Description: The Pythons by The Pythons is a book that tells the story of the influential comedy group Monty Python and their impact on modern comedy. The book is written by the members of the group and provides insight, hindsight, and never before heard stories about the group's history and experiences. The book is lavishly illustrated with 1000 photographs and illustrations, many of which are from the group's personal collections and have never been seen before. It is considered to be the definitive word on all things Pythonesque and is considered a must-read for fans of the group. Product IdentifiersPublisherSt. Martin's PressISBN-100312311443ISBN-139780312311445eBay Product ID (ePID)2494780Product Key FeaturesBook TitlePythons : Autobiography by the PythonAuthorTerry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John CleeseFormatHardcoverLanguageEnglishFeaturesRevisedTopicEntertainment & Performing Arts, Television / Genres / ComedyPublication Year2003GenreBiography & Autobiography, Performing ArtsNumber of Pages368 PagesDimensionsItem Length12.7in.Item Height1.3in.Item Width10.2in.Item Weight94.2 OzAdditional Product FeaturesLc Classification NumberPn2599.5.T54p95 2003Edition DescriptionRevised EditionCopyright Date2003Target AudienceTradeLccn2003-047103Dewey Decimal791.45/028/092241Dewey Edition21Illustrated Yes Monty Python Crew Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, John Cleese and Michael Palin (Photo source: Movie Stills DB) Monty Python’s Flying Circus my have only run on television from 1969 through 1974 for a grand total of 45 episodes, but the influence spurred by its brand of surreal sketch comedy is immeasurable. Lorne Michaels counts the show as a major influence on Saturday Night Live and its legion of creative progeny include Sacha Baron Cohen, John Oliver, Rowan Atkinson, Seth MacFarlane, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Matt Groenig, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Author Neil Gaiman compared the Pythons as being the comedic equivalent of The Beatles. Originally shot for the BBC, the sextet of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Terry Jones, created a series of surreal situations, mixed with risqué and innuendo-laden humor, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines. Gilliam used animation as segues to break up live-action bits centered on the idiosyncrasies of British life. The intellectual bent of this very Anglified brand of comedy nonetheless attracted a devoted American following, once the episodes started getting aired on PBS in the mid-1970s. Memorable sketches included “The Dead Parrot,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “The Spanish Inquisition,” “Cheese Shop,” “The Undertaker,” “Nudge Nudge,” “Self Defense Against Fresh Fruit,” “Exploding Penguin” “The Fish-Slapping Dance,” “Spam,” “Fish License,” “The Lumberjack Song,” “The Piranha Brothers” and “Argument Clinic.” While 1971’s And Now For Something Completely Different was the Pythons’ first foray into film via this compilation of sketches from the series, it wasn’t until the show wrapped up in 1974 that the troupe decided to embark on shooting their first proper film. The sophomore follow-up, 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail was funded by investments from members of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull, was directed by Jones and Gilliam and was based on the Arthurian legend. Released in 1979, the next film was Monty Python’s Life of Brian, a lampoon of the New Testament that focused on Brian Cohen, born at the same time in a neighboring stable to Jesus. Directed solely by Jones, the movie was financed by George Harrison of The Beatles. In 1982, Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl was released as a straight-up concert film. The following year, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life was released. Its string of sketches based on the ages of man from birth to death hearkened back to the dark, disturbing and surreal humor of the original television series. With Chapman’s death in 1989, no full-on reunions of the troupe have prevented any official reunions, although members have gotten together for appearances. Among them were the five surviving Pythons and what was allegedly Chapman’s ashes receiving an AFI Star Award at the 1998 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, marking the first time they reunited on stage for the first time in 18 years. A live tour in 1999 was agreed to in principle before Michael Palin backed out. The surviving five’s last outing together was Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go, a stage show held at The O2 in London in July 2014. Having lost a legal case to Holy Grail producer Mark Forester, the members owed him $994,600 in legal fees and royalties. The idea was to have a reunion to pay off this debt. The one show was expanded to 10 shows due to ticket demand. It was their first live performance together in 34 years, the first without member Graham Chapman, who died in 1989, and to date it has been their last. The Pythons With Special Insight Monty Python’s Flying Circus (Image source: YouTube) John Cleese Cleese has written, directed and starred in a number of films, including deadpan farces such as Clocky and the Goodspeed Ladies. 