Monty Python

A Chronology, 1969–2012

Second Edition

Douglas McCall

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Jefferson, North Carolina, and London

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 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGUING DATA ARE AVAILABLE

BRITISH LIBRARY CATALOGUING DATA ARE AVAILABLE

e-ISBN: 978-1-4766-1311-6

© 2014 Douglas McCall. All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording,
or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the publisher.

On the cover: left to right Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John
Cleese, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam in And Now for Something
Completely Different, 1971 (Columbia Pictures/Photofest)

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Box 611, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com

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 To the memory
of Graham Chapman

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 Table of Contents

Introduction

The Chronological Listing

Appendix: John Cleese’s Business-Training Films for Video Arts, 1972–

2012

Selected Bibliography

Monty Python Sketch and Song Index

Eric Idle Solo Sketch and Song Index

General Index

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 Introduction

The first edition of Monty Python: A Chronology, published in 1991,

covered the British comedy troupe’s creative output from 1969—the year
Monty Python’s Flying Circus first appeared on British television—to 1989
—the year of the group’s twentieth anniversary and the death of founding
member Graham Chapman. At the time it seemed like the end of an era, or
at least the end of one brilliantly silly group of British comedians (and one
American animator) who somehow made dead parrots, Spam, and even the
Spanish Inquisition outrageously funny.

But unlike that famous Norwegian Blue parrot, Python wasn’t quite dead
yet. While it’s true that the six-man team responsible for revolutionizing
television comedy and creating such classic films as Monty Python and the
Holy Grail (1975) and Life of Brian (1979) may have “ceased to be,” the
spirit of Python continued on in the solo work of its individual members,
none of whom—with the exception of Chapman—have slowed down one
bit since that “final” year. Michael Palin turned his one-off 1989 special
Around the World in 80 Days into a second career as a popular television
travel host, taking viewers Pole to Pole (1992) and Full Circle (1997) and
across the Sahara (2002) and Himalaya (2004). Terry Gilliam expanded his
already impressive directorial résumé with films like The Fisher King
(1991), 12 Monkeys (1995), and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
(2009) while his ambitious—though ultimately unsuccessful—attempt to
film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote was chronicled in the fascinating
documentary Lost in La Mancha. Terry Jones, a respected medieval scholar,
breathed new life into the history documentary with his television series
Crusades (1995), Medieval Lives (2004), and Barbarians (2006) while still
continuing to direct and act (The Wind in the Willows) and write stories for
children (The Knight and the Squire). John Cleese, in addition to writing
and lecturing (and marrying and divorcing—and marrying again), has
appeared—or voiced a character—in more than forty movies since 1990
and found time to host television specials on wine, lemurs, and the human
face. And finally, there’s Eric Idle who, perhaps more than any other
member of the group, has kept the flame of Python alive with his stage
tours (Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python, The Greedy Bastard Tour), a Brian-
inspired oratorio (Not the Messiah...He’s a Very Naughty Boy), and the Holy
Grail–inspired musical Spamalot, which premiered on Broadway to great
acclaim in 2005.

Even in 2012, which saw the two youngest Pythons (Idle and Palin) enter
their 70th years, there were still no signs of slowing. Projects included a
one-man stage tour of Australia (Cleese); the play What About Dick?,
performed for four nights in Los Angeles (Idle); a short opera, The Owl and
the Pussycat, staged on a London barge (Jones); the filming of The Zero
Theorem in Romania (Gilliam); and the novel The Truth and TV travel
series Brazil (both Palin). And if all that wasn’t enough, the world
witnessed a memorable performance (Idle again) of the Python classic
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” at the closing ceremony of the
London Olympic Games.

No, Monty Python’s not dead. They’re not even “restin’.”

This second edition of the chronology aims to celebrate Python’s enduring

legacy by expanding the original book’s twenty-one-year span (1969–1989)
by an additional twenty-three years and also providing more detailed
information for each entry. This edition also features the addition of two
sketch and song indexes—one for Python as a group, the other for Eric Idle
on his own.

The information in this book comes from a wide selection of print,

television, radio, and internet sources, with special mention going to the
works of leading Python chroniclers George Perry (Life of Python), Kim
“Howard” Johnson (The First 200 Years of Monty Python), and Robert
Hewison (Monty Python: The Case Against), and the publications The
Times (of London), The New York Times, and TV Guide. But perhaps the
most valuable information has come from the Pythons themselves, via
books and articles, television and radio interviews, etc. The three most
important of these sources are The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons
(2003, edited by Bob McCabe) and Michael Palin’s two volumes of diaries,
The Python Years (2006) and Halfway to Hollywood (2009), each one an
essential reference for any Python addict’s library.

Douglas McCall
Fall 2013

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 The Chronological Listing

1 January 12–February 16, 1969

The comedy series The Complete and Utter History of Britain, written by
and starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, airs on ITV (produced by
London Weekend Television). The six-episode series, which presents
historical events and personalities in a modern, television-style manner, is
produced by Humphrey Barclay, who had also produced the first series of
the children’s series Do Not Adjust Your Set (co-starring Palin and Jones)
in 1968.

2 January 12–April 6, 1969

The seventh series of the sketch comedy show I’m Sorry I’ll Read That
Again, co-starring John Cleese, airs on BBC Radio 1 & 2. The show, which
began as a radio broadcast of the Cambridge Circus revue in 1963, also
stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall, and
Bill Oddie. Cleese has been a regular on the show since 1966 and will
continue performing on the program until its final series in 1973. 13
episodes.

3 January 12, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “From
the Dawn of History to the Norman Conquest.” This first episode of the
series is actually a combination of the first two recorded episodes. The best
parts of each episode were edited together to form a single half-hour show.
Starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Colin Gordon (Narrator),
Roddy Maude-Roxby (Prof. Weaver), Wallas Eaton, Melinda May, Diana
Quick, Ted Carson, Colin Cunningham, John Hughman, and Johnny
Vyvyan. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice
Murphy.

4 January 19, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT).

“Richard the Lionheart to Robin the Hood.” Second show of the series
looks at the 12th century and includes: “Richard I,” “Adverts for Water,
Food, and Women,” “Magna Carta,” “Ted Lupini—Royal Court Jester,”
“Hubert Fitzroy—Food Taster,” and “Robin Hood.” Starring Michael Palin
and Terry Jones, with Colin Gordon (Narrator), Roddy Maude-Roxby
(Prof. Weaver), Wallas Eaton, Diana Quick, Melinda May, Ted Carson,
Colin Cunningham, John Hughman, and Johnny Vyvyan. Written by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

5 January 26, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT).

“Edward the First to Richard the Last.” Third show of the series. Starring
Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Wallas Eaton, Colin Gordon, Roddy
Maude-Roxby, Melinda May, and Diana Quick. Written by Michael Palin
and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

6 February 2, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT).

“Perkin Warbeck to Bloody Mary.” Fourth show of the series. Starring
Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Wallas Eaton, Colin Gordon, Roddy
Maude-Roxby, Melinda May, and Diana Quick. Written by Michael Palin
and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

7 February 9, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The
Great and Glorious Age of Elizabeth.” Fifth show of the series. Starring
Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Wallas Eaton, Colin Gordon, Roddy
Maude-Roxby, Melinda May, and Diana Quick. Written by Michael Palin
and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice Murphy.
8 February 12, 1969

Cilla (TV episode: BBC1). Music-variety show hosted by singer Cilla

Black. Guest-stars Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-Taylor, and Graeme
Garden perform the sketches “Top of the Form” and “Ritual Japanese
Wrestling.” Black’s other guests are Dusty Springfield, Georgie Fame, and
Tom Ward. Directed by Vernon Lawrence. Produced by Michael Hurll.
Note: Chapman and Brooke-Taylor previously co-starred (with John
Cleese, Marty Feldman, and Aimi MacDonald) in the 1967 series At Last
the 1948 Show.

9 February 16, 1969

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV episode: ITV/LWT).

“James the McFirst to Oliver Cromwell.” Sixth and last show of the series.
Starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Wallas Eaton, Colin Gordon,
Roddy Maude-Roxby, Melinda May, and Diana Quick. Written by Michael
Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

10 February 19–May 14, 1969

The second series of Do Not Adjust Your Set airs on ITV (Thames
Television). The children-oriented sketch comedy show stars future Python
members Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam
(animation). Produced by Ian Davidson, the 13-episode series also stars
Denise Coffey, David Jason, and The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band (Vivian
Stanshall, Neil Innes, et al.). The first series, produced by Humphrey
Barclay, aired from Dec. 26, 1967, to Mar. 28, 1968.

11 Spring 1969

Terry Jones marries Alison Telfer in Camberwell, South London. Telfer, a

technician in the Botany Department of London University, has since
become a successful biochemist specializing in photosynthesis at Imperial
College in London. The couple buys a three-story Victorian house in
London’s Grove Park between Camberwell and Dulwich.

12 March–May 1969
The Magic Christian, a comedy in which John Cleese and Graham
Chapman have small roles (they also contributed to the script), is filmed at
Twickenham Studios, England.

13 March 17, 1969

It’s Marty Feldman (TV special: BBC2). Special program compiled from
episodes of the 1968–69 comedy starring Marty Feldman and featuring
material written by John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. Includes the sketch “A Day in the Life of a Stuntman,”
written by Palin & Jones. This show is the BBC entry for the 1969 Golden
Rose of Montreux Award. With Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Tim Brooke-
Taylor, John Junkin, Ann Lancaster, and Mary Miller. Written by Marty
Feldman and Barry Took, with additional material by Michael Palin and
Terry Jones. Produced by Dennis Main Wilson and Roger Race.

14 April 11–May 30, 1969

The first series of the sitcom/sketch-comedy show Hark at Barker, starring

Ronnie Barker, airs on ITV (London Weekend Television). Eric Idle is one
of the writers. Eight episodes.

15 April 17, 1969

Michael Palin begins keeping a diary, a habit he will continue for the next
forty-plus years. His diaries will eventually be published in two volumes:
Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years (2006) and Halfway to Hollywood:
Diaries 1980–1988 (2009).

16 Early May 1969

A meeting to discuss the start of a new comedy show is held at John

Cleese’s Basil Street flat in Knightsbridge, London. The meeting is attended
by Cleese, his writing partner Graham Chapman, and Do Not Adjust Your
Set stars Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. Most
of the group had previously worked together on The Frost Report (1966–
67). Cleese, who also appeared with Chapman and Palin in the 1968 TV
special How to Irritate People, had previously collaborated with animator
Gilliam on a photo-shoot for the American humor magazine Help! (in
1965).

17 May 23, 1969

Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
Michael Palin, directors Ian MacNaughton and John Howard Davies, and
Barry Took (writer and comedy advisor to the BBC) gather together in a
conference room of BBC Television Centre with Michael Mills, Head of
Comedy, to discuss an idea for a new comedy show, which will eventually
become Monty Python’s Flying Circus. During what Palin would later call
“the world’s worst job interview,” the future Pythons are unable to answer
any of Mills’ questions (Will there be music? Will there be guest stars?
What’s the show called?), but in the end they are given 13 shows.

18 June–September 1969

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer, starring Peter Cook and co-written
by Cook, Kevin Billington, John Cleese and Graham Chapman, is filmed
in London. Cleese and Chapman also have small roles in the film.

19 June 1969

The Best House in London (Feature film: MGM) opens in the U.K. Farce
about a government-sponsored brothel in Victorian London. John Cleese,
in one of his earliest film roles (he had previously appeared in 1968’s
Interlude and The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom), plays Jones in a scene with
George Sanders. Also starring David Hemmings, Joanna Pettet, Dany
Robin, Warren Mitchell, and William Rushton. Written by Denis Norden.
Directed by Philip Saville. Produced by Philip Breen and Kurt Unger.
Opens in the U.S. on July 30.

20 July 7, 1969

Eric Idle marries Lyn Ashley, an Australian actress, in Kensington,

London. She will later appear in episodes of both Monty Python’s Flying
Circus and Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television.
21 July 8, 1969

First day of filming on Bunn, Wackett, Buzzard, Stubble, and Boot (working
title for what will become Monty Python’s Flying Circus). Sketches filmed
include “The Wacky Queen” (Oct. 12 episode) and “Bicycle Repair Man”
(Oct. 19 episode). The Queen scenes are shot at historic Ham House in
London.

22 July 12–October 3, 1969

The first series of the sitcom Doctor in the House, based on the novel by
Richard Gordon and starring Barry Evans as Dr. Michael Upton, airs on
ITV (London Weekend Television). Graham Chapman and John Cleese
write the first episode, while Chapman collaborates with Barry Cryer on
three later episodes (Aug. 30, Sept. 6 & Oct. 3). Chapman and Cleese will
also write scripts (separately) for the follow-up series, Doctor at Large, in
1971.

23 July 12, 1969

Doctor in the House (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Why Do You Want to Be a

Doctor?” After a nerve-wracking interview, Michael Upton is accepted to
St. Swithin’s, only to have his first day complicated by a dismembered arm.
John Cleese and Graham Chapman wrote this first episode of one of
London Weekend Television’s most successful comedy series, based on the
stories by Richard Gordon. The “Doctor” stories also spawned a series of
films (1954–70), the last of which, Doctor in Trouble, co-stars Chapman.
Starring Barry Evans. Directed by David Askey. Produced by Humphrey
Barclay.

24 Late July 1969

The BBC informs Cleese, Palin, Idle, et al. that they need to settle on a title
for their new comedy series, which has already begun filming. Working
titles have so far included: “Owl Stretching Time,” “Bunn, Wackett,
Buzzard, Stubble and Boot,” “A Horse, a Spoon and a Basin,” and “The
Toad Elevating Moment.” The group gathers in Cleese’s Basil Street flat (in
Knightsbridge) for a brainstorming session. They agree on “Flying Circus”
(a title the BBC favors) but still need to decide whose “Flying Circus” it
will be. They play around with various names, like “Arthur Megapode” and
“Gwen Dibley” (a real person’s name, which Palin had seen in a
magazine), until someone (probably Cleese) comes up with “Python” as a
surname. With the addition of “Monty” (probably from Idle), the show’s
title—Monty Python’s Flying Circus—is born.

25 August 18, 1969

The Flying Circus sketch “Confuse-A-Cat” (Nov. 16 episode) is filmed at

Edenfield Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey.

26 August 30, 1969

The recordings for the first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begin at
BBC Television Centre in London. The first episode recorded is “Sex &
Violence,” which includes the sketches “Flying Sheep” and “A Man with
Three Buttocks.” It is the second show aired (on Oct. 12).

27 August 30, 1969

Doctor in the House (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The War of the Mascots.” A
rival medical school steals St. Swithins’ mascot. Eighth show of the first
series. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham Chapman and Barry
Cryer. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

28 September 6, 1969

Doctor in the House (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Getting the Bird.” Upton is
set up on a date with a nurse nicknamed “Rigor Mortis” (Helen Fraser).
Ninth show of the first series. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham
Chapman and Barry Cryer. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

29 September 7, 1969

Episode 1 (“Whither Canada”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

It is the second show recorded but the first aired (on Oct. 5).

30 September 14, 1969

Episode 3 (“How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long
Way Away”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

31 September 21, 1969

Episode 4 (“Owl-Stretching Time”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

32 October 3, 1969

Episode 5 (“Man’s Crisis of Identity in the Latter Half of the Twentieth

Century”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

33 October 3, 1969

Doctor in the House (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Pass or Fail.” Panic sets in
as exam day approaches. Thirteenth (and last) show of the first series.
Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham Chapman and Barry Cryer.
Directed by Bill Turner.

34 October 5–26, November 23, 1969–January 11, 1970

The first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is aired on BBC1. This
ground-breaking comedy program features a mixture of sketches, filmed
sequences, and animation (provided by American member Terry Gilliam).
Memorable sketches in the first series include “The Pet Shop,” “Nudge,
Nudge,” “Restaurant Sketch,” “The Upper-Class Twit of the Year,”
“Crunchy Frog,” and “The Lumberjack Song.” Each of this series’ 13
episodes begins with the one-word introduction “It’s...,” uttered by Michael
Palin’s hermit character, followed by the show’s theme music (Sousa’s
“Liberty Bell” march) accompanying Gilliam’s animated title sequence.
Directors on the show are John Howard Davies (first four shows only) and
Ian MacNaughton. Recorded Aug. 30, 1970–Jan. 4, 1970.

Awards: BAFTA-winner, Special Award and Television Graphics (Terry

Gilliam).
Reviews: Norman Hare (Daily Telegraph, Oct. 6, 1969): “Monty Python’s
Flying Circus came to town last night on BBC 1 television. Most circuses
get by without scriptwriters but this one had five, doubling up as clowns
performing what they had written under the ringmastership of Ian
McNaughton. The comedy was sophisticated and had much of the
delightful absurdity which has not been seen on television since the Marty
show”; Richard Last (The Sun, Oct. 6, 1969): “...it might have been worse.
That title, I mean. Anyway, I hope M. Python and associates will prove a
winner”; The Observer (Oct. 26, 1969): “This new ... show on BBC 1,
television comedy that’s actually funny, is rapidly becoming cult viewing. It
has been described as the first successful attempt at visual Goonery...”;
Henry Raynor (The Times [London], Nov. 29, 1969): “Many of our
activities and convictions need only a slight nudge to the left to become
patently lunatic, and Monty Python nudges vigorously but unobtrusively.”

35 October 5, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Whither Canada?”

(Episode 1). The first show of the first series is aired at 10:55 on a Sunday
night. Though it is the first show aired, it was actually the second to be
recorded (on Sept. 7). In fact, five shows had been recorded (between Aug.
30 and Oct. 3) before the series premiered. Includes: “It’s Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart: Famous Deaths,” “Italian Lesson,” “Whizzo Butter,” “It’s
the Arts: Sir Edward Ross/Arthur ‘Two Sheds’ Jackson/Picasso-Cycling
Race,” “Sit Up/Dancing Soldiers/Falling Pig [anim],” and “The Funniest
Joke in the World.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Film
direction by Ian MacNaughton. Produced & directed by John Howard
Davies.

36 October 10, 1969

Episode 7 (“You’re No Fun Any More”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded. It is the sixth show recorded.

37 October 12, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Sex and Violence”
(Episode 2). Second show of the first series, but the first recorded (on Aug.
30). Includes: “Flying Sheep,” “French Lecture on Sheep-Aircraft,”
“Pepperpots Discuss French Philosophers,” “The Thinker [anim],” “A Man
with Three Buttocks,” “A Man with Two Noses,” “Musical Mice,”
“Marriage Guidance Counsellor,” “The Wacky Queen,” “Working-Class
Playwright,” “Flying Sheep [anim],” “The Wrestling Epilogue (A Question
of Belief),” “Cowboy/Grave/Defacement/Baby Carriage/Musical Statue
[anim],” and “The World Around Us: The Mouse Problem.” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Film direction by Ian MacNaughton.
Produced & directed by John Howard Davies.

38 October 19, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “How to Recognise

Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away” (Episode 3). Third
show of the first series (recorded Sept. 14). Includes: “Court Room (Mrs.
Fiona Lewis/Witness in Coffin/Cardinal Richelieu/Dim of the Yard),” “The
Larch,” “Bicycle Repair Man,” “Commie-Hater,” “Storytime,” “Animals
and Clergy [anim],” “Donkey Rides,” “Restaurant Sketch (Dirty Fork),”
“Purchase a Past [anim],” “Seduced Milkmen,” “Stolen Newsreader,”
“Children’s Interview,” and “Nudge, Nudge.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Ian Davidson. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Film direction by Ian MacNaughton. Produced & directed by John
Howard Davies. Note: The book Idle is holding in the “Storytime” sketch is
actually Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? (1968).

39 October 26, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Owl Stretching Time”
(Episode 4). Fourth show of the first series (recorded Sept. 21). Includes:
“Live from the Cardiff Rooms, Libya (song: “And Did Those Teeth...”),”
“Art Gallery,” “An Art Critic (Edible Paintings),” “Colonel (It’s a Man’s
Life in the Modern Army),” “Taking Your Clothes Off in Public,”
“Colonel,” “Self-Defense Against Fresh Fruit,” “Changing on the Beach
(Sedan Chair),” “Rustic Monologue/Colonel,” and “Lemming of the BDA.”
Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Dick
Vosburgh, Carol Cleveland, and Katya Wyeth. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Film direction by Ian MacNaughton. Produced & directed by John
Howard Davies.

40 October 27, 1969

John Cleese turns 30.

41 November 1969

Cry of the Banshee (Feature film). Terry Gilliam designed the animated
title sequence for this horror tale starring Vincent Price as a 16th-century
English magistrate whose life is imperiled by a vengeful witch. Directed by
Gordon Hessler. Released in U.S. July 22, 1970 (American International
Pictures).

42 November 5, 1969

Episode 6 (“It’s the Arts”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded. It is

the seventh show recorded.

43 November 16, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Man’s Crisis of

Identity in the Latter Half of the 20th Century” (Episode 5). Fifth show of
the first series (recorded Oct. 3). Includes: “Confuse-A-Cat Ltd,” “The
Smuggler,” “A Duck, a Cat, and a Lizard (discussion),” “Man in the Street
Interviews,” “Police Raid,” “Newsreader Arrested,” “Erotic Film,” “Charles
Fatless [anim],” “Silly Job Interview,” “Careers Advisory Board,” and
“Burglar/Encyclopedia Salesman.” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Film direction by John Howard Davies. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton.
44 November 23, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “It’s the Arts” (Episode
6). Sixth show of the first series (recorded Nov. 5). Includes: “Arthur
Figgis,” “It’s the Arts: Johann Gambolputty ... of Ulm,” “David and the Fig
Leaf [anim],” “Non-Illegal Robbery,” “Crunchy Frog,” “The Dull Life of a
City Stockbroker,” “Superhero [anim],” “Red Indian in Theatre,” “A
Scotsman on a Horse,” “Vicious Baby Carriage [anim],” and “Twentieth-
Century Vole (Irving C. Saltzberg).” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Ian Davidson. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

45 November 25, 1969

Episode 8 (“Full Frontal Nudity”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

46 November 30, 1969

Episode 10 (“Untitled”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded. It is

the ninth show recorded.

47 November 30, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “You’re No Fun Any
More” (Episode 7) Seventh show of the first series (recorded Oct. 10).
Includes: “Camel Spotting,” “You’re No Fun Anymore,” “The Audit,” and
“Science Fiction Sketch: Man Turns into Scotsman, Angus Podgorny,
Police Station, Blancmanges Playing Tennis.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Donna Reading. Animations by
Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

48 December 7, 1969

Episode 9 (“The Ant, an Introduction”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded. It is the tenth show recorded.
49 December 7, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Full Frontal Nudity”
(Episode 8). Eighth show of the first series (recorded Nov. 25). Includes:
“Leaving the Army/Army Protection Racket/Colonel (Silly),” “Full Frontal
Nudity [anim],” “An Art Critic (The Place of the Nude),” “Buying a Bed,”
“Colonel (Silly),” “Hermits/Colonel (Silly),” “Meat Grinder/Venus Dancing
[anim],” “The Pet Shop (Dead Parrot),” “The Flasher,” and “Hell’s
Grannies/Colonel (Silly).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Kathja Wyeth, and Rita Davies.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

50 December 11, 1969

The Magic Christian (Feature film: Commonwealth United/Grand Films),

world premiere in London. Comedy about an eccentric millionaire (Peter
Seller) and his adopted son (Ringo Starr) who go about proving that people
will do anything for money. John Cleese plays Mr. Dougdale, a director in
Sotheby’s. Graham Chapman plays an Oxford stroke. Also starring
Richard Attenborough, Lawrence Harvey, Christopher Lee, Spike Milligan,
Yul Brynner, Roman Polanski, Raquel Welch, and Wilfrid Hyde-White.
Written by Terry Southern, Joseph McGrath and Peter Sellers, with
additional material by John Cleese and Graham Chapman. Directed by
Joseph McGrath. Premieres in the U.S. in January 1970.

51 December 14, 1969

Episode 11 (“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom”) of

Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

52 December 14, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Ant, an

Introduction” (Episode 9). Ninth show of the first series (recorded Dec. 7).
Includes: “Llamas,” “A Man with a Tape Recorder Up His Nose,”
“Kilimanjaro Expedition (Sir George Head),” “A Man with a Tape Recorder
Up His Brother’s Nose,” “Clergyman Selling Encyclopedias [anim],”
“Homicidal Barber/The Lumberjack Song,” “Gumby Crooner,” “The
Refreshment Room at Bletchley,” “Brian Islam and Brucie [anim],”
“Hunting Film,” and “The Visitors.” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth, and The Fred
Tomlinson Singers. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton. Note: Connie Booth, who plays the lumberjack’s
sweetheart in this episode, is the wife of John Cleese. They were married in
February 1968.

53 December 21, 1969

Episode 12 (“The Naked Ant”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

54 December 21, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Untitled” (Episode

10). Tenth show of the first series (recorded Nov. 30). Includes: “Walk-On
Part in Sketch,” “Bank Robber in Lingerie Shop,” “David Unction,” “It’s a
Tree (Arthur Tree),” “Wooden Impressions [anim],” “Vocational Guidance
Counsellor,” “David Unction,” “Ron Obvious (The First Man to Jump the
Channel),” “Pet Conversions,” “Gorilla Librarian,” “Letters to ‘Daily
Mirror,’” “Strangers in the Night,” and “Animals Eating [anim].”
Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Barry
Cryer, Carolae Donoghue, and Ian Davidson. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

55 December 28, 1969

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Royal

Philharmonic Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom” (Episode 11). Eleventh
show of the first series (recorded Dec. 14). Includes: “The Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom,” “Letters,” “The World of
History (interruptions),” “Hearses Racing,” “Agatha Christie Sketch
(Inspector Tiger),” “Undertakers,” “Jimmy Buzzard Interview,”
“Undertakers,” “Ladies/Open War [anim],” “Interesting People,”
“Undertakers,” “More Jimmy Buzzard,” “Gravediggers,” “Coffins [anim],”
“The World of History: Social Legislation in the 18th Century, The Battle of
Trafalgar, The Batley Townswomens’ Guild’s Re-enactment of The Battle
of Pearl Harbor,” and “Undertakers.” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Ian Davidson, and Flanagan.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

56 1969

Beauty and the Beast (Pantomime) opens at the Watford Palace Theatre.
Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, who had previously penned the
1968 pantomime, Aladdin, also for the Watford Palace Theatre.

57 January 1970

John Cleese meets with Victor Lownes (head of the Playboy Organization
in the U.K.) at the Playboy Club in London. Lownes, an American and a fan
of Flying Circus, suggests the idea of making a film of the show’s best bits
as a way of introducing Python to America. A deal is made and Lownes
agrees to put up £100,000 to finance the film. Filming begins in October
1970 on what will be called And Now for Something Completely Different.

58 January 4, 1970

Episode 13 (“Intermission”), the last show of the first series of Monty

Python’s Flying Circus, is recorded.

59 January 4, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Naked Ant”
(Episode 12). Twelfth show of the first series (recorded Dec. 21, 1969).
Includes: “A Signalbox Somewhere Near Hove,” “Falling from Building,”
“Falling People/Magician/Opening Titles [anim],” “Spectrum,” “Mr.
Hilter/The North Minehead Bye-Election,” “Police Station (Silly Voices),”
“The Upper-Class Twit of the Year,” “Smoking a Pipe [anim],” “Ken
Shabby,” and “How Far Can a Minister Fall? (A Party Political Broadcast
by the Wood Party).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Connie Booth and Flanagan. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

60 January 11, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Intermission”

(Episode 13). Thirteenth and last show of the first series (recorded Jan. 4).
Includes: “Intermission,” “Intermission [anim],” “Restaurant
(Abuse/Cannibalism),” “Pearls for Swine (adverts): Soho Motors/La
Gondola Restaurant,” “Albatross,” “Come Back to My Place,” “Me,
Doctor,” “Gumbys,” “Historical Impersonations,” “Wishes
(Schoolboys/Businessmen Interview),” “Probe Around (Police Fairy
Stories),” “Mr. Attila the Hun,” “Letters,” “Psychiatrist (Dr. Larch),” and
“Operating Theatre (Squatters).” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and David Ballantyne.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

61 January 12, 1970

Late Night Line Up (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Joan Bakewell,
Michael Dean, Tony Bilbow, and Sheridan Morley. Guests: John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Carol Cleveland.
Produced by Mike Fentiman.

62 February 15–May 10, 1970

The eighth series of the sketch-comedy show I’m Sorry I’ll Read That
Again, co-starring John Cleese, airs on BBC Radio 2 (13 episodes). The
show also stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo
Kendall, and Bill Oddie.

63 March 30, 1970

Marty Amok (TV special: BBC1). Comedy special starring Marty Feldman,
with John Junkin, Robert Dhéry, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Mary Miller, and
others. Sketches include “Bookshop,” which Feldman originally performed
with John Cleese on At Last the 1948 Show (1967). Written by Marty
Feldman, Barry Took, John Mortimer, Brian Cook, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Race. Produced by Michael Mills.

64 April 30, 1970

An episode from the first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is shown
in the non-competitive section of the 1970 Montreux Television Festival.
The following year the Pythons will assemble a special edition of the
program to compete in the festival.

65 May 2, 1970

The Pythons record their first record album before a small audience at
Camden Theatre in Camden Town, London. The record, containing material
from the first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, is produced on a
small budget by BBC Enterprises.

66 May 11–22, 1970

The Pythons spend two weeks in the town of Torquay, in Devon, England,
filming bits for the TV show. During the filming John Cleese and Eric Idle
stay at the Gleneagles Hotel near Torquay, which is run by a man named
Donald Sinclair who, as Cleese put it years later, “was wonderfully rude.”
Cleese uses this character in a Doctor at Large episode he writes in 1971
and again, more famously, in his celebrated sitcom Fawlty Towers (1975,
79).

67 May 19–21, 1970

The Pythons film the sketch “Scott of the Antarctic/Sahara” (Episode 23 of

Flying Circus) at Goodrington Sands in Paignton, Devon. The episode is
recorded before a studio audience on July 2 and airs Dec. 1.

68 June 16, 1970

Doctor in Trouble (Feature film: Rank Organisation) opens in the U.K.

Comedy about a doctor’s misadventures on an ocean liner. Graham
Chapman, a frequent writer on the “Doctor” TV series (Doctor in the
House, Doctor at Large, etc.), plays Roddy the photographer in this seventh
(and last) entry in the “Doctor” film series, which began in 1954. Starring
Leslie Phillips, Harry Secombe, Angela Scoular, Irene Handl, Robert
Morley, and Simon Dee. Written by Jack Davies. Directed by Ralph
Thomas. Produced by Betty Box and Ralph Thomas.

69 June 25, 1970

The recordings for the second series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begin.
The first show recorded is “Spam” (episode 25), which will air Dec. 15.

70 June 28, 1970

Oh Hampstead (Stage show). The Pythons perform in this benefit show

staged at St. Pancras Town Hall, London. Sketches include “Pet Shop”
(John Cleese and Michael Palin) and “Minister Whose Legs Fall Off”
(Graham Chapman and Terry Jones). The show is a fundraiser for
Labour MP Ben Whitaker of Hampstead. Directed by John Neville.

71 July 2, 1970

Episodes 23 (“Scott of the Antarctic”) and 15 (“The Spanish Inquisition”)

of Monty Python’s Flying Circus are recorded.

72 July 4, 1970

The Clever Stupid Game (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese.

73 July 9, 1970

Episode 14 (“Face the Press”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

74 July 16, 1970

Episode 16 (“Déjà Vu”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

75 July 23, 1970

Episode 24 (“How Not to Be Seen”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is
recorded.

76 August 1970

The Pythons form their own company, Python Productions Ltd.

77 August 5, 1970

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Brian Ash talks to Terry
Gilliam about his animation work on Flying Circus. Gilliam demonstrates
the process by showing how he created “David and the Fig Leaf” (from
Episode 6).

78 Fall 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (Record: BBC Records REB 73M) is

released in the U.K. Python’s first record album, consisting of material from
the TV show’s first series, was recorded in mono before a live audience at
Camden Theatre (on May 2). Tracks: “Flying Sheep,” “Television
Interviews (A Man with Three Buttocks),” “Trade Description Act (Whizzo
Chocolates),” “Nudge, Nudge,” “The Mouse Problem,” “Buying a Bed,”
“Interesting People,” “The Barber (Homicidal Barber/Lumberjack Song),”
“An Art Critic (The Place of the Nude),” “Interviews (Sir Edward Ross),”
“More Television Interviews (Arthur ‘Two Sheds’ Jackson),” “Children’s
Stories (Storytime),” “The Visitors,” “The Cinema (Albatross),” “The North
Minehead Bye-Election,” “Me, Doctor,” “Pet Shop,” and “Self-Defense.”
Written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and The
Fred Tomlinson Singers. Sleeve design by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Ian
MacNaughton and BBC Television. Released in the U.S. on Pye Records
PYE 12116 (1975). Note: Unhappy with the results of this BBC-produced
recording, the group signs with Charisma Records in 1971.

79 Fall 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins airing on the Canadian Broadcasting

Corporation (CBC).
80 September 10, 1970

Episodes 18 (“Live from the Grill-O-Mat”) and 19 (“It’s a Living”) of

Monty Python’s Flying Circus are recorded.

81 September 12–December 5, 1970

The third and final series of the sitcom No, That’s Me Over Here airs on
ITV (produced by London Weekend Television). The show, which stars
Ronnie Corbett and Rosemary Leach, was created in 1967 by Graham
Chapman, Barry Cryer & Eric Idle. The first two series (in 1967 & 1968)
consisted of six episodes each. The third series, written by Cryer and
Chapman, consists of 13 episodes.

82 September 15–29, October 20–December 22, 1970

The second series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs on BBC1. It

consists of thirteen shows and features many of Python’s most memorable
sketches, including “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “The Spanish
Inquisition,” “World Forum,” “Bruces,” “Spam,” “The Piranha Brothers,”
“The Architect Sketch,” and “Undertaker Sketch.” The pre-title
introductions on this series are made by John Cleese’s announcer seated
behind a desk (“And now for something completely different”), followed by
Michael Palin’s hermit (“It’s...”). Recorded June 25–Oct. 16, 1970.

Awards: Winner of the Silver Rose (second place) at the 1971 Montreux
Television Festival.

Reviews: Stanley Reynolds (The Times [London], Sept. 16, 1970, p. 13):
“...undoubtedly the funniest British comedy series since the old Goon Show
... this is not a cheap show to mount. It would, however, still be an
incredible bargain to the BBC at twice the price”; Milton Shulman (Evening
Standard, Dec. 23, 1970): “A wondrous example of nonsense and anarchic
humour ... its success depends upon a blissful disregard of all the rules of
TV humour.”

83 September 15, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Face the Press”
(Episode 14). First show of the second series (recorded July 9). Includes:
“Face the Press,” “New Cooker Sketch,” “Flying European
Monarchs/Shaving [anim],” “Prostitute Advert,” “The Ministry of Silly
Walks,” and “Ethel the Frog: The Piranha Brothers.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With David Ballantyne, John Hughman,
and Stanley Mason. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton.

84 September 18, 1970

Episode 17 (“The Buzz Aldrin Show”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

85 September 20, 1970

The Pythons perform in a charity concert (for Medical Aid for Vietnam) at
the Questors Theatre in Ealing, London. Other performers include classical
guitarist John Williams and the Scottish music duo The Humblebums
(Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly).

86 September 22, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Spanish

Inquisition” (Episode 15). Second show of the second series (recorded July
2). Includes: “Man-Powered Flight,” “The Spanish Inquisition,” “Novelty
Salesman,” “Animated Head [anim],” “Tax on Thingy,” “Photos of Uncle
Ted/Comfy Chair (Spanish Inquisition),” “I Confess [anim],” “The
Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights/Julius Caesar on an Aldis Lamp,”
and “Court Room (Charades/Spanish Inquisition).” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and Marjorie
Wilde. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton.

87 September 25, 1970

Episode 22 (“How to Recognize Different Parts of the Body”) of Monty
Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

88 September 29, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Déjà Vu” (Episode
16). Third show of the second series (recorded July 16). Includes: “A
Bishop Rehearsing,” “Flying Lessons,” “BALPA Spokesman,” “Hijacked
Plane (to Luton),” “The Poet McTeagle,” “Highland Spokesman,”
“Growing Hands/Cowboy [anim],” “Psychiatrist Milkman,” “Complaints,”
and “It’s the Mind (Déjà Vu).” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and Jeannette Wild. Animations
by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

89 October 2, 1970

Episode 20 (“The Attila the Hun Show”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is
recorded.

90 October 9, 1970

Episode 21 (“Archaeology Today”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

91 October 15, 1970

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). “The Idea is That Everyone Interferes with

Everyone Else’s Business,” by Anne Chisholm. Behind-the-scenes look at
the creation of an episode of Flying Circus.

92 October 16, 1970

Episode 26 (“Royal Episode 13”), the last show of the second series of
Monty Python’s Flying Circus, is recorded.

93 October 20, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Buzz Aldrin
Show” (Episode 17). Fourth show of the second series (recorded Sept. 18).
Includes: “Metamorphosis [anim],” “Gumbys,” “The Architect Sketch,”
“How to Recognize a Mason,” “Anti-Masonic Therapy [anim],” “Gumbys,”
“Insurance Sketch,” “The Bishop,” “Living Room on Pavement,” “Poets in
the Home,” “Nude Man,” “The Five Frog Curse [anim]/Gumbys,” “The
Chemist Sketch,” “Words Not to Be Used Again,” “After-Shave,” and
“Police Constable Pan-Am.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Sandra Richards and Stanley Mason. Animations by
Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

94 October 22, 1970

The Pythons attend a party at the Playboy Club in London to celebrate the
start of production on And Now for Something Completely Different.

95 October 26–December 9, 1970

And Now for Something Completely Different, the Pythons’ first feature
film, is shot over a five-week period in various locations around London on
a low budget of £80,000. Most of the interiors are filmed in a former milk
depot, A1 Dairy, in Whetstone, North London.

96 October 27, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Live from the Grill-O-
Mat” (Episode 18). Fifth show of the second series (recorded Sept. 10).
Includes: “Live from the Grill-O-Mat Snack Bar,” “Blackmail,” “The Royal
Society for Putting Things on Top of Other Things,” “Escape from Film,”
“Escape [anim],” “Current Affairs,” “Escape continues [anim],” “Accidents
Sketch,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Piggy Bank Hunting [anim],”
“The Rude/Polite Butcher,” “Ken Clean-Air System (boxer doc),” and
“Host on Bus.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
With Carol Cleveland, Ian Davidson, Connie Booth, and Mrs. Idle.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.
97 November 3, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “It’s a Living”

(Episode 19). Sixth show of the second series (recorded Sept. 10). Includes:
“It’s a Living,” “The Time on BBC1,” “School Prize-Giving,” “Films of
L.F. Dibley: If, Rear Window, Finian’s Rainbow,” “Foreign Secretary,”
“Book-of-the-Month Club Dung,” “Timmy Williams’ Coffee Time,”
“Raymond Luxury-Yacht Interview,” “Sexual Athletes [anim],” “Marriage
Registry Office,” “The Prince and the Black Spot [anim],” and “Election
Night Special (Silly and Sensible Parties).” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Rita Davies and Ian Davidson.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.
Note: In the original version of Gilliam’s animation “The Prince and the
Black Spot,” the Prince dies of cancer. When the show is repeated, BBC
censors replace the word “cancer” with “gangrene.”

98 November 10, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Attila the Hun
Show” (Episode 20). Seventh show of the second series (recorded Oct. 2).
Includes: “The Attila the Hun Show,” “Attila the Nun,” “Secretary of State
Striptease,” “Political Groupies,” “Ratcatcher/Killer Sheep,” “Sheep Bank
Robbers” [anim], “The News for Parrots,” “Today in Parliament,” “The
News for Wombats,” “Attila the Bun [anim],” “Village Idiots,” “Test
Match/Epsom Furniture Race,” and “Take Your Pick (The Blow on the
Head).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With
Carol Cleveland and Ian Davidson. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

99 November 12, 1970

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (Feature film: Warner-Pathé)

premieres in the U.K. Satirical comedy about an efficiency expert who,
after taking over an advertising agency, soon becomes an MP, a cabinet
minister, and eventually Prime Minister. John Cleese and Graham
Chapman co-wrote the script (started in 1966 while they were still working
on The Frost Report) and also appear in small roles. Cleese plays Pumer, a
tango-dancing advertising executive; Chapman plays Fromage, a client of
the agency. Filmed in June–September 1969. Starring Peter Cook, Vanessa
Howard, Arthur Lowe, Ronald Fraser, Denholm Elliott, Harold Pinter,
Ronnie Corbett, and Valerie Leon. Written by John Cleese, Graham
Chapman, Peter Cook, and Kevin Billington. Directed by Kevin
Billington. Produced by Harry Fine. Executive produced by David Frost.

100 November 12, 1970

The Pythons attend the premiere of The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer at
the Warner Rendezvous cinema in Leicester Square, London.

101 November 14, 1970

John Cleese is elected rector of St. Andrews University in Scotland. He

polled 1,072 votes, while the runner-up, broadcaster-journalist Alistair
Cooke, polled 656 votes. Cleese, who succeeds Lord Learie Constantine,
will be installed as rector on Apr. 21, 1971.

102 November 17, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Archaeology Today”

(Episode 21). Eighth show of the second series (recorded Oct. 9). Includes:
“BBC Previews,” “Archaeology [anim],” “Archaeology Today (Flaming
Star),” “An Appeal for Sanity (Silly Vicar),” “An Appeal on Behalf of the
National Truss (Leapy Lee),” “Registrar of Marriages (Wife Swap),” “Dr.
Darling (abandoned sketch),” “Eggs Diamond/Book Ad [anim],” “The
Gits,” “Mosquito Hunters,” “The Judges,” “Mrs. Thing and Mrs. Entity,”
“Beethoven’s Mynah Bird,” “Colin Mozart (Ratcatcher),” and “Judges
Again.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With
Carol Cleveland. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton.

103 November 19, 1970

Michael Palin’s son, William, is born.

104 November 22, 1970

Terry Gilliam turns 30.

105 November 24, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “How to Recognize

Different Parts of the Body” (Episode 22). Ninth show of the second series
(recorded Sept. 25). Includes: “Bikini-Clad Women & Announcer,” “How
to Recognize Different Parts of the Body,” “Bruces,” “Naughty Bits,” “Man
Who Contradicts People,” “Raymond Luxury-Yacht (Plastic Surgery),”
“Camp Army Drills,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy/Bus Stop/The Killer
Cars [anim],” “The Verrifast Plane Company,” “The Batley Townswomen’s
Guild’s Re-enactment of the First Heart Transplant,” “Underwater
Productions,” “Racing Car [anim],” “The Death of Mary Queen of Scots,”
“Penguin on the TV,” “There’s Been a Murder,” “Sgt. Duckie’s Song
(song),” and “Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong (song).” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, The Fred
Tomlinson Singers, Vincent Wong, Roy Gunson, Alexander Curry, Ralph
Wood, and John Clement. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced &
directed by Ian MacNaughton.

106 December 1, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Scott of the Antarctic”
(Episode 23). Tenth show of the second series (recorded July 2). Includes:
“French Subtitled Film (Le Fromage Grand),” “Scott of the
Antarctic/Sahara,” “Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth [anim],” “Fish
License,” “Derby Council v. All Blacks,” and “Bournemouth
Gynaecologists v. Watford Long John Silver Impersonators.” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and Mrs.
Idle. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton.

107 December 3, 1970

The Listener (Magazine/U.K.). “The Meaning of ‘Monty Python,’” by John
Carey, p. 791. Article on Monty Python’s Flying Circus, “at present the
funniest comedy programme available.” The cover features Terry Gilliam
art.

108 December 8, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “How Not to Be Seen”
(Episode 24). Eleventh show of the second series (recorded July 23).
Includes: “Conquistador Coffee Campaign,” “Repeating Groove,” “Ramsay
MacDonald Striptease,” “Job Hunter,” “Chinese Communist
Conspiracy/American Defense/Crelm Toothpaste/Shrill Petrol [anim],”
“Agatha Christie Sketch (Railway Timetables),” “Neville Shunt,” “Theatre
Critic (Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr),” “Film Director (Teeth),” “City Gents,”
“Crackport Religions,” “How Not to Be Seen,” “Crossing the Atlantic on a
Tricycle,” “Interview in Filing Cabinet,” “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I’ve
Got Love in My Tummy (pop song performed in packing crates),” and “20-
Second Episode Replay.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton. Note: A piece of animation
featuring Satan and the image of Jesus crucified on a telephone pole was
later cut from the show. The 30-second piece linked “Crackpot Religions”
with “How Not to Be Seen.”

109 December 14, 1970

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Rise and Rise of Monty

Python,” by Stanley Reynolds, p. 6. Article on Python’s growing popularity.
Includes a piece of Terry Gilliam’s art.

110 December 15, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Spam” (Episode 25).
Twelfth show of the second series (recorded June 25). Includes: “The Black
Eagle,” “Hungarian Phrase Book,” “Court Room (Phrase Book),”
“Protestors/2001 [anim],” “World Forum (Communist Quiz),” “Ypres 1914
(abandoned),” “Art Gallery Strike,” “Ypres 1914,” “Hospital for Over-
Acting,” “Gumby Flower-Arranging,” and “Spam (song: Spam Song).”
Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With The Fred
Tomlinson Singers. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton.

111 December 22, 1970

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Royal Episode 13”
(Episode 26). Thirteenth and last show of the second series (recorded Oct.
16). Includes: “The Queen Will Be Watching,” “Coal Mine (Historical
Argument),” “The Toad Elevating Moment: Roundabout Speaker and
Ends/Beginnings/Middles of Words,” “Crelm Toothpaste [anim],”
“Commercials,” “Fish Club: How to Feed a Goldfish,” “Man Who Collects
Bird-Watcher’s Eggs,” “The Insurance Sketch/Queen Tunes In,” “Hospital
Run by RSM,” “The Exploding Version of ‘The Blue Danube,’” “Girls’
Boarding School,” “Submarine (Pepperpots),” “Lifeboat (Cannibalism),”
“Cannibalism [anim],” and “Undertaker Sketch.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and Ian Davidson.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

112 December 24, 1970

Aladdin (Pantomime) opens at the Citizens’ Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland.

Christmas pantomime show written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones,
originally staged in 1968 for the Palace Theatre in Watford, England. The
show runs until Jan. 23, 1971. Palin and Jones attend the Jan. 8
performance. Starring Phil McCall, Patti Love, and David Hayman.
Directed by Giles Havergal. Note: Palin and Jones also wrote Beauty and
the Beast for the Watford Palace Theatre in 1969.

113 January 1971

The Statue (Feature film: Cinerama). Comedy starring David Niven as a

language professor who suspects his sculptress wife of infidelity when she
makes an 18-foot statue of him—with someone else’s private parts. John
Cleese plays Niven’s psychiatrist, Harry. Graham Chapman also appears
briefly as a news reader. Also starring Virna Lisi, Robert Vaughn, and Ann
Bell. Written by Denis Norden, based on a play by Alec Coppel. Directed
by Rod Amateau. Produced by Anis Nohra.

114 January 5, 1971

John Gould One-Man Show (Stage show) begins a two-week engagement at

the Jeannetta Cochrane Theatre, London. Music-comedy show starring
pianist-comedian John Gould with written contributions from John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Michael Palin & Terry Jones. Directed by Jonathan
Lynn.

115 January 8, 1971

Graham Chapman turns 30.

116 January 31–February 2, 1971

Monty Python give their first live stage performances when they do three
midnight shows (Sunday to Tuesday, all sold-out) at the Belgrade Theatre in
Coventry, England, as part of the Lanchester Arts Festival. The show is
about 90 minutes long and consists of familiar TV sketches, like “Gumby
Flower Arranging,” “Albatross,” and “Pet Shop,” each one met with great
cheers from the enthusiastic audience of mostly students (many dressed as
Gumbys themselves). The group will eventually take the show on the road
with a tour of Great Britain and Canada in 1973. Other artists performing at
the festival include Andre Previn and Elton John.

117 February 1971

John Cleese’s daughter, Cynthia, is born.

118 February 1971

The CBC in Canada drops Monty Python’s Flying Circus from its schedule,
which leads to protest demonstrations by angry fans in Montreal, Toronto,
and Winnipeg.

119 February 1971

Ask Aspel (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Aspel. The Pythons
appear on this program which presents TV clips requested by young
viewers. Flying Circus is one of the most requested shows. Recorded Feb.
10.

120 February 5, 1971

Six Dates with Barker (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “1971: Come In and Lie
Down.” While waiting for his first patient, a psychiatrist talks with the
gasman (actually the patient) about his problems. John Cleese wrote this
fifth episode of the six-part comedy series starring Ronnie Barker. For
London Weekend Television. Also starring Michael Bates and Linda
Beckett. Directed by Maurice Murphy.

121 February 28–September 12, 1971

The sitcom Doctor at Large, a sequel to Doctor in the House (1969–70)

starring Barry Evans, airs on ITV (London Weekend Television). Graham
Chapman co-writes (with Bernard McKenna) nine episodes, while John
Cleese writes six. Cleese took the writing job after losing quite a bit of
money investing in an unsuccessful health club.

122 February 28, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Now Dr. Upton...” Dr. Upton
works in Ear, Nose and Throat. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by David Askey.

123 March 1971

Monty Python’s Flying Circus is chosen as the BBC entry for the Montreux
Television Festival in Switzerland. A special edition of the show will be
screened on BBC1 on Apr. 16 before competing in May for the festival’s
top prize, the Golden Rose of Montreux.

124 March 5, 1971

Woman’s Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese.
125 March 7, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “You’ve Really Landed Me in It

This Time.” Upton is left in charge of his friend’s practice—and his man-
hungry receptionist (Patsy Rowlands). Starring Barry Evans. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by David Askey.

126 March 20, 1971

The Ronnie Barker Yearbook (TV special: BBC1). Sketch-comedy show

starring Ronnie Barker, with support from guest-stars Ronnie Corbett, John
Cleese, Billy Dainty, and Noel Dyson. Followed next week by a special
starring Corbett (the other half of the “Two Ronnies”). Written by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Ronnie Barker, Barry Cryer, and Dick
Vosburgh.

127 March 27, 1971

Ronnie Corbett in Bed (TV special: BBC1). Comedy special starring

Ronnie Corbett, with Ronnie Barker, and Howard Keel. Written by Eric
Idle, Barry Cryer, John Antrobus, David Nobbs, Doug Fisher, Spike
Mullins, and Dick Vosburgh. Produced by Terry Hughes.

128 March 29, 1971

John Cleese and Michael Palin film “The Fish-Slapping Dance” at

Teddington Lock in London. This celebrated, 20-second piece of Python
silliness is part of the group’s contribution to the May Day special
Euroshow ’71. It will later reappear in Episode 28 (Oct. 26, 1972) of Flying
Circus.

129 April 10–May 29, 1971

The first series of the sketch-comedy show The Two Ronnies, starring
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, airs on BBC1. Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin contribute material to the series and John Cleese
appears in two episodes (May 15 & 29) representing the upper-class in the
“Class” sketch.
130 April 16, 1971

Montreux Special Programme (TV special: BBC1). This special edition of

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, compiled from various episodes (with
newly-recorded links and other material), is the BBC entry for the Golden
Rose at the 1971 Montreux Television Festival. The show wins the Silver
Rose, an honor that helps to secure a third Python series. Includes: “Scott of
the Sahara,” “The Time on BBC1,” “Face the Press,” “The Gas Cooker
Sketch,” “Nude Woman [anim],” “Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth
[anim],” “It’s the Arts: Deflating Chair, Semaphore Version of Wuthering
Heights, Julius Caesar on an Aldis Lamp, The Exploding Version of ‘The
Blue Danube,’ Deflated Chair,” “David and the Fig Leaf [anim],”
“Newspaper Shop,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “Man-Powered Flight,”
“Metamorphosis [anim],” “Blackmail,” “Newsreader Arrested,” “Match of
the Day (Romantic Movie),” “Batley Townswomen’s Guild,” and “Ramsay
MacDonald Stiptease.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, David Ballantyne, Helena Clayton,
Daphne Davey, John Hughman, and Stanley Mason. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

131 April 21, 1971

John Cleese is installed as rector of St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Conferred upon him is the honorary degree of LL.D. Cleese was elected
rector on Nov. 14, 1970.

132 April 24, 1971

John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones perform two cabaret shows
at Younger Hall, St. Andrews University (in Scotland), where Cleese was
recently installed as rector. Material includes Python items like “Pet Shop,”
“World Forum,” and “The Lumberjack Song” and also Palin’s “I Don’t Go
Out Much Nowadays” (from the 1965 Oxford Revue at Edinburgh).

133 April 25, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Lock, Stock & Beryl.” Upton,
Collier, and Stuart-Clark attempt to return an inebriated nurse (Philippa
Markham) to the nurses home. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Bill Turner.

134 May 1, 1971

Euroshow ’71 (TV special: BBC2) Monty Python appears in this hour-long
May Day special showcasing the best of European TV variety. Python’s
contribution is a six-minute piece describing traditional May Day
celebrations in England, including “The Fish-Slapping Dance” (replayed on
the Oct. 26, 1972, episode of Flying Circus), “The Gavotte of the Long
John Silvers,” “The Annual Return of the Overdue Library Book,” “Nun-
Boiling Week,” and “The Spring Dance of the Futures Brokers.” This
rarely-seen Python sequence was shown again (with a re-constituted
soundtrack) on Oct. 9, 1999, as part of BBC2’s “Python Night.” Directed by
Hans-Bernhard Theopold.

135 May 6, 1971

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the BBC’s entry for the Golden Rose at the
11th Annual Montreux Television Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, wins
the Silver Rose (second place). The winner of the Golden Rose is the
Austrian show Lodynski’s Flohmarkt Company.

136 May 8, 1971

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). Includes the “Party Sketch (Loo),”
written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Fifth episode of the first series.
Starring Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker. Written by Gary Chambers,
Tony Hare, Eric Idle, David McKellar, Spike Mullins, David Nobbs,
Michael Palin & Terry Jones, Peter Vincent, Bill Solly, Dick Vosburgh,
and Gerald Wiley [pseud. of Ronnie Barker]. Produced by Terry Hughes.

137 May 9, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Saturday Matinee.” Left in

charge of Dr. Whiteland’s private practice, Dr. Upton must cope with a
Cabinet Minister (Basil Henson) and a hysterical, sexually-aggressive
woman (Maureen Lipman). Starring Barry Evans. Written by John Cleese.
Directed by Alan Wallis.

138 May 15, 1971

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). John Cleese is the special guest,
portraying the upper-class in the “Class” sketch alongside Ronnie Barker
(middle-class) and Ronnie Corbett (lower-class). Sixth episode of the first
series. Written by Peter Vincent, Gerald Wiley [pseud. of Ronnie Barker],
Spike Mullins, and David Nobbs. Produced by Terry Hughes. Note: Cleese,
Barker, and Corbett first performed the “Class” sketch on The Frost Report
in 1966.

139 May 22, 1971

Aquarius (TV arts show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Humphrey Burton.

Includes a spoof football report from Wembley featuring John Cleese and
Eric Idle. As host of On the Ball, Idle introduces an interview with Colin
Buzzard (Cleese, reprising his dim-witted footballer, Jimmy Buzzard, from
the Python series). Also, Cleese gives a report from Iceland and (as Jimmy
Hill) interviews a cut-out of Sir Alf Ramsey.

140 May 26–November 10, 1971

Jokers Wild (TV game show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). John

Cleese appears on episodes of the fifth and sixth series of this 1969–74
panel game in which comedians compete by telling jokes on a randomly
selected topic. His fellow panelists include Les Dawson, Ray Cameron,
Clement Freud, Ray Martine, Ted Ray, Albie Keen, David Nixon, and
Arthur Askey. Hosted by Barry Cryer/Michael Bentine.

141 May 29, 1971

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). John Cleese returns as the special
guest, again taking the role of the upper-class in the “Class” sketch
alongside Ronnie Barker (middle-class) and Ronnie Corbett (lower-class).
Eighth episode of the first series. Written by Eric Idle, Peter Vincent,
Gerald Wiley [pseud. of Ronnie Barker], Spike Mullins, David Nobbs, and
Dick Vosburgh. Produced by Terry Hughes.

142 May 30, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “No Ill Feeling!” Dr. Upton stays
at a hotel where he is driven to distraction by the resident funny man (Roy
Kinnear). In this John Cleese-scripted episode, Timothy Bateson plays ill-
mannered hotelier Mr. Clifford, a Basil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers) prototype.
Starring Barry Evans. Directed by Alan Wallis.

143 June 1971

The Pythons’ second LP, Another Monty Python Record, is recorded at

Marquee Studios in London.

144 June 1, 1971

Tuesday’s Documentary (TV special: BBC1). “That Well-Known Store in

Knightsbridge.” Documentary on Harrod’s department store, narrated by
John Cleese and featuring Sir John Betjeman, Marjorie Proops, and
Graham Turner. Written by Patrick O’Donovan. Produced by Harry
Hastings.

145 June 6, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Let’s Start at the Beginning.”

Upton is mistaken for a patient at a psychiatric clinic. Starring Barry Evans.
Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Bill
Turner.

146 June 8, 1971

Tuesday’s Documentary (TV special: BBC1). “The Great 20th-Century

Love Affair (aka The Car Versus the People).” Man’s love for his motor car
is explored in this hour-long special hosted by Julian Pettifer. Includes
sketches from Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Written & produced by
David Gerrard. Directed by Edward Mirzoeff.
147 June 13, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “It’s All in the Mind.” At a party,
Upton meets Audrey Watt (Patricia Routledge), who claims to be a witch
with healing powers. Starring Barry Evans. Written by John Cleese.
Directed by Alan Wallis.

148 June 20, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Cynthia Darling.” An over-

bearing mother (Hattie Jacques) insists that Dr. Upton treat her daughter
(Moira Foot), who is perfectly healthy. Starring Barry Evans. Written by
John Cleese. Directed by Bill Turner.

149 July 1971

The Pythons film their first TV show in Germany, at Bavaria Studios in

Munich, delivering their lines phonetically in German. The show is brought
about by German producer—and Python fan—Alfred Biolek. Filming
locations include Nymphenburg Palace (in Munich).

150 July 11, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Operation Loftus.” Prof. Loftus

(Ernest Clark) returns to St. Swithins. Starring Barry Evans. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

151 July 17, 1971

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Roy Plomley’s castaway
is John Cleese, whose choice of records includes “Simon Smith & His
Amazing Dancing Bear” (Alan Price) and “Nimrod, from Enigma
Variations” (Sir Edward Elgar). His luxury item is a life-size model of
Margaret Thatcher and a baseball bat; his book Vincent Price’s Cookery
Book.

152 July 18, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Mother and Father Doing Well.”
Dr. Huw Evans (Martin Shaw), a former medical student at St. Swithins,
returns to the hospital with his pregnant wife (Ursula Barclay). Starring
Barry Evans. Written by John Cleese. Directed by Bill Turner.

153 July 25, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “A Joke’s a Joke.” Upton and

Collier become anatomy demonstrators. Starring Barry Evans. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

154 August 8, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “It’s the Rich Wot Gets the
Pleasure.” Stuart-Clark is left a small fortune by a rich uncle, and a wild
celebration ensues. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham Chapman
and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

155 August 15, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Things That Go Mump in the

Night.” Upton comes down with mumps and is admitted to Bingham’s
ward. Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard
McKenna. Directed by Bill Turner.

156 August 22, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Mr. Moon.” A convalescing Dr.

Upton stays at a health farm run by the strict disciplinarian Mr. Moon (John
Le Mesurier). Starring Barry Evans. Written by John Cleese. Directed by
Alan Wallis.

157 August 29, 1971

Doctor at Large (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Viva.” Upton’s car breaks
down in the country forcing him to take his oral exam over the phone.
Starring Barry Evans. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard
McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.
158 August 30 & September 6, 1971

Sez Les (TV comedy series: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). John Cleese

appears as a guest performer on these third-series episodes of Les Dawson’s
sketch-comedy show (1969–76). Dawson-Cleese sketches include
“Scotsman & Englishman on a Train” (Aug. 30) and “Walking License”
(Sept. 6). Produced & directed by David Mallett.

159 September 10, 1971

A. P. Herbert’s Misleading Cases (TV episode: BBC1). “Regina Versus

Sagittarius.” John Cleese guest stars as Mr. Partridge in this episode of the
1967–71 courtroom comedy. Starring Alastair Sim, Roy Dotrice, Thorley
Walters, Avice Landone, with Terence Conoley, Gabrielle Drake, June Jago,
George Pravda, and Sydney Tafler. Written by Christopher Bond and
Michael Gilbert. Produced & directed by John Howard Davies.

160 September 13, 1971

It’s a Wacky World (TV special: NBC). John Cleese appears on this
American comedy-variety special, produced by George Schlatter (Laugh-
In), featuring performances and filmed segments from around the world.
Pilot for a potential series. Also starring Tony Curtis, Jacques Tati, Lulu,
Alfonso Arau, and many others.

