Monty Python's Flying Circus

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Monty Python's Flying Circus is a classic British sketch comedy television series that premiered in 1969. It was created by the comedy group Monty Python, consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. The show features surreal and nonsensical humor, with sketches that often combine slapstick, wordplay, and social satire.

The format of the show was innovative for its time, with sketches flowing seamlessly into one another, often without any transitional elements. This gave it a unique and unpredictable quality that became its trademark. The show became a cultural phenomenon and had a significant influence on the comedy genre.

The sketches covered a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, bureaucracy, and everyday life. The show challenged societal norms and conventions, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for television at the time. Its irreverent and absurd humor made it a hit with audiences and established Monty Python as comedy legends.

Making / Production

Monty Python's Flying Circus was produced by the BBC and aired for four seasons from 1969 to 1974. The writing and production process of the show involved all six members of the Monty Python group, who worked collaboratively to develop and write the sketches. The show had a low-budget feel, with minimalistic sets and simple production values, allowing the focus to be on the comedy itself.

Actors

• Graham Chapman - Played various characters, known for his straight-faced delivery.
• John Cleese - Played various characters, known for his tall stature and physical comedy.
• Terry Gilliam - Primarily responsible for the show's animations and played various minor roles.
• Eric Idle - Played various characters and often took on flamboyant and exaggerated roles.
• Terry Jones - Played various characters, known for his cross-dressing and high-pitched voice.
• Michael Palin - Played various characters, known for his versatility and distinctive voice.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show's iconic opening sequence, with the floating animation of a giant foot, became one of its most recognizable features.
• Each episode ended with the words "And now for something completely different," signaling a random and unpredictable change in the sketches.
• Monty Python's Flying Circus had a significant impact on the comedy world and paved the way for future sketch comedy shows.
• The show's humor often relied on absurdity, wordplay, and clever word associations.

Awards

Monty Python's Flying Circus received several awards and accolades throughout its run, including:

• 1970 - BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance
• 1971 - BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance

Quotes

• "And now for something completely different."
• "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
• "It's just a flesh wound!"
• "I'm not dead yet!"
• "Is there someone else up there we could talk to?"

Music / Soundtrack

The show featured a memorable theme song titled "The Liberty Bell" by John Philip Sousa. In addition to the theme song, the show incorporated various musical numbers and compositions throughout its sketches, adding to the comedic and whimsical atmosphere of the show.