Monty Python’s Midlife Crisis — 42 Years of the Flying Circus

Monty Python’s Flying Circus just turned 42 this week. Two full generations have existed since Monty Python hit the scene. Your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and probably you and your friends have dealt with this fact in one way or another. You’ll probably talk with your kids about it someday. It’s wild to think a humble group of guys landed a gig on the BBC that grabbed England by the balls and changed the face of comedy forever.

Two full generations have existed since Monty Python hit the scene.

The Pythons all came from middle class post-WWII families. The English side of the team met at their respective academic institutions, one being Oxford and the other Cambridge. Once the group fully came together, their first televised efforts were met with scorn. The live audience they played to was made up of olds and they couldn’t be bothered. The youth eventually caught on and the game was officially changed.

Each of these bastards has achieved legendary status for their accomplishments as directors, historians, documentarians, lecturers and adventurers. John and Graham were a writing team that led the Pythons to some of their funniest and most aggressive sketches. If you’ve noticed that a bit or skit contains lots of shouting, then you’ve probably just seen the results of these two tall fellows running amok.

Palin and Jones teamed up at Oxford are responsible for many of the sketches that focus on the humor contained in language and history. Idle arrived and became the driving force behind many of the musical numbers featured on the show. Gilliam was and still is quite an amazing surrealist. His work features an art aesthetic that has been copied and pasted all over town for the last half century.

With hundreds of programs and thousands of hours spent chronicling the history and accomplishments of Monty Python, one has to wonder, “Where do I begin, Bruce?” Well, on any proper journey, one must start at the beginning and go from there. Monty Python’s Flying Circus, or Fliegender Zirkus if you’re familiar, is the beginning. Here’s a look at the men behind one of the finest and most profound comedy programs of all time. It’s…

The Visionaries of Python: In Order of Importance and Social Relevance

John Cleese

Known for his portrayal of high brow British, he was a professional straight-faced lunatic and madman.

Best Skit w/ MPFC: The Ministry of Silly Walks

Graham Chapman

Graham can be seen playing powerful and respectable fellows. He also shouted lots and played a generally mean guy.

Best Bit w/ MPFC: The Oscar Wilde Sketch

Eric Idle (The George Lucas of Monty Python)

This one was best known for playing sleazy men and naughty women. Sometimes he sang too.

Best Sketch w/ MPFC: Nudge Nudge

Terry Jones

Kind of the unsung hero, Terry Jones is responsible for much of what made the show a success.

Best Sketch w/ MPFC: SPAM

Michael Palin

Adored by women and envied by men, he managed to charm the audience even at his most vulgar.

Best Sketch w/ MPFC: Gumby Brain Surgery

Terry Gilliam

A true artist and weirdo, he came from California where he worked for MAD Magazine as a troll.

Best Work w/ MPFC: The Opening Credits

Monty Python began with a group of men taking their wits to the people when the world needed a change. 1969 was a powerful year in that a progressive comedy team was just as revolutionary as the protestors, activists and artists that defined the time. People fighting for their rights needed a laugh and it just so happened that the funniest thing on the planet came in the form of these far out and radical gentlemen.

Best Group Sketch: Upperclass Twit of the Year

If you dig any of the following, Monty Python’s Flying Circus should be in your queue:

Chappelle’s Show
In Living Color
Saturday Night Live
The Richard Pryor Show
Mr. Show w/ Bob & David
The Kids in the Hall
The State
SCTV
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Louie
The League
Arrested Development
Edgar Wright’s SPACED
The Mighty Boosh
Look Around You
The Young Ones
The Simpsons
South Park
Adult Swim
Invader Zim
MST3K

Notable Notables:

Carol Cleveland

This woman is considered by many to be the 7th Python. It’s true. She is.

Best Tit w/ MPFC: Seduced Milkmen

Eddie Izzard

Recognized as The Son of Python, Terry Gilliam once hit him in the face with food:

Editor’s Note:

If you wanna see the “Best Of” MPFC in a feature length format, check out the boys first theatrical effort: And Now for Something Completely Different (the movie plays like a remastered greatest hits compilation).