161 September 28, 1971

And Now for Something Completely Different (Feature film: Columbia

Pictures) opens in London. Monty Python’s first feature film is an
anthology of some of the better sketches from the first two series of Flying
Circus. Includes: “How Not to Be Seen,” “A Man with a Tape Recorder Up
His Nose/Brother’s Nose,” “Hungarian Phrase Book/Court Room,”
“Growing Hands/Cowboy/Shaving [anim],” “Marriage Guidance
Counselor,” “Baby Carriage/David and the Fig Leaf [anim],” “Nudge,
Nudge,” “Self-Defense,” “Hell’s Grannies/Colonel (Silly),” “Camp Army
Drills/Colonel (Silly),” “The Prince and the Black Spot [anim],”
“Mountaineering Expedition,” “Bikini-Clad Women & Announcer,” “Come
Back to My Place,” “The Flasher,” “Chinese Communist
Conspiracy/American Defense/Crelm Toothpaste/Shrill Petrol [anim],”
“Twentieth-Century Frog [anim],” “Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth
[anim],” “Musical Mice,” “It’s the Arts: Sir Edward Ross,” “Seduced
Milkmen,” “The Funniest Joke in the World,” “Bus Stop/The Killer
Cars/Venus Dancing [anim],” “The Pet Shop,” “The Lumberjack Song,”
“Restaurant Sketch,” “Musical Statue [anim],” “Bank Robber in Lingerie
Shop,” “Falling from Building,” “Metamorphosis [anim],” “Vocational
Guidance Counselor,” “Blackmail/Colonel,” “A Re-enactment of the Battle
of Pearl Harbor,” “Erotic Film,” and “The Upper-Class Twit of the Year.”
Filmed in October–December 1970. Written by & featuring Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Directed by Ian
MacNaughton. Produced by Patricia Casey. Note: The film’s executive
producer, Victor Lownes (head of Playboy in the U.K.) suggested making
the film back in January 1970 as a way of introducing Python to America.
Columbia Pictures, however, is reluctant to release the film in the States and
shelves it for almost a year. It is finally given a limited release in the U.S.
on Aug. 22, 1972.

Reviews: Howard Thompson (The New York Times, Aug. 23, 1972, p. C33):
“...where’s the wit?... One portion about a bird shop is as dead as the parrot
in question ... compared to this, The Beverly Hillbillies seems downright
Shakespearean”; Penelope Gilliatt (The New Yorker, Aug. 26, 1972, p. 60):
“...a battily funny film ... nothing is sacrosanct, least of all patriotism and
any sort of bigotry”; Sally Beauman (New York, Aug. 28, 1972, p. 47): “A
mad mix of review, whimsy and satire.... Extremely funny and should be
seen”; Paul D. Zimmerman (Newsweek, Sept. 4, 1972, p. 81): “...Different
dances gleefully on the grave of upper-crust English institutions and
moribund Establishment mores.... It comes at a good time, when the supply
of good comedy is so low here that, unfortunately, we must import it”;
Stanley Kauffmann (The New Republic, Sept. 23, 1972, p. 244): “The best
quality in the film is its youthful brashness ... any film by bright people that
tries for 100 minutes to make you laugh ought to succeed some of the time,
and this does”; Bruce Williamson (Playboy, October 1972, p. 28): “Marx
Bros. zaniness ... lives up to its title ... comic boners and solid belly laughs.”

162 October 1971

Another Monty Python Record (Record: Charisma CAS 1049) is released in
the U.K. The Pythons’ second album (following 1970’s Monty Python’s
Flying Circus) contains material taken mostly from the show’s second
series and is packaged as a recording of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D
Major (by The National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dietriech
Walther) but with that title crossed out with a crayon and “Another Monty
Python Record” scribbled in the top right-hand corner. The record comes
with a “Be a Great Actor” kit. Tracks: “Apologies (Pleasures of the
Dance),” “The Spanish Inquisition,” “Gumby Theatre (The Cherry
Orchard),” “Contradiction,” “The Architect Sketch,” “The Spanish
Inquisition Again,” “Ethel the Frog: The Piranha Brothers,” “The Death of
Mary Queen of Scots,” “Penguin on the TV,” “Comfy Chair/Sound Quiz,”
“Be a Great Actor,” “Theatre Critic (Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr),” “Royal Festival
Hall Concert,” “Spam (song: Spam Song),” “The Judges,” “Stake Your
Claim,” “Still No Sign of Land (Lifeboat),” “Undertaker Sketch,” and
“Knees Up, Mother Brown (Spanish Inquisition).” Written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland. Produced by Terry Jones and
Michael Palin. Recorded at Marquee Studios, London. Single issued on
Charisma CAS 192. The U.S. release (Charisma, distributed by Buddah
Records in 1972) also includes “World Forum.” Reissued on CD (with four
bonus tracks) in 2006.

Review: Michael Wale (Financial Times, Oct. 21, 1971, p. 3): “...should
become the biggest selling Christmas album for some time.”

163 October 1971

Who’s There? (Short film). Instructional 16-minute film, produced by the

Labour Party and starring the Python team, showing Labour Party workers
how to canvass for votes. John Cleese, who was asked to do the film by
friend Peter Davis, and the rest of the group gave their services for free. The
film premieres at the party conference in Brighton. Narrated by Michael
Parkinson. Starring John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones,
Michael Palin, and Carol Cleveland. Directed by Mike Wooler.

164 October 1, 1971–January 14, 1972

The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine (TV series: ITV). Terry Gilliam
provides the opening title sequence and other animations for this comedy-
variety show starring Marty Feldman. The series airs in the U.S. Apr. 12–
Aug. 23, 1972, on ABC. Directed by John Robins. Produced by Larry
Gelbart.

165 November 1971

The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (Feature film: Tigon). British comedy
comprised of seven different stories, each based on one of the Seven Deadly
Sins. Graham Chapman co-writes (with Barry Cryer) the “Gluttony” and
“Wrath” episodes. Starring Bruce Forsyth, Joan Sims, Roy Hudd, Harry
Secombe, Leslie Phillips, Julie Ege, Harry H. Corbett, Spike Milligan, Ian
Carmichael, Alfie Bass, Ronald Fraser, Arthur Howard, and Stephen Lewis.
Other writers: Bob Larbey, John Esmonde, Dave Freeman, Graham Stark,
Marty Feldman, Alan Simpson, Ray Galton, and Spike Milligan. Produced
& directed by Graham Stark.

166 November 1, 1971

Monty Python’s Big Red Book (Book: Eyre Methuen), edited by Eric Idle
and designed by Derek Birdsall, is published in the U.K. The Pythons’ first
book (which, of course, has a blue cover) is a collection of sketches and
animation stills, some original, but most of it derived from the TV show.
Contents: “Letters of Endorsement from Television Newscasters,”
“Classified Ads,” “Juliette: Ken Shabby and Rosemary,” “The End,” “Why
Accountancy Is Not Boring,” “Naughty Pages,” “Ads,” “Campaign
Literature for the Silly Party,” “Keyhole for Voyeurs,” “Batley Ladies
Townswomen’s Guild,” “E.D. Silly’s Page,” “Spam Song,” “Sports Page:
Jimmy Buzzard and Ken Clean-Air System,” “Arts Page,” “Horace Poem,”
“The World Encyclopaedia of Carnal Knowledge,” “Australian Page,”
“Children’s Page (Storytime),” “Blackmail,” “Uncle Sam,” “A Song for
Europe: ‘Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong,’” “The Importance of Being Earnest—A
New Version by Billy Bremner,” “Are You Civilized?,” “Le Pouff Celebre,”
“Madame Palm Writes,” “Family Tree of Johann Gambolputty...,” “The
Greatest Upper Class (Twit) Race in the World,” “Lumberjack Song,” “Do-
It-Yourself Story,” “Goats’ Page,” “Hello O.N.s Everywhere,” “Whizzo
Assortment,” “English-Hungarian Phrasebook,” “How to Walk Silly,”
“Johnson’s Novelties,” “Be a Modern Hermit,” “The Poems of Ewen
McTeagle,” “The Piranha Brothers,” “Python Literary Guild,” “Letter
Retracting the Endorsement of the Book,” and “Bibliography.” Published in
the U.S. by Warner Books (1975).

Review: Matthew Coady (New Statesman, Dec. 3, 1971, pp. 794–5): “Not
all the Python funnies work. Some are frankly tedious.... Even so, the Big
Red Book embodies the consistently savage view of the universe which
characterises the programme at its devastating best.”

167 November 1, 1971

The Monty Python Newscaster of the Year Awards (Award ceremony). To

celebrate the publication of Monty Python’s Big Red Book, the Pythons
present a mock-award show at the ICA in London. Hosted by Barry Cryer.
Awards presented include Best Dressed Radio Newsreader.

168 November 5–December 17, 1971

The first series of the sitcom Now Look Here..., starring Ronnie Corbett and
Madge Ryan, airs on BBC1. The seven-episode series is written by
Graham Chapman and Barry Cryer, and produced by Bill Hitchcock. The
second series airs in January–March 1973.

169 November 6, 1971

Aquarius (TV arts show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Humphrey Burton.

Includes a report on the Monty Python Newscaster of the Year Awards.

170 November 13, 1971

The Sun (Weekend TV Sun) (Newspaper/U.K.). “In the Crazy Court of King
Python,” by Kenneth Eastaugh. Behind-the-scenes look at a Python script-
writing session at Terry Jones’ house in East London.

171 December 4, 1971

The recordings for the third series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begin.
The first show recorded is episode 29 (“The Money Programme”), which
will air Nov. 2, 1972.

172 December 11, 1971

Episode 30 (“Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and Horror”) of Monty

Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

173 December 18, 1971

Episode 38 (“A Book at Bedtime”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

174 December 27, 1971

Monty Python (represented by John Cleese, Michael Palin & Terry

Jones) takes part in a “fancy dress” squash match at the Abraxas Squash
Club.

175 1971

The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (Marketing film). The Pythons
play various characters—including Gumbys, housewives, Alan Whickers,
and The Comparatively Good Fairy (Idle)—in this 25-minute short for
Birds Eye Frozen Peas. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Carol Cleveland. Directed by Terry
Jones.

176 1971

Miracle of Flight (Short film). Five-minute, cut-out animated short from

Terry Gilliam depicting man’s failed attempts at flight. Originally made for
TV’s The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine, the film is later shown
theatrically and also featured in some of the Python stage shows. Screened
at the 1975 Annecy Film Festival. Voices by Terry Gilliam and Terry
Jones.

177 1971
Graham Chapman becomes guardian to John Tomiczek, a teenage
runaway from Liverpool.

178 1971

Eric Idle serves as script editor on early episodes of the BBC sitcom The
Liver Birds, about two Liverpool girls who share a flat.

179 1971

The Rectorial Address of John Cleese (Book: Epam), written by John

Cleese, is published. Speech delivered by Cleese on Apr. 21, 1971, upon
being installed as rector of St. Andrews University in Scotland.

180 January 3, 1972

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus (TV special: ARD, in West Germany).

The Pythons’ first (of two) TV special made especially for German and
Austrian television. The show was performed in German, but since none of
the group spoke much German, they had to be taught their lines
phonetically (their second show for Germany, made in 1972, will be
performed in English and dubbed for German audiences). The 45-minutes
show was shot entirely on film at Bavarian Film Studios in Munich and on
location in Bavaria in July 1971. Includes: “Woman Announcer/Frogmen,”
“Photograph/Cymbal Smash [anim],” “Live from Athens (Olympic Torch
Runner),” “Albrecht Dürer Documentary/Song,” “The Merchant of Venice
(The Bad Ischl Dairy Herd),” “A Word from a Frenchman,” “Doctor
Breeding,” “Albrecht Dürer doc,” “Paintings [anim],” “Theatre Critic,”
“The Merchant of Venice (Doctors),” “Flasher Love Story [anim],” “Torch
Runner,” “Little Red Riding Hood/Heinz the Stuttgart Rapist,” “Albrecht
Dürer/Torch Runner,” “Silly Olympics (Munich 1972),” “Albrecht Dürer
Western,” “Stake Your Claim,” “The Holzfäller Song (Lumberjack
Song)/Complaint Letter,” “Photographer/Land Eating/Intro [anim],”
“Bavarian Restaurant Sketch,” “Aristocrat/Sedan Chair,” and “Woman
Announcer/Frogmen.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Directed by Ian
MacNaughton. Produced by Alfred Biolek. Note: “Flasher Love Story,”
“Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Silly Olympics” will later be shown during
the group’s stage shows, including their 1980 stint at the Hollywood Bowl
(released as a film in 1982).

181 January 7, 1972

Episode 33 (“Salad Days”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

182 January 14, 1972

Episode 27 (“Whicker’s World”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

183 January 14, 1972

Comedy Playhouse (TV episode: BBC1). “Idle at Work.” Ronnie Barker

plays George Idle, a man who starts an organization to debunk outspoken
individuals, in this first play of the show’s twelfth series. Also starring
Graham Crowden, Derek Francis, and Mary Merrall. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Harold Snoad. Produced by
James Gilbert.

184 January 21, 1972

Episode 32 (“The War Against Pornography”) of Monty Python’s Flying

Circus is recorded.

185 January 28, 1972

Episode 28 (“Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’ Ford Popular”) of Monty Python’s
Flying Circus is recorded.

186 February 1, 1972

Terry Jones turns 30.

187 April 8, 1972

Braden’s Week (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Bernard Braden. Guests
include Graham Chapman.

188 April 9–October 8, 1972

The first series of the sitcom Doctor in Charge airs on ITV (London
Weekend Television). Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna write
twelve of the series’ 27 episodes. The series, a follow-up to Doctor in the
House (1969–70) and Doctor at Large (1971), stars Robin Nedwell (Dr.
Duncan Waring), George Layton (Dr. Paul Collier), and Geoffrey Davies
(Dr. Dick Stuart-Clark). Produced by Humphrey Barclay.

189 April 9, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Devil You Know.” Dr.
Waring returns to St. Swithins. First episode of the series. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

190 April 16, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Research Unit.” Prof.

Loftus commissions a research unit at St. Swithins in the hope that a
medical breakthrough will bring him a knighthood. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

191 April 17, 1972

Episode 37 (“Dennis Moore”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

192 April 23, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Minister’s Health.” A case

of mistaken identity results when a VIP (Very Important Patient), The
Minister of Health (Basil Henson), is admitted to St. Swithins. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

193 April 24, 1972

Episode 31 (“The All-England Summarize Proust Competition”) of Monty
Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

194 May 4, 1972

Episode 34 (“The Cycling Tour”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

195 May 11, 1972

Episode 35 (“The Nude Organist”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

recorded.

196 May 18, 1972

Episode 39 (“Grandstand”) of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is recorded.

197 May 25, 1972

The last recording for the third series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus takes
place. It is also John Cleese’s last recording for the show (the fourth and
final series, in 1974, is made without him). The show, episode 36 (“E.
Henry Thripshaw’s Disease”), airs Dec. 21.

198 May 28, 1972

The Great Western Express Festival (Stage show). John Cleese, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin perform sketches at this pop music festival held
at Tupholme Hall in Bardney, Lincolnshire, England. They perform before a
crowd of more than 35,000 people with the aid of large video screens.
Sketches include “Summarize Proust” and “Pet Shop.” Other performers at
the four-day festival (May 26–29) include The Faces, Joe Cocker, Slade,
and The Beach Boys.

199 Summer 1972

Another Monty Python Record is released in the U.S. by Buddah Records.

OceanofPDF.com
200 June 1972

Rentadick (Feature film: Rank Films) opens in the U.K. A private-eye

spoof, written by John Cleese and Graham Chapman, about a detective
agency hired by a scientist to keep an eye on his beautiful wife and to keep
his secret nerve gas formula out of the hands of Japanese spies. The original
script, titled Rentasleuth, was meant to be directed by Charles Crichton (of
Lavender Hill Mob fame, and later, A Fish Called Wanda), before producer
Ned Sherrin acquired the rights to the project and brought in director Jim
Clark. Unhappy with the finished version of the film, Cleese and Chapman
had their names removed from the credits. Starring James Booth, Richard
Briers, Julie Ege, Donald Sinden, Ronald Fraser, Richard Beckinsale, Spike
Milligan, Michael Bentine, and Roy Kinnear. Directed by Jim Clark.
Produced by Ned Sherrin and Terry Glinwood.

201 June 11, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Mum’s the Word.” Waring and
Bingham apply for a position on the hospital board. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

202 June 18, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Fox.” A new matron

arrives at the hospital. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard
McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

203 June 25, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “A Night with the Dead.”

Waring spends a night alone in the mortuary to win a bet. Written by
Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

204 July 1972

Video Arts, a company that will produce training films for commerce and
industry, is founded by John Cleese, Antony Jay, Peter Robinson, and
Michael Peacock. The aim of the company is to show, through humor, how
to improve performance in the workplace. Cleese, who will serve as
chairman of the company until 1989, will co-write (with Jay) and star in
many of the films himself. Other stars appearing in Video Arts films will
include Ronnie Corbett, Ronnie Barker, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Rowan
Atkinson, Emma Thompson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Robert
Lindsay, and Ricky Gervais.

205 July 2, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “This is Your Wife.” Bingham

(Richard O’Sullivan) and Mary (Helen Fraser) get married in secret on St.
Swithin’s Day. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna.
Directed by Alan Wallis.

206 July 23, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The System.” The doctors

develop a system to improve efficiency at St. Swithins. Written by Graham
Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed by David Askey.

207 August 6, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Amazing Grace.” Clumsy

medical student Reggie Grace (Tony Robinson) causes problems for Waring
and Collier. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna.
Directed by David Askey.

208 August 20, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Yellow Fever.” A delegation of

Chinese communists visits St. Swithins. Written by Graham Chapman and
Bernard McKenna. Directed by Alan Wallis.

209 August 22, 1972

And Now for Something Completely Different is released in the U.S. almost
a year after its British premiere in September 1971. Columbia Pictures, who
had shelved the film, finally agreed to give it a limited release at the urging
of Buddah Records, the American distributor of the group’s album Another
Monty Python Record. The film, which was originally intended to introduce
the Pythons to America, does little business in the States. It won’t be until
1974, when the TV show begins airing on PBS stations, that Python finds a
U.S. audience.

210 September 1972

Spam Song/The Concert (Record: Charisma CB 192). U.K. single

containing tracks off of the album Another Monty Python Record: “Spam
Song” and “The Concert (aka Royal Festival Hall Concert).”

211 September 1972

Funny Game, Football… (Record: Charisma Perspective CS 4). British

comedy LP containing songs and sketches recorded by The Group (Michael
Palin, Terry Jones, Arthur Mullard, Bryan Pringle, Joe Steeples, Bill Tidy,
and Michael Wale). Sketches include “The Missionary,” “I Remember It
Well,” and “Floor’s the Limit.” Written by Steeples, Tidy, and Wale. Music
by Neil Innes. Produced by Michael Wale. Single issued on Charisma CB
197.

212 September 10, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “That’s My Uncle!” Prof.

Loftus’ holiday replacement is Stuart-Clark’s easy-going uncle, Jeremy De
Quincy (William Franklyn). Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard
McKenna. Directed by Bill Turner.

213 September 15–October 5, 1972

The Pythons spend three weeks in Munich filming their second television
special for Germany. Unlike the first special, this one is performed in
English and later dubbed. This will be John Cleese’s last time working with
Python on television (he recorded his last Flying Circus in May).

214 September 23, 1972

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). Michael Palin and Terry Jones
contribute a sketch to this episode of the comedy show starring Ronnie
Barker and Ronnie Corbett. Second episode of the second series. Produced
by Terry Hughes.

215 October 1972

Marketing in Practice, No. 1: Who Sold You This, Then? (Training film:
Video Arts). First film from Video Arts, the company co-founded by John
Cleese, shows how a service engineer (Cleese) without proper training can
damage a company’s relationship with its customers. Produced for £4,000.
Remade in 1997. Starring John Cleese (as Charlie Jenkins), Jonathan Lynn,
Bernard McKenna, and Madge Ryan. Written by Antony Jay and John
Cleese. Directed by Peter Robinson.

216 October 1, 1972

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Blackmail.” Prof. Loftus’

prospects for receiving a knighthood are threatened by an incriminating
recording. Written by Graham Chapman and Bernard McKenna. Directed
by David Boisseau.

217 October 2, 1972

Terry Jones’ mother, Dilys Louisa Jones, dies at the age of 59, in
Chichester. Jones is filming in Germany at the time.

218 October 12 & 13, 1972

The Pythons record their third album, Monty Python’s Previous Record, at
Radio Luxembourg in London.

219 October 19–December 21, 1972, January 4–18, 1973

The third series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs on BBC1. The tension
within the group was at its peak with this series, due to John Cleese’s
increasing boredom with doing Python for television (this would be his last
series) and the growing threat of censorship. The series consists of 13
shows and contains such standout sketches as “Argument Clinic,” “Dennis
Moore,” “Cheese Shop,” “Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police),”
“The All-England Summarize Proust Competition,” “Travel Agent,” “The
Fish Slapping Dance,” and “Sam Peckinpah’s ‘Salad Days.’” This series’
pre-title introductions begin with organ fanfare by Terry Jones’ nude
organist, followed by Cleese’s announcer (“And now…”) and Michael
Palin’s hermit (“It’s…”). Recorded Dec. 4, 1971–May 25, 1972.

Awards: BAFTA-winner for Best Light Entertainment Programme for 1972.

Reviews: Barry Norman (The Times [London], Oct. 20, 1972): “Monty
Python is still the most original and anarchic comedy show to be seen
currently on television.”

220 October 19, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Whicker’s World”

(Episode 27). First show of the third series (recorded Jan. 14). Includes:
“Njorl’s Saga,” “Court Room (Multiple Murderer),” “Manhunt [anim],”
“Njorl’s Saga/North Malden Icelandic Saga Society,” “Court Room (Erik
Njorl/Police Constable Pan Am),” “Stock Market Report,” “Mrs. Premise
and Mrs. Conclusion/Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Paul Sartre,” and “Whicker
Island.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With
Mrs. Idle, Connie Booth, Rita Davies, Nigel Jones, and Frank Williams.
Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

221 October 26, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Mr. and Mrs. Brian
Norris’ Ford Popular” (Episode 28). Second show of the third series
(recorded Jan. 28). Includes: “Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’ Ford Popular,”
“Schoolboys’ Life Assurance Company,” “How to Do It,” “Minister for
Overseas Development (Mrs. Niggerbaiter Explodes),” “Vicar/Salesman,”
“Doctor (Healing with Dynamite),” “Anatomy Chart [anim],” “Farming
Club: Life of Tchaikowsky,” “Sviatoslav Richter and Rita,” “Trim-Jeans
Theatre Presents,” “Compere Chasing Mouth [anim],” “The Fish-Slapping
Dance,” “Nazi Fish [anim],” “Women and Children First/The BBC is Short
of Money/Puss in Boots/Horse of the Year Show,” and “It’s” (chat show
with guests Lulu and Ringo Starr). Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin. With Julia Breck. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

222 October 27, 1972

The Pythons and director Ian MacNaughton meet with the BBC’s Head of
Comedy, Duncan Wood, in his office to discuss their objections to a list of
cuts the BBC wants to make to the third series of Flying Circus. The
proposed cuts include the removal of entire sketches (“Cocktail Bar” and
“Wee-Wee Wine Tasting”) and the word “masturbating” from the “The All-
England Summarize Proust Competition” sketch. Terry Jones reportedly
argues: “What’s wrong with masturbation? I masturbate, you masturbate,
we all masturbate!”

223 November 1972

Eric the Half-a-Bee/The Yangtse Song (Record: Charisma CB 200). U.K.

single containing songs off of the LP Monty Python’s Previous Record:
“Eric the Half-a-Bee” (sung by John Cleese) and “The Yangtse Song.”

224 November 2, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Money

Programme” (Episode 29). Third show of the third series (recorded Dec. 4,
1971). Includes: “The Money Programme (song: Money Song),” “Erizabeth
L,” “Fraud Film Director Squad (Visconti),” “Hands Up [anim],” “Dead
Bishop on the Landing (Church Police),” “Bouncing in Jungle [anim],”
“Jungle Restaurant,” “Ken Russell’s ‘Gardening Club,’” “The Lost World
of Roiurama,” “Fraud Film Director Squad (Antonioni),” and “Argument
Clinic/Hit on the Head Lessons/Flying Fox of the Yard.” Conceived, written
& performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Rita Davies, Carol Cleveland,
and The Fred Tomlinson Singers. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced
& directed by Ian MacNaughton.
225 November 9, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Blood, Devastation,

Death, War, and Horror” (Episode 30). Fourth show of the third series
(recorded Dec. 11, 1971). Includes: “Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and
Horror (Man Who Speaks in Anagrams),” “Anagram Quiz (Beat the
Clock),” “Merchant Banker/Pantomime Horses,” “Life or Death Struggles,”
“The House-Hunters [anim],” “Mary Recruitment Office,” “Bus Conductor
Sketch,” “The Man Who Makes People Laugh Uncontrollably,” “Army
Captain as Clown,” “The Bols Story (Gestures to Indicate Pauses),”
“Neurotic Announcer,” “The News with Richard Baker (Gestures),” and
“The Pantomime Horse Is a Secret Agent.” Conceived, written & performed
by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

226 November 16, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The All-England

Summarize Proust Competition” (Episode 31). Fifth show of the third series
(recorded Apr. 24). Includes: “The All-England Summarize Proust
Competition,” “Mount Everest (Hairdresser Expedition),” “A Magnificent
Festering [anim],” “Fire Brigade/Our Eamonn,” “Party Hints by Veronica
Smalls,” “Communist Revolutions [anim],” “Language Laboratory,”
“Travel Agent,” and “Thrust: Miss Anne Elk.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and The Fred
Tomlinson Singers. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton. Note: BBC censors removed the words “and
masturbating” from the “Summarize Proust” sketch in which Graham
Chapman’s contestant lists his hobbies (“Golf, strangling animals…”).

227 November 18, 1972

Full House (TV special: BBC2). Eric Idle performs on this live arts &
entertainment program.

228 November 22, 1972

Michael Palin and Terry Jones are commissioned to write a play for a new
BBC series called Black and Blue. The play they write, Secrets, will air
Aug. 14, 1973.

229 November 23, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The War Against
Pornography” (Episode 32). Sixth show of the third series (recorded Jan.
21). Includes: “The Housewives of Britain (Clean-Up Campaign),”
“Gumby Brain Specialist/Surgery,” “Speaker [anim],” “Mollusks (Live TV
Documentary),” “Baby Suction [anim],” “Today in Parliament (The
Minister for Not Listening to People)/Classic Serial/Tuesday
Documentary/Children’s Story/Party Political Broadcast/Religion
Today/Match of the Day (Footballers Kissing),” “Politicians: An Apology,”
“Expedition to Lake Pahoe,” “Royal Navy Advert [anim],” and “Silly
Interview (Mr. Badger).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Mrs. Idle. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced &
directed by Ian MacNaughton.

230 November 25, 1972

Full House (TV special: BBC2). Eric Idle performs in sketches with Henry
Woolf on this live arts & entertainment program. Hosted by Joe Melia.
Directed by Vernon Lawrence.

231 November 28, 1972

The Pythons (minus Terry Gilliam) participate in a football match as part

of the promotion for the Dec. 8 release of Monty Python’s Previous Record.

232 November 30, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Salad Days” (Episode
33). Seventh show of the third series (recorded Jan. 7). Includes: “Biggles
Dictates a Letter,” “Flying Sheep/Traffic Accidents [anim],” “Climbing the
Uxbridge Road,” “Lifeboat,” “Old Lady Snoopers,” “Lifeboat,” “Storage
Jars,” “TV Is Bad for Your Eyes/The Good Fairy from Program Control
[anim],” “The Show So Far,” “Cheese Shop,” “Philip Jenkinson on Cheese
Westerns,” “Sam Peckinpah’s ‘Salad Days,’” “The News with Richard
Baker (Storage Jars),” and “Seashore Interlude Film.” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Nicki Howorth. Animations by
Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

233 December 1972

Teach Yourself Heath (Record). One-sided 7" flexi-disc with picture sleeve,
given away in the December 1972 issue (No. 27) of the British rock
magazine ZigZag. Using actual bits of Edward Heath’s speeches, Eric Idle
lampoons the Prime Minister’s vocal mannerisms. Michael Palin
introduces the record as No. 14 in the “Home Tutor Language Course”
series.

234 December 7, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Cycling Tour”
(Episode 34). Eighth show of the third series (recorded May 4) and the first
Python episode to follow a single narrative for the full half-hour. Includes:
“Mr. Pither’s Bicycle Pump,” “Mr. Gulliver/Clodagh Rodgers,” “Casualty
Department,” “Trotsky,” “Smolensk YMACA,” “Bingo-Crazed Chinese,”
“Not Secret Police,” “Trotsky/Eartha Kitt,” “Firing Squad,” “Eartha
Kitt/Edward Heath,” and “Jack in the Box [anim].” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland. Animations by
Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton. Note: This
episode’s theme music is the “Waltz” from Charles Gounod’s 1859 opera
Faust.

235 December 8, 1972

Monty Python’s Previous Record (Record: Charisma CAS 1063) is released

in the U.K. Python’s third album contains both new and familiar material
(mostly from the third series of Flying Circus). The album design by Terry
Gilliam features a long arm stretching around the front and back covers, the
hand reaching for a multi-breasted butterfly. Tracks: “Embarrassment/A
Book at Bedtime,” “Dennis Moore,” “Money Programme/Money Song,”
“Dennis Moore Continues,” “Australian Table Wines,” “Argument Clinic,”
“How to Do It,” “Putting Down Budgies,” “Personal Freedom,” “Dennis
Moore Continues,” “Fish License/Eric the Half-a-Bee (song),” “What Do
You…? (Radio Quiz Game),” “Travel Agent,” “A Massage from the
Swedish Prime Minister/Silly Noises (Quiz show),” “Miss Anne Elk,”
“Yangtse Kiang/We Love the Yangtse (song),” “A Minute Passed,” “Eclipse
of the Sun/Alistair Cooke Being Attacked by a Duck,” “Wonderful World of
Sound,” “Funerals at Prestatyn,” and “A Fairy Tale (Happy Valley) (song:
Ya De Bucketty).” Written & performed by Graham Chapman, John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with
Carol Cleveland and The Fred Tomlinson Singers. Produced by Andre
Jacquemin, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Alan Bailey. Recorded Oct.
12 & 13 at Radio Luxembourg, London. Single (“Eric the Half-a-Bee”)
issued on Charisma CB 200. Released in the U.S. by Buddah Records
(1973). Reissued on Virgin CASCD 1063 (1989 CD, U.K.), Virgin VCCD
002 (1994 CD, U.K.), and EMI PYTHCD 2 (2006 CD, with twelve bonus
tracks).

236 December 14, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “The Nude Organist”
(Episode 35). Ninth show of the third series (recorded May 11). Includes:
“Bomb on Plane (Mr. Badger),” “Nude Man (Organist),” “Ten Seconds of
Sex,” “Housing Project Built by Characters from 19th-Century English
Literature,” “Mystico and Janet (Flats Built by Hypnosis),” “Mortuary
Visit,” “Animator/Flying Saucers [anim],” “The Olympic Hide-and-Seek
Final,” “The Cheap-Laughs,” “Probe: Bull-Fighting,” “Chairman of the
British Well-Basically Club,” “Pushing Button/Two Growing Trees/Hitler
[anim],” “Prices on the Planet Algon,” and “Reading the Credits (Mr.
Badger).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With
Carol Cleveland, Marie Anderson, and Mrs. Idle. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

237 December 17, 1972

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Atticus: Now for
Something Completely Different,” by Tom Davies, p. 32. Interview with
Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and (on
the phone) John Cleese, promoting Previous Record. Includes a photo of
the group by Stanley Devon.

238 December 18, 1972

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus (TV special: ARD, in West Germany).

The Pythons’ second TV show for German and Austrian television. Unlike
the first show, this one was performed in English and later dubbed, much to
the team’s relief. The 50-minute show was filmed entirely in Germany, with
locations including Grünwalder Stadion and the castles of Neueschwanstein
and Hohenschwangau. Produced for Bavaria Atelier GmbH. Broadcast in
England on Oct. 6, 1973. Includes: “William Tell,” “Randy Businessmen,”
“Sycophancy,” “Mouse Preserve (Frank Tutankhamun),” “Mouse Stampede
[anim],” “Chicken Mines,” “Flea-Buster [anim],” “International Philosophy
(Football Match),” “Self-Wrestling,” “Ten Seconds of Sex,” “International
Philosophy Update,” “Noisy Traffic [anim],” “Hearing Aid,” and “A Fairy
Tale (Happy Valley) (song: Ya De Bucketty).” Conceived, written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Connie Booth. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Directed by Ian MacNaughton. Produced by Thomas
Woitkewitsch. Note: “International Philosophy” is later shown during
Python stage shows and can be seen in the 1982 film Monty Python Live at
the Hollywood Bowl.

239 December 21, 1972

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “E. Henry Thripshaw’s
Disease” (Episode 36). Tenth show of the third series (recorded May 25).
Includes: “Tudor Job Agency,” “Pornographic Bookshop,” “The Life of Sir
Philip Sidney (Elizabethan Pornography Smugglers),” “Gay Boys in
Bondage [anim],” “Silly Disturbances (The Rev. Arthur Belling),”
“Shooting Gallery [anim],” “The Free Repetition of Doubtful Words,” “Is
There?…Life After Death?,” “Thripshaw’s Disease,” “Silly Noises,” and
“Sherry-Drinking Vicar.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, The Fred Tomlinson Singers, and
Rosalind Bailey. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton. Notes: This was the last episode recorded for the third
series, marking the end of John Cleese’s participation with the show. Three
sketches are cut from this episode: “Big-Nosed Sculptor,” “Cocktail Bar”
(performed at Drury Lane in 1974), and “Wee-Wee Wine Tasting.”

240 December 25, 1972

Christmas Night with the Stars (TV special: BBC1). The Two Ronnies
segment of this holiday special includes a sketch written by Michael Palin
& Terry Jones. Starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett.

241 1972

John Cleese’s father, Reginald, dies at the age of 78. Born Reginald Francis
Cheese in 1893, he changed his name to “Cleese” to avoid teasing when he
joined the army in 1915.

242 1972

Graham Chapman co-founds the newspaper Gay News.

243 1972

It’s a 2'6" Above the Ground World (Feature film: British Lion) is released.
Comedy about a Roman Catholic couple (Nanette Newman and Hywel
Bennett) who decide to go on the pill. John Cleese plays a lecturer on
contraceptives. Later re-released as The Love Ban. Also starring Milo
O’Shea, Angharad Rees, and Nicky Henson. Written by Kevin Laffan, from
his play. Directed by Ralph Thomas. Produced by Betty Box and Ralph
Thomas.

244 1972

The Great Gas Gala (TV commercials). Terry Gilliam animates

commercials for the British Gas Board.

245 1972
The Least Bizarre of Monty Python’s Comedy Album (Record:
Charisma/Buddah CMP-EP). U.S. promo EP containing six tracks off the
album Another Monty Python Record: “Spam,” “Royal Festival Hall
Concert,” “Stake Your Claim,” “World Forum,” “Death of Mary Queen of
Scots,” and “Penguin on the TV.” The black-and-white picture sleeve
features a cartoon Gumby.

246 1972

Michael Palin and John Cleese appear in commercials for Hunky Chunks
dog food and Lloyd’s Bank.

247 January 1, 1973

Monty Python’s Flying Circus wins the Critics’ Circle award for Best
Comedy Show of the Year.

248 January 3, 1973

The ABC Afterschool Special (TV special: ABC). “William.” An

introduction to playwright William Shakespeare, with Lynn Redgrave, Sir
John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, Simon Ward, and Paul Jones. Title
sequence by Terry Gilliam. Taped in London. Directed by Ian
MacNaughton.

249 January 4, 1973

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Dennis Moore”

(Episode 37). Eleventh show of the third series (recorded Apr. 17, 1972).
Includes: “Boxing Tonight (Jack Bodell v. Sir Kenneth Clark),” “Dennis
Moore (song: Dennis Moore),” “What the Stars Foretell,” “Doctor,”
“Ambulance [anim],” “The Great Debate: TV4 or Not TV4?,” “George I,
Episode 3/Dennis Moore (Lupins),” “Ideal Loon Exhibition,” “Plan 13A
[anim],” “Off-License,” “Dennis Moore (Stealing from the Poor),”
“Prejudice,” “Dennis Moore Again,” and “Losing Judges.” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland and
Nosher Powell. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton.

250 January 11, 1973

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “A Book at Bedtime”

(Episode 38). Twelfth show of the third series (recorded Dec. 18, 1971).
Includes: “A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Conservative and
Unionist Party (Choreographed),” “A Book at Bedtime (Redgauntlet),”
“McKamikaze Highlanders,” “No Time to Lose,” “No-Time Tolouse
[anim],” “McKamikaze Highlanders,” “2001 [anim],” “Frontiers of
Medicine: Penguins,” “Unexploded Scotsman Disposal Squad,” “Spot the
Looney,” “Rival Documentaries,” and “New Comedy Programmes (Dad’s
Doctor, Dad’s Pooves, etc.).” Conceived, written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton. Note: The opening “Party Political Broadcast” was cut from
a repeat broadcast in 1974, possibly out of fear that it could affect voting in
that year’s General Election.

251 January 18, 1973

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV episode: BBC1). “Grandstand” (Episode

39). Thirteenth and last show of the third series (recorded May 18, 1972).
Includes: “Thames TV Intro,” “The British Show Biz Awards,” “The Oscar
Wilde Sketch,” “Powder My Nose/Charwoman [anim],” “David Niven’s
Fridge,” “Pasolini’s ‘The Third Test Match,’” “New Brain from Curry’s,”
“Blood Donor,” “Wife-Swapping,” “Credits of the Year,” and “The Dirty
Vicar Sketch.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
With Carol Cleveland and Caron Gardner. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

252 January 18, 1973

Comedy Playhouse (TV special: BBC1). “Elementary, My Dear Watson:

The Strange Case of the Dead Solicitors.” Half-hour. A Sherlock Holmes
parody in which the famous detective (John Cleese) and Dr. Watson
(William Rushton) investigate the deaths of five solicitors. Pilot for a
proposed series that never came about. Also starring Bill Maynard,
Josephine Tewson, Norman Bird, Chic Murray, Larry Martyn, John Wells,
Frank Muir, Dawn Addams, and Alan Coren. Written by N. F. Simpson.
Directed by Harold Snoad. Produced by Barry Took. Note: Cleese will
again play Holmes in 1977’s The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as
We Know It.

253 January 18, 1973

Real Time (TV talk show: BBC2). Guest Michael Palin discusses TV
comedy.

254 January 18, 1973

Liesbeth (TV special: KRO). Dutch variety show starring singer-actress

Liesbeth List. Includes a film sequence featuring Monty Python performing
the sketch “Custard Pie (Japes Lecture).” Directed by Tineke Roeffen.

255 January 24–March 7, 1973

The second series of the sitcom Now Look Here…, starring Ronnie Corbett
and Rosemary Leach, airs on BBC1. The seven-episode series is written by
Graham Chapman and Barry Cryer, and produced by Douglas Argent. The
first series aired in November–December 1971.

256 January 28, 1973

Up Sunday (TV show: BBC2). Eric Idle guest-stars on this satirical late-
night comedy-music series. Also with John Wells, Willie Rushton, James
Cameron, Judith Greene, and Vivian Stanshall. Directed by Steve Roberts.
Produced by Ian Keill.

257 February 8, 1973

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Eric Idle shoot a marketing film for the
new Close-Up green toothpaste in the Colindale area of London. In the
film, Palin plays a tramp transformed into a white-suited Super Salesman.
For Elida-Gibbs Limited.

258 February 10, 1973

Full House (TV special: BBC2). Michael Palin performs in a sketch with
John Bird on this live arts & entertainment program. Hosted by Joe Melia.
Directed by Vernon Lawrence.

259 February 28, 1973

The British Screen Awards (Award ceremony). The Society of Film and
Television Arts (now known as BAFTA) names Monty Python’s Flying
Circus the Best Light Entertainment Programme for 1972. The award is
received by Bill Cotton (the BBC’s Head of Light Entertainment). Michael
Parkinson and John Mills host the gala event held at the Royal Albert Hall
in the presence of Princess Anne.

260 Spring 1973

Eric Idle’s son, Carey, is born.

261 March 17, 1973

Full House (TV special: BBC2). Michael Palin performs in (and co-writes)
a sketch with John Bird on this live arts & entertainment program. Hosted
by Joe Melia. Directed by Vernon Lawrence.

262 March 29, 1973

Eric Idle turns 30.

263 April 1, 1973

Weekend World (TV news show: ITV/LWT). Eric Idle impersonates host
Peter Jay at the start of the program as an April Fool’s Day joke.

264 April 1, 1973

Up Sunday (TV show: BBC2). Eric Idle appears as a guest on this satirical
late-night comedy-music series. Also with John Wells, Willie Rushton,
Keith Dewhurst, and Vivian Stanshall. Produced by Ian Keill.

265 April 13, 1973

John Cleese opens the new Students’ Union at St. Andrews University in
Scotland. Cleese has been rector of the University since April 1971. His
term as rector ends this year.

266 April 22, 1973

Up Sunday (TV show: BBC2). Guest-star Eric Idle imitates Eamon

Andrews in a parody of This Is Your Life set at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital,
London. Also with John Wells, Willie Rushton, Keith Dewhurst, Clive
James, Roger Ruskin Spear, and Vivian Stanshall.

267 April 23, 1973

Monty Python’s Flying Football Circus v Grimms (Event). The Pythons

participate in a charity football match against the pop-rock group Grimms
(John Gorman, Andy Roberts, Neil Innes, Roger McGough, et al) at George
Payne’s Sports Ground in Croydon, South London. Other players include
John Peel, Nick Newman, and Keith Moon. The event, presented by Time
Out magazine, is a benefit for the charity Shelter.

268 April 27–May 24, 1973

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour (Stage show). The Pythons put together
a fast-paced stage show that combines live action, film clips and music, and
take it on the road for a tour of Britain, performing 30 shows in 13 towns,
augmented by Carol Cleveland and musician-composer Neil Innes. The tour
takes them to the Gaumont Theatre in Southampton (Apr. 27), The Dome in
Brighton (Apr. 28), Capitol Theatre in Cardiff (Apr. 30), New Theatre in
Oxford (May 2–3), Hippodrome in Birmingham (May 4–5), Hippodrome in
Bristol (May 7–8), Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool (May 10–11),
Manchester Opera House (May 12–13), Empire Theatre in Sunderland
(May 16), King’s Theatre in Edinburgh (May 17–19), King’s Theatre in
Glasgow (May 20), Grand Theatre in Leeds (May 22–23), and Royal
Theatre in Norwich (May 24). Sketches include “Gumby Flower
Arranging,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “Take Your Pick (The Blow on
the Head),” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Self-Wrestling,” “Llamas,” “Mrs. Premise
and Mrs. Conclusion,” “Ken Shabby,” “Pet Shop,” “Custard Pie,” “Silly
Olympics” (film), “Travel Agent,” and “Argument Clinic.” Written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes.
Organized by concert promoter Tony Smith.

269 May 4–10, 1973

Time Out (Magazine/U.K.). “Monty Python’s London Guide.” Includes

reviews of restaurants and films. Cover art by Terry Gilliam.

270 May 5, 1973

Michael Palin turns 30. The occasion is celebrated onstage at the end of the
Pythons’ performance at the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham.

271 May 19–June 2, December 26, 1973

Radio 5 (Radio series: BBC Radio 1). Eric Idle writes and stars in this
comedy-music series, which consists of four hour-long programs. Sketches
include “Missing Persons Bureau” and “A Penny for Your Warts.” A second
series airs in March–May 1974. Produced by Clive Burrows.

272 May 19–21, 23–27, 1973

The TV play Secrets, written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, is

recorded. It airs Aug. 14 on BBC2.

273 May 23, 1973

Look North (TV news show: BBC Yorkshire). Graham Chapman, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin are interviewed in Yorkshire during their U.K.
tour.

274 May 25, 1973

The second series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins playing on
Canadian television (on the CBC).

275 June 4–20, 1973

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour (Stage show) continues in Canada. The
Pythons’ two-week Canadian tour takes the group from one side of the
country to the other, performing at a variety of venues, including the St.
Lawrence Centre in Toronto (June 6), Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier/Place des Arts
in Montreal (June 7–8), National Arts Centre in Ottawa (June 9), Centennial
Concert Hall in Winnipeg (June 13), Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton,
Alberta (June 14), Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina, Sask. (June
16), and Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. (June 18–20). Written
& performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and Neil
Innes.

276 June 6, 1973

Canada AM (TV show: CTV, in Canada). Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin are guests on this Canadian morning show hosted by Percy
Saltzman.

277 June 20, 1973

The Pythons’ tour of Canada ends with a final performance at the Queen
Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. The group then travels to the U.S. to
do some promotion for Buddah Records, the label that released Another
Monty Python Record in the States in 1972. They spend eight days (June
21–28) in San Francisco and Los Angeles and make appearances (without
John Cleese) on TV’s Midnight Special and Tonight Show. Cleese returns
to England on June 22.

278 June 26–27, 1973

The Pythons (without John Cleese, but with Neil Innes) record an
appearance on NBC’s The Midnight Special (June 26), a new late-night
music program which premiered in February. Their appearance will air Oct.
12. The following day, the group performs on NBC’s The Tonight Show
(airs June 28), guest-hosted by Joey Bishop.

279 June 28, 1973

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Monty
Python’s first—but not very successful—appearance on U.S. television. The
group (minus John Cleese) performs “Putting Down Budgies (Pepperpots)”
and “News for Parrots.” The show was recorded the previous day. Guest-
hosted by Joey Bishop. Produced by Fred DeCordova.

280 August 14, 1973

Black and Blue (TV play: BBC2). “Secrets.” Television play written by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones, the first presentation of the series Black
and Blue, concerns a chocolate factory where three men fall into a mixing
vat and end up as fillings for chocolates. The play is later adapted for film
under the title Consuming Passions (1988). Starring Warren Mitchell, Brian
Wilde, Hilda Barry, and Gretchen Franklin. Directed by James Cellan
Jones. Produced by Mark Shivas.

Reviews: The Times (London) (Aug. 12, 1973): “…a bitter-sweet, delicious-
horrible, very funny story.”

281 August 18, 1973

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Oliver Trimble and the Jelly

Hound,” by Ken Whitmore, with illustration by Terry Gilliam, p. 6. First
prize-winner in the adult section of The Times/Jonathan Cape Children’s
Story Competition.

282 September 1973

The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief, the group’s fourth
album, is recorded at Radio Luxembourg Studios and Maximum Sound
Studios, London

283 September 15–December 29, 1973

The second series of the sitcom Doctor in Charge airs on ITV. Graham
Chapman and David Sherlock write two episodes (Sept. 15 & Dec. 8).
Chapman had co-written (with Bernard McKenna) twelve episodes of the
previous series (1972). Produced by Humphrey Barclay.

284 September 15, 1973

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “The Merger.” Waring

overhears plans for the demolition of St. Swithins. Starring Robin Nedwell.
Written by Graham Chapman and David Sherlock. Directed by Maurice
Murphy.

285 September 27, 1973–January 3, 1974

The third series of the sketch-comedy show The Two Ronnies, starring
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, airs on BBC2. Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin all contribute material to the
series.

286 October 1973

Terry Gilliam marries Maggie Weston, makeup artist on the fourth Python
series, in Belsize Park, London. Weston’s later makeup credits will include
both Python and Gilliam films.

287 October 6, 1973

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus (TV special: BBC2). The Python’s

second show for German television (performed in English) is shown by the
BBC with the subtitle “Schnapps with Everything.” Produced by Thomas
Woitkewitsch of Bavarian Atelier GmbH Munich for WDR.

288 October 12, 1973

The Midnight Special (TV music show: NBC). The Bee Gees host this
edition of the late-night rock music show. With Chuck Berry, Lee Michaels,
King Crimson, Apple and Appleberry, Barbara Mason, and comedy from
Monty Python. The group (minus John Cleese) recorded their sketches
(“Gumby Flower Arranging,” “Children’s Stories,” and “Nudge, Nudge”) in
Los Angeles on June 26 shortly after the end of their Canadian tour.

289 October 14, 1973

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Laughter—Why We Laugh.” An

investigation into what makes us laugh, written and presented by Barry
Took, with John Cleese, Les Dawson, and Peter Black joining in the
discussion. Produced by Vernon Lawrence.

290 October 21, 1973

Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin take part in a charity football
match in aid of Sunshine Homes for Children.

291 October 25, 1973

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). Includes the sketch “Grublian,”
written by John Cleese. Third episode of the third series. Starring Ronnie
Corbett and Ronnie Barker. Written by John Cleese, Mick Loftus, Spike
Mullins, David Nobbs, Michael Palin & Terry Jones, Peter Vincent, and
Gerald Wiley [pseud. of Ronnie Barker]. Produced by Terry Hughes. Note:
“Grublian” will later appear on the 1976 album The Two Ronnies (BBC
Records REB 257).

292 October 28, 1973

Up Sunday (TV show: BBC2). First show of the sketch-comedy’s fourth

series, from the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. Eric Idle guest-stars, with
John Wells, Willie Rushton, Barry Humphries, Bill Barclay, Clive James,
James Cameron, and Madeline Smith.

293 November 1973

The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief (Record: Charisma CAS
1080) is released in the U.K. Python’s fourth comedy album (following
1972’s Previous Record) contains a mix of new and TV-derived material.
The album, described on the label as a “FREE RECORD Given Away with
the Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief,” is originally released
as a three-sided record; that is, one of the sides has two parallel sets of
grooves, each containing a different set of tracks. Tracks: “Dead Bishop on
the Landing (Church Police),” “Elephantoplasty,” “Novel Writing,” “Word
Association,” “Bruces/The Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Adventures of
Ralph Melish/Hot Dogs and Knickers,” “Cheese Shop,” “Wasp Club/Novel
Writing/Tiger Club,” “A Great Actor,” “The Background to History,” “First
World War Noises in 4,” “ Boxing Tonight (Jack Bodell vs. Sir Kenneth
Clark),” “Minister for Overseas Development,” “Oscar Wilde,” “Pet
Conversions (Taking in the Terrier),” and “Phone-In.” Recorded at Radio
Luxembourg Studios and Maximum Sound Studios, London. Written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland. Music by Neil
Innes. Cover design by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Andre Jacquemin,
Dave Howman, and Terry Gilliam. Released in the U.S. on Arista AL 4039
(1975). U.S. single issued on Arista AS 0130. Remastered and reissued in
1997 as part of the “Arista Masters” series. Reissued in 2006 (EMI) with
four bonus tracks.

Awards: Grammy-nominated in 1976 for Best Comedy Recording (it loses

to Richard Pryor’s Is It Something I Said?).

Reviews: (Cue, Nov. 22, 1975, p. 55): “Both sides of the disc are labeled
side two, and one of them has parallel grooves. Depending on where the
needle falls, the listener gets either of two programs. Alternatively dry,
madcap, outrageous, blase and malignant!”

294 November 1, 1973

The Brand New Monty Python Bok (Book: Eyre Methuen), edited by Eric
Idle, is published in the U.K. The Pythons’ second book (following 1971’s
Big Red Book) is a collection of original comedy material, with only a few
television-derived bits. The book’s design features a white cover with some
realistic inky thumb smears on it and a title beneath the dust jacket that
reads: Tits ’n Bums, A Weekly Look at Church Architecture. Contents:
“Safety Instructions,” “The Old Story Teller,” “Biggles is Extrememly Silly
(1938),” “Biggles and the Naughty Things (1941),” “Notice of the
Availability of Film Rights to Page Six,” “Llap-Goch, the Secret Welsh Art
of Self-Defense,” “Edward Woodward’s Fish Page,” “The Python Book of
Etiquette,” “Famous First Drafts,” “Page 71 Coming Soon/My Garden,” “A
Puzzle,” “The Bigot,” “The London Casebook of Detective René
Descartes/Wallpapers,” “16 Magazine,” “Summer Madness,”
“Masturbation: The Difficult One,” “Coming Soon: Page 16,” “Python
Panel,” “The Adventures of Walter the Wallabee,” “Mr. April (“I’ve Got
Two Legs”),” “Competition Time,” “World Record Page,” “Invitations,”
“The Oxfod Simplified Dictionary,” “Unfinished Drawing,” “Film Review
with Philip Jenkinson,” “Rat Recipes,” “Chez Rat,” “Overland to the
World,” “This Page Is in Colour,” “Contents,” “African Notebook,” “How
to…,” “15 Pages to Page 71,” “Norman Henderson’s Diary,” “Sex-Craft,”
“How to Take Your Appendix Out on the Piccadilly Line,” “Join the Dots,”
“Directory,” “The British Apathy League,” “Let’s Talk About Bottoms,”
“Ads/Hobbies,” “Page 71,” “Reviews of Page 71,” “Alice,” “The
Hackenthorpe Book of Lies,” “Masturbators of History,” “Fairy Tale
(Happy Valley),” “Ferndean School Report,” “The Stratton Indicator,”
“Play Cheeseshop,” “The Official Medallic Commemoration of the History
of Mankind,” “The Anagrams Gape,” “Your Stars,” “Hamsters: A
Warning,” and “Teach Yourself Surgery.” Published in the U.S. by Henry
Regnery Co. (1976). Published in paperback, as The Brand New Monty
Python Papperbok, in 1974 (Eyre Methuen).

295 November 4–December 23, 1973

The ninth and final series of the sketch comedy show I’m Sorry I’ll Read
That Again, co-starring John Cleese, airs on BBC Radio 2. The show also
stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall, and
Bill Oddie. 8 episodes.

296 November 4, 1973

Up Sunday (TV show: BBC2). “What Is Life?” Eric Idle makes another
guest appearance on this late-night comedy program, joining John Fortune
and Eleanor Bron with regulars John Wells, William Rushton, Clive James,
and James Cameron. Directed by Tom Corcoran. Produced by Ian Keill.

297 November 12, 1973

Late Night Esther (Radio talk show: BBC Radio). Host Esther Rantzen
talks to Michael Palin about The Brand New Monty Python Bok.

298 November 14, 1973

This Country in the Morning (Radio show: CBC Radio, in Canada). Eric
Idle, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones speak (on the phone from London) to
host Peter Gzowski about today’s wedding of Princess Anne to Mark
Phillips before an estimated world-wide audience of 500 million. The
Pythons claim to have no knowledge of the event. “There’s nothing in the
papers,” Idle remarks.

299 November 29, 1973

The Pythons attend a literary lunch to promote The Brand New Monty
Python Bok at the Norfolk Gardens Hotel in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.
They give readings and afterward sign copies of the book.

300 December 8, 1973

Doctor in Charge (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Hello Sailor!” Spurned by his

girlfriend Annabel (Angharad Rees), Waring decides to join the Navy.
Starring Robin Nedwell. Written by Graham Chapman and David
Sherlock. Directed by Alan Wallis.

301 December 22, 1973

Melody Maker (Newspaper/U.K.). “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” by

Chris Welch. Interview with the Pythons about their history and current
projects, including their new album, Matching Tie and Handkerchief.

302 December 24, 1973

The Goodies (TV episode: BBC2). “The Goodies and the Beanstalk.” John
Cleese appears briefly as a genie near the end of this 45-minute Christmas
episode of the 1970–80 comedy series starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme
Garden, and Bill Oddie. Written by Garden and Oddie. Produced by Jim
Franklin.
303 December 24, 1973

Jokers Wild Christmas Special (TV special: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire

Television). John Cleese appears as a panelist on this holiday edition of the
comedy panel game. The other panelists include Les Dawson, Jack
Douglas, Clive Dunn, David Nixon, Alfred Marks, Michael Aspel, and
Norman Vaughan. Hosted by Barry Cryer. Produced & directed by David
Millard.

304 1973

Marketing in Practice, No. 2: It’s All Right, It’s Only a Customer (Training
film: Video Arts). A look at how customer enquiries can be mishandled by
head-office employees. Starring John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, and Jonathan
Lynn. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

305 1973

Marketing in Practice, No. 3: The Competitive Spirit (Training film: Video

Arts). A look at the problem of status-seeking, empire-building, and
interdepartmental politics in management. Narrated by Keith Barron.
Starring John Cleese, Peter Bayliss, and Jonathan Lynn. Written by John
Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

306 1973

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 1: In Two Minds (Training film: Video

Arts). Film for service staff on understanding customers in order to better
meet their needs. Narrated by Philip Bond. Starring John Cleese, Tim
Brooke-Taylor, Connie Booth, Angharad Rees, and June Whitfield. Written
by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

307 1973

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 2: The Meeting of Minds (Training

film: Video Arts). How to remove the barriers that can obstruct
communication between seller and customer. Narrated by Philip Bond.
Starring John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Connie Booth, Angharad Rees,
and June Whitfield. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

308 1973

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 3: Awkward Customers (Training film:

Video Arts). The right and wrong ways to deal with three types of awkward
customer: angry (Mr. Tiger), talkative (Mrs. Rabbit), and rude (Mr.
Warthog). Narrated by Philip Bond. Starring John Cleese, Angharad Rees,
Gillian Raine, June Whitfield, George A. Cooper, and John Barron. Written
by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

309 1973

Is This a Record? (Short film: Arthur Guinness Son and Co.). A humorous
look at the Guinness Book of Records, presented by Frank Muir with
members of Monty Python. Twenty-two-minute British short sponsored by
Guinness. Starring Frank Muir, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin,
Connie Booth, William Rushton, and Liza Goddard. Animation by Bob
Godfrey, Bill Sewell, Richard Taylor, and Corona Maher. Written by Barry
Took, with additional material by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael
Palin, and Frank Muir. Music by Stanley Myers. Directed by Digby Turpin.
Produced by Peter Fensom.

310 1973

Harmony Hairspray (Marketing film). Biggles (John Cleese), of No. 18

RAF Hairspray Squadron, introduces this promotional short for the
relaunch of Harmony Hairspray, with Graham Chapman (as Ginger),
Michael Palin (as Algy), and Eric Idle (as Peter West, host of Come
Spraying). Produced for Harmony employees. The team made a similar film
in 1971 for Birds Eye Peas.

311 1973

Punch (Magazine/U.K.). “Monty Python’s Tour of Canada,” by Terry

Jones and Michael Palin. Humorous diary account of the group’s June
1973 tour of Canada. Reprinted in the 1974 collection Pick of Punch
(Hutchinson & Co.).

312 January 1974

Jimmy Gilbert, Head of Television Comedy at the BBC, offers John Cleese
a chance to write a sitcom pilot with his wife, Connie Booth. The pilot they
write will be based on a rude hotel manager Cleese encountered in May
1970 while the Pythons were filming in Devon. The series will be titled
Fawlty Towers.

313 January 25–August 9, 1974

Sez Les (TV comedy series: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). John Cleese

appears as a guest performer on the eighth and ninth series of this sketch-
comedy show (1969–76) starring Les Dawson. Other regulars include Roy
Barraclough and Eli Woods. Produced & directed by David Mallett.

314 February 9, 1974

New Musical Express (Newspaper/U.K.). Monty Python reviews new single

releases.

315 February 20–March 27, 1974

Marty Back Together Again (TV series: BBC1). Graham Chapman

contributes material to this short-lived comedy series starring Marty
Feldman. Other writers include Barry Cryer, Tom Lehrer, Ken Hoare,
Johnny Speight, and Marty Feldman. Produced by Dennis Main Wilson.

316 February 26–March 23, 1974

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour (Stage show). Monty Python performs
at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane for what was originally a two-week
engagement, but is extended to four weeks due to popular demand. As in
their 1973 tour of Britain and Canada, the group performs many Python
television classics as well as some pre–Python sketches like “Four
Yorkshiremen,” and Graham Chapman’s “Self-Wrestling.” Other sketches
include: “The Pet Shop,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Llamas,” “Travel Agent,” “A
Fairy Tale,” “Election Night Special,” “Lumberjack Song,” “Secret
Service,” “Cocktail Bar,” “Argument Clinic,” “Albatross,” “World Forum,”
and “Gumby Flower Arranging.” Written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin, with Neil Innes.

Review: B. A. Young (Financial Times, Feb. 27, 1974, p. 3): “For

aficionados (I am one) the evening is one of almost uninterrupted
enjoyment.”

317 Spring 1974

Terry Jones’ daughter, Sally, is born.

318 Spring 1974

The Department of the Environment for Scotland denies the Pythons

permission to use any of the castles they have chosen as filming locations
for their next film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, calling the film’s
script “incompatible with the dignity of the fabric of the buildings.”
Directors Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam choose instead to shoot at
privately-owned Doune Castle (Castle Anthrax, French Castle, and Swamp
Castle) and Castle Stalker (Castle Arrrghhh).

319 March 1974

Six episodes of a new comedy series starring Eric Idle are commissioned
by the BBC. The series, scheduled to start taping in January 1975, will air
under the title Rutland Weekend Television beginning in May 1975 on
BBC2.

320 March 15, 1974

The script for Monty Python and the Holy Grail is completed. The last
major change to the script is the removal of the “King Brian the Wild”
sketch about a mad king who delights in ordering the deaths of close
harmony groups.
321 March 18, 1974

William Jordan, the deputy chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA, attends
tonight’s performance of Monty Python at Drury Lane to see the “Cocktail
Bar” sketch in which a barman kills a duck to make a cocktail. Four people
complained to the RSPCA thinking it was a real duck.

322 March 30–May 4, 1974

Radio 5 (Radio series: BBC Radio 1). Second series of Eric Idle’s comedy-
music series, which consists of six hour-long programs. Produced by Clive
Burrows.

323 April 1974

A fourth series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus (without John Cleese) is

commissioned by the BBC.

324 April 1974

Re-Cycled Vinyl Blues (Record: United Artists UP 35676) is released.

Single written and performed by Neil Innes, with Michael Palin providing
the voice of the shopkeeper in the opening dialogue. Recorded in February
1974.

325 April 8, May 6 & 20, 1974

Jokers Wild (TV game show: ITV/Yorkshire). John Cleese appears in

episodes of the ninth series of the 1969–74 comedy panel game. His fellow
panelists include Les Dawson, Lennie Bennett, Mike Goddard, Michael
Aspel, and David Nixon. Hosted by Barry Cryer.

326 April 10–May 15, 1974

The sitcom The Prince of Denmark, starring Ronnie Corbett, airs on BBC1.
The six-episode series is written by Graham Chapman and Barry Cryer
and produced by Douglas Argent.

