In 1969, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin created a sketch TV show. Every episode began with an old man saying "it's" and included original artwork by Gilliam. The best sketches are known simply by their monikers: The Parrot Sketch, The Lumberjack Sketch, The Spanish Inquisition, etc.
Like most, my first introduction to Monty Python was their quintessential film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In college I discovered Monty Python's Flying Circus, and started watching... I even used a scene from the show for a college presentation (the Spam sketch). After college, I purchased the box set of the TV show and took a chance on the other Monty Python films: The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
Like most sketch shows the scenes can be hit or miss ... some are ok but not memorable, and others are so good and memorable, that they have entered our lexicon. Sure, you can watch clips on YouTube, but it is better when you watch the whole thing. The show is awesome and set the stage for subsequent sketch shows.
To see the best of the best, check out And Now for Something Completely Different (the Python's first official film, made to introduce their work to American audiences) and Monty Python Live! at the Hollywood Bowl.
Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)
Starring: Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Gilliam
Terry Jones
Eric Idle
Michael Palin
Carol Cleveland
Connie Booth
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