
The Crimson Permanent Assurance 1983
"Our Short Feature Presentation"
Dive into the whimsical chaos of *The Crimson Permanent Assurance* (1983), Terry Gilliam's surreal 16-minute short film that blends satire, fantasy, and adventure into a visual feast.
Director: Terry Gilliam
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Crimson Permanent Assurance (1983) about?
This 16-minute short follows a band of disgruntled accountants who defy their corporate overlords by hijacking their own office building and turning it into a pirate ship. Their quest for adventure and freedom leads them into a fantastical world where spreadsheets and sailboats collide.
Who directed The Crimson Permanent Assurance?
Terry Gilliam, the visionary behind *Monty Python* and cult films like *Brazil* and *The Adventures of Baron Munchausen*, helmed this surreal short.
Who stars in The Crimson Permanent Assurance?
The film features Sydney Arnold, Guy Bertrand, Andrew Bicknell, Ross Davidson, and Myrtle Devenish among its ensemble cast.
Is The Crimson Permanent Assurance (1983) worth watching?
Though unrated, this Gilliam gem is a must-see for fans of offbeat comedy and fantasy. Its 16-minute runtime packs a punch with bizarre visuals, sharp satire, and a dash of swashbuckling action—perfect for a quick but unforgettable cinematic detour.
How long is The Crimson Permanent Assurance?
The Crimson Permanent Assurance runs for 16 minutes.
About The Crimson Permanent Assurance (1983) — Gilliam's Wild 16-Minute Pirate Mutiny
Dive into the whimsical chaos of *The Crimson Permanent Assurance* (1983), Terry Gilliam's surreal 16-minute short film that blends satire, fantasy, and adventure into a visual feast. Set against the drab backdrop of a 1980s London accounting firm, the story follows a group of disillusioned office workers who stage a daring mutiny, transforming their mundane office building into a pirate ship sailing the high seas. Gilliam's signature absurdity shines as the rebels abandon their ledgers for a life of plunder, complete with swashbuckling action and Gilliam's trademark dark humor. The film's themes of rebellion against corporate drudgery and the pursuit of freedom resonate as strongly today as they did four decades ago.
Bursting with Gilliam's imagination, *The Crimson Permanent Assurance* (1983) merges the mundane with the fantastical, creating a world where spreadsheets fly like cannonballs and water coolers become treasure chests. The short's blend of comedy and adventure, coupled with its subversive take on office life, makes it a cult classic for fans of offbeat cinema. Whether you're drawn to its quirky premise or Gilliam's unparalleled visual storytelling, this film promises an unforgettable escape from reality.