The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus 1969

Summary:

• The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus by Graham Chapman is a comprehensive guide to the iconic British comedy troupe. It covers all four series of their television show, as well as their feature films and other works. The book includes detailed episode guides, cast biographies, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews with the Pythons themselves. It also features rare photographs from throughout the group’s career.

  The first section of the book provides an overview of Monty Python’s history and influence on popular culture. This includes a look at how they developed their unique style of humor and why it was so successful in Britain during the 1970s. There are also chapters devoted to each individual member of the troupe—Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones—and how they contributed to making Monty Python such an enduring phenomenon.

  The second part focuses on specific episodes from each series of Flying Circus. Each chapter contains a synopsis for that particular episode along with production notes about its writing process and filming locations used. There are also sections dedicated to some of their most famous sketches such as “Dead Parrot” or “Ministry Of Silly Walks” which provide insight into how these classic bits were created.

  Finally there is a section devoted entirely to Monty Python’s feature films: And Now For Something Completely Different (1971), The Holy Grail (1975), Life Of Brian (1979) and The Meaning Of Life (1983). These chapters include information about casting decisions made for each movie as well as anecdotes from those involved in its production.

  Overall this book offers fans an in-depth look at one of Britain's most beloved comedy troupes through exclusive interviews with members past and present plus rare photos taken over decades worth of work together. Whether you're new to Monty Python or have been following them since day one this volume will give readers plenty to laugh about!

Main ideas:

• #1.     The Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy show that ran from 1969 to 1974. It featured a unique blend of surreal humor, sketches, and animations that made it a cult classic. The show was created by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
  
  

  The Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy show that ran from 1969 to 1974. It featured a unique blend of surreal humor, sketches, and animations that made it a cult classic. The show was created by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

  Each episode of the show contained several short sketches which often ended with an unexpected twist or punchline. These sketches were often absurd in nature and featured characters such as the Spanish Inquisition or the Ministry of Silly Walks. The animation sequences were also highly creative and used techniques such as cut-out animation to create memorable visuals.

  The success of Monty Pythons Flying Circus led to numerous spin-off projects including films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and Life of Brian (1979). It also spawned many catchphrases which are still popular today such as And now for something completely different or Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

• #2.     The show was known for its absurdist humor, which often featured characters in bizarre situations and scenarios. It also featured a variety of recurring characters, such as the Spanish Inquisition, the Ministry of Silly Walks, and the Lumberjack Song.
  
  

  The show was known for its absurdist humor, which often featured characters in bizarre situations and scenarios. It also featured a variety of recurring characters, such as the Spanish Inquisition, the Ministry of Silly Walks, and the Lumberjack Song. These characters were used to poke fun at various aspects of British culture and society while providing an entertaining viewing experience.

  The sketches on Monty Pythons Flying Circus often contained elements of surrealism or non-sequiturs that would leave viewers laughing out loud. The show also had a knack for taking mundane topics like shopping or going to the dentist and turning them into something hilarious. This type of comedy has become iconic over time, with many people still quoting lines from classic sketches today.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus was groundbreaking in its use of satire and parody to make social commentary about politics, religion, class structure, gender roles, education systems and more. By using these comedic techniques they were able to bring attention to issues that may have otherwise gone unnoticed by mainstream audiences.

• #3.     The show was a major influence on British comedy, and its influence can be seen in many modern comedy shows. It also spawned several films, books, and albums, and its influence can be seen in many other forms of media.
  
  

  The show was a major influence on British comedy, and its influence can be seen in many modern comedy shows. It also spawned several films, books, and albums, and its influence can be seen in many other forms of media. From the classic sketches to the absurdist humour that defined Monty Pythons Flying Circus, it is clear that this show has had an immense impact on popular culture.

  The shows unique blend of surrealism and satire made it stand out from other comedies at the time. Its use of non-sequiturs and visual gags were revolutionary for television comedy. The Pythons willingness to push boundaries with their humour helped pave the way for more daring comedic styles today.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus also inspired generations of comedians who followed them. Many contemporary comedians cite Monty Python as an inspiration for their own work. This includes everyone from Steve Martin to Eddie Izzard to Sacha Baron Cohen.

  In addition to influencing future generations of comedians, Monty Python’s Flying Circus has left a lasting legacy in pop culture as well. References to the show are still found everywhere from movies like Shrek 2 (2004) to TV shows like South Park (1997).