0" ng-repeat="text in output.html track by $index">After graduating from Cambridge University, John Cleese got his start as a screenwriter and performer on The Frost Report. Working with writing partner Chapman, Cleese often played absurd authority figures or foreigners with outlandish accents. Cleese has written, directed, and starred in a number of films- some deadpan like Clocky and the Goodspeed Ladies while others were outrageous like Holy Grail and A Fish Called Wanda. Graham Chapman Graham Chapman was often cast as the straight man, playing authority figures like military figures, policemen, and doctors in the Python films Holy Grail and Life of Brian. Chapman also played leads in these films. He died in 1989 of tonsil cancer. Terry Gilliam The only American Python, Terry Gilliam's primary contributions were cut-out animations, including the opening title of iconic giant foot. That said, Gilliam appeared as a series of characters including The-Knight-Who-Hits-People-With-A-Chicken, Percy Bysshe Shelley in the "Michael Ellis" episode and Cardinal Fang in "The Spanish Inquisition." Terry Jones Terry Jones is a graduate of Oxford University, who is best known for being a member of the comedy group Monty Python, along with writing partner Michael Palin. He helped create the television show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and was known for his contributions to the show's unique and surreal structure. Jones was also a respected medieval historian. Michael Palin Michael Palin is a British comedian, actor, writer, and television presenter. He is best known for his work as a member of the comedy group Monty Python, and for his series of travel documentaries. He began his career working on several British television programs, including "The Ken Dodd Show," "The Frost Report," and "Do Not Adjust Your Set" before joining the Monty Python team. He often wrote with fellow Python member Terry Jones and was considered by his troupe mates as having the widest range of comedic talents. Eric Idle Eric Idle is a British comedian, actor, writer, and musician. He is best known for being a member of the comedy group Monty Python. He is considered the most musical of the troupe, having been a member of the parody rock band The Rutles, and has won a Tony Award for Best Musical for writing music and lyrics for the musical Spamalot. He also penned many popular Python songs including “Always Look On the Bright Side of Life” and “Galaxy Song.” What’s in the bonus DVD?Well there are possibly over 70 videos and four articles with more than 15 hours of content.It may or may not contain some of the following, but not necessarily. What I can say is if you enjoy Monty Python you will enjoy this compilation of hours of content that you have never seen before."Pre Monty Python: Secret Agent Man" and "Bridge Of Death" are not known references related to Monty Python or its members. "Monty Python - The Leaf" is not a known reference. "John Cleese Insults Taylor Swift's Cat Olivia - The Graham Norton Show" is not a known reference. "Deleted Monty Python Holy Grail animations audio synced" is not a known reference. "Baby Carriage" is not a known reference. "John Cleese and Eric Idle's Secrets To A Perfect Marriage" is not a known reference. "International Chinese Communist Conspiracy" is not a known reference. "Life Of Brian- 1979 Debate" is not a known reference. "Upper Class Twit of the Year" is a sketch from the Monty Python TV series "Monty Python's Flying Circus" "John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson – Beekeeping" is not a known reference. "Jabberwocky" is a poem written by Lewis Carroll, it's not related to Monty Python. "John Cleese answers audience questions with Eric Idle at Live Talks Los Angeles" is not a known reference. "Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook" is a Monty Python sketch from the TV series "Monty Python's Flying Circus" "John Cleese Says Trump Reminds Him of a Pro Wrestler" is not a known reference. I know you'll cherish this book and Rare collections of videos on DVD
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Binding: Hardcover
Product Group: Book
Weight: 5 lbs
IsTextBook: No
Book Title: Pythons : Autobiography by the Python
Item Length: 12.7in.
Item Height: 1.3in.
Item Width: 10.2in.
Author: Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John Cleese
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Features: Revised
Topic: Entertainment & Performing Arts, Television / Genres / Comedy
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Year: 2003
Genre: Biography & Autobiography, Performing Arts
Item Weight: 94.2 Oz
Number of Pages: 368 Pages