Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Iconic British comedy troupe's live performance
About Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Released: 1982
Platform: Netflix
Rating: R
Run time: 1h 20m
Cast
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Neil Innes, Carol Cleveland
About Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
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About
Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl is a 1982 comedy film featuring the British comedy troupe Monty Python during a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The film showcases the group's iconic skits and sketches performed in front of a lively audience.
The performance includes classic sketches such as "The Lumberjack Song," "The Spanish Inquisition," "The Ministry of Silly Walks," and "The Dead Parrot Sketch." The troupe's members, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, deliver their unique brand of surreal and absurd humor to great delight.
Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl combines elements of film and live performance, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the troupe's comedy. It serves as a celebration of Monty Python's humor and showcases their distinctive style to a wider audience.
Making / Production
The idea for Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl originated during the group's 1980 tour in the United States. The success of their live performances prompted them to consider filming one of their shows for a wider release. The Hollywood Bowl performance was chosen due to its iconic status and historical significance.
The filming took place over two nights in September 1980, with the final film being edited together from both performances. It captures the lively atmosphere of the Hollywood Bowl and the enthusiastic audience reactions to Monty Python's sketches.
The film was directed by Terry Hughes, who had previously worked with the group on their television series. Hughes helped to create a seamless blend between the live performance and the cinematic elements, ensuring that the film captured the essence of Monty Python's comedy.
Actors
- Graham Chapman - Various roles
- John Cleese - Various roles
- Terry Gilliam - Various roles
- Eric Idle - Various roles
- Terry Jones - Various roles
- Michael Palin - Various roles
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- This was Monty Python's first stand-alone film release following the end of their television series.
- The Hollywood Bowl performance marked the first time the group had performed live in the United States.
- The film includes some new material not previously seen in their television series or films.
- Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl was a commercial success, grossing over $5 million at the box office.
- The film helped to introduce Monty Python's comedy to a wider international audience.
Awards
Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl did not receive any major awards or nominations.
Quotes
- "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" - Various members of the Monty Python troupe
- "It's just a flesh wound!" - John Cleese as the Black Knight
- "I'm not dead yet!" - Graham Chapman as the Not Dead Fred/Mr. Moore
- "And now for something completely different..." - Eric Idle
Music
The film features various musical numbers performed by the Monty Python troupe. Some of the notable songs include:
- The Lumberjack Song
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
- Penis Song (Not the Noel Coward Song)
- I Like Chinese
Soundtrack
A soundtrack album was released in conjunction with the film, featuring the musical numbers performed during the live performance. The soundtrack includes songs such as "The Lumberjack Song" and "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
About Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
British comedy troupe Monty Python performs live sketches and songs in Hollywood, delivering their trademark absurdist humor to a theater audience.