean Connors Films, Ltd. Presents a Frozen Pictures production of The Seventh Python, a nonfiction musical feature film based on the life, work and unplanned career of musical satirist Neil Innes. The Seventh Python traces one man’s winding path of whimsy as he flirts with destiny at the edge of fame with incredibly influential and unusually lasting work that keeps one foot each planted in the worlds of comedy and rock ‘n’ roll. From the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band to Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Rutles, to his Ego Warrior campaign and his insistence on wearing a plastic duck on his head, Neil Innes has proven to be the greatest musical comedy satirist of the past fifty years.
The Mysterious TadpoleThe Mysterious Tadpole · 1986
The Mysterious Tadpole
1986
MovieAnimation
It's Louis's birthday and Uncle McAllister has brought him a very special gift - a tadpole all the way from Scotland! Louis can hardly wait for Alphonse to grow into a frog. But it soon becomes clear that Alphonse is not turning into any ordinary frog. First Alphonse outgrows his jar, then the sink, and then the bathtub!
The Rutles: All You Need Is CashThe Rutles: All You Need Is Cash · 1978
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
6.81978
MovieComedyMusic
The story of the rise and fall of the Pre-Fab Four.
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood BowlMonty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl · 1982
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
7.41982
MovieComedy
Monty Python perform many of their greatest sketches at the Hollywood Bowl, including several from pre-Python days.
Monty Python: Almost the Truth  (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical ReleaseMonty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release · 2010
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
2010
MovieDocumentaryComedy
This is a theatrical / movie adaptation of the TV Miniseries. Its chapters do not align with the episodes directly, so it necessarily must be held separate from the TV Miniseries.
The Secret Policeman's Other BallThe Secret Policeman's Other Ball · 1982
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
6.31982
MovieComedyMusic
Following the success of the 1979 show and the financial benefits accruing to Amnesty from the spin-off movie, TV special and record albums – Cleese, Lewis and Walker planned the next show to be a more spectacular event. Cleese focused on broadening the comedic talent to be presented at the show. In addition to the Amnesty show stalwarts drawn from the Oxbridge/Monty Python/Beyond The Fringe orbit, he invited newcomers such as Rowan Atkinson’s colleagues from the BBC TV show Not the Nine O'Clock News including Pamela Stephenson and Griff Rhys Jones; comedian Victoria Wood and regional comic Jasper Carrott. Lewis secured a return appearance by Billy Connolly and a debut appearance by "alternative" comedian Alexei Sayle who Lewis had recently discovered and was managing. Building on the success of Pete Townshend's 1979 appearance Lewis recruited other rock musicians to perform at the 1981 show including Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Donovan and Bob Geldof.
What the Pythons Did Next...What the Pythons Did Next... · 2007
What the Pythons Did Next...
2007
Movie
A look at the careers of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam in the years after Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969).
Vivian Stanshall: The Canyons of his MindVivian Stanshall: The Canyons of his Mind · 2003
Vivian Stanshall: The Canyons of his Mind
8.02003
MovieDocumentary
Documentary about the life of the Bonzo Dog Band singer.
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location ReportMonty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report · 1974
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
8.01974
MovieDocumentary
An documentarian from the BBC visits the set of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). This documentary shouldn't be viewed as a making of the film, but rather a goof-off session that is simply there to conjure up laughter.
ThemThem · 1981
Them
1981
Movie
A surreal look at humanity, from the first life on Earth, through to the extinction of dinosaurs and the inventions of mankind.
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? · 2004
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
4.82004
MovieComedyDocumentary
The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters - from Python and Beyond the Fringe - and performers then relatively unknown, like Rowan Atkinson. Narrated by Dawn French, the programme includes interviews with many of the comedians and musicians who took part: John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Sting, Lenny Henry and many more. The shows and their stars had a huge effect on modern British comedy. There are few comics today whose careers have not been heavily influenced by the anarchic and surreal humour of these events.
Yellow Submarine SandwichYellow Submarine Sandwich · 1978
Yellow Submarine Sandwich
10.01978
MovieAnimation
An animated Yellow Submarine spoof produced for The Rutles' 1978 mockumentary All You Need Is Cash and featuring their song "Cheese and Onions". Screened as a standalone short film at the 1979 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and The Museum of Modern Art.
