The Monty Python FAQ
Version 1.2
Last Modified: 21 March, 1994
This FAQ has been skillfully crafted by well informed Python fans using
ancient, well-known, classical hand-tooled knowledge. It has been specially
designed to sit at the back of some ftp sites amongst the other Python files;
to be brought out and posted every so often. Any complaints about the
humourous quality of the FAQ should be addressed to British Airways,
Ingraham's Drive, Greenwich.
Any additional contributions and comments may be sent to:
Simon Rooney
Brian Johnson
The most recent version of this file may be found at the following sites:
* cathouse.org (128.174.184.32) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US
/pub/cathouse/humor/british.humour/monty.python
20568 monty.python.faq
* tardis.ed.ac.uk (129.215.160.171) Edinburgh University, Scotland, UK
/pub/tv/uk/comedy/MontyPython
8459 MontyPython.faq.gz
Thanks to the following people for their contributions:
* Greg O'Beirne for answering Robert Ashcroft's NSU question.
* Martyn Hawker asking about the "_narco-syndaclist commune"
* Victor Hodge for "It's a fair cop"
* The many others who have pointed out typos and have offered new suggestions
and answers, including:
- David W. Sanderson, Deryk Barker, Alex M Stevens, Ivan D. Reid
And now for something completely different.
Q: What is a FAQ?
A: FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. These files are created
for the purpose of reducing the amount of redundant questions
being asked. By reading this file, you should have many of your
questions answered or be able to find what you are looking for.
Q: Who were the members of the Monty Python comedy troupe?
A: There were six core members and a few others that helped out on quite
a number of occasions.
Core members:
-------------
John Cleese Born in Weston-Super-Mare on 27 October, 1939.
Married Connie Booth on 20 February 1968. They
divorced shortly after the first series of Fawlty
Towers was broadcast.
Terry Gilliam Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 22 November, 1940.
Graham Chapman Born on 8 Jan, 1941 and died of cancer on 4 October
1989. :(
Terry Jones Born 1 February, 1942.
Eric Idle Born 29 March, 1943.
Michael Palin Born 5 May, 1943.
The extras:
-----------
Carol Cleveland Appeared with the Pythons in almost all the Flying
Circus TV series as well as in the films and
stage performances.
Neil Innes Gained popularity originally as a member of the
Bonzo Dog (Doo Dah) Band. Wrote and performed
songs and appeared with the Pythons in their films,
stage shows and a few Flying Circus episodes.
Connie Booth Appeared in a few episodes of the Flying Circus and
also in the film "... the Holy Grail." Best known
as "Polly" from Fawlty Towers. She was married to
John Cleese from the late 60s to the mid 70s (see
above).
There were also many others who appeared in the Monty Python events,
but these are the most notable ones.
Q: When did Monty Python become a comedy troupe?
A: Most probably on 11 May, 1969. John Cleese and Graham Chapman were
introduced to Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael
Palin after a filming of "Do Not Adjust Your Set." Their next
meeting was the 23 May, 1969 where the BBC gave them the go-ahead
to begin creating 13 episodes of a programme for the BBC.
Q: What is the real name of the "Monty Python's Flying Circus" theme?
A: The "Liberty Bell March" by John Philip Sousa.
Q: How many episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus are there?
A: There were 13 shows from each of the first 3 series and 6 shows in
the 4th series for a total of 45.
Q: When were these episodes originally shown in the U.K.?
A: Monty Python's Flying Circus was shown on:
Series 1: 5 October 1969 - 11 January 1970
Series 2: 15 September 1970 - 22 December 1970
Series 3: 19 October 1972 - 18 January 1973
Since John Cleese left the group after the third series, the fourth
was just called "Monty Python."
Series 4: 31 October 1974 - 5 December 1974
Q: What is the translation of the world's funniest joke ...
"Wenn ist das Nunstuck git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beiherhund das Oder
die Flipperwaldt gersput!"?
A: There is no translation since it is just gibberish. A few of the words are
German but others are just made up. The same is true for ...