327 April 22, 1974

A Place in History (TV special: ITV/Thames). “University of St. Andrews.”
A look at the history of St. Andrews University in Scotland, hosted by the
current rector of the university, John Cleese, and the newly-elected rector,
Alan Coren. Half-hour special for Thames Television. Produced & directed
by Robert Fleming.

328 April 30–May 31, 1974

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the first Python-produced feature film, is
shot in five weeks on a low budget (some of the money being contributed
by the rock groups Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin) on location in Scotland at
Doune Castle, Castle Stalker, Killin, Glencoe, Arnhall Castle, Bracklinn
Falls, Sherriffmuir, and completed at Twickenham Film Studios, England.
Some additional filming takes place in June in Epping Forest outside
London (“The Black Knight” scene) and on Hampstead Heath, London
(opening shot). The total cost of production is £229,575.

329 April 30, 1974

Filming begins on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The first day of
filming (“The Bridge of Death” scene), on a mountain in Glencoe,
Scotland, gets off to a rocky start when the camera breaks halfway through
the very first shot. Other problems include a visibly shaking Graham
Chapman (playing King Arthur), who is suffering from the DTs due to
alcohol withdrawal, and the refusal of two Pythons (Chapman and John
Cleese) to run across the rope bridge that spans the “Gorge of Eternal
Peril.”

330 May 2, 1974

The “Castle Arrrghhh” scene from Holy Grail is filmed at Castle Stalker in
Argyll, Scotland.

331 May 3–6, 1974

The “Rabbit of Caerbannog/Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch” scene from

Holy Grail is filmed at a cave in Killin, near Loch Tay, in Scotland.
332 May 5, 1974

The Do-It-Yourself Film Animation Show (TV episode: BBC1). “Table-Top

and Cut-Outs.” Guest Terry Gilliam demonstrates the process of cut-out
animation in episode three of this Sunday-morning series hosted by Bob
Godfrey. Directed by Anna Jackson. Produced by David Hargreaves.

333 May 7, 1974

The “Knights of the Round Table” musical number from Holy Grail is
filmed in one day at Doune Castle in Scotland.

334 May 8–9, 1974

The “Castle Anthrax” scene (featuring Michael Palin as Sir Galahad) from
Holy Grail is filmed at Doune Castle in Scotland.

335 May 10–11, 1974

The “French Taunter” scene from Holy Grail is filmed at Doune Castle. The
filming is documented by the BBC program Film Night (the show’s location
report airs Dec. 19 on BBC2).

336 May 13, 1974

The “Bring Out Your Dead” scene from Holy Grail is filmed in Scotland.

337 May 16–18 & 23, 1974

The “Swamp Castle” scene (featuring John Cleese as Sir Lancelot) from
Holy Grail is filmed at Doune Castle in Scotland.

338 May 21, 1974

The “Test of a Witch” scene from Holy Grail is filmed in Scotland.

339 May 22, 1974

The “Knights Who Say ‘Ni’” scene from Holy Grail is filmed in Scotland.
340 May 24, 1974

Funny Ha Ha (TV episode: ITV/Thames). “Commander Badman.” Upon

learning that they are no longer wanted by the police, aging supervillain
Commander Badman and his evil cohorts devise an elaborate plan to break
the law. Eric Idle wrote and narrates this episode of the children’s comedy
series. Starring Aubrey Woods (title role), David Battley, Henry Woolf,
Bridget Armstrong, and Roland MacLeod. Directed by Darrol Blake.
Produced by Ruth Boswell. Note: Battley and Woolf will work again with
Idle as regulars on his 1975 series Rutland Weekend Television.

Review: The Sunday Times (London) (May 19, 1974): “Eric Idle has
written and narrated a ludicrous but frequently sidesplitting yarn.”

341 May 25, 1974

The climactic “battle” scene from Holy Grail is filmed on a Saturday

morning in Sheriffmuir, Scotland. Some 200 students from nearby Stirling
University show up to play soldiers in the scene.

342 May 25, 1974

New Musical Express (Newspaper/U.K.). “Hi There, Tiger!,” pp. 26–27+.

Andrew Tyler interviews the Pythons during the filming of Holy Grail in
early May. Included with the issue is the flexidisc single Monty Python’s
Tiny Black Round Thing.

343 May 25, 1974

Monty Python’s Tiny Black Round Thing (Record: Charisma/NME SO

1259). Flexidisc given away free with the May 25 issue of the British rock
magazine New Musical Express to promote the Pythons’ new LP Live at
Drury Lane. Contains two tracks from the album—“Election ’74” b/w “The
Lumberjack Song”—with a new intro by Michael Palin.

344 May 28, 1974

The “Three-Headed Knight” scene (featuring Eric Idle as Sir Robin) from
Holy Grail is filmed in the Bluebell Woods outside Doune, Scotland.

345 May 29, 1974

After reading the pilot script for Fawlty Towers (written by John Cleese
and Connie Booth), a BBC script editor sends a memo (dated May 29) to
the Head of Comedy and Light Entertainment giving his opinion of the
script. The memo reads in part: “I’m afraid I thought this one as dire as its
title.... A collection of cliches and stock characters which I can’t see being
anything but a disaster.”

346 May 31, 1974

The “Constitutional Peasants” scene from Holy Grail is filmed in the hills
overlooking Callander, a small town north of Doune, Scotland. It is the
Python team’s last day of filming in Scotland.

347 June 1974

Monty Python Live at Drury Lane (Record: Charisma CLASS 4). Recording
of some of Python’s best bits performed live at The Theatre Royal in Drury
Lane, London in March 1974. Tracks: “Introduction,” “Llamas,” “Gumby
Flower Arranging,” “Terry Jones (Link),” “Secret Service,” “Wrestling,”
“Communist Quiz,” “Idiot Song” (Neil Innes), “Albatross/Colonel
(Filthy),” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Cocktail Bar,” “Travel Agent,” “Spot the Brain
Cell,” “Bruces Song,” “Argument Clinic/I’ve Got Two Legs (song),” “Four
Yorkshiremen,” “Election Special,” “Lumberjack Song,” “Theme Song
(Liberty Bell),” “Parrot Sketch,” and “Theme Song (Liberty Bell).” Written
& performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Neil Innes. Recorded Mar. 23,
1974. Single (Monty Python’s Tiny Black Round Thing) issued on a flexidisc
with the May 25, 1974, issue of New Musical Express. Not released in the
U.S. until 1994 (Virgin/Caroline). Remastered & reissued in 2006 (EMI).

348 June 6–August 15, 1974

Dean Martin’s Comedyworld (TV series: NBC). Summer replacement
series featuring performances by new comedy talent from around the world.
Several shows include clips from Monty Python’s Flying Circus (including
“A Scotsman on a Horse”). Directed by John Moffitt. Produced by Greg
Garrison.

349 June 12, 1974

The “Black Knight” scene from Holy Grail is filmed in Epping Forest
outside London. For part of the scene John Cleese, who plays the
increasingly-limbless knight, is doubled by a one-legged man named
Richard Burton. It is the last day of a 28-day shoot.

350 August 24, 1974

It’s Cliff Richard (TV episode: BBC1). Michael Palin and Terry Jones
contribute material to this music-variety show starring singer Cliff Richard.
Produced by Brian Whitehouse.

351 September 1974

Sporting Relations (Book: Eyre Methuen), written by Roger McGough with

drawings by Terry Gilliam, is published in the U.K. Poetry collection
featuring 18 drawings by Gilliam. One of Gilliam’s few contributions to a
book not his own or Python-related. Later editions of the book feature
McGough’s own artwork. Note: McGough later appears as an interview
subject in Eric Idle’s 1978 TV film about The Rutles, All You Need Is Cash.

352 September 8, 1974

Filming begins on the fourth (and final) Monty Python series.

353 October 1974

The Brand New Monty Python Papperbok (Book: Eyre Methuen), edited by
Eric Idle, is published in the U.K. Paperback reissue of The Brand New
Monty Python Bok (1973). Almost identical to the original hardcover,
except that the quotes from the dust jacket are now on the back cover and
the cover beneath the dust jacket (titled Tits ’n Bums) is gone. Published in
the U.S. by Warner Books (1976).

354 October 1974

Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys & Girls (Book: Eyre Methuen), written by
Terry Jones and Michael Palin, is published in the U.K. Collection of
comic material (much of it originally written for Python) aimed at children
and presented by one Dr. Bert Fegg. Includes: “The Wonderful World of
Nature,” “Across the Andes by Frog,” “Soccer My Way by The Supremes,”
“The Famous Five Go Pillaging,” “Exciting War Yarn for Boys: I Was
Hitler’s Double,” “The Modern British Safety Plane,” “A Cowboy Story,”
“Aladdin and His Terrible Problem,” and “How to Destroy This Book.”
Illustrations by Martin Honeysett and others. An expanded American
reissue, Dr. Fegg’s Nasty Book of Knowledge, is published in 1976
(Berkeley Medallion). Revised and reprinted as Dr. Fegg’s Encyclopeadia
of All World Knowledge (1984).

355 October 1974

John Cleese and wife Connie Booth shoot the short film Romance with a
Double Bass over a ten-day period on location at Wilton House and The
Somerley Estate in Wiltshire, England.

356 October 1974

Monty Python’s Flying Circus premieres in the U.S. on a Sunday night on

KERA (Channel 13), the PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) station in
Dallas, Texas. The station’s program director, Ron Devillier, had become a
strong supporter of the show after requesting tapes from BBC Enterprises
and viewing all three series over one weekend. Devillier convinced the
station management and other stations in the Eastern Educational Network
—including those in New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Miami, and
Washington, D.C.—to take the show on a trial basis. Flying Circus proves
to be a ratings success and by the summer of 1975 it is airing on 113 PBS
stations. The group’s only prior exposure on American television came in
their 1973 appearances on The Midnight Special and The Tonight Show and
in clips shown on 1974’s summer series Dean Martin’s Comedyworld.
Reviews: Richard A. Blake (America, May 3, 1975, pp. 348–49): “Flying
Circus threatens to become an authentic hit with American audiences.... It is
a voyage into the absurd on a Humean raft. Experience means nothing,
since all laws of logical sequence have been suspended”; Cleveland Amory
(TV Guide, May 17, 1975, P. 32): “...nothing is once over lightly here.
Everything is done at least twice—and heavily ... the cast seems to have a
longer boring point than we do ... there are funny ideas coming up here....
But don’t get your hopes up unless this show gets a new—and tough—
writer-editor-critic.”

357 October 1, 1974

The Pythons, along with producers and investors, screen a rough cut of
Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Hanover Grand Film Theatre in
London. The screening is a disaster, due in part to the poor-quality print and
the effect of too much noise on the soundtrack.

358 October 12, 1974

The recordings for the fourth series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus (now
titled Monty Python) begin. The first show recorded is episode 40 (“The
Golden Age of Ballooning”).

359 October 19, 1974

Episode 41 (“Michael Ellis”) of Monty Python is recorded.

360 October 26, 1974

Episode 42 (“Light Entertainment War”) of Monty Python is recorded.

361 October 26–November 1, 1974

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). “Now for Something Entirely Similar,” by

Russell Miller, p. 6. A look at Monty Python as they begin their fourth
series. The issue, which features cover art by Terry Gilliam, is held by
Eric Idle in the upcoming “Mr. Neutron” episode.

362 October 31–December 5, 1974

The fourth and final series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs on BBC2.
This series differs from the first three in that: the shows were made without
John Cleese (though some written material of his was used); it consists of
only 6 shows, rather than 13; it airs on BBC2, rather than BBC1; and the
words “Flying Circus” have been dropped from the title. Notable sketches
from this series include “The Most Awful Family in Britain,” “Teddy Salad
of the Yukon,” “Batsmen of the Kalahari,” “Woody and Tinny Words,”
“Buying an Ant,” and “The ‘Anything Goes’ Courtmartial.” Recorded Oct.
12–Nov. 16, 1974.

363 October 31, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “The Golden Age of Ballooning”

(Episode 40). First show of the fourth series (recorded Oct. 12). Includes:
“The Golden Age of Ballooning: Montgolfier Brothers,” “Montgolfier
Brothers Wash Each Other [anim],” “TGAOB: The Montgolfier Brothers in
Love/Louis XIV,” “Decision (discussion),” “TGAOB: The Court of George
III/Antoinette/Butler,” “Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the
Norwegian Party,” “TGAOB: Barry Zeppelin/Ferdinand von
Zeppelin/Corpses in Drawing Room,” “The Golden Age of Colonic
Irrigation [anim],” and “The Mill on the Floss (Ballooning).” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Peter Brett, Frank
Lester, Bob E. Raymond, and Stenson Falke. Song: “George III” by Neil
Innes. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian
MacNaughton.

364 November 2, 1974

Episode 43 (“Hamlet”) of Monty Python is recorded.

365 November 7, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “Michael Ellis” (Episode 41). Second
show of the fourth series (recorded Oct. 19). Single-narrative episode which
includes material co-written by John Cleese, originally intended for Holy
Grail (the film, in its early stages, included a sequence set in a modern-day
department store). Includes: “Department Store,” “Michael Ellis/Buying an
Ant,” “Tiger and Other Pets,” “University of the Air: Let’s Talk Ant,” “The
Anatomy of an Ant [anim],” “Victorian Poetry Reading (Ants),” “Toupee
Hall,” “Complaints,” and “End of Show Department.” Conceived, written
& performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese (writer credit only),
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol
Cleveland and John Hughman. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced &
directed by Ian MacNaughton.

366 November 9, 1974

Episode 44 (“Mr. Neutron”) of Monty Python is recorded.

367 November 10, 1974

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Flying Circus—A

Souffle of Lunacy,” by John J. O’Connor, p. B33. Article describing the
British comedy series which has just come to the U.S.

368 November 14, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “Light Entertainment War” (Episode

42). Third show of the fourth series (recorded Oct. 26). Includes: “Up Your
Pavement,” “RAF Banter,” “Trivializing the War,” “Courtmartial
(Basingstoke/Special Gaiters/Anything Goes In),” “Film Trailer,” “The
Public Are Idiots,” “Programme Planners,” “What a Lovely Day [anim],”
“Woody and Tinny Words,” “Show-Jumping (Musicals),” “Newsflash
(Peter Woods),” and “When Does a Dream Begin? (song).” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese (writer credit
only), Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With
Carol Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond, and Marion Mould. Song: “When Does
a Dream Begin?” written & sung Neil Innes. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

369 November 16, 1974

Episode 45 (“Party Political Broadcast”), the last show of the fourth and
final series of Monty Python, is recorded.
370 November 21, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “Hamlet” (Episode 43). Fourth show of
the fourth series (recorded Nov. 2). Includes: “Bogus Psychiatrists
(Hamlet),” “Nationwide: Westminster Bridge/Police Helmets,” “Father-in-
Law,” “Hamlet and Ophelia,” “Paratroopers [anim],” “Boxing Match
Aftermath (The Killer vs. The Champ),” “Boxing Commentary,” “Piston
Engine,” and “A Room in Polonius’s House: Live from Epsom/Jockey
Interviews/Queen Victoria Handicap.” Conceived, written & performed by
Graham Chapman, John Cleese (writer credit only), Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Jimmy Hill,
Bob E. Raymond, Connie Booth, and K. Joseph. Animations by Terry
Gilliam. Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

371 November 26, 1974

Aspel and Company (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Guest: Michael Palin.

372 November 28, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “Mr. Neutron” (Episode 44). Fifth
show of the fourth series (recorded Nov. 9). This single-narrative episode
includes: “Post Box Ceremony,” “Mr. Neutron in Suburbia,” “F.E.A.R.
Headquarters,” “Supreme Commander,” “Teddy Salad of the Yukon,”
“Eskimos,” “Prime Minister,” “Bombings,” “Mrs. Scum,” and “Conjuring
Today.” Conceived, written & performed by Graham Chapman, Terry
Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol
Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond, and Sloopy. Animations by Terry Gilliam.
Produced & directed by Ian MacNaughton.

373 December 1974

Films and Filming (Magazine/U.K.). “‘He said with incredible

arrogance...’: Monty Python Challenges Gordon Gow to a Joust Over Art
and Life...,” by Gordon Gow. Interview with Graham Chapman, Michael
Palin, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Neil Innes about Holy Grail, with
photos from the film.
374 December 5, 1974

Monty Python (TV episode: BBC2). “Party Political Broadcast” (Episode

45). Sixth and last show of the fourth series (recorded Nov. 16). Includes:
“Most Awful Family in Britain,” “Icelandic Honey Week,” “Patient Abuse,”
“Brigadier and Bishop,” “Opera Singer [anim],” “An Appeal on Behalf of
Extremely Rich People,” “The Man Who Finishes Other People’s
Sentences,” “The Walking Tree of Dahomey (David Attenborough),” “The
Batsmen of the Kalahari (Cricket Match),” and “Newsreader.” Conceived,
written & performed by Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Carol Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond,
and Peter Brett. Additional material by Douglas Adams and Neil Innes
(words & music). Animations by Terry Gilliam. Produced & directed by
Ian MacNaughton.

375 December 6, 1974

In Vision (TV talk show: BBC2). William Hardcastle talks with Monty
Python members Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin in this look back over the past five years of Monty Python’s
Flying Circus, with clips from the show. Produced by Peter Foges.

376 December 17, 1974

The Book Programme (TV talk show: BBC2). Book discussion program
hosted by Robert Robinson. This episode looks at the marketing of the
bestselling novel Jaws by Peter Benchley. Guests Eric Idle and Monica
Dickens discuss their favorite paperbacks of the past year. Directed by
Martin L. Bell. Produced by Philip Speight.

377 December 19, 1974

Film Night (TV talk show: BBC2). “And Now for Something Completely
Different....” A report on the making of the Pythons’ new film Monty
Python and the Holy Grail on location in Doune, Scotland during the May
1974 filming of the “French Taunter” scene at Doune Castle. Includes on-
set interviews with all six Pythons, conducted by Tony Bilbow and Philip
Jenkinson. Produced by Margaret Sharp.
378 December 21, 1974

Les Dawson’s Christmas Box (TV special: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television).

Holiday special starring comedian Les Dawson. John Cleese, a frequent
guest on Dawson’s Sez Les series, appears in one sketch as a hotel manager.
Written by Barry Cryer and David Nobbs, with additional material by Les
Dawson, Alec Gerrard, and Eric Idle. Produced & directed by Vernon
Lawrence.

379 December 23, 1974

The pilot episode (“A Touch of Class”) of Fawlty Towers, written by and
starring John Cleese and Connie Booth, is recorded. The series debuts in
September 1975.

380 1974

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 4: More Awkward Customers (Training

film: Video Arts). How to deal with three customer types: the
knowledgeable (Mrs. Camel), the easily frightened (Mr. Clam), and the
double-checker (Mrs. Ferret). Narrated by Philip Bond. Starring John
Cleese, Patricia Routledge, Bernard Cribbins, Lynn Redgrave, Angharad
Rees, Jane Walker, and Helena Clayton. Written by John Cleese. Directed
by Peter Robinson.

381 1974

Marketing in Practice, No. 4: Prescription for Complaints (Training film:

Video Arts). A six-step guide to handling complaining customers. Narrated
by Andrew Cruickshank. Starring John Cleese, Penelope Keith, Ian Ogilvy,
Norman Bird, John Clive, Una Stubbs, and George A. Cooper. Written by
Denis Norden. Directed by Peter Robinson.

382 1974

The Show Business: How to Demonstrate a Product (Training film: Video

Arts). The right and wrong ways to conduct a sales demonstration. Narrated
by George Sewell. Starring John Cleese, Fanny Carby, Terrence Hardiman,
Bill Maynard, and Una Stubbs. Written by John Cleese and Joe Windsor.
Directed by Peter Robinson.

383 1974

Man Hunt: The Selection Interview (Training film: Video Arts). A guide for
managers on how to improve their interviewing skills. Starring John Cleese
(as Ethelred the Unready/Ivan the Terrible/William the Silent), Ian Ogilvy,
Andrew Sachs, Norman Bowler, Terence Alexander, and Tony Robinson.
Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

384 1974

Selling in Practice, No. 2: How Not to Exhibit Yourself (Training film:

Video Arts). How to sell from an exhibition stand. Starring John Cleese,
Bernard Cribbins, John Standing, Bill Owen, Desmond Jones, Andrew
Sachs, and John Barron. Written by Denis Norden. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

385 1974

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 1: The Gee Whiz Graph (Training film:
Videological Productions). Animated film narrated by John Cleese and
featuring Hugh Burnett’s “Monk” cartoon character. Based on the 1954
book of the same title by Darrell Huff and Irving Geis. Written by Robert
Reid. Animated by Tony Hart. Produced by Antony Jay and Peter Robinson.

386 1974

Romance with a Double Bass (Short film: Cinema International

Corp./Anton Films). Based on an 1886 short story by Anton Chekhov, this
41-minute film tells of the romance that ensues when a poor musician and a
betrothed princess find themselves stranded in a lake, their clothes stolen.
Filmed over ten days in October 1974, this pre–Fawlty Towers project
starring John Cleese and Connie Booth (his wife) also marks Cleese’s first
collaboration with director Robert Young (Splitting Heirs, Fierce
Creatures). Shown in theaters with the Clint Eastwood film The Eiger
Sanction. Starring John Cleese (as Smychkov) and Connie Booth (as
Princess Constanza), with Graham Crowden, Desmond Jones, Freddie
Jones, Jonathan Lynn, John Moffatt, and Andrew Sachs. Screenplay adapted
from Chekhov by John Cleese, Connie Booth, and Robert Young, based on
a screenplay by Bill Owen. Directed by Robert Young.

387 1974

Put in a Potterton (Marketing film). John Cleese appears in this humorous

promotional short for Potterton’s “Netaheat” wall-mounted gas boiler.
Sponsored by Potter International. Also starring Larry Grayson. Written by
Allardyce Hampshire. Directed by William Steward.

388 1974

The Pythons form their own music publishing company, Kay-Gee-Bee

Music Ltd.

389 1974

Henry Cleans Up (Training film). A new pub landlord (Michael Palin)

receives help from a rival publican (Terry Jones) on how to clean the pipes
that carry beer from the Guinness barrel to the tap. Twelve-minute
instructional short sponsored by Guinness. Narrated by Dick Graham.
Starring Michael Palin (as Henry), Terry Jones (as Albert), Carol
Cleveland, and Tommy Mann. Written by Michael Palin and Peter Fensom.
Directed by Digby Turpin. Produced by Peter Fensom.

390 January 13, 1975

Michael Palin’s daughter, Rachel, is born.

391 March 1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Trailer). In this “Coming Attraction”
trailer for the film, a professional announcer, a bad reader, a Gumby, and a
Chinese man audition for the job of trailer narrator. The Chinese man wins
and goes on to describe Holy Grail as one of “the more run-of-the-mill
films like Herbie Rides Again and La Notte.”
392 March 1975

Hello Sailor (Book: Weidenfeld and Nicolson), written by Eric Idle, is

published in the U.K. Idle’s first novel, a satire on sex and politics, includes
such characters as the British Prime Minister who is a “bachelor gay”; a
dead foreign secretary who functions as efficiently as before with the aid of
a taxidermist; Astronaut Sickert who tests a contraceptive in space; a
character who seduces the daughters of the entire Cabinet; and much more.
Paperback edition published by Futura. Idle’s second novel, The Road to
Mars, is published in 1999.

Review: Jeremy Brooks (The Sunday Times [London], Mar. 30, 1975, p.
39): “Eric Idle fails by a mile to transfer his anarchic wit from telly screen
to printed word.... Funny lines, though by no means in short supply here,
are not enough.”

393 March 7, 1975

Four of the Pythons—Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones,

and Michael Palin—fly to the U.S. for a two-week publicity tour for Flying
Circus, visiting PBS stations in New York (WNET), Philadelphia (WHYY),
Washington, D.C. (WETA), Los Angeles (KCET), Dallas (KERA), and
Chicago (WTTW), giving interviews and helping solicit money from
viewers. The Pythons will return to the U.S. next month to promote the
release of Holy Grail.

394 March 9, 1975

The four visiting Pythons appear on PBS station WNET (Channel 13) in
New York City. They participate in the station’s five-hour pledge drive,
helping to answer phones and being interviewed by Gene Shalit.

395 March 10, 1975

The Pythons attend a party at Sardi’s restaurant in NYC celebrating their

signing (on Feb. 20) with Clive Davis’ Arista Records, their new American
label. Arista’s first Python release will be Matching Tie and Handkerchief in
April.
396 March 14, 1975

Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin

attend the first public showing of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at a
special midnight showing at the Los Angeles International Film Exposition
(Filmex).

397 March 14, 1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Feature film), world premiere in Los
Angeles. Monty Python’s second feature film (following 1971’s TV-derived
And Now for Something Completely Different) is a collection of medieval
sketches loosely tied together by King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail.
Includes: “Moose titles,” “The Swallow,” “Bring Out Your Dead,”
“Constitutional Peasants,” “The Black Knight,” “The Test of a Witch,”
“The Book of the Film,” “Knights of the Round Table (Camelot Song),”
“Arthur and God,” “The French Taunter,” “The Tale of Sir Robin: The
Three-Headed Knight (song: Brave Sir Robin),” “The Tale of Sir Galahad:
The Castle Anthrax,” “Scene 24,” “The Knights Who Say ‘Ni,’” “The Tale
of Sir Lancelot: Swamp Castle,” “Roger the Shrubber,” “Tim the
Enchanter,” “The Rabbit of Caerbannog/Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch,”
“The Cave of Caerbannog,” “The Black Beast of Arrrghhh [anim],” “The
Bridge of Death,” “The Castle Arrrghhh,” and “The Final Attack.” Written
by and featuring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. With Connie Booth, Carol
Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell, John Young, Rita Davies, Avril Stewart,
and Sally Kinghorn. Animations by Terry Gilliam. Songs by Neil Innes.
Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. Produced by Mark Forstater
and John Goldstone (exec). A Python (Monty) Pictures/Michael White
production. Re-released on June 15, 2001.

Awards: Hugo Award nominee for Best Dramatic Presentation.

Reviews: John Coleman (New Statesman, Apr. 4, 1975, p. 458): “...the

wanton promise of their title is unexpectedly fulfilled.... This Python is
often hilarious”; Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Apr. 28, 1975):
“...Grail is a marvelously particular kind of lunatic endeavor ... it manages
to send up the [King Arthur] legend, courtly love, fidelity, bravery, costume
movies, movie violence and ornithology”; Penelope Gilliatt (The New
Yorker, May 5, 1975, pp. 115–17): “...a cheerfully loused-up reworking of
the legend of King Arthur’s Grail hunt.... The whole film, which is often
recklessly funny and sometimes a matter of comic genius, is a triumph of
errancy and muddle”; Paul D. Zimmerman (Newsweek, May 19, 1975, pp.
90–91): “...delightful performances by the members of the Python troop,
especially Graham Chapman’s wonderfully earnest King Arthur ...
marvelously zany”; Richard Schickel (Time, May 26, 1975, pp. 58): “Grail
is as funny as a movie can get, but it is also a tough-minded picture—as
outraged about the human propensity for violence as it is outrageous in its
attack on that propensity”; Hollis Alpert (Saturday Review, May 31, 1975,
p. 44+): “The Pythons have taken on the entire King Arthur legendry and
smashed it into gorgeous bits and skits”; Gene Siskel (Chicago Tribune,
June 9, 1975, sec. 3, p. 22): “For my money, I wasn’t particularly knocked
out by Holy Grail. For me, it contained about 10 very funny moments and
70 minutes of silence.... I guess I prefer Monty Python in chunks, in its
original, television revue format”; P.J. O’Rourke (Rolling Stone, June 19,
1975, p. 16): “Holy Grail is an enormous relief from every kind of movie
and TV humor ... it’s a better movie than Blazing Saddles or Young
Frankenstein.”

398 March 15, 1975

Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin

(clutching a stuffed armadillo) are interviewed during a live fund-raising
event for the PBS station in Dallas, KERA (Channel 13). They are
interviewed by the station’s program director Ron Devillier, the man
responsible for bringing Monty Python’s Flying Circus to American
television for the first time in October 1974.

399 March 29, 1975

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Complete and Utter Palin and
Jones in a Two Man Python Team,” by Sheridan Morley, p. 6. Michael
Palin and Terry Jones talk about Python, Holy Grail, and some of their
past history. The interview took place in a recording studio above a Chinese
take-out restaurant (in Wardour St., London) where the two were working
on the Holy Grail soundtrack.
OceanofPDF.com
400 March 29, 1975

London Bridge (TV show: ITV/LWT). Saturday-morning children’s

program hosted by Michael Wale. Guests Michael Palin and Terry Jones,
promoting Holy Grail, answer questions from children in the audience.
Recorded Mar. 26 at London Weekend Studios.

401 March 31, 1975

Newsweek (Magazine/U.S.). “Pythonmania,” by Harry F. Waters, pp. 72–

73. Article covering Python’s background, sketches, and invasion of the
U.S.

402 April 1975

The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief album is released in the
U.S. on Arista AL 4039. Single issued on Arista AS 0130.

403 April 3, 1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (released by EMI) premieres in London
at the Casino Theatre, Old Compton Street. The Pythons attend the
screening, then move on to a party at the Marquee Club.

404 April 6, 1975

The second series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins running in the
U.S. on more than fifty PBS outlets.

405 April 11, 1975

Open House (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Pete Murray talks to John
Cleese.

406 April 18, 1975

Michael Palin is commissioned by the BBC’s Head of Comedy, Jimmy

Gilbert, to write and star in a comedy pilot which, if successful, will be the
first of a series. Terry Jones will co-write (and co-star) and Terry Hughes
will direct. The show, Tomkinson’s Schooldays, will air Jan. 7, 1976, and
become the first episode of the Palin-Jones series Ripping Yarns.

407 April 25, 1975

A.M. America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Graham Chapman, Terry

Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin guest co-host this two-
hour morning show with host Stephanie Edwards.

408 April 25, 1975

Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael
Palin pose nude (or nearly) for photographer Richard Avedon at his New
York studio. The photo is published in the July 1975 issue of Vogue and
later in MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK (1979).

409 April 26, 1975

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Flying Circus is

Barnstorming Here,” by Michael T. Kaufman, p. 29. The Pythons (minus
John Cleese) talk about their beginnings and influences. The interview was
conducted yesterday at the Central Park Zoo.

410 April 27, 1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail opens in New York. The Pythons attend
the premiere at Cinema II on Third Avenue, giving out coconuts to the first
1,000 people who show up. Although the first screening is scheduled for 11
A.M., the cinema has to add a special 9:30 A.M. screening to accommodate
the large crowds that are stretching around the block.

411 April 28, 1975

The Pythons attend a party in their honor at Relaxation Plus, a massage

parlor located in the Commodore Hotel in New York. Other celebrities there
include Andy Warhol, Jeff Beck, and Dick Cavett.

412 May 5, 1975

The Village Voice (Newspaper/U.S.). “I Am Monty Python, King of the
Goons,” by Richard Goldstein, back & pp. 79–80. Article on the history of
Python. The issue also contains an unfavorable review of Holy Grail by
Andrew Sarris (p. 81–82).

413 May 8, 1975

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “Horse Bites Python, Python Bites Back,”

by Larry Sloman, p. 18+. Article on the Pythons’ visit to New York and
some of their mishaps: Terry Gilliam nearly getting bounced from the
Plaza Hotel Bar; Graham Chapman getting roughed up at the Le Jardin
Discotheque; and Terry Jones getting mugged by a horse. Includes a photo
of the group answering phones at WNET, the PBS station in New York.

414 May 9, 1975

Arts Forum (Radio talk show: WNYC-FM, New York). Interview with
Python members, promoting Holy Grail.

415 May 10, 1975

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Python in the Center Ring,” by

Tom Zito, p. D1–2. Python article, with a photo of the visiting Chapman,
Palin, Gilliam, and Jones taken by Ken Fell.

416 May 10–16, 1975

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). “The Tiniest Show on TV,” by Irma Kurtz.

Interview with Eric Idle and Neil Innes about their new series Rutland
Weekend Televison. Idle also appears on the cover.

417 May 12–June 16, 1975

The first series of Eric Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television airs on BBC2.
The weekly half-hour comedy show features studio interviews, filmed
inserts, and musical items by Neil Innes (former member of the Bonzo Dog
Doo-Dah Band and frequent Python collaborator). The show is broadcast
from the small English county of Rutland which vanished in an
organizational shuffle. The first series, produced by Ian Keill, consists of
six shows followed by a Christmas special on Dec. 26.

Review: The Sunday Times (London) (May 11, 1975, p. 52): “While [Idle]
cannot reach the heights of Pythonry on his own (and there’s no one else
around in remotely the same class), the new ingredient of satirical songs
works extremely well.”

418 May 12, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Gibberish.” First show of the first series. Includes: “Gibberish,” “Star of the
Sexy Movies” (song), “Hanging,” “Trapped Under Clerics,” “Saving Fish
from Drowning,” “Stoop Solo” (song), “The Royal Rutland Fusiliers,” “The
Major Who Doesn’t Understand,” and “The Week Ahead on RWT
(Churchill Programmes).” Written by Eric Idle, and performed by Eric
Idle, David Battley, Neil Innes, Timothy Carlton, Peter Glidewell, and
Henry Woolf. Music & songs by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

419 May 12, 1975

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “The Talk of the Town: Monty Python’s
Flying Circus,” pp. 35–36. Article describing the individual members of the
group and how Python first started catching on in the States.

420 May 19, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Kung-Fu.” Second show of the first series. Includes: “Come Dancing,”
“Say Sorry Again” (song), “Philosophy Corner,” “Intelligence Test (Cretin
Club),” “Talk About (Great Wit),” “Origami,” “Impersonations of Medical
Equipment,” “Communist Cooking” (song), “Kung Suey,” “The Kung and
I,” “Normal (Arthur Sutcliffe)” (doc), “The Man from the Off-License,”
“Lie Down and Be Counted” (song), and “Kung Dancing.” Written by Eric
Idle, and performed by Eric Idle, David Battley, Gwen Taylor, Neil Innes,
and Henry Woolf. Music & songs by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew
Gosling.
421 May 26, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Warning System.” Third show of the first series. Includes: “Warning Signs,”
“Schizophrenia,” “The Children of Rock and Roll” (song), “The Homes of
the Poets: Mungo Wright (Cramp Bottom)” (doc), “Football” (song),
“Comparative Religions/God of the British Army,” “Bathtime Theatre:
Splash, Kevin Tripp,” “Boring” (song), “No Sherry/Buying People,”
“Television Forecast,” and “The Final Word with Tony Bilbow.” Written by
Eric Idle, and performed by Eric Idle, Lyn Ashley, David Battley, Neil
Innes, Andy Roberts, Wanda Ventham, and Henry Woolf. Music & songs by
Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

422 Summer 1975

The Album of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and
the Holy Grail (Record: Charisma CAS 1103) is released in the U.K.
Soundtrack album, presented as the “Executive Version,” featuring
highlights from Holy Grail interspersed with original material. Tracks:
“Executive Introduction,” “The Classic, Silbury Hill,” “Premiere of the
Film (Live Broadcast from London),” “Rear Stalls,” “Bring Out Your
Dead,” “Constitutional Peasants,” “The Test of a Witch,” “A Professional
Logician,” “Knights of the Round Table (Camelot Song),” “Arthur and
God,” “The Classic, Silbury Hill,” “The French Taunter,” “Bomb Scare,”
“Executive Announcements,” “The Story of the Film So Far,” “Brave Sir
Robin (song),” “The Knights Who Say ‘Ni,’” “Rear Stalls,” “Marilyn
Monroe,” “Swamp Castle,” “Tim the Enchanter,” “Drama Critic,” “Holy
Hand Grenade of Antioch,” “Executive Announcement/Sir Kenneth Clark,”
and “The Castle Arrrghhh.” Written & performed by Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
Recorded and Produced at Sunrise Music and Recording Ltd. by Andre
Jacquemin, Dave Howman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Terry
Gilliam. Original film soundtrack recorded by Garth Marshall and mixed
by Hugh Strain. Released in the U.S. on Arista AL 4050. Reissued on
Charisma CHC 17 (1983). Digitally remastered and reissued in 1997 (with
added track: “The Bridge of Death”) as part of the “Arista Masters” series.
Reissued again in 2006 (EMI) with three bonus tracks.
Reviews: Jon Tiven (Audio, December 1975, p. 89): “Python devotees will
not be disappointed with this record.”

423 June 1975

ABC Television purchases the American broadcast rights for the fourth
Python series from Time-Life Films Inc. (the BBC’s New York sales
agents). The network intends to show the six episodes in two 90-minute
installments of its late-night series Wide World of Entertainment. The first
of the two Python specials airs Oct. 3.

424 June 1975

Film Review (Magazine/U.K.). Includes a review of Holy Grail (p. 8) and

interview with the group (p. 9).

425 June 2, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Whistle Test.” Fourth show of the first series. Includes: “The Old Gay
Whistle Test,” “Toad the Wet Sprocket,” “Mantra Robinson,” “Band
Wagon” (song), “Dead Singer,” “Rutland Weekend Theatre,” “Amnesia,”
“Beauty Queen Farm” (doc), “Yorkshire Showbiz Butchers,” “A Penny for
Your Warts,” “Once We Had a Donkey (Fabulous Bingo Brothers)” (song),
and “Protest Song.” Written by Eric Idle and performed by Eric Idle,
Bridget Armstrong, David Battley, Bob Harris, Neil Innes, Andy Roberts,
and Henry Woolf. Music & songs by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew
Gosling.

426 June 8, 1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail opens in Chicago at the Carnegie Theatre.
Graham Chapman and Terry Jones attend the premiere, giving out
coconuts.

427 June 9, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend Rain
in Hendon.” Fifth show of the first series. Includes: “Solihull Wife-
Swapping Club,” “Weather Flash (Rain in Hendon),” “TV Jobs for MPs,”
“Prime Minister,” “I’m the Urban Spaceman” (song), “Your Questions
Answered,” “Weather Flash (Rain in Hendon),” “Holiday 75,” “Front
Loader” (song), “Rain in Hendon,” “Satan in Electrical Shop,” and “Rain in
Hendon.” Written by Eric Idle and performed by Eric Idle, Lyn Ashley,
David Battley, Neil Innes, Philip Jenkinson, Henry Woolf, and Wanda
Ventham. Music & songs by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

428 June 13, 1975

Chicago Tribune (Newspaper/U.S.). “Zeroing in on the Zanies,” by Bruce

Vilanch, sec. 3, p. 5. Terry Jones and Graham Chapman are interviewed.

429 June 16, 1975

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Budget Cuts.” Sixth and last show of the first series. Includes: “Religion
Today,” “Singing a Song Is Easy” (song), “Incident at Bromsgrove
(Carrot),” “Nelson and Hardy,” “The Execution of Charles I,” “L’Amour
Perdu” (song), “Man Alive: Suburban Prisons,” “Johnny Cash (Live at Mrs.
Fletcher’s)” (song), “Religion Today,” and “The Song O’ the Continuity
Announcers” (song). Written by Eric Idle and performed by Eric Idle,
David Battley, Terence Bayler, Neil Innes, and Henry Woolf. Music &
songs by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

430 June 16–July 9, 1975

Michael Palin spends three weeks filming the TV movie Three Men in a
Boat along the Thames River in London. The film airs Dec. 31 on BBC2.

431 July 1975

Esquire (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s American Diary (notes on our

country by an all-wise visitor from utter space),” by Michael Palin, pp. 88–
89+. Michael Palin’s diary account of Python’s visit to America in March
in which he writes about Fly-Eezi (“the airline that can’t afford to crash”),
the group’s trashing of their New York hotel room, and an American game
show called Gimme the Money You Bastard, or I’ll Strangle You, among
other things. Reprinted on the back cover of the group’s Live at City Center
album in 1976.

432 July 1975

Vogue (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python Exposed,” by Leo Lerman, pp. 82–

83. Python article accompanied by a nude photo of the group (with
“naughty bits” covered) taken by Richard Avedon (on Apr. 25 in New
York). The photo is later reprinted in 1979’s
MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK.

433 July 5, 1975

Graham Chapman and friends (including writer Douglas Adams) perform

between acts at a rock festival at Knebworth Park in Hertfordshire,
England. Acts appearing include Pink Floyd, The Steve Miller Band, and
Captain Beefheart.

434 August 25, 1975

The Summer Show (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese.

435 August 29, 1975

The John Cleese Sketchbook (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). New material
from John Cleese is presented for the first time in this half-hour program.
With Bill Maynard. Produced by John Cassels. 25 mins.

436 September 1975

Playboy (Magazine/U.S.). “On the Scene: Monty Python’s Flying Circus,”

pp. 184–85. Article.

437 September 1975

Cineaste (Magazine/U.S.). “The Wondrous Return of the Wacky Monty

Python’s Flying Circus,” by Lenny Rubenstein, pp. 14–18. A drawing of the
group (by Bill Plympton) is featured on the cover.

438 September 4–9, 1975

Michael Palin and Terry Jones spend four days in New York City (and the
weekend of the 6th–7th in West Granby, CT) working on the layout of the
new American edition of their 1974 Bert Fegg book. The new book, titled
Dr. Fegg’s Nasty Book of Knowledge, is published in 1976.

439 September 19–October 24, 1975

The first series of Fawlty Towers, consisting of six episodes, airs on BBC2.
This legendary BBC situation comedy—John Cleese’s most successful
non–Python effort—stars Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the hilariously rude owner
of a Torquay hotel with the ability to turn the smallest problem into a major
catastrophe. The show also features Cleese’s wife and writing partner
Connie Booth as Polly the maid, Prunella Scales as the always-in-control
Sybil Fawlty, and Andrew Sachs as the abused Spanish waiter Manuel.
Other regulars are Ballard Berkeley (Major Gowen), Gilly Flower (Miss
Tibbs), and Renee Roberts (Miss Gatsby). The character of Basil Fawlty is
based on a real-life hotelier Cleese encountered in 1970 during his stay at
the Gleneagles Hotel near Torquay while filming for Python. The creation
of the show sprang from Cleese’ desire to move away from his Python
television work and write something new with Booth. A second series of six
shows airs in 1979.

Awards: BAFTA-winner for Best Situation Comedy; BAFTA-nominated for

Best Light Entertainment Performance (Cleese); Royal Television Society
award for Outstanding Creative Achievement; Variety Club Award 1975 to
Cleese for BBC TV Personality of the Year; Variety Club Award 1976 to
Andrew Sachs for Most Promising Artist; Broadcasting Press Guild award
for Best Comedy.

440 September 19, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “A Touch of Class.” Basil, eager to

attract a higher class of clientele to the hotel, is delighted when a Lord
Melbury checks in. Basil fawns over his important guest, never suspecting
that Melbury is actually a confidence trickster. First episode of the first
series. Recorded Dec. 23, 1974. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales,
Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with Michael Gwynn, Robin Ellis, Ballard
Berkeley, Martin Wyldeck, David Simeon, Terence Conoley, and Lionel
Wheeler. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth. Produced & directed
by John Howard Davies.

441 September 26, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Builders.” While he and Sybil
are away, Basil hires O’Reilly, an amateur builder, to do some construction
on the hotel, against strict orders from Sybil. Second episode of the first
series. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie
Booth, with Ballard Berkeley, David Kelly, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts,
James Appleby, George Lee, Michael Cronin, and Michael Halsey. Written
by John Cleese and Connie Booth. Produced & directed by John Howard
Davies.

442 October 1975

The third series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins running on PBS
stations in the U.S.

443 October 1975

The TV special Out of the Trees, co-written by and starring Graham

Chapman, is recorded. It will air Jan. 10, 1976, on BBC2.

444 October 3, 1975

Michael Palin records an appearance on the radio game show Just a

Minute at BBC Studios in London. The two programs recorded will air on
BBC Radio 4 on Nov. 18 and Feb. 10, 1976.

445 October 3, 1975

Monty Python’s “The Lumberjack Song” is re-recorded for a Christmas

single. The recording, by Michael Palin and The Fred Tomlinson Mounted
Singers, takes place at The Workhouse studio in Old Kent Road, London
with former Beatle George Harrison producing (credited on the record as
George “Onothimagen” Harrison). The single is released Nov. 14.

446 October 3, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Wedding Party.” After Sybil
gives a room to an unmarried couple, Basil becomes obsessed with what he
sees as immoral behavior among his hotel guests. Third episode of the first
series. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie
Booth, with Ballard Berkeley, Yvonne Gilan, Conrad Phillips, Diana King,
Trevor Adams, April Walker, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, and Jay Neill.
Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth. Produced & directed by John
Howard Davies.

447 October 3, 1975

Wide World of Entertainment (TV special: ABC). “The Monty Python

Show.” A compilation of three Python shows: “The Golden Age of
Ballooning,” “Mr. Neutron,” and “Party Political Broadcast.” ABC, needing
to fill this 90-minute time slot, bought the rights to the fourth Python series
—which consists of six half-hour shows—with the intention of airing them
in two groups of three. But with commercials, there is only 66 minutes of
actual programming left. The Pythons take legal action after viewing a tape
of the program on Nov. 25.

448 October 6–November 24, 1975

The eight-part series The Selling Line airs on BBC2. The series showcases
the business-training films produced by Video Arts and starring John
Cleese.

449 October 6, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “Who Sold You This, Then?” (1972
training film). First episode of the series. Starring John Cleese, Bernard
McKenna, Jonathan Lynn, and Madge Ryan. Written by John Cleese and
Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.
450 October 10, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Hotel Inspectors.” Hearing that
there are some hotel inspectors in the area, Basil gives royal treatment to
two guests (one is an annoying spoon seller) whom he believes to be the
inspectors. Fourth episode of the first series. Starring John Cleese, Prunella
Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with Bernard Cribbins, James
Cossins, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, Geoffrey Morris,
and Peter Brett. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth. Produced &
directed by John Howard Davies.

451 October 13–20, 1975

Tomkinson’s Schooldays (currently titled The Michael Palin Special), a TV

comedy pilot written by and starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, is
filmed in Dorset and on the Isle of Dogs. Dorset locations include Lulworth
Cove and the Milton Abbey School (in Milton Abbas). The show is
recorded before a live studio audience on Nov. 1.

452 October 13, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “It’s Alright, It’s Only a Customer”
(1973 training film). Second episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and
Ronnie Barker. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

453 October 17, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “Gourmet Night.” Basil’s grand plan
for a gourmet night at the hotel turns into disaster when the new chef gets
drunk and falls in love with Manuel. Fifth episode of the first series.
Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with
Andre Maranne, Steve Plytas, Allan Cuthbertson, Ann Way, Richard
Caldicot, Betty Huntley-Wright, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee
Roberts, Jeffrey Segal, Elizabeth Benson, and Tony Page. Written by John
Cleese and Connie Booth. Produced & directed by John Howard Davies.

454 October 20, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “The Competitive Spirit” (1973
training film). Third episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and Peter
Bayliss. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

455 October 24, 1975

Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin are
interviewed by disc jockey Alan Freeman for his radio show.

456 October 24, 1975

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Germans.” Sybil’s in the hospital
leaving Basil to hang a moosehead, organize a fire drill, and play host to a
group of German guests. Sixth and last episode of the first series. Starring
John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with Ballard
Berkeley, Claire Davenport, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, Brenda Cowling,
Louis Mahoney, John Lawrence, Iris Fry, Willy Bowman, Nick Kane, Lisa
Bergmayr, and Dan Gillan. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth.
Produced & directed by John Howard Davies.

457 October 27, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “In Two Minds” (1973 training
film). Fourth episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and Tim Brooke-
Taylor. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

458 November 1, 1975

Tomkinson’s Schooldays, starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, is

recorded. The show will air Jan. 7, 1976, on BBC2.

459 November 3, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “Awkward Customers” (1973

training film). Fifth episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and Gillian
Raine. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

460 November 10, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “More Awkward Customers” (1974
training film). Sixth episode of the series. Starring John Cleese, Patricia
Routledge, Bernard Cribbins, and Lynn Redgrave. Written by John Cleese.
Directed by Peter Robinson.

461 November 14, 1975

The Lumberjack Song (Record: Charisma CB 268). Single featuring the

October 1975 re-recording of “The Lumberjack Song” (b/w “Spam Song”),
produced by George “Onothimagen” Harrison. Performed by Michael
Palin and The Fred Tomlinson Mounted Singers. Arranged by Fred
Tomlinson. The single fails to chart.

462 November 17, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “I’ll Think About It” (1973 training
film). Seventh episode of the series. Written by Elwyn Jones. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

463 November 18, 1975

Just a Minute (Radio game show: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin guest-stars
in the first of two episodes (the second airs Feb. 10, 1976) of this quiz
program, joining regular panelists Clement Freud, Peter Jones, and Kenneth
Williams. Nicholas Parsons hosts. Produced by John Lloyd. Recorded Oct.
3 in London.

464 November 18, 1975

Michael Palin attends a Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band concert at
Hammersmith Odeon in London.

465 November 24, 1975

The Selling Line (TV episode: BBC2). “How Not to Exhibit Yourself”
(1974 training film). Eighth episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and
Bernard Cribbins. Written by Denis Norden. Directed by Peter Robinson.

466 November 25, 1975

The Pythons view a tape of the Wide World of Entertainment special (aired
Oct. 3 on ABC), which featured edited versions of three Python episodes.
They are appalled at the heavy censorship. The 22 minutes of cuts were not
made to tighten the shows up or make them funnier, but to remove what the
network saw as “offensive” material. The Pythons decide to take ABC to
court.

467 December 15, 1975

Monty Python files suit in Federal District Court to prevent ABC-TV from
broadcasting the second Wide World compilation of edited Python shows on
December 26, claiming that ABC has “substantially altered the artistic
nature” of their scripts by deleting significant portions and that the
remaining excerpts do “not truly represent the entertainment talents” of the
group.

468 December 16–19, 1975

Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin spend four days in New York City where
they are to appear in court for the Python v. ABC case.

469 December 19, 1975

Monty Python v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (Court case).

Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam appear at the United States Courtroom in
Foley Square in New York to represent Python in their case against ABC.
After viewing ABC’s first installment of Wide World of Entertainment, the
Pythons have filed a million dollar lawsuit for unfair competition against
their own unedited shows and copyright infringement, and a permanent
injunction against ABC. They also applied to the Federal District Court for
a temporary injunction preventing the airing of the December 26th show.
The judge is Morris E. Lasker; the Pythons’ chief counsel is Robert
Osterberg; and ABC’s lawyer is Clarence Fried. After a hearing that goes
from morning till night, the judge rules that an injunction preventing the
broadcast of the second show would cause ABC to suffer an unreasonable
financial loss. Lasker does order, however, that the show carry a disclaimer
indicating the Python episodes have been edited without the approval of the
Pythons. The group appeals and, six months later (on June 30), succeed in
keeping their shows from ever being aired by ABC again, and also establish
their ownership of the copyright in their scripts.

470 December 21–23, 1975

Graham Chapman emcees for The Who at three Christmas concerts at

London’s Hammersmith Odeon. Chapman is a friend of the band’s
drummer, Keith Moon. His comedy is not well-received by the impatient
Who fans.

471 December 26, 1975

Christmas with Rutland Weekend Television (TV special: BBC2). Special

Christmas edition of the Eric Idle comedy series. Guest-star George
Harrison, eager to perform in a pirate sketch, finally agrees to sing a song
—“The Pirate Song.” Includes: “Bigamy Sisters, etc.,” “Previews,”
“Testing (Alberto Rewrite Five)” (song), “How to Ski in Your Own Home,”
“The Christmas Play: Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “I Don’t Believe
in Santa Anymore” (song), “Christmas Postscript,” “Film Night: Scratchy
Bit of Film/Sore Throat/Pommy,” “Concrete Jungle Boy (from Pommy)”
(song), “Film Night: Ann Melbourne,” “A Right Royal Rutland Year
(Queen of Rutland),” and “George Harrison Sings (The Pirate Song).”
Written by Eric Idle, and performed by Eric Idle, Lyn Ashley, Carinthia
West, David Battley, Jeannette Charles, Fatso, Neil Innes, Gwen Taylor,
Derek Ware, Henry Woolf, and George Harrison (as Pirate “Bob”). Music
by Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling. Produced by Ian Keill.

472 December 26, 1975

Wide World of Entertainment (TV special: ABC). “The Monty Python

Show.” This second Python special, which the group tried to prevent ABC
from airing, is a compilation of three fourth-season Python episodes: “Light
Entertainment War,” “Hamlet,” and “Michael Ellis.” The show is aired with
the three-second disclaimer “EDITED FOR TELEVISION BY ABC”
shown at the beginning.

473 December 31, 1975

Three Men in a Boat (TV film: BBC2). TV film of Jerome K. Jerome’s

classic account of three men holidaying on the Thames in the 1890s. The
three leads are played by Tim Curry (as Jerome), Michael Palin (as Harris),
and Stephen Moore (as George). Written by Tom Stoppard. Directed by
Stephen Frears. Produced by Rosemary Hill. Note: Stoppard will later co-
write Terry Gilliam’s Brazil.

474 1975–78

John Cleese takes part in group therapy sessions with Dr. Robin Skynner.
Cleese and Skynner will later collaborate on two psychology self-help
books.

475 1975

The Proposal (Training film: Video Arts). How to write a sales proposal.
Starring John Cleese, George A. Cooper, and Nerys Hughes. Written by
Jonathan Lynn and Joe Windsor. Directed by Peter Robinson.

476 1975

Selling on the Telephone: When I’m Calling You (Training film: Video
Arts). Five rules for handling incoming calls. Narrated by Andrew Sachs.
Starring John Cleese, Dilys Watling, Vivienne Martin, Jacqueline Tong,
and Norman Bird. Written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

477 1975

Selling on the Telephone: Will You Answer True? (Training film: Video
Arts). How to handle sales calls. Narrated by Andrew Sachs. Starring John
Cleese, Norman Bird, Penelope Keith, and April Walker. Written by
Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

478 1975

The Single (Record: Arista AS 0130). U.S. single from the Matching Tie
and Handkerchief album. Includes: “Elephantoplasty,” “Minister for
Overseas Development,” “Pet Conversions,” and “Cheese Shop.”

479 1975

Eric Idle and wife Lyn Ashley separate. The couple were married in July
1969.

480 January 7, 1976

Tomkinson’s Schooldays (TV special: BBC2). Pilot for the Ripping Yarns
series, Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ first post–Python project. The story
is set in 1913 at a public school called Graybridge where new students are
forced to fight a grizzly bear and lower classmen are nailed to walls and
where a professional school bully is allowed to have unmarried Filipino
women in his room. Filmed Oct. 13–20, 1975, mostly in Dorset, and
recorded in studio on Nov. 1. Repeated Sept. 20, 1977, at the start of the
first series. Starring Michael Palin (as Tomkinson/Headmaster/TV
Introducer/Mr. Craffitt), with Terry Jones (as Mr. Ellis/Bear/Mr.
Moodie/Director), Gwen Watford, Ian Ogilvy, John Wentworth, Sarah
Grazebrook, Chai Lee, and Terence Denville. Written by Michael Palin and
Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Terry Hughes. Note: This is the only
Yarns episode in which Jones has an acting part.

Review: Alan Coren (The Times [London], Jan. 8, 1976): “Jones and Palin,
who wrote it and performed hilariously in it, with beautifully tuned support
from Gwen Watford and Ian Ogilvy, transcended mere parody.”

481 January 10, 1976

Out of the Trees (TV special: BBC2). Graham Chapman stars in this one-
shot comedy half-hour made up of Python-like sketch material. There is
some talk of it becoming a series, but the BBC passes on the idea. Sketches
include “British Rail,” “Genghis Khan,” “Fire,” and “Peony.” Also starring
Roger Brierley, Simon Jones, Maria Aitken, Marjie Lawrence, Tim Preece,
Mark Wing-Davey, Maggie Henderson, and Jennifer Guy. Written by
Graham Chapman, Bernard McKenna, and Douglas Adams. Theme music
by Neil Innes. Produced by Bernard Thompson.

482 January 11, 1976

Les Rendez-Vous du Dimanche (The Sunday Appointment) (TV talk show:

TF1, in France). Hosted by Michel Drucker. Guests: Eric Idle, Terry
Gilliam, Terry Jones, Neil Innes, Jean Rochefort, and Mort Shuman.
Taped in Paris.

483 January 15, 1976

Michael Palin and Terry Jones speak to film students at the National Film
School in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England.

484 January 21, 1976

The Variety Club Awards for 1975 (Award ceremony). John Cleese receives
(jointly, with Esther Rantzen) the award for BBC TV Personality of the
Year at the ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel, London. Andrew Sachs
(Manuel in Fawlty Towers) accepts the award on his behalf and shows a
clip of Cleese in his bathtub. Introduced by Terry Wogan. Airs on BBC1 on
Jan. 21.

485 February 5, 1976

The Listener (Magazine/U.K.). “John Cleese: A Very Private Joker,” by

Wilfred De’Ath, p. 141. Interview/article.

486 February 20, 1976

Superspike (Parts 1 & 2) (Record: Bradley’s Records BRAD 7606). U.K.

single performed by Bill Oddie & The Superspike Squad and featuring
John Cleese as a manic sports commentator. Released as part of the
International Athletes Club’s new “Superspike” fund-raising campaign. The
record is supported by a film shown at Wembley Pool on Apr. 6. Cleese and
Oddie gave their services free to the I.A.C. Produced by Bill Oddie and
Stephen Shane.

487 February 20, 1976

Tonight (TV talk show: BBC1). Iain Johnstone interviews John Cleese
about his life and career, from his school days to his most recent television
hit Fawlty Towers. The half-hour program also includes clips from his TV
work and comments from Connie Booth (his wife), David Frost, Antony
Jay, Tim Brooke-Taylor, and critic Alan Coren.

488 February 22, 1976

Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform in a benefit show at the Old Vic
Theatre in London. Palin, Jones, Ian Davidson, and Willie Rushton
perform the “Custard Pie” sketch.

489 Spring 1976

Monty Python’s Flying Circus becomes a top-rated TV show in Japan,

where it is renamed The Gay Boys Dragon Show and followed by a round-
table discussion.

490 March 1976

Dr. Fegg’s Nasty Book of Knowledge (Book: Berkeley Medallion), written

by Terry Jones and Michael Palin, is published in the U.S. Expanded
American reissue of Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys & Girls (1974).

491 March 29, 1976

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Onward and Upward with the Arts:
Naughty Bits,” by Hendrik Hertzberg, pp. 69–70+. Detailed account of the
Python v. ABC case, with many examples of the kind of cuts that were
made on the Wide World specials. Reprinted in The Sunday Times (London)
of June 6, 1976 (“Monty Python’s Flying...Lawsuit,” pp. 33–34).
492 April 1–3, 1976

A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) (Stage show) runs for three nights at
Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. Benefit show for the human-rights
organization Amnesty International bringing together the members of
Monty Python (minus Eric Idle), Beyond the Fringe (minus Dudley Moore)
and The Goodies. Performers at the comedy gala include John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Peter
Cook, Alan Bennett, Jonathan Miller, Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie, Tim
Brooke-Taylor, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Barry Humphries (as Dame
Edna), Jonathan Lynn, Eleanor Bron, John Fortune, and John Bird. Sketches
include: “Pet Shop” (Cleese & Palin), “Court Room” (Pythons, with Cook),
“The Last Supper” (Cleese & Lynn), “The Japes Lecture” (Pythons), “So
That’s the Way You Like It” (Beyond the Fringe, with Jones), and “The
Lumberjack Song” (Palin & cast). Directed by Jonathan Miller. Produced
by Peter Luff and David Simpson. A film of the show, titled Pleasure at Her
Majesty’s, premieres in November and is shown on TV’s Omnibus on Dec.
29 (BBC1). The show’s success leads to further Amnesty benefits, including
The Secret Policeman’s Ball in 1979.

493 April 7, 1976

Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Carol Cleveland tape an
appearance on The Mike Douglas Show at Westinghouse Studios in
Philadelphia.

494 April 14–May 2, 1976

Monty Python Live! (Stage show) runs for three weeks at the City Center in
New York City. In their first stage show in America, the Pythons perform
classic sketches from their TV series as well as college skits like “Custard
Pie (Japes Lecture)” and Graham Chapman’s “Self-Wrestling,”
accompanied by film pieces (taken mostly from their German specials made
in 1971 and 1972, including “Silly Olympics”). Sketches include: “Gumby
Flower Arranging,” “Argument Clinic,” “Travel Agent,” “Nudge, Nudge,”
“Crunchy Frog,” “Llamas,” “The Judges,” “World Forum,” “Albatross,”
“Pet Shop,” “Death of Mary Queen of Scots,” “Bruces’ Philosophers Song,”
“Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police),” “Four Yorkshiremen,”
“Blackmail,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” and “Lumberjack Song.”
Written & performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and Neil
Innes. Filmed sequences directed by Ian MacNaughton. Staged and
presented by Monty Python.

Reviews: Clive Barnes (The New York Times, Apr. 16, 1976, p. 11): “Pure
adulterated madness.... Monty Python truly is the snake in the garden of
modern Eden—a child of our time, a reptile of truly significant immediacy
... there is nothing to beat it since Genghis Khan”; Martin Gottfried (The
New York Post, Apr. 16, 1979, p. 16): “...the maddest and brightest comedy
revue to come along since Beyond the Fringe”; Iain Johnstone (The Times
[London], Apr. 23, 1976): “The humour runs from the surreal into the
unknown and takes the audience with it every inch of the journey”; T. E.
Kalem (Time, Apr. 26, 1976, p. 67): “No matter how high the brow or how
low, Monty Python Live! creases it with jet-propelled mirth”; Julius Novick
(The Village Voice, Apr. 26, 1976, p. 138): “The offspring of a left-handed
marriage between Dada and Charley’s Aunt, they do scenarios of liberating
anarchy”; Chet Flippo (Rolling Stone, June 3, 1976, p. 21): “Many of the
revue’s funnier moments are familiar from TV ... but work just as well on
stage.... Unlike many comedians, their humor can be vulgar without being
malicious.”

