While most news about Monty Python these days tends to involve bitter financial disputes and long-simmering tensions blowing up on social media, there’s at least one recent Python-centric story that’s unquestionably heartwarming. And no, we don’t mean John Cleese’s decision to quit Twitter.
There’s currently a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to pay for a statue honoring Terry Jones, which is to be erected on the promenade in Colwyn Bay, Wales where the late Monty Python member lived until he was nearly five. Jones, of course, passed away in 2020 due to complications of a rare form of dementia, which he was diagnosed with in 2015 — although his death still hasn’t stopped him from booking acting jobs.
The GoFundMe campaign, dubbed “A Python on the Prom,” seeks to raise £120,000 for the bronze sculpture. Run by Jones’ family and the Conwy Arts Trust, the campaign was...
There’s currently a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to pay for a statue honoring Terry Jones, which is to be erected on the promenade in Colwyn Bay, Wales where the late Monty Python member lived until he was nearly five. Jones, of course, passed away in 2020 due to complications of a rare form of dementia, which he was diagnosed with in 2015 — although his death still hasn’t stopped him from booking acting jobs.
The GoFundMe campaign, dubbed “A Python on the Prom,” seeks to raise £120,000 for the bronze sculpture. Run by Jones’ family and the Conwy Arts Trust, the campaign was...
- 9/12/2024
- Cracked
Eric Idle and John Cleese’s recent social media feud garnered a lot of attention from fans, but it’s far from the first time that the two Monty Python members squabbled. As one resurfaced interview clip illustrates, their behind-the-scenes tension goes back decades, and once involved an argument over drinking urine.
One of the most infamous lost Python sketches is “Wee-Wee Wine Tasting,” which was filmed for the Season Three episode “E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease” but ultimately cut from the broadcast. As Idle recalled in the 1990 documentary Life of Python, the sketch, which he wrote with Michael Palin, found a refined gentleman visiting a wine cellar, and taking guesses as to the contents of his glass (Pouilly Fumé? Médoc?) only to be constantly informed that the wine is, in fact, “wee-wee.”
While most members of the Pythons got behind the “very silly” sketch, Cleese was vehemently opposed to it and,...
One of the most infamous lost Python sketches is “Wee-Wee Wine Tasting,” which was filmed for the Season Three episode “E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease” but ultimately cut from the broadcast. As Idle recalled in the 1990 documentary Life of Python, the sketch, which he wrote with Michael Palin, found a refined gentleman visiting a wine cellar, and taking guesses as to the contents of his glass (Pouilly Fumé? Médoc?) only to be constantly informed that the wine is, in fact, “wee-wee.”
While most members of the Pythons got behind the “very silly” sketch, Cleese was vehemently opposed to it and,...
- 8/22/2024
- Cracked
I think it's fair to say that Monty Python movies, much like the TV show from which they sprung, are all great. The absurdist brilliance of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which ran on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, saw comedians John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam rewrite the rules of comedy. Alongside regular collaborators Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth, the Monty Python troupe established themselves as true comedic geniuses, leading to a run of feature films that remain just as beloved to this day as the "Flying Circus" itself.
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
- 8/17/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Christopher Nolan cemented his status as the crown prince of IMAX with his record-breaking Oppenheimer run, but fans will have to wait a while longer to see Interstellar on the biggest screen around. But wait, you might be thinking. Wasn’t IMAX supposed to screen Interstellar in 70mm literally next month?...
- 8/7/2024
- by Emma Keates
- avclub.com
Nearly a lifetime ago, in 1975, Terry Gilliam submitted his five-minute short film “Miracle of Flight” to the Annecy Animation Festival in France.
An absurdist gem about homo sapiens’ disastrous desire to take to the skies — using the same cut-out technique made famous by the irreverent interstitials and opening credits Gilliam designed for the British sketch comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — the film screened, but won no prizes.
Suddenly, half a century later (as “Miracle of Flight” might put it), Annecy corrected the oversight by awarding Gilliam an Honorary Cristal. Turns out, it’s a much nicer trophy — considerably bigger and far easier to dust — awarded in appreciation of lifetime achievement in the field.
“Can you believe how long it has taken me to get this fucking award?” Gilliam joked in mock outrage. “I think they know I might not be around next year.” But the director of “Time Bandits,...
An absurdist gem about homo sapiens’ disastrous desire to take to the skies — using the same cut-out technique made famous by the irreverent interstitials and opening credits Gilliam designed for the British sketch comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — the film screened, but won no prizes.
Suddenly, half a century later (as “Miracle of Flight” might put it), Annecy corrected the oversight by awarding Gilliam an Honorary Cristal. Turns out, it’s a much nicer trophy — considerably bigger and far easier to dust — awarded in appreciation of lifetime achievement in the field.
“Can you believe how long it has taken me to get this fucking award?” Gilliam joked in mock outrage. “I think they know I might not be around next year.” But the director of “Time Bandits,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film TV
Stanley Kubrick's 1971 dystopian sci-fi film "A Clockwork Orange" points out that a modern British society -- so devoted to stuffy manners, politeness, and keeping evil out of sight -- won't know how to deal with legitimate sociopaths. Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) is a violent little punk who regularly leads his teen gang -- the Droogs -- into fights, into bars that serve drug-laced milk, and into the locked homes of their victims. Alex beats and assaults people without a scrap of conscience, and sees the world as something to consume, use up, and have sex with. Kubrick toys with the audience a little, presenting Alex as charismatic and funny, even though he's a monster.
When Alex is finally apprehended for his many crimes, the juvenile delinquent is thrown into prison and subjected to a new kind of rehabilitation technique ... involving movies. Alex has his eyes clamped open and he...
When Alex is finally apprehended for his many crimes, the juvenile delinquent is thrown into prison and subjected to a new kind of rehabilitation technique ... involving movies. Alex has his eyes clamped open and he...
- 5/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
After fifty years, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is still rightfully hailed by many as one of the all-time greatest comedies, and for a seemingly countless number of reasons: King Arthur’s “horse”, the corpse collector, the Black Knight, the outlandish animations, the rude French knights, an enchanter named Tim, the Knights who say “Ni” a killer rabbit, the Holy Hand Grenade, and so and so on.
But while the end result is historically hilarious, the filmmaking process itself was often pure misery for most involved. Get ready to storm the castle and find out Wtf Happened to this Movie!
During the 1960s, British comedy writers and performers Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin had variously collaborated and found degrees of success before uniting in 1969 to form the group known as Monty Python. This alliance resulted in the BBC sketch comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus,...
But while the end result is historically hilarious, the filmmaking process itself was often pure misery for most involved. Get ready to storm the castle and find out Wtf Happened to this Movie!
