In the early 1970s, the Pythons did a few industrial films, not meant to be seen by the public. If you saw the Bird’s Eye frozen peas video I posted a few days ago, then you know that they’re loaded with typical Python humor. This one for Close-Up Toothpaste even features a Gumby. Enjoy.
…Here’s something completely different. In 1971, Bird’s Eye decided to re-launch their line of frozen peas. Naturally, they turned to Monty Python to write and star in a 25-minute promotional film about the relaunch that they could present to their employees, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. It has rarely re-surfaced since that time, but it turned out–well, see for yourself how it turned out.
It’s official. There will be a reissue of the 1989 CD Monty Python Sings, with five new tracks, one of which will be launched for free on Youtube. The Pythons will also release a single in May, leading the way for the Python Reunion show in July at London’s 02 Arena.
The first time I saw the Monty Python Sings album was at the Python 20th anniversary party in London. Graham had passed away just a couple of months previously (in an unsuccessful attempt to poop this particular party), and I was delighted to learn that one of the tracks on the album was an extended version of “Medical Love Song,” which Eric had helped Graham record shortly before his death.
Monty Python Sings is, essentially, a Python Greatest Musical Hits album; if you have a favorite song from Python, there’s a pretty good chance it’s on this album. And as of May, there’s an even better chance of a brand new favorite.
–Here’s a whole lot of Monty Python in two minutes and 43 seconds…
… It was about this time of year in 1981 that Graham Chapman came through town.
I was living near Chicago, but hadn’t seen Graham for several months, not since Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl shows had ended the previous fall. But Graham let me know that he was going to be in Chicago, promoting A Liar’s Autobiography, and it would be nice to get together. I agreed, and we made arrangements to meet.
Although I’d seen Graham and Terry Jones back in 1975, at the Carnegie Theatre when they were promoting Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this was the first time since then that Graham and I would be able to meet on my home turf, and I’d be able to show him around the city. In other words, it was a rare treat.
He had a full slate of interviews, and I seem to recall listening to one of them on the radio as I drove into the city. I picked him up mid-afternoon, and I might have even driven him to his last few appointments, and then we sat down and caught up.
He showed me the schedule the publicist had given him to see which of the remaining interviews were the most important. He also seemed a bit anxious about an event scheduled for that evening. It was at Facets, a Chicago film society, featuring a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, followed by what was described as a talk by Graham Chapman.
“I didn’t know I was supposed to say anything,” worried Graham. I didn’t blame him. Unlike his onscreen persona, Graham was normally shy and quiet, and this seemed quite a bit to handle without a lot of advance preparation.
We talked about it further, and I tried to calm his fears. “Why don’t you just do a question and answer thing?” I suggested to him. “That should be a lot easier. Besides, they’re going to love whatever you do.” He seemed a little more comfortable at the idea of just answering questions, and I further comforted him by pointing out that Facets wasn’t that big of a place, and there probably wouldn’t be too many people. “And if there are, they probably won’t ask too many questions,” I lied.
“Yes, I suppose,” he said, wanting to believe me and a bit cheered. “That should be all right.”
The subject didn’t come up again until we pulled up at Facets that evening. Facets wasn’t that large, but the fans managed to pack themselves in every available inch. They weren’t laughing at Holy Grail as much as they were cheering, and when the film ended, Graham took his place in front of the crowd.
“Does anyone have any questions?” he asked in front of the whooping multitude. I was probably the only one who didn’t try to ask a question, but I did laugh–and cheer–along with his answers. The hosts had asked earlier if they could audiotape the session, and I told them I was sure it would be fine. About 45 minutes later, the host thanked the crowd, and Graham and I were whisked away. Even Graham was in a buoyant mood, and the rest of the evening, Graham asked me a few questions, and we relived some of the funnier moments.
I had almost forgotten about it when, a few months later, I got a call from Graham out of the blue. “Do you know if they taped that thing at the film society?” he asked. I told him I thought so, and asked if he wanted a copy of the tape. “That would be great! Thanks Howard.”
I contacted Facets, and they were happy to supply a copy of the tape, which I sent along to Graham. It was only later that I found out why he wanted it.
It seemed that someone had contacted Graham about doing a lecture tour, but Graham wanted to listen to the tape first. He was happy with it, and then sent it along to the promoter, who was delighted, as it made it very easy to get bookings for Graham.
And so, for the rest of the ’80s, Graham would go out on tour whenever he was low on cash. Which was not terribly uncommon for Graham. But it had an unexpected benefit for me as well. Whenever he toured, he tended to go through Chicago quite a bit. And, having just moved into the city itself, it meant that I was able to visit with Graham surprisingly often. We spent so much time together that would otherwise have been impossible, with more adventures than I’d ever hoped for. And thanks to the lecture tours, he saw me improvise, we went to a high school party, and my mother did his laundry. And much, much more…
… I’m loving the new COSMOS series so far. But has anyone else noticed that Neil Degrasse Tyson has been ripping off “The Galaxy Song?”
… Because I wrote about Eric Idle’s WHAT ABOUT DICK? last week, but forgot to include a link. So, this is a link to Billy Connolly rehearsing for the show. The whole thing is downloadable at http://www.whataboutdick.com
The latest news is that Terry Jones’ new film, Absolutely Anything, is coming along very well. Kate Beckinsale has now signed on to the sci-fi comedy, which will star Simon Pegg and the voice of Robin Williams, along with Eddie Izzard and the voices of John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. Shooting is set to begin in London on March 24, and there’s more information available here…
And after he wraps, he should have just enough time to head over to the O2 Arena for the Monty Python reunion!
Here’s another selection of outtakes from MONTY PYTHON’S FLYING CIRCUS. These are from Episode 39, the final episode with John Cleese in the cast. Lots of Michael Palin hosting “Grandstand,” a few cricketers, and “wifeswapping,” with Michael Palin in bed with John Cleese. Enjoy.
When I started doing this last fall, one of my very first posts was about John Cleese and his one-man show during his Canadian tour. At that time, I mentioned that he would be touring Tasmania and Australia at the beginning of 2014. That would be now.
So, if you currently find yourself in that corner of the world, you will want to check out John’s show. As I write this, he’s performing in Tasmania, but will be back in Sydney for three weeks starting Monday, followed by six shows in Melbourne. Most of these are sold out, but if you act quickly, you may be lucky enough to score a few of the remaining seats if you click here.
You’re welcome.
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