''The Odd Job'' is a 1978 British comedy film starring

Monty Python Monty Python (also collectively known as the Pythons) were a British comedy troupe who created the sketch comedy television show '' Monty Python's Flying Circus'', which first aired on the BBC in 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four ...

member Graham Chapman. 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. 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). The role of the odd job man was originally intended for Chapman's friend,

Keith Moon Keith John Moon (23 August 19467 September 1978) was an English drummer for the rock band the Who. He was noted for his unique style of playing and his eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour and addiction to drugs and alcohol. Moon grew ...

, but Moon was going through alcohol withdrawal at the time and in no real physical shape to play the part, although he did audition. 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 as Old Man *Anthony Milner as Waiter *Mark Penfold as Ambulanceman

References

External links

* * 1978 films Atlantic Entertainment Group films British comedy films 1970s English-language films Films directed by Peter Medak Films with screenplays by Graham Chapman Films scored by Howard Blake 1978 comedy films Films shot in London Films shot at Shepperton Studios Films set in London 1970s British films {{1970s-UK-comedy-film-stub