During the 1960s, British comedy writers and performers Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin had variously collaborated and found degrees of success before uniting in 1969 to form the group known as Monty Python. This alliance resulted in the BBC sketch comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Dave Davis
- JoBlo.com
Eric Idle has set the record straight for anyone who thought he had a cushy life from his earnings as a member of Monty Python, saying that he still has to work for a living.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
- 2/12/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
“Monty Python” alum Eric Idle addressed an apparent fan misconception on Friday: that he and the rest of the legendary British comedy troupe’s members aren’t swimming in cash from their productions. As he put it, “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.” Idle is 80 years old.
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
- 2/11/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Celebrating its 48th-and-a-bit anniversary, Monty Python And The Holy Grail is coming back to cinemas for a limited time only.
Forget your usual sing-along screenings of your favourite musical. You can go to a quote-along screening of Monty Python And The Holy Grail this February.
It’s been 48 (and a half) years since the iconic comedy premiered in cinemas. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Monthly Python And The Holy Grail marked the directorial debuts of Gilliam and Jones.
To mark the anniversary, the film is making a comeback in cinemas, but there will also be special quote-along screenings. They will give you an opportunity to shout out lines like “She’s a witch!” and “I fart in your general direction” at the screen.
Tickets for these are already on sale and you can purchase them here.
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian...
Forget your usual sing-along screenings of your favourite musical. You can go to a quote-along screening of Monty Python And The Holy Grail this February.
It’s been 48 (and a half) years since the iconic comedy premiered in cinemas. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Monthly Python And The Holy Grail marked the directorial debuts of Gilliam and Jones.
To mark the anniversary, the film is making a comeback in cinemas, but there will also be special quote-along screenings. They will give you an opportunity to shout out lines like “She’s a witch!” and “I fart in your general direction” at the screen.
Tickets for these are already on sale and you can purchase them here.
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian...
- 1/31/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
The current generation will likely know John Cleese for his Tweets and his Gb News project "The Dinosaur Hour," which recently saw him trading witticisms with Stephen Fry in a 12th-century castle for some reason. Which is a shame because at one time he was pretty much unanimously viewed as a British national treasure and comedy great. So much so that when he dropped in on the "Cheers" crowd back in the '80s, he basically caused the whole show to buckle under the weight of his reputation, at least until the writers managed to compose themselves enough to get his episode back on track.
Appearing in the season 5 installment "Simon Says," Cleese played Dr. Simon Finch-Royce, a renowned marriage counselor and friend of Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane, who at one time attended Oxford with the distinguished doctor. Presumably, in the "Cheers"-verse, Finch-Royce was also a friend of Alan Cornwall,...
Appearing in the season 5 installment "Simon Says," Cleese played Dr. Simon Finch-Royce, a renowned marriage counselor and friend of Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane, who at one time attended Oxford with the distinguished doctor. Presumably, in the "Cheers"-verse, Finch-Royce was also a friend of Alan Cornwall,...
- 1/1/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
John Cleese is best known as a member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python. Let’s look back at the Oscar-nominated funnyman and his 12 greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1939 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, Cleese rose to prominence thanks to the British sketch series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969-1974. The troupe — which also included Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin — revolutionized comedy with their surreal, experimental sketches, the best of which were assembled into the film “And Now for Something Completely Different” (1971). This led to other cinematic outings, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983).
Cleese achieved big screen success of his own with “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988), which he wrote and starred in as an uptight English barrister who becomes entangled in an elaborate...
Born in 1939 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, Cleese rose to prominence thanks to the British sketch series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969-1974. The troupe — which also included Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin — revolutionized comedy with their surreal, experimental sketches, the best of which were assembled into the film “And Now for Something Completely Different” (1971). This led to other cinematic outings, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983).
Cleese achieved big screen success of his own with “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988), which he wrote and starred in as an uptight English barrister who becomes entangled in an elaborate...
- 10/21/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It's nothing short of a miracle that anything nearly as weird as "Monty Python's Flying Circus" became a pop culture phenomenon. In the BBC television series that ran from 1969 to 1974, comedians Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, along with animator Terry Gilliam and frequent co-stars Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth, obliterated all sense of sanity on the airwaves.
Their sketch comedy show — which had neither circuses, pythons, nor a character named "Monty" — crafted off-the-wall sketches about every strange thing they could think of. Silly walks, Hungarian phrase books, and how not to be seen were just the tip of the very absurd iceberg, and the comedy troupe's absolute dedication to defying convention remains, to this day, a gold standard to which any comedian can aspire.
Monty Python didn't stay on the airwaves forever. The troupe created four feature films together over the course of twelve years,...
Their sketch comedy show — which had neither circuses, pythons, nor a character named "Monty" — crafted off-the-wall sketches about every strange thing they could think of. Silly walks, Hungarian phrase books, and how not to be seen were just the tip of the very absurd iceberg, and the comedy troupe's absolute dedication to defying convention remains, to this day, a gold standard to which any comedian can aspire.
Monty Python didn't stay on the airwaves forever. The troupe created four feature films together over the course of twelve years,...
- 8/30/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
One of the most acclaimed comedy series of all time is returning to TV more than four decades later. “Fawlty Towers,” the beloved British sitcom starring John Cleese, is getting a revival, with the “Monty Python” star set to return.
The show is being developed at Castle Rock Entertainment, with Matthew George, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, and Derrick Rossi executive producing for the studio. Cleese will write and star in the revival with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
“What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really ‘gets’ the creative process,” Cleese said in a statement announcing the project. “When we first met, he offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember. By dessert we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner.
The show is being developed at Castle Rock Entertainment, with Matthew George, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, and Derrick Rossi executive producing for the studio. Cleese will write and star in the revival with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
“What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really ‘gets’ the creative process,” Cleese said in a statement announcing the project. “When we first met, he offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember. By dessert we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner.
- 2/7/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
It's an old adage that comedy doesn't travel well, but some shows definitely fare better than others. As a Brit, I've met many Americans with a creepy zeal for quoting sketches from "Monty Python's Flying Circus" at me. "Red Dwarf" is hugely popular where I live in the Czech Republic. And the bawdy BBC sitcom "'Allo! 'Allo!" sold to 56 countries -- the cast was reportedly greeted "like the Beatles" during a visit to Bulgaria. I once had the pleasure of dining at a pizza restaurant in the Serbian capital of Belgrade called 'Allo! 'Allo! where all the pies were named after the characters.
But one British sitcom that doesn't seem to travel well is also one of our most enduringly popular, "Only Fools and Horses." The show follows the fortunes of the Trotter family, headed by a dodgy wheeler-dealer whose dubious get-rich-quick schemes always go disastrously wrong. It aired from...
But one British sitcom that doesn't seem to travel well is also one of our most enduringly popular, "Only Fools and Horses." The show follows the fortunes of the Trotter family, headed by a dodgy wheeler-dealer whose dubious get-rich-quick schemes always go disastrously wrong. It aired from...
