John Belushi, Neil Innes, Bill Murray

THE RUTLES is a hilarious send-up of the myth and reality--mostly the myth--of the Beatles. Created by Monty Python's Eric Idle and produced by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE creator Lorne Michaels, this mockume...( read more  read more... )ntary contains cameos from Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Ron Wood, Bill Murray, and even one of the mocked himself, George Harrison. To make the comedy all the more exciting, this version was banned from United States television. Songs include: "Hold My Hand," "Number One," "Love Life," "Living in Hope," "Get Up and Go," "Cheese and Onions," "Doubleback Alley," and many others. It is not a stretch to say that without THE RUTLES--ALL YOU NEED IS CASH, there might never have been a SPINAL TAP.

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79% liked it

4,732 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 16 min.

Directed by: Eric Idle, Gary Weis

Release Date: March 22, 1978

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DVD Release Date: March 13, 2001

Stats: 296 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (296)


  • August 24, 2007
    Funny movie! It makes a joke of the Beatles perfectly. "Rutles" is a dumb name for a band. I like their cheap songs which throw fun at the originals.
  • September 20, 2009
    great parody movie in the vein of this is spinal tap.
  • July 28, 2009
    Funny TV-movie that spoofs the Beatles relentlessly. However, since it has cameos by George Harrison and Mick Jagger (amongst others), it must have had a blessing of sorts put on Eric Idle (a friend of George Harrison's, and the guy who directed his "Crackerbox Palace" and "This ...( read more)Song" videos) to do so. The song spoofs are legitimately funny and accurate. Used to have the album on vinyl, so I will tell you the songs exist!
  • July 6, 2009
    A hilarious send-up -- or homage, depending on your loyalties -- of the Fab Four, written by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. Following closely the style of A Hard Day's Night, the "Pre-Fab Four "-- Dirk, Nasty, Stig and Barry -- scamper and play jokes and make wisecracks and run ...( read more)from girls. Oh yeah, and they sing too. Neil Innes, also a Python alumnus (he was referred to as the 7th Python by the group) wrote all the songs and, parodies though they may be, they are really good Beatles-style tunes. If you enjoyed This is Spinal Tap or the Beatles, this film is worth your time. And it is even if you don't.
  • June 28, 2009
    Good. Eric idle is hilarious though.
  • May 18, 2009
    Not Nearly as Good as This Is Spinal Tap...but the songs are funny and catchy.
  • March 25, 2009
    Occasionally uneven, but if you are very familiar with the Beatles music, films, documentaries, etc then the subtle re-creations and inside jokes are a lot more potent, making up for the misfires.
  • January 6, 2009
    I found this on sale for a $1. I forgot how funny it was. You have to have seen one or two of the Beatle documentaries to enjoy it though.
  • August 6, 2008
    Now THIS is where it's at! Chances are though, unless you're a huge Beatles fan, quite a few of the jokes WILL go over your head. (Good thing I'm a huge fan then. ;)) Still enjoyable nevertheless!

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  • chizikfeb
    March 30, 2007
    My dear, My name is Miss chizik Fab ,i saw your profile today in www.flixster.com and became intrested in you,i will also like to know you more,and i want you to send an email to my email address so i can give you my picture for you to know whom i am.Here is my email address(chizikfeb@yahoo.ca) i believe we can move from here. I am waiting for your mail to my Email address above. Remeber the distance or colour does not matter but love matters alot in life Yours Love.

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The Rutles: All Y... : Watch Free on TV


The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash Trivia


  • All of these movies were inspired by what band? -All This and World War II -Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band -I Wanna Hold Your Hand -All You Need Is Cash -The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch -I Am Sam -Across the Universe  Answer »

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