Summary

"IÕm Sorry, IÕll Read That Again"

Before "Monty PythonÕs Flying Circus" was created, John Cleese was a key member of a troupe that performed both live and on radio under the name IÕm Sorry, IÕll Read That Again -- a phrase uttered by stodgy British newsreaders when they flubbed a line on the air. Formed by members of the Cambridge University Footlights Revue, the IÕm Sorry group also included on the writing staff future fellow Pythons Eric Idle and Graham Chapman (who also performed in their first season); it was heard on and off on BBC Radio from 1965 until 1974.

A gleefully irreverent and politically incorrect sketch comedy show, each "IÕm Sorry" episode featured at least one "silly song," several quick sketches, and a longer story or fable -- all packed with as many bad puns as was humanly possible along with a cast of recurring characters including Lady Constance, John and Mary, Grimbling, and Angus Prune (the "IÕm Sorry, IÕll Read That Again" theme was named "The Angus Prune Tune").

The seeds of the brillance that would become "Monty PythonÕs Flying Circus" can be heard in these lightning quick episodes from the fourth and fifth seasons. Along with Cleese, the cast featured Tim Brooke-Taylor, David Hatch, Jo Kendall, Graeme Garden, and Bill Oddie.

In the first episode, the IÕm Sorry gang performs "A Report on Schools," "A Police Message," and "Two Friends Meeting"; music by "Trio Los Banditos"; and a story entitled "Incompetence." (1968; 30 minutes)

The second episode features the sketches "Facetiousness," "Problem Corner," "The Doctor," and "Spot the Joke"; the song "Bounce, Bounce, Bounce"; and the tale of "Robinson Prunestone." (1968; 30 minutes)