Record

Browse this collectionThis entry describes an individual archive record or file. Click here to browse the full catalogue for this collection
CONTENT WARNINGTHE ORIGINAL RECORD SHOWS A DEMEANING DEPICTION OF A PERFORMER IN NATIVE AMERICAN DRESS
Archive Reference / Library Class No.DCC/PR/9/21
TitleFilm of Architects Christmas stage performance
Datec1990s
DescriptionFilm of a humorous theatrical performance in the form of a short skit performed on stage. The story is introduced as "A tale of the wild, wild west ... the good, the bad, the ugly, the hideous, the ridiculous and the slightly silly". The action takes place before a painted backdrop of a desert, with characters dressed in 19th-century American costume: Roy the Boy, Wyatt Bob Earp, Cowpoke John, Alan the Lad, Jesse James Clueless and Eric. They gather to discuss "The Tommy Gang", noting [05:34] "there's a rumour going round that they're operating under the name of Property Services" and "what a bunch of cowboys". The characters engage in banter, drawing on wordplay, innuendo and in-jokes. This continues until the arrival [9:23] of a Native American follower of chief "Private Eyes" who urges the group to unite and work with him and each other. The characters then break into a song about harmony [10:20], unfurling a banner bearing the lyrics so that the audience can sing too. Beneath the lyrics is the message "Merry Christmas - Please give generously", suggesting the occasion was a seasonal fundraiser.

The DVD's cover art is based on an image from The Magnificant Seven (John Sturges, 1960) amended with comic crudity (using a spray can effect) to give the new title The Magnificent Six, "starring Bernard Johnson and Some Other Chaps", with photographs of departmental staff superimposed on the originals.

Note: neither the DVD itself nor the cover art were offered for deposit, but digital copies have been retained and are accessible from record office computers.

Duration: 11 minutes 44 seconds.
Extent1 item
LevelFile
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Archive CreatorDerbyshire County Council
Access ConditionsThese digital records can be viewed on the public computers at the record office in the Digital Repository, Born-Digital Archives folder.
FormatCopy
Audio-visual
Add to My Items