# Monty Python humour **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 10, 2002, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320 "2002-05-10T17:46:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![xanadu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c4cdca/32.png) [@xanadu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanadu)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/21 "2002-05-11T05:02:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Morgainelf \* > \*\* > > Oh, I disagree! There are some real classics in _The Meaning of Life_! The salmon mousse? Every sperm is sacred? Liver donors? It can be slow at times, but I wouldn’t skip it. Just see _Holy Grail_ and _Life of Brian_ first. \*\* I completely agree. I’m not a huge fan of theirs, but I saw a clip of “Every Sperm Is Sacred” from “Life of Brian”, and I don;t think I’ve ever laughed that hard in my entire life. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/22 "2002-05-11T05:47:09Z")
> [@](#): > > but I saw a clip of “Every Sperm Is Sacred” from “Life of Brian” Every Sperm is Sacred is from Meaning of Life :D. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/23 "2002-05-11T06:26:02Z")
My first exposure to Monty Python was the Holy Grail movie, and I’ve since bought the whole set of Flying Circus on DVD. (So you can see all the pops and hisses of the original film in all their glory!) ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/24 "2002-05-11T10:38:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ArchiveGuy \* > \*\*Also, you might want to look up _And Now For Something Completely Different_. It was sort of a “greatest hits” of their sketch stuff (on a slightly higher budget). It’s a good assortment of material and may give you an idea of which sketches you’d prefer to own. \*\* _And Now For Something Completely Different_ was my first exposure to MP and I’ve been addicted ever since. The “How not to be seen” skit is some of the funniest shit ever. Once I saw _Holy Grail_ it was all over for me, I was a Python fan for life. ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/25 "2002-05-11T16:12:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by rjung \* > **No, not the “Cycling Tour” – IMO, the third season of _Monty Python_ was a pale shadow of their former selves; John Cleese’s departure definitely hurt.** _The Cycling Tour_ is one of my favorite episodes! And Cleese is in it! BINGO! BINGO! ---
**Author:** ![Semp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Semp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Semp)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/26 "2002-05-11T20:23:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stinkum \* > \*\*Oh yes, _Live at the Hollywood Bowl_ is great. Wear your Depends undergarments when watching this one. But it might not be out on DVD yet. \*\* I saw it at a local Best Buy a couple weeks ago, but it was bundled with someother stuff that didn’t excite me. I did buy it on tape several years ago, though. ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2002, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/27 "2002-05-11T20:47:54Z")
I received that bundle for Xmas (oh thank you favorite nephew, you are now in the will!). It’s called _Monty Python Live_ , containing \*Hollywood Bowl, \* a retrospective from A&E -_Parrot Sketch Not Included_ ,a panel discussion with the Pythons (including a very late Graham Chapman and a dustbuster) from the Aspen Comedy Festival and an episode done in German for Bavarian TV. It makes a nice greatest hits package. I’d also go for ANFSCD if only for the fish slapping dance. 🆒 Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore, dum da dum da dum!!! ---
**Author:** ![Billy\_Rubin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/billy_rubin/32/3622_2.png) [@Billy\_Rubin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billy_Rubin)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2002, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/28 "2002-05-12T02:38:45Z")
It’s an acquired taste among some. To me, it was as if they were writing the show just for my benefit. Nobody else I knew got it at all. I laughed uproariously at things my parents turned away from. Even in the weak stuff, there were moments of genius. Also try to find Jabberwocky- the scene where Mr. Fishfinger is crapping out a second-story window is a classic. Also, look for Ripping Yarns- rarely seen in the USA but a riot, nonetheless- there’s an episode where Michael Palin is attempting to cross the Himalayas with frogs, and another where an old man collects diseases for a hobby. Enjoy. Cleese is in and of himself a riot. His work in Fish called Wanda is genius, IMO, and the silly walk stuff fits him so well it’s as if God made him tall and lanky just to that purpose. b. PS- annie, does that bavarian episode have the Lumberjack song in german? I love that. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2002, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/29 "2002-05-12T13:51:04Z")
D.C.U. asks > [@](#): > > Did they ever fix the glitch on the DVD that caused the subtitles to pop up at each chapter stop on certiain Toshiba and Sony DVD players? I had to take my copy back to the store No idea. I have a Sony player and never once had any such problem. Other cool extras: [li]“Subtitles for People Who Don’t Like the Film” (uses dialogue from _Henry IV_ instead)[/li][li]“Follow the Killer Rabbit”–whenever the white rabbit icon appears, click on it and you get itemized receipts of how much the props in that scene cost. Naturally, after the rabbit appears in the movie, the logo is all bloody.[/li][li]The Cast directory shows you how many different characters each actor plays (including a few non-Python individuals)[/li] Also, I’ll have to defend _The Meaning of Live_, which has some truly brilliant moments. But _Jabberwocky_? Don’t bother–only for the truly die hard. Go with _Brazil_ or, better yet, _Time Bandits_ instead. ---
