French & Saunders (1999)

Genres - Comedy  |   Run Time - 30 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |  
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Synopsis by Brian J. Dillard

After the advent of Absolutely Fabulous and The Vicar of Dibley, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders stopped producing regular seasons of their eponymous show in favor of a series of holiday specials. This edition, from Christmas 1999, is based around an extended parody of Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace in which Jedi Knights French and Saunders are forced to fight Darth Maul with licensed toy merchandise instead of real lightsabres. Individual Star Wars sequences alternate with additional parodies, including a send-up of Spice Girl Mel C's "Northern Star" video. Ally McBeal's sylph-like physique, Madonna's British affectations, Diana Ross's airport customs problems, and The Matrix's special effects also provide punch lines. Other performers include frequent guest star Janette Krankie, one-half of the comedy duo the Krankies. Dominic Brigstocker directed, although Steve Bendelack stepped in to helm "Public Schoolgirls," a segment about Christmas holidays at a snooty boarding school. Although it has received no video release of its own, French & Saunders: The Phantom Millennium is included as a bonus on the DVD edition of French & Saunders: At the Movies.