Classic TV: Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969)

The British had been importing television programs to our side of the pond since the 50's, from The Adventures of Robin Hood to The Saint & The Avengers to the political satire of That Was The Week That Was, which introduced American audiences to talk show host David Frost.

In 1969, the BBC, which was responsible for TW3, served up another comedy series with political themes in at least some of their sketches, Monty Python's Flying Circus. Four "series", or, seasons, as they're known here, over a five year period (1969-74), with each series consisting of a varying number of episodes.

As everyone doubtlessly knows by now, Monty Python is not one person, but rather, the collective name of a six-man troupe of talented comedians (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, & Terry Gilliam), all of whom would periodically play female characters as well, consistent with British theatre traditions as old as time itself.

In the US, PBS had first crack at the Pythons, sometime in the 70's. I remember seeing them for the first time on WMHT as a youth. WMHT would also introduce local audiences to another UK comedy legend, Dave Allen, whose series was also produced through the BBC. In the 80's, Monty Python repeats found their way to cable via MTV, of all places, as the music network was beginning to branch out. It was a questionable choice at the time, but a forerunner of things to come for the channel.

The success of the series also led not only to the equally popular movie series (i.e. "The Life of Brian", "Monty Python & The Holy Grail"), but the troupe members began branching out themselves into other, non-Python projects. For example, Michael Palin began developing & producing documentary-style series. Terry Gilliam directed cult favorite films such as "Brazil" & "12 Monkeys". John Cleese, in a dramatic turn, landed a supporting role in a couple of James Bond films. Cleese also scored a comedy hit without his Python brothers, partnered instead with Jamie Lee Curtis & Kevin Kline in "A Fish Called Wanda", and landed an endorsement deal with Magnavox. Eric Idle likewise became a reliable character actor, with his credits including "Casper" and the animated Stressed Eric.

Now, scope out the Pythonian take on the Spanish Inquisition:

I swear, you cannot watch this show without busting a gut laughing.

Rating: A.