495 April 18, 1976

The New York Times Magazine (Magazine/U.S.). “And Now for Something
Completely Different,” by Thomas Meehan, pp. 34–36. Article on the
history and comedy of Monty Python and their success in America.

496 April 19, 1976

John Cleese is named as BBC Television Personality of the Year by the

Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC).

497 April 20, 1976

The Pythons (Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael

Palin) and Neil Innes, while visiting the Bronx Zoo in New York, pose for
photographs holding a 14-foot Burmese python. Eric Idle refuses to
participate in the stunt, which is part of a Warner Books promotion.

498 April 20, 1976

Python fan George Harrison makes a guest appearance on stage with Monty
Python at the City Center. He joins the Mountie chorus during the
“Lumberjack Song” finale.

499 April 21, 1976

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Hosted by Barbara Walters and Jim
Hartz. Guests: Monty Python, promoting their City Center show, also Mary
Carson and Bishop Paul Moore.

500 April 27, 1976

The Mike Douglas Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Mike Douglas
with Neil Sedaka (guest co-host). Guests: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones,
Michael Palin, and Carol Cleveland, promoting their City Center show,
also Gabe Kaplan, David Soul, Ben Vereen, and Margeaux Hemingway.
Jones sits on David Soul’s lap for part of the interview. Taped Apr. 7 in
Philadelphia.

501 April 28, 1976

Singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson joins the Mountie chorus during the

Pythons’ performance of “Lumberjack Song” at City Center, as George
Harrison did eight nights earlier. Unlike Harrison, an apparently inebriated
Nilsson makes his presence known by wearing sunglasses, waving, and
ultimately falling from the stage into the front row.

502 May 1976

Monty Python Live at City Center (Record: Arista AL 4073) is released in

the U.S. Recording of some of the best sketches performed live at the City
Center in New York in April. On the back is reprinted “Monty Python’s
American Diary” by Michael Palin, which originally appeared in Esquire
Magazine (July 1975). Linked by Michael Palin. Tracks: “Introduction/The
Llama,” “Gumby Flower Arranging,” “Short Blues” (Neil Innes),
“Wrestling,” “World Forum,” “Albatross/Colonel,” “Nudge, Nudge,”
“Crunchy Frog,” “Bruces Song,” “Travel Agent,” “Camp Judges,”
“Blackmail,” “Protest Song” (Innes), “Pet Shop,” “Four Yorkshiremen,”
“Argument Clinic,” “Death of Mary Queen of Scots,” “Salvation Fuzz,”
and “Lumberjack Song.” Written & performed by Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin,
with Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes. Cover art by Terry Gilliam.
Produced by Nancy Lewis. Remastered and reissued in 1997 as part of the
“Arista Masters” series.

503 May 3, 1976

Sherrye Henry (Radio show: WOR-AM, New York). Guests: Terry Jones
and Michael Palin, promoting the Live at City Center LP.

504 May 3, 1976

The Pythons appear at Sam Goody’s record store in Rockefeller Center,

New York City, promoting their newly-released Live at City Center LP.

505 May 9, 1976

King Biscuit Flower Hour (Radio show: WNEW-FM, New York). Dave
Herman interviews Monty Python, with excerpts from the Live at City
Center LP. Presented by DIR Broadcasting Corporation.

506 May 14, 1976

The Royal Television Society Programme Awards (Award ceremony). John

Cleese is given the award for Outstanding Creative Achievement for Fawlty
Towers at the annual awards ball held in London.

507 May 18, 1976

The Old Grey Whistle Test (TV music show: BBC2). Eric Idle,
impersonating host Bob Harris, introduces the program. Daryl Hall & John
Oates perform in concert at Television Theatre in London. Idle spoofed the
program on the June 2, 1975, episode of Rutland Weekend Television.

508 May 20, 1976

Their Finest Hours (Stage plays) premieres at the Crucible Theatre in

Sheffield, England. Two short plays written by Michael Palin and Terry
Jones specially for the Crucible Theatre. The first, “Underwood’s Finest
Hour,” deals with a doctor who is more interested in listening to cricket
than delivering a baby. The second, “Buchanan’s Finest Hour,” takes place
entirely inside a large crate. Future Python-collaborator Charles McKeown
(Life of Brian, Brazil) appears in both plays. Directed by David Leland.
Notes: “Underwood” was originally written in the fall of 1973 for a BBC
series (Group One) that never made it to air. “Buchanan” is later filmed as
The Box (1981 short), featuring the voices of Palin and Jones.

509 June 2, 1976

John Cleese attends the Midsummer Banquet at the Mansion House in

London, held in honor of the arts, the sciences, and learning. The event is
hosted by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

510 June 30, 1976

The U.S. appeal judges in the Monty Python v ABC case rule in the
Pythons’ favor granting their injunction to stop ABC from airing edited
versions of their shows.

511 July 26–late September 1976

Jabberwocky, a medieval comedy directed and co-written by Terry Gilliam

and starring Michael Palin, is filmed at Shepperton Studios and on location
in Wales and London. Filming locations include Pembroke Castle and
Chepstow Castle, both in Wales. At Shepperton, streets scenes are filmed on
the former set of the 1968 film musical Oliver!.

512 August 16, 1976

Festival 40 (TV special: BBC2). A repeat of the special 1971 Montreux
edition of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Also, David Gillard interviews
Graham Chapman.

513 September 1976

The Rutland Dirty Weekend Book (Book: Eyre Methuen/Two Continents),

written and edited by Eric Idle, is published. Collection of material based
on Idle’s BBC comedy series Rutland Weekend Television. Includes
appearances by Neil Innes and a guest page by Michael Palin. Also
includes “The Vatican Sex Manual,” “The Rutland TV Times,” “The Cretin
Club,” “Who’s Who in Rutland,” “Rutland Stone,” and “The Wonderful
World of Sex.” The title beneath the dust jacket: The Wonderful World of
Prince Charles.

514 September 4–October 23, 1976

The fifth series of the sketch-comedy show The Two Ronnies, starring
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, airs on BBC1. John Cleese, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin all contribute material to the series.

515 October 2, 1976

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Eric Idle, with
musical guest Joe Cocker. Idle, hosting for the first of four times (1976–
79), appears in a “Killer Bees” sketch, a Dragnet send-up, “Drag Racing”
(film), “Baby Conversions,” and attempts singing “Here Comes the Sun.”
The show also features the premiere of The Rutles (Idle, Neil Innes, et al.),
a Beatles-parody group, singing “I Must Be in Love” in a film clip from a
yet-to-be-aired episode of Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television. Cast: Dan
Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, Gilda
Radner, and Garrett Morris. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne
Michaels.

516 October 4–14, 26, 1976

“Across the Andes by Frog,” a first series episode of the Michael Palin–
Terry Jones comedy Ripping Yarns, is filmed at Pinewood Studios and on
location in Glencoe, Scotland. It is the second show filmed (following the
pilot Tomkinson’s Schooldays, filmed in October 1975) but the fifth one
aired (on Oct. 18, 1977).

517 October 9, 1976

The Two Ronnies (TV episode: BBC1). Includes the sketch “Cricket
Commentators,” written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, and performed
by Ronnie Corbett (as John), Ronnie Barker (as Richie), and Moray Watson
(as Peter). Sixth episode of the fifth series. Written by Spike Mullins,
Michael Palin & Terry Jones, and Gerald Wiley [pseud. of Ronnie
Barker]. Produced by Terry Hughes. Note: “Cricket Commentators” is also
included on the 1977 album The Two Ronnies Vol. 2: “Me and Him” (BBC
Records REB 300).

518 October 15, 25–November 5, 1976

“Murder at Moorstones Manor,” a first series episode of Ripping Yarns, is

filmed in Glencoe, Scotland and at Harefield Grove in Harefield,
Middlesex, England. The last of three episodes directed by Terry Hughes
(he will work again with Palin on the 1982 concert film Monty Python Live
at the Hollywood Bowl). Jim Franklin will direct the remaining three
episodes of the first series.

519 October 19–December 6, 1976

Sez Les (TV comedy series: ITV/LWT). John Cleese appears as a guest
performer on the 11th series of this sketch-comedy show (1969–76) starring
Les Dawson. Other regulars include Roy Barraclough, Julian Orchard,
Kathy Staff, and Norman Chappell. Produced & directed by Vernon
Lawrence.

520 October 29, 1976

First Impression (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese.

521 October 29, 1976

John Cleese appears at a meeting of business executives in London to
promote his new Video Arts training film Meetings, Bloody Meetings.

522 October 31, 1976

Your Move (TV show: BBC1). Series to help improve adult reading and
writing skills. Hosted by Brian Redhead, with Graham Chapman, Tim
Brooke-Taylor, William Blezard, and Claire Faulconbridge. Narrated by
Norman Rossington. Written by Barry Took. Directed by Caroline Pick.
Produced by David Hargreaves.

523 November–December 1976

The Pythons begin writing their next movie, which is to be set during the
time of Christ. The idea for the film originated from an off-hand remark
made by Eric Idle at a Holy Grail premiere. When asked what the title of
the next Python movie would be, he replied: “Jesus Christ—Lust for
Glory!” (It is ultimately titled Monty Python’s Life of Brian).

524 November 1976

Esquire (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Regards to Broadway—The

Wacky Adventures of Seven Men and a Girl on a British Airways Three
Week ‘Make-U-A-Star’ Bargain Holiday,” by Michael Palin, pp. 80–83.
Palin’s diary account of Python’s visit to America in April to perform at
New York’s City Center.

525 November 1976

John Cleese passes his driving test.

526 November 1976

Playboy (Magazine/U.S.). “The Vatican Sex Manual,” by Eric Idle, pp.

134–35. An excerpt from The Rutland Dirty Weekend Book.

527 November 1976

Python on Song (Record: Charisma MP 001; CB 268/PY 2). Two-record 45
rpm set containing the 1975 single “Lumberjack Song” (re-recording
produced by George “Onothimagen” Harrison), b/w “Spam Song,” and
“Bruces Song” (from Drury Lane, 1974), b/w “Eric the Half-a-Bee” (from
Previous Record, 1972).

528 November 1976

True Love (Short film). Promotional film for George Harrison’s cover of the
Cole Porter song (from his album Thirty Three & ⅓), directed by
Harrison’s friend Eric Idle. In the film Harrison sings the song while riding
in a gondola with his “true love.” Idle also directed the film of Harrison’s
“Crackerbox Palace.”

529 November 1976

Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Amy Rainbow, is born.

530 November 3, 1976

This Song/Learning How to Love You (Record: Dark Horse DRC-8294) is

released in the U.S. George Harrison single, off his album Thirty Three &
⅓. In “This Song”—Harrison’s comment on the “My Sweet Lord”/”He’s
So Fine” plagiarism lawsuit—Eric Idle dubs in two arguing voices saying
“Could be ‘Sugar Pie Honey Bunch’” and “No, sounds more like ‘Rescue
Me’!” Released in the U.K. on K 16856.

531 November 12–December 24, 1976

The second and last series of Rutland Weekend Television, starring Eric
Idle, airs on BBC2. The series, produced by Ian Keill, consists of seven
shows. One highlight of the series is the introduction of the Beatles-parody
group, The Rutles (in show one). The Rutles clip was first shown in the
U.S. on Saturday Night Live (Oct. 2, 1976).

532 November 12, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend
Rutles.” First show of the second series. Includes: “Announcer Auditions,”
“Tonight’s Drama (Lawyer and Fall-guy),” “Cure for Love” (doc), “I Must
Be in Love (The Rutles)” (song), “The Rutles” (aborted doc), “The Entire
History of the World: Episode Three, The Creation (Back-Room Boys),”
“The Age of Desperation” (song), “Next Week on RWT,” “Inflation,”
“Tobacco,” and “That’s My Mum.” Written by Eric Idle. Music by Neil
Innes. Performed by Eric Idle, Neil Innes, David Battley, Terence Bayler,
Gwen Taylor, John Halsey, Bunny May, and Carinthia West. Directed by
Andrew Gosling.

533 November 14, 1976

Read All About It (TV show: BBC1). Book program hosted by Melvyn
Bragg. Guests Winifred Ewing, Claire Tomalin, and John Cleese choose
their Paperbacks of the Week.

534 November 19, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend Cop

Show.” Second show of the second series. Includes: “The Razor Blade Four
(announcers),” “Quite Interesting People (Sheep Worrier, Madame Butterfly
Collector),” “Topless A Go-Go” (song), “Exposé: Car-Swapping,” “Godfrey
Daniel” (song), “Rutland Five-O,” and “Next Week on RWT (Madame
Butterfly).” Written by Eric Idle. Music by Neil Innes. Performed by Eric
Idle, Neil Innes, David Battley, Gwen Taylor, Fatso, and Bunny May.
Directed by Andrew Gosling.

535 November 20, 1976

Crackerbox Palace (Short film) premieres on Saturday Night Live (NBC).

Eric Idle directed this promotional film for the George Harrison song (off
his album Thirty Three & ⅓) which was shot entirely on location at
Harrison’s Friar Park mansion in Henley-on-Thames and stars the former
Beatle (as a looney) and also Neil Innes (in drag). The Nov. 20 episode of
SNL is hosted by Paul Simon and features Harrison as musical guest. Idle
also directed the film of Harrison’s “True Love.”
536 November 21, 1976

Film 76 (TV show: BBC1). Includes an on-location report (from August) on

the filming of Jabberwocky at Shepperton Studios. Terry Gilliam and
Michael Palin are interviewed.

537 November 26, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Sequel.” Third show of the second series. Includes: “Lance Corporal
(announcer),” “Prisoner Requests Leave,” “Saucer of Rancid Milk”
(lecture), “Tomorrows Burke (Inside James Burke, Yuri Geller Bending),”
“End of Lecture/Caretaker/Documentaries,” “I Give Myself to You” (song),
“Husband and Wife,” “Collier Rides Again,” “Crystal Balls” (song),
“Restaurant Dress Code,” and “Killing People.” Written by Eric Idle.
Music by Neil Innes. Performed by Eric Idle, Neil Innes, David Battley,
Gwen Taylor, Henry Woolf, Fatso, Carinthia West, and Terence Bayler.
Directed by Andrew Gosling.

538 November 27, 1976

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Roy Plomley’s castaway
is Eric Idle, whose choice of records includes “Cello Concerto in C Major”
(Joseph Haydn), “Marie” (Randy Newman), “Dear One” (George
Harrison), and “Nimrod, from Enigma Variations” (Sir Edward Elgar). His
luxury item is a guitar; his book is a compendium of world philosophy.

539 November 28, 1976

Pleasure at Her Majesty’s (Feature film) premieres at the National Film

Theatre, London as part of the London Film Festival. Film of the Amnesty
International comedy gala A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) presented
in April 1976 at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. The film features
highlights from the show plus a look at the behind-the-scenes preparations.
Performers include John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam,
Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, Alan Bennett, Jonathan Miller,
Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Carol Cleveland, Neil
Innes, Barry Humphries, Jonathan Lynn, Eleanor Bron, John Fortune, and
John Bird. Sketches include: “Pet Shop” (Cleese & Palin), “Court Room”
(Pythons, with Cook), “The Last Supper” (Cleese & Lynn), “The Japes
Lecture” (Pythons), “So That’s the Way You Like It” (Beyond the Fringe,
with Jones), and “The Lumberjack Song” (Palin & cast). Narrated by
Dudley Moore. Produced & directed by Roger Graef. Stage show directed
by Jonathan Miller. The film airs in December as an Omnibus special on
BBC1 and is released theatrically in 1977. The U.S. theatrical version is
retitled Monty Python Meets Beyond the Fringe.

540 December 1976

Eric Idle spends Christmas in Barbados with Lorne Michaels and Paul
Simon.

541 December 3, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Sprimpo.” Fourth show of the second series. Includes: “The Ricochet
Brothers (announcers),” “Ill Health Food Store,” “The Hard to Get” (song),
“Sprimpo,” “Bad Continuity/Flashbacks,” “Classically Bad American
Films,” “Twenty-Four Hours in Tunbridge Wells” (song), “Exposé: The
Massed Flashers of Reigate,” and “Tirade Against Critics.” Written by Eric
Idle. Music by Neil Innes. Performed by Eric Idle, Neil Innes, David
Battley, Gillian Gregory, Samantha Keston, Robin Miller, Gillian Rhind,
Gwen Taylor, and Henry Woolf. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

542 December 10, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Tony Bilbow Theatre.”

Fifth show of the second series. Includes: “Boring Intro by Tony Bilbow,”
“The Life and Legend of Michael Hall (starring Tony Bilbow),” “Flag
Seller,” “Sex Problems,” “Special Equipment for Gentlemen,” “Non-
Voyeur,” “The Song O’ the Insurance Men” (song), “Accountancy Shanty”
(song), “Another Lonely Man (Singing Gynaecologist)” (song), “Travel
Agent/Insurance,” “Anti-Insurance Film,” and “Boring Intro (Take 139).”
Written by Eric Idle. Music by Neil Innes. Super-starred Tony Bilbow, with
Eric Idle, Neil Innes, David Battley, Gwen Taylor, Henry Woolf, Fatso, and
Carinthia West. Directed by Andrew Gosling.
543 December 17, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend Is

Innocent.” Sixth show of the second series. Includes: “Highwayman/The
Lone Accountant,” “Eccentric Judge,” “Drama on a Saturday Night” (song),
“Rutland Safari Park/Safari Car Park” (doc), “Sexist Sketch/Trapped by the
Writer,” “Wife Swapping Party” (song), and “Nixon is Innocent.” Written
by Eric Idle. Music by Neil Innes. Performed by Eric Idle, Neil Innes,
David Battley, Gwen Taylor, Henry Woolf, Fatso, Maggie Henderson, and
Terence Bayler. Directed by Andrew Gosling.

544 December 24, 1976

Rutland Weekend Television (TV episode: BBC2). “Rutland Weekend

Showtime!” Seventh and last show of the second series. Includes:
“Censorship,” “The Smoke of Autumn Bonfires” (song), “Janitors’ Kids”
(song), “Soap Opera,” “Autocue,” “The David Frost Show Again,” “The
Return of the Pink Panzer,” “Joining the AA,” “Australian Love Song”
(song), “The Slaves of Freedom” (song), “Angel Demonstration” (doc),
“William Plastic-Bidet and the Postman,” “Sportsbore,” and “It’s Hard to
Make It When You’re Straight” (song). Written by Eric Idle. Music by Neil
Innes. Performed by Eric Idle, Neil Innes, David Battley, Gwen Taylor,
Terence Bayler, Bunny May, Fatso, and Carinthia West. Directed by
Andrew Gosling.

545 December 29, 1976

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Pleasure at Her Majesty’s.” Film of the

April 1976 benefit show for Amnesty International which also captures the
rehearsals and backstage moments. The film premiered at the London Film
Festival in November. Performers include John Cleese, Graham
Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, Alan
Bennett, and Jonathan Miller. Produced & directed by Roger Graef. Stage
show directed by Jonathan Miller.

546 1976
Selling on the Telephone: The Cold Call (Training film: Video Arts). How
to make effective sales calls. Narrated by Andrew Sachs. Starring John
Cleese, Jonathan Lynn, and Linda James. Written by Jonathan Lynn and
Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

547 1976

Can We Please Have That the Right Way Round?: A Guide to Slide
Presentations (Training film: Video Arts). How to use visual aids
effectively in a sales presentation. Starring John Cleese and James Cossins.
Written by Denis Norden. Directed by Peter Robinson.

548 1976

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (Training film: Video Arts). Classic John

Cleese training film humorously demonstrating how to make meetings
shorter and more productive. One of the most widely-used films produced
by Video Arts, the company Cleese co-founded in 1972. Remade in 1993
and 2012. Starring John Cleese, Timothy West, John Grieve, George A.
Cooper, Angela Down, Mark Wing-Davey, Keith Buckley, and Ralph Ball.
Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

549 1976

The Fortune Teller (Marketing film: Video Arts). Humorous sales film for
Volvo Cars showcasing their new model, the 343. Sponsored by Volvo
Concessionaires. Starring John Cleese, Jonathan Lynn, Vivienne Martin,
and Charlotte Alexandra. Written by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

550 1976

The Rutland Weekend Songbook (Record: BBC Records REB 233) is

released in the U.K. Collection of songs and other items from the BBC
series Rutland Weekend Television starring Eric Idle and Neil Innes.
Tracks: “L’Amour Perdu,” “Gibberish,” “Front Loader,” “Say Sorry
Again,” “I Must Be in Love (The Rutles),” “24 Hours in Tunbridge Wells,”
“The Fabulous Bingo Brothers (Once We Had a Donkey),” “Concrete
Jungle Boy,” “The Children of Rock and Roll,” “Stoop Solo,” “The Song
O’ the Insurance Men,” “Closedown (with Nicholas Parsons),” “Testing,” “I
Give Myself to You,” “Communist Cooking,” “Johnny Cash,” “Protest
Song,” “Accountancy Shanty,” “Football,” “Boring,” “L’Amour Perdu Cha
Cha Cha,” “The Hard to Get,” and “The Song O’ the Continuity
Announcers.” Written and produced by Eric Idle and Neil Innes. Musicians
appearing: Roger Rettig, John Halsey, Brian Hodgson, Billy Bremner, Zoot
Money, Andy Roberts, Dave Richards, and Roger Swallow. Recorded at
The Rutland Weekend Television Centre, Argonaut Studios, and Sunrise
Studios, London. Released in the U.S. in November 1976 on ABC/Passport
Records PPSD-98018.

551 1976

John Cleese and his wife, Connie Booth, separate (they will divorce in
1978). Despite the split, the two will begin writing the second series of
Fawlty Towers in 1977.

552 1976

Michael Palin starts a small publishing company in England called

Signford Ltd., which specializes in art and poetry books. Signford’s first
book is Chris Orr’s John Ruskin, published in June 1976.

553 1976

Terry Jones’ son, Bill, is born.

554 1976

A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) (Record: Transatlantic TRA 331) is
released in the U.K. LP recording of the April 1976 Amnesty show. Tracks
include: “A Brief Introduction” (John Cleese), “The Last Supper” (Cleese
& Jonathan Lynn), “Court Room” (Pythons, with Peter Cook, others), “So
That’s the Way You Like It” (Beyond the Fringe, with Terry Jones), and
“The Lumberjack Song” (Michael Palin & cast). Cover art by Terry
Gilliam. Produced by Ritchie Gold. Reissued in 1991 (Castle
Communications) with previously-unreleased material.
555 1976

The Case of the Sulphuric Acid Plant (Educational film: Video Arts). John
Cleese lends his voice to the animated narrator (‘Holmes’) of this 17-
minute educational short on the manufacture of sulfuric acid. Cleese also
appears in live-action scenes as the plant foreman. Drawings & animation
by Tony Hart. Written & devised by Robert Reid.

556 1976

The Worst of Monty Python (Record: Buddah Records BDS 5656–2). Two-
LP set. Combined U.S. reissue of Another Monty Python Record (1971) and
Monty Python’s Previous Record (1972).

557 1976

Eric Idle becomes a vegetarian.

558 1976

How to Win Holes by Influencing People (Educational film). Guide to

golfing etiquette. Produced by Trans World International (Mark
McCormack). Narrated by Peter Alliss. Starring John Cleese, Holly
Palance, and Robert Dorning. Written by Dick Hills. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

559 January–February 1977

The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as We Know It, a TV comedy

special starring John Cleese, is filmed.

560 January 4–February 15, 1977

The Punch Review (TV series: BBC2). Satirical series based on work from
the magazine’s contributors. Includes material from Michael Palin and
Terry Jones. Starring Robin Bailey and Julian Holloway. Produced by
Roger Race.

561 January 30, 1977

Eric Idle meets American model Tania Kosevich, his future wife, at a party
at Dan Aykroyd’s New York loft following a Saturday Night Live broadcast
(hosted by Fran Tarkenton). They will marry in 1981.

562 February 20, 1977

Doctor on the Go (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “For Your Own Good...”

Gascoigne’s wealthy, unpleasant father (Derek Francis) arrives at St.
Swithins. Written by Graham Chapman and Douglas Adams. Directed by
Bryan Izzard. Produced by Humphrey Barclay. Note: Over three years had
passed since Chapman’s last “Doctor” episode (in December 1973).

563 February 20, 1977

Live from the Mardi Gras, It’s Saturday Night on Sunday (TV special:
NBC). The Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the setting for this special prime-
time edition of the late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live. With
guests Eric Idle, Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Buck
Henry, and Randy Newman. Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin,
Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Directed
by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

564 February 25, 1977

Monty Python and the Holy Grail premieres on American television as The
CBS Late Movie. The film was accidentally sold to CBS, who cut out much
of the film’s bad language and blood. When the Pythons regain the rights to
the film, they sell it to PBS, who show it uncut.

565 March 6, 1977

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Say Cleese,” by Hunter

Davies, pp. 60–71. Profile of John Cleese, who is interviewed at his rented
Notting Hill home, which he recently moved into (he and his wife, Connie
Booth, separated last year). Cleese’s mother Muriel, Tim Brooke-Taylor,
and Booth are also interviewed. Photographs by David Montgomery.
Reprinted in Davies’ 1994 collection Hunting People.
566 March 27, 1977

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “The Jaws That

Bite, the Claws That Catch,” by George Perry, pp. 62–64. Interview with
Terry Gilliam about his new film Jabberwocky.

567 March 28, 1977

Jabberwocky (Feature film: Columbia-Warner) premieres in London. Terry

Gilliam’s first solo directorial effort, vaguely based on Lewis Carroll’s
poem, concerns a young cooper’s apprentice in medieval times who sets off
for the city to seek his fortune. There he meets a beautiful princess and
becomes squire to a knight chosen to slay a terrifying monster that’s been
ravaging the countryside. The Jabberwock was designed by Valerie
Charlton and Clinton Cavers, based on John Tenniel’s 1871 drawing.
Starring Michael Palin (as Dennis Cooper), Max Wall, Harry H. Corbett,
John Le Mesurier, Warren Mitchell, Deborah Fallender, Annette Badland,
Bernard Bresslaw, John Bird, Neil Innes, Graham Crowden, Kenneth
Colley, Paul Curran, also Terry Jones as a poacher (at the beginning of the
film) and Terry Gilliam in a cameo. Written by Charles Alverson and
Terry Gilliam. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Sandy Lieberson.
Exec produced by John Goldstone.

Reviews: Alan Brien (The Sunday Times [London], Apr. 3, 1977, p. 37):
“Jabberwocky is not such a continuous hoot as Monty Python and the Holy
Grail.... But it remains an unmistakably individual and eccentric piece of
cinema...”; Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Apr. 16, 1977, p. 14):
“...the most marvelously demented British comedy to come along since
Monty Python and the Holy Grail.... The movie’s gags are nonstop, both
verbal and visual.... Jabberwocky is very funny, yet it looks like an epic”;
Richard Schickel (Time, May 9, 1977, p. 89): “Gilliam finds it impossible
to sustain, let alone develop anything like a consistent comic tone.... It
really is marked-down Pythonism...”; Penelope Gilliatt (The New Yorker,
May 9, 1977, pp. 124–26): “Jabberwocky deserves its Lewis Carroll
association; he would have rejoiced in its nincompoop wit and the blue-sky
reaches of its nonsense. Not often has the rude been so recklessly funny”;
Robert Hatch (The Nation, May 21, 1977, pp. 633–34): “...I was pleased by
the Jabberwock itself.... Unhappily, the star of the film appeared only in the
closing sequences.”

568 March 28, 1977

The Pythons (minus John Cleese) attend the premiere of Jabberwocky at

the Columbia Cinema in London.

569 March 30, 1977

John Cleese attends the U.K. premiere of Silver Streak at the Odeon
Theatre, Leicester Square, London. It is the 31st Royal Film Performance,
shown in the presence of the Queen Mother. Interviews from the event are
shown on ITV (Thames) on Mar. 31.

570 March 31, 1977

Jabberwocky opens in the U.K.

571 March 31, 1977

Tomorrow’s World (TV show: BBC1). Michael Palin and Terry Jones
appear in a new comedy segment of the long-running science news series.
In their piece, titled “The Broken Bottle,” Michael Rodd reports on one
glass company’s attempts to market their broken bottles as desirable and
useful items.

572 April 1, 1977

Nobody’s Fools (or Rock with Laughter) (Stage show). John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform in this
comedy-music benefit show staged at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Also
appearing are Neil Innes & Fatso, Alan Price, Barbara Dickson, Alberto Y
Lost Trios, Paranoias, Grimms, Scaffold, Jasper Carrott, and John Gorman.
The show is in aid of the British Institute for the Achievement of Human
Potential and Mind (National Association for Mental Health).

573 April 12, 1977

Three Piece Suite (TV play: BBC2). “Every Day in Every Way.” John
Cleese plays a hypochondriacal husband opposite Diana Rigg in the last of
three playlets presented in this half-hour program. Last show in a six-
episode series starring Rigg in a variety of roles. Starring John Cleese (as
Kevin) and Diana Rigg. Written by Alan Coren. Produced & directed by
Michael Mills.

574 April 15, 1977

Jabberwocky premieres in New York at Cinema One. Terry Gilliam and

Michael Palin attend, giving out potatoes to the first 1,000 moviegoers.

575 April 23, 1977

Michael Palin’s father, Edward Moreton Palin, dies at the age of 76.

576 April 23, 1977

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Eric Idle, with
Neil Innes, Jeannette Charles, and Alan Price. Idle, hosting for the second
time, helps raise money to “Save Great Britain” in a telethon sketch, with
Charles appearing as Queen Elizabeth II. Idle also appears in “Irish
Interrogation,” “The Nixon Interviews” (as David Frost with Dan Aykroyd
as President Richard Nixon), “Body Launguage” (film), “The Heavy Wit
Championship,” “The Battle of Britain,” “Plain Talk (Gibberish),” and
“Trans Eastern Airlines.” Innes (aka Ron Nasty) performs the Rutles song
“Cheese and Onions.” Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin,
Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Directed
by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

577 April 25–May 11, 1977

“The Testing of Eric Olthwaite,” a first series episode of Ripping Yarns, is

filmed in Beamish and Tow Law in Co. Durham and also North Yorkshire.
Locations include the Beamish Industrial Museum and High Force
Waterfall (in Teesdale). It is the first episode directed by Jim Franklin
(Terry Hughes directed the first three) and will be the second show aired
(on Sept. 27, 1977).
578 May 1, 1977

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Python Comes to Grips with

Lewis Carroll,” by Leticia Kent, p. D15+. Terry Gilliam talks about his life
and new film Jabberwocky; from a recent interview with the director at the
Algonquin Hotel in New York.

579 May 8, 1977

An Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles (Stage show), at the Mermaid

Theatre in London. This second Amnesty International benefit show,
following 1976’s A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick), stars John Cleese,
Terry Jones, Connie Booth, Julie Covington, Jonathan Miller, Peter
Ustinov, Peter Cook, guitarist John Williams, and The Bowles Brothers.
Highlights from the show are presented on the TV special The Mermaid
Frolics, airing Sept. 10. Sketches include: “Bookshop” (Cleese & Booth),
“Words and Things” (Cleese & Miller), and “Forgive Me” (song by Jones).
Directed by Terry Jones and Jonathan Miller. Note: Jones wrote “Forgive
Me” in the 1960s for an Oxford revue but had never performed the song
himself.

580 May 14, 1977

Eric Idle attends a concert by Dolly Parton at the Bottom Line club in
Greenwich Village, New York City, followed by a VIP party at Windows on
the World (atop the World Trade Center) in honor of Parton’s NYC debut.
Other attendees include Mick Jagger, Candice Bergen, John Belushi, Robert
Duvall, and Olivia Newton-John.

581 May 16–27, 1977

“Escape from Stalag Luft 112B,” a first series episode of Ripping Yarns, is
filmed at Littleton Down and Tilshead on Salisbury Plain in southern
England.

582 Summer 1977

All You Need Is Cash, Eric Idle’s Beatle parody featuring the fictional rock
group The Rutles, is filmed over five weeks in Liverpool, London, New
York, and New Orleans. The idea for the film originated from Neil Innes’
song “I Must Be in Love,” which was performed as a Beatles parody for
Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television in 1976. A clip of the piece received an
enthusiastic audience reaction when shown on Saturday Night Live during
Idle’s hosting stint on Oct. 2, 1976, leading to interest from SNL producer
Lorne Michaels for a full-length film.

583 June 1977

Eric Idle undergoes an operation to remove his appendix. Ten days later he
is rushed back into intensive care at Wellington Hospital (in North London)
due to complications.

584 June 8–24, July 4–5, August 8–9, 1977

“The Curse of the Claw,” a first series episode of Ripping Yarns, is filmed
in Rippingale (near Bourne) in Lincolnshire (June 8–22), also at Maidstone
and the Medway Estuary (June 23–24), Eastbourne Pier and Ealing Studios
(July 4–5), and Chichester (Aug. 8–9).

585 June 18, 1977

A charity football match is played at Wembley Stadium, with Radio One

going up against the Showbiz XI. Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Alan
Price, and Tommy Steele play on the Showbiz team. Players for Radio One
include John Peel, Ed Stewart, Kid Jensen, and Paul Burnett. Radio One
wins.

586 July 1977

The first series of John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers begins playing on public
television stations in the U.S. The series originally aired in Britain in
September–October 1975.

587 July 3, 1977

Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin attend a screening of Jabberwocky at the
27th Berlin International Film Festival (June 24–July 5) in Berlin,
Germany.

588 July 15, 1977

The Pythons gather in a London studio to record a read-through of the draft

screenplay for Life of Brian. The final screenplay will be completed in
January 1978. The recording of the read-through is later included in the
2007 DVD release of the film (“The Immaculate Edition”).

589 July 16, 1977

Penrhos Brewery, a micro-brewery co-founded by Terry Jones, opens at

Penrhos Court, a manor farm in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, England (on the
Welsh border). Jones’ partner in the venture is Penrhos Court’s owner,
Martin Griffiths. Attendees at the opening include Jones, Michael Palin,
Richard Boston (founder-editor of the magazine Vole), and musician Mike
Oldfield. The brewery will close in 1983.

590 August 10, 1977

The Muppet Show (TV episode: Synd.). John Cleese joins Kermit the Frog
and the rest of the Muppets on this second-season episode of their 1976–81
comedy-variety show. In the show, Cleese stretches out Gonzo’s limbs,
plays a pirate who takes over the starship Swinetrek in “Pigs in Space,” and
refuses to sing “The Impossible Dream.” Airs in the U.K. on Oct. 21 (ITV).
Muppeteers: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, and Dave
Goelz. Written by Jerry Juhl, Joseph A. Bailey, Jim Henson, and Don
Hinkley. Directed by Philip Casson. Produced by Jim Henson. Note: Cleese
will later appear in the second Muppet film, The Great Muppet Caper
(1981).

591 August 28, 1977

Michael Palin films his part in the Rutles mock-documentary All You Need
Is Cash in Golden Square, Soho, London. In his scene, Palin (playing Eric
Manchester) talks to a reporter played by George Harrison.
592 September 1977

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (book) (Book: Eyre Methuen), edited by
Terry Jones and designed by Derek Birdsall, is published in the U.K.
Comprehensive book on the making of Holy Grail. Includes the first and
final drafts of the script, production notes, daily continuity reports, stills and
snapshots, animation artwork, correspondence, and a complete statement of
the production costs. The first draft of the script includes the sketches
“Buying an Ant,” “Boxing Match Aftermath,” “Bogus Psychiatrists,” and
“Toupee Hall”—none of which made it to the final draft but would appear
in episodes of the fourth Python TV series (in November 1974). The final
draft includes the cut sequence “King Brian the Wild.”

593 September 1977

Monty Python Meets Beyond the Fringe (Feature film) is released in the
U.S. Re-titled American release of the 1976 concert film Pleasure at Her
Majesty’s.

594 September 10, 1977

The Mermaid Frolics (TV special: ITV/LWT). Hour-long special featuring

highlights from the one-night-only May 1977 Amnesty International benefit
An Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles. Starring John Cleese, Terry Jones,
Connie Booth, Jonathan Miller, Peter Cook, Julie Covington, Peter Ustinov,
John Williams, The Bowles Brothers, and others.

595 September 14, 1977

Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin attend a screening of Jabberwocky at the

Savoy Cinema in San Sebastian, Spain as part of the 25th annual San
Sebastian International Film Festival (Sept. 10–21).

596 September 18, 1977

The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as We Know It (TV special:

ITV/LWT). Comedy starring John Cleese and Arthur Lowe as the
descendants of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson who match wits against a
descendant of the diabolical Prof. Moriarty. Hour-long program for London
Weekend Television. Shown in the U.S. (on PBS) in March 1978. Also
starring Connie Booth, Ron Moody, Stratford Johns, Joss Ackland,
Denholm Elliott, and Holly Palance. Written by John Cleese, Jack Hobbs,
and Joseph McGrath. Directed by Joseph McGrath. Produced by Humphrey
Barclay. Note: Cleese had previously played Holmes in the 1973 Comedy
Playhouse presentation “Elementary, My Dear Watson.”

597 September 20–October 25, 1977

The first series of Ripping Yarns airs on BBC2. This Michael Palin–Terry
Jones comedy affectionately parodies the Boys Own adventure stories the
pair grew up with—tales of British spies, sports heroes, and Indian princes.
The first series, consisting of six episodes, includes a war story, a murder
mystery, and a horror tale. The theme music is the Fanfare from the Façade
Suite (1921–22) by Sir William Walton. A second series of three episodes
airs in October 1979.

Award: Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Comedy Series of 1977.

598 September 20, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Tomkinson’s Schooldays.” The pilot

show, which originally aired Jan. 7, 1976, is repeated to begin the first
series. Written by and starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Produced &
directed by Terry Hughes.

599 September 21, 1977

Terry Jones opens the first Great British Beer Festval (Sept. 21–25) at
Alexandra Palace in London by pouring six pints of beer (from his own
Penrhos Brewery) over his head.

600 September 27, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “The Testing of Eric Olthwaite.” A

spoof of stories about the members of Northern England’s mining
communities follows the adventures of one Eric Olthwaite, a man so boring
that his parents run away from home. Although set in Yorkshire, the show
was filmed mostly in Durham (Apr. 25–May 11). Second show of the first
series. Starring Michael Palin (as Eric/Bank Manager), with Barbara New,
John Barrett, Anita Carey, Liz Smith, Reg Lye, Petra Markham, Kenneth
Colley, Roger Avon, Clifford Kershaw, Norman Mitchell, Anthony Smee,
Marcelle Samett, and Peter Graham. Written by Michael Palin and Terry
Jones. Song: “The Ballad of Eric Olthwaite” by Andre Jacquemin and Dave
Howman. Produced & directed by Jim Franklin. Note: Kenneth Colley, who
plays the bank robber, will later play Jesus Christ in the opening scene of
the Pythons’ next film, Life of Brian (1979).

601 September 29, 1977

The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as We Know It (Book: W.H.

Allen & Co./Star Books), written by John Cleese, Jack Hobbs, and Joseph
McGrath, is published in the U.K. The script of the London Weekend
Television program starring John Cleese, with stills from the production.
Published in two editions with two different covers.

602 September 30, 1977

Michael Palin discovers in an old journal the full story of how his great-
grandfather Edward Palin met, in 1861, a 19-year-old Irish-born American
girl named Brita Gallagher. The story of their meeting (the two would
marry in 1867) will become the basis for Palin’s 1991 film American
Friends. Palin later searches for Gallagher’s Irish roots in a 1994 episode of
Great Railway Journeys.

603 October 3, 1977

Publishers Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “New Python (Book) a Treat for Both

Film and Design Buffs,” by Paul Doebler, p. 78+. Article on the contents
and making of the Monty Python and the Holy Grail (book).

604 October 4, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Escape from Stalag Luft 112B.” The
story of P.O.W. Phipps, a stalwart World War I officer whose attempts at
escape from a German prison camp include building an airplane out of
1,400 toilet paper rolls. Third show of the first series. Filmed May 16–27 on
Salisbury Plain. Starring Michael Palin (as Major Errol Phipps/“Chips”),
with Roy Kinnear, John Phillips, Timothy Carlton, David Griffin, Julian
Hough, David English, Roland MacLeod, Nicholas Day, Hugh Janes, Philip
Graham, James Charles, Glen Cunningham, and David Machin. Narrated by
Ronald Fletcher. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by
Jim Franklin.

605 October 11, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Murder at Moorstones Manor.” A

spoof of Agatha Christie murder mysteries which relates the tale of the
wealthy Chiddingfold family and their deadly mansion. Fourth show of the
first series. Filmed Oct. 15, 25–Nov. 5, 1976, in Glencoe, Scotland and
Harefield, England. Starring Michael Palin (as Charles/Hugo), with Isabel
Dean, Iain Cuthbertson, Frank Middlemass, Harold Innocent, Candace
Glendenning, and Anne Zelda. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
Directed by Terry Hughes.

606 October 18, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Across the Andes by Frog.” A British
explorer, equipped with a legion of frogs, sets out on the first amphibian
assault on the Andes. The story was adapted from a piece that first appeared
in Palin & Jones’ 1974 book Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys & Girls.
Fifth show of the first series. Filmed Oct. 4–14 & 26, 1976, at Pinewood
Studios and in Glencoe, Scotland. Starring Michael Palin (as Capt.
Snetterton), with Denholm Elliott, Don Henderson, Eileen Way, Louis
Mansi, Charles McKeown, John White, Alan Leith, Kevin Moran, and
Brian Nolan. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Terry
Hughes.

607 October 25, 1977

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “The Curse of the Claw.” A man
attempts to return a cursed claw to its rightful owners in this gothic tale of
Oriental magic. Sixth and last show of the first series. Filmed June 8–24,
July 4–5 & Aug. 8–9, mostly in Rippingale, Lincolnshire. Starring Michael
Palin (as Sir Kevin Orr/Uncle Jack), with Hilary Mason, Tenniel Evans,
Keith Smith, Aubrey Morris, Nigel Rhodes, Judy Loe, Bridget Armstrong,
Michael Stainton, Vanessa Furse, and Diana Hutchinson. Written by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Jim Franklin.

608 November 1977

Fawlty Towers (Book: Futura/Contact Publications), written by John

Cleese and Connie Booth, is published in the U.K. Oversized paperback
containing the scripts of three episodes from the show’s first series: “The
Builders,” “The Hotel Inspectors,” and “Gourmet Night.” Illustrated with
many photos.

609 November 1977

John Cleese attends the opening of the Screen on the Hill cinema in
Hampstead, London. Other attendees include Peter Cook and Keith
Carradine. The event is reported on by BBC2’s Arena (Nov. 16).

610 November 5, 1977

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Interview: Beastly Basil,” by

Sheridan Morley, p. 11. Interview with John Cleese, who talks about the
new Fawlty Towers book and the origins of the series.

611 November 13, 1977

Read All About It (TV talk show: BBC1). Book program hosted by Melvyn
Bragg. Guest: John Cleese, promoting the new Fawlty Towers book.

612 November 25, 1977

The Evening Standard (Newspaper/U.K.). “Fawlty Squash with Cleese,” by

Michael Plummer. Article containing a false report about John Cleese, who
was then practicing for The Pro-Celebrity Squash Challenge, causing him
to write a series of letters to the paper’s editor, Simon Jenkins. Their
correspondence is later published in the MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK
(1979).

613 December 1977

The Monty Python Instant Record Collection (Record: Charisma CAS 1134)
is released in the U.K. Collection of some of Python’s greatest hits from
their five previous Charisma albums (Another, Previous, Holy Grail, Drury
Lane, and Matching Tie) plus one previously-unreleased recording:
“Summarize Proust Competition” (from the 1972 Previous sessions). The
record cover, designed by Terry Gilliam, folds out into a record box.
Tracks: “Introductions,” “Alistair Cooke,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Mrs. Nigger
Baiter,” “Constitutional Peasants,” “Fish License,” “Eric the Half-a-Bee,”
“Australian Table Wines,” “Silly Noises,” “Novel Writing,”
“Elephantoplasty,” “How to Do It,” “Gumby Cherry Orchard,” “Oscar
Wilde,” “Introductions,” “Argument Clinic,” “French Taunter,”
“Summarize Proust Competition,” “Cheese Emporium,” “Funerals at
Prestatyn,” “Camelot,” “Word Association,” “Bruces,” “Parrot,” and
“Monty Python Theme.” The American version of this album, released in
1982, contains an almost entirely different set of tracks.

614 December 8, 1977–April 1978

The Pro-Celebrity Squash Challenge (Event). John Cleese takes part in this
pro-celebrity competition being sponsored by Rank Xerox. Other celebrity
players include Tommy Steele, Leonard Rossiter, and William Franklyn; the
squash pros include Hiddy Jahan, Bruce Browlee, and Mohibullah Khan.
The first match is played at Woking Leisure Centre on Dec. 8.

615 December 14, 1977

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Donny Macleod.
Guest: John Cleese.

616 December 18, 1977

The Big Match (TV show: ITV). Hosted by Brian Moore, with guest
presenters John Cleese, Peter Cook, and Elton John. Produced by Bob
Gardam for London Weekend Television.

617 December 26, 1977

Graham Chapman stops drinking—cold turkey—on Boxing Day. He

spends the next three days in bed experiencing severe withdrawal
symptoms. On the third day (Dec. 29), feeling better, he gets up and invites
a few friends over. Soon afterward he collapses and is taken to the hospital,
where he stays until Jan. 2.

618 1977

How Am I Doing?: The Appraisal Interview (Training film: Video Arts).

Management training film on how to prepare and conduct a professional
appraisal interview. Starring John Cleese (as Ethelred the Unready/Ivan the
Terrible/William the Silent), Julian Holloway, and John Wentworth. Written
by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Peter Robinson.

619 1977

The Balance Sheet Barrier (Training film: Video Arts). Film for managers
explaining the essentials of business finance. Part of the “Finance for Non-
Financial Managers” series. Remade in 1993. Starring John Cleese (as
Julian Carruthers) and Ronnie Corbett. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

620 1977

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 1: Try to See It My Way (Training film:
Video Arts). First of two films demonstrating the importance of a boss and
secretary working as a partnership. Starring John Cleese, Adrienne Posta,
Rosemary Leach, David Simeon, and April Walker. Animation by Tony
Hart. Directed by Peter Robinson.

621 1977

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 2: We Can Work It Out (Training film:
Video Arts). Starring John Cleese (as Mr. Becket), Adrienne Posta,
Rosemary Leach, Richard Davies, Ralph Ball, and Gary Waldham.
Animation by Tony Hart. Directed by Peter Robinson.

622 1977

The Mermaid Frolics (Record: Polydor 2384 101). Highlights from the
Amnesty International show An Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles,
recorded May 8, 1977, at London’s Mermaid Theatre, with comedy
sketches performed by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Connie Booth, Peter
Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Peter Ustinov, and music selections by Julie
Covington, Pete Atkin, John Williams, and The Bowles Brothers Band.
Tracks include “Bookshop” (Cleese & Booth), “Words...and Things”
(Cleese & Miller), and “Forgive Me” (song by Jones, with Atkin on piano).
Produced by Martin Lewis. Mixed & edited at The Manor Studios in July
1977.

623 1977

General Accident (TV commercials). John Cleese appears in a series of

British ads for the General Accident Insurance Company. In one ad, Cleese
and another man hit each other when they try to back their cars into the
same parking spot. While the other man becomes furious, the insured
Cleese remains perfectly calm.

624 1977

Jabberwocky (Book: Pan Books), written by Ralph Hoover (pseud. of Paul

Spike), is published in the U.K. Paperback novelization of the 1977 Terry
Gilliam film, adapted from the film script written by Gilliam and Charles
Alverson.

625 1977

British Is Best (Marketing film: Video Arts). John Cleese stars in this
humorous sales film on why the British should buy Volvo Cars. Sponsored
by Volvo Concessionaires. Written by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Peter
Robinson.
626 1977

Truth and Logic (Marketing film: Video Arts). Humorous sales film for the
TV Times. Starring John Cleese, Connie Booth, Andrew Sachs, George A.
Cooper, June Whitfield, and Fulton MacKay. Written by Chris Langham.
Directed by Charles Crichton. Produced by Robert Reid.

627 1977

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 2: The Average Chap (Training film: Video
Arts). Animated film narrated by John Cleese. Based on the 1954 book of
the same title by Darrell Huff and Irving Geis. Written by Robert Reid.
Animated by Tony Hart. Produced by Peter Robinson.

628 1977

Terry Jones provides financial backing—in partnership with the Dartington

Trust—for the publication of the environmental magazine Vole, founded
and edited by Richard Boston. The magazine publishes until 1980.

629 1977–80

Sony (Radio commercials). John Cleese stars in a series of thirty British

radio ads for the Sony Corporation. Two of the ads, “Boo-Boo” and “Shiny
Objects,” win Clio Awards. Written by Cleese and Tim Delaney.

630 January 7–21, 1978

The Pythons spend two weeks in Barbados in the West Indies to complete
the rewrites on Life of Brian. They also do some swimming and water-
skiing, and are joined by Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Peter Rudge, Keith
Moon, Alan Price, Des O’Connor, and Idle’s girlfriend, Tania Kosevich.

631 Late January 1978

EMI Films agrees to finance Life of Brian.

632 February 1978

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (Record: Warner Bros K 56459 [U.K.];
HS 3151 [U.S.]). Soundtrack to Eric Idle’s Beatles mockumentary (airing
Mar. 22), containing 14 Rutles classics written by Neil Innes and performed
by Innes, Ollie Halsall, Rikki Fataar, and John Halsey. Tracks: “Hold My
Hand,” “Number One,” “With a Girl Like You,” “I Must Be in Love,”
“Ouch!,” “Living in Hope,” “Love Life,” “Nevertheless,” “Good Times
Roll,” “Doubleback Alley,” “Cheese and Onions,” “Another Day,” “Piggy
in the Middle,” and “Let’s Be Natural.” The full-color, 20-page booklet
included with the album highlights the Rutle years with many photos and
excerpts from the film. Album/booklet conceived and written by Eric Idle.
Designed by Basil Pao. Produced by Neil Innes. Recorded at Chappell
Studios, London. Reissued on CD in 1990 (Rhino) with six additional
songs: “Goose-Step Mama,” “Baby Let Me Be,” “Blue Suede Schubert,”
“Between Us,” “It’s Looking Good,” and “Get Up and Go.” U.K. singles
issued on K 17180 and K 17125 (12-inch EP). U.S. singles issued on WBS
8560 and E 723 (12-inch EP). A second Rutles collection, The Rutles
Archaeology, is produced in 1996 (without Idle’s involvement).

633 February 27, 1978

The Odd Job, a comedy starring, co-written and co-produced by Graham

Chapman, begins filming. The film is shot on location in London and at
Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, Middlesex, England.

634 Late February 1978

EMI pulls its financial backing for Life of Brian three days before the film
is to start production. The decision comes after the company’s chief
executive, Lord Bernard Delfont, reads the script and deems it “obscene and
sacrilegious.” The Pythons are left to find backing elsewhere. But help will
soon come in the form of an ex–Beatle.

635 March 22, 1978

All You Need Is Cash (TV film: NBC). Eric Idle spoofs Beatlemania with
this mock documentary chronicling the history of the fictional rock group
The Rutles (Dirk McQuickly, Ron Nasty, Stig O’Hara, and Barry Wom)
from their beginnings at the Rat Keller in Hamburg, to their appearance on
Ed Sullivan, concert at Che Stadium, films (A Hard Day’s Rut and Ouch!),
and finally their breakup and multiple lawsuits. Idle plays both Dirk and the
film’s trench-coated narrator/interviewer Brian Fowl, as well as the smaller
role of Stanley J. Krammerhead III, Jr., a pop music historian. The film,
which began as a sketch on Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television in 1976,
includes cameos by real-life rock legends and Saturday Night Live cast
members. Songs: “Goose-Step Mama,” “Number One,” “Between Us,”
“With a Girl Like You,” “Hold My Hand,” “I Must Be in Love,” “Living in
Hope,” “Ouch!,” “It’s Looking Good,” “Another Day,” “Good Times Roll,”
“Love Life,” “Nevertheless,” “Piggy in the Middle,” “Cheese and Onions,”
“Let’s Be Natural,” “Get Up and Go,” and “Doubleback Alley.” Repeated
on Dec. 10. Also starring Neil Innes (as Ron), Rikki Fataar (as Stig), John
Halsey (as Barry), Michael Palin (as Eric Manchester), George Harrison,
Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Bianca Jagger, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda
Radner, Bill Murray, Gwen Taylor, Ron Wood, Terence Bayler, Henry
Woolf, Jeannette Charles, Roger McGough, and Tania Kosevich (Idle’s
girlfriend and future wife, in four roles). Conceived & written by Eric Idle.
Music & lyrics by Neil Innes. Directed by Gary Weis and Eric Idle.
Produced by Gary Weis and Craig Kellem. Executive produced by Lorne
Michaels. A sequel, The Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch, is produced in
2002.

Reviews: Frank Rich (Time, Mar. 27, 1978, p. 102): “All You Need Is Cash,
a frantic spoof of Beatlemania, is 90 minutes long and has about three
genuine laughs ... it’s just British undergraduate silliness...”; Harry F.
Waters (Newsweek, Mar. 27, 1978, p. 78): “...a take-off on the Beatle legend
that, wondrously enough, is almost as much fun as the original.... As a spoof
of Beatlemania, All You Need Is Cash will appeal primarily to those who
have acquired the taste for a peculiarly British brand of zaniness.”

636 March 27, 1978

All You Need Is Cash is shown in Britain on BBC2 (repeated May 27 on

BBC1). Besides the U.S. and U.K., the film is sold to Canada, New
Zealand, Denmark, Japan, Iceland, The Netherlands, Austria, Sweden,
Norway, and Finland.

637 March 30, 1978

The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (Award ceremony). Ripping Yarns
wins the award for Best Comedy or Light Entertainment Programme of
1977. Michael Palin accepts the award at the ceremony held at
International Press Centre, London.

638 April 1978

Eric Idle and producer John Goldstone travel to New York and Los Angeles
in search of investors willing to finance the production of Life of Brian
(EMI pulled out of the deal in February). They meet with musician George
Harrison, an avid Python fan and friend of Idle’s, at his Hollywood home.
The former Beatle agrees to put up $4.5 million, which will require
mortgaging his house and London office. Harrison later remarks: “I just
wanted to see the film.”

639 April 3, 1978

Michael Palin attends an Oscar party at the New York club Studio 54. The
party is hosted by Truman Capote and Andy Warhol. Other guests include
Salvador Dali, Bianca Jagger, and a 12-year-old Brooke Shields.

640 April 8, 1978

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Michael Palin,
with musical guest Eugene Record. Palin hosts this late-night sketch-
comedy series for the first of four times (1978–84). During his opening
monologue, Palin, playing his manager Sid Biggs, dances to “The White
Cliffs of Dover” while putting sea-food salad and two cats down his
trousers. He also appears in “IRS Confession” (as a priest), “The Seagull”
(as an actor/escape artist), “Nerds Piano Lesson” (as Mr. Brighton), “The
Forgotten Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes” (as Holmes), and “Danger Probe”
(as an 18th-century fop). Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin,
Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Directed
by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

641 April 21–May 26, 1978

The first series of Ripping Yarns is repeated on BBC2.

642 April 26, 1978

Standing Room Only (TV special: Home Box Office). “Double Bananas.”
Michael Palin appears on this special celebrating comedy teams past and
present. Hosted by Dan Rowan & Dick Martin. Also with Sid Caesar,
Imogene Coca, Senor Wences, and The Ritz Brothers (Harry and Jimmy).
Recorded at the Elysee Theater in NYC on Apr. 2.

643 Summer 1978

Terry Jones writes a collection of original fairy tales for his daughter Sally.
The stories are published under the title Fairy Tales in October 1981.

644 June 10, 1978

John Cleese plays with the Lord’s Taverners (England) in a celebrity

cricket match against the Corfu Select XI (Corfu) on the Greek Island of
Corfu. The Lord Taverners is a group of actors and professional cricketers
who play for children’s charities. Other members of the team include
William Rushton, Roy Kinnear, and Nicholas Parsons. The match is
documented in the short film Mad Dogs and Cricketers.

645 June 24, 1978

Snavely (TV special: ABC). Half-hour pilot based on John Cleese’s BBC
comedy Fawlty Towers. Viacom bought the format rights to the BBC show,
but after the failure of this pilot, plans for a series are dropped. Starring
Harvey Korman (as Henry Snavely) and Betty White.

646 July 1–14, 1978

“Roger of the Raj,” an episode from the second series of Ripping Yarns, is
filmed in High Halden (at Harbourne Hall) and Godington Park in Kent.
The episode will air Oct. 24, 1979, on BBC2.

647 August 1978

Ging Gang Goolie/Mister Sheene (Record: EMI 2852). U.K. single from
Dirk & Stig (Eric Idle and Ricky Fataar) of The Rutles. Songs: “Ging Gang
Goolie” (Trad., arr. by Idle and Fataar), b/w “Mister Sheene” (Idle).
Produced by Fataar and Idle.

648 September 1978

John Cleese and his wife (and Fawlty Towers writing partner), Connie
Booth, divorce after ten years of marriage (they wed in 1968).

649 September 7, 1978

Keith Moon, drummer for The Who and good friend of Graham
Chapman, dies from an overdose of the prescription sedative Heminevrin
at the age of 31. He was set to do some acting in Life of Brian, which starts
filming in only a week.

650 September 16–November 12, 1978

Monty Python’s Life of Brian, the group’s third feature film, about a man in
biblical times who is mistaken for the Messiah, is filmed on location in
Tunisia (in Monastir, Sousse, El Hadj, and Matmata). A 41-day shoot.
Terry Jones directs and Terry Gilliam is the production designer.

651 October 1978

The Odd Job (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) is released in the U.K.
Black comedy starring Graham Chapman as Arthur Harris, a suicidal
insurance executive who, unable to take his own life, hires an odd job man
(David Jason) to carry out the task. Chapman’s first solo film project faced
several setbacks before filming started: Cliff Owen, who was originally set
to direct, had to be replaced when he broke a thigh; and rock drummer
Keith Moon, who was originally going to play the odd job man, was denied
the role by director Peter Medak. Also starring Diana Quick, Simon
Williams, Edward Hardwicke, Bill Paterson, Michael Elphick, Stewart
Harwood, Carolyn Seymour, Joe Melia, and George Innes. Written by
Bernard McKenna and Graham Chapman, based on a television play by
McKenna. Directed by Peter Medak. Produced by Mark Forstater and
Graham Chapman.
Review: Alan Brien (The Sunday Times [London], Oct. 8, 1978): “An
attempt at Joe Orton–style black comedy ... it soon falls apart in a welter of
mugging close-ups, high-pitched squeals and repetitive slapstick.”

652 October 1978

Animations of Mortality (Book: Eyre Methuen), by Terry Gilliam with

Lucinda Cowell, is published in the U.K. A collection of Gilliam’s artwork
reproduced in oversized color. Includes a great deal of Python artwork, as
well as some of his earlier and later works. Brian the Badger takes the
reader through the animation process. Published in the U.S. in 1979
(Routledge).

653 October 1978

The first series of the Michael Palin–Terry Jones comedy Ripping Yarns
begins playing on Public Television stations in the U.S.

654 October 1, 1978

Film 78 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. A segment on the

film The Odd Job includes interviews with star Graham Chapman,
director Peter Medak, and producer Mark Forstater.

655 October 5, 1978

Comedian Spike Milligan films a cameo appearance in Life of Brian in

Sousse, Tunisia.

656 October 22, 1978

George Harrison visits the set of Life of Brian in Tunisia. Harrison, who is
an executive producer on the movie, films a cameo appearance (as Mr.
Papadopoulos) in the scene where Brian is received by a roomful of fanatics
and incurables.

657 November–December 1978

Post-production on Life of Brian is done in London. The last scene shot is a
sequence where Graham Chapman is inside a spaceship. To film it,
Chapman flew from L.A. to England where, for tax purposes, he could
stay for only twenty-four hours, eight of which he spent in a box being
shaken about.

658 November 27, 1978

Start the Week with Richard Baker (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Sandra
Harris interviews Michael Palin.

659 November 30, 1978

Ripping Yarns (Book: Eyre Methuen), written by Michael Palin and Terry
Jones, is published in the U.K. Collection of the scripts of all six episodes
from the first series: “Tomkinson’s Schooldays,” “The Testing of Eric
Olthwaite,” “Escape from Stalag Luft 112B,” “Murder at Moorstones
Manor,” “Across the Andes by Frog,” and “The Curse of the Claw.” Art
direction & design by Kate Hepburn. Artwork by Walter Junge.
Photographs by Amy Lune and Bertrand Polo. Published in the U.S. by
Pantheon (1979).

660 December 9, 1978

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Eric Idle, with
musical guest Kate Bush. Idle, hosting for the third time in three years,
appears in the sketches “Madrigal” (singing quartet), “The Woman He
Loved” (as Prince Charles), “What Do You?” (game show), “Candy Slice
Recording Session,” and “Cochise at Oxford.” Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John
Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and
Gilda Radner. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

661 December 25, 1978

Black Cinderella Two Goes East (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). The cast of
radio’s I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again reunites—joining Peter Cook and
others—for this hour-long Christmas pantomime. Starring John Cleese (as
Fairy Godperson), David Hatch, Jo Kendall, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme
Garden, Bill Oddie, Peter Cook, Rob Buckman, Maggie Henderson,
Richard Murdoch, and narrated by Richard Baker. Written by Rory
McGrath and Clive Anderson. Produced by Douglas Adams and John
Lloyd.

