Monty Python's Flying Circus 

The original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.

Creators:

Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones

Stars:

Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam

Top Rated TV #51 | 4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Graham Chapman	...	Various / ... 45 episodes, 1969-1974
Eric Idle	...	Various / ... 45 episodes, 1969-1974
Terry Jones	...	Various / ... 45 episodes, 1969-1974
Michael Palin	...	It's Man / ... 45 episodes, 1969-1974
Terry Gilliam	...	Various / ... 44 episodes, 1969-1974
John Cleese	...	Announcer / ... 39 episodes, 1969-1973
Carol Cleveland	...	Various / ... 31 episodes, 1969-1974

Storyline

The irreverent Monty Python comedy troupe present a series of skits which are often surreal, bawdy, uncompromising and/or tasteless, but nearly always hilarious.

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Plot Keywords:

crossdressing | cutout animation | monty python | sketch comedy | surrealism | 

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Taglines:

And now for something completely digital...

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

TV-14

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the first things the Pythons decided was to get rid of the obligatory, though often disappointing, punchline of most comedy sketches. The "Restaurant Sketch" (or "Dirty Fork Sketch") poked fun at this.

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Goofs

The Air Tube that operates Mr. Tree's mouth can be seen in the profile shot, when light starts glinting off it.

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Quotes

Archbishop: Oh, Mr. Bellpitt! Your legs are so swollen! Oh, Mr. Bellpitt! Your legs... are so... swooollen!

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Crazy Credits

One episode omits the entire opening sequence of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" in favor of a simple title caption - Monty Python's Flying Circus: The Cycling Tour (1972).

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Alternate Versions

The VHS and DVD releases by A&E contain the full-length versions of the shows. Several episodes run over 30 minutes, and were previously edited by PBS to fit into a 30 minute time slot.

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Connections

Referenced in Nostalgia Critic: Mamma Mia! (2015)

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Soundtracks

The Liberty Bell
(1893) (uncredited)
Music by John Philip Sousa
Performed by The Band of the Grenadier Guards
(opening theme music)

User Reviews

Brilliant, innovative comedy

Brilliant, innovative comedy. Possibly the greatest comedy series of all time. Certainly the most influential, iconic and quoted.

Season 1 was great, but not their best. Still experimenting and finding their feet, it had some great sketches, but nothing as iconic as what was to come.

Season 2 was where they really hit their straps. Most of their well-known sketches are from Season 2: Piranha Brothers, Ministry of Silly Walks, The Bruces, Spam, The Spanish Inquisition, Scott of the Antarctic.

Season 3 was more of the same.

Season 4 was where they tapered off. John Cleese had left and the creativity just wasn't anywhere near the levels of Seasons 2 and 3. No wonder it was only 6 episodes.

Timeless comedy that has become embedded in culture. It's that big, brilliant and important.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Arabic French German Italian Mandarin Spanish

Release Date:

5 October 1969 (UK)

Also Known As:

Monty Python's Flying Circus

Filming Locations:

Crown Rd, Isleworth, Twickenham, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Python (Monty) Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (45 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1