"Die ist ein Kinnerhunder und zwei Mackel uber und der bitte schon ist
den Wunderhaus sprechensie. 'Nein' sprecht der Herren 'Ist aufern
borger mit zveitingen'."
Q: What is the correct pronunciation of the name "Raymond Luxury Yacht"?
A: The name is pronounced "Throatwarbler Mangrove".
Q: How many films have Monty Python done and what are they about?
A: Five.
1971 And Now For Something Completely Different
The Pythons made this film for about #80,000 (GB) and recorded it
at various locations over a period of five weeks during November
and December of 1970. Most of the interior shots were filmed in a
former milk depot in north London. The film opened on 28 September,
1971 and consisted of highlights from the first two series of the
"Monty Python's Flying Circus" television programme.
1974 Monty Python and the Holy Grail
This film was also shot in about five weeks on a budget of just under
#230,000 (GB). The locations used for the film were mostly in Scotland
in and around Doune Castle, Castle Stalker, Glen Coe, Arnhall Castle,
Bracklinn, Killin, and Sherriffmuir. The scene with the "Black Knight"
was shot in a forest outside of London. The film first premiered in
March 1975 in Los Angeles and opened in London on 3 April, 1975. The
movie is based upon King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail.
1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian
Shot entirely in Tunesia, this movie was filmed from 16 September to
12 November, 1978. The script had gone through a number of revisions
before the final version was settled upon. Funding was also a major
problem since EMI, who originally said it would fund the film, withdrew
its support. Luckily, Handmade Films, which was created by George
Harrison and Denis O'Brien, stepped in and saved the project. The movie
premiered 17 August, 1979 in New York and is about a contemporary of
Christ who is mistaken as being the Messiah. The film caused quite a
stir amongst the religious communities in many countries because they
believed that it was blasphemous towards Christ. The book "Monty
Python: The Case Against" gives an excellent detailing of these events.
1982 Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
While struggling trying to write the script for their next film, the
Pythons decided to take a break and raise some more money for their
project. The idea of performing a show at the Hollywood bowl was
struck upon. The concert was videotaped and later transferred to
film, re-edited, then released in New York on 25 June, 1982. The
movie contains some of their best sketches and also footage from the
German TV specials that they did in 1971 and 1972.
1983 Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
By far the most difficult movie for the Pythons to agree upon. Filming
began on 12 July, 1982 and continued throughout that summer. The movie
went through a number of screenings and re-edits before finally being
released on 30 March, 1983. The film examines the different stages of
life and attempts to answer the question of the meaning of life.
Q: What does the witch say after she has been tried and found guilty by the
logician in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail?"
A: "It's a fair cop." The phrase is thieves cant for "you've got me dead to
rights" which means that there has been no entrapment and the person
was fairly caught in the act. The line has also been used in a few
other Flying Circus sketches like "Dead Bishop on the Landing / The
Church Police" and "Whizzo Chocolates."
Q: At the beginning of the film, the guard speaking to Arthur says, "Pull the
other one." What is the guard implying?
A: In essence, the guard conveys his disbelief of what Arthur had just said.
The phrase might also be taken as a challenge to Arthur to tell yet
another, even more exaggerated lie. The origin of the phrase most
likely comes from "You're pulling my leg" (i.e. "You're lying to me").
Q: What is an anarcho-syndicalist commune?
A: Anarcho: relating anarchism; the rejection of the state or any other forms
of authority for a society based upon voluntary cooperation of
individuals.
Syndicalist: relating to syndicalism; originally, a socialist doctrine that
emphasized the workers taking control of the factories where they
worked; the term has been broadened to include many other doctrines
that support worker control.
Commune: A settlement of people based upon the common ownership of material
goods which have a tradition of self government.
Q: What do the monks chant in the film?
A: The language they are chanting is in Latin and the phrase is ...
"Pie Iesu Domine. Dona Eis Requiem." It means "Holy Lord Jesus.
Grant them rest." The phrases are included in many Catholic funeral
masses.
Q: What do the knights who no longer say "NI!" now call themselves?
A: They are now the knights who say "Ekki ekki ekki ekki pikang zoom-boing
." This is more of a phonetic spelling since what was
actually said does not match what was printed in the script.