**Author:** ![xanadu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c4cdca/32.png) [@xanadu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanadu)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2002, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/30 "2002-05-12T16:40:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ISiddiqui \* > \*\* > > Every Sperm is Sacred is from Meaning of Life :D. \*\* That’s what I _meant_ to say! ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2002, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/31 "2002-05-12T17:49:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Billy Rubin \* > \*\* > PS- annie, does that bavarian episode have the Lumberjack song in german? I love that. \*\* Why yes, yes it does. Except the "mighty rivers of British Columbia’ have morphed into the South Tyrol. And the Mounties are dressed like bus conductors. Signed, a peeved British Columbian. ---
**Author:** ![Martiju](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@Martiju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martiju)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/32 "2002-05-13T14:53:01Z")
He’s not the Messiah - he’s a very naughty boy! (Life of Brian) Absolutely the best film ever made. Ever. (Just MHO) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/33 "2002-05-13T15:15:55Z")
I’d vote **Life of Brian**. By far their most coherent work. **Holy Grail** seems to be the most popular, and definitely required for pop-culture references, but it sort of peters out by the end. But, then again, the anarchic nature of the work is a hallmark of Monty Python. On a four-star scale, I’d give LoB 4, HG 3.5, and Meaning of Life 2.5. [semi-hijack] If you like skit comedy, I’d also recommend _Kentucky Fried Movie_ (the Zuckers) and _Amazon Women on the Moon_. Brit skit comedy, try to find _Not the Nine O’Clock News_ and maybe some _The Fast Show_, although the latter gets a bit old after you see a season or two. There’s also this guy, Chris Morris, who really does some whacked-out social satire. Not sure what his show was called though…And, of course, Ali G. His earlier stuff is pure genius; but, like Chris Morris, deals with real-life situations, not stage comedy. [/semi-hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/34 "2002-05-13T15:25:45Z")
Cheer up, Brian. You know what they say. Some things in life are bad, They can really make you mad. Other things just make you swear and curse. When you’re chewing on life’s gristle, Don’t grumble, give a whistle! And this’ll help things turn out for the best… And… _(the music fades into the song)_ …always look on the bright side of life! _(whistle)_ Always look on the bright side of life… If life seems jolly rotten, There’s something you’ve forgotten! And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing, When you’re feeling in the dumps, Don’t be silly chumps, Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing! And… always look on the bright side of life… _(whistle)_ For life is quite absurd, And death’s the final word. You must always face the curtain with a bow! Forget about your sin – give the audience a grin, Enjoy it – it’s the last chance anyhow! So always look on the bright side of death! Just before you draw your terminal breath. Life’s a piece of shit, When you look at it. Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true, You’ll see it’s all a show, Keep 'em laughing as you go. Just remember that the last laugh is on you! And always look on the bright side of life… _(whistle)_ Always look on the bright side of life _(whistle to end)_ * * * Truly profound, on par with Shakespeare’s _“Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…”_ I second _Live at the Hollywood Bowl_ as an introduction/greatests hits ---
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/35 "2002-05-13T15:57:27Z")
> [@](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > but I saw a clip of “Every Sperm Is Sacred” from “Life of Brian” > > Every Sperm is Sacred is from Meaning of Life . “If you’re going to split hairs, I’m going to piss off.” –A Man Who Speaks Entirely In Anagrams ---
**Author:** ![NutMagnet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@NutMagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NutMagnet)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/36 "2002-05-13T16:05:16Z")
From **Billy Rubin** > [@](#): > > Also, look for Ripping Yarns- rarely seen in the USA but a riot, nonetheless- Absolutely hilarious! “I were young an’ 'ealthy then, only had malaria…” * * * All the clips from **Live At The hollywood Bowl** that I’ve heard had muddy audio. If it’s on DVD, it might be OK. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/37 "2002-05-13T16:18:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ArchiveGuy \* > **…and even one of the musical numbers recreated by LEGOs.** Which can also be found at the [Lego website](http://www.lego.com/eng/studios/screening/default.asp). ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/38 "2002-05-13T18:10:55Z")
Then there’s the ‘Crimson Permanent Assurance’… 😃 Which movie was that included with? I _think_ it was _And Now For Something Completely Different_, but I’m not sure. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/39 "2002-05-13T18:32:25Z")
Crimson Permanent Assurance was from Meaning of Life. That little mini-movie alone is worth seeing the whole MoL movie. I disagree with others, I think Meaning of Life was start-to-finish hilarious and brilliant. The documentary bit with “This man is about to die…” where the guy has chosen the manner of his own death (I won’t spoil it) nails me every time. And the deadpan dialogue of Death at the dinner party ("The salmon mousse…) is genius. And the army officer whose leg was chewed off by the tiger…C’mon everyone, this is great!!! ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2002, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320/40 "2002-05-13T19:13:54Z")
Was Cleese in “The Cycling Tour”? I must have excised that from my mind, along with most of the disappointing third season. And as long as we’re tossing out Python quotes here: Brian: “You are all individuals!” Onlooker: “I’m not!” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-humour/108320.md?page=3)