The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band Equestrian Statue (1967)

London.

In this musical item, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band play their song 'Equestrian Statue' from their first LP 'Gorilla'. Shots of them playing in what looks like London's Speakeasy Club are intercut with footage of an equestrian statue and the band running over a grassy hill (could be Hampstead Heath) in strange costumes. Neil Innes is seen dressed in a kind of concrete military hat and jacket with a fabric 'horse' beneath him, while Legs Larry Smith in a sailor suit 'whitewashes' him. C/U of Sam Spoons wearing a strange, wired head-contraption.

Someone in a monkey suit plays the organ (I'm not sure who this is - does anyone out there know?). Accompanying this harpischord-style instrumental break are several shots of the band in 18th century / Georgian costumes enjoying a banquet - stuffing their faces and belching.

More shots of the band walking over the grass, some playing their instruments. Vivian Stanshall dances around with a large female dummy / doll. Towards the end of the number we see several very brief shots from previous Colour Pics; mostly of men on horseback, also from other stories in this CP issue, including the Bonzos' previous appearance with 'Music for Head Ballet'.

The line-up of the band here is Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, Legs Larry Smith, Roger Ruskin Spear, Sam Spoons, Rodney Slater, Vivian Stanshall, Neil Innes and unidentified person in monkey costume.

Cuts exist - see separate record.
FILM ID:431.11

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