Making the law

Whether intentionally or not, the combination of rock music and popular cinema (or even television) has usually resulted in comedy. Take This is Spinal Tap , the big-screen 'rockumentary' which famously walked the fine line between clever and stupid. 'When people watched that film... they laughed,' complained embittered guitarist Nigel Tufnel on the band's Nineties reunion tour. Apparently, Tap were expecting a reverential work in the style of Scorsese's The Last Waltz ; instead, director Marty DiBergi turned them into a joke. In honour of Nigel and co, our Rock Comedy Top 10 goes up to 11, with the dual giants of The Rutles' TV special and the Tap's feature documentary casting towering shadows over all other contenders.

Two new films make the list and purists will notice the absence of any Beatles movies such as A Hard Day's Night, a decision taken after lawyers warned The Rutles could sue for plagiarism. Also failing to make the list are Brit rockers Bad News, despite the lyrical charms of their 'poetical political anthem' 'Warriors of Genghis Khan'; and Led Zep, who get an honorary mention for dressing up as comedy wizards in The Song Remains the Same.

Otherwise, for those about to rock, we laugh at you.

have your say

Which other celluloid treats should have made our list? Write with suggestions to: OMM, 119 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3ER or email us at omm@observer.co.uk or join our talkboard now: observer.co.uk/omm/the10