Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
From Amazon.co.uk
Although they made their name in the medium of radio, the legendary Goons also made brief forays into the world of television and, with Down Among the Z Men, film. It captures the team at a very early stage in their career, with Michael Bentine still in the fold, and with their unique, anarchic brand of humour still in its infancy. Sadly, the style and feel of the film does little to suit their comedy style. While radio offered an opportunity for their imaginations to run riot, here the four find themselves tied to a few stock characters, most of whom would make a more animated appearances later in their career. The plot--with its tale of eccentric professors and evil spies--sees a series of musical numbers and a variety performance crow barred into the proceedings. Those who wish to add to an already existing Goons collection may want to consider this, but anyone wondering what all the fuss is about should head straight for the many radio collections available and hear the sound of true genius at work.
On The DVD: Down Among the Z Men offers little to recommend, with the DVD lacking in any extras whatsoever. Being taken from an original fifties print, the black and white picture is of reasonable quality yet cannot help but look extremely dated. At best it is the sort of curio that would pass time on a Sunday afternoon but it is hard to consider this a particularly essential DVD release. –-Phil Udell
Product Description
The one and only film outing for the stars of the groundbreaking 1950's radio comedy series 'The Goon Show'. During World War II a gang of dodgy criminals arrive in a small town with the aim to poach a professor's secret atomic formula. Zany antics and madcap tomfoolery ensue as the troupe attempt to pull off their heist - of a Bicarbonate of Soda bomb!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
There's lots of reasons to like this DVD. First, there's the price. Second, there's several lovely moments with Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. Third, we get to see Spike play a few moments of jazz trumpet. Fourth, we get jazz strumpet -- or rather the next best thing, the lovely dancing Topper Girls. They were excellent. Fifth, did I mention the price? This is really a light variety show, BBC-TV 1950s style. There's a very lose plot that connects events -- but let's not worry about that. The Goons certainly didn't. Michael Bentine is not that funny. But he does try. He certainly tries me. Oh and sixth, it comes in a cardboard sleeve, so the DVD won't take up much space on your shelf. I found the whole thing charming, and I'm happy to have this historical artefact featuring two of my favourite comedians.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Alan Olsen
Format:DVD
The Goon show movie is a curiosity. Goon show and/or Peter Sellers fans will want to have it. Others might be disapointed.
It is not very long. (Only 1 hour 7 minutes.) It is quite dated. A paper-thin plot padded out with non-Goon dance numbers and songs. There is a stage show whos only point seems to be to show off Peter Sellers and the dancing girls.
It does have a few interesting bits. Peter Sellers has a monologue with multiple characters in the stage review at the end. There are a few laughs off and on. (Mostly off.)
The Goons humor works better on radio. This movie shows just why.
But I am not sorry I got it. It is a very odd movie that does have a few worthwhile bits and is worth seeing once.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Marcel Ponk
Format:DVD
Down Among The Z Men [DVD] [1952]
As a Goon Show fan for over 50 years it was good to see the Goons in action. By today's standards the comedy might seem a bit far fetched but when you compare it the current American tripe that's forced on us on TV the dated movie comes out a winner. Recommend this movie to those who want something different.
As a Goon Show fan for over 50 years it was good to see the Goons in action. By today's standards the comedy might seem a bit far fetched but when you compare it the current American tripe that's forced on us on TV the dated movie comes out a winner. Recommend this movie to those who want something different.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews
3.6 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Down among the Z-Men
Very disappointing I would not recommend this to any Harry Secombe Fans, not funny at all, complete waste of money
Published 4 months ago by Mrs. J. B. Harding
3.0 out of 5 stars
Viewing not to good
This was bought as a gift. The viewing was not that good but you can still enjoy the comedy sketches.
Published 4 months ago by Julie Cartwright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Down among the 'z' men
If you liked the Goons,this is a classic,the only film they made.(I think!)and unlike the Radio shows, you can see them in action-brilliant!
Published 11 months ago by andyh
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very, very dated
Being a Goon fan, I was looking forward to this but overall it's really very, very pre-Goon period and it shows but none the less for that, it has it's moments but it's best viewed... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Johan Wood
1.0 out of 5 stars
Drivel!!!
I absolutely love the Goons but this is not them. If you need to have this to complete your collection then do so. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Lee
3.0 out of 5 stars
Goon but not forgotten
I was, and am, a great fan of the Goons. Their humour though, to me, is at its best when ones own imagination creates the characters and scenery! Read more
Published 23 months ago by The Wychdoctor
2.0 out of 5 stars
utter tripe
what a mess! I love the goons radio show but this bears little resemblance. a big dissapointment, dont bother with it. unfunny
Published on 5 May 2004 by Mr. O. A. Lewis
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dreadful. Truly Dreadful
This is absolutely dire. The entire thing is laboured from start to finish with virtually nothing that could be classed as funny. Read more
Published on 24 Sep 2003 by "alexm286"
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