662 1978

Decisions, Decisions (Training film: Video Arts). A manager is taught the

principles of good decision-making by four of history’s great decision-
makers: Field Marshal Montgomery, Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Winston
Churchill, and Brutus. Starring John Cleese (as Alan, also
Montgomery/Elizabeth/Brutus/Churchill), Prunella Scales, Nigel
Hawthorne, Roger Hume, Conrad Phillips, John Clive, and Blain Fairman.
Written by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Peter Robinson.

663 1978

The Control of Working Capital (Training film: Video Arts). Sequel to The
Balance Sheet Barrier (1977). Part of the “Finance for Non-Financial
Managers” series. Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and Ronnie
Corbett. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

664 1978

I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again (Record: BBC Records REH 342).
Compilation of sketches & songs from series 7 and 8 (1969–70) of the BBC
radio comedy program starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme
Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall, and Bill Oddie, with music by The Dave
Lee Group. Script by Garden & Oddie. Tracks include: “Home This
Afternoon a Go-Go” and “Taming of the Shrew.” Cleese was a regular on
the show from 1966 to 1973.

665 1978

Accurist (TV commercials). John Cleese stars in a series of commercials

for Accurist watches. In one, he demonstrates the popularity of the watch by
grabbing people on the street and forcing them to show the Accurist watch
they’re wearing, including one woman’s “Accur-ankle” watch.
666 1978

Mad Dogs and Cricketers (Short film). Documentary short (33 mins.) about
The Lord’s Taverners, a group of actors and cricketers who raise money for
children’s charities. In the film, the Taverners play a cricket match in Corfu
on June 10, 1978. Introduced by Eric Morecambe and starring John Cleese,
William Rushton, John Alderton, and Roy Kinnear. Produced & directed by
Nicholas Parsons.

667 January 1, 1979

Grandstand (TV show: BBC1). Guest: John Cleese.

668 January 11, 1979

A rough-cut of Life of Brian is given a private showing at Audley Square

Theatre in London. John Cleese and Michael Palin are in the audience.

669 January 19, 1979

A screening of Life of Brian is held, attended by the Pythons, producer John

Goldstone, executive producer George Harrison, and others.

670 January 22, 1979

You and Me (TV show: BBC1). “The Window Cleaner.” Schools program
for children age 4–5. Michael Palin and Fulton Mackay appear in the
dramatized story “Mr. Chubb’s Glasses.” Directed by Eric Mival. Produced
by Barbara Parker.

671 January 27, 1979

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Michael Palin,
with musical guests The Doobie Brothers, also Father Guido Sarducci.
Palin, hosting for the second time, appears in the sketches “Nerds Piano
Lesson” (as Mr. Brighton), “What If Superman Grew Up in Germany?” (as
Hitler), “Miles Cowperthwaite, Part One” (as Miles), and “Name the Bats”
(as Jerry the host). Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett
Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Directed by Dave
Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

672 February–March 1979

Eric Idle spends five weeks in a suite of the Chateau Marmont in Los
Angeles, working day and night to put together the elaborate book of Monty
Python’s upcoming film, Life of Brian.

673 February 17–23, 1979

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Cover story on the return of Fawlty Towers.

674 February 17, 1979

Tiswas (TV episode: ITV/ATV). Michael Palin and Terry Jones guest-star
on this popular Saturday-morning children’s show. Hosted by Chris Tarrant,
Sally James, and John Gorman.

675 February 19–March 26, October 25, 1979

The second and final series of the John Cleese–Connie Booth sitcom
Fawlty Towers airs on BBC2. Like the first series (in 1975), this series
consists of six episodes. The recording of the sixth episode is delayed six
months due to a strike at the BBC. During the four years between the two
series Cleese and Booth had gotten a divorce (in 1978) and Cleese returned
to Python to perform at NYC’s City Center (in 1976) and film their next
movie, Life of Brian (in 1978). Changes to the show include the addition of
actor Brian Hall as Terry the cook, and a new director, Bob Spiers.

Awards: BAFTA-winner for Best Situation Comedy and Best Light

Entertainment Performance (Cleese).

676 February 19, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “Communication Problems.” When

Basil secretly bets on the horses and a senile hotel guest loses some money,
great complications arise. First show of the second series. Starring John
Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with Joan Sanderson
(as Mrs. Richards), Ballard Berkeley, Brian Hall, Gilly Flower, Renee
Roberts, Robert Lankesheer, Johnny Shannon, Bill Bradley, George Lee,
and Mervyn Pasco. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth. Directed by
Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

677 February 26, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Psychiatrist.” Basil becomes

nervous when a psychiatrist checks into the hotel and gets caught in
compromising situations with an attractive Australian guest. Second show
of the second series. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs,
Connie Booth, with Nicky Henson, Basil Henson, Elspet Gray, Ballard
Berkeley, Brian Hall, Luan Peters, Aimee Delamain, Gilly Flower, Renee
Roberts, and Imogen Bickford-Smith. Written by John Cleese and Connie
Booth. Directed by Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

678 March 1–10, April 3–6, 10, May 3–4, 1979

“Whinfrey’s Last Case,” an episode from the second series of Ripping

Yarns, is filmed in Cornwall and Devon, with an introductory scene filmed
at Russell Square in London (Mar. 2). Filming is interrupted in March due
to a BBC workers strike, which also delays the recording of the final Fawlty
Towers episode (“Basil the Rat”). Filming resumes in April in London and
at Ealing Studios.

679 March 5, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “Waldorf Salad.” Basil must prepare
dinner for a demanding American who checks in after 9 P.M. when the
kitchen is closed. Third show of the second series. Starring John Cleese,
Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with Bruce Boa, Claire
Nielson, Norman Bird, Stella Tanner, Terence Conoley, June Ellis, Brian
Hall, Anthony Dawes, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts,
Beatrice Shaw, and Dorothy Frere. Written by John Cleese and Connie
Booth. Directed by Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

680 March 12, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Kipper and the Corpse.” When a
guest dies in his sleep, Basil tries to prepare the room for the next occupant,
but moving the body proves more difficult than he thought. Fourth show of
the second series. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs,
Connie Booth, with Geoffrey Palmer, Mavis Pugh, Richard Davies,
Elizabeth Benson, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, Brian
Hall, Derek Royle, Robert McBain, Pamela Buchner, Raymond Mason,
Charles McKeown, and Len Marten. Written by John Cleese and Connie
Booth. Directed by Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

681 March 17–30, 1979

“Golden Gordon,” an episode from the second series of Ripping Yarns, is

filmed in Yorkshire. Locations include Guiseley, Worth Valley Railway,
Keighley, Bradley, Kildwick, Bingley, and the Saltaire Football Ground.
John Cleese films a cameo appearance (as a passerby) on Brontë Street in
Keighley on Mar. 28.

682 March 18–April 15, 1979

The five-episode series Company Account airs on BBC1. The series

features business-training films from Video Arts, some starring the
company’s co-founder, John Cleese. Series producer: Tony Matthews.

683 March 18, 1979

Company Account (TV episode: BBC1). “The Balance Sheet Barrier” (1977
training film). First episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and Ronnie
Corbett. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

684 March 25, 1979

Company Account (TV episode: BBC1). “The Control of Working Capital”

(1978 training film). Second episode of the series. Starring John Cleese and
Ronnie Corbett. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

685 March 26, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “The Anniversary.” Basil plans an
elaborate surprise anniversary party for Sybil, but problems begin when she
unexpectedly leaves the hotel. Fifth show of the second series. Taping of
this episode was delayed by a week (from Mar. 11 to Mar. 18) due to a BBC
strike. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth,
with Ken Campbell, Una Stubbs, Robert Arnold, Pat Keen, Roger Hume,
Denyse Alexander, Christine Shaw, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee
Roberts, and Brian Hall. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth.
Directed by Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

686 March 26, 1979

Publishers Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “PW Interviews: Michael Palin,” by

Sally A. Lodge, pp. 6–7. Palin talks about Monty Python and the Ripping
Yarns book just released in the U.S. The interview took place in January at
the Algonquin in New York (Palin was in NY to host Saturday Night Live).

687 April 22–May 13, 1979

The Office Line, a series of business-training films starring John Cleese for
Video Arts, airs on BBC1. Four episodes.

688 April 22, 1979

The Office Line (TV episode: BBC1). “The Secretary and Her Boss: Try to
See It My Way” (1977 training film). First episode of the series. Starring
John Cleese and Adrienne Posta. Directed by Peter Robinson.

689 April 27, 1979

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “This Isle, Scepter’d,” by Michael

Palin, p. A31. Palin on the British election.

690 April 29, 1979

The Office Line (TV episode: BBC1). “The Secretary and Her Boss: We
Can Work It Out” (1977 training film). Second episode of the series.
Starring John Cleese and Adrienne Posta. Directed by Peter Robinson.
691 May 1979

The BBC entry for the Golden Rose of Montreux is the Fawlty Towers
episode “The Kipper and the Corpse.”

692 May 6, 1979

The Office Line (TV episode: BBC1). “Selling on the Telephone: When I’m
Calling You” (1975 training film). Third episode of the series. Starring
Starring John Cleese and Dilys Watling. Written by Jonathan Lynn and
Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

693 May 10, 1979

Michael Palin tapes an interview with actor-comedian Robert Klein for his
syndicated radio program The Robert Klein Hour, in New York. The other
guests on the show are Jerry Garcia and Clive Davis. Note: Klein will later
interview Palin (along with the four other surviving Pythons) for the Monty
Python reunion at the Aspen Comedy Festival (in 1998).

694 May 11, 1979

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Guests: Michael

Palin, Howard Jarvis, and Marian Mahoney.

695 May 12, 1979

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Michael Palin,
with musical guest James Taylor, also Father Guido Sarducci. Palin,
hosting for the third time, appears in the sketch “Miles Cowperthwaite, Part
Two” (as Miles) and plays Margaret Thatcher in a “Weekend Update”
interview. Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris,
Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Directed by Dave Wilson.
Produced by Lorne Michaels.

696 May 13, 1979

The Office Line (TV episode: BBC1). “Selling on the Telephone: Will You
Answer True?” (1975 training film). Fourth and last episode of the series.
Starring Starring John Cleese and Penelope Keith. Written by Jonathan
Lynn and Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

697 Summer 1979

While visiting George Harrison’s Friar Park home, Terry Gilliam is shown
the former Beatle’s collection of Baron Munchausen stories written by
18th-century German writer Rudolf Raspe. The stories—and illustrations by
Gustave Doré—intrigue Gilliam, who will later bring the stories to the big
screen with 1989’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.

698 June 2, 1979

A sneak preview of Monty Python’s Life of Brian is shown in Los Angeles

at the Bruin Theater in Westwood. The Pythons attend the preview, which
plays to a full house.

699 June 16–22, 1979

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Article by Ernie Eban on Monty Python’s

10th anniversary and the BBC documentary The Pythons. Michael Palin’s
hermit character (“It’s...”) is featured on the cover.

OceanofPDF.com
700 June 20, 1979

The Pythons (TV special: BBC1). Documentary film celebrating the tenth
anniversary of Monty Python, the “best known British comedy group in the
world.” Filmed last year in Tunisia on the set of Life of Brian, the program
features interviews with each Python, who talk about one another and the
origins of the group. Includes some vintage Python clips. Produced &
narrated by Iain Johnstone.

701 June 21, 1979

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Guest: Michael Palin,

promoting The Secret Policeman’s Ball and Ripping Yarns.

702 June 22, 1979

Tonight in Town (TV talk show: BBC1). Host Michael Billington interviews
John Cleese and Michael Palin about the upcoming Secret Policeman’s
Ball gala. They discuss their decision to perform “Cheese Shop” instead of
the overly-familiar “Pet Shop” sketch.

703 June 25, 1979

Michael Palin re-shoots part of the “Ex-Leper” sequence from Life of

Brian at Shepperton Studios in Shepperton, England.

704 June 27–30, 1979

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (Stage show), four nights at Her Majesty’s
Theatre, Haymarket, London. Amnesty International’s third comedy gala—
following A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) (April 1976) and An
Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles (May 1977)—again brings together
some of the top names in British comedy with the addition of acoustic
music performances by several rock and classical artists. Performers
include John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, Rowan
Atkinson, Clive James, The Ken Campbell Road Show, Pete Townshend,
John Williams, Eleanor Bron, Tom Robinson, Neil Innes, Billy Connolly,
and John Fortune. Sketches include “Interesting Facts” (Cleese & Cook),
“How Do You Do It?” (Palin & Jones), “The Name’s the Game!” (Cleese
& Jones, with Anna Ford, Clive Jenkins & Mike Brearley), “Stake Your
Claim” (Palin & Atkinson), “Cheese Shop” (Cleese & Palin, with Chris
Beetles & Rob Buckman), “Four Yorkshiremen” (Cleese, Palin, Jones &
Atkinson), and “The End of the World” (Cook & cast). The show is filmed
for an hour-long special (airing Dec. 22 on ITV) and full-length feature film
(premiered in November 1979; released in July 1980). The show is also
released on two albums, one featuring only comedy (Island ILPS 9601), the
other just music (Island 12WIP 6598). Organized and (slightly) directed by
John Cleese.

Review: John Barber (The Times [London], June 29, 1979, p. 15): “...I could
have done with more satire and less dead-pan zaniness.... It is curious to see
how much these comics depend on absurdist humour, now quite out of date
in the theatre.”

705 June 28, 1979

The Listener (Magazine/U.K.). “Monty Python: The Early Years,” by Iain

Johnstone, p. 873–4. Article on the group’s formation and writing process,
with comments from the Pythons. Johnstone produced the BBC
documentary The Pythons, which aired June 20.

706 July 1979

The Ashes Retained (Book: Hodder & Stoughton), written by Mike Brearley
and Dudley Doust, is published in the U.K. Book on cricket, with a
foreword by John Cleese. Brearley, captain of the English cricket team,
appeared in a sketch with Cleese in June’s Secret Policeman’s Ball.

707 July 3, 1979

Ask Aspel (TV show: BBC1). Host Michael Aspel talks with Michael Palin
and shows clips from Tomkinson’s Schooldays. Recorded July 2. Directed
by Anne Freer. Produced by Philip Chilvers.

708 July 8, 1979

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “Funny ‘Fawlties’ of British TV,”
by Bart Mills, sec. L, p. 2. A talk with John Cleese in London about Fawlty
Towers.

709 August 1979

The British Board of Film Censors passes Monty Python’s Life of Brian
without cuts, giving the film an AA certificate, which means it is restricted
to those over 14. The Christian pressure group Festival of Light had been
lobbying the BBFC to ban the film outright. In the U.S., despite religious
protests, Jack Valenti, head of the Motion Picture Association of America,
grants the film an “R” rating, allowing those under 17 to see it if
accompanied by an adult. Valenti points out that “the function of the rating
system is not to place values or take a moral position, but to place the
responsibility for guidance on parents.”

710 August 17, 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Feature film: Warner Bros.–Orion Pictures),

world premiere in New York. Monty Python’s most controversial film tells
the story of Brian of Nazareth (played by Graham Chapman), a
contemporary of Christ who is mistaken for the Messiah. While the film is
seen by some as a comedic assault on Christ, it is really aimed at his
followers. It is an attack, not on faith, but on those who refuse to question
faith and allow others to do their thinking for them. Includes: “Three Wise
Men,” “Brian (song/animated titles),” “Sermon on the Mount (Big Nose),”
“Stoning,” “The Ex-Leper,” “Peoples’ Front of Judea (Roman
Amphitheatre),” “Romans Go Home,” “What Have the Romans Ever Done
for Us? (PFJ Meeting),” “The Raid on Pilate’s Palace,” “Ben, the Old
Prisoner,” “Pontius Pilate (Thwow Him to the Floor/Biggus Dickus),” “A
Passing Spaceship,” “Haggling,” “Brian, the Prophet,” “Brian, the Messiah
(The Shoe and the Gourd),” “He’s Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty
Boy),” “Pilate’s Passover Addwess/Biggus Dickus,” “One Cross Each
(Nisus Wettus and Mr. Cheeky),” “The Crucifixion,” and “Always Look on
the Bright Side of Life (song).” Written by and featuring Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin, with Terence Baylor, Carol Cleveland, Ken Colley, Neil
Innes, Charles McKeown, Gwen Taylor, John Young, Sue Jones-Davies,
Peter Brett, John Case, Chris Langham, Andrew MacLachlan, Bernard
McKenna, and Spike Milligan. Songs: “Brian” (sung by Sonia Jones) and
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (sung by Idle). Design &
animation by Terry Gilliam. Directed by Terry Jones. Produced by John
Goldstone. Executive produced by George Harrison and Denis O’Brien
(HandMade Films). Notes: George Harrison, who put up the money to
finance the film after EMI backed out, makes a cameo appearance as Mr.
Papadopoulos (“the gentleman who’s letting us have the Mount on Sunday,”
says Reg). Six-foot-nine actor John Case, who appears in the film as the
haggler’s helper, also played Pilate’s wife in a scene cut from the film.

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Aug. 17, 1979, p. C15): “It
is the foulest-spoken biblical epic ever made, as well as the best-humored—
a nonstop orgy of assaults, not on anyone’s virtue, but on the funnybone”;
Veronica Geng (The New Yorker, Aug. 27, 1979, p. 74): “It is fun to see the
troupe in Biblical costumes. Their stock British policemen, provincials,
salesmen, housewives, and politicians transpose nicely to ancient Judeans
and Romans...”; J. Hoberman (The Village Voice, Aug. 27, 1979, p. 46):
“Brian should delight Python addicts ... the finale may be the most
transcendentally tasteless musical number since Mel Brook’s ‘Springtime
for Hitler’”; David Ansen (Newsweek, Sept. 3, 1979, pp. 65–66): “...this
British troupe of zanies has made its most sustained movie yet.... Though
the pious will blanch, Pythonmaniacs should find this film a treasure-trove
of unborn-again humor”; Richard Schickel (Time, Sept. 17, 1979, p. 101):
“The Pythons’ assault on religion is as intense as their attack on romantic
chivalry in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.... The movie is occasionally
undone by the Pythons’ resistance to comic coherence...”; Stanley
Kauffmann (The New Republic, Sept. 22, 1979, p. 40): “I read the script
after seeing the film and doubled up all over again.... Even when I wasn’t
laughing, I was happy, which to me is a sign of really good comedy”;
Robert Hatch (The Nation, Oct. 6, 1979, p. 314): “...I won’t object on
religious grounds. But there are still problems of taste, to say nothing of
humor”; Patrick Gibbs (The Times [London], Nov. 9, 1979, p. 15):
“...sophisticated schoolboy sort of humour expected of this team ... it is
Michael Palin who gets most of the laughs, and most easily, as a Pontius
Pilate unable to pronounce his ‘Rs’”; John Coleman (New Statesman, Nov.
9, 1979, p. 737): “...an incorrigible delight ... this wildest story ever told
runs a gamut from fourth-form snook-cocking through inspired, tangential
lunacies and fine parodies of the Christ-movie genre right up to high
satire”; Gavin Millar (The Listener, Nov. 15, 1979): “Brian is a brilliant
satire, not on the power of religion, but on the frailty of humanity.”

711 August 17, 1979

Terry Jones attends the world premiere of Life of Brian at Cinema One in
New York City, where it will gross $80,529 in its first week.

712 August 26, 1979

Three Jewish organizations—the Rabbinical Alliance of America, the Union

of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, and the Rabbinical
Council of Syrian and Near Eastern Sephardic Communities of America—
representing 1,000 rabbis, denounce Life of Brian as “blasphemous” and “a
crime against religion.” Rabbi Abraham B. Hecht, of the Rabbinical
Alliance, says that the film “is a vicious attack upon Judaism and the Bible
and a cruel mockery of the religious feelings of Christians as well” and that
“its continued showing could result in serious violence.”

713 August 27, 1979

In response to the recent protests to Life of Brian, Warner Bros., the film’s
co-distributor (with Orion Pictures), issues a statement: “The public has
been enthusiastic, having flocked to every theater now playing the picture.
It is entertainment and, to many, Monty Python’s Life of Brian is an
enjoyable movie experience. It was never our intention to offend anyone’s
beliefs, and we certainly regret having done so. The film is a satire, it is a
spoof, and it should be viewed in that context.”

714 August 28, 1979

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York calls Life of Brian “a

mockery of Christ’s life.” Spokesman Eugene V. Clark says, “The picture
holds the person of Christ up to comic ridicule and is, for Christians, an act
of blasphemy.” The Rev. Kenneth Jadoff, a second spokesman for the
archdiocese, says, “This is the most blasphemous film I have ever seen and
it pretends to be nothing else.”

715 Late August 1979

Robert E. A. Lee, head of communications for the Lutheran Council in the

USA, comments in his Cinema Sound radio review: “If blasphemy is still an
operative word in our society, then we must apply it to the outrageous
Monty Python film satire Life of Brian.” He calls the film “crude and rude
mockery, colossal bad taste, profane parody ... grossly offensive to those
who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”

716 Fall 1979

Monty Python Examines the Life of Brian (Record: The Warner Bros Music
Show WBMS 110). Dave Herman interviews Graham Chapman, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin about Life of Brian. Issued as a promotional disc.
Produced by Drea Besch.

717 September 10–19, 1979

The Pythons, at the behest of their business manager Denis O’Brien, spend
nine days in New York to promote Life of Brian and discuss plans for a new
movie. They spend the last few days of their visit on Fisher’s Island, off
Long Island.

718 September 12, 1979

Tomorrow (TV talk show: NBC). Tom Snyder interviews Graham

Chapman, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin on this late-night program.
They discuss Life of Brian and censorship.

719 September 16, 1979

Citizens Against Blasphemy, an interfaith group headed by the Rev. Roger

Fulton, holds a large demonstration (with about 250 protesters) against Life
of Brian outside the Warner Communications building at Rockefeller Center
in New York City. The group charges that the film “debases Christ, Judaism
and the Holy Scriptures.”

720 September 20, 1979

Life of Brian opens in about 600 U.S. theaters.

721 October 1979

The Dick Cavett Show (TV talk show: PBS). Hour-long interview (shown in
two parts) with John Cleese, promoting Life of Brian. He also talks about
working in the Broadway musical Half-a-Sixpence (in 1965), the origin of
the name Monty Python, offending people, studying law, business-training
films, etc.

722 October 1979

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life/Brian (Record: Warner Bros. WBS
49112). U.S. single off of the Life of Brian soundtrack. Contains the songs
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (sung by Eric Idle and chorus)
and “Brian” (sung by Sonia Jones). Produced by Eric Idle and Graham
Chapman. Released in the U.K. in November on K 17495.

723 October 8, 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Record: Warner Bros. BSK 3396) is released
in the U.S. Original soundtrack recording, with Eric Idle helping Graham
Chapman link the bits together. Tracks: “Introduction (with bagpipes),”
“Brian (song),” “Three Wise Men,” “Brian (song),” “Sermon on the Mount
(Big Nose),” “Stoning,” “Ex-Leper,” “I’m Not a Roman,” “Link,” “Peoples’
Front of Judea (Roman Amphitheatre),” “Link,” “Romans Go Home,”
“Link,” “What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us? (PFJ Meeting),”
“Link,” “Ben, the Old Prisoner,” “Pontius Pilate (Throw Him to the
Floor/Biggus Dickus),” “Link,” “Prophets,” “Haggling,” “Link (lobster),”
“Brian, the Prophet,” “Link,” “Holy Man/Brian, the Messiah,” “Link,”
“He’s Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy),” “Link (lighter),”
“Pilate/Biggus Dickus,” “One Cross Each (Nisus Wettus and Mr. Cheeky),”
“Pilate’s Passover Addwess/Biggus Dickus,” “Jailer,” “Cheeky Is
Released,” “Mandy to Her Son,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,”
and “Close.” Produced by Eric Idle and Graham Chapman. Engineered,
mixed & edited by Andre Jacquemin. Released in the U.K. on Nov. 9 on
Warner Bros. K 56751. Singles issued on Warner Bros. WBS 49112 (U.S.),
K 17495 (U.K.), and W 7653 (U.K., 1988). Reissued in 2006 (Virgin/EMI)
with six bonus tracks.

724 October 10–24, 1979

The second series of the Michael Palin–Terry Jones comedy, Ripping

Yarns, airs on BBC2. Unlike the previous series of six episodes (in 1977),
only three episodes were commissioned for the second series owing to
financial cutbacks at the BBC. This series also has a new director, Alan J.
W. Bell (on two of the episodes).

Award: BAFTA winner for Best Light Entertainment Programme of 1979.

725 October 10, 1979

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Whinfrey’s Last Case.” A spy

adventure featuring suave Gerald Whinfrey, who is called upon to save
Britain from Germany’s plot to start World War I a year early, even though
it coincides with his fishing holiday in Cornwall. First show of the second
series. Filmed Mar. 1–10, Apr. 3–6, 10, and May 3–4 in Cornwall, Devon,
and London. Starring Michael Palin (as Gerald/TV Introducer), with Maria
Aitken, Antony Carrick, Edward Hardwicke, Richard Hurndull, Jack May,
Gerald Sim, Ann Way, Michael Sharvell-Martin, Charles McKeown,
Anthony Woodruff, Roy Sampson, Phillip Clayton-Gore, Patrick Bailey,
and Steve Conway. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by
Alan J. W. Bell.

726 October 17, 1979

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Golden Gordon.” The story of a loyal
football supporter in the 1930s whose team hasn’t won a match in six years.
Second show of the second series. Filmed Mar. 17–30 in Yorkshire. Starring
Michael Palin (as Gordon Ottershaw), with Gwen Taylor, Bill Fraser,
Teddy Turner, David Leland, John Berlyne, Ken Kitson, Roger Sloman,
David Ellison, Colin Bennett, Matthew Scurfield, Charles McKeown,
Margot Lawson, Danny O’Dea, Charles Marcelle, Gillian McClements,
Peter Graham, members of Salts, Saltaire Football Club, Yorkshire, and
John Cleese (as Passerby). Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
Directed by Alan J. W. Bell. Note: The team line-up of “Bunn, Wackett,
Buzzard, Stubble and Boot” is a reference to the original working title of
Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

727 October 18, 1979

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “The Persecution of Monty Python’s Life of

Brian,” by Paul Gambaccini, p. 52+. The Pythons talk about Brian, the
controversy surrounding it, and the history of the group.

728 October 19, 1979

Showings of Life of Brian are canceled in Columbia, South Carolina on the

same day that the film opens. Republican senator Strom Thurmond called
for the cancellation after his wife received word of the film’s content from a
local Presbyterian minister.

729 October 20, 1979

Doctor Who (TV episode: BBC1). “City of Death, Part 4.” John Cleese and
Eleanor Bron make cameo appearances as art gallery visitors in this episode
of the British sci-fi serial. Starring Tom Baker (as the Doctor), Lalia Ward,
Tom Chadbon, Julian Glover, and Catherine Schell. Written by David
Agnew. Directed by Michael Hayes.

730 October 20, 1979

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Eric Idle, with
musical guest Bob Dylan, also Andy Kaufman and Father Guido Sarducci.
Idle, in his fourth (and last) time hosting, delivers his opening monologue
while laying on a stretcher. He also appears in the sketches “Shoe Store” (as
salesman), “Prince Charles Tells You How to Pick Up Girls!” (as Prince
Charles), “Hardcore II” (as Kevin), and “Heavy Sarcasm” (as Nigel Quist).
Cast: Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Gilda
Radner. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.

731 October 24, 1979

Ripping Yarns (TV episode: BBC2). “Roger of the Raj.” Spoof of Rudyard
Kipling–type stories tracing the early years of Roger Bartlesham in 20th-
century India. Third and last show of the second series. Filmed July 1–14,
1978, in Kent. Starring Michael Palin (as Roger), with Richard Vernon,
Joan Sanderson, Roger Brierley, John Le Mesurier, Jan Francis, Allan
Cuthbertson, David Griffin, Charles McKeown, David Warwick, Michael
Stainton, Ken Shorter, Douglas Hinton, and Dorothy Frere. Written by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Directed by Jim Franklin.

732 October 25, 1979

Fawlty Towers (TV episode: BBC2). “Basil the Rat.” Manuel’s pet hamster
turns out to be a rat and gets loose in the hotel just before the health
inspector arrives. Sixth and last show of the second series. This episode was
originally intended to air Apr. 2, but taping of the show was delayed several
months due to a strike at the BBC. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales,
Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, with John Quarmby, Ballard Berkeley, Brian
Hall, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, David Neville, Sabina Franklyn, James
Taylor, Melody Lang, and Stuart Sherwin. Written by John Cleese and
Connie Booth. Directed by Bob Spiers. Produced by Douglas Argent.

733 October 27, 1979

John Cleese turns 40.

734 October 28, 1979

Sunday Spectacular (TV special: NBC). Graham Chapman appears on

this variety special, with Life of Brian clips. Other performers include
Alexander Godunov, Peggy Fleming, Andy Kaufman, and Gallagher.
Hosted by Steve Allen and Gary Coleman. Two hours.

735 October 29, 1979

Michael Palin records his appearance on BBC radio’s Desert Island Discs.
The show airs Nov. 17.

736 October 29, 1979

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Graham Chapman

Doesn’t Walk on Water, and the Devout Call His Brian Spoof All Wet,” by
Sue Reilly, p. 50+. Article on Chapman and the Life of Brian controversy.

737 October 30, 1979

Not the Nine O’Clock News (TV episode: BBC2). In the program’s intro,
John Cleese appears as Basil Fawlty speaking on the phone at the front
desk of Fawlty Towers. He informs the BBC that there isn’t going to be a
Fawlty Towers this week and suggests putting on a “cheap, tatty revue”
instead. Starring Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Chris Langham, and
Mel Smith. Directed by Bill Wilson. Produced by John Lloyd and Sean
Hardie. Note: Cleese’s intro was recorded in March to be shown at the start
of NTNON’s Apr. 2 pilot episode, which was scheduled to air in place of the
postponed (until Oct. 25) final episode of Fawlty Towers. The pilot, though,
never aired owing to political concerns from the BBC.

738 October 30, 1979

Circus (Magazine/U.S.). Includes an interview with the Pythons about Life

of Brian.

739 November 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Radio commercials). Four radio spots

advertising the Nov. 8 release of Life of Brian air in the U.K. In one, Muriel
Cleese (mother of John) reveals that she lives in an old-age home at her
son’s expense and he won’t be able to keep her in the home if the film isn’t
a success, so she urges everyone to “see the Life of Brian now because I’m
102 years old and if I have to leave here it will kill me.” The other three
spots are presented by Eric Idle’s mother (Norah), Terry Gilliam’s mother
(Beatrice), and Michael Palin’s dentist (Gerry Donovan, appealing to save
Palin’s teeth). Written by John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam.
Produced by John Goldstone. Agency: Lonsdales, London.

Award: Clio Award winner.

740 November 1979

Away from It All (Short film: Taylor Hyde International/Python Pictures).

Spoof travelogue narrated by Nigel Farquhar-Bennett (John Cleese), whose
bland descriptions of various tourist destinations (Rome, Venice, Ireland,
Bulgaria, Austria, New York City, and Acapulco) turn into a rant of
frustration and despair. The 13-minute short is shown in U.K. theaters with
Life of Brian. Written, produced & directed by Clare Taylor and John
Cleese.

741 November 1979

Playboy (Magazine/U.S.). “The Gospel According to Monty Python,” by

Reg Potterton, pp. 161+. Interview with all six Pythons about Life of Brian.
Includes a full-page illustration by Kinuko Y. Craft.

742 November 1, 1979

Gerald Priestland interviews John Cleese and Michael Palin about Life of
Brian for the BBC program Today.

743 November 2, 1979

Terry Gilliam convinces Michael Palin to join him in writing a script for a
children’s film that Gilliam will direct. The project is given the working
title “Time Bandits.” Gilliam sets aside work on Brazil, the film he had
been writing with Charles Alverson.

744 November 2, 1979

Talking Pictures (TV show: BBC2). Gavin Millar interviews Terry Jones
about Life of Brian. Jones discusses the difficulties of shooting on location
and answers charges that the film is blasphemous.
745 November 5–9, 1979

Hollywood Squares (TV game show: Synd.). Graham Chapman makes a

week-long guest appearance on this American game show hosted by Peter
Marshall. Celebrity guests in the other squares include Valerie Bertinelli,
George Gobel, Gordon Jump, Dottie West, and Vincent Price.

746 November 5, 1979

Kaleidoscope (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Life of Brian.

747 November 5, 1979

Film 79 (TV show: BBC1). Barry Norman looks at the new film Life of
Brian.

748 November 8, 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian opens in the U.K. (released by Cinema

International Corporation).

749 November 9, 1979

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Tim

Rice. John Cleese and Michael Palin defend their new film Life of Brian
in a heated discussion with author Malcolm Muggeridge and Dr. Mervyn
Stockwood (Bishop of Southwark). Muggeridge calls it “humbug” to
suggest that the film “is not a ridiculing of the founder of the Christian
religion ... in an extremely cheap and tenth-rate way.” Cleese argues that the
film does not ridicule Christ but rather says “take a critical view ... don’t
just believe because somebody tells you to ... question it, work it out for
yourself.” In the end, Stockwood informs the Pythons that they’ll get their
“thirty pieces of silver.” Directed by John Burrowes. Produced by Iain
Johnstone and Frances Whitaker. Note: The discussion is parodied on the
Nov. 20 episode of Not the Nine O’Clock News (BBC2).

750 November 9, 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian soundtrack album is released in the U.K.

751 November 10, 1979

Melody Maker (Newspaper/U.K.). “Brian Cohen, Superstar (!),” by Michael

Watts, pp. 21–24+. Article/interview from the set of Life of Brian in
Monastir,Tunisia in October 1978. John Cleese (in centurion garb) appears
on the cover.

752 November 15, 1979

Monty Python’s Life of Brian/MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK (Book:

Methuen [U.K.]; Fred Jordan Books-Grosset and Dunlap [U.S.]), edited by
Eric Idle, designed by Basil Pao and Mike Diehl. The first half of this
oversized book of the film contains the complete film script, which includes
the “Pilate’s Wife” and “Otto” scenes cut from the film.
MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK is made up of photographs, Terry Gilliam
artwork, diary entries, letters, cartoon strips, and unused material from the
first and second drafts of the film. Includes: “About the Book,” “How It All
Began,” “How It Really All Began,” “Heron Bay Diaries, by Terry Jones
and Michael Palin,” “Monty Python’s First Ten Years,” “What to Take on
Filming,” “Brian Meets the Psychopath,” “Python Cinema Quiz,” “Dear
Lorne,” “Python Cinema Quiz,” “Brian Feeds the Multitude,” “‘Forced Sex,
I Say!,’” “What to Do If You Win...A Granny!,” “Research, Costume &
Makeup,” “Big Nose,” “Sharing a Caravan with John Cleese, by Michael
Palin,” “The Gilliam Collection of Famous Film Titles,” “Creatures,” “An
Intergalactic Struggle Set in 33 A.D.,” “Chap. XXI,” “The Healed Loony,”
“Jerusalem Advocate: Sports,” “Otto,” “Cleese v. The Evening Standard,”
“Solidarity,” “The Pythons,” “A Sermon by Brian Cohen,” “The Dead Sea
Photos: How They Were Discovered,” “Solly and Sarah,” “Doc Chapman’s
Medical Page,” “Nude Pythons/Monty Python’s Flying Circus: An
Appreciation by Graham Greene,” “The Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “A
Letter About the Title,” “School Chapel,” “Martyrdom of St. Brian,” “All
Things Dull and Ugly,” “Monty Python’s Life of Brian: Art and Credits,”
“Cast,” “What to Do After the Movie,” “A Message to the World,” and
“How to Increase the Value of Your Book.”

753 November 17, 1979

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Roy Plomley’s castaway
is Michael Palin, whose choice of records includes “Things Ain’t What
They Used to Be” (Duke Ellington), “Tales of Men’s Shirts” (The Goons),
“Things We Said Today” (The Beatles), and “Nimrod, from Enigma
Variations” (Sir Edward Elgar). Palin’s luxury item is a feather pillow &
bed; his book is Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. Recorded
Oct. 29. Note: The Elgar piece was also chosen by John Cleese (1971) and
Eric Idle (1976).

754 November 22, 1979

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Scraps from History’s Table,” by

Michael Palin, p. 23. Humorous article presented in the form of excerpts
from Puritan Gordon Ottershaw’s diary recounting the first Thanksgiving
Day.

755 November 28, 1979

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (Feature film) premieres at the National Film
Theatre, London as part of the London Film Festival. Filmed record of the
June 1979 Amnesty International comedy gala at Her Majesty’s Theatre in
London. Starring John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Peter Cook,
Rowan Atkinson, The Ken Campbell Road Show, Pete Townshend, John
Williams, Eleanor Bron, and Tom Robinson. Sketches include: “Interesting
Facts” (Cleese & Cook), “Cheese Shop” (Cleese & Palin, with Chris
Beetles & Rob Buckman), “The Name’s the Game!” (Cleese & Jones, with
Anna Ford, Clive Jenkins & Mike Brearley), “Four Yorkshiremen” (Cleese,
Palin, Jones & Atkinson), and “The End of the World” (Cook & cast).
Directed by Roger Graef. Produced by Graef and Thomas Schwalm. The
film airs Dec. 22 on ITV (shortened from 95 mins. to an hour) and receives
a general theatrical release in July 1980.

756 November 28, 1979

The Melody Maker Pop Poll Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin
hosts this annual music award ceremony held at London’s Waldorf Hotel.

757 December 5, 1979–January 9, 1980

The second series of Fawlty Towers is repeated on BBC1.

758 December 9, 1979

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Brighter Shade of

Palin,” by Hunter Davies, p. 42. Interview with Michael Palin, conducted
at his London home on Nov. 28. Part of Davies’ “Life’s Illusions” series.

759 December 22, 1979

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (TV special: ITV). Hour-long concert special
filmed in June at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. The comedy gala
benefitting Amnesty International stars John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael
Palin, Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, and many others. Previously screened
as a feature-length film on Nov. 28 at the London Film Festival.

760 December 24, 1979

New York (Magazine/U.S.). “Books: Buried Treasure,” by Richard Condon,

Michael Palin, pp. 66–67. Palin reviews the book The Rhinestone as Big
as the Ritz by Alan Coren.

761 1979

Welcome Customer, Part 1: Have a Nice Stay (Training film: Video Arts).
Demonstration of the common mistakes made by hotel/restaurant staff
when dealing with customers. Starring John Cleese, Dinsdale Landen, and
Lindsay Duncan. Written by David Nobbs. Directed by Peter Robinson.

762 1979

Welcome Customer, Part 2: See You Again Soon (Training film: Video Arts).
Second film in the two-part series on dealing with customers. Starring John
Cleese, Dinsdale Landen, and Lindsay Duncan. Written by David Nobbs.
Directed by Peter Robinson.

763 1979
I’d Like a Word with You: The Discipline Interview (Training film: Video
Arts). Management training film on how to conduct a discipline interview.
Narrated by Robert Reid. Starring John Cleese (as Ethelred the
Unready/Ivan the Terrible/William the Silent), Rosemary Leach, Robin
Nedwell, Nicky Henson, and Michael Sheard. Written by Jonathan Lynn.
Directed by Peter Robinson. Remade (without Cleese) in 1996.

764 1979

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (Record: Island ILPS 9601) is released in the
U.K. Thirteen-track recording of highlights from the June 1979 Amnesty
International Comedy Gala starring John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael
Palin, Peter Cook, Billy Connolly, Rowan Atkinson, and others. Tracks
include: “Interesting Facts” (Cleese & Cook), “How Do You Do It?” (Palin
& Jones), “The Name’s the Game!” (Cleese & Jones), “Stake Your Claim”
(Palin & Atkinson), “Cheese Shop” (Cleese & Palin), “Four
Yorkshiremen” (Cleese, Palin, Jones & Atkinson), and “The End of the
World” (Cook & cast). Produced by Martin Lewis. A second album from
the show, featuring only the music, is released on Island 12WIP 6598.

765 1979

Hip Hip Hooray (Marketing film: Video Arts). Comedy sketches linked by
the story of a young exec who attempts to climb the marketing ladder at the
TV Times. Designed to be shown during presentations by TV Times
executives. Sponsored by Independent Television Productions. Starring
John Cleese, Andrew Sachs, Bernard Archard, and James Cossins. Written
by Chris Langham. Directed by Charles Crichton. Produced by Robert
Reid.

766 1979

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 1: What Is a Computer? (Training

film: Video Arts). Animated short, featuring Hugh Burnett’s “Monk”
character, describing the computer and its functions. Narrated by John
Cleese. Animated by April Johnson. Written & produced by Robert Reid.

767 1979
Fawlty Towers (Record: BBC Records REB 377 [U.K.]; BBC-22377
[U.S.]). The original television soundtrack of the episodes “Communication
Problems (aka “Mrs. Richards”)” (1979) and “The Hotel Inspectors”
(1975). Co-ordinated by John Lloyd, Derek Goom, and William Grierson.
Followed by Fawlty Towers: Second Sitting (1981).

768 1979

Fawlty Towers Book 2 (Book: Weidenfeld and Nicolson), by John Cleese

and Connie Booth, is published in the U.K. Contains the scripts of the
remaining three shows from the sitcom’s first series: “A Touch of Class,”
“The Wedding Party,” and “The Germans.”

769 1979

...To Norway—Home of Giants! (TV special: Nrk-Norwegian Broadcasting

Co.). John Cleese (as Norman Fearless) hosts this irreverent travelogue
exploring the country’s Viking heritage and the eccentricities of Norwegian
life, including the sport of skull-bumping. He also looks at some inedible
native delicacies. Filmed in Oslo. Written by Knut Aunbu, Johnny Bergh,
Bjørn Sand, and Erik Søby. Directed by Johnny Bergh and Bjørn Sand.

Awards: Special Prize-winner at the Montreux Festival.

770 January 1980

Chaucer’s Knight: The Portrait of a Medieval Mercenary (Book:

Weidenfeld and Nicolson), written by Terry Jones, is published in the U.K.
Jones brings his love of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer—and of the Middle
Ages in general—to this provocative, well-researched book about the
knight in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. By studying his subject in historical,
rather than literary, terms he has concluded that the knight was not the
idealized figure of chivalry as normally depicted, but was instead a
bloodthirsty, professional killer. Published in the U.S. by Louisiana State
University Press. Jones will later revisit Chaucer with his 2003 book Who
Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery.
Reviews: The Economist (Jan. 26, 1980, pp. 103–104): “Leaving Monty
Python far behind him, Terry Jones shows himself to be an historian of
impressive competence.... It is a masterly and exciting book”; J. A. Burrow
(The Times Literary Supplement [London], Feb. 15, 1980, p. 163): “...lively
and readable ... although I believe [Jones’] hypothesis to be mistaken, I
welcome his thorough and systematic questioning of conventional views.”

771 January 15, 1980

Life of Brian is banned in Norway by the country’s Film Control

Commission, which deems the film to be blasphemous. The ban is later
lifted and the film is released on Oct. 31.

772 January 19, 1980

Tiswas (TV episode: ITV/ATV). Saturday-morning children’s show hosted

by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, and John Gorman. Guests include Graham
Chapman and Terry Jones, and musician Joe Jackson.

773 January 25, 1980

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Ned

Sherrin. Guests include Terry Jones, Marti Webb, Andrew Lloyd Webber,
and Peter Nichols. Jones talks about his new book Chaucer’s Knight and
participates in a quiz competition.

774 February 9, 1980

Tiswas (TV episode: ITV/ATV). Saturday-morning children’s show hosted

by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, and John Gorman. Guest: Terry Jones.

775 February 24, 1980

Gay Life (TV episode: ITV/LWT). “Gay Parents.” Lesbian motherhood and
gay adoption are examined in this program. Interviewees include Graham
Chapman, who talks about being a gay father (to now 23-year-old John
Tomiczek). Directed by Nigel Wattis. Produced by Michael Attwell.

776 March 1980

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Graham Chapman,
Debby Boone, Donny Most, Barry Van Dyke, and Michael Keaton.
Chapman, promoting The Big Show, also talks about being the on-set
physician during filming of Life of Brian and his days at medical school.

777 March 4–June 3, 1980

The Big Show (TV variety show: NBC). A weekly variety show on a grand
scale featuring comedy, singing, dancing, and skating. The show has a
different pair of hosts each week, along with a regular comedy ensemble
that includes Graham Chapman, Mimi Kennedy, Charlie Hill, Owen
Sullivan, Joe Baker, Paul Grimm, and Edie McClurg. Sketches include
“Bookshop” (Mar. 18), from 1967’s At Last the 1948 Show, performed on
the show by Chapman and Baker. Hosted by Steve Allen & Gary Coleman
(Mar. 4), Marie Osmond & Gavin MacLeod (Mar. 11), Dean Martin &
Mariette Hartley (Mar. 18), Tony Randall & Herve Villechaize (Mar. 25),
Don Rickles & Steve Lawrence (Apr. 8), Victor Borge & Loretta Swit (Apr.
15), Steve Allen & Sarah Purcell (Apr. 22), Barbara Eden & Dennis Weaver
(Apr. 29), Gene Kelly & Nancy Walker (May 6), Steve Allen & Shirley
Jones (May 13), and Flip Wilson & Sarah Purcell (June 3). 11 episodes.
Directed by Walter C. Miller, Steve Binder, and Tony Charmoli. Produced
by Nick Vanoff.

778 March 7, 1980

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Jane

Walmsley. Guests include Zandra Rhodes, Hazel O’Connor, and Terry
Gilliam, who talks about living in England, Python’s success in the U.S.,
and his next film.

779 March 15, 1980

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Fifth season show (no host)
featuring Paul Simon, James Taylor, David Sanborn, Ralph Nader, Michael
Palin, and a returning John Belushi. Palin appears in the sketch “Talk or
Die” as the host of an “action talk show.” Cast: Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris,
Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner, Paul Shaffer, and Harry
Shearer. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by Lorne Michaels.
780 March 20, 1980

The British Academy Awards (Award Ceremony). Fawlty Towers wins the
BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy and Best Light Entertainment
Performance (John Cleese). Ripping Yarns wins for Best Light
Entertainment Programme. The ceremony, hosted by Anna Ford and
Edward Fox, is held at Wembley Conference Centre in London. Broadcast
on ITV.

781 March 26–29, 1980

The Pythons spend several days in Paris doing promotion.

782 March 30, 1980

Les Rendez-Vous du Dimanche (The Sunday Appointment) (TV talk show:

TF1, in France). Hosted by Michel Drucker. Guests: John Cleese, Terry
Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Taped in Paris.

783 April 1980

Do They Hurt? (Record: Charisma CAS 1151). Michael Palin wrote the
humorous liner notes for this album from the jazz fusion band Brand X. The
album’s title comes from a line spoken by Palin in the “Test of a Witch”
scene from Holy Grail. Released in the U.S. on Passport Records.

784 April 1, 1980

The original Time Bandits script, written by Terry Gilliam and Michael
Palin, is completed.

785 May–September 1980

Time Bandits, directed by Terry Gilliam from a script by Gilliam and

Michael Palin, is filmed at Lee International Studios and on location in
England, Wales, and Morocco. Locations include Ragland Castle (in
Monmouthshire, Wales) and Epping Forest (in Essex, England). Shooting is
completed just before Monty Python’s appearance at the Hollywood Bowl.
786 May 1980

Michael Palin travels 654 miles from Euston, London to Kyle of Lochalsh
in Scotland aboard a variety of classic trains. The journey is filmed by the
BBC for an episode of Great Railway Journeys of the World, which will air
Nov. 27.

787 May 26, 1980

The Mike Douglas Show (TV talk show: Synd.). With co-host Larry Wilcox.
Guests: Graham Chapman, James Coburn, Joan Van Ark, and Bill
Anderson.

788 June 9, 1980

Michael Palin and his wife attend a reception at the Royal Geographical
Society in London. The event, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the
RGS’s founding, is also attended by the Queen and Prince Philip. Palin will
become president of the RGS in 2009.

789 June 18, 1980

A BBC television production of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the

Shrew, directed by Jonathan Miller and starring John Cleese in the role
Petruchio, is recorded. Cleese spent five weeks rehearsing for the role. The
play airs Oct. 23 on BBC2.

790 June 22, 1980

The Observer (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Taming of John Cleese,” by Tom

Davies, p. 40. Interview with Cleese on his role as Petruchio in BBC’s
Shrew.

791 June 26, 1980

John Cleese, playing Robin Hood, films his scenes for Terry Gilliam’s
Time Bandits in Epping Forest, Essex, England.

792 June 29, 1980

John Cleese and Terry Jones participate in a charity cricket match at
Clifton College (Cleese’s alma mater) in Bristol, England. Jones ends up
with his arm in a sling after he dives for a ball and fractures his humerus
bone. The event benefits the Bristol Playwrights Company.

793 July 1980

The Secret Policeman’s Ball is released in the U.K. The film was first
screened in November 1979 at the London Film Festival.

794 July 6, 1980

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Atticus: How I Stumbled

on the Monty Python Crowd at Play...,” by Stephen Pile, p. 32. Pile talks to
John Cleese and Terry Jones at a charity cricket match (June 29) and
Michael Palin in London.

795 July 20, 1980

Michael Palin performs at a benefit concert for Save the Whales at the
music club The Venue in Victoria Street, London. His material includes the
newly-written comedy monologue “Save the Plankton.”

796 July 25, 1980

The Pythons decide to suspend the writing on their next film (which will
eventually become The Meaning of Life) and agree on a plan to perform at
the Hollywood Bowl for four nights in September. They will resume writing
on the film in September 1981.

797 August 21, 1980

Michael Palin and Terry Jones set off on a publicity tour of Sweden and
Denmark to promote the Scandinavian release of Life of Brian.

798 August 25, 1980

Life of Brian opens in Sweden and Denmark (the film was banned in
Norway on the grounds that it is blasphemous). In Sweden the film is
advertised as “So Funny it was Banned in Norway!”

799 September 1980

Monty Python’s Contractual Obligation Album (Record: Charisma CAS

1152 [U.K.]; Arista AL 9536 [U.S.]) is released. This 24-cut album contains
all-new recordings—more songs (14 in all) than sketches—with most of the
material being written expressly for the record (exceptions include the pre–
Python sketches “String” and “Bookshop”). The album, which the Pythons
owed to their label, Charisma, is their first to crack the Top Twenty Chart.
Tracks: “Sit on My Face,” “Announcement,” “Henry Kissinger,” “String,”
“Never Be Rude to an Arab,” “I Like Chinese,” “Bishop,” “Medical Love
Song,” “Farewell to John Denver,” “Finland,” “I’m So Worried,” “I Bet You
They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio,” “Martydom of St. Victor,” “Here
Comes Another One,” “Bookshop,” “Do Wot John,” “Rock Notes,”
“Muddy Knees,” “Crocodile,” “Decomposing Composers,” “Bells,”
“Traffic Lights,” “All Things Dull and Ugly,” and “A Scottish Farewell
(Here Comes Another One).” Written & performed by Graham Chapman,
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin,
with The Fred Tomlinson Singers. Produced by Eric Idle. Recorded at
Redwood Recording Studios. U.K. single issued on Charisma CB 374. U.S.
singles issued on Arista AS 0578 and Arista SP 101 (promo sampler).
Remastered and reissued in 1997 as part of the “Arista Masters” series.
Reissued in 2006 with four bonus tracks. Note: The 17-second “Farewell to
John Denver” (in which the singer is strangled) is removed from later
pressings after Denver takes legal action over the improper use of his song
“Annie’s Song.”

800 September 1980

Britain’s Independent Television Companies Association (ITCA) bans

television advertising for Monty Python’s Contractual Obligation Album,
calling the album “unacceptable” and “crude in the extreme.”

801 September 1980

I Like Chinese/I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio/Finland
(Record: Charisma CB 374). U.K. single containing three songs off of the
Contractual Obligation Album.

802 September 1980

I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio (Record: Arista AS
0578). U.S. single containing stereo and mono versions of the Eric Idle
song from the Contractual Obligation Album.

803 September 1980

Flash Harry (Record: Mercury 6302–022) is released in the U.K. This final
album from singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson (1941–1994) opens with the
song “Harry,” written and performed by Eric Idle (with Charlie Dore), and
closes with Nilsson’s cover of Idle’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life.” Never released in the U.S. Produced by Steve Cropper. “Harry” was
produced by Idle, Trevor Jones (John Du Prez), and Andre Jacquemin.

804 September 14, 1980

Peter Cook & Co. (TV special: ITV/LWT). Hour-long comedy special
written by and starring Peter Cook for London Weekend Television, with
John Cleese and Terry Jones among the guest performers. Cleese appears
in the sketches “Riverside Chat” (as a father having a sex talk with his 42-
year-old son) and “Out-Takes of History” (as Neville Chamberlain doing
multiple retakes of his “peace in our time” speech). Also starring Rowan
Atkinson, Beryl Reid, Robert Longden, and Paula Wilcox. Produced &
directed by Paul Smith. Executive producer: Humphrey Barclay.

805 September 26–29, 1980

Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl (Stage show). Monty Python

performs live at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for four nights before
an audience of 8,000 people. As in their earlier stage tours of Britain and
Canada (1973) and their City Center shows (1976), their set includes a mix
of classic TV sketches, some pre–Python material (“Custard Pie Lecture,”
“Four Yorkshiremen,” and Graham Chapman’s “Self-Wrestling”), and
film segments from their 1971–72 German specials (including “Silly
Olympics” and “Little Red Riding Hood”). The group is doing the show as
a way of having a holiday and making some money after three months of
writing for their next film. A film of the show is released in June 1982.
Other sketches/songs include: “Sit on My Face,” “The Last Supper,”
“Argument Clinic,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Crunchy Frog,” “The Judges,”
“World Forum,” “Albatross,” “Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Travel Agent,”
“Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police),” “The Ministry of Silly
Walks,” and “Lumberjack Song.” Written & performed by Graham
Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes. Filmed sequences
directed by Ian MacNaughton. Staged and presented by Monty Python.

806 October 1980

More Ripping Yarns (Book: Eyre Methuen), written by Michael Palin and
Terry Jones, is published in the U.K. Scripts of all three shows from the
second series: “Whinfrey’s Last Case,” “Golden Gordon,” and “Roger of
the Raj.” Art direction & design by Kate Hepburn. Photographs by Bertrand
Polo & Amo.

807 October 1980

Terry Gilliam’s second daughter, Holly Dubois, is born.

808 October 3, 1980

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guest-
hosted by David Brenner. Guests: John Cleese and Eric Idle, also Mel
Tillis.

809 October 15, 1980

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Graham Chapman, Michael Bentine, Sir Peter Scott, and Alan Price.
Chapman talks about becoming a doctor, his alcoholism, Keith Moon, etc.

810 October 16, 1980

A Liar’s Autobiography Vol. VI (Book: Eyre Methuen), written by Graham
Chapman (co-authored by David Sherlock, Alex Martin, David Yallop, and
Douglas Adams), is published in the U.K. Chapman’s comic semi-
autobiography is a mostly factual account of his life with, according to
Chapman (in a 1987 interview), “quite a few extravagant lies and multiple
annoying footnotes included to cloud the issue.” In the book Chapman
chronicles his years at Cambridge University, his training to become a
doctor, and performing with Python, and writes frankly about his
homosexuality and his struggle with alcoholism. Chapman has stated that
he first began writing the book because he thought he may not live much
longer due to his alcohol abuse. Illustrations by Jonathan Hills. Published in
the U.S. in March 1981 (Methuen). Paperback edition issued by Magnum
Books (1981). Reissued by Mandarin (1991) with an afterword (“A Bit
After the End”) by Eric Idle. Adapted as a 3-D animated feature in 2012,
co-produced & co-directed by Bill Jones (son of Terry).

811 October 16, 1980

Top of the Pops (TV music show: BBC1). Michael Palin makes a guest
appearance on the music chart program.

812 October 22, 1980

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

John Cleese and Jonathan Miller, promoting tomorrow night’s BBC2
presentation of The Taming of the Shrew. Cleese also talks about Monty
Python, Graham Chapman announcing he was gay, Fawlty Towers, his
mother’s radio ad for Life of Brian, etc.

813 October 23, 1980

BBC Television Shakespeare (TV special: BBC2). “The Taming of the

Shrew.” Jonathan Miller’s production of the classic William Shakespeare
comedy about the opportunistic Petruchio who comes to Padua to woo and
wed the shrewish Katherina. John Cleese, in his first Shakespeare
production, performs the role of Petruchio in a less declamatory,
swaggering style than is usually performed. Recorded June 18. Also starring
Sarah Badel (as Katherina), John Franklyn-Robbins, Susan Penhaligon,
Simon Chandler, Anthony Pedley, David Kincaid, and Leslie Sarony.
Produced & directed by Jonathan Miller.

Reviews: Michael Ratcliffe (The Times [London], Oct. 24, 1980): “...this
Shrew struck a very nice balance between domesticity, intelligence and
tenderness. Much of the credit for this must go to John Cleese, a
deliberately spectacular piece of casting as Petruchio...”

814 October 31, 1980

Live from Two (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program. Graham

Chapman is interviewed.

815 November 1980

John Cleese’s scene in The Great Muppet Caper is filmed in a day-and-a-

half. He and Joan Sanderson play an upper-class British couple whose home
is used by Miss Piggy to impress Kermit.

816 November 8, 1980

Did You See...? (TV show: BBC2). Ludovic Kennedy hosts this look back
at the week in television. Guests include Graham Chapman. Directed by
Anne Freer. Produced by John Archer.

817 November 13, 1980

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Holiday in the Sun,” by

Steve Pond, pp. 20–21+. Interview with the Pythons in Los Angeles. The
group talks about their appearance at the Hollywood Bowl, their next film,
and the Contractual Obligation Album. Group photo taken by Bonnie
Schiffman.

818 November 17, 1980

Not the Nine O’Clock News (TV episode: BBC2). John Cleese guest-stars
on this satirical series starring Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel
Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones. Directed by Bill Wilson. Produced by John
Lloyd and Sean Hardie.
819 November 22, 1980

Terry Gilliam turns 40.

820 November 27, 1980

Great Railway Journeys of the World (TV episode: BBC2). “Confessions of

a Train Spotter.” Michael Palin brings his longtime love of trains (he train
spotted as a boy at Sheffield Midland Station) to this hour-long travel
program, the fourth in a series of seven. Aboard a variety of trains such as
the famous “Flying Scotsman” steam locomotive and the “Inter-City 125,”
Palin travels from Euston Station in London to Kyle of Lochalsh in
northwest Scotland on a route that includes visits to the National Railway
Museum in York and the grand railway hotels in Edinburgh. Palin’s first
travel show for the BBC; his second, 1989’s Around the World in 80 Days,
will change the course of his career. Palin will make a second Railway
journey (“Derry to Kerry”) in 1994. Written & hosted by Michael Palin.
Produced by Ken Stephinson. Series produced by Roger Laughton.

821 December 1980–January 1981

Dark Star (Magazine/U.K.). “A Pepperpot Speaks: The Terry Jones

Interview,” by Cliff Ash, pp. 13–20. Interview with Jones, conducted at his
Camberwell home in September 1980.

822 December 8, 1980

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman hold a book-signing

at WH Smith’s in Holborn Circus, London to promote their books More
Ripping Yarns and A Liar’s Autobiography.

823 December 8, 1980

Eric Idle is in Barbados, holidaying with Paul Simon, when he learns that
John Lennon has been shot and killed in New York.

824 1980–81
Eric Idle writes the script for a film version of the Gilbert & Sullivan
operetta The Pirates of Penzance. The film is not produced, however, after
the 1981 Broadway version of the story—starring Linda Ronstadt and
Kevin Kline—is brought to the big screen in 1983.

825 1980

When Will They Realise We’re Living in the 20th Century? (Training film:
Video Arts). Film dramatizing how poor attitudes affect industrial relations.
Starring John Cleese. Written by Jack Rosenthal. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

826 1980

Cost, Profit and Break-Even (Training film: Video Arts). Management

training film dealing with business finance. Part of the “Finance for Non-
Financial Managers” series. Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and
John Bird. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

827 1980

Depreciation and Inflation (Training film: Video Arts). The basic principles
of depreciation are explained. Part of the “Finance for Non-Financial
Managers” series. Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and John
Bird. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

828 1980

The Tom Machine (Short film). In a mechanical-driven future society,

computer technician Tom begins to question his regimented life. John
Cleese voices the household computer in this 47-minute sci-fi parable.
Starring Donald Sumpter and Pamela Moiseiwitsch. Written & directed by
Paul Bamborough.

829 January 8, 1981

Graham Chapman turns 40.

830 January 26, 1981

The Shakespeare Plays (TV special: PBS). “The Taming of the Shrew.” The
series’ third season begins with Jonathan Miller’s 1980 BBC production
starring John Cleese in the lead role of Petruchio. Also starring Sarah Badel
and John Franklyn-Robbins. Produced & directed by Jonathan Miller.

831 February 1981

Graham Chapman travels to Australia to promote his book A Liar’s

Autobiography.

832 February 5, 1981

Michael Palin has his portrait painted by English artist John Bratby. The
sitting takes place at the artist’s home in Hastings, Sussex, England.

833 February 15, 1981

John Cleese marries Barbara Trentham, an American actress/TV producer,

in Los Angeles. Cleese was previously married to Connie Booth (Fawlty
Towers) from 1968 to 1978.

834 February 24, 1981

Laverne & Shirley (TV episode: ABC). “I Do, I Do.” As a British tax-
dodge, two English rock stars seek American citizenship by marrying
Laverne and Shirley. Guest-starring Eric Idle (as Derek), Peter Noone, and
Stephen Bishop. Starring Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Michael
McKean, and David L. Lander. Song: “Love, Love, Love” by Stephen
Bishop (words, music) and Eric Idle (words). Written by Lesa Kite and
Cindy Begel. Directed by Phil Perez.