- 1/19/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
British comedy. For years, it has amused and sometimes bemused audiences with its often dry and frequently out-there humor that's either understood and swiftly adored or ditched quicker than a dead parrot. That said, it's certainly had (and continues to have) a huge impact on the shape and overall direction of modern comedy. From the surrealist gags of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" to the painfully awkward realism of "The Office," British comedy series have helped pave the way towards what we now consider the stuff that tickles our funny bones best.
That said, for every David Brent, there are countless other characters -- and their accompanying shows -- that fly under the radar and go criminally unnoticed by international eyes. While British broadcasting may only feature five primary terrestrial channels, its output is large, varied, and colorfully eclectic, with a number of series deserving of far more praise than one nation alone can offer.
That said, for every David Brent, there are countless other characters -- and their accompanying shows -- that fly under the radar and go criminally unnoticed by international eyes. While British broadcasting may only feature five primary terrestrial channels, its output is large, varied, and colorfully eclectic, with a number of series deserving of far more praise than one nation alone can offer.
- 1/12/2023
- by Simon Bland
- Slash Film
In space, no one can hear you grumble about your s****y job. The title sequence for "Red Dwarf" opens with a guy in a grubby spacesuit, miserably daubing paint on the exterior of the eponymous mining vessel. When the camera pulls back we can see why he's unhappy; he is working on the "F" of the ship's name which must be about 80 feet high.
It could be a scene from "Dark Star" or "Alien," two movies that showed us that space travel will be pretty boring and arduous for the regular Joes who keep the lights on during long hauls between the stars. Those films provided inspiration for "Red Dwarf" writers Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, who set their cult British show on a spaceship three million years in the future. Only one of its characters is a living human, but that doesn't stop them from following the classic...
It could be a scene from "Dark Star" or "Alien," two movies that showed us that space travel will be pretty boring and arduous for the regular Joes who keep the lights on during long hauls between the stars. Those films provided inspiration for "Red Dwarf" writers Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, who set their cult British show on a spaceship three million years in the future. Only one of its characters is a living human, but that doesn't stop them from following the classic...
- 1/11/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Of all genres, comedy runs the risk of aging the fastest. In some cases, this can be due to the use of offensive jokes in old works that fly in the face of modern audiences' sensibilities. In others, it's simply because joke structures that were innovative and surprising to audiences at one point have become trite and overused. Because of comedy's inherently short shelf life, it's one of the most difficult genres to create a timeless classic within. That's why the few movies that have seemingly accomplished this, movies like "Airplane!" and "Blazing Saddles," are such impressive works of art, as they manage to hold up even against the ravages of time.
In some cases, even the creators of these movies are surprised by how much staying power they have. This is the case for John Cleese, one of the co-founders of the legendary Monty Python sketch group. While Monty...
In some cases, even the creators of these movies are surprised by how much staying power they have. This is the case for John Cleese, one of the co-founders of the legendary Monty Python sketch group. While Monty...
- 12/5/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
The writing of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" was largely handled in teams. John Cleese and Graham Chapman would write sketches together, and their output tended to be more linguistic and cerebral; Cleese and Chapman were responsible for the Cheese Shop sketch, for instance, or the Argument Clinic. Michael Palin and Terry Jones were a team, and their sketches tilted toward whimsical absurdity; the pair wrote the Spam sketch and the Dead Parrot sketch. Eric Idle wrote sketches on his own, and his tended to be cheeky, as when he wrote the "Wink wink, nudge nudge" sketch. He also wrote the show's songs. Terry Gilliam lived off to the side working on the "Flying Circus" animations.
As stated in any number of retrospectives, the team would then unite to pitch and/or read sketches. Together, they would hone the jokes, make them as funny as possible, and agree as to who would play which parts.
As stated in any number of retrospectives, the team would then unite to pitch and/or read sketches. Together, they would hone the jokes, make them as funny as possible, and agree as to who would play which parts.
- 12/2/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Tim Beddows, Managing Director of the UK-based Network Distributing Limited, has died. He was 59.
Beddows died on Friday, November 18. Network Distributing confirmed the news to Deadline in a statement, describing Beddows’s death as a “terrible shock to everyone who knew him both personally and professionally.”
“The Network team are devastated but committed to continuing his legacy and building upon Network’s position of strength as a leader in the UK home entertainment market,” the statement read.
Beddows founded Network in 1997. The UK-based company now acts as an independent UK publishing, distribution, production, and entertainment group.
The company is most known for its work restoration work. Some of the company’s biggest re-releases include The Sweeney, The Professionals, The Woman in Black, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Prisoner, and Gerry Anderson’s Supermarionation library.
In 2021, Network acquired a number of libraries, including Rapido TV, the Danziger film and TV catalog,...
Beddows died on Friday, November 18. Network Distributing confirmed the news to Deadline in a statement, describing Beddows’s death as a “terrible shock to everyone who knew him both personally and professionally.”
“The Network team are devastated but committed to continuing his legacy and building upon Network’s position of strength as a leader in the UK home entertainment market,” the statement read.
Beddows founded Network in 1997. The UK-based company now acts as an independent UK publishing, distribution, production, and entertainment group.
The company is most known for its work restoration work. Some of the company’s biggest re-releases include The Sweeney, The Professionals, The Woman in Black, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Prisoner, and Gerry Anderson’s Supermarionation library.
In 2021, Network acquired a number of libraries, including Rapido TV, the Danziger film and TV catalog,...
- 11/25/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film TV
Five Oxbridge "superior beings" and one American "barbarian at the gates," to use Terry Gilliam's own words; that was the lineup for "Monty Python's Flying Circus," the comedy troupe that took irreverent aim at the social and class boundaries of stuffy British society and, in their anarchic way, the very format of comedy itself.
For his part, Gilliam was the often-overlooked member of the gang, not only an outsider by nationality and class but also due to his role within the Pythons. As the animator, he worked alone and made far fewer appearances in their sketches, often taking on gurning grotesques that the others didn't really want to play. As a result, he never really had a defining screen persona. While we remember John Cleese and Michael Palin from the Dead Parrot sketch or the Ministry of Silly Walks, and Eric Idle as the insinuating spiv in the Nudge-Nudge routine,...
For his part, Gilliam was the often-overlooked member of the gang, not only an outsider by nationality and class but also due to his role within the Pythons. As the animator, he worked alone and made far fewer appearances in their sketches, often taking on gurning grotesques that the others didn't really want to play. As a result, he never really had a defining screen persona. While we remember John Cleese and Michael Palin from the Dead Parrot sketch or the Ministry of Silly Walks, and Eric Idle as the insinuating spiv in the Nudge-Nudge routine,...
- 11/14/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Comedy star John Cleese is returning to British TV by making a show for right-leaning channel Gb News.
The Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star, who campaigns against “wokeism” and “cancel culture,” will become a presenter on the network, which launched in the UK last year with an ethos to present an alternative to rivals by focusing partly on culture wars content.
