U.S. COMEDY ARTS FESTIVAL TRIBUTE TO MONTY PYTHON (TV)
Summary
This comedy special, hosted by comedian Robert Klein, features a tribute to the famed British comedy troupe Monty Python. This program includes a discussion with the surviving members of Monty Python -- John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin -- as well as clips of their television and feature film work. Topics discussed include the following, among others: the way they met and decided to work together; where the "Flying Circus" title came from; how much the late Graham Chapman meant to them; whether they had any other ideas for the television show's title; how much creative freedom they had during the early days of the television show; how confident they were about the show when it first aired; why they wrote the material in separate groups; how the animation sequences were developed; what the writing sessions were like; why they decided to stick with material as long as it made them laugh; why they decided to do some programs in German; what it was like venturing into movies after working in television for so many years; what their budgets were like for their movies; why the topic of religion appears to be a reoccurring theme in their movies; whether they enjoyed doing the live performances around the country; whether they've ever played any practical jokes on one another; which characters they have enjoyed portraying the most; and what the future holds for Monty Python. This program concludes with the American Film Institute's presentation of the Star Award to Monty Python for their contribution and influence in the movie business. Clips from "Monty Python's Flying Circus" include the following: the Lumberjack Song, the Fish Slapping Dance, the Ministry of Silly Walks, the Spanish Inquisition, the Argument Sketch, and the Dead Parrot. Also included are clips from the following movies and live performances by Monty Python: "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Monty Python's Life of Brian," "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life," and "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl."
Details
- NETWORK: HBO
- DATE: March 21, 1998 11:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:58:01
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:52712
- GENRE: Specials; Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy
- SERIES RUN: HBO - TV, 1998
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- John Moffitt … Executive Producer
- Pat Tourk Lee … Executive Producer
- Stu Smiley … Executive Producer
- Keiren Fisher … Coordinating Producer
- Nancy Kurshner … Supervising Producer
- Phil Savenick … Co-Producer
- Melissa Kimberly … Associate Producer
- Paul Miller … Director
- Peter Crabbe … Writer
- Robert Klein … Host
- John Cleese … Guest
- Terry Gilliam … Guest
- Eric Idle … Guest
- Terry Jones … Guest
- Michael Palin … Guest
- Graham Chapman