Monty Python and the Holy Grail • The Next Reel
“Oh, what sad times are these when passing ruffians can say ‘Ni!’ at will to old ladies. There is a pestilence upon this land, nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history.”After the immense success of Monty Python’s Flying Circus on television, the Python troupe set out to take their unique brand of absurd (møose) comedy to the big screen. Securing funding from rock stars and record companies, they scraped together a modest budget and set out to create a silly sendup of the legend of King Arthur. Shooting on location at a couple of castles, they used low-budget tricks like smoke machines and clever framing to build an entirely new medieval world. Armed with coconuts and a killer rabbit, Monty Python unleashed their wit upon the Round Table and llamas everywhere, spawning an instant cult classic. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1976 Hugo Awards Best Dramatic Presentation Nominees series with a conversation about Monty Python and the Holy Grail.Here's a hint at what we talk about:We gush over the brilliant comedic writing, discussing how each joke builds upon the last to create a fully formed world of nonsense. The clever framing allows the limited locations to represent far more of Arthur's moose than actually existed. We praise the meta elements like the voice of god and the police abruptly ending the quest. The French taunting scene stands out as a highlight. While Pete finds some scenes drag, the overall effect remains potent even after countless viewings.Here are a few other points in our discussion:Appreciating the extensive history satireDebating our favorite Python troupe membersThe legend of how rock stars financed the filmEric Idle's later Broadway adaptation SpamalotQuoting every line despite ourselvesMonty Python crafted an endlessly quotable masterpiece that lampoons British legends and remains uproariously funny decades later. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the moose ends, our llama begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annuallyWant to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.