Cleese will debut on the channel next year, working alongside satirist Andrew Doyle on the currently unnamed program. Together they will encourage “proper argument,” said Cleese.
Doyle already presents Free Speech Nation on the channel, which boasts a presenting line-up that includes Dan Wootton but has rarely rated in a meaningful way in the UK.
Cleese appeared on BBC radio program Today this morning to talk about the show. Somewhat ironically, he claimed he would not have been approached by the BBC to make the same program and...
The Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star, who campaigns against “wokeism” and “cancel culture,” will become a presenter on the network, which launched in the UK last year with an ethos to present an alternative to rivals by focusing partly on culture wars content.
Cleese will debut on the channel next year, working alongside satirist Andrew Doyle on the currently unnamed program. Together they will encourage “proper argument,” said Cleese.
Doyle already presents Free Speech Nation on the channel, which boasts a presenting line-up that includes Dan Wootton but has rarely rated in a meaningful way in the UK.
Cleese appeared on BBC radio program Today this morning to talk about the show. Somewhat ironically, he claimed he would not have been approached by the BBC to make the same program and...
- 10/10/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film TV
When the seminal British TV program "Monty Python's Flying Circus" was still on the air (1969 - 1974), it wasn't yet reaching a massive international audience. To facilitate the show's spread, a feature film consisting of re-staged sketches from the show's first two seasons -- called "And Now for Something Completely Different" -- was released in England in 1971. That film is certainly funny, although it lacks the comedic magic of the TV show.
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" was put into production after "Flying Circus" went off the air. The special features for the film's 2001 DVD release featured vintage footage of late cast member Graham Chapman explaining that the troupe had been working on a script -- pointedly absurd, natch -- that was set partially in the Middle Ages and partially in the present day. After some discussion, the Pythons came up with the King Arthur/Holy Grail angle, knowing that...
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" was put into production after "Flying Circus" went off the air. The special features for the film's 2001 DVD release featured vintage footage of late cast member Graham Chapman explaining that the troupe had been working on a script -- pointedly absurd, natch -- that was set partially in the Middle Ages and partially in the present day. After some discussion, the Pythons came up with the King Arthur/Holy Grail angle, knowing that...
- 8/21/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The U.S. version of "The Office" came along at a key point in the history of reality TV. At the end of the 20th century, the format had only recently been the target of ridicule and satire in the movies like "The Truman Show" and "EDtv." However, by the time "The Office" premiered in 2005, reality series like "Big Brother" and "Survivor" had come to dominate the airwaves. So rather than trying to fight the tide, "The Office" creator Greg Daniels embraced it, even going so far as to seek out a director of photography with personal experience in this newfangled form of entertainment.
Like the original British sitcom created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the U.S. version of "The Office" is a mockumentary series about the daily lives of the employees at a fictional paper company in Scranton Pennsylvania called Dunder Mifflin. Mockumentary TV was, of course,...
Like the original British sitcom created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the U.S. version of "The Office" is a mockumentary series about the daily lives of the employees at a fictional paper company in Scranton Pennsylvania called Dunder Mifflin. Mockumentary TV was, of course,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Monty Python” legend John Cleese has defended J.K. Rowling amid transphobic tweets, slammed the new “woke rules” for laughs, and now is calling out film studios for producing uncreative comedies.
During the FreedomFest conference in Las Vegas (via New York Post), Cleese told Fox News Digital that comedians do not have the freedom to be funny in 2022.
“There’s always been limitations on what they’re allowed to say,” Cleese said. “I think it’s particularly worrying at the moment because you can only create in an atmosphere of freedom, where you’re not checking everything you say critically before you move on. What you have to be able to do is to build without knowing where you’re going because you’ve never been there before. That’s what creativity is — you have to be allowed to build. And a lot of comedians now are sitting there and when they think of something,...
During the FreedomFest conference in Las Vegas (via New York Post), Cleese told Fox News Digital that comedians do not have the freedom to be funny in 2022.
“There’s always been limitations on what they’re allowed to say,” Cleese said. “I think it’s particularly worrying at the moment because you can only create in an atmosphere of freedom, where you’re not checking everything you say critically before you move on. What you have to be able to do is to build without knowing where you’re going because you’ve never been there before. That’s what creativity is — you have to be allowed to build. And a lot of comedians now are sitting there and when they think of something,...
- 7/22/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Prior to "Monty Python's Flying Circus," its individual members were scattered across multiple developing satire TV shows, all notable in their own rights. John Cleese and Graham Chapman were two of the many writers on 1962's "That Was the Week that Was," and appeared on screen together on "At Last, the 1948 Show" in 1967. Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Eric Idle, meanwhile, had appeared on the very silly program "Do Not Adjust Your Set," also in 1967. The American cartoonist Terry Gilliam, meanwhile, moved from drawing comics for the magazine "Help!" (founded by Mad Magazine luminary Harvey Kurtzman), to doing animations for "Do...
The post Terry Gilliam's Monty Python Frustrations Found An Outlet In Holy Grail appeared first on /Film.
The post Terry Gilliam's Monty Python Frustrations Found An Outlet In Holy Grail appeared first on /Film.
- 6/21/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Though an enormous number of beloved, bygone TV shows have been revived for the streaming era, there isn’t a whole lot of precedent for this kind of revival in the area of sketch comedy. It makes sense: There are fewer hit sketch comedy shows than straight sitcoms or dramas, and many of the most famous lineups would now be incomplete (like “Sctv” or “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”), or have featured too many incarnations to reunite properly (like the many casts of “Saturday Night Live”).
There’s also the matter of how sketch comedy is often fueled by youthful vitality. “The Carol Burnett Show,” for example, was a huge 11-season hit in the ’60s and ’70s, but a 1991 revival quickly floundered despite arriving just 13 years after its original finale—about the same amount of time that’s elapsed since Canadian comedy troupe the Kids in the Hall last appeared on television.
There’s also the matter of how sketch comedy is often fueled by youthful vitality. “The Carol Burnett Show,” for example, was a huge 11-season hit in the ’60s and ’70s, but a 1991 revival quickly floundered despite arriving just 13 years after its original finale—about the same amount of time that’s elapsed since Canadian comedy troupe the Kids in the Hall last appeared on television.
- 5/11/2022
- by Jesse Hassenger
- The Wrap
"Saturday Night Live" is commonly viewed as the pinnacle of sketch comedy on television, even if fans of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" might have something to say about that. Created by Lorne Michaels, the live, late-night sketch series has endured for nearly 50 years since premiering in 1975, with the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" ushering in a new era of comedy. But Lorne Michaels also made waves with another band of comic misfits imported from Canada, and they stepped into the comedy gaps that "SNL" left unfulfilled. They're called The Kids in the Hall, and while "SNL" caught...
