Anna Russell - The (First) Farewell Concert

Pros: A priceless document of a great comic talent.

Cons: Mme. Russell is no longer in top form ... but it's all we have.

The Bottom Line: This video isn't Anna Russell as she was 40 years ago, but rather 20 years ago. There has been some slight deterioration in the performance, but it's still wonderful.

Review: When Anna Russell's career was winding down, she did umpteen "Farewell" concerts. This tape is a recording of the first tour, in 1984. I had the pleasure of seeing her a bit further down the line. All of these late appearances had the same quality:...

Pros: Very funny!

Cons: None.

The Bottom Line: Russell is hysterical as usual.

Review: Anna Russell is a legendary English comedian with a dry wit that could make a stone laugh. She parades around on this stage for a small audiences making jokes about Gilbert and Sullivan and Wagner, thinking nothing of having the audience spit along with...