Peter Cook

:This article is about the British comedian Peter Cook. For other people called Peter Cook, see Peter Cook (disambiguation).

1970s

In 1970 Cook took over a project initiated by David Frost for a satirical film about an opinion pollster who rises to become President of Great Britain. Under Cook's guidance the character became modelled on Frost himself; the resulting film, The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer was not a great commercial success but is notable for the cast containing many notable names of the period.

Related Topics:
1970 - David Frost - The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer

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Peter Cook also provided financial backing for the satirical magazine, Private Eye, supporting the publication through a number of difficult periods, particularly when the magazine was punished financially in the wake of a number of high-profile libel trials. Cook both invested his own money and solicited for investment from his show business friends and colleagues. For a time the magazine was produced from the premises of The Establishment Club.

Related Topics:
Private Eye - Libel

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Towards the end of the sixties Cook's developing alcoholism placed a strain on his personal and professional relationships. Cook and Moore fashioned sketches from 'Not Only....But Also' and 'Goodbye Again' with new material as the stage review 'Behind the Fridge' that toured Australia in 1972 before transferring to New York in 1973 as 'Good Evening'. During the extended stageshow runs Cook frequently appeared on stage drunk and incapable to the consternation of Dudley Moore. in spite of this 'Good Evening' won the pair Tony and Grammy Awards. When the run of 'Good Evening' finished Moore announced he was staying in the US to pursue a solo career. In 1973 Cook married the actress Judy Huxtable but this also ended in divorce.

Related Topics:
Alcoholism - Judy Huxtable

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Later, the more risque humour of the Pete and Dud characters was taken to excess on long-playing records whereon the names "Derek and Clive" were used. The first 'Derek and Clive' recording was initiated by Cook to relieve the boredom of a long Broadway run of 'Good Evening' and used some material conceived years before for Pete and Dud but was too outrageous. One of these audio recordings was also filmed and the long running tensions between the duo are seen to rise to the surface. Originally intended for their own amusement Chris Blackwell circulated bootleg copies to friends and they gained a cult following. Three Derek and Clive albums of varying quality were released.

Related Topics:
Pete and Dud - Long-playing records - Derek and Clive - Chris Blackwell - Bootleg

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