Q: In the Medical Love Song there is a reference to "NSU." What is this?
A: Non-Specific Urethritis. That is, any inflammation of the Urethra, caused
by an organism not otherwise covered in any other disease.
Q: What are the words to the "Philosopher's Drinking Song?"
A: Grab a Fosters, Bruce, and join in!
Immanuel Kant was a real pissant
who was very rarely stable.
Heidegger, Heidegger was a boozy beggar
who could think you under the table.
David Hume could out consume
Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, (Other versions: "Shoppenhauer and Hegel")
And Wittgenstein was a beery swine
who was just as sloshed as Schlegel.
There's nothing Nietzsche couldn't teach ya
'bout the raisin' of the wrist.
Socrates himself was permanently pissed.
John Stewart Mill, of his own free will,
after half a pint of shandy was particularly ill.
Plato, they say, could stick it away,
'alf a crate of whiskey every day!
Aristotle, Aristotle was a bugger for the bottle,
and Hobbes was fond of his Dram.
And Rene Descartes was a drunken fart:
"I drink, therefore I am."
Yes, Socrates himself is particularly missed;
A lovely little thinker, but a bugger when he's pissed.
Q: What is shandy?
A: Shandy is a mixed drink of beer with ginger beer or lemonade (for the US
readers, substitute "lemonade" with "7-UP").
Q: What are the words to the "Lumberjack Song?"
A: The Larch!
Lumberjack: (sings)
Oh, I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK,
I sleep all night and I work all day.
Mounties: (sing)
He's a lumberjack and he's OK,
He sleeps all night and he works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I eat my lunch,
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shopping,
And have buttered scones for tea.
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he eats his lunch,
He goes to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays he goes shopping,
And has buttered scones for tea.
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK,
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I skip and jump,
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars.
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he skips and jumps,
He likes to press wild flowers.
He puts on women's clothing
And hangs around in bars ... ?
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK,
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I wear high heels,
Suspenders and a bra. (Other versions: "Suspendies and a bra.")
I wish I was a girlie (Other versions: "I wish I'd been a girlie")
Just like my dear Papa. (Other versions: "Just like my dear Mama.")
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he wears high heels,
Suspenders ... and a bra? (Shocked, the Mounties start to mumble)
[Note: some versions end here, some include dialogue, and others continue
with the song.]
(Piano vamp)
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK ...
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Q: I've heard that the philosopher's drinking song and the lumberjack song
both have different lyrics for a few phrases. What are the correct
lyrics for these songs then?
A: Actually there is no one correct version. Usually if someone posts a tran-
scription of a song or sketch, it has been taken from only one source.
The Pythons on many occasions performed songs or sketches differently by
changing lyrics or adding different conclusions and transitions. An
excellent example of this is the Parrot Shop sketch which can be found
on many of the Python's recordings.
Q: What are the names of the Monty Python albums and when were they released?
A: I will not buy this record. It is scratched.
1970 Monty Python's Flying Circus
(This album was recorded before a live studio audience. Contains
sketches from the first season of "Monty Python's Flying Circus")
1971 Another Monty Python Record
(Their second album consists mostly of sketches from the second series
of MPFC but it does include some original material)
1972 Monty Python's Previous Record
(Contains an equal mix of original material and third series work)
1973 Monty Python's Matching Tie and Handkerchief
(The original album was the world's first 3 sided LP record. One side
had two separate groves that played different material depending upon
where the needle had been dropped. Contains original material and
sketches from the third series)
1974 Monty Python Live at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
(Live sketches performed during their 1973 tour of England. Contains
some original material)
1975 The Album of the Soundtrack of the Tralier of the Film of Monty Python
and the Holy Grail
(Mostly contains bits from the movie but they are linked together with
new material)
1976 Monty Python Live at City Center
(Concert performance of sketches in New York. New songs by Neil Innes)
1976 The Worst of Monty Python
(A repackaging of "Another Monty Python Record" and "Monty Python's
Previous Record")
1977 The Monty Python Instant Record Collection
(The first collection of Monty Python's best sketches. No original
material)
1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian
(Contains bits from the film but has many original links joining the
sketches together)
1980 Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album
(Many songs but everything is original)
1981 The Monty Python Instant Record Collection (Vol II)
(Another collection of Monty Python's greatest hits)
1983 Monty Python's the Meaning Of Life (soundtrack)
(Bits from the movie with original introductions and links)
1988 The Final Ripoff
(A double length compilation of the best of Monty Python. Contains a
brief original introduction by Michael Palin)
1990 Monty Python Sings
(Contains almost all of the songs that the Pythons have ever released)
Note: There are also a number of singles and compilation albums that
contain Python material.