835 February 26, 1981

Russell Harty (TV talk show: BBC2). Guests: Michael Palin, Terry
Gilliam, and Aimi MacDonald. Palin talks about classic Python sketches
(“Dead Parrot” and “Lumberjack Song”), the Pythons’ German shows, etc.
Gilliam talks about the grotesque characters he played in Python. They also
discuss their new film Time Bandits.
836 Spring 1981

The Cambridge Review (Magazine/U.K.). “The Myth of Progress,” by

Terry Jones. By comparing medieval times with supposedly more
enlightened modern times, Jones concludes that the concept of progress is
“distinctly chimerical.”

837 March–October 1981

Michael Palin writes his next film, The Missionary.

838 March 1981

Great Railway Journeys of the World (Book: BBC Publications), written by

Michael Frayn, Ludovic Kennedy, Miles Kington, Michael Palin, Eric
Robson, Brian Thompson, and Michael Wood, is published in the U.K.
Companion book to the BBC2 series written by seven writers and
broadcasters describing their railway journeys in different parts of the
world. Includes the chapter “Confessions of a Train-Spotter” by Palin, from
his episode (Nov. 27, 1980) of the series. The book, which includes many
maps and photos, becomes a best-seller in Britain. Published in the U.S. by
E.P. Dutton (September 1982).

839 March 1981

Terry Jones gives a talk on Chaucer’s “Knight’s Tale” (from Canterbury

Tales) at the City of Liverpool College of Higher Education.

840 March 5, 1981

Graham Chapman attends a Python screening at Facets Multimedia in

Chicago, after which he addresses the audience and answers questions.
Chapman will go on a tour of U.S. college campuses in October.

841 March 10, 1981

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Guests: Graham

Chapman, promoting A Liar’s Autobiography, and Ellen Burstyn.
842 March 15, 1981

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Monty Python Dons a

Mortar Board,” by Stephen Pile, p. 32. Article on Terry Jones’ lecture on
Chaucer in Liverpool.

843 March 18, 1981

The Dick Cavett Show (TV talk show: PBS). Interview with Graham
Chapman, who talks about British and American humor, creating the
Python TV series, the working titles for the show (“Owl Stretching Time,”
etc.), his struggle with alcoholism, etc.

844 March 21, 1981

Tiswas (TV episode: ITV/ATV). Saturday-morning children’s show hosted

by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, and John Gorman. Guests: Michael Palin,
Lee Brennan, and Status Quo.

845 March 22, 1981

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Marital Tips for Charles,” by

Michael Palin, p. E19. Humorous piece on the upcoming marriage of
Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer (on July 29).

846 April 15, 1981

Food, Wine and Friends (TV episode: ITV/Thames). Host Robert Carrier is
joined by John Cleese in this episode demonstrating how to prepare roast
beef and select a wine.

847 April 17, 1981

Swap Shop Star Awards (TV special: BBC1). John Cleese wins the award
for Favourite Man on TV in this award special hosted by Noel Edmonds.

848 May 2, 1981

The Pythons get together for a meeting at The Chewton Glen Hotel in
Hampshire during which they agree to sever ties with their manager Denis
O’Brien.

849 May 20, 1981

Did You See...? (TV show: BBC2). Host Ludovic Kennedy joins guests
Terry Jones, Piers Gough, and Jan Murray in reviewing three programs
from the past week: The Kenny Everett Video Cassette, The Electric
Revolution, and Right Royal Company.

850 May 27, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Literary discussion program hosted by

Robert Kee. Guest Terry Jones talks about the Buster Keaton biography
Keaton: The Man Who Wouldn’t Lie Down by Tom Dardis. Jones will take
over as host of the program next week.

851 May 27, 1981

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Graham Chapman,
Steve Lawrence, David Brenner, and Jeff Conaway.

852 June 3–July 15, 1981

Terry Jones hosts the new series of the literary discussion program
Paperbacks on BBC1. The series, previously hosted by Robert Kee,
consists of seven shows and is produced by Rosemary Bowen-Jones and
Julian Jebb.

853 June 3, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones. A discussion

about independent publishers, with authors Fidelis Morgan, J. L. Carr, Sally
Emerson, and Paul Theroux. Jones’ “rave of the week” is Shadow Work by
Ivan Illich. First show of the series. Directed by Nick Brenton.

854 June 10, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones, who undergoes
hypnotic regression with the aid of Joe Keeton (Encounters with the Past).
Jones is also joined by author Michael Moorcock (Great Rock ’n’ Roll
Swindle). Second show of the series. Directed by Nick Brenton.

855 June 17, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones. The topic is
erotica, with authors Angela Carter (Heroes and Villains), Jill Tweedie (In
the Name of Love), Reay Tannahill (Sex in History), and Sir Alfred J. Ayer.
Jones reviews Falkland Road, a photograph book about Bombay brothels
by Mary Ellen Mark. Third show of the series. Directed by Nick Brenton.

856 June 17, 1981

Live from Two (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program. Michael

Palin is interviewed by Shelley Rohde.

857 June 22, 1981

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Frank Bough reports on

the new Terry Gilliam–Michael Palin film Time Bandits and interviews
Palin.

858 June 24, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones. The themes
are the power of multinationals and the threat of nuclear war, with authors
Dr. Charles Levinson (Vodka-Cola), Prof. Robert Neild (How to Make Up
Your Mind About the Bomb), and E. P. Thompson. Fourth show of the
series. Directed by Nick Brenton.

859 June 26, 1981

The Great Muppet Caper (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the
U.S. The Muppets’ second film finds them involved in a mysterious London
jewel robbery. John Cleese and Joan Sanderson play a British couple
whose home is “borrowed” by Miss Piggy. Also starring Charles Grodin,
Diana Rigg, Robert Morley, Peter Ustinov, and Jack Warden. Directed by
Jim Henson. Produced by David Lazer and Frank Oz. Notes: Cleese last
worked with the Muppets in 1977 when he hosted The Muppet Show.
Sanderson played Mrs. Richards in the “Communication Problems” episode
(1979) of Fawlty Towers.

860 July 1981

Time Bandits (Book: Arrow Books), written by Charles Alverson, is

published in the U.K. Novelization of the new Terry Gilliam film, adapted
from the script by Gilliam and Michael Palin.

861 July 1, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones. A look at

children’s books, with Rupert Bear artist Alfred Bestall, pop-up book author
Jan Pienkowski, and Ben Owen. Fifth show of the series. Directed by Nick
Brenton.

862 July 8, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones, who talks to
authors Iris Murdoch (The Sea, The Sea), Paul Theroux (Picture Palace),
and Miles Kington (Let’s Parler Franglais!). Sixth show of the series.
Directed by Nick Brenton.

863 July 15, 1981

Time Bandits (Feature film: HandMade Films) opens in London. Terry

Gilliam’s second solo directorial effort (following 1977’s Jabberwocky) is a
comedy-fantasy about an English schoolboy who joins up with a band of
thieving dwarves in possession of a stolen map that charts holes in the
universe. Their travels through time bring them in contact with such
historical/legendary figures as Napoleon (Ian Holm), Robin Hood (John
Cleese), and Agamemnon (Sean Connery) and climaxes with a lengthy
battle between good and evil. The film does only moderate business in
Britain, but is a hit in the U.S. (it is released there Nov. 6). Also starring
Ralph Richardson, David Warner, Katherine Helmond, Peter Vaughan,
Craig Warnock, David Rappaport, Kenny Baker, Jack Purvis, Malcolm
Dixon, Mike Edmonds, Tiny Ross, Shelley Duvall and Michael Palin (as
Vincent). Written by Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam. Music by George
Harrison. Produced & directed by Terry Gilliam. Executive produced by
George Harrison and Denis O’Brien. A HandMade Films production.

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Nov. 6, 1981): “...a
cheerfully irreverent lark.... At its best, Time Bandits is very, very good. The
physical production is elaborate and lush, and the special effects are
marvelously well done”; Richard Corliss (Time, Nov. 9, 1981, p. 98): “...the
movie undercuts any involvement in the tale by stopping dead for long
derisory skits featuring Napoleon, Robin Hood and Agamemnon ... as a
traveler on this time flight, the viewer is less welcome than ignored”; David
Ansen (Newsweek, Nov. 9, 1981, p. 92): “The sheer technical
accomplishment—sets, costumes, special effects—is dazzling.... Bandits
can be very funny in a Pythonesque way ... the sheer bric-a-brac
inventiveness of the endeavor is a delight.”

864 July 15, 1981

Paperbacks (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Jones. Guests: poet
Peter Porter (English Subtitles), and authors Ronald Blythe (The View in
Winter) and Quentin Skinner (Machiavelli). Also, Robert Kee looks at the
works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Seventh and last show of the series. Directed
by Nick Brenton.

865 July 16, 1981

Rush Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio London). Guests include Michael
Palin and Jackie Collins. Live.

866 July 18, 1981

Clapperboard (TV show: ITV/Granada). Film magazine for young people.

Chris Kelly interviews Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin about Time
Bandits. Taped June 18.

867 July 25, 1981

Get Set for Summer (TV show: BBC1). Saturday-morning program for
young people, hosted by Peter Powell. Michael Palin and his sons Thomas
(age 12) and William (age 10) appear in a piece on steam trains, at Worth
Valley Railway in West Yorkshire.

868 July 31, 1981

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Graham Chapman is

interviewed from London.

869 August 3–14, 1981

Story Time (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). “First Time Up/The Boob/Biggles
Flies North.” Adventure stories by Captain W. E. Johns, read by Michael
Palin. The stories are: “First Time Up” (Aug. 3), “The Boob” (Aug. 4), and
“Biggles Flies North,” which is presented in eight parts (Aug. 5–14).
Adapted by George Hearton and directed by Marilyn Imrie. Recorded July
6–8, 1981, in Edinburgh, Scotland. An abridged version of the recording is
released in August 1997 (BBC Radio Collection). The “Biggles” stories
were a favorite of Palin’s when he was a youth in the 1950s.

870 August 4, 1981

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest:

Michael Palin, promoting Time Bandits.

871 September 9–12, 1981

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (Stage show), four nights at the Theatre
Royal, Drury Lane, London. The 1981 Amnesty International gala,
organized and co-directed by John Cleese, follows the successful formula
of 1979’s The Secret Policeman’s Ball by bringing together an array of
Britain’s top comedy and musical talent. Performers include Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Rowan Atkinson, Alan Bennett, Billy Connolly, John
Fortune, Alexei Sayle, Pamela Stephenson, John Wells, Sting, Phil Collins,
Chris Langham, Victoria Wood, Donovan, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Bob
Geldof, Neil Innes, John Bird, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Griff Rhys Jones, and
David Rappaport. Sketches include “A Word of Thanks” (Cleese & cast),
“Beekeeping” (Cleese & Atkinson), “Clothes Off” (Cleese, Stephenson &
Chapman), “Top of the Form” (Cleese, Chapman & others), and “Card
Dance” (Cleese, Chapman & Brooke-Taylor). Directed by Ronald Eyre,
assisted by Cleese. A film of the show (with a special appearance by
Michael Palin) is released in theaters in 1982

872 September 28, 1981

The Innes Book of Records (TV episode: BBC2). Neil Innes’ music-comedy
program returns for a third series (it debuted in 1979) with special guest
Michael Palin. In one sketch, Palin plays a paranoid policeman. Music by
Neil Innes. Directed by Andrew Gosling. Produced by Ian Keill.

873 October–December 1981

Graham Chapman tours 23 U.S. (and Canadian) college campuses

performing a comedy lecture, which includes stories from his life, clips
from Flying Circus, and a Q&A. Venues include the Bacchus Theater at the
University of Delaware in Newark, DE (Oct. 16), Red River Community
College in Winnipeg (Oct. 27), Facets Multimedia in Chicago (Oct),
University of California San Diego’s Mandeville Center Auditorium (Nov.
5), Tulane University’s McAlister Auditorium in New Orleans (Nov. 10),
Finney Chapel at Oberlin College in OH (Nov. 14), Gold Coast Room at the
Florida Atlantic University Center (Nov. 20), and Montgomery County
Community College in Blue Bell, PA (Dec). The tour is also part promotion
for his book A Liar’s Autobiography.

874 October 1981

Fairy Tales (Book: Pavilion Books/Michael Joseph), written by Terry

Jones with illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K.
Jones’ first children’s book is a collection of 30 original fairy tales that
combine fantasy and morality and are particularly suitable for reading
aloud. Stories include “The Corn Dolly,” “The Wonderful Cake-Horse,”
“The Fly-By-Night,” “The Wooden City,” and “The Beast with a Thousand
Teeth.” Jones originally wrote the stories for his daughter Sally in the
summer of 1978. Published in the U.S. by Schocken Books (1982).
Reprinted by Penguin/Puffin. Read by Jones (and others) for the audiobook
version recorded in 1982 and released in 2000 (Orion). The stories are later
adapted by Neil Innes for the 1988 TV series East of the Moon.

Reviews: Brian Alderson (The Times [London], Nov. 27, 1981): “...there
isn’t a single one devoid of dramatic point or lacking a nice turn of phrase,
and they make for splendid reading aloud”; Carol Van Strum (The New York
Times Book Review, Jan. 16, 1983, p. 22): “As a storyteller, Mr. Jones is a
wizard.... Jones and Michael Foreman have conspired to produce a volume
of highly original fairy tales that is beautiful to look at and great fun to read
aloud.”

875 October 1981

The Complete Works of Shakespeare and Monty Python: Volume One—

Monty Python (Book: Eyre Methuen) is published in the U.K. Combined
reissue of Big Red Book (1971) and Brand New Monty Python Bok (1973).

876 October 6, 1981

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Frank Bough and Sue
Cook present a report on Terry Jones and his new children’s book Fairy
Tales.

877 October 7, 1981

Live from Two (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program hosted by

Shelley Rohde. Guests include Terry Jones, Alan Bennett, and Ben Elton.

878 October 8, 1981

A Liar’s Autobiography, written by Graham Chapman, is published in

paperback by Magnum Books.

879 October 29–November 21, 1981

Underwood’s Finest Hour, Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ 1976 playlet, is
revived for a new production at the Lyric Studio, Hammersmith, London.
Directed by Alastair Goolden, with the recorded voice of cricket
commentator John Arlott.
880 November–December 1981

Film Comment (Magazine/U.S.). “Bandit,” by Anne Thompson, pp. 49–54.

Interview with Terry Gilliam about his life, career, and Time Bandits.

881 November 1981

Time Bandits: A Screenplay (Book: Hutchinson [U.K.]; Dolphin Books

[U.S.]), written by Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, is published. The
original, unexpurgated script of the film, with 16 glossy pages of color
photos, bad drawings, black-and-white photos, off-camera shots, and a
humorous glossary of the script’s technical terms. The script includes the
“Spider Ladies” scene cut from the film.

882 November 1981

The Dick Cavett Show (TV talk show: PBS). Hour-long interview (shown in
two parts) with Michael Palin, who talks about Gwen Dibley (the name
discarded in favor of Monty Python), his cats-in-trousers bit on SNL,
performing in a group, English comics in drag, rat-eating, structural
engineering, the “Pet Shop” sketch, and Time Bandits. Taped Nov. 5 in New
York.

883 November 1981

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (Record: Springtime HAHA 6003) is

released in the U.K. LP recording the September 1981 Amnesty show
featuring John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Rowan Atkinson, Alan
Bennett, Billy Connolly, John Fortune, Alexei Sayle, and Pamela
Stephenson. Tracks include: “A Word of Thanks” (Cleese & cast), “Clothes
Off” (Cleese, Stephenson & Chapman), “Beekeeping” (Cleese &
Atkinson), and “Top of the Form” (Cleese, Chapman & others). Produced
by Martin Lewis. A second LP from the show, featuring only the music, is
released on Island/Springtime ILPS 9698 (1982).

884 November 3, 1981

Eric Idle’s first stage play, Pass the Butler, premieres at the Arts Centre,
University of Warwick, Coventry, presented by the Cambridge Theatre
Company. The play will then go on tour (venues including the Theatre
Royal in Brighton). It will open in London’s West End on Jan. 26, 1982
(prevues begin Jan. 20).

885 November 4, 1981

Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin attend the Gala U.S. Premiere of Time
Bandits in New York. Other stars attending include Shelley Duvall and
Katherine Helmond.

886 November 5, 1981

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Jenny Agutter and Eric
Idle, promoting his play Pass the Butler.

887 November 5, 1981

Michael Palin tapes an appearance on The Dick Cavett Show in New York.
The hour-long interview is shown in two parts in November on PBS.

888 November 6, 1981

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Terry

Jones. The first of a new series, with Jones’ guests including actress Helen
Mirren, author Richard Mabey, and Colin MacCabe (Professor of English at
Strathclyde University, Glasgow).

889 November 6, 1981

Time Bandits opens in the U.S. (released by Avco Embassy Pictures). The
film takes in $6.5 million during its first three days of release.

890 November 11, 1981

Michael Palin performs a one-man show at the Arts Theatre in Belfast,

Northern Ireland, as part of the Belfast Festival. Palin had been asked to
perform by Michael Barnes, director of the festival.
891 November 15, 1981

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “Terry Gilliam: On the Trail of

Time Bandits,” by Gary Arnold, p. K1+. Interview with Gilliam about his
new film.

892 November 21, 1981

Terry Jones and illustrator Michael Foreman sign copies of their new book
Fairy Tales at The Children’s Book Centre in Kensington, London.

893 November 25, 1981

Steve Martin’s Best Show Ever (TV special: NBC). Hour-long comedy
special starring Steve Martin, broadcast live from New York. In a filmed
segment (from Rutland Weekend Television) Eric Idle plays a scholar
speaking from Stonehenge, where he attempts to answer the question: “Did
Dinosaurs Build Stonehenge?” (prod, wr & dir by Idle). Also starring Dan
Aykroyd, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, Gregory Hines,
Lauren Hutton, and Lynn Redgrave. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by
Lorne Michaels.

894 November 28, 1981

Tiswas (TV episode: ITV/ATV). Saturday-morning children’s show hosted

by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, and John Gorman. Guests include Terry
Jones, Cliff Richard, and Bucks Fizz.

895 December 4, 1981

The John Davidson Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Today’s theme: “The
British are Coming!” Guests include Graham Chapman, Stewart Granger,
Roger Whittaker, and Jean Marsh.

896 December 11, 1981

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: CBS). Guests include Graham
Chapman, Eva Gabor, Tom Wolfe, and Madleen Kane. Chapman talks
about Keith Moon’s antics and being a doctor.
897 December 16, 1981

Terry Jones and illustrator Michael Foreman sign copies of Fairy Tales at
Dillons Bookshop in London.

898 December 21, 1981

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “The Only Yank in Monty Python Stares

Down Critics as His Time Bandits Steals $24 Million,” by Jerene Jones, p.
50+. Article/interview on Terry Gilliam’s life and latest film. Photographs
—including one of Gilliam staring down a Victorian gargoyle—by Terry
Smith.

899 1981

You’ll Soon Get the Hang of It (Training film: Video Arts). Film on the
technique of one-to-one training in business. Starring John Cleese and June
Whitfield. Written by Antony Jay and John Cleese. Directed by Peter
Robinson.

900 1981

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 1: The Preparation (Training

film: Video Arts). An instructional tape (voice of Andrew Sachs) teaches
salesman John Cleese the importance of preparation in selling. First of four
parts. Also starring Nigel Hawthorne, Joan Sanderson, Derek Fowlds, Julian
Holloway, Roger Lloyd-Pack, and April Walker. Written by David Nobbs.
Directed by Peter Robinson.

901 1981

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 2: The Presentation (Training

film: Video Arts). Part Two continues the lesson with salesman John Cleese
again consulting his instructional tape (voice of Andrew Sachs). Also
starring Nigel Hawthorne, Geoffrey Palmer, Joan Sanderson, Derek Fowlds,
Julian Holloway, Keith Ladd, and April Walker. Written by David Nobbs.
Directed by Peter Robinson.
902 1981

Why Do People Work? (Training film: Video Arts). John Cleese explains
why people work in this 3-minute short designed to introduce discussions
on motivation at work. Directed by Peter Robinson.

903 1981

Hidden Treasure (Educational film: Video Arts). The advantages of

factoring to a business. Sponsored by International Factors. Starring John
Cleese, James Bellini, Zulema Dene, and Julian Holloway. Written by
Antony Jay. Directed by Barbara Trentham.

904 1981

Fawlty Towers: Second Sitting (Record: BBC Records REB 405 [U.K.];
BBC-22405 [U.S.]). The original television soundtrack of the episodes
“Basil the Rat” (1979) and “The Builders” (1975). Produced by William
Grierson. Followed by Fawlty Towers: At Your Service (1982).

905 1981

The Box (Short film). Based on the play Buchanan’s Finest Hour, by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones, staged in Sheffield, England in 1976.
Featuring the voices of Richard Vernon, Terry Jones (as Harrington),
Michael Palin (as Frenchman), and Charles McKeown, with Andrew
Lodge as Buchanan. Directed by Micky Dolenz. Produced by Michael Hall.

906 1981

Eric Idle marries Tania Kosevich, an American model he met in 1977. The
ceremony takes place in Lorne Michaels’ New York apartment with guests
including Paul Simon, Carrie Fisher, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. The
after-wedding party is held at Simon’s apartment.

907 1981

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (Book: Eyre Methuen) is published in

the U.K. A book of scripts and photos from the Amnesty International stage
show, with program notes provided by Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
Python-related material includes “Introduction,” “Beekeeping,” “Top of the
Form,” and “Clothes Off.” Proceeds from the book are donated to Amnesty
International.

908 1981

Monty Python: The Case Against (Book: Eyre Methuen [U.K.]; Grove
[U.S.]), written by Robert Hewison, is published. An account of the
Pythons’ various fights against censorship, from their early battles with the
BBC on Flying Circus to the later ABC court case (in 1975) and Life of
Brian controversy (in 1979). Includes script excerpts and copies of letters
and memos.

909 1981

Braithwaite’s Battle with the Banks (Educational film: Video Arts). A young
man demonstrates to his reluctant father the benefits of having a bank
account in this film for Barclays Bank. Starring John Cleese, June
Whitfield, and Daniel Abineri. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Charles
Crichton.

910 1981

Postgiro (“Do You Use Giroblauw?”) (TV/cinema commercials). In a

series of ads for a Dutch bank, John Cleese plays a frustrated interviewer
accosting people on the streets of Holland asking “Do you use Giroblauw?”
Written by Cleese and Wim Michels. Directed by Robert Young. Agency:
Moussault ABH International, Amsterdam.

Award: Clio Award winner.

911 Early 1982

The Monty Python Instant Record Collection (Record: Arista AL 9580) is

released in the U.S. American version of a compilation originally released
in Britain in 1977. This U.S. edition contains tracks from Matching Tie,
Holy Grail, City Center, and Contractual Obligation Album. Tracks: “The
Executive Intro,” “Pet Shop,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Premiere of the Film (Live
Broadcast from London),” “Bring Out Your Dead,” “How Do You Tell a
Witch,” “Camelot,” “Argument Clinic,” “Crunchy Frog,” “The Cheese
Shop,” “The Phone-In,” “Sit on My Face,” “Another Executive
Announcement,” “Bishop on the Landing,” “Elephantoplasty,” “The
Lumberjack Song,” “Bookshop,” “Blackmail,” “Farewell to John Denver,”
“World Forum,” “String,” “Wide World of Novel Writing,” “Death of Mary
Queen of Scots,” and “Never Be Rude to an Arab.” Project coordinated by
Dennis Fine; mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City.

912 January 1982

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Soaring: Time Bandits and Scene Stealers,” by

David Gerrold, No. 54, pp. 52–53+. Interview with Terry Gilliam.

913 January 7, 1982

The Christian Science Monitor (Magazine/U.S.). “Laughs and Deep

Themes: A Talk with Time Bandits’ Maker,” by David Sterritt. Interview
with Terry Gilliam.

914 January 10–21, 1982

The Pythons travel to Jamaica to complete the Meaning of Life script

(originally titled Monty Python’s Fish Film), staying nearly two weeks.
Their main challenge is coming up with a story or theme to tie together all
the material they’ve written so far. Initially, little progress is made and the
project comes close to being abandoned until, on the fifth day, they hit upon
the idea of the film being the story of someone’s life—or anyone’s life—
which leads to the “Seven Ages of Man” framework.

915 January 26, 1982

Pass the Butler (Stage play) opens at the Globe Theatre in London’s West
End. Eric Idle’s first stage play, a satirical look at British social and
political mores, concerns an ailing Minister of Defense whose country
home is invaded by relatives and journalists while he lies comatose in a
steel coffin on life support. The play, which has a disappointingly short
West End run (closing June 7), had its premiere on Nov. 3, 1981, at the
University of Warwick, Coventry. Starring William Rushton (as Hugo),
John Fortune (as Butler), Madge Ryan, Peter Jones, Annie Lambert,
Andrew C. Wadsworth, Terence Bayler, John Saunders, and Beryl Cooke.
Written by Eric Idle. Directed by Jonathan Lynn.

Reviews: Michael Coveney (Financial Times, Jan. 27, 1982, p. 15): “...a
cheap reproduction of Joe Orton, combining elements of Loot and What the
Butler Saw in a flagrantly tactless exercise of misguided hommage”; Daily
Telegraph: “An atmosphere of skyborne lunacy ... splendidly nonsensical ...
kept its first night audience laughing continuously.”

916 January 28, 1982

Michael Palin attends the 40th-anniversary party for radio’s Desert Island
Discs at BBC Broadcasting House. Other attendees include the program’s
host, Roy Plomley, also Michael Parkinson, Frankie Howerd, Jonathan
Miller, and Roald Dahl. Palin was a guest on Discs in November 1979.

917 February 1982

Pass the Butler (Book: Methuen), written by Eric Idle, is published in the
U.K. Script of Idle’s first stage play.

918 February 1982

Time Bandits (Comic book: Marvel Comics Group). The official comics
adaptation of the Terry Gilliam film.

919 February 1982

Terry Jones gives a lecture on Chaucer’s “Knight’s Tale” at Strathclyde

University in Glasgow. Jones is appearing at the invitation of Strathclyde
English Professor Colin MacCabe, who had appeared with Jones on the
Nov. 6, 1981, edition of TV’s Friday Night...Saturday Morning.

920 February 1, 1982

Terry Jones turns 40.

921 February 3, 1982

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Terry
Gilliam, promoting Time Bandits, Hank Aaron, and Irving Caesar. It is the
third program of Letterman’s new Late Night series.

922 February 10, 1982

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Jonathan Miller, Eric Idle, and Chris Brasher. Idle talks about his new play
Pass the Butler, also Python’s disastrous appearance on the Tonight Show,
the “Nudge, Nudge” sketch, George Harrison, etc.

923 February 13, 1982

OTT (TV episode: ITV). Michael Palin guest-stars on this late-night

comedy series, appearing in the sketches “Weather Report,” “A Party
Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Totally Honest Party,” “Negotiators on
a Train,” “The Week’s Good Cause,” and “Arthur Spendlove’s Cookery &
Gossip Corner.” Seventh show of the series starring Chris Tarrant, John
Gorman, Lenny Henry, and Bob Carolgees.

924 February 19, 1982

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV talk show: BBC2). Germaine Greer

chairs a discussion on sex with guests Mary Whitehouse, Viviane Ventura,
David Sullivan, Noel Dilly, and Graham Chapman.

925 Spring 1982

Terry Gilliam picks up the script (Brazil) he set aside in November 1979
and begins writing again, this time with Tom Stoppard.

926 March–June 1982

The Missionary, written, co-produced by and starring Michael Palin, is

filmed on a £2 million budget at Lee International Studios (Shepperton,
Eng.) and on location in England, Scotland, and Kenya. Locations include
The National Liberal Club (London), Finsbury Circus (London), Longleat
House (Wiltshire, Eng.), and Ardverikie House (Scottish Highlands).

927 March 13, 1982

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Jimmy Savile, Michael Palin, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Marti Webb, and
Donald Sinden. Palin talks about the German Python shows, etc.

928 March 14–April 18, 1982

Whoops Apocalypse (TV mini-series: ITV/LWT). Expensive six-part

comedy relating the events that lead to World War III, offering wicked
parodies of U.S., Soviet, and British leaders. John Cleese co-stars as
Lacrobat, a master of disguise. Produced by London Weekend Television.
Also starring John Barron, Richard Griffiths, Peter Jones, Bruce Montague,
Barry Morse, Geoffrey Palmer, and Ed Bishop. Written by Andrew
Marshall and David Renwick. Directed by John Reardon. Produced by
Humphrey Barclay.

929 March 18, 1982

The Other Awards (Award ceremony). Spoof award show, held at the Plaza
Cinema in Regent Street in London, celebrating the world premiere of the
film The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball. Emcee Peter Cook hands out
awards to every performer in the film who showed up at the event,
including John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Billy Connolly, Tim Brooke-
Taylor, and Pamela Stephenson. The comedians were denied the use of
BAFTA’s larger Picadilly theatre. The award show is featured on BBC’s
Nationwide that night, shortly before the BAFTA ceremony is broadcast on
ITV.

930 March 18, 1982

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. James Hogg reports on The
Other Awards, the alternative to the BAFTA’s, held today at the Plaza
Cinema in London to publicize the release of The Secret Policeman’s Other
Ball. Interviewees include John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-
Taylor, and Rowan Atkinson.

931 March 18, 1982

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (Feature film: United International

Pictures) opens in the U.K. Film version of the September 1981 Amnesty
benefit at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Performers include John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Rowan Atkinson, Alan Bennett, Billy Connolly,
Alexei Sayle, Pamela Stephenson, John Wells, Sting, Phil Collins, Jeff
Beck, Eric Clapton, and Tim Brooke-Taylor. Sketches include “A Word of
Thanks” (Cleese & cast), “Beekeeping” (Cleese & Atkinson), “Clothes
Off” (Cleese, Stephenson & Chapman), “Top of the Form” (Cleese,
Chapman & others), “Card Dance” (Cleese, Chapman & Brooke-Taylor)
and a closing credits sequence featuring a special appearance by Michael
Palin (as a janitor sweeping up after the show). The American version of
the film (released May 21) includes highlights from the first Ball film (from
1979), which was not released in the U.S. Directed by Julien Temple. Stage
show directed by Ronald Eyre, assisted by John Cleese. Produced by
Martin Lewis and Peter Walker.

Reviews: Alan Brien (The Sunday Times [London], Mar. 21, 1982, p. 40):
“More genuinely cinematic than its predecessors ... it has about an equal
number of hits and misses”; Stephen Schaefer (Us, July 20, 1982, pp. 71–
72): “This performance film has the amiability and look of a home movie
and the ribald richness of a lusty banquet.”

932 April 19, 1982

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Susannah Greenberg

reports from Ezra Street in Bethnal Green, London where Michael Palin’s
The Missionary is currently filming. Greenberg interviews Palin and his co-
star Denholm Elliott. The piece was taped on Apr. 16.

933 May 1982

Privates on Parade, an adaptation of the Peter Nichols play, is filmed at

Shepperton Studios in England. John Cleese stars as Major Giles Flack. A
HandMade Films production.

934 May 1982

Eric Idle directs Robin Williams and Teri Garr in the cable–TV production
The Tale of the Frog Prince, from his script. The show will air Sept. 11 as
the premiere episode of Showtime’s Faerie Tale Theatre.

935 May 1982

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (TV commercial). Graham Chapman

appears in a 25-second commercial for the Amnesty International film.
Playing the spokesman for the Oral Majority, he says: “I wish to complain
strongly about this disgusting new comedy movie.... This movie must be
banned before it turns us all into weirdos.” He then rises from behind his
desk to reveal he is wearing a pink tutu, fishnet stockings, and garters. NBC
refuses to air the spot, claiming—in a letter to the film’s producers
(received on May 17)—that the American flag displayed prominently in the
ad is “rumpled and appears to be defaced.” Chapman addresses NBC’s
concerns in an appearance on the May 22 broadcast of Saturday Night Live.

936 May 1982

Twilight Zone (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Gilliam: Finding Comedy on ‘the

Dark Side of the Coin,’” by James Verniere, pp. 18–23. An interview with
Terry Gilliam about his life and Time Bandits.

937 May 1982

Monty Python: Complete and Utter Theory of the Grotesque (Book: British
Film Institute), edited by John O. Thompson, is published in the U.K.
Thompson examines the humorous and grotesque art of Monty Python in a
historical context. Contains 48 bits and pieces of Python grotesquerie, from
“An Astonishingly Dirty Period” to “Cleese’s Body: Visual Gestalt Of.”
Also includes a Pythonography. Published in the U.S. by University of
Illinois Press.

938 May 17, 1982

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl is screened at the Cannes Film
Festival.

939 May 21, 1982

The concert film The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball is released in the U.S.
by Miramax Films. Unlike the British version of the film (which opened in
March), the U.S. version includes highlights from the first Ball film (1979).

940 May 22, 1982

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Graham Chapman appears
on the “Newsbreak” segment to discuss the censored Ball commercial.
After the ad is shown, Chapman reads NBC’s letter of objection and
apologizes for any unintended offense the ad may have caused. Then, re-
creating the ad’s final shot, he rises to reveal he is wearing fishnet stockings
and a star-spangled speedo. Chapman also interrupts a sketch as The
Colonel. Olivia Newton-John is the host. Directed by Dave Wilson.
Produced by Dick Ebersol.

941 June 24, 1982

Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam tape an appearance on The Uncle

Floyd Show in Newark, NJ.

942 June 24, 1982

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Graham
Chapman and Terry Gilliam, promoting Hollywood Bowl, and Ted
Nugent.

943 June 25, 1982

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (Feature film: Columbia

Pictures) opens in the U.S. Concert film of Python’s performance at the
Hollywood Bowl in September 1980. Originally produced on videotape and
then transferred to film. Includes: “Sit on My Face,” “Self-Wrestling,”
“Never Be Rude to an Arab,” “The Last Supper,” “Silly Olympics” (film),
“Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Ministry of Silly Walks,” “Camp Judges,”
“World Forum,” “I’m the Urban Spaceman” (Neil Innes), “Crunchy Frog,”
“Albatross/Colonel,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “International Philosophy” (film),
“Four Yorkshiremen,” “Argument Clinic/I’ve Got Two Legs,” “How Sweet
to Be an Idiot” (Innes), “Flasher Love Story [anim]” (film), “Travel Agent,”
“Custard Pie,” “Little Red Riding Hood” (film), “Dead Bishop on the
Landing (Church Police),” and “The Lumberjack Song.” Written &
performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes.
Staged & presented by Monty Python. Filmed sequences directed by Ian
MacNaughton. Produced & directed by Terry Hughes. A HandMade Films
production.

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, June 25, 1982): “...the
familiar material is all the funnier for being well known ... the Python
people are great theatrical performers, and their stage work is just as madly
effective as their film and television work”; David Ansen (Newsweek, July
12, 1982, p. 76): “Hollywood Bowl may not reach some of the surreal
heights of Holy Grail and Life of Brian, but it’s more consistently
uproarious than either of those features”; Stephen Schaefer (Us, Aug. 17,
1982, p. 71): “Hysterically amusing, this performance film should have you
laughing out loud—if not falling out of your seat.... Python’s Bowl is an
indescribably vicious, minutely nutritious comedic canape”; Michael
Sragow (Rolling Stone, Sept. 2, 1982, p. 34): “This is yet another fine
concert film from the frenetic British farce group—masters of intellectual
slapstick, cosmic japes and surreal puns, and inventors of the comedy of
anti-manners”; Bruce Williamson (Playboy, October 1982, p. 36): “The lads
are in fine form ... in some of their classic skits.”

944 July 12–September 11, 1982

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life is filmed in various locations in

England and Scotland and at EMI’s Elstree Studios (in Borehamwood,
England).

945 July 12, 1982

Principal photography on Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life begins. The
filming location is the International University of Europe (formerly the
Royal Masonic School), Bushey, Hertfordshire on the outskirts of London.
The scene filmed is the rugby match between the boys and masters of St.
Anselm’s School.

946 July 21–28, 1982

Aquarian (Magazine/U.S.). “Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam of

Monty Python: What Do the People Want? Who in the Hell are ‘The
People’?,” by Tony Desena. Interview with Chapman and Gilliam,
promoting Hollywood Bowl, conducted June 24 at the Parker Meridien
Hotel in New York City.

947 Late July 1982

The “Mr. Creosote” scene from The Meaning of Life is filmed over four
days at Porchester Hall in Queensway, Bayswater, London. The scene
features Terry Jones as a grossly overweight restaurant patron and John
Cleese as an obsequious French maître d’. It also features thousands of
gallons of vomit (actually a mixture of Russian salad and vegetable soup).

948 August–September 1982

The “Grim Reaper” scene from The Meaning of Life is filmed at Elstree
Studios and on location on the cold and rainy Malham Moors in Yorkshire
(Aug. 16).

949 August 1982

The “Every Sperm Is Sacred” musical sequence from The Meaning of Life
is filmed at Elstree Studios and on location in Colne, Lancashire.

950 August 2, 1982

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Bio: Monty Python,” by Lewis

Grossberger, pp. 46–48+. The Pythons are interviewed at their London
office for this six-page Python history, illustrated with many photos. One
photo, taken by Nancy Moran, shows the group posing like statues (while
wearing bikini bottoms over their pants) in nearby Regent’s Park.

951 August 12 & 13, 1982

The “First Zulu War 1879” scene from The Meaning of Life is filmed on a
mountainside near Strathblane in Scotland. On the first day, the 150 local
black students recruited to play the Zulus walk out over objections to their
skimpy tribal costumes and have to be bussed back home again. On the
second day, the scene is shot at 5:00 P.M. after spending all day browning
up and putting wigs on 100 white Glaswegians.

952 August 13, 1982

The Sun (Newspaper/U.K.). “Day the Angry Zulus Blacked John Cleese,”
by Sun reporter. Article on the Meaning of Life filming in Scotland. The
piece contains a false quote attributed to Cleese, causing him to write a
series of letters to the paper’s editor. Their exchange appears in the 1983
book of the film.

953 August 25, 1982

The “Delivery Room” scene from The Meaning of Life is filmed.

954 September–December 1982

Yellowbeard, a star-studded pirate spoof starring Graham Chapman (who

also co-wrote the script) with John Cleese and Eric Idle in supporting
roles, is filmed in England and Mexico with an $8 million budget. Shooting
goes smoothly until the last week of filming, in Mexico, when co-star
Marty Feldman suffers a fatal heart attack.

955 September 8, 1982

Michael Palin attends the premiere of the film Brimstone and Treacle at
The Classic, Haymarket, London.

956 September 11, 1982

The Pythons play fish on the final day of filming on The Meaning of Life.

957 September 11, 1982

Faerie Tale Theatre (TV episode: Showtime). “The Tale of the Frog
Prince.” A very beautiful—and very vain—young princess rejects all of the
princes in the land, but is finally charmed by a witty frog who, it turns out,
is a bewitched prince himself. Eric Idle wrote, directed, and narrates this
premiere episode of Shelley Duvall’s children’s anthology series Faerie
Tale Theatre. Idle will return to the series in 1985 to play the title role in
“The Pied Piper of Hamelin.” Starring Robin Williams, Teri Garr, Rene
Auberjonois, Candy Clark, Roberta Maxwell, Michael Richards, and
Donovan Scott. Produced by Jonathan Taplin. Executive produced by
Shelley Duvall. Hour.

958 September 18, 1982

The Glasgow Herald (Newspaper/U.K.). “Now for Something Completely

Contradictory,” by Iain Wilson, p. 9. Interview with Graham Chapman,
conducted last month at a hotel in Glasgow (in Scotland), near Strathblane,
where the Pythons were filming The Meaning of Life.

959 September 23, 1982

Small Harry and the Toothache Pills (Book: Methuen), written by Michael
Palin with illustrations by Caroline Holden, is published in the U.K. Palin’s
first book for children, written in 1980. Palin will read the story on an
October 1984 episode of the TV series Jackanory.

960 October 1982

Head for Business (Training film: Video Arts). John Cleese plays a
skeptical assistant bank manager who tries to discourage his son from
setting up his own business. The film, paid for by the Department of
Industry to encourage entrepreneurship, is distributed to British schools.
Also starring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Terence Alexander. Written by
Antony Jay. Directed by Barbara Trentham.
961 Early October 1982

Michael Palin tours U.S. colleges promoting The Missionary. The tour
includes stops at the University of Maryland (Oct. 4), where he wins a
Turtle Award, also Northwestern University near Chicago (Oct. 6), Southern
Methodist University in Dallas (Oct. 7), and San Francisco State (Oct. 8).

962 October 8, 1982

Michael Palin gives a radio interview on San Francisco’s KQAK (“The

Quake”).

963 October 24–November 6, 1982

Michael Palin’s second U.S. promotional tour for The Missionary begins in
Seattle and ends in New York. He makes the talk show rounds (Merv,
Letterman, etc.) and guests on Saturday Night Live.

964 October 26, 1982

Michael Palin tapes an appearance on The Merv Griffin Show in Los

Angeles. The show airs Nov. 17.

965 October 28, 1982

Mike Douglas: People Now (TV talk show: CNN). Guests: Michael Palin,
promoting The Missionary, and Robert Culp.

966 October 30, 1982

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Michael Keaton,
with Michael Palin and musical guest Joe Jackson. Palin appears in the
sketches “A Sense of Fear” and “Topol the Idiot.” Cast: Robin Duke, Julia
Louis-Dreyfus, Mary Gross, Brad Hall, Tim Kazurinsky, Gary Kroeger,
Eddie Murphy, and Joe Piscopo. Directed by Dave Wilson. Produced by
Dick Ebersol.

967 November 1, 1982

Michael Palin, in Boston promoting The Missionary, is interviewed by
Michael Blowen of the Boston Globe.

968 November 2, 1982

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). David Hartman

interviews Michael Palin (in New York) about The Missionary.

969 November 4, 1982

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: Michael
Palin, promoting The Missionary.

970 November 5, 1982

The Missionary (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in the U.S. Light
comedy about an Edwardian clergyman who, upon returning from Africa, is
assigned by the Bishop of London to set up a shelter for fallen women in
London’s East End. But he must first get the money from the lusty Lady
Ames, who is set on changing her stifling upper-class life. Michael Palin,
in his first solo film project, plays the lead role of the Rev. Charles
Fortescue. Also starring Maggie Smith, Trevor Howard, Denholm Elliott,
Michael Hordern, Graham Crowden, David Suchet, Phoebe Nicholls,
Valerie Whittington, and Neil Innes. Written by Michael Palin. Directed by
Richard Loncraine. Produced by Neville C. Thompson and Michael Palin.
Executive produced by George Harrison and Denis O’Brien. A HandMade
Films production. Opens in the U.K. on March 3, 1983.

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Nov. 5, 1982): “...a
charming, buoyant new English comedy.... The film’s physical production is
amazingly handsome...”; David Denby (New York, Nov. 8, 1982, p. 62+):
“...a high-style British comedy about virtue and lust ... a calm, steady,
beautifully photographed movie, an aesthetically pleasing object that is also
very funny...”; David Ansen (Newsweek, Nov. 8, 1982, p. 90): “...a comedy
as crisp and satisfying as a good English biscuit, Palin has finally left his
mark.... The Missionary is that rare comedy that never strains for a laugh”;
David Robinson (The Times [London], Mar. 4, 1983, p. 7): “...a superior
comedy, as British comedies go, and enormously enjoyable for its
performances.”

971 November 10, 1982

The Missionary, according to Variety, is the second top-grossing film in the

U.S. and Canada this week.

972 November 11, 1982

The Boston Globe (Newspaper/U.S.). “Michael Palin Takes Comedy

Seriously,” by Michael Blowen, p. 1 (Arts & Films). Interview with Palin
(conducted in Boston on Nov. 1) about The Missionary.

973 November 14, 1982

Michael Palin attends the Oxford Children’s Book Fair at the Randolph
Hotel in Oxford, England where he signs copies of his new children’s book
Small Harry and the Toothache Pills.

974 November 17, 1982

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Michael Palin,
promoting The Missionary, Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, Phyllis and
David York, and Lee Greenwood. Taped Oct. 26 in Los Angeles.

975 November 26, 1982

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Joan Bakewell presents a report on

Michael Palin’s new film The Missionary. Includes an interview with
Palin.

976 November 28, 1982

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests include Michael Palin, David Essex, Jill Gascoine, and Derek
Nimmo.

977 November 28, 1982

The Missionary is shown at the London Film Festival. Michael Palin and
Terry Jones are among those attending the screening.

978 December 2, 1982

Actor-comedian Marty Feldman dies at age 49 from a heart attack in

Mexico City after completing filming on Yellowbeard, the pirate comedy
co-starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, and Eric Idle. Feldman
(Young Frankenstein) had earlier worked with the Pythons on The Frost
Report (1966–67) and with Cleese and Chapman on the 1967 sketch
comedy series At Last the 1948 Show.

979 December 2, 1982

Michael Palin gives a speech at a meeting of the Society of Bookmen at

the Savile Club in London.

980 December 3, 1982

Good Morning New York (TV news-talk show: ABC). Guests: Terry Jones,
promoting Fairy Tales, and Jane Alexander.

981 December 3, 1982

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: Terry
Jones, promoting Fairy Tales. Jones reads from “The Silly King” and also
talks about The Meaning of Life, being Welsh, and owning a brewery.

982 December 9, 1982

The Rupert Bear Story—A Tribute to Alfred Bestall (TV special: Channel 4).
Terry Jones wrote, directed and hosts this affectionate tribute to 89-year-
old author-illustrator Alfred Bestall, the man who has drawn the much-
loved bear in the woolly sweater and plaid trousers for the Daily Express
since 1936. Jones, a Rupert fan since childhood, recently met Bestall on a
July 1981 episode of Paperbacks. Interviewees include Paul McCartney,
Dr. John Rae, Sir Hugh Casson, George Perry, and Bestall himself at his
home in North Wales. Jones’ children, Sally and Bill, also appear briefly.
Produced by Elizabeth Taylor-Mead.

983 December 12, 1982

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford and
Nigel Rees. Guests: John Cleese, Elvis Costello & The Attractions,
Suzanne Danielle, and Herbert Lom.

984 December 20, 1982

Film 82 (TV show: BBC1). Iain Johnstone reviews the new Christmas
releases. Also, interviews with John Cleese and Michael Palin, reflecting
on the films they’ve made this year (The Meaning of Life, Yellowbeard,
Privates on Parade, and The Missionary).

985 1982

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 2: What Is a Word Processor?

(Training film: Video Arts). Film explaining the word processor to office
workers. John Cleese plays the manager of a company that does not have a
word processor. Also starring Alison Steadman, Kay Stonham, Carol
Hawkins, and narrated by Judi Dench. Written by David Nobbs. Directed
by Peter Robinson. Produced by Robert Reid.

986 1982

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 3: What Is a Computer Program?

(Training film: Video Arts). John Cleese narrates this animated short
explaining what a computer program is. Features Hugh Burnett’s “Monk”
character. Animated by April Johnson. Written & produced by Robert Reid.

987 1982

Fawlty Towers: At Your Service (Record: BBC Records 449 [U.K.]; BBC-
22449 [U.S.]). LP. Original television soundtrack of the episodes “The
Kipper and the Corpse” (1979) and “The Germans” (1975). Produced by
Andrew Sachs and William Grierson. Followed by Fawlty Towers: A La
Carte (1983).

988 1982

Callard & Bowser (Radio commercials). John Cleese stars in a series of six
American radio spots for the British candy Callard & Bowser. Ads include
“Get the Name Straight,” “Exciting New Flavors,” and “Help England Back
on Its Feet.” Written by Cleese and Lynn Stiles. Agency: Lord, Geller,
Federico & Einstein, New York.

Award: Clio Award winner.

989 January 10, 1983

Michael Palin sets off on a promotional tour of Australia for The

Missionary.

990 January 23, 1983

An Evening at Court (Stage show). Benefit show performed at the Theatre

Royal, Drury Lane, London. Performers include Peter Cook, John Cleese,
Graham Chapman, Rowan Atkinson, David Frost, Eleanor Bron, Angela
Thorne, Barry Took, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, and Bill Oddie.
Cleese and Cook perform “Inalienable Rights.” The event aids the Adrian
Slade Legal Costs Appeal. Directed by Humphrey Barclay.

991 January 25, 1983

Privates on Parade (Feature film: HandMade Films) opens in the U.K. Film
of the Royal Shakespeare Company stage hit by Peter Nichols. John Cleese
plays the pompous Major Giles Flack, who commands a strange song-and-
dance platoon in 1948 Malaysia. The platoon consists of a group of campy
entertainers led by the aging drag-queen Captain Terry, played by Denis
Quilley. Also starring Michael Elphick, Nicola Pagett, Patrick Pearson, and
Joe Melia. Written by Peter Nichols. Directed by Michael Blakemore.
Produced by Simon Relph. Executive produced by George Harrison and
Denis O’Brien. A HandMade Films production. Opens in the U.S. on Apr.
13, 1984. Note: Nigel Hawthorne originated the role of Major Flack in the
1977 stage production.

Review: David Hughes (The Sunday Times [London], Jan. 30, 1983, p. 39):
“Clipped, highly strung, a tall story on legs, Cleese defines nerves, angst,
grit, but is always in well-characterised control...”; Vincent Canby (The
New York Times, Apr. 13, 1984): “The scale of Privates on Parade is small,
but the effect is large and lethally funny.”

992 January 29, 1983

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: John
Cleese, promoting Privates on Parade, Shirley Conran, Sir Geraint Evans,
and Sky.

993 January 31, 1983

John Dunn Show (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Privates on Parade.

994 January 31, 1983

Film 83 (TV show: BBC1). Host Barry Norman looks at the latest film
releases, including Privates on Parade starring John Cleese.

995 Late January 1983

Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam visit India. Their trip takes them to
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur.

996 Late January 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life has its first American showing at a
shopping mall cinema in Yonkers, New York. The two preview screenings
were arranged to gauge public reaction to the film. Seventy-five percent of
the audience consists of 15 to 18-year-old high school kids. There are 80
walkouts. As a result of the poor screenings, several cuts are made,
including the “Adventures of Martin Luther” and “Diana the Waitress”
sequences.
997 February 1983

American Express (TV commercials). John Cleese begins appearing in ads

for American Express, playing a snooty Englishman whose butler qualified
for an American Express card while he did not. Directed by Robert Young.
Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, New York.

998 February 1983

The Missionary (Book: Methuen), written by Michael Palin, is published in

the U.K. Screenplay of the 1982 film, with photos by David Farrell.

999 February 1, 1983

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Hosted by Robert Kee,
Anna Ford, and David Frost. Guest John Cleese, in his pajamas, is
interviewed by Frost and Ford on the debut of this new morning program.
Cleese talks about the “Pet Shop” and “Silly Walks” sketches and Fawlty
Towers.

OceanofPDF.com
1000 February 1, 1983

A Plus (TV talk show: ITV). Mavis Nicholson interviews John Cleese.

1001 February 2, 1983

Gloria Hunniford (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Privates on Parade.

1002 February 6, 1983

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford

and Nigel Rees. Guests: John Cleese, Johnny Morris, Spike Milligan, Julie
Walters, Noele Gordon, and William Relton.

1003 February 7, 1983

Film 83 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes an on-

location report from Rye on the making of Graham Chapman’s
Yellowbeard. Reporter Nicholas Shakespeare talks to Chapman, Peter
Cook, and Michael Hordern.

1004 February 10–March 24, 1983

Amanda’s (TV series: ABC). Short-lived American sitcom based on John

Cleese’s BBC comedy Fawlty Towers. Bea Arthur stars. Six episodes.

1005 February 16, 1983

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Paul Gambaccini interviews
John Cleese.

1006 February 16, 1983

Tim Rice (TV talk show: BBC1). The first of a new seven-show series.
Guests: Michael Palin, Katia & Marielle Labeque, and Bonnie Tyler. Palin,
promoting The Missionary, also talks about the Life of Brian controversy
and the upcoming film The Meaning of Life.
1007 February 20, 1983

Sunday Night (TV talk show: BBC1). Religious program hosted by Eric
Robson. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting The Missionary.

1008 February 23, 1983

Midweek (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Henry Kelly. Guests:
Brig. George Hardy and Terry Jones.

1009 February 24, 1983

Star Sound Extra (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: John Cleese.

1010 February 26, 1983

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Hosted by Michael

Parkinson and his wife Mary. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting The
Missionary.

1011 February 28, 1983

Film 83 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Guest: Michael

Palin, promoting The Missionary.

1012 Spring 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (Record: MCA Records MCA-6121

[U.S.]; CBS 70239 [U.K.]). The original film soundtrack, with links by
Michael Palin. Tracks: “Intro,” “Fish Intro,” “The Meaning of Life”
(song), “Delivery Room,” “Link,” “Every Sperm Is Sacred” (song),
“Protestantism and Sex,” “The Adventures of Martin Luther” (intro only),
“Sex Lesson,” “British Soldiers,” “Fish (end of side one),” “Terry Gilliam
Intro to Side Two,” “Accountancy Shanty” (song), “The First Zulu War
1879/Tiger Hunt,” “Link,” “Dungeon Room (Mr. and Mrs. Hendy),” “Liver
Donor,” “Galaxy Song” (song), “The Not Noël Coward Song (Penis
Song),” “Mr. Creosote,” “The Grim Reaper,” “Link,” “Christmas in
Heaven” (song), and “Link (Dedication to Fish).” Produced by Andre
Jacquemin and Michael Palin. Engineered, mixed, and edited by Andre
Jacquemin at Redwood Recording Studios, London. Single issued on CBS
Records A/WA 3495. Digitally remastered and reissued in 2006 with 12
bonus tracks.

1013 Spring 1983

Standby...Lights! Camera! Action! (TV episode: Nickelodeon). Hosted by

Leonard Nimoy. Includes a look at the making of The Meaning of Life.

1014 March 1983

The Face (Magazine/U.K.). John Cleese interview and cover photo (“The
Private Cleese”).

1015 March 2, 1983

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Guests Michael Palin and
Maggie Smith talk about their film The Missionary, opening tomorrow.

1016 March 2, 1983

Nationwide (TV show: BBC1). News magazine. Susannah Greenberg

reports on the making of The Missionary.

1017 March 3, 1983

The Missionary opens in the U.K.

1018 March 3, 1983

Strictly Private (TV special: ITV/Thames). Iain Johnstone gives the viewer
a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film Privates on Parade.
Includes interviews with John Cleese, Peter Nichols, Denis Quilley,
Michael Blakemore, and others. Directed by Luke Jeans. Produced by
Richard Kuttner and Ray Cooper.

1019 March 10, 1983

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “And Now for Something
Completely Different,” by Chris Peachment, p. 9. Interview with Michael
Palin about his life and new film The Missionary.

1020 March 12, 1983

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Guest: Terry Jones.

1021 March 14, 1983

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Carl
Reiner and John Cleese, promoting The Meaning of Life.

1022 March 15, 1983

Michael Palin meets Princess Margaret after a screening of The Missionary

at the Classic Haymarket in London.

1023 March 22, 1983

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle,
promoting The Meaning of Life, Ray “Boom, Boom” Mancini, and Stanley
Anderson.

1024 March 29, 1983

Eric Idle turns 40.

1025 March 30, 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (Feature film: Universal Pictures)

opens in the U.S. Monty Python’s final film returns to the sketch format and
contains something to offend everyone. It’s targets include the medical
profession, birth control, sex education, consumerism, greed, religion,
American tourists, halibut, and just about everything else. The film is
preceded by a 16-minute short feature called The Crimson Permanent
Assurance, directed by Terry Gilliam. The main feature, following an
introduction by the Pythons (as fish) and title song, is divided into seven
parts: Part 1, The Miracle of Birth: “Delivery Room,” “Every Sperm Is
Sacred” (song), and “Protestantism and Sex”; Part 2, Growth and Learning:
“School Chapel,” “Oh Lord Please Don’t Burn Us” (song), “Sex Lesson,”
and “Rugby Match”; Part 3, Fighting Each Other: “British Soldiers,”
“Marching Up and Down the Square (RSM),” and “The First Zulu War
1879/Tiger Hunt”; The Middle of the Film: “Find the Fish”; Part 4, Middle
Age: “Dungeon Room (Mr. and Mrs. Hendy)”; Part 5, Live Organ
Transplants: “Liver Donor,” “Galaxy Song” (song), and “The Very Big
Corporation of America”; Part 6, The Autumn Years: “Penis Song” (song),
“Mr. Creosote,” and “The Meaning of Life (Gaston the Waiter)”; Part 7,
Death: “Arthur Jarrett,” “Falling Leaves [anim],” “The Grim Reaper,” and
“Christmas in Heaven” (song); The End of the Film: “The Meaning of
Life.” Written by and starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry
Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, with Carol Cleveland,
Simon Jones, Andrew MacLachlan, Mark Holmes, Valerie Whittington,
Patricia Quinn, and Judy Loe. Director of animation: Terry Gilliam.
Choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Directed by Terry Jones. Produced by
John Goldstone. Released on DVD in 2001 and September 2003 (two-disc
special edition).

Awards: Winner of the Special Jury Prize (second highest honor) at the
Cannes Film Festival; BAFTA-nominated for Best Original Song (“Every
Sperm Is Sacred”).

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Mar. 31, 1983):
“...sometimes hilarious and colossally rude but, as often as it evokes laughs,
it overwhelms them by the majesty of its production and special effects”;
Richard Schickel (Time, Mar. 28, 1983, p. 62): “...most of the film is
designed to offend somebody at the very moment it is making someone else
fall helplessly about with laughter.... In their assaults on conventional
morality, they generate a ferocious and near Swiftian moral gravity of their
own ... an exhilarating experience”; Katrine Ames (Newsweek, Apr. 4, 1983,
p. 74): “...the best movie to date from England’s satirical sextet ... their
satire has never been more incisive—they’ve become savagely hilarious
observers of the human condition”; David Denby (New York, Apr. 4, 1983,
pp. 73–74): “...their humor is more fervently violent and obscene than
ever.... The sick-up business has been getting out of hand of late, and this
(the French restaurant scene) should certainly put a stop to it”; People
Weekly (Apr. 11, 1983, p. 10+): “There are a few moments when bad taste is
raised to high comic art ... viewers of The Meaning of Life will be more apt
to double over in disgust than in laughter”; Lawrence O’Toole (Maclean’s,
Apr. 11, 1983, p. 69): “...Life is satire of Swiftian proportion: scathing,
endlessly inventive and as giddy as a room filled with laughing gas”;
Stanley Kauffmann (The New Republic, Apr. 18, 1983, pp. 24–25): “Life is
not their most consistently funny film, but it’s the one that is most free in
fantasy and most savage.... They are the most dangerous madmen at large,
ruthlessly perceptive and torrentially gifted”; Bruce Williamson (Playboy,
June 1983, p. 27): “...screamingly funny ... there is no company of social
satirists to match Monty Python for savagery, effrontery, freewheeling
irreverence and throwaway wit”; David Hughes (The Sunday Times
[London], June 26, 1983, p. 43): “...nothing here is in bad taste. There is
simply no taste at all, except in a certain elegance of wit and the timing of
the execution.”

1026 March 30, 1983

The Crimson Permanent Assurance (Short film: Universal Pictures). The

aged employees of the Permanent Assurance Company mutiny against their
young, hard-driving corporate managers and set sail in their office building
“upon the high seas of international finance.” Terry Gilliam directed this
comedy-adventure short, which was originally intended to be a six-minute
sequence in the middle of Monty Python’s feature film, The Meaning of
Life. When the short’s length expanded to 16 minutes, it was decided to
move the short to the beginning of the film as a supporting featurette.
Starring Sydney Arnold, Guy Bertrand, Andrew Bicknell, Ross Davidson,
Myrtle Devenish, Tim Douglas, Eric Francis, Matt Frewer, Billy John,
Russell Kilmister, Peter Mantle, Len Marten, Peter Merrill, Cameron Miller,
Gareth Milne, Larry Noble, Paddy Ryan, Leslie Sarony, John Scott Martin,
Eric Stovell, and Wally Thomas, with cameos by Gilliam and Michael
Palin as window washers. Song: “Accountancy Shanty” (w/m: Eric Idle
and John Du Prez). Produced by John Goldstone.

Awards: BAFTA-nominated for Best Short Film.

1027 April 1983

The Morning Show (TV talk show: WABC-TV, New York). New morning
program hosted by Regis Philbin and Cyndy Garvey. Guest: Michael Palin,
promoting The Meaning of Life. Recorded Apr. 1.

1028 April 1, 1983

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting The Meaning of Life, Nick Lowe, and Teri Garr.

1029 April 6, 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, according to Variety, is the fifth top-
grossing film in the U.S. and Canada this week.

1030 April 7, 1983

20/20 (TV show: ABC). News magazine hosted by Hugh Downs. Arts
correspondent Tom Hoving reports on the filming last year of The Meaning
of Life. Includes interviews and a behind-the-scenes look at how the
Pythons became fish (on Sept. 11, 1982).

1031 April 9, 1983

Michael Palin appears at a screening of Time Bandits at the Screen on the

Hill cinema in London.

1032 April 10, 1983

Too Hot to Handle (Stage show), at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London.
Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform in this music-comedy concert
staged to raise funds for the Stop Sizewell B (nuclear power plant) Public
Enquiry Fund. Other performers include Neil Innes, Rik Mayall, Pamela
Stephenson, Chris Difford, Glen Tilbrook, Hazel O’Connor, Madness, and
UB40.

1033 April 11, 1983

The BBC2 Film Competition (TV episode: BBC2). “The Final.” Last of a
six-part series in which amateur filmmakers from around Britain compete.
Jury members are Terry Gilliam, Penelope Gilliatt, Michael Winner, and
Peter Yates. Hosted by Michael Dean.

1034 April 13, 1983

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Graham Chapman,
Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones, promoting The Meaning of Life, also
Genie Francis, Jeff De Hart, Dr. Melvin Silverman, and Gloria Heidi.

