Guest Author - Caitlin D Neely
The masterminds (Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam, Idle, Jones and Palin) behind the hit British classic “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” didn’t just create sketches for television. They also wrote a number of famous comedy films.
And Now For Something Completely Different (1971)
This was the Python’s first feature film. It consisted of reshot sketches taken from the first two season of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”. Sketches include “Dead Parrot“, “The Lumberjack Song”, “How Not To Be Seen” and others.
Why you should see it: Two words - Python sketches. What could be better?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
King Arthur (Graham Chapman), with his squire Patsy (Terry Gilliam), recruit the Knights of the Round Table. They are told by God to find the Holy Grail and are soon led on a tireless adventure that includes Frenchmen, a “bunny” and the Bridge of Death.
Why you should see it: The Holy Grail is a hilarious comedy. The humor is strange and witty all at the same time. The story is also compelling and the lines are very quoteable.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Brien Cohen (Graham Chapman) is born in a stable not far from where Jesus (Kenneth Colley) is born. At first this confuses the Three Wise Men who come and praise Brian. But eventually they realize their mistake. As a young man Brian resents the Romans and finds himself attracted to a rebel named Judith (Sue Jones-Davis).
Why you should it: Life of Brian is considered one of the best comedy films of all time. It’s ripe with humor and political and religious satire.
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983)
Meaning of Life does not tell a single story but instead takes on a sketch comedy format. It’s somewhat based on the Seven Ages of Man. The film is divided into chapters but most of them are not connected in a significant way. Chapters include “The Miracle of Birth”, “Fighting Each Other”, “Middle Age” and others.
Why you should see it: It’s a musical comedy and a very funny spoof on life. Plus, it contains sketches instead of a story. So if you enjoy the format used in Flying Circus you might enjoy this movie to.
