And now for something completely different........
My whole family have been fans of Monty Python since the beginning. Monty Python's Flying Circus started it's TV life in Britain in 1969, and was exported to Canadian TV screens in September 1970. The show immediately gained a huge fan base, although many people remained completely bamboozled as what it was all about.
The Python crew.... Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.... are credited with changing the direction of British comedy.
This month Monty Python is being revived on stage in London by the original cast, minus Graham Chapman who died in 1989. Press reviews are mixed. Some say the show is brilliant. Some say it's a bunch of 70+ has-beens in search of extra cash. Perhaps a bit of both?
I saw a travel presentation by Michael Palin at U of T a few years ago, and he took questions at the end. Of course, after all the serious questions, someone asked him for the Lumberjack Song.... which he happily provided, to a huge ovation!
About 5 years ago I went to see "Spamalot" live performance in Toronto. Brilliant, lots of laughs, lots of classic Pythonesque comedy sketches which never lose their charm, no matter how many times you hear them.
So if you are ever searching for the Meaning of Life, my advice is to Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. And laugh!
I am glad you mentioned Spamalot - how can the Pythons be called Has Beens when this has been such a recent success?
ReplyDeleteGah, don't you just hate critics who were probably not even born when the Holy Grail came out?
I remember being allowed to stay up late on Sunday nights to watch Python - I loved the obvious stupidity of it even though a lot of it was beyond me at the time. I still love it and have made sure my children know about it too...
I so agree with Rock Chef.....Who are these Critics to call these Brilliant guys 'has-beens'....There are no real "Critics" today-----only cynical people trying to make name for themselves....! The Python Group was and is CLASSIC!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit, Sham, that I never grew up with Python anything...but I think my kids would have been delighted if I had introduced them to it. They would memorize every single line! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, BOO HOO on the Dutch loss to Argentina. I HATE penalty kicks!!!
Laughing is so good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteThe crazy dry sense of humor is fun at its best. Great post Shammie.
Great opportunity to see these videos! Thanks!
ReplyDelete