1035 April 13, 1983

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Graham
Chapman, promoting The Meaning of Life, and Harry Anderson.

1036 April 25, 1983

John Cleese’s complaint against The Sun, which falsely attributed an

offensive joke to him in August 1982 during the Meaning of Life filming, is
upheld by the Press Council.

1037 April 25, 1983

Michael Palin is interviewed at his home by Edward Whitley and another

young writer for a book about Oxford University and its graduates. Their
questioning of the comedian is aggressive and uncomfortable, and after a
while Palin, losing patience and late for another appointment, abruptly ends
the interview and leaves the house. The book, titled The Graduates, is
published in May 1986.

1038 May 5, 1983

Michael Palin turns 40.

1039 May 9, 1983

The Pythons (minus John Cleese) attend a press conference and gala
screening of The Meaning of Life at the 36th annual Cannes International
Film Festival (May 7–19) in France.
1040 May 12, 1983

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Joan Bakewell presents a report on the
reception of The Meaning of Life at the Cannes Film Festival. Terry Jones
is interviewed.

1041 May 15, 1983

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Video Choice: Michael

Palin on Great Train Films,” by Michael Palin (interviewed by Chris
Salewicz), p. 24. Palin discusses some of the top railway-themed films,
including Brief Encounter and Emperor of the North.

1042 May 19, 1983

At the Cannes Film Festival, The Meaning of Life, which was a British
competition entry, is awarded the Special Jury Grand Prize, the festival’s
second highest honor. At the closing-night ceremony, Terry Jones thanks
the jury members by name and quips, “Your money is behind the wash
basin.”

1043 May 20, 1983

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Julie Walters and
Michael Palin. Marjorie Lofthouse talks to Palin about his film The
Missionary.

1044 May 23, 1983

Film 83 (TV show: BBC1). Iain Johnstone presents a location report from
the Cannes Film Festival where The Meaning of Life is being screened.
Includes interviews with Graham Chapman, David Bowie, Julie Walters,
and others.

1045 May 31, 1983

A Party Election Broadcast: SDP/Liberal Alliance (TV:

BBC1/BBC2/ITV/Channel 4). John Cleese appears in this broadcast for the
Social Democratic Party/Liberal Alliance.
1046 June 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (Book: Methuen [U.K.]; Grove Press
[U.S.]). The complete film script, with many photos and animation stills.
Includes the “Adventures of Martin Luther” and “Diana the Waitress”
scenes, which were cut from the film; also John Cleese’s correspondence
with the editor of The Sun concerning racially insensitive remarks falsely
attributed to him by a reporter during filming in Scotland in August 1982.
Designed by James Campus. Stills photography by David Appleby.

1047 June 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (Radio commercials). Series of U.K.

radio ads promoting the June 23 release of the film. In one, Michael Palin
plays Dino Vercotti; in another, a game show called Philosopher’s Corner
poses the question “What is the Meaning of Life?” (with Palin, Terry
Jones, John Cleese, and Eric Idle); another ad features Palin as a radio
announcer who messes up several takes, at first describing the film as an
after-shave.

Awards: Radio Award-winner for Best Use of Comedy on a Commercial

and Best Entertainment.

1048 June 1983

Galaxy Song/Every Sperm Is Sacred (Record: CBS Records A 3495). U.K

single containing the songs “Galaxy Song” and “Every Sperm Is Sacred”
from the Meaning of Life soundtrack. Also issued as an oversized, fishbowl-
shaped picture disc (WA 3495).

1049 June 1983

Group Madness: The Making of Yellowbeard (TV special: Synd./U.S.).

Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the pirate comedy Yellowbeard.
The 45-minute documentary follows the filmmakers to locations in England
and Mexico and includes on-set interviews with Graham Chapman, Eric
Idle, John Cleese, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Mel Damski, Peter Cook,
and Madeline Kahn. Produced & directed by Michael Mileham and Phil
Schuman.

1050 June 1983

Footlights!: A Hundred Years of Cambridge Comedy (Book: Methuen),

written by Robert Hewison, is published in the U.K. Preface by Eric Idle, a
former member (1963–65) of Footlights.

1051 June 4, 1983

Footlights! 100 Years of Comedy (TV special: BBC1). Documentary special

celebrating the centenary of the Cambridge Footlights revue of which John
Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Eric Idle were members in the 1960s.
Hosted by Chris Serle and featuring interviews with Cleese, David Frost,
Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, Robert Hewison, and others. Produced by Tom
Gutteridge.

1052 June 10, 1983

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Python’s Meaning of Life Is That

Life Makes No Sense,” by Michael Watts, p. 12. Interview with John
Cleese, who talks about The Meaning of Life, etc. Includes a large photo of
Cleese (by John Voos) and a look at how the film came about.

1053 June 13, 1983

Loose Talk (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Steve Taylor. Guests
include Terry Gilliam, promoting The Meaning of Life, Victor Romero
Evans, Steve Machete, and Jools Holland.

1054 June 15, 1983

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest:

Michael Palin, promoting The Missionary.

1055 June 15, 1983

The News Is the News (TV episode: NBC). First show of a limited-run
series—broadcast live from New York—that satirizes the news. Includes an
analysis of the British elections by the show’s opening-night guest reporter,
Michael Palin, standing outside No. 10 Downing Street. Palin’s piece was
taped June 11. Starring Simon Jones, Michael Davis, Charlotte Moore, and
Trey Wilson. Produced by Herb Sargent.

1056 June 19, 1983

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Monty Python: A Hard

Act to Follow,” by George Perry, pp. 24–27. A look at the Pythons’ latest
film The Meaning of Life, opening in the U.K. this week. Group photo taken
by Clive Arrowsmith. Perry’s book, Life of Python, is being published later
this year.

1057 June 20, 1983

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Hosted by Anne

Diamond and Terry Jones (sitting in for Nick Owen).

1058 June 23, 1983

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life opens in the U.K.

1059 June 24, 1983

Yellowbeard (Feature film: Orion Pictures) opens in the U.S. Graham

Chapman co-wrote this send-up of pirate movies and plays the title role of
the foul, incorrigible buccaneer whose quest to reclaim his booty requires
breaking out of jail and stowing away on a ship headed for the island where
the treasure is buried. Marty Feldman’s last film. Also starring Eric Idle (as
Commander Clement), John Cleese (as Blind Pew), Peter Boyle, Cheech
and Chong, Peter Cook, Martin Hewitt, Michael Hordern, Madeline Kahn,
and James Mason. Written by Graham Chapman, Peter Cook, and
Bernard McKenna. Directed by Mel Damski. Produced by Carter DeHaven.
Released in Britain in September.
Reviews: Lawrence Van Gelder (The New York Times, June 24, 1983):
“...the frequency of the wit tends to be intermittent and of varying quality
and, at its best, to be reminiscent of superior efforts in Python movies”;
People Weekly (July 11, 1983, p. 10): “They (the cast) all average about a
laugh apiece, which, if doesn’t make this film a treasure chest of humor,
does make it funnier than most film comedies these days”; David Robinson
(The Times [London], Sept. 16, 1983): “To capture the Monty Python style
of comic anarchy requires more than scatology, rude words and funny
faces.”

1060 July 1983

Prevue (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python: Is Meaning of Life Their Last

Laugh Together?” Python article, with many photos.

1061 July 2, 1983

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Roy Plomley’s castaway
is Terry Jones, whose choice of records includes “Five Salted Peanuts”
(Tony Pastor & His Orchestra), “Serenade No. 10 in B Flat Major”
(Mozart), “Penny Lane” (The Beatles), and “Imagine” (John Lennon). His
luxury item is a pencil & paper; his book is The Complete Works of
Chaucer.

1062 July 2, 1983

Michael Palin appears at the Samaritans Gala at the Theatre Royal, Drury
Lane, London. Other stars at the event, which is raising money for the
counseling service, include Glenda Jackson, Cleo Laine, Susannah York,
Julie Covington, and Tim Brooke-Taylor.

1063 July 11, 1983

Ear to the Ground (TV show: Channel 4). Current affairs program for
young people, hosted by Julie Hall and David Barrie. Guests include
Michael Palin and The Lobes.

1064 July 14–August 10, 1983

A Monty Python film festival is held at the Barbican Centre in London. The
retrospective includes both Python films and solo projects (including Time
Bandits and The Missionary).

1065 August 1983

The Secret Policeman’s Private Parts (Feature film: Miramax Films) is

released in the U.S. Compilation of the best bits that didn’t make it into the
first two Ball films as well as material from the 1976 and 1977 Amnesty
shows. Starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry
Jones, Terry Gilliam, and many others. Directed by Roger Graef and
Julien Temple. Created & produced by Martin Lewis. Also released on
video.

1066 August 1983

Prevue (Magazine/U.S.). “The Confessions of Terry Jones,” by Kim

“Howard” Johnson, pp. 24–25. Jones talks about The Meaning of Life.

1067 August 12, 1983

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Michael Palin talks to Sue
Cook about today’s headlines and about his Comic Roots documentary
airing tonight.

1068 August 12, 1983

Comic Roots (TV special: BBC1). “Michael Palin.” The first in a four-part
series of documentaries on the formative years of four British comedians.
The half-hour program traces Michael Palin’s early life and the roots of his
comic talent through personal remembrances, film clips, and interviews
with old friends, teachers, and relatives. It looks at his early years in
Sheffield, at Brasenose College (Oxford), the Edinburgh Festival, and the
influence of the Goon Show on his comedy. Starring Michael Palin, Mrs.
Mary Palin (his mother), Spike Milligan, Robert Hewison, and Terry
Jones. Written by Michael Palin. Produced by Tony Laryea.

1069 September 1983

The Saga of Erik the Viking (Book: Pavilion Books), written by Terry
Jones with illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K.
Jones’ second children’s book (following 1981’s Fairy Tales) concerns a
group of Norse sailors on an odyssey to find “the land where the sun goes at
night.” Each chapter in the book, which Jones wrote for his then six-year-
old son Bill, tells a new tale of adventure. Published in the U.S. by
Schocken Books. Erik is also made into a video game (1984) and adapted
for the stage by Laurence Sach (1993), and inspires Jones’ 1989 film, Erik
the Viking, which tells a different story from the one in the book.

Awards: Winner of the 1984 Children’s Book Award (Federation of

Children’s Book Groups).

Reviews: Carol Van Strum (The New York Times Book Review, Oct. 30,
1983, p. 26): “Giants, ogres, graceful mermaids and savage wolves leap
from a landscape of mythic grandeur.... As in Fairy Tales, their first
collaboration, Mr. Jones and Mr. Foreman fashion from traditional
materials a tale of high deeds and adventure that is startlingly fresh”;
Andrew Wawn (The Times Literary Supplement [London], Nov. 25, 1983, p.
1310): “The author’s engagement with the medieval world and his belief in
the therapeutic power of story find renewed expression in this colourful
volume”; The Economist (Nov. 26, 1983, p. 102): “The best adventure story
this year...”

1070 September 10, 1983

Video Video (TV show: Channel 4). A look at recent video releases, hosted
by Adam Faith. Guest: Graham Chapman.

1071 September 20, 1983

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Hosted by Anne

Diamond and Nick Owen. Guest: Terry Jones.

1072 September 20, 1983

Michael Palin attends an all-star benefit rock concert for The Ronnie Lane
Appeal for ARMS (Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis) at
London’s Royal Albert Hall.

1073 September 22, 1983

Yellowbeard opens in the U.K.

1074 September 26, 1983

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s John Cleese Pursues a

Not-So-Silly Walk of Life—Making Business-Training Films,” pp. 83–84.
Article on Cleese’s involvement with Video Arts. Photographs of Cleese by
Terence Spencer.

1075 September 27, 1983

Loose Talk (TV show: Channel 4). Hosted by Steve Taylor. Guest: Graham
Chapman.

1076 September 28, 1983

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “How a Python Shed His Tortured

Skin,” by Paul Nathanson, p. 10. Interview with John Cleese, who talks
about his book Families... and his years in psychotherapy.

1077 September 28, 1983

Woman’s Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Families....

1078 September 29, 1983

Families and How to Survive Them (Book: Methuen), written by Robin

Skynner and John Cleese, is published in the U.K. Humorous question-
and-answer book by Cleese and his former therapist, Dr. Robin Skynner,
outlining Skynner’s theories and techniques on dealing with problems of
marriage, babies, children, and family relationships. Cartoons by Bud
Handelsman. Published in the U.S. by Oxford University Press (paperback,
1984). Produced as a radio series in 1990 (BBC Radio 4). Cleese and
Skynner’s follow-up, Life and How to Survive It, is published in 1993.
1079 September 29, 1983

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “Obit: Luis Buñuel,” by Michael Palin, p.

108. Palin pays tribute to surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel, who died July
29th.

1080 October 1983

An Evening with Graham Chapman (Lecture). Graham Chapman

performs his comedy lecture on a tour of North America. Venues include
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Oct. 5), Harper College in
Palatine, IL (Oct. 14), and University of Akron’s Thomas Hall in OH (Oct.
25).

1081 October 4, 1983

A Plus (TV talk show: ITV). Mavis Nicholson interviews John Cleese and
Robin Skynner about their book Families and How to Survive Them.

1082 October 5, 1983

Michael Palin attends the British Film Institute’s 50th Anniversary Banquet
at the Guildhall in London, where he meets Prince Charles and Orson
Welles. At the ceremony Charles presents fellowships to Welles, Michael
Powell, and other directors. Highlights are broadcast as Fifty Years of the
BFI that night on BBC2.

1083 October 13, 1983

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Frank Delaney talks to John
Cleese and Robin Skynner about their book Families and How to Survive
Them.

1084 October 21, 1983

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Paul Coia talks to Terry Jones
about his new children’s book The Saga of Erik the Viking.

1085 October 22, 1983

The Saturday Show (TV show: ITV/LWT). Guest: Terry Jones, promoting
Erik the Viking.

1086 November 1983–August 1984

Brazil, Terry Gilliam’s nightmare fantasy, is filmed over a nine-month

period at Lee International Film Studios in Wembley, England and on
location in London and Cumbria, England and Marne-Le-Vallee, France.
Locations include Leighton House (London), Mentmore Towers
(Mentmore, Buckinghamshire), and Croydon Power Station (South
London). Universal Studios and Twentieth Century–Fox are financing the
film, which is budgeted at $15 million.

1087 November 1983

Heavy Metal (Magazine/U.S.). “Nahallywood: Graham Chapman

Interview,” by Ed Naha, pp. 11–12. Chapman talks about Python and the
problems with Yellowbeard.

1088 November 13, 1983

Terry Jones reads from his new book The Saga of Erik the Viking in the
Children’s Bookshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

1089 November 14, 1983

Live at Five (TV news-talk show: WNBC, New York). Guests: Terry
Jones, promoting his book The Saga of Erik the Viking, and Mariel
Hemingway.

1090 November 15, 1983

Terry Jones reads from his book The Saga of Erik the Viking at the
Cornelia Street Café in Greenwich Village, New York City.

1091 November 16–19, 1983

More Than 35 Minutes with Michael Palin (Stage show). Michael Palin
performs his one-man show for four nights at the Arts Theatre in Belfast, N.
Ireland as part of the Belfast Festival. This is Palin’s second time
performing at the festival, following his debut there in November 1981.

1092 November 17, 1983

Latenight America (TV talk show: PBS). Hosted by Dennis Wholey. Guest:
Terry Jones, promoting his book The Saga of Erik the Viking.

1093 November 19, 1983

Data Run (TV show: ITV/TV-am). Magazine program for teenagers. Guest:
Terry Jones.

1094 November 27, 1983

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “Terry Jones Isn’t Grimm,” by

Michele Slung. Interview.

1095 November 27, 1983

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford

and Brian Hayes. Guests include Terry Jones, Maureen Lipman, Jean
Marsh, and Omar Sharif.

1096 November 28, 1983

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Marian Foster talks to Terry
Jones and Susan Hampshire about current children’s books.

1097 December 1983

Life of Python (Book: Pavilion Books), written by George Perry, is

published in the U.K. A history of Monty Python, which begins with an
examination of British comedy before Python (The Goon Show, Beyond the
Fringe, etc.), followed by biographies of each individual Python member
and then the group as a whole. Illustrated with many rare photos, the book
also includes a Pythonography compiled by Lucy Douch. Published in the
U.S. in 1984 by Little, Brown and Company. An updated edition of the
book is published in 1995 (revised in 2006). Perry is a journalist and friend
of the Pythons.

1098 December 3, 1983

All six Pythons attend the wedding of Nancy Lewis, the team’s U.S.
publicist, to actor Simon Jones (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The
Meaning of Life) at St. Paul’s, Covent Garden, London.

1099 December 14, 1983

Arts Review of the Year (TV special: Channel 4). John Cleese participates
in this two-hour discussion program celebrating the year in arts. Hosted by
Melvyn Bragg and Billy Connolly. Directed by Don Featherstone.

1100 December 24, 1983

Data Run’s Christmas Party (TV special: ITV/TV-am). Holiday special

with Jeremy Beadle, Terry Jones, Tracey Ullman, and Madness.

1101 December 29, 1983

Star Sound Extra (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Guests include John Cleese,
Peter Cushing, and Dustin Hoffman.

1102 1983

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 3: Difficult Customers

(Training film: Video Arts). Sales training film (third in the series)
illustrating how to deal with three types of difficult customers: Desperate
Ducker, Disorganised Ditherer, and Domineering Dictator. Salesman John
Cleese again receives the lesson from his instructional tape (voice of Ian
Holm). Also starring Alan Bennett, Robin Nedwell, and Diana Quick.
Written by David Nobbs. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1103 1983

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation (Training film: Video Arts).

Overworked manager Richard Lewis (James Bolam) dies and learns lessons
in organization from St. Peter (John Cleese). First of four films (two in
1983, two in 1985) demonstrating how managers can improve work
performance through better organization. Remade in 1996. Written by
Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1104 1983

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation (Training film: Video Arts).

Remade in 1996. Starring John Cleese (as St. Peter) and James Bolam.
Written by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1105 1983

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (CED videodisc: RCA VideoDiscs
03040) is released in the U.S. The original British video version of the film,
imported by RCA VideoDiscs. Includes the 4-minute “coming attraction”
trailer and a bonus 24-second sequence (found during “The Tale of Sir
Galahad”) never seen before in the U.S. Presented in the wide-screen
“letterbox” format.

1106 1983

Fawlty Towers: A La Carte (Record: BBC Records 484). LP. Original

television soundtrack of the episodes “Waldorf Salad” (1979) and “Gourmet
Night” (1975). Produced by Andrew Sachs and William Grierson.

1107 January 1984

Michael Palin begins working on a script for the “First Love” film series
for television. The story, which will eventually make it to the screen (in
February 1987) as East of Ipswich, is based on his first encounter with his
wife Helen when they were teenagers on holiday in Southwold, England.

1108 January 7, 1984

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Hosted by Michael

Parkinson and his wife Mary. Guests: Hayley Mills and Michael Palin.

1109 January 15, 1984

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Fawlty Father,” by John
Cleese, p. 41. Cleese writes about his feelings on becoming a father again.
His daughter, Camilla, is born on Jan. 24.

1110 January 21, 1984

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Michael Palin
and Mary Palin, with musical guests The Motels. Palin, hosting for the
fourth time, shares the monologue stage with his 80-year-old mother
(enjoying her first trip to America), who keeps interrupting to make him
fetch her knitting, book, etc. Palin appears in the sketches “Mick Pitwhistle
Does It All” (as Mick), “Man on Chain” (as salesman), “Would You Believe
It?” (as Sally Benjamin), “Save the Plankton,” “House of Mutton” (as Mr.
Fenner), and “Life on the Mississippi” (as the Captain). Cast: Jim Belushi,
Robin Duke, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary Gross, Brad Hall, Tim Kazurinsky,
Gary Kroeger, Eddie Murphy, and Joe Piscopo. Directed by Dave Wilson.
Produced by Dick Ebersol. Note: Mrs. Palin turned 80 on Jan. 14.

1111 January 24, 1984

John Cleese’s second daughter, Camilla Chloe, is born. Her mother is

Cleese’s second wife, Barbara Trentham. His first daughter, Cynthia, was
born in 1971 to his first wife, Connie Booth.

1112 February 6, 1984

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “The Mad, Mad World of Monty Python’s

Terry Jones Is Not for Adults Only,” by Andrea Chambers (reported by
Jerene Jones), pp. 102–03. Article on Jones’ writing for children. Includes a
photo (by Ian Cook) of Jones swinging on a rope next to his daughter Sally
and son Bill.

1113 March 18, 1984

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford

and Brian Hayes. Guests include Michael Palin, Bill Wyman, Su Pollard,
and Max Bygraves.
1114 March 25, 1984

The British Academy Awards (Award ceremony). The BAFTA-nominated

song “Every Sperm Is Sacred” (from The Meaning of Life) loses in the Best
Original Song category to “Up Where We Belong” (from An Officer and a
Gentleman). The ceremony, hosted by Michael Aspel in the presence of
Princess Anne, is held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Broadcast
live on ITV.

1115 April 1984

Esquire (Magazine/U.S.). “God Save John Cleese,” by Laurence Shames,

pp. 60–62+. Lengthy interview/article. Includes a full-page photo of Cleese
by Clive Arrowsmith.

1116 April 1984

Fantasy Empire (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python—The Meaning of Life

Interview,” by Randy L’Officier, pp. 30–35. Interview with Graham
Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones—with a pre-
recorded Michael Palin on tape—conducted in Los Angeles on Mar. 12,
1983.

1117 April 3, 1984

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John
Cleese, promoting Privates on Parade, and Kathleen Turner.

1118 April 8, 1984

The Money Programme (TV show: BBC2). Mark Rogerson reports on

business-training films. Includes an interview with John Cleese about his
involvement with Video Arts.

1119 April 13, 1984

Privates on Parade, starring John Cleese, opens in the U.S.

1120 April 16, 1984

New York (Magazine/U.S.). “Fast Track: John Cleese’s Animal House,” by
Rhoda Koenig, p. 34.

1121 April 30–June 1984

A Private Function, starring Michael Palin, is filmed in England on a

budget of $1.4 million. Filming takes place in Ilkley and Bradford in West
Yorkshire, also Barnoldswick (in Lancashire) and London. Palin’s co-stars
include Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott, and a pig named Betty (actually,
three different pigs are used).

1122 May 4, 1984

Judi (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Judi Spiers. Guests: Antonia Hunt,
Leslie Thomas, and Terry Jones.

1123 May 15, 1984

Private Lives (TV talk show: BBC2). Maria Aitken hosts this program
revealing the private side of famous people. Tonight she talks to Terry
Jones and Jill Craigie. Jones reveals a memorable place (Lambeth Bridge),
his favorite place (Wales, where he spent his early childhood), and a T-shirt
with special meaning (relating to ABC’s censoring of Python shows).
Directed by Philip Chilvers. Produced by Frances Whitaker.

1124 May 24, 1984

Everybody Here (TV children’s show: Channel 4). Terry Jones tells a story
about a fish.

1125 May 29, 1984

The Young Ones (TV episode: BBC2). “Nasty.” The boys rent a VCR and
nasty videos. Terry Jones guest-stars as a drunk vicar on this second-
season episode of the 1982–84 sitcom starring Adrian Edmondson, Rik
Mayall, Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan, and Alexei Sayle. Written by Ben
Elton, Rik Mayall, and Lise Mayer. Produced by Paul Jackson.

1126 July–August 1984

Compaq (“It Simply Works Better”) (TV commercials). John Cleese stars
in a series of four American TV ads for Compaq personal computers. In the
ads, which air during the Summer Olympics, Cleese plays characters who
have made the wrong decision of purchasing PC’s from Compaq’s
competitors. Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, Houston.

1127 Fall 1984

John Cleese is selected by Advertising Age as its Star Presenter for 1984.
He was chosen from among more than sixty celebrities. Previous winners
include John Houseman, Robert Morley, and Bill Cosby.

1128 September–October 1984

The Dress, a short film starring Michael Palin, is filmed in London.

1129 September 1984

Michael Palin and Terry Jones appear at the Ilkley Literature Festival
(Sept. 14–22) in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, England.

1130 September 17, 1984

Fawlty Towers (Vols. 1 & 2) (Videocassettes: BBC Video) is released in the

U.K. The John Cleese sitcom comes to video in the first two of a four-
cassette set. Volume one contains “The Germans,” “The Hotel Inspectors,”
and “A Touch of Class.” Volume two contains “The Psychiatrist,” “The
Builders,” and “The Wedding Party.” The remaining two volumes will be
released in November.

1131 October 1984

The Golden Skits of Wing Commander Muriel Volestrangler FRHS & Bar
(Book: Methuen), by Muriel Volestrangler, is published in the U.K. A
collection of sketches, ranging from Cambridge to Monty Python, written
or co-written by John Cleese. Co-writers include Graham Chapman,
Marty Feldman, Tim Brooke-Taylor, and Michael Palin. Contents:
“Architects,” “Shirt Shop,” “Goat,” “Sheep,” “Top of the Form,” “Word
Association Football,” “Bookshop,” “Arthur ‘Two Sheds’ Jackson,” “The
Last Supper,” “Merchant Banker,” “Cricket Commentators,” “Fairly Silly
Court,” “Crunchy Frog,” “Regella,” “Hearing Aid,” “Argument,” “The
Good Old Days,” “Lucky Gypsy,” “Mrs. Beulah Premise and Mrs. Wanda
Conclusion Visit Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Sartre,” “Undertaker,” “Railway
Carriage,” “Cheese Shop,” “String,” “Chapel,” “Ones,” “Army Protection
Racket,” “Slightly Less Silly Than the Other Court,” “Courier,” “Ethel the
Frog,” and “Dead Parrot.”

1132 October 3, 1984

Where There’s Life (TV talk show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television).

Medical program hosted by Miriam Stoppard. Guests John Cleese and
Robin Skynner talk about their book Families and How to Survive Them.

1133 October 7, 1984

Rights & Revels: A Benefit for the National Council for Civic Liberties
(Stage show). Benefit show at the Aldwych Theatre in London. Performers
include Michael Palin, Terry Jones, John Hurt, Miriam Karlin, Julie
Walters, Miriam Margolyes, and Susanna York.

1134 October 15, 1984

Film 84 (TV show: BBC1). Host Barry Norman presents an on-location

report from the set of A Private Function. Includes interviews with Michael
Palin, Alan Bennett, Mark Shivas, and Richard Griffiths.

1135 October 17, 1984

Jackanory (TV show: BBC1). “Small Harry and the Toothache Pills.”
Michael Palin reads his 1982 children’s story. Directed by Nel Romano.
Produced by Angela Beeching.

1136 October 20, 1984

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Sophia
Loren, Terry Jones, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and Bucks Fizz.
Jones talks about Python, medieval times, realism in films, Real Ale, etc.

1137 October 31, 1984

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Frank Bough and Fern Britton
interview Michael Palin and Terry Jones about their new Dr. Fegg book.
Appearing with a life-size Dr. Fegg dummy, the two also talk about their
other recent projects, including Jones’ book Chaucer’s Knight and Palin’s
newly-completed film A Private Function and a script he’s writing for the
“First Love” film series.

1138 November 1984

Dr. Fegg’s Encyclopeadia of All World Knowledge (Book: Methuen),

written by Terry Jones and Michael Palin, is published in the U.K.
Revised reissue of Dr. Fegg’s Nasty Book of Knowledge (1976), originally
put out as Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys & Girls (1974). Published in the
U.S. by Peter Bedrick Books (1985).

1139 November 1984

Fantasy Empire (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Gilliam’s Brazil,” by Bart Mills,

pp. 6–7+. “Terry Jones of Monty Python Is Turning the World Upside
Down,” by Neil Gaiman, pp. 23–26+. Two articles on the current projects of
Gilliam and Jones. With a Meaning of Life group photo on the front and
back cover.

1140 November 5, 1984

BBC Look East (TV news show: BBC East). Guests: Michael Palin and
Terry Jones, promoting Dr. Fegg.

1141 November 7, 1984

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guests:

Michael Palin and Terry Jones, promoting Dr. Fegg.

1142 November 16, 1984

Opinions (TV show: Channel 4). Late-night program. This week, Graham
Chapman argues that we should stop worrying about what the neighbors
will say. Half-hour. Directed by K. Angus Robertson. Produced by Michael
Jones.

1143 November 18, 1984

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). David Frost interviews
Michael Palin and Terry Jones.

1144 November 18, 1984

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests include Michael Palin, promoting A Private Function, Christopher
Biggins, Hannah Gordon, and Martin Shaw.

1145 November 21, 1984

A Private Function, starring Michael Palin, has a Royal Charity Premiere

at the Odeon Haymarket in London in aid of the Save the Children Fund.
Princess Anne attends, as does Palin and other stars from the film.

1146 November 22, 1984

A Private Function is shown at the National Film Theatre as part of the

London Film Festival (Nov. 15–Dec. 2).

1147 November 27, 1984

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John
Cleese, promoting his book Families..., and Eva Gabor.

1148 November 28, 1984

The Courage to Change: Hope and Help for Alcoholics and Their Families
(Book: Houghton Mifflin), by Dennis Wholey, is published in the U.S. New
York Times bestseller in which PBS talk show host Wholey (himself an
alcoholic) presents the accounts of 20 well-known personalities—including
Pete Townshend, Doc Severinson, and Graham Chapman—who relate
their battles with alcohol. Chapman describes how he came to accept the
fact that he was an alcoholic and how he finally quit drinking (in 1977).
One major event Chapman recalls is the time he experienced the DTs for
the first time, which occurred in Scotland on the first day of filming Holy
Grail (Apr. 30, 1974).

1149 November 30, 1984

A Private Function (Feature film: HandMade Films) opens in the U.K.

Comedy set during the food rationing days of post-war England about a
meek, small-town foot doctor and his socially ambitious wife who become
involved with the black market when they steal an illegal pig. Michael
Palin, reuniting with his Missionary co-star Maggie Smith, plays the
chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers. Filmed mainly in Yorkshire and produced by
George Harrison’s HandMade Films. Also starring Denholm Elliott,
Richard Griffiths, Liz Smith, John Normington, and Bill Paterson. Written
by Alan Bennett. Directed by Malcolm Mowbray. Produced by Mark
Shivas. Executive produced by George Harrison and Denis O’Brien.
Released in the U.S. in March 1985.

Awards: BAFTA-winner for Best Actress (Maggie Smith), Best Supporting

Actor (Denholm Elliott), and Best Supporting Actress (Liz Smith),
nominated for Best Film and Best Original Screenplay; Evening Standard
British Film Award for Best Screenplay and Peter Sellers Award for
Comedy (Palin).

Reviews: David Robinson (The Times [London], Nov. 30, 1984, p. 15): “A
Private Function is, once and for all, a classic of British comedy”; Vincent
Canby (The New York Times, Mar. 1, 1985): “...a comedy of immense if
often scatological charm”; Richard Corliss (Time, Mar. 18, 1985, p. 84):
“This is an Animal Farm that could have used a taste of Animal Crackers”;
David Ansen (Newsweek, Mar. 18, 1985, p. 71): “This droll allegory puts
one in the mind of the classic Ealing comedies of the past, without ever
quite matching their hilarity”; Scot Haller (People Weekly, Apr. 29, 1985,
pp. 13–14): “...Palin and Smith, who were well matched in The Missionary,
again work together marvelously.”

1150 December 2, 1984

The Dress (Short film) premieres in London. Michael Palin takes on a
serious role in this short drama about a man who rediscovers his love for his
wife when she wears the red dress he bought for his mistress. The 25-
minute short is released theatrically in the U.K. on Jan. 25, 1985,
accompanying the feature Beverly Hills Cop. Also starring Phyllis Logan,
Derrick Branche, Dave Hill, Vivienne Ritchie, John Westbrook, Elisabeth
Croft, and Rachel Palin (Palin’s real-life daughter). Written by Robert
Smith. Directed by Eva Sereny. Produced by Clare Downs.

Award: BAFTA-winner for Best Short.

1151 December 2, 1984

Michael Palin attends the premiere of the short film The Dress, in which he
stars, at the Lumiere Cinema on the last day of the London Film Festival.

1152 December 7, 1984

Dinner at Albert’s (Concert). Graham Chapman performs at this benefit

concert for Ethiopia, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

1153 December 9, 1984

Stars on Sunday II: The Stage Show (Stage show), at the London Palladium.
Charity comedy show organized by Dr. Rob Buckman in aid of the
Oncology Club Fund (cancer charity). Starring Buckman, Michael Palin,
Terry Jones, Rik Mayall, Alexei Sayle, Chris Langham, Dawn French,
Jennifer Saunders, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, Neil Innes, Victoria Wood,
and others. Airs as a TV special on Dec. 23, 1986, as Comedians Do It on
Stage (Channel 4).

1154 December 12, 1984

Festival on Film (TV special: BBC2). Christopher Frayling hosts this look
back at the 28th London Film Festival with film clips and interviews with
filmmakers and critics. Michael Palin is among the interviewees.

1155 December 14, 1984

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Nick Ross talks to Terry
Jones about the video game version of his book The Saga of Erik the
Viking.

1156 1984

Budgeting (Training film: Video Arts). Film presenting the basics of

business finance. Part of the “Finance for Non-Financial Managers” series.
Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and John Bird. Written by
Graeme Garden. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1157 1984

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 4: Closing the Sale (Training

film: Video Arts). Salesman John Cleese learns valuable lessons from his
instructional tape (voice of Andrew Sachs) on how to close the sale. Last of
a four-part series. Also starring Andrew Sachs, Richard Davies, Diane
Fletcher, Julian Holloway, Colin Jeavons, Andrew MacLachlan, and Don
Warrington. Written by David Nobbs. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1158 1984

More Bloody Meetings (Training film: Video Arts). Management-training

film on how to prevent time-wasting at meetings. Sequel to Meetings,
Bloody Meetings (1976). Remade in 1994. Starring John Cleese, Diana
Quick, Graeme Garden, Rosemary Leach, and Julian Holloway. Written by
Antony Jay. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1159 1984

Kronenbourg (Radio commercials). John Cleese lends his voice to four

American radio spots for Kronenbourg beer in which he lampoons the
beer’s “better not bitter” slogan. Written by Cleese, Jay Taub, and Tod
Seisser. Agency: Levine, Huntley, Schmidt & Beaver, New York. Cleese
does more Kronenbourg commercials in 1985.

Award: Clio Award winner.

1160 1984

Freaky Fables (Book: Methuen), by J.B. Handelsman, is published in the

U.K. Collection of columns from Punch by writer-cartoonist Handelsman,
with a foreword by John Cleese. Handelsman illustrated both of Cleese’s
psychology books, Families and How to Survive Them (1983) and Life and
How to Survive It (1993).

1161 1984

Michael Palin reads the audiobooks Jack the Giant Killer/Scrapefoot (LP
204), Mowgli’s Brothers (LP 205), and How Fear Came (LP 206). The last
two are Rudyard Kipling stories.

1162 1984

Terry Jones reads the audiobooks The Voyages of Sinbad (I to III) (LP
212), The Voyages of Sinbad (IV to VI) (LP 213), and Aladdin and the
Wonderful Lamp (LP 214).

1163 1984

The Eliza Stories (Book: Pavilion), written by Barry Pain with an

introduction by Terry Jones, is published in the U.K. Collection of
humorous stories, originally published in 1900–13, about a Victorian
suburban couple. Barry Pain (1864–1928) was an English journalist,
novelist and short-story writer. Reprinted in 2002 by Prion Books.
Published in the U.S. by Beaufort Books.

1164 1984

Terry Gilliam and family move into a 16th-century, three-story house in

Highgate Village, North London. The house, also known as the Old Hall,
lies above Highgate Cemetery and next door to St. Michaels, Church of
England.

1165 1984
The Saga of Erik the Viking (Video game: Mosaic Publishing). Adventure
game based on Terry Jones’ 1983 children’s story.

1166 Early 1985

Silverado, a western directed by Lawrence Kasdan in which John Cleese

plays an English sheriff, is filmed in New Mexico.

1167 January 1985

Terry Gilliam delivers Brazil to its U.S. distributor, Universal, 17 minutes

too long. The studio demands that he reduce it from its length of 2 hours, 22
minutes to the contracted 2 hours, 5 minutes. They compromise on a 10-
minute cut.

1168 January 1, 1985

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: John Cleese and
Robin Skynner, promoting their book Families and How to Survive Them,
recently released in the U.S., and Gallagher.

1169 January 2, 1985

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) bans Channel 4 in Britain

from airing Life of Brian because it may be offensive to Christians.

1170 January 27, 1985

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Big Brother and the

Python,” by George Perry, p. 38. Interview with Terry Gilliam about his
new film Brazil.

1171 February 1985

After a month of re-cutting, Terry Gilliam delivers Brazil to Universal (the

film’s U.S. distributor) at 2 hours, 11 minutes. Universal wants to keep
cutting.

1172 February 1, 1985

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guests:
Michael Palin and Alan Bennett, promoting A Private Function.

1173 February 1, 1985

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Robin Denselow presents a report on

George Harrison’s film company, HandMade Films. Includes interviews
with Harrison and Michael Palin.

1174 February 10, 1985

Royal Gala Concert (Concert). Graham Chapman and Spike Milligan are
emcees at this gala benefit concert in aid of the National Jazz Centre, held
at the London Palladium in the presence of The Princess of Wales.
Performers include Alison Moyet, Jools Holland, Will Gaines, and Stan
Tracey.

1175 February 19, 1985

Film 85 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes an interview

with Terry Gilliam from the set of his new film Brazil.

1176 February 20, 1985

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Mike Smith interviews Terry
Gilliam about his new film Brazil.

1177 February 22, 1985

Brazil (Feature film: Twentieth-Century–Fox) opens in the U.K. Comedy-

fantasy set in a bleak futuristic society, described by its director and co-
writer Terry Gilliam as “a post–Orwellian view of a pre–Orwellian world”
and “Walter Mitty Meets Franz Kafka.” The film tells the story of Sam
Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a day-dreaming clerk for the Ministry of
Information Retrieval, who risks his career and personal freedom to save
the girl of his dreams from a fateful bureaucratic blunder. Michael Palin
co-stars as Sam’s best friend, Jack Lint, a professional torturer and family
man. Also starring Kim Greist, Robert DeNiro, Katherine Helmond, Ian
Holm, Peter Vaughan, Bob Hoskins, Ian Richardson, Jim Broadbent,
Charles McKeown, Barbara Hicks, Derrick O’Connor, Kathryn Pogson,
Bryan Pringle, and Sheila Reid. Written by Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard,
and Charles McKeown. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Arnon
Milchan.

Awards: Academy Award-nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best

Art Direction/Set Decoration (Norman Garwood & Maggie Gray); Los
Angeles Film Critics Award-winner for Best Picture, Best Director, and
Best Screenplay; BAFTA-winner for Best Production Design (Garwood)
and Best Special Visual Effects (George Gibbs & Richard Conway); Winner
of the Evening Standard British Film Award for Outstanding Technical
Achievement (Garwood).

Reviews: Philip Strick (The Times [London], Feb. 22, 1985, p. 19):
“Gilliam’s jokes are black and gory, but his plot is intricately coiled with
spectacular adventures and wild fantasies. It’s so astonishing to watch...”;
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times, Jan. 17, 1986): “The movie is awash in
elaborate special effects, sensational sets, apocalyptic scenes of destruction
and a general lack of discipline”; David Denby (New York, Jan. 27, 1986,
pp. 55–56): “The finest things in the movie are just weird comic riffs, and
when Gilliam turns to plot, he loses his edge.... Brazil goes on and on, and
after a while, Gilliam’s not having anything to say becomes a handicap”;
Pauline Kael (The New Yorker, Feb. 10, 1986, p. 106+): “What Gilliam
presents is a vision of the future as the decayed past, and this vision is an
organic thing on the screen—which is a considerable accomplishment.... Yet
I must admit to a feeling of relief when the film was over.... This image-
maker leaves you with nothing but images”; Peter Travers (People Weekly,
Feb. 17, 1986): “...Gilliam’s most daring, demented and demanding film....
Gilliam paints his bleak universe with the most astonishing visuals since
Metropolis.... But the undeniable power of the film is the way its images
keep digging into your memory”; Gahan Wilson (Twilight Zone, June 1986,
pp. 88–90): “Brazil is a Monty Python version of Brave New World and
1984, dear readers, and it works; it works terrifyingly well...”; Thomas
Doherty (Cinefantastique, July 1986, p. 46+): “Visually beautiful and
conceptually befuddled.... Next time around Gilliam should aim as
carefully for the heart as for the eye.”
1178 February 22, 1985

Friday People (TV show: BBC1). Includes a report on the premiere of

Brazil with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin.

1179 Late February–early March 1985

Michael Palin visits the U.S. to promote A Private Function and the book
Fish Tales, written by Al Levinson and published by Palin’s company,
Signford Ltd.

1180 February 1985

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Science Fiction, According to Monty Python,

Part One,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 21–24. Article on sci-fi in the
Python shows looks at the sketches “Science Fiction Sketch” and “Bicycle
Repair Man,” and the episode “Mr. Neutron.”

1181 February 27, 1985

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting A Private Function, and Carol Channing and animal
psychic Beatrice Lydecker. Palin talks about the film and makes sausages
on this special “morning” edition of the program. Directed by Hal Gurnee.
Produced by Barry Sand.

1182 March 1985

Michael Palin attends a screening of A Private Function at the San

Francisco International Film Festival. It is the closing film of the festival.

1183 March 1985

Hot Properties (TV talk show: Lifetime). Hosted by Richard Belzer.

Guests: Michael Palin, promoting A Private Function, and Hector
Elizondo. Palin talks about the film and takes questions from callers.

1184 March 1985

Live at Five (TV news-talk show: WNBC, New York). Sue Simmons talks
to Michael Palin about A Private Function.

1185 March 1985

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Hello, Brazil,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp.

54–56. Article on Terry Gilliam’s latest film.

1186 March 1, 1985

A Private Function premieres in the U.S. at the Paris Theater in New York.

1187 March 5, 1985

The British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). A Private Function,

starring Michael Palin, wins three BAFTA awards: for Best Actress
(Maggie Smith), Best Supporting Actor (Denholm Elliott), and Best
Supporting Actress (Liz Smith).

1188 March 8, 1985

6 O’Clock Show (TV news magazine: ITV/LWT). Graham Chapman,

with co-host Andy Price, draws the winner of a free ski trip with the
Dangerous Sports Club.

1189 March 14, 1985

A Private Function is the opening film of the Los Angeles International

Film Exposition (Filmex).

1190 March 14, 1985

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Paul Coia talks to Terry
Gilliam about Brazil.

1191 March 15, 1985

The Tube (TV show: Channel 4). Hosted by Paula Yates and Muriel Gray.
Guests include Terry Gilliam, promoting Brazil, Jools Holland, Glynis
Barber, and Tears for Fears.

1192 March 22, 1985

The Merv Griffin Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Michael Palin,
promoting A Private Function, and Tony Danza.

1193 March 23, 1985

The Brain of Gilliam (Event). Terry Gilliam talks about his career and
shows clips from his work at the Children’s Cinema Club, ICA, London.

1194 March 24, 1985

Did You See...? (TV show: BBC2). Ludovic Kennedy hosts a discussion on
the week in television with guests Michael Palin, David Lodge, and
Dorothy Hobson.

1195 April 1985

Labyrinth, a Jim Henson–directed fantasy for which Terry Jones wrote the
screenplay, begins filming.

1196 April 1985

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Science Fiction, According to Monty Python,

Part Two,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 43–46. Article on sci-fi in the
Python films. Includes the words to “Galaxy Song.”

1197 April 1, 1985

Michael Palin attends a screening of A Private Function at the Odeon Film

Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Palin talks to the audience after the screening
and poses for photographers in a pen with two pigs outside the theater.

1198 April 5, 1985

Faerie Tale Theatre (TV episode: Showtime). “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.”
Cable-TV adaptation of Robert Browning’s famous poem stars Eric Idle
(who replaced original star David Bowie) as both the poet Browning and
the medieval piper hired to rid Hamelin of its rats. But when the mayor of
Hamelin refuses to pay him his fee, the mystical piper spirits the town’s
children away as well. Idle had written, directed and narrated the first
Faerie Tale Theatre production, “The Tale of the Frog Prince,” in 1982.
Also starring Tony Van Bridge, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, Peter Blais, Peter
Boretski. Written & directed by Nicholas Meyer. Produced by Bridget Terry
and Fredric S. Fuchs. Executive produced by Shelley Duvall. Hour.

1199 April 18, 1985

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guests:
Michael Palin, promoting A Private Function, and Mariette Hartley.

1200 April 26, 1985

Filming begins on parts three and four of the Video Arts training series The
Unorganised Manager starring John Cleese (as St. Peter) and James
Bolam. Parts one and two of the successful series were released in 1983.

1201 May 1985

WXRT-Chicago (TV commercials). The first in a series of six 30-second TV

promos starring Michael Palin for the radio station WXRT (93 FM) begins
airing in Chicago. In one ad Palin uses a record and a pizza to demonstrate
the difference between WXRT and other rock stations.

1202 May 2, 1985

Are You Taking the Tablets? (TV talk show: Channel 4). “Thou Shall Not
Take the Name of the Lord in Vain.” Religious discussion program hosted
by Phil Martin. Guest Graham Chapman discusses blasphemy and bad
language. Half-hour.

1203 May 24, 1985

Book Plug (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Sue MacGregor interviews
Wing-Commander Muriel Volestrangler (aka John Cleese).
1204 June 2–August 1985

Clockwise, a comedy starring John Cleese, is filmed over eight weeks in

the English towns of Hull, West Bromwich, Birmingham, Stourport, and
Shrewsbury. Locations include Hull Paragon railway station and King
Edward’s School (in Birmingham). The film is budgeted at £4 million.

1205 July 1985

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “John Cleese: ‘Why is Starlog Interviewing

Me?,’” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 88–90. Cleese talks about his life
and current projects.

1206 July 11, 1985

The Listener (Magazine/U.K.). “A Return to Victorian Values?: Fings Ain’t

What They Used to Be,” by Terry Jones, p. 11–12+. Jones gives his view
on Victorian-age values.

1207 July 14, 1985

Options (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Terry Jones hosts the “Victorian
Values” segment. Half-hour.

1208 July 17, 1985

The president of Universal Studios, Sid Sheinberg, informs Terry Gilliam

that major re-editing of his film Brazil will need to be done before the film
can be released in the U.S. The alterations Sheinberg has in mind include a
more upbeat ending. Gilliam rejects the idea. The “Battle of Brazil” begins.

1209 July 19, 1985

Silverado (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in the U.S. Sprawling

western about four unlikely comrades who band together to fight injustice
in the 1800s town of Silverado. John Cleese co-stars as Sheriff John
Langston. Also starring Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Rosanna Arquette, Kevin
Costner, Brian Dennehy, Danny Glover, Jeff Goldblum, and Linda Hunt.
Written by Lawrence Kasdan and Mark Kasdan. Produced & directed by
Lawrence Kasdan.

1210 July 26, 1985

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (Feature film: Warner Bros.) opens

in the U.S. Clark Griswald and family stumble through Europe in this
sequel to the 1983 hit Vacation. Eric Idle makes a guest appearance as a
very polite British cyclist. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana
Hill, and Jason Lively. Written by John Hughes and Robert Klane. Directed
by Amy Heckerling. Produced by Matty Simmons.

1211 August 1985

Cineaste (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python Strikes Again: An Interview

with Michael Palin,” by Lenny Rubenstein, pp. 6–9.

1212 August 16–17, 1985

Michael Palin visits Haugesund, Norway where he attends the Norwegian

International Film Festival and presents at the festival’s first Amanda
Awards (for TV & film) ceremony.

1213 September 1985

Terry Gilliam screens his American cut of Brazil at the 11th annual
American Film Festival in Deauville, France.

1214 September 3, 1985

The Pythons (minus Idle) and Carol Cleveland gather together at the BBC
in London for a lunch/reception to promote the release of Monty Python’s
Flying Circus on video.

1215 September 13, 1985

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Joan Bakewell reports on re-discovered

Ealing Studios director Charles Crichton, currently working with John
Cleese on Video Arts training films.
1216 October 1985

Nicobobinus (Book: Pavilion Books/Michael Joseph), written by Terry

Jones with illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K.
Jones’ third children’s book (and third collaboration with Foreman),
following Fairy Tales (1981) and The Saga of Erik the Viking (1983), is an
adventure story concerning a boy named Nicobobinus who sets off with his
friend Rosie on a journey to find the Land of the Dragons. Issued in
paperback by Puffin Books (1987). Published in the U.S. by Peter Bedrick
Books (1986).

Awards: Parents’ Choice Silver Seal Award.

Reviews: Heather O’Donoghue (The Times Literary Supplement [London],

Feb. 14, 1986, p. 174): “The illustrations are good and the narrative is
funny, exciting and extraordinarily inventive”; Elizabeth Ward (Washington
Post Book World): “...a fantasy tale of a high order”; Parents (1986): “...a
first-rate adventure story—inspired, quirky, and filled with a cast of
unforgettable characters”; Beverly Lyon Clark (The New York Times Book
Review, Aug. 24, 1986, p. 21): “...an irreverent, parodic, often witty romp ...
[the story] reads rather like a Monty Python script, minus the onstage gore.”

1217 October 1985

Graham Chapman moves from his Highgate, London residence to a house

in Maidstone in the county of Kent.

1218 October 2, 1985

Terry Gilliam places a full-page plea in Daily Variety to the president of

Universal’s parent company, MCA: “Dear Sid Sheinberg: When are you
going to release my film, Brazil?”

1219 October 4, 1985

Did You See...? (TV show: BBC2). Ludovic Kennedy reviews the week in
television with Graham Chapman, Shirley Cooklin, and Ken Russell.
Directed by Philip Chilvers.
1220 October 5, 1985

Saturday Superstore (TV children’s show: BBC1). Guests: Michael Palin,

promoting his new book Limericks, Karin Foster, and Midge Ure.

1221 October 10, 1985

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Frank Bough and Debbie
Greenwood talk to Michael Palin about his new book Limericks. The
book’s illustrator, Tony Ross, also appears and draws while Palin reads
from the book.

1222 October 10, 1985

Limericks (Book: Hutchinson Publishing), written by Michael Palin with

illustrations by Tony Ross, is published in the U.K. A collection of original
limericks for children. Reprinted by Red Fox in September 1986 and
September 1998 (revised edition). Also released as an audiobook (Random
House, 1998), read by Palin.

1223 October 11, 1985

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Bob Langley talks to Michael
Palin about his new book Limericks.

1224 October 11, 1985

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest:

Michael Palin, promoting Limericks.

1225 October 13, 1985

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests include Michael Palin, Michael Brandon, Cilla Black, Maureen
Lipman, and Nigel Havers.

1226 October 18, 1985

Terry Gilliam appears at the Norris Theater at the University of Southern
California with the intention of giving a speech to film students and
presenting a screening of his American cut (2 hrs, 11 mins) of Brazil.
Shortly before the event, however, Universal’s Sid Sheinberg calls USC to
inform them that the screening has not been authorized and that Universal
owns the exclusive rights to exhibit and distribute the film in America.
Later that night, Gilliam successfully screens the film at the California
Institute of the Arts.

1227 October 20, 1985

Michael Palin takes part in “Improvisathon,” a 12-hour marathon of

improvised theater, presented by Actor Aid and performed at the Donmar
Warehouse in London. Other performers include Jonathan Pryce, Robbie
Coltrane, Hayley Mills, Ian Charleson, and Kenneth Branagh. The event
raises funds for famine relief.

1228 October 21, 1985

The CBS Morning News (TV news-talk show: CBS). Maria Shriver talks to
guests Terry Gilliam and actor Robert DeNiro about their film Brazil.
When asked about the problem he’s having with the studio, Gilliam
responds that he only has a problem with one man—Sid Sheinberg (head of
Universal)—and he holds an 8 × 10 glossy of Sheinberg up to the camera.

1229 October 30, 1985

Animation at Cambridge (TV special: Channel 4). Terry Jones presents the
first of three selections from next week’s Cambridge Animation Festival.

1230 November 11, 1985

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest: Terry

Jones.

1231 November 15, 1985

Michael Palin participates in a 24-hour fast as part of Oxfam’s second
“Hunger for Change” campaign.

1232 November 20–23, 1985

Michael Palin performs his one-man show at the Arts Theatre in Belfast, N.
Ireland as part of the Belfast Festival (Nov. 6–23). It is his third time
performing at the festival since 1981.

1233 November 22, 1985

Children in Need (TV appeal: BBC1). Sean Rafferty interviews Michael

Palin—who is in Belfast performing at the Belfast Festival—for this annual
fundraising appeal.

1234 December 1985

Terry Jones attends a sex party hosted by Cynthia Payne at her house in
Amble-side Avenue, Streatham in southwest London as part of his research
for his next film, Personal Services.

1235 December 1985

ZigZag (Magazine/U.K.). “Just Gilliam,” by Tom Vague, pp. 32–34.

Interview with Terry Gilliam about Python and his latest film Brazil.

1236 December 3, 1985

A Party Political Broadcast: Social Democratic Party (TV:

BBC1/ITV/BBC2). John Cleese appears in this party political broadcast
(which he also wrote) on behalf of the Social Democratic Party, explaining
the advantages of proportional representation. Although it is only 10
minutes long, Cleese spent 14 hours at Shepperton Studios recording it due
to camera problems.

1237 December 5, 1985

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Frank Bough and Selina Scott
talk to John Cleese about his SDP broadcast, his training films for Video
Arts, Fawlty Towers, etc.

1238 December 6, 1985

Spies Like Us (Feature film: Warner Bros) opens in the U.S. Comedy about
two bumbling government agents sent as decoys on a counter-espionage
mission. Terry Gilliam makes a cameo appearance as a German doctor.
Starring Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, and Donna Dixon. Directed by John
Landis. Produced by Brian Grazer and George Folsey, Jr.

1239 December 9, 1985

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: John
Cleese, Michael Quinn, Delia Smith, and Whitney Houston. Cleese talks
about his role in Silverado, the success of Fawlty Towers, and his recent
SDP broadcast.

1240 December 12, 1985

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Mike Smith talks to Terry
Jones about Monty Python, the Life of Brian controversy, and writing
books for children. Also, Debbie Greenwood talks to Jones and author Don
Lusher about Frank Sinatra, who is celebrating his 70th birthday today.

1241 December 14, 1985

The Los Angeles Film Critics vote Brazil Best Picture of 1985, along with
Best Director (Terry Gilliam) and Best Screenplay (Gilliam, Tom
Stoppard, and Charles McKeown). After this, Universal releases Gilliam’s
own re-edit of the film for one week in New York and Los Angeles to
qualify for Oscar consideration. Gilliam travels around the country
promoting it.

1242 December 16, 1985

Names and Games (TV game show: BBC2). Four teams of celebrities
compete for charity. Participants include Graham Chapman, Suzi Quatro,
and Toni Arthur. Hosted by Sandra Dickinson and Lennie Bennett.
1243 December 17, 1985

Film 85 (TV show: BBC1). Host Barry Norman reviews Silverado starring
John Cleese. Also, Iain Johnstone interviews Cleese about the film.

1244 December 18, 1985

A week-long showing of Brazil in New York begins.

1245 December 20, 1985

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Bob Langley interviews
Michael Palin about his book Limericks.

1246 December 25, 1985

A week-long showing of Brazil in Los Angeles begins.

1247 December 25, 1985

The Mind of David Berglas (TV special: Channel 4). Christmas special
hosted by magician David Berglas. His special guests are Graham
Chapman, Britt Ekland, Freddie Jones, and Stephanie Lawrence. Directed
by Royston Mayoh.

1248 1985

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Lamentations (Training film: Video

Arts). Third entry in a four-part series (parts 1 & 2 were released in 1983)
on improving organization in management. Remade in 1997. Starring John
Cleese (as St. Peter) and James Bolam. Written by Andrew Marshall and
David Renwick. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1249 1985

The Unorganised Manager, Part 4: Revelations (Training film: Video Arts).

Remade in 1997. Starring John Cleese (as St. Peter) and James Bolam.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick. Directed by Charles
Crichton.
1250 1985

Return on Investment (Training film: Video Arts). Film for managers on the
principle of return investment. Part of the “Finance for Non-Financial
Managers” series. Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and John
Bird. Written by Graeme Garden. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1251 1985

What Is Brazil? (TV special). Half-hour documentary on the making of

Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with
Gilliam, Michael Palin, Jonathan Pryce, Tom Stoppard, Katherine
Helmond, Charles McKeown, Kim Greist, and others. Later included on the
laserdisc/DVD release of the film. Written by Rob Hedden and Janice
Miller. Produced & directed by Rob Hedden.

1252 1985

Graham Chapman begins re-writing—with David Sherlock—the film

script for Ditto, which he and John Cleese wrote 15 years ago for director
Carlo Ponti. The film is meant to be Chapman’s directorial debut, but the
project is never realized.

1253 1985

Terry Jones writes a story outline for Gremlins 2 (subtitled “The Forgotten
Rule”), a proposed sequel to the 1984 horror-comedy directed by Joe Dante.

1254 1985

Graham Chapman joins the Dangerous Sports Club for their winter sports
in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Chapman participates in one dangerous stunt:
riding a 15-foot-long wooden gondola down a ski slope.

1255 January–February 1986

John Cleese goes on a two-week tour of the U.S. appearing before

businessmen and personnel trainers to promote his training-film company
Video Arts, which is opening an office in Chicago in an effort to expand the
company’s presence in the States. He hosts screenings of the films in New
York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and other cities.

1256 January 1986

Michael Palin is elected chairman of Transport 2000, a pressure group

seeking to improve British transport. His work with the group leads to his
involvement in the documentaries Car Sick (1994) and The Road to Hell
(2001). Palin’s chairmanship ends on Nov. 21, 1987. He then becomes
president of the organization in 1988.

1257 January 1986

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Bye, Bye, Brazil?,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson,

pp. 46–47. Article on Terry Gilliam’s struggle to get the film released in
the U.S.

1258 January 5, 1986

Michael Palin reads from his books, including Small Harry and Limericks,
at the Purcell Room, South Bank, London. Part of the GLC’s (Greater
London Council) “10 Day Wonder” event (Dec. 27–Jan. 5) for children.

1259 January 12, 1986

The South Bank Show (TV arts show: ITV/LWT). “John Cleese.” Host
Melvyn Bragg offers an intimate portrait of the comic actor. Includes an in-
depth interview with Cleese, who reflects on his humor and the characters
he has portrayed, accompanied by clips from his films and TV series. A
London Weekend Television production. Edited & presented by Melvyn
Bragg. Produced & directed by David Hinton.

1260 January 20, 1986

What Have They Given Us? (TV commercial: BBC1). John Cleese plays a
man in a pub grumbling about his TV license fee and asking “What has the
BBC ever given us for 58 quid?” The 2½-minute ad, based on the “What
Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?” scene in Life of Brian, features a
large cast of BBC stars (Michael Hordern, David Attenborough, Alan
Whicker, Ronnie Corbett & Ronnie Barker, Bob Geldof, etc.) answering
Cleese’s question. First shown during an episode of Wogan. Written by
John Cleese. Directed by Alan Parker (Midnight Express). Agency: Lowe
Howard-Spink, London.

1261 January 24, 1986

Did You See...? (TV show: BBC2). Raymond Snoddy reports on the making
of John Cleese’s What Have They Given Us? commercial for the BBC.

1262 January 25, 1986

Saturday Review (TV show: BBC2). Weekly arts magazine hosted by

Russell Davies. Terry Jones, Diana Holman-Hunt, and Louise Page discuss
the film Dreamchild.

1263 January 26, 1986

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (Award ceremony). Michael

Palin receives the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy (for A Private Function)
at the film award ceremony held at the Savoy Hotel in London. The award
is presented by Joanna Lumley. A Private Function also wins for Best
Screenplay (Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray) and Terry Gilliam’s
Brazil wins for Outstanding Technical Achievement (Norman Garwood).
The Special Award goes to George Harrison’s HandMade Films (Life of
Brian, A Private Function, etc.). Barry Norman intros and Anna Ford hosts
the event, which is broadcast on BBC1.

1264 January 27, 1986

Good Morning Britain (TV talk show: ITV/TV-am). Guest: Michael Palin.

1265 January 28, 1986

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: John
Cleese. The show is taped on the same day as the Challenger disaster.

1266 February 1986

The World of Interiors (Magazine/U.K.). “Biggles on the Home Front,” by
Michael Palin. Palin explores the room (in Park House, Hampton Court)
where “Biggles” author Captain W. E. Johns (1893–1968) worked in his
later years.

1267 February 1986

ZigZag (Magazine/U.K.). “Terry Jones,” by Tom Vague, pp. 18–20.

Interview with Jones about The Meaning of Life, writing children’s books,
Chaucer, etc.

1268 February 9, 1986

Philadelphia Enquirer (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Zany Guy Has a Serious Rave

Movie,” by Rick Lyman. Interview with Terry Gilliam about his fight to
release Brazil.

1269 February 14, 1986

Brazil opens in the U.S. nationwide (Universal Pictures).

1270 March 1986

Photoplay (Magazine/U.K.). “Fawlty Goods,” by N. Norman, pp. 4–6.

Interview with John Cleese.

1271 March 3, 1986

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Struggling to Escape from a

Familiarly Fawlty Image,” by Paul Nathanson, p. 8. Interview with John
Cleese about his new film Clockwise and other current projects.

1272 March 10, 1986

The Oregonian (Newspaper/U.S.). “Python on the Loose,” by Jeff Kuechle,

p. C1+. Interview with John Cleese conducted at the Alexis Hotel in
Portland when he was in Oregon promoting Video Arts.

