The Complete Ripping Yarns
September 2005 Reviewed by: James Saxon Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Anglophiles, Monty Python fans, and relatives of comedic actor Michael Palin will love The Complete Ripping Yarns. This two-disc DVD compiles all nine episodes of a BBC-sponsored humor series that played out before the British public from 1975 to 1979. The first segment, a parody of the prep school experience as only the Brits can conceive it, is the funniest. "Thompkinson’s Schooldays" was a pilot drafted by Palin and co-writer Terry Jones pitching their talents to the BBC after the immensely popular Monty Python folded. The comic success of their initial effort derives from the madcap presence of Palin in three different roles. As Cervantes might say of Palin, his face was a blessing. With a grimace or deadpan, he creates jollity. His eyes flicker with mischievous expression. Although Palin’s charm dazzles throughout the series, his innate gentleness lacks the menace that ripping tales suggest. Although the DVD’s box notes promise "gut-splitting hilarity," I found little to endanger my intestines. With the laugh tracks switched off (a luxury feature!), the humor seems droll. Nevertheless, The Complete Ripping Yarns deserves high marks for several reasons.

First, the production values are unusually high for 30-minute television shows. Noted actors (e.g., Roy Kinnear, unforgettable as the villain’s assistant in the Beatles movie, Help), scenic locations and dashing period wardrobes are featured. All nine chapters were filmed rather than videotaped, the last three in sleek 35mm. BBC Colour printing gives a Harry Potter tone throughout. The Yorkshire countryside has seldom looked more scenic.

The video quality of the film-to-digital transfer is stunning. Since the onscreen image seems so newly minted, it was a shock to see an unlined Michael Palin, who’s now 62, as an adolescent in "Thompkinson’s Schooldays." Such conjuring was courtesy of a hi-tech mastering process that removes noise and "sparklies" from old prints. As a result, Ripping Yarns has a fresh "feel" to it that maintains visual interest even when the dialogue drags.

Secondly, the concept of comedic mini-movies is uniquely ambitious. Unlike the usual series of brief skits, Ripping Yarns attempts to impress satire upon an extended story line. Unfortunately, Jones and Palin overestimated the resources allotted by the BBC for making 30-minute movies. Perhaps they misjudged their own talents for melodrama. Given the lack of swash and danger, one is tempted to refer to Ripping Yarns as Balling Twine. Several episodes are rushed to unsatisfactory conclusions. In particular, the lusciously filmed "Whinfrey’s Last Case" has a dud ending. One wonders whether the addition to the Jones-Palin writing team of fellow Python John Cleese might have produced more outrageous derring-do, even if fewer episodes may have resulted.

Nevertheless, the co-authors’ brave attempt at satire for the BBC is to be lauded. The talent and labor that Jones and Palin put into writing, directing, and acting in nine yarns may be without equal for a television series. Sensing the presence of a unique creativity, I took my time watching Ripping Yarns -- seven weeks, in fact. As the last credit rolled, I felt sad that two DVDs are all that are, were, and ever will be of this minor masterpiece.

Thirdly, the special features are wonderful. I enjoyed re-watching episodes with recent commentary (2004) from Jones and Palin, whose remarks are often funnier than the onscreen action. Whenever the laugh-track-free option was available, I chose it. Liberated from forced merriment, I had a sense of benign anticipation that tided me over the tedious bits. Finally, in order to ease withdrawal pains, I read cover to cover the enclosed "commemorative booklet" detailing in graphic overindulgence the history of the series. No insult to the credited writer Andrew Pixley, but I wonder if the notes were written by Palin himself. Who else could know so much about The Complete Ripping Yarns?

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