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 #52 | 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

Although the fourth season (after John Cleese had parted ways with the group) shortened the title to simply "Monty Python", the title "Monty Python's Flying Circus" still appears at the beginning of the introduction.

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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

Vocational Guidance Counselloooor: This is just one of the many cases we have on our Books of Chartered Accountancy. We believe that young people should be made aware of this debilitating social disease so that they know... that it's just not worth it.

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Crazy Credits

In Monty Python's Flying Circus: Royal Episode Thirteen (1970) John Cleese doesn't open with "And now for something completely different". Instead he says Queen Elizabeth II will be watching and the show begins with entirely different opening sequence and song. At the end the audience and characters stand as "God Save the Queen" is played over end credits.

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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 Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)

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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

Silliness to the extreme!

Any episode of Monty Python will reduce one to fits of laughing that will produce bouts of tears that will render the viewer on the ground. Great physical comedy on all parts, but especially John Cleese in the Ministry of Silly Walks sketch, which is his least favorite sketch. Great writing that walks that fine line between genius and silly, and meshes the two. These guys also knew when and how to start end a sketch. Still funny thirty years later, wish the same could be said about Saturday Night Live. Too bad there wasn't some knight who could hit Lorne Michaels with a chicken.

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