The Monty Python troupe perform a combination of classic sketches and new material at the Hollywood Bowl.The Monty Python troupe perform a combination of classic sketches and new material at the Hollywood Bowl.The Monty Python troupe perform a combination of classic sketches and new material at the Hollywood Bowl.
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Seeing a live concert from the Monty Python troupe, in the form it's here presented, is a grand mix for fans of best-of bits and newer ones, with many an oddity laced in between and in surprising crevices of sketches. When a sketch was really good, it was probably at best one of my favorites form the troupe just in general. Weaker ones, mainly involving little bits of physical comedy that didn't work or a couple of lines or gags that either fell flat for me or just didn't quite work (and at times I don't get too many laughs from Eric Idle, it depends on the sketch). But I would recommend it to fans for a lot of the stuff that does work, and I got a lot of laughs of of the Michelangelo/Pope sketch, the filmed segments of the Olympic races and the philosophers soccer match (actually, all the philosopher segments really, the game show especially), classics like the Lumberjack song, 'Silly walks' and 'Arguing' segments, the intermission, and of course Gilliam's animations.
Indeed if there is anything consistent here, much as in Meaning of Life- which the team would put out less than a year later- it's that the songs are always overall supremely entertaining (here even a couple that aren't done by Pythons but by an extra pianist/singer). And even when there's a moment that doesn't fall quite right, there's never a dull moment when some sentence or expression or the dead-pan crossing with over-the-top comes around the corner. It's a fine addition to any fan's collection, with some that could introduce even introduce Monty Python well enough to someone who's never seen the show or other movies. It's quality isn't as sharp or totally unconventional as in the latter of those, but I would still watch it again, if only for a few of the sharpest jokes and bits of performance.
Indeed if there is anything consistent here, much as in Meaning of Life- which the team would put out less than a year later- it's that the songs are always overall supremely entertaining (here even a couple that aren't done by Pythons but by an extra pianist/singer). And even when there's a moment that doesn't fall quite right, there's never a dull moment when some sentence or expression or the dead-pan crossing with over-the-top comes around the corner. It's a fine addition to any fan's collection, with some that could introduce even introduce Monty Python well enough to someone who's never seen the show or other movies. It's quality isn't as sharp or totally unconventional as in the latter of those, but I would still watch it again, if only for a few of the sharpest jokes and bits of performance.
Many of my favourites were here (including the classic travel agent sketch: "Kellogg's Bornflakes"). But many of my favourites were also in And Now For Something Completely Different, and I didn't really like that. Something about the live atmosphere made this work, the fits of giggles adding to the occasion, not detracting from it. Best of all was the brand new stuff - the Silly Olympics, the History of Slapstick etc. I wish I was there.
Most of the sketches and skits are adapted from ones shown on the TV show; there's little that's new, which is mildly disappointing. Good thing, then, that the MP troupe is so adept; familiarity seems to be the point, and allows fans to sit back and enjoy the film.
A few parts drag- I wasn't too thrilled with the musical numbers, nor with the History of Slapstick.
The most disappointing thing about this movie is a problem only for those who watch it on laserdisc; there are no chapter breaks, and side one ends abruptly -IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE-! This is quite disconcerting, and ruins the sketch.
A few parts drag- I wasn't too thrilled with the musical numbers, nor with the History of Slapstick.
The most disappointing thing about this movie is a problem only for those who watch it on laserdisc; there are no chapter breaks, and side one ends abruptly -IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE-! This is quite disconcerting, and ruins the sketch.
10Bear-77
This is probably the movie which made me watch "life of brian" and "the holy grail". It is brilliant, I first heard of MP after I saw what I consider to be one of the best comedies ever filmed, "a fish called wanda", and I have seen every MP flick since then. In this masterpiece they have picked only the best scenes from their best movies: Silly walk, ..say no more..,silly Olympics, Michealangelo and many more. Even if you only have the slightest sense of humor you still must see this one it might change they way you judge comedies in the future.
41/2 out of 4 possible
41/2 out of 4 possible
This is a film that is best viewed by long-time Monty Python fans. Those unacquainted with the comedy troop may find the whole experience too weird or confusing. However, for those who loved the show, this should be a wonderful and engaging film--sort of like seeing old friends. All of the skits performed for the film are done live at the Hollywood Bowl. Many will be familiar, as they are new versions of many of their most famous TV skits. A few are newer ones. Most succeed quite well, though a few might be a tad put off by the vomit in the "crunchy frog" skit--I personally thought this actually improved it over the original TV version.
While not as funny as THE HOLY GRAIL or AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, this one is still a keeper and is sure to make you chuckle.
While not as funny as THE HOLY GRAIL or AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, this one is still a keeper and is sure to make you chuckle.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Pope/Michelangelo sketch was based on a historical incident. The Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese really did paint a "Last Supper" with extraneous contemporary elements. The Inquisition investigated and advised him to remove those elements. Instead, he really did just rename it - to "Feast in the House of Levi".
- GoofsDuring the Bishop on the Landing Skit, a number of the actors could barely keep a straight face, and also when the church police came onstage and everyone jumped over, Terry Jones's wig flew completely off his head, forcing the other actors to slowly close ranks to allow him to replace his wig without anyone seeing, only to put it on upside down.
- Quotes
First Bruce: We find your American beer like making love in a canoe. It's fucking close to water.
- Crazy creditsAt the very end of the film, the giant video screen changes from showing "The End" to "PISS OFF" which flashes repeatedly on the screen.
- Alternate versionsSome older VHS versions of the show omit the "Little Red Riding Hood" segment.
- ConnectionsEdited from Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969)
- How long is Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Monty Python i Hollywood
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $327,958
- Gross worldwide
- $327,958
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By what name was Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) officially released in India in English?
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