• #4.     The show was known for its use of non-sequiturs, which often resulted in unexpected and humorous results. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular culture, such as the “Dead Parrot” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of non-sequiturs, which often resulted in unexpected and humorous results. Non-sequiturs are statements that do not logically follow from the previous statement or context. This type of humor is often used to create a sense of surprise and confusion, as well as to make light of serious topics. The Monty Python team frequently employed this technique in their sketches, resulting in some truly memorable moments.

  In addition to using non-sequiturs, the show also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular culture. One such sketch was the “Dead Parrot” sketch, which poked fun at pet stores by having customers attempt to return a dead parrot they had purchased only minutes before. Other sketches included spoofs on television shows like Doctor Who and Star Trek, as well as political satire about British politics.

  The combination of these two elements—non-sequitur humor and parody—made Monty Pythons Flying Circus one of the most beloved comedy shows ever created. Its influence can still be seen today in many modern comedies that employ similar techniques.

• #5.     The show was also known for its use of physical comedy, which often featured characters in slapstick situations. It also featured a variety of musical numbers, which often featured the cast singing and dancing.
  
  

  The show was also known for its use of physical comedy, which often featured characters in slapstick situations. Characters would find themselves in absurdly funny predicaments, such as being chased by a giant foot or having to deal with an overly enthusiastic policeman. The shows writers and performers were adept at creating these scenarios and making them even funnier through their performances.

  It also featured a variety of musical numbers, which often featured the cast singing and dancing. These songs ranged from silly ditties about everyday life to more elaborate parodies of popular music styles like opera or rock n roll. The musical numbers added another layer of humor to the show that made it stand out from other comedies.

  The combination of physical comedy, slapstick situations, and musical numbers made Monty Pythons Flying Circus one of the most beloved shows in television history. Its unique blend of humor has been imitated but never duplicated since its debut in 1969.

• #6.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death.

  The shows writing team was made up of some of the most talented comedic minds in Britain at the time. They used their wit to create cleverly written skits that poked fun at society while still being entertaining. The show also had an impressive cast who brought these characters to life with their performances.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus is considered one of the greatest comedy shows ever created due to its unique blend of humor and satire. Its influence can be seen in many modern comedies today, from Saturday Night Live to South Park.

• #7.     The show was known for its use of visual gags, which often featured characters in absurd situations. It also featured a variety of animations, which often featured Terry Gilliam’s unique style of animation.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of visual gags, which often featured characters in absurd situations. These gags were used to great comedic effect and helped make the show a classic. It also featured a variety of animations, which often featured Terry Gilliam’s unique style of animation. This animation was characterized by surreal images and bizarre scenarios that added an extra layer of humor to the sketches. The combination of these two elements made Monty Pythons Flying Circus one of the most beloved comedy shows ever created.

  Gilliams animations were particularly influential on other animators who followed him, as his style has been imitated or referenced in many subsequent works. His work is still celebrated today for its originality and creativity, making it an important part of television history.

• #8.     The show was known for its use of puns, which often featured characters making jokes about words and phrases. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of puns, which often featured characters making jokes about words and phrases. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch involved a customer entering a cheese shop only to find out that it had no cheese in stock. The customer then proceeds to ask for various types of cheeses, only to be told by the shopkeeper that they are all out of each type he requests. As the customer grows increasingly frustrated with his lack of options, the shopkeeper continues to offer him more absurd alternatives until finally offering him a bit of blue string.

  This sketch is an example of how Monty Python used humor and satire to poke fun at everyday life and culture. Other sketches included parodies on religion, politics, history and even Shakespearean plays. By using these elements in their comedy routines, Monty Python created some truly memorable moments that still resonate with audiences today.

• #9.     The show was known for its use of wordplay, which often featured characters making jokes about words and phrases. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular music, such as the “Spam” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of wordplay, which often featured characters making jokes about words and phrases. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular music, such as the “Spam” sketch. This sketch involved two customers in a café ordering Spam from the menu only to be inundated with it in every dish they order. The joke is based on the fact that Spam was so widely used during World War II that it became an iconic food item associated with Britain.

