Monty Python’s Flying Circus

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, 1969

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Monty Python’s Flying Circus became a television phenomenon that would change the face of British Television Comedy forever.

First airing on BBC1 in October of 1969 the series actually only ran for four series totalling forty five episodes.

Whilst Monty Python started out as a television series, it developed into something much larger in scope and impact.

Off the back of the TV series came: touring stage shows, films, numerous albums, several books and a stage musical as well as launching the members to individual stardom.

At the end of the third series John Cleese left the show saying he felt he no longer had anything fresh to offer the show.  The other Pythons carried on for one last series, but it only ran for six episodes before they too decided to call it a day.

Many people compare the Python’s influence on comedy to the impact the Beatles had on music.

Summary

A typical Monty Python show would comprise a series of sketches and songs interspersed with Gilliam’s animations.

The Pythons used various  innovative themes to end sketches.  Among these were Graham Chapman’s “Colonel” character, as a member of the “Anti-Silliness Patrol” he would march on to the sketch and declare things were becoming “far too silly”.  Another way would be to drop a cartoon style “16-ton weight” prop

 

on one of the characters.

Clips

 

 

 

Cast

Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Glliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin

Details

Channel: BBC1 (1969 – 1973), BBC2 (1974)
Original Run:  5th October 1969 –5th December 1974
Written By:
Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Glliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin

Spin Offs

There were five films made by the Python team
And Now For Something Completely Different (1971)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian (1979)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
Monty Python’s Meaning Of Life (1983)

Extras

After many years of saying no, in November 2013 the Monty Python Team announced they were to re unite for a one off show at London’s 02 Arena in July 2014.

Tickets went on sale Monday 25th November selling out in 45 seconds.  This lead to the announcement of additional dates.

The final show was screened live on UKTV GOLD.

 

Merchandising

Over the years there were many albums produced, some of which are still available today on CD, along with musical items (also available on download). All four series of Monty Python’s flying Circus and the films are available on DVD.

Where To Watch

Series 1 and 2 are currently new to ITVX/Britbox

Official Website