Morris: A Life With Bells On - A spoof with bells on!

Morris: A Life With Bells On- Mockumentary Spoof

In honour of St. George's Day tomorrow (well actually May 2 this year because of Holy Week), I have found a little oddity for my readers who, like me, appreciate the quirky British sense of humor in film. First of all, let us just define Morris dancing for those who have never heard of it.

Charles Thomas Oldham as Derecq Twist doing his morris dancing

A morris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords, handkerchiefs and bells may also be wielded by the dancers. In a small number of dances for one or two men, steps are performed near and across a pair of clay tobacco pipes laid across each other on the floor.

Emma Thompson with morris dancing hats

Next, I have to say that although this does not star Emma Thompson, it involves 3 members of her immediate family, so here she is hamming it up at the premiere in 2009. Her husband Greg Wise (Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility amongst other great roles) and her sister Sophie Thompson (Mary Musgrove from Persuasion 1995 and Miss Bates from Emma 1996) have supporting roles in this and Sophie's husband Richard Lumsden (Mr. Robert Ferrars from S&S) wrote the original music for the film.  Harriet Walter (the evil Fanny from S&S) is also a supporting character.

Emma Thompson and Greg Wise at Morris premiere

Now, this is a film which you will either love or you will hate. Perhaps a little look at the trailer will help you decide which camp you will be in...




Unfortunately, even if you think this would be a great film for you, it is unavailable in Region 1 form for those of us in North America.  But here's hoping that they will release it for the few of us over here who think this looks hilarious. I am now going to morris dance over to the door and let my dog out. Where are my bells and hankies anyway...