Review /// Billy T: Te Movie

Billy T James was, and probably still is, New Zealand's best loved comedian. He was the first Maori comedian who could do a posh English accent as well as a cheeky bit of bro-speak. Many said he was the man who taught us how to laugh at ourselves, but there was more to him than that. For many this documentary is a chance to revisit some classic television comedy moments from a bygone era, and learn a bit more about the man himself.

With just 90 minutes to spend on this journey, there's still time to include the best Billy T moments. It's like a "Billy T Best of", making you wish for some old tapes of these shows to relive more of the memories.

You may remember such classic lines as: "Where'd I get my bag? I pinched it!"

The movie begins with his two trademark features – his bright yellow towel, and his cheeky laugh. Funnily enough, everyone has a different story as to where he got it.

For many Kiwis who grew up watching Billy T the comedian, this film tells us a little about Billy was when he was at home. We get a glimpse of the world he grew up in - Cambridge in the 50s - when Maori couldn't even sit upstairs at the movie theatre.

Director Ian Mune, who cast Billy in Came a Hot Friday as the Tainuia Kid and Te Movie co-producer Tom Parkinson give a fond and honest look back at his life.

They touch on the private side of this life, Billy was adopted out to extended family who doted on him, and he discovered his roots later on. We're also reminded how performers can be quite different people off stage. Before he came up with the character of Billy, William Taitoko was extremely shy and didn't even face the audience when playing guitar in bands. As he becomes inspired watching British stand-ups on tour as a musician, we follow the remarkable journey that led to his unstoppable career.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NkWkoKEZxVM

No other comedian could get away with some of the racial stereotypes he gleefully portrayed.  He was just showing us people he saw in his everyday life. It wasn't offensive because he delivered it with such charm and honesty; it appealed to everyone.

The many voices of colleagues and collaborators and family are enlightening, but best of all are the bits where Billy himself gets to speak. You only wish there were more of those moments so we could get to know him better.

There is a bittersweet tone to this tale. Like many true performers he lived to be on stage and wouldn't stop working even on doctor's orders. He had lots of money at the peak of his career, but didn't take financial advice and just enjoyed spending it all. When his ill health finally caught up with him, many people never got to say goodbye properly. For them this film is something of a cathartic experience where they get to share their stories and say goodbye.

His Radio Times co-star Laurie Dee sums it up when he says "Billy we hardly knew you." This documentary won't give you all the answers, but it lets us remember him and what he gave us.

NZ comedians have much to thank him for, and his legacy lives on today through the Billy T Awards. As comedian Jan Maree said, "He is part of what made us."

Billy T : Te Movie is a warm and heartfelt tribute to the man. He may have left us, but 20 years later, he's still got it.

Tip: stay a bit longer while the credits roll. There's bound to be a few extras.