The post Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks Review: A Celebration of Canada's Finest Alternative Sketch Comedians [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
The post Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks Review: A Celebration of Canada's Finest Alternative Sketch Comedians [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
- 3/18/2022
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
A relentless demonic force leads to a controversial exorcism in Leroy Kincaide’s The Last Rite, and with the film now in theaters and on VOD and Digital from Samuel Goldwyn Films, we've been provided with an exclusive clip to share with Daily Dead readers!
Below, you can check out our exclusive clip from The Last Rite, and we also have the official press release with additional details on the film:
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to Leroy Kincaide’s The Last Rite. The film stars Bethan Waller (Red Bird), Johnny Fleming (Soho), Kit Smith (Echoes), Tara Hoyos – Martinez (Trust), Ian Macnaughton (Monty Python’s Flying Circus), David Kerr (The Crown), Deborah Blake (Billionaire Boy).
Lucy, a study from home medical student and sleep paralysis victim, moves in with her boyfriend and finds out all is not as it seems,...
Below, you can check out our exclusive clip from The Last Rite, and we also have the official press release with additional details on the film:
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to Leroy Kincaide’s The Last Rite. The film stars Bethan Waller (Red Bird), Johnny Fleming (Soho), Kit Smith (Echoes), Tara Hoyos – Martinez (Trust), Ian Macnaughton (Monty Python’s Flying Circus), David Kerr (The Crown), Deborah Blake (Billionaire Boy).
Lucy, a study from home medical student and sleep paralysis victim, moves in with her boyfriend and finds out all is not as it seems,...
- 12/10/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The U.K.’s Network Distributing has sealed a deal with iconic British horror label Hammer Films to form Hammer Studios Ltd.
Network’s managing director Tim Beddows and financial director Jonathan Lack and Hammer CEO Simon Oakes will head the new company.
The new entity will manage and control Hammer’s interests in its vast library of content such as “The Woman in Black” (2012), “Let Me In” (2010), “Dracula” (1958), “The Abominable Snowman” (1957) and “The Quatermass Experiment” (1953). Hammer Studios will invest substantially both in restoration and new production development from both its owned and newly created IP.
The restoration plans are in keeping with Network’s ethos, as it is a well-known brand for film aficionados, mining the vaults of TV companies and film studios since 1997, unearthing cult programs and films and making them available on home video and digital formats.
Network’s restoration of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “The Prisoner...
Network’s managing director Tim Beddows and financial director Jonathan Lack and Hammer CEO Simon Oakes will head the new company.
The new entity will manage and control Hammer’s interests in its vast library of content such as “The Woman in Black” (2012), “Let Me In” (2010), “Dracula” (1958), “The Abominable Snowman” (1957) and “The Quatermass Experiment” (1953). Hammer Studios will invest substantially both in restoration and new production development from both its owned and newly created IP.
The restoration plans are in keeping with Network’s ethos, as it is a well-known brand for film aficionados, mining the vaults of TV companies and film studios since 1997, unearthing cult programs and films and making them available on home video and digital formats.
Network’s restoration of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “The Prisoner...
- 11/23/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film TV
The Last Rite is releasing on November 26th from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Inspired by true events, this film premiered at Arrow Video FrightFest 2021 and is the is the directorial debut of wrester/actor Leroy Kincaide. Here’s the trailer:
Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to Leroy Kincaide’s The Last Rite. The film stars Bethan Waller (Red Bird), Johnny Fleming (Soho), Kit Smith (Echoes), Tara Hoyos – Martinez (Trust), Ian Macnaughton (Monty Python’s Flying Circus), David Kerr (The Crown), Deborah Blake (Billionaire Boy).
Lucy, a study from home medical student and sleep paralysis victim, moves in with her boyfriend and finds out all is not as it seems, when she falls prey to a demonic force hell bent on ripping her apart from within. Torn between sanity and the unknown, Lucy is left with no alternative but to contact a local priest, Father Roberts for help.
Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to Leroy Kincaide’s The Last Rite. The film stars Bethan Waller (Red Bird), Johnny Fleming (Soho), Kit Smith (Echoes), Tara Hoyos – Martinez (Trust), Ian Macnaughton (Monty Python’s Flying Circus), David Kerr (The Crown), Deborah Blake (Billionaire Boy).
Lucy, a study from home medical student and sleep paralysis victim, moves in with her boyfriend and finds out all is not as it seems, when she falls prey to a demonic force hell bent on ripping her apart from within. Torn between sanity and the unknown, Lucy is left with no alternative but to contact a local priest, Father Roberts for help.
- 10/7/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The one thing you can say on behalf of In the Earth is that it is almost certainly the first dramatic feature film to emerge from the Covid era that is explicitly about the worldwide plague that has sidelined and fractured international filmmaking—not to mention the world at large–as we’ve always known it. Aside from that, British horror-and-mayhem specialist Ben Wheatley’s little quickie is a tedious walk in the woods, a ho-hum affair featuring dull characters and a succession of unpleasant injuries. Imagination and surprise are in short supply. Neon is handling U.S. distribution after the film’s Sundance bow Sunday evening in the festival’s Premieres section.
Shot over 15 days last August in a forest between London and Oxford, this evident low-budgeter represents Wheatley on a down-and-dirty rebound after his fancy and thoroughly pointless Rebecca remake starring Lily James and Armie Hammer. But as...
Shot over 15 days last August in a forest between London and Oxford, this evident low-budgeter represents Wheatley on a down-and-dirty rebound after his fancy and thoroughly pointless Rebecca remake starring Lily James and Armie Hammer. But as...
- 1/30/2021
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film TV
Warning: this A Discovery of Witches review contains spoilers
For a show about vampires, A Discovery of Witches is relatively light on blood and gore. Its undead creatures are civilised types, more likely to be found sipping a 1982 Latour than fang-deep in a carotid artery.
That all changed this week, as season two took a 21st century detour with a police thriller slant. A mystery vamp has been going to town on warm-bloods, and, hope Domenico and Gerbert, it could spell the end for the de Clermont dynasty.
It made a refreshing change to spend time in the here and now instead of the there and then. Modern clothes, modern speech, a modern-day hook up between a couple of hot young things… well, one hot young thing and one cold old thing doing a remarkable impression.
Marcus and Phoebe’s flirtation injected a vibe missing from this show since Matthew...
For a show about vampires, A Discovery of Witches is relatively light on blood and gore. Its undead creatures are civilised types, more likely to be found sipping a 1982 Latour than fang-deep in a carotid artery.
That all changed this week, as season two took a 21st century detour with a police thriller slant. A mystery vamp has been going to town on warm-bloods, and, hope Domenico and Gerbert, it could spell the end for the de Clermont dynasty.
It made a refreshing change to spend time in the here and now instead of the there and then. Modern clothes, modern speech, a modern-day hook up between a couple of hot young things… well, one hot young thing and one cold old thing doing a remarkable impression.
