Jabberwocky (1977)

A young peasant, with no interest in adventure or fortune, is mistaken as the kingdom's only hope when a horrible monster threatens the countryside.

Director:

Terry Gilliam

Writers:

Lewis Carroll (poem) (as Rev. Charles Dodgson), Charles Alverson (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Palin, Harry H. Corbett, John Le Mesurier

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Palin	...	Dennis Cooper
Harry H. Corbett	...	The Squire
John Le Mesurier	...	The Chamberlain
Warren Mitchell	...	Mr. Fishfinger
Max Wall	...	King Bruno the Questionable
Rodney Bewes	...	The Other Squire
John Bird	...	1st Herald
Bernard Bresslaw	...	The Landlord
Antony Carrick	...	3rd Merchant (as Anthony Carrick)
Peter Cellier	...	1st Merchant
Deborah Fallender	...	The Princess
Derek Francis	...	Bishop
Terry Gilliam	...	Man with Rock
Neil Innes	...	2nd Herald
Terry Jones	...	Poacher

Storyline

After the death of his father the young cooper 'Dennis Cooper' goes to town where he has to pass several adventures. The town and the whole kingdom is threatened by a terrible monster called 'Jabberwocky'. Will Dennis make his fortune? Is anyone brave enough to defeat the monster? A medieval tale with Pythonesque humour.

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Plot Keywords:

monster | sword and sorcery | black comedy | knight | forest | 

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Taglines:

Jabberwocky: the monster so horrible that people caught the plague to avoid it

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 April 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aventuras em Terras do Rei Bruno, o Discutível

Filming Locations:

UK

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Python Films, Umbrella Entertainment Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Harold Goodwin's final appearance in a theatrically released film. He spent the rest of his career in television.

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Goofs

During the fight in the quarry near the end of the film, when a knight falls off his horse, the side of a white prop truck is clearly visible behind him.

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Quotes

King Bruno the Questionable: Guards... kill that man...

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Crazy Credits

"All characters portrayed in this film are entirely fictitious and bare no resemblance to anyone living or dead, except for one."

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Alternate Versions

A single instance of the use of the word "buggers" had to be removed in order for the film to receive an 'A' (PG) certificate in the UK. Later releases were uncut.

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Connections

Featured in What the Pythons Did Next... (2007)

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Soundtracks

Mars, the Bringer of War
Taken from the orchestral suite "The Planets" (1912)
Composed by Gustav Holst

User Reviews

It'll turn your teeth, snow white!

This film makes me laugh with every viewing. The extreme attention to detail of hygene and costumes is excellent. I have it on DVD and it's the only way to see it. Listen to Terry Gilliam's commentary with Michael Palin and it gives you a whole new outlook to the hardships of making these kinds of movies. And it tells you about some of the short cuts they used and they still are displeased with to this day. Gilliam's "Diamond Man" steals both scenes he's in. This is a forgotten movie. I don't know too many people who remember it, but everyone I've told to rent it, have told me they really liked it. It's not a Python movie, but it's got the Python humour and a couple of Python cameos. Look for them. It's a very funny movie and it's a blast to watch. A real gem from Gilliam and company.