Q: What are the Monty Python books and what years were they first published?
A: Wait! I can't read!
1971 Monty Python's Big Red Book
1973 The Brand New Monty Python Bok
1974 The Brand New Monty Python Papperbok
(Rerelease of the above title)
1977 Monty Python Ik Den Holie Gralien (Bok)
1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian/MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK
(One side has the script from the film, the other side has bits from
the script plus photos and more)
1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian
(The film script with scenes cut from the film and much more)
1981 The Complete Works of Shakespeare and Monty Python: Volume 1 - Monty
Python
1983 The Meaning of Life
(script)
1988 The Monty Python Gift Boks
(Repackaging of the first two books with a poster)
1989 Monty Python's Flying Circus: Just the Words - Volume 1 aka
The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words - Volume 1
1989 Monty Python's Flying Circus: Just the Words - Volume 2 aka
The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words - Volume 2
1990 Monty Python's Flying Circus - Just the Words (Volumes 1 & 2)
Q: Are there any reference books dealing with the subject of Monty Python?
A: Yes. Quite a few, actually.
1980 From Fringe to Flying Circus
Author: Roger Wilmut
(Covers the more recent history of British comedy and includes a
section on Monty Python. Contains many photos and excerpts from some
scripts)
1981 Monty Python: The Case Against
Author: Robert Hewison
(Deals with the many cases where Monty Python has "crossed the line" of
what was considered humour. Includes the BBC concern over the under-
takers sketch, the ABC injunction and court case, and the controversy
surrounding the release of the film, "The Life of Brian.")
1982 Monty Python: Complete and Utter Theory of the Grotesque
Author: John O. Thompson
1983 Life of Python
Author: George Perry
(Gives an overview of British comedy's history and origins along with
a personal history of each Python member. Lots of photos)
1989 The First 200 Years of Monty Python
Author: Kim "Howard" Johnson
(Has many interesting facts from each Flying Circus episode, profiles
of each member, lists of Python stuff, and more)
1991 And Now For Something Completely Trivial: The Monty Python Trivia and
Quiz Book
Author: Kim "Howard" Johnson
(Tests how well you know your Python)
1992 Monty Python: A Chronological Listing of the Troupe's Creative Output
and Articles and Reviews About Them, 1969-89
Author: Douglas L. McCall
(Gives a day-by-day account of the accomplishments of the Pythons and
other events concerning them)
1993 Life Before and After Monty Python: The Solo Flights of the Flying
Circus
Author: Kim "Howard" Johnson
(Contains just about everything else that the Pythons have ever done.
Excellent companion to "The First 200^H Years ..." book. Has a special
chapter devoted to Chapman)
Q: Where can I get the script to ... ?
Q: Where can I get sounds from ... ?
Q: Where can I get pictures of ... ?
A: Well, assuming you are able to and know how to use "ftp", you can get a
copy of the most current Monty Python FTP list from the following location:
Site: cathouse.org (128.174.184.32)
Directory: /pub/cathouse/humor/british.humour/monty.python
File: monty.python.ftp
Q: Will the Monty Python comedy troupe ever get back together again?
A: No.
Q: What would it take to get them back together?
A: Well, since Graham Chapman has already died, I'd imagine a couple of bullets
each would do the trick.
Q: Why is it the world never remembers the name of Johann Gambolputty de von
Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-
dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-
ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-
spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-
nuernburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-
gumberaber-shoenendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of
Ulm?
A: Good question.
Here endeth the lesson.