  In addition to this type of humor, Monty Pythons Flying Circus also included surrealist comedy sketches featuring absurd situations and non-sequiturs. These sketches often relied heavily on visual gags and puns to get their point across. For example, one famous sketch features a man who has been turned into a giant foot by an evil wizard; he then proceeds to walk around town while people stare at him in confusion.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus also made frequent use of satire and political commentary throughout its run. Sketches like The Ministry Of Silly Walks poked fun at bureaucracy while others like Upper Class Twit Of The Year satirized British class divisions.

• #10.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death. The shows humor was not limited to just these topics though; it also included more lighthearted fare such as musical numbers and silly skits.

  The writing team behind Monty Pythons Flying Circus had an impressive array of talent at their disposal. They wrote some truly classic comedy pieces that have gone on to become iconic moments in pop culture history. From the famous Dead Parrot sketch to the hilarious Ministry Of Silly Walks, each episode contained something new and exciting for viewers.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus is remembered fondly by many fans today who still quote lines from the show or watch reruns whenever they can find them. Its influence on modern comedy cannot be overstated; without this groundbreaking series, much of what we consider funny today would never have existed.

• #11.     The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch saw John Cleese playing a shopkeeper who had an extensive selection of cheeses from around the world but could never find what his customers were looking for. The joke was that no matter how hard he tried to please them, they would always leave unsatisfied.

  Other sketches included parodies of classic films like The Spanish Inquisition and Life Of Brian. These skits poked fun at religion and other aspects of society in a humorous way. Monty Pythons Flying Circus also made use of surrealism to create absurd situations that were both funny and thought-provoking.

  In addition to these comedic elements, the show also contained some more serious moments where it addressed social issues such as racism or sexism. Through their satire, Monty Pythons Flying Circus managed to make people laugh while still getting across important messages about society.

• #12.     The show was known for its use of black comedy, which often featured characters in dark and absurd situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of black comedy, which often featured characters in dark and absurd situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often surreal in nature, featuring bizarre scenarios or unexpected twists on familiar tropes. The shows writers used these elements to create an atmosphere of absurdity and chaos, while still managing to make the audience laugh.

  In addition to its comedic elements, Monty Pythons Flying Circus also had a strong political edge. Many episodes contained satirical skits about current events or social issues such as class divisions and gender roles. This allowed the show to comment on contemporary society without being too preachy or heavy-handed.

  Overall, Monty Pythons Flying Circus was one of the most influential comedy shows ever made. Its unique blend of surrealism, satire, and black humor has been imitated by countless other programs since then. Even today it remains an iconic example of British comedy at its best.

• #13.     The show was known for its use of surrealism, which often featured characters in bizarre and unexpected situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of surrealism, which often featured characters in bizarre and unexpected situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch involved a customer entering an empty cheese shop and asking for various types of cheese only to be told by the proprietor that he has no stock whatsoever. The customer then proceeds to ask for increasingly obscure cheeses until finally being presented with a single piece of moldy blue cheese.

  This sketch is indicative of Monty Pythons unique brand of humor, which often relied on absurdist premises and non-sequiturs to create comedic moments. Other sketches included parodies of classic films like The Spanish Inquisition or Dead Parrot, both featuring John Cleese in iconic roles. These sketches were beloved by fans around the world who appreciated their wit and irreverence.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus was one of the most influential comedy shows ever produced, inspiring generations of comedians with its unique blend of surrealism and parody. Its influence can still be seen today in many modern comedies, from Saturday Night Live to South Park.

• #14.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death. The shows humor was not limited to just these topics though; it also included more lighthearted fare such as musical numbers and silly skits.

  The writing team behind Monty Pythons Flying Circus had an impressive array of talent at their disposal. They wrote some truly classic comedy pieces that have gone on to become iconic moments in pop culture history. From the famous Dead Parrot sketch to the hilarious Ministry Of Silly Walks, each episode contained something new and exciting for viewers.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus is remembered fondly by many fans today who still quote lines from the show or watch reruns whenever they can find them. Its influence on modern comedy cannot be overstated; without this groundbreaking series, much of what we consider funny today would never have existed.

• #15.     The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch saw John Cleese playing a shopkeeper who had an absurdly large selection of cheeses from around the world. The joke was that no matter what type or flavor of cheese someone asked for, he would always have it in stock.