The Roots of Monty PythonThe Roots of Monty Python · 2005
The Roots of Monty Python
2005
MovieDocumentary
A look back at the origins of the ground breaking BBC comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Comedians Do It On StageComedians Do It On Stage · 1986
Comedians Do It On Stage
1986
MovieComedy
A Group of Britain's top comedy and music performers gather at a London Theater, to give their support to the Oncology Club Fund. The Fund is a charitable organization which provides training for young doctors in the practical day to day care of patients with cancer.
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) · 2010
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
7.02010
MovieComedyMusic
Not The Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) is a comic oratorio based on Monty Python's Life of Brian, which retells the tragic tale of Mandy, impregnated by a Roman soldier, giving birth to Brian, a reluctant revolutionary of the People's Front of Judea who falls in love with Judith, gets mistaken for a Messiah and is arrested by the Romans and sentenced to be crucified. It ranges in reference from Handel, through a naughty Mozart duet, to the Festival of Nine Carols, Bob Dylan, and the classic finale "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert HallNot The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall · 2010
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
2010
Movie
Half-hour behind the scenes of Eric Idle's Not The Messiah oratorio. Featuring Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Neil Innes, Carol Cleveland and the cast of the show.

TV Shows

Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live · 1975
Saturday Night Live
6.91975
SeriesComedy
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
Never Mind the BuzzcocksNever Mind the Buzzcocks · 1996
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
7.01996
SeriesComedy
Never Mind the Buzzcocks is a comedy panel game show with a pop and rock music theme. The show is infamous for its dry, sarcastic humour and scathing, provocative attacks on the pop industry.
Monty Python's Flying CircusMonty Python's Flying Circus · 1969
Monty Python's Flying Circus
8.31969
SeriesComedy
A British sketch comedy series with the shows being composed of surreality, risqué or innuendo-laden humour, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines.
The Secret Policeman's BallThe Secret Policeman's Ball · 1976
The Secret Policeman's Ball
5.01976
SeriesComedy
A series of benefit shows staged initially in the United Kingdom to raise funds for the human rights organisation Amnesty International. The shows started in 1976 featuring popular British comedians but later included leading musicians and actors. The Secret Policeman's Ball shows are credited by many prominent entertainers with having galvanised them to become involved with Amnesty and other social and political causes in succeeding years.
The Raggy DollsThe Raggy Dolls · 1986
The Raggy Dolls
7.81986
SeriesAnimation
The Raggy Dolls is a 1980s British cartoon series for children, following the adventures of a motley collection of rejects from a toy factory, who live in a reject bin.
Do Not Adjust Your SetDo Not Adjust Your Set · 1967
Do Not Adjust Your Set
7.81967
SeriesComedy
Innovative and influential, and originally envisaged as children’s show, Do Not Adjust Your Set was a madcap early-evening comedy sketch show that quickly acquired a cult following with Swinging Sixties adults, who rushed home from work to see it. Written by and starring Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, with great performances and additional material by David Jason and Denise Coffey, it also provided an early showcase for the hilarious animations of Terry Gilliam, and the brilliantly bizarre musical antics of the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
Rutland Weekend TelevisionRutland Weekend Television · 1975
Rutland Weekend Television
6.31975
SeriesComedy
Comedy sketch series purporting to show the programming of a low key regional television service. Written by Eric Idle of 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' fame. A popular feature was the music of Neil Innes (one time member of the eccentric Bonzo Dog Dooh Dah Band), especially his Beatles parody The Rutles. They later featured in their own film: 'The Rutles (All You Need Is Cash)'.
We Need AnswersWe Need Answers · 2009
We Need Answers
8.02009
SeriesComedy
We Need Answers is a British television panel game presented by comedians Mark Watson, Tim Key and Alex Horne. The show features a pair of celebrities answering questions which have previously been texted in by the public, or the audience, to 63336, a text message service.
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) · 2009
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
7.62009
SeriesDocumentaryComedy
A 2009 television documentary series in six parts that covers 40 years of the surreal comedy group Monty Python, from Flying Circus to present day projects such as the musical Spamalot. The series highlights their childhood, schooling and university life, and pre-Python work. The series featured new interviews with surviving members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, alongside archive interview footage of Graham Chapman and interviews with several associates of the Pythons, including Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes and Chapman's partner David Sherlock, along with commentary from modern comedians.