Marcus and Phoebe’s flirtation injected a vibe missing from this show since Matthew...
- 1/29/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
This The Watch review contains spoilers.
The Watch Episode 5
After a funny, enjoyable episode 4, in which The Watch finally got the upper hand, episode 5 shows Captain Sam Vimes taking the decision of whether or not anyone should be able to control the dragon plaguing the city into his own hands. After lying to the other members of the Watch, he takes Wayne the talking sword off to a lake where Unseen University disposes of dangerous magical artifacts, fully intent on destroying the sword himself and keeping the rest of his team from sharing the blame. Acting Captain Angua sends Cheery and Lady Sybil Ramkin following after while she and Carrot debate the morality of destroying a sentient sword—and investigate a Thieves Guild robbery that didn’t happen on schedule.
Meanwhile, Carcer has enlisted the Thieves Guild—which, he reveals, is responsible for the death of his father—to steal...
The Watch Episode 5
After a funny, enjoyable episode 4, in which The Watch finally got the upper hand, episode 5 shows Captain Sam Vimes taking the decision of whether or not anyone should be able to control the dragon plaguing the city into his own hands. After lying to the other members of the Watch, he takes Wayne the talking sword off to a lake where Unseen University disposes of dangerous magical artifacts, fully intent on destroying the sword himself and keeping the rest of his team from sharing the blame. Acting Captain Angua sends Cheery and Lady Sybil Ramkin following after while she and Carrot debate the morality of destroying a sentient sword—and investigate a Thieves Guild robbery that didn’t happen on schedule.
Meanwhile, Carcer has enlisted the Thieves Guild—which, he reveals, is responsible for the death of his father—to steal...
- 1/25/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Paramount Pictures has acquired the upcoming film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Spamalot” from Fox, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
Eric Idle, who penned the music and lyrics for the original musical, wrote the screenplay. Broadway veteran Casey Nicholaw, who choreographed the musical, is set to direct the film adaptation. Dan Jinks is producing the project with Idle. Executives Jon Gonda and Mike Ireland are overseeing the project for Paramount.
The “Spamalot” film adaptation was previously set up at Fox, but was set aside when Disney acquired Fox in 2019.
The 2005 Broadway musical “Spamalot” was adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a comedic parody of the King Arthur quest.
The late Mike Nichols directed the original Broadway production, which went on to receive 14 Tony Award nominations and won in three categories, including Best Musical. “Spamalot” became a commercial success and grossed more than $175 million.
Eric Idle, who penned the music and lyrics for the original musical, wrote the screenplay. Broadway veteran Casey Nicholaw, who choreographed the musical, is set to direct the film adaptation. Dan Jinks is producing the project with Idle. Executives Jon Gonda and Mike Ireland are overseeing the project for Paramount.
The “Spamalot” film adaptation was previously set up at Fox, but was set aside when Disney acquired Fox in 2019.
The 2005 Broadway musical “Spamalot” was adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a comedic parody of the King Arthur quest.
The late Mike Nichols directed the original Broadway production, which went on to receive 14 Tony Award nominations and won in three categories, including Best Musical. “Spamalot” became a commercial success and grossed more than $175 million.
- 1/6/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Heroes: Cleese, Gilliam, Idle, Jones, Palin and The Meaning Of Monty Python (2013); plus Thoughts On Alex Winter’S Zappa (2020)
As reunions of great collaborators go, it must be one of the least hyperbolic in pop culture history. In 2013, the five surviving members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus—John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin—gathered together in a little flat in London’s Sloane Square, near Knightsbride and Chelsea, for a one-hour sit-down discussion for British television, and they got an unassuming, hour-long documentary out of the process. The Meaning of Monty Python, now available streaming on Netflix, is the Monty Python reunion true fans will have hoped for, recognizing that the time is past for on-stage recreations of the comedic trailblazers’ favorite and/or most famous bits and instead opening up an avenue for the five men to spend ostensibly relaxed time together, reminiscing,...
As reunions of great collaborators go, it must be one of the least hyperbolic in pop culture history. In 2013, the five surviving members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus—John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin—gathered together in a little flat in London’s Sloane Square, near Knightsbride and Chelsea, for a one-hour sit-down discussion for British television, and they got an unassuming, hour-long documentary out of the process. The Meaning of Monty Python, now available streaming on Netflix, is the Monty Python reunion true fans will have hoped for, recognizing that the time is past for on-stage recreations of the comedic trailblazers’ favorite and/or most famous bits and instead opening up an avenue for the five men to spend ostensibly relaxed time together, reminiscing,...
- 11/29/2020
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Brazil’s controversial hit comedy troupe Porta dos Fundos is gearing up to release its annual Christmas Special, “The Edge of Theocracy,” on Dec. 10. A play on Petra Costa’s Oscar-nominated documentary, “The Edge of Democracy,” a trailer released Nov. 20 on its dedicated YouTube channel lured more than 300,000 views in three days.
Porta dos Fundos’ Christmas specials are renowned for their ironic, some would argue profane, take on the life of Christ.
Taking its cue from Costa’s “The Edge of Democracy,’ which points to Brazil’s spiral into far-right politics as a cautionary tale to the world, “The Edge of Theocracy” satirizes Brazil’s political scene and delivers tart comments on global issues, such as polarization, through the prism of Biblical events thousands of years ago. A delighted Costa gave her blessing and makes a brief appearance as herself in the show.
Shot in less than a week, the...
Porta dos Fundos’ Christmas specials are renowned for their ironic, some would argue profane, take on the life of Christ.
Taking its cue from Costa’s “The Edge of Democracy,’ which points to Brazil’s spiral into far-right politics as a cautionary tale to the world, “The Edge of Theocracy” satirizes Brazil’s political scene and delivers tart comments on global issues, such as polarization, through the prism of Biblical events thousands of years ago. A delighted Costa gave her blessing and makes a brief appearance as herself in the show.
Shot in less than a week, the...
- 11/26/2020
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film TV
John Belushi’s kinetic energy and skill at physical comedy made him a larger than life performer during his short run as a superstar on “Saturday Night Live” and in movies such as 1978’s “Animal House” and 1980’s “The Blues Brothers.”
But Belushi’s work off-camera as a writer and director, from his earliest days in the Second City improv troupe, was considerable. As the life of the comedian — who died of a drug overdose at age 33 in 1982 — is re-examined in the R.J. Cutler documentary “Belushi,” which premieres Nov. 22 on Showtime, here are highlights of Belushi’s story as chronicled by Variety.
The first reference to John Belushi came in the Nov. 17, 1971, edition of weekly Variety. He was singled out for praise in a generally positive review of the “Cum Granis Salis” show staged by Chicago’s legendary Second City. That famed ensemble would later contribute major players to the original “Saturday Night Live” cast,...
