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 #48 | 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 / ... 45 episodes, 1969-1974
John Cleese	...	Announcer / ... 39 episodes, 1969-1973
Carol Cleveland	...	Various / ... 33 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

'Thrust' Presenter: Good evening. I have with me tonight Anne Elk. Mrs. Anne Elk.
Miss Anne Elk: Miss.
'Thrust' Presenter: You say you have a new theory about the brontosaurus
Miss Anne Elk: Can I just say here Chris for one moment that I have a new theory about the brontosaurus.
'Thrust' Presenter: Exactly.
[long pause]
'Thrust' Presenter: Well, what is it?
Miss Anne Elk: [looks around, concerned] Where?
'Thrust' Presenter: No, no, your new theory.
Miss Anne Elk: Oh, what is my theory?
[...]

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Crazy Credits

Episode 41 Monty Python's Flying Circus: Michael Ellis (1974) begins with the opening theme song, followed by a screen that says "THE END," followed by the end credits, and then the show begins. This was to allow the unusual ending of that particular episode which would have been ruined by the closing 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 Henry Eats (2003)

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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