At Moi’s behest, the Milk River Madman has selected Best British Comedy Films as this week’s theme.
Obviously, I grew up with the Carry On Films – Barbara Windsor doing her exercises, Kenneth Williams’ Caesar shouting: ‘Infamy’ and a whole plethora of Oooh Matron jokes – and The Pink Panther series – Cato jumping out to attack Clouseau at every opportunity and the hysterical fart in the lift scene.
There were also a whole range of offshoots from popular comedy series like On The Buses and ‘Til Death Us Do Part – few of which ever matched up to the glory of their televisual scripts once they translated to the silver screen.
However, whilst only a few sketches from the Monty Python series made me laugh – Spam, The Lumberjacks, the Spanish Inquisition and the Dead Parrot – their films had the ability to leave me breathless and sore-stomached with laughter.
And, for me, the jewel in the crown has to be ‘The Life of Brian’.
It received something of a pasting from some religious leaders at the time for its lack of respect but, as the Python team argued on television, it’s not really about religion at all. From the ‘Are there any women here?’ stoning to the 100 lines on the wall for incorrect Latin, taking in the Highest Ranking Roman and ‘Always Look on The Bright Side of Life’, there are just so many comedy gems. If you haven’t watched it, I implore you to rent it out.
Great choice, though ‘Life of Brian’ is also well up there. I have a soft spot for the Ealing Comedies but maybe that’s just because they give such a fascinating glimpse of post-war Britain.
My sister gave me a DVD of ‘Sir Henry at Rawlinson End’ for Christmas. If you have never seen it then I strongly recommend. Completely bizarre!
Fat Controller recently posted..A Little Night Music
I didn’t like it at all. But that’s what makes horse races!
Happy MCW
Life of Brian is my 2nd favorite MP movie!
It was very underrated, but just as side splitting as The Holy Grail!
“In those days getting stoned wasn’t against the law, it was the law.”
Another good one.
Monty Python movies can seriously make one tinkle in one’s pants from laughing. Happy Movie Clip Wednesday!
I meant to say ‘Holy Grail is well up there’.
Fat Controller recently posted..A Little Night Music
Life of Brian was over the top Monty Python, but as always, nearly every scene is memorable and quote worthy. This one? Sing worthy. I was very curious to see what a Brit would pick. You did not disapoint! Happy MCW.
Boxer recently posted..MCW – Best British Comedy
Good afternoon Joanna,
Monty python is the quintessential British comedy.
Hope you’re enjoying your clip day.
Karl recently posted..Movie Clip Wednesday- Best British Comedy
I’ve not seen Life of Brian but it will make the ever growing list. Thanks for playing. Happy MCW.
Hey! I’m actually at home and can call up your page instead of being at work and a little cautious! ANyway, love Life of Brian — not my fave Monty Python, but isn’t this the movie with the Mr. Creosote bit, who can’t eat another bite because he will explode? Love MP, great choice.! Happy MCW!
FC – I shall have to check out Sir Henry. I completely forgot the Ealing Comedies too. I am a very poor rep for our British sense of humour it would seem :)
Trolly, How can you not laugh at least once in that film? Are there any women here…?
Blaze, I guess that’s the genius of MP – that they can be responsible for such completely different comedy
So did you enjoy the series, Moi? Or is the the films that appeal more?
Boxer, I always aim to please… but then I think we have quite similar tastes most of the time x
Karl, It is so particularly British that I’m always surprised when other folk enjoy them :)
MRM … Make sure you let me have your verdict :)
Pam, Im not sure I know that clip… Boxer…?
Pam is thinking of my favorite Python movie – The Meaning of Life. Life of Brian would be #2 followed by the Holly Grail. I’ve never seen the Carry On movies but they kind of look like a Benny Hill Show (which I’m not sure they made a movie from, but they should have).
Happy MCW!
Thanks for clearing that up, Buzz! Carry On came before Benny Hill, as I recall :)