But Belushi’s work off-camera as a writer and director, from his earliest days in the Second City improv troupe, was considerable. As the life of the comedian — who died of a drug overdose at age 33 in 1982 — is re-examined in the R.J. Cutler documentary “Belushi,” which premieres Nov. 22 on Showtime, here are highlights of Belushi’s story as chronicled by Variety.
The first reference to John Belushi came in the Nov. 17, 1971, edition of weekly Variety. He was singled out for praise in a generally positive review of the “Cum Granis Salis” show staged by Chicago’s legendary Second City. That famed ensemble would later contribute major players to the original “Saturday Night Live” cast,...
- 11/22/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film TV
“Monty Python” actor John Cleese is being accused of transphobia following a series of tweets in which he defended “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling.
In June, Rowling made headlines for stating that she believes one’s biological sex is their “real sex” and criticizing transgender people for “erasing the concept of sex.” In September, Cleese signed a letter showing his solidarity with Rowling.
On Sunday morning, a Twitter user asked Cleese about his stance on Rowling’s views. Cleese wrote: “I’m afraid I’m not that interested in trans folks. I just hope they’re happy and that people treat them kindly. Right now I’m more focussed [sic] on threats to democracy in America, the rampant corruption in the UK, the appalling British press, the revelations about police brutality…”
I'm afraid I'm not that interested in trans folks
I just hope they're happy and that people treat them kindly...
In June, Rowling made headlines for stating that she believes one’s biological sex is their “real sex” and criticizing transgender people for “erasing the concept of sex.” In September, Cleese signed a letter showing his solidarity with Rowling.
On Sunday morning, a Twitter user asked Cleese about his stance on Rowling’s views. Cleese wrote: “I’m afraid I’m not that interested in trans folks. I just hope they’re happy and that people treat them kindly. Right now I’m more focussed [sic] on threats to democracy in America, the rampant corruption in the UK, the appalling British press, the revelations about police brutality…”
I'm afraid I'm not that interested in trans folks
I just hope they're happy and that people treat them kindly...
- 11/22/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film TV
John Cleese, famous for his outrageous turns in the “Monty Python” series and films, is now outraging trans advocates and users on Twitter after sending out a flurry of tweets over the weekend questioning trans rights, and defending “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling. Cleese remains under fire for signing a letter earlier this year in support of Rowling, whose controversial views about the trans community are well known, and which she has continued to defend in spite of backlash. Rowling has been in the crosshairs all year for her antagonistic stance.
“Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman. Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic?” the 81-year-old Cleese tweeted in response to one user who asked him, “Why the fuck can’t you just let people be who they want to be? Do you actually think there is some deep conspiracy to turn people ‘against their...
“Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman. Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic?” the 81-year-old Cleese tweeted in response to one user who asked him, “Why the fuck can’t you just let people be who they want to be? Do you actually think there is some deep conspiracy to turn people ‘against their...
- 11/22/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
John Cleese, famous for outraging millions in his Monty Python roles, is at it again. In a tweetstorm Sunday, the 81-year-old comedian defended J.K. Rowling and questioned aspects of transgender rights.
“Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman. Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic?” Cleese tweeted in response to someone who asked why he couldn’t “just let people be who they want to be.”
He added later, “I’m afraid I’m not that interested in trans folks.”
Cleese earlier signed a letter of support for “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who has similarly questioned the Twitter orthodoxy on transgender people.
Cleese wouldn’t back down, despite the firestorm of replies. “When a woman who was once a man is competing against women who have always been women, I think she has an advantage, because she inherited a man’s body, which is...
“Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman. Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic?” Cleese tweeted in response to someone who asked why he couldn’t “just let people be who they want to be.”
He added later, “I’m afraid I’m not that interested in trans folks.”
Cleese earlier signed a letter of support for “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who has similarly questioned the Twitter orthodoxy on transgender people.
Cleese wouldn’t back down, despite the firestorm of replies. “When a woman who was once a man is competing against women who have always been women, I think she has an advantage, because she inherited a man’s body, which is...
- 11/22/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film TV
In our Q&a series Last Call, we get down to the bottom of every last thing with some of our favorite celebs - from the last thing they texted to the last thing they binge-watched. This week, actor Booboo Stewart takes our call.
From Twilight to Descendants to Julie and the Phantoms, Booboo Stewart continuously stars in some of our favorite, most addicting films and series. Now, the 26-year-old is starring opposite Diane Lane and Kevin Costner in a new suspense thriller, Let Him Go - which follows the story of George Blackledge (Kevin), who's a retired sheriff, and his wife, Margaret (Diane), as they fight for their family, leaving their Montana ranch to rescue their grandson from a dangerous family in the Dakotas. Ahead of the film's Nov. 6 release, we chatted with the actor about his last day on set, the piece of advice that changed his life,...
From Twilight to Descendants to Julie and the Phantoms, Booboo Stewart continuously stars in some of our favorite, most addicting films and series. Now, the 26-year-old is starring opposite Diane Lane and Kevin Costner in a new suspense thriller, Let Him Go - which follows the story of George Blackledge (Kevin), who's a retired sheriff, and his wife, Margaret (Diane), as they fight for their family, leaving their Montana ranch to rescue their grandson from a dangerous family in the Dakotas. Ahead of the film's Nov. 6 release, we chatted with the actor about his last day on set, the piece of advice that changed his life,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Kristin Harris
- Popsugar.com
“Are you guys going to put me on the cover again?” Tom Green asks. He’s referring to photographer Mark Seliger’s infamous 2000 shot of Green holding a baby who’s peeing on his face. Back then, the Canadian comedian was at the height of his fame after starring in one of MTV’s hottest shows, which made him famous for causing chaos while hosting bingo games or talking over the intercom at department stores. Green’s wild man-on-the-street style remained deeply influential, echoing from Jackass to Sacha Baron Cohen.
- 10/27/2020
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
The creators of HBO Max’s Search Party join Josh and Joe to talk about their favorite films.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Tenet (2020)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha 3D (2010)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jaws (1975)
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Looker (1981)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
True Stories (1986)
Another Year (2010)
Abigail’s Party (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Pink Panther (1963)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Network (1976)
Idiocracy (2006)
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
About Schmidt (2002)
Please Give (2010)
Duck Soup (1933)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Cocoanuts (1929)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
The Terminator (1984)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Love Potion No. 9 (1992) – Sarah
The Birdcage (1996) – Charles
Mandy (2018)
Other Notable Items
Search Party TV series (2016- )
The Coen Brothers
The DGA
Jon Favreau
Garry Marshall
Christopher Nolan
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV series (2000-2015)
Jurassic Park series
Laura Dern
Jeff Goldblum
Sam Neill
Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park novel by Michael Crichton...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Tenet (2020)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha 3D (2010)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jaws (1975)
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Looker (1981)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
True Stories (1986)
Another Year (2010)
Abigail’s Party (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Pink Panther (1963)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Network (1976)
Idiocracy (2006)
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
About Schmidt (2002)
Please Give (2010)
Duck Soup (1933)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Cocoanuts (1929)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
The Terminator (1984)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Love Potion No. 9 (1992) – Sarah
The Birdcage (1996) – Charles
Mandy (2018)
Other Notable Items
Search Party TV series (2016- )
The Coen Brothers
The DGA
Jon Favreau
Garry Marshall
Christopher Nolan
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV series (2000-2015)
Jurassic Park series
Laura Dern
Jeff Goldblum
Sam Neill
Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park novel by Michael Crichton...
