The Odd Job is a 1978 British comedy film starring Monty Python member Graham Chapman.[1] It tells the story of a man named Arthur Harris (Chapman) who is recently abandoned by his wife. He becomes so depressed that he hires an "odd job man" to kill him. Once his wife returns, Harris finds himself unable to cancel the contract.[2]
| The Odd Job | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Peter Medak |
| Written by | Graham Chapman Bernard McKenna |
| Produced by | Graham Chapman Mark Forstater Stephen O'Rourke Tony Stratton Smith |
| Starring | Graham Chapman David Jason Diana Quick Simon Williams |
| Cinematography | Ken Hodges |
| Edited by | Barrie Vince |
| Music by | Howard Blake |
Production company | Charisma Films |
| Distributed by | Columbia-EMI-Warner |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The concept originated as an episode of the London Weekend Television/ITV series Six Dates With Barker in 1971, with Ronnie Barker as Arthur Harris and David Jason as the Odd Job Man (who plays the same role in the feature film).[3][4]
The role of the odd job man was originally intended for Chapman's friend, Keith Moon, but Moon was going through alcohol withdrawal at the time and in no real physical shape to play the part, although he did audition.[5] It was shot at Shepperton Studios with location shooting around London.
Cast
- Graham Chapman as Arthur Harris
- David Jason as The Odd Job Man
- Diana Quick as Fiona Harris
- Simon Williams as Tony Sloane
- Edward Hardwicke as Inspector Black
- Bill Paterson as Sergeant Mull
- Michael Elphick as Raymonde
- Stewart Harwood asa Bernard
- Carolyn Seymour as Angie
- Joe Melia as Head Waiter
- George Innes as Caretaker
- James Bree as Mr. Kemp
- Zulema Dene as Mrs. Kemp
- Richard O'Brien as Batch
- Carl Andrews as Taxi Driver
- Dave Atkins as Milkman
- John Judd as Police Driver
- Nick Edmett as Police Constable
- Toby Salaman as Barman
- Tiny Keeling as Boston Startler
- David Hatton asOld Man
- Anthony Milner asWaiter
- Mark Penfold asAmbulanceman
