Cirrus@Austlit

'It's flattering to be asked to write about the inspiration for Yakkety Yak (1974). It's also a bit embarrassing. The film is a trifle, produced on a $4000-and-change budget, shot in a week, directed by someone who wasn't sure what he was doing, and starring a pudgy guy who'd never acted before (or since). Over thirty years have passed since I made it, and more than twenty since I last saw it. But flattery trumps embarrassment, so here goes.' (Introduction)

'Maurice is an aspiring film director who talks about movie making with his friends, Steve, Zig and Caroline. He uses his power and edits out any statements that displease him. He asks opinion of a man on the street.

'Maurice wants to commit suicide and analyses three famous suicides, Mishima, Socrates and Kirilov (a character in The Possessed). Maurice starts murdering the crew on his film before forcing Steve and Zig to assist his suicide.' (Production summary)