The story of Brian of Nazareth (Graham Chapman), born on the same day as Jesus of Nazareth, who takes a different path in life that leads to the same conclusion. Brian joins a political resistance movement aiming to get the Romans out of Judea. Brian scores a victory of sorts when he manages to paint political slogans on an entire wall in the city of Jerusalem. The movement is not very effective but somehow Brian becomes a prophet and gathers his own following. His fate is sealed however and he lives a very short life.Written by
garykmcd
Its highly plausible, though not officially confirmed, that the television mini-series Jesus of Nazareth (1977), and the later 1979 extended version, inspired Monty Python to later create this movie. Both have a similar plot, some of the same sets were re-used, and in particular the scene with John the Baptist declaring he's not the Messiah, is obviously part inspiration for the later "he's a very naughty boy". In fact, this movie was shot on the same sets as the mini-series and with the same extras. Terry Jones recalled that some said to him, "Well, Franco Zeffirelli wouldn't have shot it like that, you know." See more »
Goofs
When the priest starts reading out the name of the person to be stoned, the shadow of a boom mic is visible on the wall behind him. See more »
The opening credits are presented as an elaborate Terry Gilliam animated sequence of Roman temples being destroyed. See more »
Alternate Versions
The Criterion LD/DVD features the following deleted scenes:
A scene with three shepherds in the beginning of the film.
A scene featuring the Peoples Front of Judea breaking into Pilate's wife's bedroom, only to be defeated by her strength.
A scene introducing us and Brian to the suicide squad, led by King Otto (Idle).
A scene showing Judith releasing doves that fly out over Nazareth, and that are spotted by Otto and interpreted as "the sign that is the sign". He sends his troops into town.
A very brief scene showing Judith watching Brian carrying his cross through the streets; she is attacked by a salesman who wants her to haggle, resulting in her leaving.
This story in different variations was told for almost two thousand years, but it always had inconsistencies and white spots, and its true essence, it seems, was always well hidden by someone. Much has changed when a group of researchers from England took up the ancient tradition, many of whom were attributed to excessive alcohol addiction, as well as the American avant-garde artist who joined them.
The film was shot in the scenery, built for the film Franco Zeffirelli "Jesus of Nazareth."
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This story in different variations was told for almost two thousand years, but it always had inconsistencies and white spots, and its true essence, it seems, was always well hidden by someone. Much has changed when a group of researchers from England took up the ancient tradition, many of whom were attributed to excessive alcohol addiction, as well as the American avant-garde artist who joined them.
The film was shot in the scenery, built for the film Franco Zeffirelli "Jesus of Nazareth."