Monty Python's Flying Circus!
Yes, like the famous phrase said, Monty Python was completely different. Wether showing a Ministry devoted to the silly walk, an unhappy customer with a dead Parrot, a championship to honor Upperclass Twits, or the a deadly joke, Monty Python flew into Tv history.
The beginning
The Pythoners themselves were rather normal people. Well, they should have been at least. The five British Pythons (John, Eric, Graham, Michael, and Terry J.) had all been very well educated. John Cleese had studied law for many years, and Eric Idle had graduated Valedictorian after majoring in English. Yes, they were all very good, devoted students. But how does one go from law to comedy? I have no clue. And what about the sixth Python? Well, the only American, Terry Gilliam, was educated though not as well, but I'm sure he's just as smart. Anyway, the Pythons met at the Footlights society, or so the legened says. John Cleese and Graham Chapman were first, who then met Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Eric Idle joined after that, and who knows how they met Terry Gilliam but they did. So the six group comedy troupe was complete, and somehow the name Monty Python came about. They were ready to shock the world.
Spam, Lumberjacks, Nudges, and battles
From the start, it was clear that Monty Python's Flying Circus was not for children. People in the uptight, censored society were shocked and appalled by what they saw. Nudity, sexual references, religious satire, it seemed nothing was sacred. Even royalty was bashed and mocked on the daring show. But though there were many that were outraged, there were just as many delighted and soon MPFC developed an unwavering underground cult. The boys thought up better and more outrageous things, while battling the censors. A particularily famous episode of censorship came when, on a mock game show, Graham Chapmans character is asked what his hobbies include. His response? "Golf, stranggling small aminals, and masturbation." The censors were appalled and had the line removed immediatly, but not before the damage was done. The public had tasted absurd, surreal humor and they loved it. Despite sketches about cross-dressing lumber jacks, famous deaths, dead bishops, and nudity for no real reason, Monty Python's Flying Circus would live for another four seasons.
Beyond the Circus
After the Tv series ended (due to fights breaking out between the Pythons) there was a lull in the maddness. However, this lull was soon filled when the Python's came back to do their first film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It was crude but very funny. With such famous scene's and character's as the Black Knight, the Dead Collection, The dreaded Knights of Ni, and the killer rabbit, the film was hugely successful and deemed hilarious. There were a few complaints about the way Monty Python potrayed the Lord in the film however, so how did they respond to these religious rantings? By making an even more insulting film! Monty Python's Life of Brian is know as the groups most daring work. Set in Biblical times, it follws Brian, a young man mistaken for the son of God. Both films were loved by fans, rejected by 'decent' people, and a step towards freedom of speech in the comedy industry. The next film (Which would also be the last with the complete group)  was titled The Meaning Of Life where various mysteries in life are explored. Birth, death, gluttony, war, heaven, everything is probed in this controversial film. Though it didn't cause as much trouble as Life of Brian, it still caused enough to hold off the group for a few years. Sadly, in that time, Graham Chapman died of AIDS. Monty Python was no more.
A Look Back
Monty Python inspired SNL, Kids in the Hall, Austin Powers, and much more. If it weren't for these daring Britons, comedy as we know it today wouldn't be the same. The Pythoners have gone their own ways since Graham's death. Terry Gilliam has directed some fantastic films, John Cleese is getting more work than ever, Eric Idle has gone on tour in the US, and Terry Jones, well I'm not sure where he is, but he must be around. Monty Python may not be the same, but the spirirt and ideas are alive and well.
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