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The Secret Policeman's Ball Review:
While some of the references are perhaps a bit dated (Kate Bush, anyone?) and some of the humor is perhaps a bit too Brit-centric for some viewers, The Secret Policeman's Ball is still a riotous excursion into British comedy and late-'70s style. Those looking for a visually interesting cinematic experience can just go ahead and look elsewhere -- this low-tech film is definitely of the "point the camera and shoot" variety. But it does succeed in capturing some of England's finest comedic minds performing some truly classic sketches. In addition, there are a couple of delicious musical moments, courtesy of Pete Townshend, whose acoustic "Pinball Wizard" and "Won't Be Fooled Again" are smashing, and Tom Robinson, whose "Glad to Be Gay" still packs a punch. On the comedy side, almost all of the performers are in top form. John Cleese and Michael Palin recreate the classic "Cheese Shop" sketch with all the skill and timing expected, and Cleese and Peter Cook mine all the laughs in the "Interesting Facts" segment. Cook is brilliant in the judge sketch, and even those unfamiliar with the Jeremy Thorpe trial that it parodies should appreciate it. Rowan Atkinson is hilarious as The Schoolmaster, spitting out the ridiculous names of his students with acid dripping off his tongue, and is quite amusing in his mimed pianist routine. If Billy Connolly is a bit of a disappointment, and if one or two moments fall a little flat, there's still more than enough in Ball to make it well worth watching. Craig Butler, All Movie Guide