After debuting on the platform six years ago, the Monty Python movies will soon be leaving Netflix. The British comedy troupe formed in the late 1960s and consists of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, American director Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman and Terry Jones.
The group became famous on television in 1969 with the show Flying Circus. For four seasons, the troupe performed sketches that combined their taste for absurdist humor and parody. The success of the program made them stars across the channel, and the end of the show in 1974 opened the door wide for them to the world of cinema.
Parody of King Arthur 30 years before Camelot!
After a first feature film consisting of a collection of their best sketches (Monty Python’s First Madness), the six comedians signed on for their first original film in 1975, Sacré Grail! – Comedy segment parodying the legend of King Arthur.
Each of Monty Python portrays several characters in this quirky feature film. Among the most iconic scenes, the duel of a man against a knight, the attack of a terrifying killer rabbit or the hilarious trial of a would-be witch compared to a piece of wood, and then a duck (see the extract below for a better understanding. The comic genius of the scene).
This first success allows Monty Python to prepare a new feature film. It’s called Life of Brian and follows the sad adventures of a man named Brian who was born on the same night as Jesus. At the age of 33, she unwittingly became a symbol of freedom in the face of the Roman oppressor, while only dreaming of a peaceful existence away from prying eyes.
The Beatles to the rescue of Monty Python
However, the film almost never saw the light of day. The president of the distribution company EMI Films decided to withdraw from the project due to the sulphurous nature of the script. However, Monty Python’s purpose was not to mock the Christian religion or Christ, but to mock the excesses of certain believers.
The right to shoot the film was finally allowed by ex-Beatles George Harrison. The latter financed the film’s budget (£5 million) out of his own pocket, simply because he appreciated the script and wanted to see the film. The English musician was also offered a brief cameo, a role in which he was disguised and unrecognizable without a single line of dialogue.
Among the most emblematic scenes of the film, how can we not mention the last scene, where the crucified people try to cheer up Brian by singing: Always look on the bright side of life (Always look on the bright side of life, in French). An absolutely iconic scene that helped fuel the legend of Monty Python.
Unfortunately, Netflix subscribers won’t be able to enjoy these movies for long after the Holy Grail! And The Life of Brian, as well as four seasons of the show Flying Circus, will disappear from the catalog on October 31.
Discover the list of movies currently available on the platform!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