  In addition to this classic sketch, Monty Pythons Flying Circus also included other parodies such as The Spanish Inquisition and Dead Parrot. These sketches were designed to poke fun at various aspects of society while still being entertaining. Other recurring themes throughout the show included satire on religion and British culture.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus is remembered today as one of the most influential comedy shows ever made. Its unique blend of surreal humor and sharp wit has been cited by many comedians as an inspiration for their own work. The show continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.

• #16.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death. The shows humor was not limited to just these topics though; it also included more lighthearted fare such as musical numbers and silly skits.

  The writing team behind Monty Pythons Flying Circus had an impressive array of talent at their disposal. They were able to create some truly unique comedy that pushed boundaries while still being accessible enough for mainstream audiences. This combination made the show one of the most beloved British comedies ever created.

• #17.     The show was known for its use of improvisation, which often featured characters in unexpected and humorous situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of improvisation, which often featured characters in unexpected and humorous situations. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch involved a customer entering an empty cheese shop and asking for various types of cheese only to be told by the proprietor that he has no stock left. The customer then proceeds to ask for increasingly obscure cheeses until finally being informed that there is no more cheese at all.

  This sketch was seen as a parody of British bureaucracy and class structure, with the customers requests becoming increasingly absurd yet still being met with polite responses from the shopkeeper. Other sketches included parodies of classic works such as Shakespeares Macbeth or Alice in Wonderland, while others were simply surreal comedic pieces featuring bizarre characters and scenarios.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus also made use of animation sequences throughout each episode to illustrate certain points or add visual gags to their sketches. These animations were often done in a unique style which blended traditional cartooning techniques with abstract art styles.

• #18.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows. These sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death. The shows humor was not limited to just these topics though; it also included more lighthearted fare such as musical numbers and silly skits.

  The writing team behind Monty Pythons Flying Circus had an impressive array of talent at their disposal. They wrote some truly classic comedy pieces that have gone on to become iconic moments in pop culture history. From the famous Dead Parrot sketch to the hilarious Ministry Of Silly Walks, each episode contained something new and exciting for viewers.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus is remembered fondly by many fans today who still quote lines from the show or watch reruns whenever they can find them. Its influence on modern comedy cannot be overstated; without this groundbreaking series, much of what we consider funny today would never have existed.

• #19.     The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of parody, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular literature, such as the “Cheese Shop” sketch. This sketch saw John Cleese playing a shopkeeper who had an absurdly large selection of cheeses from around the world. The joke was that no matter what type or flavor of cheese someone asked for, he would always have it in stock.

  In addition to this classic sketch, Monty Pythons Flying Circus also included other parodies such as The Spanish Inquisition and Dead Parrot. These sketches were often used to poke fun at authority figures or institutions by exaggerating their behavior or beliefs. For example, in the Spanish Inquisition sketch, Cardinal Biggles is portrayed as an incompetent leader who fails to understand basic facts about his own religion.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus also made use of surrealism and absurdity in many sketches. In one famous example called The Ministry Of Silly Walks, John Cleese plays a civil servant whose job is to approve applications for silly walks grants. The joke here is that there are no real rules governing how people should walk - only ridiculous ones created by bureaucrats.

  Overall, Monty Pythons Flying Circus was known for its clever satire and irreverent humor which poked fun at everything from politics to literature. Its unique blend of comedy styles has been hugely influential on modern comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and South Park.

• #20.     The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows, as well as a variety of musical numbers.
  
  

  The show was known for its use of satire, which often featured characters making fun of popular culture and politics. It also featured a variety of sketches that parodied popular films and television shows, as well as a variety of musical numbers. The sketches were often absurd in nature, with the writers taking liberties to make jokes about topics such as religion, war, and even death. In addition to these more serious topics, the show also included plenty of sillier moments that poked fun at everyday life.

  The writing team behind Monty Pythons Flying Circus was incredibly talented when it came to creating clever wordplay and puns. They used this skill to great effect in their sketches by playing off words or phrases in order to create humorous situations or dialogue. This type of humor is still seen today on many comedy shows.

  Monty Pythons Flying Circus was groundbreaking for its time because it pushed boundaries with its content while still being accessible enough for viewers from all walks of life. Its influence can be seen in modern sketch comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and Key & Peele.