- 10/13/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
TV’s 1979 Titanic movie comes to Blu in two versions. We liked it when new but didn’t care for the cut-down theatrical version that hit DVD in 2002. Kino’s disc completes a set of various film versions of the infamous 1912 disaster, and allows us the chance for a Titanic ‘battle of the bands’ — we’ll rate them from several criteria. The filmed-in-England production has a nicely-chosen soap opera cast: David Janssen, Cloris Leachman, Ian Holm, Helen Mirren, Anna Quayle, David Warner, Susan Saint James, Harry Andrews.
S.O.S. Titanic
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1979 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 102 144 min. / Street Date October 13, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: David Janssen, Cloris Leachman, Ian Holm, Helen Mirren, Anna Quayle, David Warner, Timothy Spall, Susan Saint James, Harry Andrews, Ed Bishop, Jerry Hauser, Aubrey Morris, Norman Rossington, Catherine Byrne, Warren Clarke, Madge Ryan.
Cinematography: Christopher Challis
Film Editor: Rusty Coppleman
Original Music: Howard Blake
Special effects: Wally Veevers,...
S.O.S. Titanic
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1979 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 102 144 min. / Street Date October 13, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: David Janssen, Cloris Leachman, Ian Holm, Helen Mirren, Anna Quayle, David Warner, Timothy Spall, Susan Saint James, Harry Andrews, Ed Bishop, Jerry Hauser, Aubrey Morris, Norman Rossington, Catherine Byrne, Warren Clarke, Madge Ryan.
Cinematography: Christopher Challis
Film Editor: Rusty Coppleman
Original Music: Howard Blake
Special effects: Wally Veevers,...
- 10/6/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Trish Harnetiaux's short film You Wouldn't Understand will have it's world premiere at Fantasia Film Festival, which begins today, online across Canada. Screen Anarchy is pleased to have the exclusive on the trailer for the sci-fi short film which you will find below. Like it's format it's short. And like the write-up states below, the less we know the better. Hey, we're just happy to be asked to share things. But you start throwing around words like 'Monty Python' and 'Primer'? Well now. You most definitely have our attention. Have a look. Every once in a while, a short film comes along that heralds a truly new voice in science fiction storytelling. Trish Harnetiaux's You Wouldn't Understand is one of those special...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 8/20/2020
- Screen Anarchy
Eleven more acts returned to the America’s Got Talent stage on Tuesday for another round of (mostly) live performances. But will the voters be as easy to win over as super-soft guest judge Kenan Thompson?
“First of all, thank you all for having me here,” Thompson, the second celeb to step in for an injured Simon Cowell, said atop the two-hour broadcast. “This is incredible. The only thing I can say is just seize the moment. If you have nerves, turn those nerves into superpowers. Go out there and take it!”
More from TVLineAmerica's Got Talent Reveals Five More...
“First of all, thank you all for having me here,” Thompson, the second celeb to step in for an injured Simon Cowell, said atop the two-hour broadcast. “This is incredible. The only thing I can say is just seize the moment. If you have nerves, turn those nerves into superpowers. Go out there and take it!”
More from TVLineAmerica's Got Talent Reveals Five More...
- 8/19/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
The immortal BBC phenomenon Monty Python’s Flying Circus went memorably cinematic with their first genre spoof (following an early feature debut consisting of recycled TV sketches). Memorable moments abound, including the killer rabbit, the Knights who say Nee!, the dismemberment duel, and on and on. To many comedy buffs this is The Holy Grail.
The post Monty Python and the Holy Grail appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Monty Python and the Holy Grail appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 8/12/2020
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
Pairing wine with movies! See the trailers and hear the fascinating commentary for these movies and many more at Trailers From Hell. This week, movies by Monty Python’s Flying Circus are featured, with appropriate wine pairings. Feel free to have some Spam if you like. We need to have some guilty pleasures during a pandemic.
1971’s And Now for Something Completely Different packaged sketches from the first two seasons of TV’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus. That alone was cause for a drink or two, since mood adjusters were quite common among those who watched the show. The film was intended to introduce the British comedy troupe to the U.S. audience, which flopped when nobody got the humor. After PBS began showing the TV series, awareness was elevated enough so that a 1973 re-release was slightly more successful. It became a regular on the midnight movie circuit.
A lot of...
1971’s And Now for Something Completely Different packaged sketches from the first two seasons of TV’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus. That alone was cause for a drink or two, since mood adjusters were quite common among those who watched the show. The film was intended to introduce the British comedy troupe to the U.S. audience, which flopped when nobody got the humor. After PBS began showing the TV series, awareness was elevated enough so that a 1973 re-release was slightly more successful. It became a regular on the midnight movie circuit.
A lot of...
- 8/10/2020
- by Randy Fuller
- Trailers from Hell
John Preston Teams With BBC For Stonehouse
John Preston, the author of the book behind Golden Globe-winning BBC/AMC series A Very English Scandal, has been commissioned to pen a BBC drama about a British politician who faked his own death. Stonehouse, named after John Stonehouse who staged his death on a Miami beach in 1974, is a three-part series co-produced by UK indies Clearwood Films and Snowed-In Productions, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution. Clearwood founder Ellie Wood (Decline And Fall) and Ruth Kenley-Letts (Mrs Wilson) are executive producing, marking Preston’s second collaboration with Wood after they teamed on The Dig for Netflix, a feature starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James and Johnny Flynn. “There has never been a more bizarre true-life story than that of John Stonehouse, who miraculously came back to life a month after his own ‘death.’ I am thrilled to have the chance to...
John Preston, the author of the book behind Golden Globe-winning BBC/AMC series A Very English Scandal, has been commissioned to pen a BBC drama about a British politician who faked his own death. Stonehouse, named after John Stonehouse who staged his death on a Miami beach in 1974, is a three-part series co-produced by UK indies Clearwood Films and Snowed-In Productions, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution. Clearwood founder Ellie Wood (Decline And Fall) and Ruth Kenley-Letts (Mrs Wilson) are executive producing, marking Preston’s second collaboration with Wood after they teamed on The Dig for Netflix, a feature starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James and Johnny Flynn. “There has never been a more bizarre true-life story than that of John Stonehouse, who miraculously came back to life a month after his own ‘death.’ I am thrilled to have the chance to...
- 8/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film TV
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