Les Patterson Saves the World

Two of Barry Humphries' alter egos – Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson – star in the 1987 film Les Patterson Saves the World (George T Miller, Australia).

This illustrated poster suggests an international tongue-in-cheek romp with Everage and Patterson front and centre and a city skyline, love interest (Pamela Stephenson) and a handsome man in a military uniform (Thaao Penghlis) in the background.

The poster echoes the same confusing pastiche of genres that cost the film at the box office. It suggests a combination of kitsch glamour (Everage's dress and koala friend), action movie (Patterson's James Bond pose) and spoof (the typeface used for the title alludes to This is Spinal Tap, 1984).

Released one year after the record-breaking success of Crocodile Dundee (Peter Faiman, Australia, 1986) Les Patterson Saves the World did not fare nearly as well at the box office as the record-breaking Paul Hogan vehicle. In a twist of complexity, Humphries contends that another character of his, Barry 'Bazza' McKenzie, was an inspiration for Hogan's Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee character.

Notes by Beth Taylor