1273 March 12, 1986

The 1985 BAFTA Craft Awards (TV special: Channel 4). Highlights from
the awards ceremony. Introduced by David Frost. Mark Shivas, Peter
Barkworth, and Terry Jones discuss the works of the winners.

1274 March 14, 1986

Clockwise (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.K. Comedy

starring John Cleese as Brian Stimpson, an obsessively punctual middle-
school headmaster who has been named chairman of the National
Headmasters Conference, but whose trip to the conference to make a speech
is marked by a series of disasters beginning when he accidentally boards the
wrong train. Also starring Penelope Wilton, Sharon Maiden, and Stephen
Moore. Written by Michael Frayn. Directed by Christopher Morahan.
Produced by Michael Codron. A Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment/Moment
Films production. Opens in the U.S. on Oct. 10.

Reviews: David Robinson (The Times [London], Mar. 14, 1986, p. 15): “It
has a classic comic form, the escalation of misfortunes; but after a cheerful
start the misfortunes become too numerous and too painful for laughter”;
Clancy Sigal (The Listener, Mar. 20, 1986, p. 36): “Even in a not-so-
brilliant film, with a surprisingly weak script by Michael Frayn, John
Cleese is terrifyingly funny...”; Bruce Williamson (Playboy, November
1986): “Although stretched pretty far, Clockwise is downright hilarious at
least half the time, which earns it better than passing grades”; Ira Hellman
(People Weekly, Nov. 10, 1986, p. 10): “...a delightfully jaunty farce.... With
Cleese in top form, Clockwise is 96 minutes and four seconds of fun.”

1275 March 17–21, 1986

Jackanory (TV episodes: BBC1). “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Michael Palin reads the Roald Dahl story in five parts: 1. “Mr. Wonka’s
Mystery Workers” (Mar. 17); 2. “The Golden Tickets” (Mar. 18); 3. “Inside
the Gates” (Mar. 19); 4. “Goodbye Veruca and Violet” (Mar. 20); and 5.
“The Great Glass Lift” (Mar. 21). Recorded Mar. 3. Directed by Marilyn
Fox. Produced by Angela Beeching. Note: Palin previously read his own
story, Small Harry and the Toothache Pills, in an October 1984 episode.

1276 March 17, 1986

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Michael
Palin, Sir Geraint Evans, Eugene Lambert, and Bronski Beat. Palin talks
about Python, A Private Function, and the pressure group Transport 2000,
of which he is now chairman.

1277 March 17, 1986

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “With an Eye Out for Trouble, Terry

Gilliam Does Battle Over Brazil and Wins an Oscar Nod,” by Jeff
Yarbrough, pp. 141–43. Article/interview on Gilliam’s life and struggle
with Universal. Photographs by Terry Smith.

1278 March 18, 1986

Film 86 (TV show: BBC1). Host Barry Norman reviews Clockwise starring
John Cleese.

1279 March 19, 1986

Pebble Mill at One (TV talk show: BBC1). Magnus Magnusson interviews
John Cleese about his new film Clockwise.

1280 March 22, 1986

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Michael Aspel. Guests:
John Cleese, Yoko Ono, and Boy George.

1281 March 24, 1986

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Terry
Gilliam, Maria Aitken, and Paul Shane. Gilliam talks about Brazil being
the only British film nominated for this year’s Oscars.

1282 March 24, 1986

The 58th Annual Academy Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam’s

Brazil is up for two Oscars, in the categories Best Original Screenplay
(Gilliam, Tom Stoppard, and Charles McKeown) and Best Art Direction
(Norman Garwood and Maggie Gray), but loses to Witness and Out of
Africa, respectively. Broadcast live on ABC.

1283 March 26, 1986

A Party Political Broadcast: Social Democratic Party (TV:

BBC1/ITV/BBC2). John Cleese introduces a party political broadcast on
behalf of the Social Democratic Party. With Dr. David Owen and the
animated character SD Pete.

1284 April 1986

Spin (Magazine/U.S.). “Kicking Ass,” by Jack Mathews, pp. 97–98. Article

on Terry Gilliam’s fight for Brazil’s release, with photos of Gilliam by
Josh Cheuse.

1285 April 1, 1986

Man’s Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Terry Jones hosts this April
Fool’s Day edition of Woman’s Hour.

1286 April 4, 5 & 6, 1986

Comic Relief (Stage show), at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London. Graham

Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones are among the
British comedians and musicians who come together on stage to support the
work of Save the Children and Oxfam in the Sudan and Ethiopia. Sketches
include “Biggles Goes to See Bruce Springsteen” (reading by Palin) and
“Custard Pie” (Chapman, Palin, others). Also, Stephen Fry, Bob Geldof,
and Midge Ure perform the Python sketch “Merchant Banker” (written by
Chapman & John Cleese). Also starring The Young Ones, Ben Elton,
Rowan Atkinson, French and Saunders, Billy Connolly, and Kate Bush.
Directed by Rowan Atkinson. Airs as an Omnibus special on Apr. 25
(BBC1).

1287 April 7–May 1986

Personal Services, directed by Terry Jones, is filmed on location in
London and Spain, and at Jacob Street Studios in London.

1288 April 19, 1986

Spike (TV special: Channel 4). Profile of comedian Spike Milligan (The
Goon Show) with clips of his work. Milligan is interviewed, as are Michael
Palin, Harry Secombe, Michael Foot, and Denis Norden. Hosted by Shelley
Rohde. Directed by Mike Healey. Produced by Trish Kinane.

1289 April 22, 1986

Sound Waves for Greenpeace (Stage show). Graham Chapman, Michael

Palin, and Neil Innes perform at one of a series of charity concerts (Apr.
21–25) at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Other performers include Spike
Milligan, Mike Oldfield, The Cure, Pamela Stephenson, and Andrew Sachs.

1290 April 23, 1986

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Kenneth Williams (sitting in for
Terry Wogan). Guests: Michael Palin, promoting his book Limericks,
Barbara Windsor, Steven Hollings, and Stephen Fry.

1291 April 25, 1986

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Comic Relief.” Taped record of the Apr. 4–
6 benefit show at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, with Graham Chapman,
Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and many others. Directed by
Geoff Posner and Philip Chilvers. Produced by Roger Graef.

1292 May–June 14, 1986

East of Ipswich, a TV film written by Michael Palin, is filmed in the

seaside town of Southwold, England. The film will air Feb. 1, 1987, on
BBC2.

1293 May 1986

Neighborhood Tales (Book: George Braziller), written by Norman Rosten,
is published. Includes the chapter “Flash: Michael Palin Crosses the
Brooklyn Bridge,” in which Rosten, the poet laureate of Brooklyn, recounts
a day he spent with his friend Michael Palin.

1294 May 1986

The Graduates (Book: Hamish Hamilton), edited by Edward Whitley, is

published in the U.K. Collection of interviews with Oxford graduates,
including Indira Gandhi, Iris Murdoch, Dudley Moore, and Michael Palin.
The interview with Palin was conducted on Apr. 25, 1983.

1295 May 1986

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Jones: Creating the Wonders of

Labyrinth,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 32–33+. Article on how Jones
became involved in the Jim Henson film. Includes a photo of Jones
surrounded by Goblins from the film.

1296 May 25, 1986

Sport Aid (Event). Graham Chapman participates in a “dangerous sport”

for this Bob Geldof benefit event held in Hyde Park, London. He is put into
a climbing harness and popped into the air “130 feet or so, where I floated
around for what seemed like an age,” he remembers.

1297 May 30, 1986

The home of Cynthia Payne, the celebrated British madam upon whom
Terry Jones’ Personal Services is based, is raided a second time during a
sex party on the night Jones is shooting the 1978 raid sequence for the film.

1298 Summer 1986

Michael Palin attends the exhibition “Dreams of a Summer Night” (July

10–Oct. 5), featuring work by Scandinavian artists, at the Hayward Gallery
in London. It is here that Palin is introduced to the work of Danish painter
Vilhelm Hammershøi. In 2005 Palin will explore the enigmatic painter’s
life and work in the documentary Michael Palin and the Mystery of
Hammershøi.

1299 June 1986

Town and Country Planning (Magazine/U.K.). “Public Transport—

Indignation, Despair and Hope,” by Michael Palin, pp. 180–81. Humorous
article on public transportation.

OceanofPDF.com
1300 June 21, 1986

A View from the Boundary (Radio sports show: BBC Radio 3). Brian
Johnston talks to John Cleese about his career and interest in cricket (he’s a
Somerset supporter).

1301 June 27, 1986

Labyrinth (Feature film: TriStar Pictures) opens in the U.S. Fantasy from
Muppet creator Jim Henson about a teenage girl whose baby brother is
kidnapped by the King of the Goblins (played by David Bowie) and in
order to rescue him she must navigate a devilish labyrinth. Also starring
Jennifer Connelly and Toby Froud. Written by Terry Jones (and Elaine
May). Designed by Brian Froud. Directed by Jim Henson. Produced by Eric
Rattray. Executive produced by George Lucas.

Reviews: Ralph Novak (People Weekly, July 7, 1986, p. 10): “The writer—
with uncredited help from Elaine May—is Monty Python alumnus Terry
Jones, whose affection for the perverse removes any danger that this film
will turn treacly”; Iain Johnstone (The Sunday Times [London], Dec. 7,
1986, p. 46): “...lacks the edge that might have given it a more classic
status, and probably a wider following.”

1302 July 31, 1986

Terry Jones speaks about Chaucer’s Knight at the Chaucer Festival (July
24–Aug. 3) in Canterbury, England.

1303 August 8, 1986

The Transformers: The Movie (Feature film: De Laurentiis Entertainment)

opens in the U.S. Animated feature starring the popular children’s toy
characters. Eric Idle voices Wreck Gar. Other voices by Orson Welles,
Robert Stack, Leonard Nimoy, Judd Nelson, and Lionel Stander. Directed
by Nelson Shin. Produced by Joe Bacal and Tom Griffin.

1304 September 27, 1986

The Mikado (Light opera) premieres at the London Coliseum. Jonathan
Miller staged this innovative production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s 1885
operetta for The English National Opera, shifting the operetta’s setting from
old Japan to a 1920s English seaside resort. Eric Idle makes his operatic
debut as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. The production runs until
November, then returns for another season in February–April 1987. Airs
Dec. 30, 1987, on ITV. Also starring Bonaventura Bottone (as Nanki-Poo),
Lesley Garrett (as Yum-Yum), Felicity Palmer (Katisha), Richard Angas
(The Mikado), Richard Van Allan (Pooh-Bah), Mark Richardson (Pish-
Tush), Jean Rigby (Pitti-Sing), and Susan Bullock (Peep-Bo). Music by
Arthur Sullivan. Words by W.S. Gilbert, with “Little List” rewritten by Eric
Idle. Chorus & orchestra conducted by Peter Robinson. Produced &
directed by Jonathan Miller.

Review: Hilary Finch (The Times [London], Sept. 29, 1986): “Jonathan
Miller’s new production of The Mikado ... has put the work back where it
belongs: on its toes in the brightest footlights of musical theatre.”

1305 October 1986

The Mirrorstone (Book: Jonathan Cape), written by Michael Palin and

illustrated by Alan Lee, is published in the U.K. Children’s story about an
English schoolboy named Paul who is brought into another world by a
wizard named Salaman and forced on a dangerous quest to retrieve the
priceless Mirrorstone. The book, which was conceived and designed by
Richard Seymour, contains seven holograms.

Reviews: Edward Sorel (The New York Times Book Review, Dec. 7, 1986, p.
77): “Mr. Palin has done a splendid job.... The Mirrorstone is an exciting,
handsomely produced book”; Lachlan Mackinnon (The Times Literary
Supplement [London], Dec. 26, 1986, p. 1458): “...magical fantasy ...
gripping and imaginatively expansive. The book is quite good enough not to
need its gimmick, seven holograms printed on to the page.”

1306 October 1986

The Goblins of Labyrinth (Book: Pavilion [U.K.]; Owl Books [U.S.]), by

Brian Froud and Terry Jones, is published. The myriad, malevolent
Goblins that populate the film Labyrinth are brought to life through the
imaginative drawings of conceptual designer Brian Froud. Terry Jones, co-
author of the film’s screenplay, provides the witty text for this collector’s
item. Reissued in April 1996 as The Goblin Companion. A deluxe 20th
Anniversary Edition is published in 2006. Froud and Jones will collaborate
again on Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book (1994).

1307 October 1986

The Utterly Utterly Merry Comic Relief Christmas Book (Book: Fontana
Press), edited by Douglas Adams and Peter Fincham, is published in the
U.K. Comedy book for charity. Includes: “Biggles and the Groupies” by
Michael Palin (with an introduction by George Harrison), “A Christmas
Fairly Story” by Terry Jones and Douglas Adams, and “The Private Life of
Genghis Khan” by Adams (adapted from a sketch by Adams and Graham
Chapman for the 1976 TV special Out of the Trees).

1308 October 1986

Graham Chapman takes his comedy lecture on an 11-day tour of the U.S.
and Canada. Venues include the Humanities Theatre at the University of
Waterloo in Ontario (Oct. 19) and the Ingman Room at the University of
Toledo Student Union in Toledo, OH (Oct. 28).

1309 October 6, 1986

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Guests: John Cleese, promoting

Clockwise, Yoko Ono, and Dwight Gooden.

1310 October 7, 1986

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Penny Bustin interviews Eric
Idle about his operatic debut in Jonathan Miller’s production of The
Mikado.

1311 October 7, 1986

The CBS Morning News (TV news-talk show: CBS). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Clockwise.

1312 October 7, 1986

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John
Cleese, promoting Clockwise, and Dennis Miller.

1313 October 10, 1986

Clockwise, starring John Cleese, opens in the U.S (released by Universal

Pictures). The film premiered in Britain in March.

1314 October 11 & 12, 1986

The album of Jonathan Miller’s The Mikado, featuring Eric Idle as Ko-Ko,
is recorded at Abbey Road EMI Studios, London.

1315 October 20, 1986

Time (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python in the Boardroom,” by Janice

Castro, p. 65. Article on John Cleese’s business-training films.

1316 November 1986

Cyril and the Dinner Party (Book: Pavilion), written by Michael Palin
with illustrations by Caroline Holden, is published in the U.K. Children’s
book about a three-year-old with the power to turn people into other things.
Written in October 1980.

1317 November 1986

Cyril and the House of Commons (Book: Pavilion), written by Michael

Palin with illustrations by Caroline Holden, is published in the U.K. Palin’s
second Cyril story. Written in the fall of 1985.

1318 November 1986

John Cleese is voted the funniest man in Britain in a poll conducted by
BBC Radio One in England. Lenny Henry comes in second, followed by
Michael Barrymore, Ben Elton and Rik Mayall.

1319 November 1986

Personal Services, a new film directed by Terry Jones, is withdrawn from

the London Film Festival on the insistence of the defense lawyers for famed
madam Cynthia Payne, who will go on trial again in January. They feel that
the film, which is loosely based on Payne’s life, could prejudice her case.

1320 November 1, 1986

That’s Television Entertainment (TV special: BBC1). The BBC celebrates

its 50th anniversary with this three-hour extravaganza featuring clips
selected by guest stars John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, David
Frost, Ringo Starr, Les Dawson, Roger Moore, Cliff Richard, Ernie Wise,
and many others. Produced by Colin Strong.

1321 November 6, 1986

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Debbie Greenwood interviews

Michael Palin.

1322 November 19–24, 1986

Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam travel to Moscow for British Film Week
with their films Jabberwocky and Brazil. They then go on to Leningrad,
staying in the Soviet Union for five days.

1323 November 21, 1986

Boston Phoenix (Newspaper/U.S.). “The Life of Terry,” by Owen

Gleiberman. Interview with Terry Gilliam about Brazil.

1324 November 24, 1986

The Anti-Heroin Project: It’s a Live-In World (Album: EMI AHP LP 12) is
released in the U.K. Two-record various-artist compilation with proceeds
going to the Phoenix House Charity. Includes the comedy song “Naughty
Atom Bomb,” performed by John Cleese, Bill Oddie, and Ringo Starr
(written by Kenny Craddock & Colin Gibson). Recorded in August 1986.

1325 December 1986

The Illustrated London News (Magazine/U.K.). “Double Trouble,” by

George Perry, p. 11. Article on Terry Jones’ latest film projects, Labyrinth
and Personal Services.

1326 December 1986

Gabereau (Radio talk show: CBC Radio, in Canada). Hosted by Vicki

Gabereau. Guest Michael Palin, promoting his book The Mirrorstone, also
talks about his interest in history, eating mud in Holy Grail, dressing in
drag, etc.

1327 December 1, 1986

The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the Royal Charity premiere of
Labyrinth, written by Terry Jones, in England.

1328 December 2, 1986

Labyrinth opens in the U.K. The film premiered in the U.S. on June 27.

1329 December 3, 1986

Paramount Home Video begins releasing Monty Python’s Flying Circus on

video in the U.S. with three 60-minute volumes, each containing two shows
linked thematically, not chronologically. Two more tapes, each priced at
$24.95, will be released about every three months. The Pythons decided to
sign with Paramount after Python representatives met with Timothy Clott,
the company’s head of home video. Clott, whose carefully packaged and
advertised Star Trek videos had been very successful, says “They were
encouraged, and they were happy with our marketing plans.” All 45
episodes of the show will be released on 22 volumes between now and June
1991. The series was released by BBC Video in Britain in 1985.
1330 December 3, 1986

The First Monty Python’s Flying Circus Videocassette (Videocassette:

Paramount Home Video 12543). Contains: “The Buzz Aldrin Show” (Ep.
17, 1970) and “Face the Press” (Ep. 14, 1970).

1331 December 3, 1986

The Second (in Sequence, Not Quality) Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Videocassette (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12544). Contains:
“The Money Programme” (Ep. 29, 1972) and “The Spanish Inquisition”
(Ep. 15, 1970).

1332 December 3, 1986

The Third (but Still Drastically Important and Absolutely Necessary to

Have) Monty Python’s Flying Circus Videocassette (Videocassette:
Paramount Home Video 12545). Contains: “The Attila the Hun Show” (Ep.
20, 1970) and “The All-England Summarize Proust Competition” (Ep. 31,
1972).

1333 December 3, 1986

Made in New York (TV talk show: WNYW-TV, New York). Guest: Michael
Palin, promoting Ripping Yarns on video.

1334 December 3, 1986

Nightlife (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by David Brenner. Guest: Michael
Palin, promoting Ripping Yarns on video.

1335 December 4, 1986

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guest-
hosted by Jay Leno. Guests: Amy Irving, Eva Marie Saint, and Michael
Palin, promoting Ripping Yarns on video.

1336 December 5, 1986

CBS/Fox Video, in connection with Britain’s BBC Video line, releases all
12 episodes of Fawlty Towers and all 9 episodes of Ripping Yarns on video
in the U.S. as part of the BBC’s 50th anniversary celebration. Each
videotape contains three episodes.

1337 December 5, 1986

The Late Show (TV talk show: Fox). Hosted by Joan Rivers. Guests: Tyne
Daly, John Parr, and Michael Palin, promoting Ripping Yarns on video.

1338 December 6, 1986

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Chevy Chase,
Steve Martin, and Martin Short, with Eric Idle appearing in one sketch,
“Halsey & Roarke, British Customs,” in which he and Dana Carvey play
British customs officers. Directed by Paul Miller. Produced by Lorne
Michaels. Note: Idle hosted SNL four times (1976–79).

1339 December 7, 1986

David Frost on Sunday (TV show: ITV/TV-am). David Frost interviews

Norman Tebbit and Terry Jones.

1340 December 7, 1986

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests: John Cleese, Tony Adams, Leslie Thomas, Roy Hudd, Pamela
Stephenson, Melvyn Bragg, and Anthony Hopkins.

1341 December 7, 1986

Censorama: The Official Secrets Ball (Stage show). Terry Gilliam is

among the stars appearing at this benefit—held at London’s Piccadilly
Theatre—for the Campaign for Press & Broadcasting Freedom and the
Campaign for Freedom of Information.

1342 December 22, 1986

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin and chef Julia Child. Palin, promoting Ripping Yarns on video, also
talks about his trip to Russia. Recorded Dec. 3 in New York.

1343 December 23, 1986

Comedians Do It on Stage (TV special: Channel 4). Recording of the

December 1984 charity concert Stars on Sunday II: The Stage Show
organized by Dr. Rob Buckman. Starring Buckman, Michael Palin, Terry
Jones, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Griff Rhys Jones, Neil Innes, Chris
Langham, Victoria Wood, Mel Smith, and others. The event benefits the
Oncology Club Fund. Directed by David MacMahon. Produced by Paul
Smith.

1344 1986

Telephone Behaviour: The Power and the Perils (Training film: Video
Arts). Staff-training film illustrating the pitfalls of using the telephone.
Starring John Cleese, Diane Fletcher, Miranda Richardson, Art Malik, and
Patsy Rowlands. Written by Peter Spence. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1345 1986

Inside the Labyrinth (TV special). Hour-long documentary on the making

of the fantasy film Labyrinth. Includes interviews with director Jim Henson,
star David Bowie, designer Brian Froud, and writer Terry Jones. Airs in
the U.K. on Jan. 2, 1987 (BBC1). Later included on the 1999 DVD release
of the film. Directed by Des Saunders. Produced by Arthur Solomon and
Anthony Goldsmith.

1346 Early 1987

The Pythons form Prominent Features, “an umbrella company for all our
individual projects,” says Terry Jones. The company’s first projects include
Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, John Cleese’s A
Fish Called Wanda, Terry Jones’ Erik the Viking, and Michael Palin’s
American Friends. The company’s headquarters is to be built in Camden
Town, London. Eric Idle serves as chairman.
1347 January 23, 1987

Inner London Crown Court hears testimony at the trial of madam Cynthia
Payne that Terry Jones had attended two sex parties hosted by Payne at her
London home. He was there doing research for his yet-to-be-released film
Personal Services. The court testimony is reported on the following day in
the tabloid The Sun with the front-page headline: “TV Python Comic at Sex
Orgies.”

1348 January 25, 1987

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (Award ceremony). At the

annual awards show, held at the Savoy Hotel in London, John Cleese
receives the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy for his role in Clockwise.
Unable to appear in person, Cleese accepts the award in a humorous video
message. Shown on BBC1. Note: Michael Palin won the Peter Sellers
Award last year for his role in A Private Function.

1349 January 28, 1987

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Donald
Soper, Jeffrey Archer, and Michael Palin, promoting East of Ipswich.

1350 January 30, 1987

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Jeremy Paxman talks to

Michael Palin about his TV film East of Ipswich.

1351 January 31, 1987

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Bright and Beached Memoirs,” by

Peter Waymark, p. 16. Michael Palin talks about the TV film East of
Ipswich, which he wrote.

1352 February–April 1987

Jonathan Miller’s hit production of The Mikado for The English National
Opera stages thirteen shows for another season at the London Coliseum.
The production, starring Eric Idle as Ko-Ko, premiered in September 1986.
In addition to Idle, the cast includes Bonaventura Bottone (Nanki-Poo),
Susan Bullock (Yum-Yum), Ann Howard (Katisha), Richard Van Allan
(Pooh-Bah), Eric Shilling (Pish-Tush), and Dennis Wicks (The Mikado).

1353 February 1, 1987

Screen Two (TV film: BBC2). “East of Ipswich.” Comedy-drama, penned

by Michael Palin, about a teenage boy’s sexual awakening during a family
vacation in seaside Norfolk in 1957. The film, based on Palin’s own
childhood experience, was shot in Southwold in May–June 1986 (it was in
Southwold in 1959 that Palin first met his future wife, Helen). Starring
Edward Rawle-Hicks, John Nettleton, Pat Heywood, Oona Kirsch, Pippa
Hinchley, John Wagland, Joan Sanderson, Allan Cuthbertson, and Graham
Crowden. Written by Michael Palin. Directed by Tristram Powell.
Produced by Innes Lloyd.

Awards: BAFTA-nominated for Best Single Drama; 1988 ACE Award

winner for Writing for a Movie or Miniseries.

Review: Sally Payne (The Sunday Times [London], Feb. 1, 1987, p. 56):
“Michael Palin’s brilliantly observed script breathes new and exquisitely
English life into the vastly over-subscribed field of teenage ‘love,’ circa
1957.”

1354 February 3, 1987

The Variety Club Awards for 1986 (Award ceremony). John Cleese receives
the Film Actor of the Year award (accepting on film, in his office) at the
35th Annual Show Business Awards presented by the Variety Club of Great
Britain and held at London’s Hilton Hotel. Hosted by Terry Wogan and Ray
Moore. Broadcast on BBC1.

1355 February 16, 1987

Cross Wits (TV game show: ITV). The celebrity guests are Graham
Chapman and Adrienne Posta. Hosted by Barry Cryer.

1356 February 18, 1987

Woman’s Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Host Sue MacGregor talks to
Terry Gilliam.

1357 February 20, 1987

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Eric Idle,
talking about The Mikado, Jan Leeming, and Boy George.

1358 February 23–27, 1987

The TV drama Troubles, starring Michael Palin as Major Archer, films for
five days before the production is cancelled (on Mar. 3) due to a strike. The
film co-stars Rachel Kempson; the director is Charles Sturridge. Filming re-
starts in October with Ian Charleson playing Archer.

1359 February 26, 1987

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Sally Magnusson talks to

Terry Gilliam about the formation of the Pythons’ new production
company, Prominent Features.

1360 March 1987

The Mikado (Record: That’s Entertainment TER 1121; CD: CDTER 1121).
Studio recording of Jonathan Miller’s hit production of the Gilbert &
Sullivan operetta starring Eric Idle, made less than four weeks after the
show’s first night. Contains the entire first act, with considerable cuts made
in the second act. Issued in the U.S. on MCA Classics MCAD-6215 (1987).

1361 March 1987

Terry Jones’ new film, Personal Services, is banned in Ireland. Jones’ two
previous films, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, were also banned
from Irish cinemas.

1362 March 1987

Video Review (Magazine/U.S.). “Michael Palin Spins His Yarn,” by Maury

Z. Levy, p. 76. Interview with Michael Palin about his humor and Ripping
Yarns.

1363 March 5, 1987

Cheers (TV episode: NBC). “Simon Says.” Diane persuades a noted

marriage counselor to have a session with her and Sam, and then refuses to
accept his prognosis for their impending marriage. John Cleese guest-stars
as the marriage counselor, Dr. Simon Finch-Royce. Starring Ted Danson,
Shelley Long, Kelsey Grammer, and Woody Harrelson. Directed by James
Burrows. Produced by David Angell. Airs in the U.K. on June 19 (Channel
4).

Award: Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Comedy Series

(Cleese).

1364 March 20, 1987

Nightlife (TV talks show: Synd.). Hosted by David Brenner. Guests: Terry
Jones and Stacey Lattisaw. Jones, promoting Personal Services, also talks
about muggings and ladies’ underwear.

1365 March 26–29, 1987

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (Stage show). British and American
musicians and comedians perform for four evenings at the London
Palladium in aid of Amnesty International. In one comedy bit, Stephen Fry
and Hugh Laurie present John Cleese with the “Silver Dick” life
achievement award (named after Dick Emery) for his long service to
comedy. Cleese’s surprise appearance comes after initially declining to take
part in the show due to prior commitments. Other performers include Joan
Armatrading, Mark Knopfler, Chet Atkins, Jackson Browne, Kate Bush,
Duran Duran, Spitting Image, and Peter Gabriel. Comedy stage direction by
Paul Jackson. A film of the show is released theatrically in September.

1366 March 30, 1987

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Terry
Jones, promoting Personal Services, Ian Botham, and Malcolm Turnbull.
1367 March 30, 1987

Graham Chapman is a guest VJ on MTV-Music Television.

1368 March 31, 1987

Personal Services, directed by Terry Jones, is screened at a Gala Preview

in London. Those attending include Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam,
and Cynthia Payne, upon whom the film is based.

1369 April–May 1987

Graham Chapman goes on a month-long, 33-date tour of colleges and

clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada performing his comedy lecture, in
which he shares stories, shows clips, and does some generally silly things
(like tossing dead fish into the audience and inviting them to give him “one
minute of abuse” before starting). Venues include The Ritz in Manhattan,
NY (Apr. 9), The Comedy Corner in West Palm Beach, FL (Apr. 10),
Ryerson Theatre in Toronto (Apr. 12), Comedy Factory Outlet in
Philadelphia (Apr. 13 & 27), Park West in Chicago (Apr. 18), Syracuse
University in NY (Apr. 28), and The Channel in Boston (Apr. 29).

1370 April 1987

Personal Services (Feature film: United International Pictures), opens in the

U.K. Provocative comedy-drama—based loosely on the life of celebrated
English madam, Cynthia Payne—pokes fun at society’s hypocritical attitude
toward sex with its story of a working-class-girl-turned-madam who runs a
“kinks and costume” brothel. Terry Jones’ first non–Python directorial
effort. Starring Julie Walters, Alec McCowen, Shirley Stelfox, Danny
Schiller, and Victoria Hardcastle. Written by David Leland. Directed by
Terry Jones. Produced by Tim Bevan. Opens in the U.S. on May 15.

Award: BAFTA-nominated for Best Actress (Walters) and Screenplay

(Leland).

Reviews: Janet Maslin (The New York Times, May 15, 1987): “Mr. Jones
has a keen eye for the ludicrousness of certain situations, and keeps the film
fast and funny when he sticks to specifics”; Mike McGrady (Newsday, May
15, 1987, p. 3): “...Services is rescued from total triviality by Julie Walters,
playing the madam”; Johanna Steinmetz (Chicago Tribune, May 29, 1987,
p. 8): “Director Terry Jones wrings more from this tale than most
filmmakers get out of three times as much footage.” David Denby (New
York, June 1, 1987, pp. 95–96): “Some of Personal Services is rude,
disorderly fun ... it has the gift of temperament and vividness.”

1371 April 1987

Terry Jones begins writing columns for the Young Guardian (supplement
of the British newspaper The Guardian). A collection of his columns will be
published in the book Attacks of Opinion in November 1988.

1372 April 1, 1987

A Party Political Broadcast: Social Democratic Party (TV:

BBC1/ITV/BBC2). John Cleese presents a party political broadcast on
behalf of the Social Democratic Party.

1373 April 3, 1987

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Guy Michelmore reports on

Terry Jones’ new film Personal Services. Includes interviews with Jones,
Julie Walters, and Cynthia Payne.

1374 April 3, 1987

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Joan Bakewell reports on Terry Jones’
new film Personal Services. Includes interviews with Jones, David Leland,
Julie Walters, and Cynthia Payne.

1375 April 3, 1987

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests:
Eric Idle, Lulu, David Cassidy, and Fanny Cradock.

1376 April 5, 1987

Still Crazy Like a Fox (TV film: CBS). This made-for-TV film, an off-shoot
of the 1984–86 detective series Crazy Like a Fox, finds Harry and Harrison
Fox on a working holiday in London, where Harry is framed for the murder
of the Duke of Trent. Graham Chapman plays Detective Inspector Palmer.
Filmed in England. Also starring Jack Warden, John Rubinstein, James
Faulkner, and Catherine Oxenberg. Directed by Paul Krasny.

1377 April 6, 1987

Financial Times (Newspaper/U.K.). “Something Completely Different,” by

Michael Skapinker, p. 16. Interview with John Cleese about his work with
Video Arts and interest in psychology.

1378 April 10, 1987

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests:
Dawn French, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and Terry Gilliam, who talks about
his next film, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and his last film,
Brazil.

1379 April 12, 1987

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Whipping Up a Poster

Storm,” by Mark Brennan, p. 51. A talk with Terry Jones about censorship,
particularly on the trouble he had finding a Personal Services poster that the
Society of Film Distributors would pass.

1380 April 16, 1987

Nightlife (TV talks show: Synd.). Hosted by David Brenner. Guest:

Graham Chapman, talking about the Dangerous Sports Club, etc.

1381 April 19, 1987

The 1984 short film The Dress, starring Michael Palin, airs on Channel 4
in Britain.

1382 May 1, 1987

Personal Services: The Making of a Celebrity (TV special: BBC2). Joan
Bakewell interviews former madam Cynthia Payne, upon whom the film
Personal Services is based. The film’s director, Terry Jones, is also
interviewed.

1383 May 6, 1987

Graham Chapman and Michael Palin attend a memorial service for Tony
Stratton-Smith, founder of Charisma Records (Monty Python’s record label
since 1971). The service takes place at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London.

1384 May 12, 1987

West 57th Street (TV news show: CBS). John Cleese is interviewed by
Steve Kroft about his life and work with business-training films. Includes a
behind-the-scenes look at Cleese making a training film. Repeated on Aug.
8. Produced by Dan Chaykin.

1385 May 13, 1987

The Fourth (Eagerly Awaited, Impatiently Anticipated, Ardently Sought

After, Raring-to-Go and Real Good) Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Videocassette (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12560). Contains:
“How to Recognize Different Parts of the Body” (Ep. 22, 1970) and “Mr.
and Mrs. Brian Norris’ Ford Popular” (Ep. 28, 1972).

1386 May 13, 1987

Monty Python’s Fifth (Symphony) Videocassette (Videocassette: Paramount

12561). Contains: “Spam” (Ep. 25, 1970) and “The War Against
Pornography” (Ep. 32, 1972).

1387 May 15, 1987

The film Personal Services, directed by Terry Jones, opens in the U.S.
(Vestron Pictures).

1388 May 29, 1987

Michael Palin’s sister, Angela Herbert, takes her own life at the age of 52.
She had been suffering from depression for years.

1389 Summer 1987

Graham Chapman films links for his upcoming Cinemax series The
Dangerous Film Club. In the links Chapman plays an assortment of
strange characters in a variety of locations, including New York’s Central
Park.

1390 June 15, 1987

The Grand Knockout Tournament (Event). John Cleese and Michael Palin
participate in this feudal trash-sport competition for charity. The event,
organized by Prince Edward, is held at Alton Towers amusement park in
Staffordshire. The 48 cavorting celebrities that attended are divided up into
four teams led by Princess Anne, The Duke and Duchess of York, and
Prince Edward. Cleese plays on Prince Edward’s yellow team and Palin on
The Duke of York’s green team. Other celebrities taking part include John
Travolta, Meat Loaf, Cliff Richard, and Tom Jones. Airs in the U.K. on June
19 (BBC1) and the U.S. on Aug. 12 (USA-Cable).

1391 June 19, 1987

The Grand Knockout Tournament, with John Cleese and Michael Palin,
airs in the U.K. on BBC1.

1392 June 19, 1987

The “Simon Says” episode of Cheers, guest-starring John Cleese, airs in

the U.K. on Channel 4.

1393 July 1987

Graham Chapman performs his comedy lecture in another tour of the U.S.
The lecture, which begins with 30 seconds of abuse from the audience,
includes stories about Keith Moon and the Dangerous Sports Club, an
update on his current projects, and clips from Flying Circus. Venues include
the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis (July 20), University of Washington in
Seattle (July 24), Masonic Temple in Portland, OR (July 25), Comedy &
Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA (July 26–28), Laughs Unlimited in
Sacramento, CA (July 30), and City Gardens in Trenton, NJ (July 31).

1394 July 1987

TV Lite (TV talk show: KCRA, Sacramento). Hosted by Jack Gallagher.

Guest: Graham Chapman, who talks about his involvement with the
Dangerous Sports Club.

1395 July 1987

The Battle of Brazil (The Real Story of Terry Gilliam’s Victory Over
Hollywood to Release His Landmark Film with Annotated Screenplay)
(Book: Crown Books), written by Jack Mathews, is published. Well-
documented account of the struggle between Terry Gilliam and Universal
president Sid Sheinberg over the release of Brazil. Includes the film’s script
and a look at its making. Revised edition published in 1998 (Applause
Books).

1396 July 1987

Spin (Magazine/U.S.). “Moving Images: It’s...,” by Glenn Rechler, pp. 71–

73. Article on Graham Chapman’s life and recent lecture tour of the U.S.

1397 July 6, 1987

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Mike
Yarwood, Graham Chapman, Dr. Clive Graymore and his wife Kay
Graymore.

1398 July 13–September 1987

A Fish Called Wanda, a comedy written by and starring John Cleese with
Michael Palin in a supporting role, is filmed (on a budget of $7.3 million
from MGM) at Twickenham Studios and on location in London and Oxford.
Locations include Hatton Garden, The Inns of Court, London Central
Criminal Court, Oxbridge Town Hall, New Concordia Wharf, and a pet
cemetery in Surrey.

1399 July 18, 1987

Just for Laughs (Comedy festival). Graham Chapman is among the

headliners at the fifth annual Just for Laughs comedy festival (July 9–19) in
Montreal. Chapman performs his comedy lecture, at the conclusion of
which he tosses dead fish into the audience.

1400 July 20, 1987

Happy Holidays: The Golden Age of Railway Posters (Book: Pavilion),

introduced by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K. Collection of posters
from the Railway Age.

1401 August–December 1987

The comedy series The Dangerous Film Club airs on Cinemax. The show,
hosted by Graham Chapman, is a monthly collection of unusual film
clips, including home movies, animation, and newsreels. The series consists
of five episodes.

1402 August 1987

The Dangerous Film Club (TV episode: Cinemax). The first show of the
series includes “A Trip Through the Brooks’ Home” and “Dog Baseball.”
Hosted by Graham Chapman. Directed by Paul Fuentes. Produced by
Mary Frances Shea and Andrea Cvirko.

1403 August 1987

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (Book: Sidgwick and Jackson), edited by
Terence Blacker, is published in the U.K. Book of the March 1987 Amnesty
show. Contains the show’s script, including John Cleese’s bit accepting the
“Silver Dick” award.

1404 August 1987

Q (Magazine/U.K.). “Goon Squad,” by Andy Gill. Eight-page interview
with the Pythons about the group’s history and current solo projects.

1405 August 4, 1987

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guests:
Graham Chapman and Midori. Chapman talks about the Dangerous
Sports Club and shows footage of their winter sports event.

1406 August 10, 1987

Michael Palin and Terry Jones are among the celebrities giving public
readings from the book Spycatcher, by Peter Wright, at Conway Hall, Red
Lion Square, London. The book has been banned by the British
government.

1407 August 12, 1987

The Grand Knockout Tournament, with John Cleese and Michael Palin, is
shown in the U.S. on USA-Cable.

1408 August 18, 1987

John Cleese is among the celebrities attending Madonna’s Who’s That Girl
concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

1409 September 1987

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (Feature film: Virgin Vision). Film
version of the March 1987 Amnesty International benefit concert at the
London Palladium. Performers include John Cleese (receiving the “Silver
Dick” award), Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Kate Bush, Chet Atkins, Mark
Knopfler, and Peter Gabriel. Also, Ruby Wax conducts backstage
interviews. Directed by Ken O’Neill. Produced by Neville Bolt and Tony
Hollingsworth.

1410 September 1987

The Dangerous Film Club (TV episode: Cinemax). The second show
includes “Snack of the Dead,” “Sweet Sal,” and “Hold the Mayo.” Hosted
by Graham Chapman. Directed by Paul Fuentes. Produced by Mary
Frances Shea and Andrea Cvirko.

1411 September 1987

When We Were Young: Memories of Childhood (Book: Graham

Tarrant/David and Charles) is published in the U.K. A collection of
childhood reminiscences of sixty celebrities, including Barbara Cartland,
Roald Dahl, Princess Margaret, Twiggy, Barry Took, and Terry Jones,
whose contribution is one of his first school papers titled “My Family.” All
profits from the book are paid to the National Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Children.

1412 September 1987

Rock ’n’ Roll (Record: GWR). Album from the British rock band
Motörhead, with Michael Palin making an uncredited appearance
delivering a mock sermon (“Bless thou these people from Motörhead”) at
the end of side one.

1413 September 7, 1987

The BBC offers Michael Palin the opportunity of writing and presenting a
documentary series that would have him follow the route Phileas Fogg took
in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days. If he accepts (and he does),
he will be embarking on the journey a little more than a year from now.
BBC executives pitch the project to Palin by telling him he was the best
man for the job. Palin later learns that he was offered the job only after
Alan Whicker, Clive James, Miles Kington, and Noel Edmonds turned it
down.

1414 September 13, 1987

Graham Chapman and Michael Palin perform in a benefit show for the
AIDS charity Frontliners at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. Palin
performs “Biggles” and “The Martyrdom of Brian.”
1415 September 16, 1987

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Volume Six and Violence (Videocassette:

Paramount Home Video 12582). Contains: “Salad Days” (Ep. 33, 1972) and
“How Not to Be Seen” (Ep. 24, 1970).

1416 September 16, 1987

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Volume 7 Pipe Dreams (Videocassette:

Paramount Home Video 12583). Contains: “Live from the Grill-O-Mat”
(Ep. 18, 1970) and “The Nude Organist” (Ep. 35, 1972).

1417 September 18, 1987

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests:
Graham Chapman, John Hurt, Sarah Miles, and Paul Young.

1418 September 20, 1987

The 39th Annual Emmy Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese wins an
Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Comedy Series for his
performance on Cheers (Mar. 5). He is not there to accept the award.
Broadcast live on Fox.

1419 September 21, 1987–March 1988

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, directed by Terry Gilliam and co-

starring Eric Idle, is filmed at Cinecitta Studios in Rome and on location in
Almeria and Belchite, Spain, with miniature work done at London’s
Pinewood Studios. Originally budgeted at $23.5 million, the film will
ultimately cost about $48 million. Problems during the troubled production
include: the film crew speaking four different languages; African Horse
Fever breaking out in Spain, preventing Gilliam from bringing four
specially-trained horses into the country; David Puttnam (who greenlit the
film) being replaced as head of Columbia Pictures; Film Finances Inc.
forcing Gilliam to make major cuts in the script due to the spiraling budget;
and Sean Connery walking off the film because of the cuts made to his
Moon King sequence. One bonus for Gilliam is meeting with director
Federico Fellini and working with Fellini veterans.

1420 October 1987

The Dangerous Film Club (TV episode: Cinemax). The third show includes
“Spontaneous Combustion,” “Doggie Doo Check,” and “Horror Brunch.”
Hosted by Graham Chapman. Directed by Paul Fuentes. Produced by
Andrea Cvirko.

1421 October 1, 1987

MTV-Music Television begins playing Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

1422 October 27–November 1987

Graham Chapman performs his comedy lecture on a six-date tour of the

U.S. Includes stops in Boston (Oct. 27) and Iowa City (Nov. 3).

1423 October 27, 1987

Graham Chapman appears as a guest VJ on MTV-Music Television.

1424 October 30, 1987

The Morning Program (TV news-talk show: CBS). Guest Graham

Chapman talks with Mariette Hartley about Python, the Dangerous Sports
Club, and the Comedy Crusade Against Diabetes.

1425 October 30, 1987

Celebrity Hour with Roger Rose (TV show: VH1). Guest: Graham
Chapman.

1426 October 31, 1987

MTV Halloween Costume Party (TV special: MTV). Graham Chapman

appears on this MTV special dressed in a mouse costume that has
“Splunge?” written across the front.
1427 November 1987

Monty Python: The Final Rip Off (Record: Virgin MPD1; CD: CDMP1).
Two-disc collection of Python’s best bits, released by Virgin Records, who
now own the rights to the group’s material on record after purchasing
Charisma Records in 1983. The album’s design (by George Rowbottom)
features a graphic image of spilling guts on the cover and the packaging
contains a humorous Python history and many pictures. All of the songs
have been remixed and Michael Palin provides some new links. Includes:
“Introduction,” “Constitutional Peasants,” “Fish License,” “Eric the Half-a-
Bee,” “Finland,” “Travel Agent,” “Are You Embarrassed Easily?,”
“Australian Table Wines,” “Argument,” “Henry Kissinger,” “Parrot (Oh,
Not Again),” “Sit on My Face,” “Undertaker,” “Novel Writing,” “String,”
“Bells,” “Traffic Lights,” “Cocktail Bar,” “Four Yorkshiremen,” “Election
Special,” “Lumberjack Song,” “I Like Chinese,” “Spanish Inquisition Part
1,” “Cheese Shop,” “Cherry Orchard,” “Architect Sketch,” “Spanish
Inquisition Part 2,” “Spam,” “Spanish Inquisition Part 3,” “Comfy Chair,”
“Famous Person Quiz,” “You Be the Actor,” “Nudge, Nudge,”
“Cannibalism,” “Spanish Inquisition Revisited (Knees Up, Mother
Brown),” “I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio,”
“Bruces/Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Bookshop,” “Do Wot John,” “Rock
Notes,” “I’m So Worried,” “Crocodile,” “French Taunter,” “Marilyn
Monroe,” “Swamp Castle,” “French Taunter Part 2,” and “Last Word.”
Produced by Andre Jacquemin. Remixed at Redwood Studios.

1428 November 1987

The Dangerous Film Club (TV episode: Cinemax). The fourth show
includes “Brides,” “Croutons and You,” and “Is We Is?” Hosted by
Graham Chapman. Directed by Paul Fuentes. Produced by Andrea
Cvirko.

1429 November 1987

John Cleese and his second wife, Barbara Trentham, separate. Cleese
moves into an apartment five-minutes walking distance from their Holland
Park home in London. The couple were married in February 1981.
1430 November 2, 1987

The First Annual Comedy Crusade Against Diabetes (Stage show). Comedy
clubs across the U.S. join together to kick off National Diabetes Month with
this “comedy crusade.” Comedian Tom Parks, who has diabetes, heads the
main event at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. Other performers
include Graham Chapman, Kip Addotta, Franklyn Ajaye, and Nora Dunn.
Ticket proceeds go to diabetes research.

1431 November 7–23, 1987

Filming on Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is halted

for two weeks by the film’s insurance company in an effort to keep the film
from going further over budget. The shooting schedule is reorganized and
Gilliam is forced to make major cuts in the script.

1432 November 26, 1987

Michael Palin performs his one-man show at the Arts Theatre in Belfast, N.
Ireland as part of the 25th Belfast Festival (Nov. 10–28). It is his fourth
time performing at the festival since November 1981.

1433 November 27–December 18, 1987

Assert Yourself (TV series: Channel 4). John Cleese participates in this
four-part documentary series on assertiveness training, based on a book by
Anne Dickson. The program, presented by Andrew Sachs (Manuel in
Fawlty Towers) with Dickson, also features Robin Skynner, Cleese’s former
therapist and collaborator on the 1983 book Families and How to Survive
Them. Directed by Julian Aston and Michael Rolfe. Produced by Maureen
Harter.

1434 December 1987

The Importance of Mistakes (Lecture). John Cleese lectures on the value of

making mistakes (and learning from them) at the Training & Personnel ’87
Conference in New York. Recorded and released as a training film by Video
Arts.
1435 December 1987

The Dangerous Film Club (TV episode: Cinemax). The fifth and final show
includes “The Homecoming Queen’s Got a Gun” and “Pervasive
Percussion.” Hosted by Graham Chapman. Directed by Paul Fuentes.
Produced by Andrea Cvirko.

1436 December 6, 1987

What on Earth Is Going On? (TV show: Channel 4). Monthly

environmental series hosted by Paul Heiney. Includes The Chairman, a film
illustrating the concerns of the pressure group Transport 2000, written by
and starring the group’s chairman, Michael Palin.

1437 December 11, 1987

Way Off Broadway (TV talk show: Lifetime). Hosted by Joy Behar. Guests:
Graham Chapman, Steve Earle, and Dennis Wolfberg.

1438 December 12, 1987

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Funny How People Change,” by

Bryan Appleyard, p. 11. Interview with John Cleese conducted at his
Holland Park (London) office and at the 15th birthday party of Video Arts at
a West End hotel. The party is also attended by Prunella Scales and Stephen
Fry.

1439 December 18, 1987

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests:
Michael Palin, Janet Street-Porter, and Midge Ure.

1440 December 20, 1987

Windmill (TV show: BBC2). “Journeys.” Chris Serle presents a program on

the theme of journeys and interviews his guest, Michael Palin, as they
travel on the Docklands Light Railway (opened in August). Clips from the
BBC archives feature Palin in Flying Circus (“The Cycling Tour”), Three
Men in a Boat, Great Railway Journeys of the World, etc. Directed by
Alison Hagger.

1441 December 29, 1987

A Source of Innocent Merriment (TV special: ITV/Thames). Documentary

following the rehearsals for Jonathan Miller’s production of The Mikado
performed by the English National Opera and featuring Eric Idle as Ko-Ko.
Produced & directed by John Michael Phillips.

1442 December 30, 1987

The Mikado (TV special: ITV/Thames). Jonathan Miller’s 1986 production

of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta for The English National Opera is shown
on television in Britain. It is the first sponsored program on the ITV
network. Starring Eric Idle (as Ko-Ko), Lesley Garrett, Bonaventura
Bottone, Felicity Palmer, Richard Van Allan, Richard Angas, Mark
Richardson, and Ethna Robinson. Produced & directed for television by
John Michael Phillips. Airs in the U.S. in October 1988 on Great
Performances (PBS).

1443 1987

Can You Spare a Moment?: The Counselling Interview (Training film:

Video Arts). How to deal with workers who have personal problems.
Remade in 2001. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Art Malik, and
Joanne Whalley-Kilmer. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed
by Charles Crichton.

1444 1987

The Importance of Mistakes (Training film: Video Arts). Live recording of

John Cleese’s address at the Training & Personnel ’87 Conference in New
York (in December 1987). Written by & starring John Cleese.

1445 1987
Branchline Railway (Video: BBC Enterprises). Railway enthusiast Michael
Palin introduces this video presentation of a 1963 BBC documentary
written & narrated by Sir John Betjeman; also sequences from two BBC
newsreels (1951/1960).

1446 January 1988

Sean Connery drops out of Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron

Munchausen after major cuts are made to his part as King of the Moon.
Gilliam was forced to make the cuts in November due to the film’s soaring
budget. Connery is replaced in the role by Robin Williams.

1447 January 3, 1988

An Audience with Peter Ustinov (TV special: Channel 4/LWT). Actor-

raconteur Peter Ustinov entertains with humorous anecdotes and
observations in this hour-long special. John Cleese is among the celebrities
that comprise the audience. Directed by Alasdair MacMillan. Produced by
Helen Fraser.

1448 January 24, 1988

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (Award ceremony). Michael

Palin appears at the ceremony held at the Savoy Hotel in London.
Broadcast on Channel 4.

1449 January 28, 1988

40 Minutes (TV special: BBC2). “Scarfe’s Follies.” Political cartoonist

Gerald Scarfe presents a tour of British follies (including a garden maze and
mini-pyramid) built by eccentrics over the centuries. With Jane Asher
(Scarfe’s wife), Ian McKellen, Terry Jones, Bob Geldof, and others.
Written & directed by Gerald Scarfe.

1450 February 1988

Business This Morning (TV series: Synd.). John Cleese appears regularly
in a brief segment on this syndicated business show, which premieres this
month. In each segment Cleese teaches business skills with his usual brand
of humor.

1451 February 4, 1988

Michael Palin attends an Eric Clapton concert at the Royal Albert Hall in
London.

1452 February 5, 1988

A Night of Comic Relief (TV special: BBC1). Michael Palin participates in

this eight-hour, star-studded benefit show to raise money for famine relief
in Ethiopia and Sudan. Palin plays his manager, Dino Vercotti, who
explains to Jonathan Ross why his client is unable to appear on the show.
Hosted by Lenny Henry and Griff Rhys Jones.

1453 February 12, 1988

Punch (Magazine/U.K.). “See You in Court,” by Michael Palin, p. 35.

Palin on Python’s copyright infringement lawsuit against ABC-TV in 1975.

1454 March 7–11, 1988

Jackanory (TV episodes: BBC1). “Nicobobinus.” Tony Robinson reads

Terry Jones’ 1985 children’s story in five parts. Directed by Richard Kelly.
Produced by Angela Beeching.

1455 March 14, 1988

The pilot for a new series called Jake’s Journey begins shooting in England.
The show, inspired by Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s
Court, is co-written and produced by Graham Chapman, who also stars as
a curmudgeonly old knight named Sir George. Also starring Chris Young
(as Jake) and Peter Cook (as King Arthur). Chapman co-wrote the pilot
with his partner, David Sherlock. Hal Ashby directs.

1456 March 20, 1988

The British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). Monty Python is
presented with The Michael Balcon Award for Outstanding British
Contribution to Cinema at the BAFTA awards ceremony held at London’s
Grosvenor’s House Hotel. Princess Anne, who is president of the British
Academy, presents the award to Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin. Also that evening, Palin’s film, East of Ipswich,
loses in the Best Single Drama category. Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Broadcast live on ITV.

1457 April 1988

Graham Chapman goes on another month-long tour of colleges and clubs

throughout the U.S. performing his comedy lecture. Venues include
MacPhie Pub, Tufts University in Medford, MA (Apr. 7), Grafton-Stovall
Theater at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (Apr. 13),
O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL (Apr. 14), Sayles Hall at Brown
University in Providence, RI (Apr. 15), University of Maine at Orono (Apr.
16), Kansas University’s Hoch Auditorium in Lawrence, KS (Apr. 18),
Student Center Ballroom at Georgia Tech. University in Atlanta (Apr. 25),
and Indiana University (Apr. 26).

1458 April 2, 1988

The Film Club (TV show: BBC2). Michael Palin introduces two films on
the theme of life after death: Heaven (1986) and A Matter of Life and Death
(1946).

1459 April 3, 1988

Terry Gilliam’s son, Harry Thunder, is born. Gilliam also has two
daughters, Amy and Holly.

1460 April 3, 1988

The Birth of “Brazil” (TV special: BBC2). Ian Holm narrates this 15-
minute documentary on the making of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, which airs
tomorrow on BBC2. Includes interviews with Gilliam, Charles McKeown,
and George Perry. Produced by Nick Jones.
1461 April 6, 1988

Consuming Passions (Feature film: Samuel Goldwyn Co./Euston Films

Ltd.) opens in New York. British black comedy—based on the 1973
television play Secrets by Michael Palin and Terry Jones—about a trio of
Chumley Chocolate maintenance workers who are accidentally dumped
into a vat of chocolate and end up in candy bars. Released in the U.K. in
October. Starring Vanessa Redgrave, Jonathan Pryce, Tyler Butterworth,
Freddie Jones, Sammi Davis, Prunella Scales, and Thora Hird. Written by
Paul D. Zimmerman and Andrew Davies. Directed by Giles Foster.

1462 April 8, 1988

Changing Transport (Lecture). Michael Palin, as president of Transport

2000, gives the Macmillan Education Lecture at the Annual Conference of
the Geographical Association. In his lecture Palin discusses how transport
in Britain has changed over the years and the prospects for future changes.
The lecture is published in the October 1988 issue of the Association’s
journal Geography.

1463 April 10–May 22, 1988

The children’s series East of the Moon airs on Channel 4. Each half-hour
program contains two adaptations (one live-action, the other animated) of
stories penned by Terry Jones, from his 1981 collection Fairy Tales. Neil
Innes (Rutland Weekend Television) wrote the scripts and songs and also
narrates. The seven-episode series is produced by Joy Whitby.

1464 April 10, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Witch and the Rainbow
Cat (live-action)/The Sea Tiger (animated).” First show in the series. Based
on the children’s stories by Terry Jones. Starring Neil Innes. Music &
script by Neil Innes. Animation by Alison De Vere. Directed by Marc
Evans.

1465 April 15, 1988

Michael Palin reads for a part in Frank Oz’s new film King of the
Mountain (later retitled Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), co-starring Steve Martin,
in New York. The part later goes to Michael Caine.

1466 April 17, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Big Noses (live-
action)/The Ship of Bones (animated).” Based on the children’s stories by
Terry Jones. Music & script by Neil Innes. Animation by Alison De Vere.

1467 April 20, 1988

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Behind the (Volume) 8 Ball (Videocassette:

Paramount Home Video 12600). Contains: “Royal Episode 13” (Ep. 26,
1970) and “E. Henry Thripshaw’s Disease” (Ep. 36, 1972).

1468 April 20, 1988

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Silly Party and Other Favors Volume 9
(Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12601). Contains: “It’s a Living”
(Ep. 19, 1970) and “Whicker’s World” (Ep. 27, 1972).

1469 April 24, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Boat That Went Nowhere
(live-action)/Why Birds Sing in the Morning (animated).” Based on the
children’s stories by Terry Jones. Music & script by Neil Innes. Animation
by Alison De Vere.

1470 May 1, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Silly King (live-
action)/The Corn Dolly (animated).” Based on the children’s stories by
Terry Jones. Starring Terry Jones (as King Herbert), Dafydd Hywel.
Music & script by Neil Innes. Animation by Alison De Vere. Directed by
Marc Evans.

1471 May 2, 1988

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Height’s Delight,” by Penelope Gilliatt,
pp. 41–42+. A lengthy, in-depth profile of John Cleese.

1472 May 4, 1988

Midweek (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Ronald Eyre. Guest:
Michael Palin.

1473 May 8, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “Jack One-Step (live-
action)/The Wonderful Cake-Horse (animated).” Based on the children’s
stories by Terry Jones. Music & script by Neil Innes. Animation by Alison
De Vere. Directed by Marc Evans.

1474 May 11–23, 1988

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle attend the
Cannes Film Festival in France. Jones is able to find financing for his next
film Erik the Viking; Palin, however, is not able to get the money for his
film American Friends, the shooting of which has been postponed until next
spring.

1475 May 15, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “Faraway Castle (live-
action)/Three Raindrops (animated).” Based on the children’s stories by
Terry Jones. Starring Hugh Thomas, Iona Banks, Jim Carter, and Terry
Jones (as Second Elf in the “Quiet Talks” segment). Animation by Alison
De Vere. Music, script & direction by Neil Innes.

1476 May 16, 1988

Forbes (Magazine/U.S.). “No More Mistakes and You’re Through,” pp.

126+. Excerpts from John Cleese’s “The Importance of Mistakes” speech
made at the Training & Personnel ’87 Conference in New York last year.

1477 May 17, 1988

The Second Annual American Comedy Awards (TV special: ABC). John
Cleese appears briefly at the beginning of this live award show. Executive
producer: George Schlatter.

1478 May 22, 1988

John Cleese delivers the keynote address at the American Society of

Training and Development convention in Dallas, TX. A few months later a
training film based on the speech, Humour Is Not a Luxury, is shot for
Video Arts.

1479 May 22, 1988

East of the Moon (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Island of Purple Fruits
(animated)/The Fly-By-Night (live-action).” Based on the children’s stories
by Terry Jones. Starring Sara Evans and Rowlant Thomas. Music & script
by Neil Innes. Animation by Alison De Vere. Directed by Marc Evans.

1480 May 24, 1988

Film 88 Special (TV show: BBC1). Barry Norman reports from the Cannes
Film Festival, where he interviews Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Eric
Idle.

1481 Summer 1988

A Fish Called Wanda (Book: Methuen), written by John Cleese and

Charles Crichton, is published in the U.K. Screenplay of the film, with
photos. Published in the U.S. by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books.

1482 June 6, 1988

Film 88 (TV show: BBC1). Barry Norman reports from London’s Heathrow
Airport on the making of the new comedy A Fish Called Wanda. Includes
interviews with John Cleese, Michael Palin, others.

1483 June 11, 1988

Nelson Mandela: 70th Birthday Tribute (Concert), at Wembley Stadium in
England. Graham Chapman and Michael Palin both speak at this music
concert paying tribute to the anti-apartheid leader. Palin delivers his “Save
the Plankton” speech. The 10-hour event is broadcast live on BBC2.

1484 July–September 1988

John Cleese (with daughter Cynthia) and Michael Palin tour the U.S.
promoting A Fish Called Wanda.

1485 July 1988

Graham Chapman, with David Sherlock and other writers, begins writing
more episodes of Jake’s Journey for CBS, who have commissioned more
episodes after initially shelving the show.

1486 July 1988

Larry King Live (TV talk show: CNN). Guest: John Cleese, promoting
Wanda.

1487 July 1988

CBS News Nightwatch (TV talk show: CBS). John Cleese is interviewed.
He talks about Wanda, his daughter Cynthia, film-making, acting,
management-training films, and comedy.

1488 July 4, 1988

The Food Programme (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Host Derek Cooper
talks to Terry Jones on this special edition of the program focusing on
whiskey, brandy, and beer.

1489 July 5, 1988

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John
Cleese and Allan Havey. Cleese talks about British holidays, cricket, fish,
and Wanda.
1490 July 7, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda has a special screening at the Bruno Walter

Auditorium, Lincoln Center in New York City. Those attending include
John Cleese, Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Liza Minelli, Margot
Kidder, Brooke Shields, Melanie Griffith, Rosanna Arquette, and Deborah
Harry. All the stars have high praise for the film.

1491 July 7, 1988

The Big Picture (TV news show: MTV). Hosted by Chris Connelly. Guest:
John Cleese, promoting Wanda, also talks about Beyond the Fringe and
Python.

1492 July 8, 1988

Showbiz Today (TV news show: CNN). Michael Palin is interviewed about
Wanda by Cheryl Washington, in New York.

1493 July 13, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda has a special benefit screening at the Academy

Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA. Those attending include John Cleese with
daughter Cynthia, Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis with mother Janet
Leigh, Michael Shamberg, Steve Abbott, Peter Cook, and Dudley Moore.
After the screening, the stars attend a reception to raise money for the
hearing-impaired.

1494 July 13, 1988

Entertainment Tonight (TV news show: NBC). John Cleese, promoting

Wanda, is interviewed at New York’s Aquarium in Brooklyn by Ahmad
Rashad.

1495 July 15, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda (Feature film: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) opens in New

York. Black comedy written by John Cleese, who also stars as Archibald
Leach, a reputable London barrister whose world is turned upside down
when he becomes involved with three jewel thieves: Otto West (Kevin
Kline), an American, Nietzsche-loving, psychopathic, ex–CIA operative;
Wanda Gershowitz (Jamie Lee Curtis), a maneuvering femme fatale with
whom Archie falls in love; and Ken Pile (Michael Palin), an animal-loving,
small-time English hood with a terrible stutter and a pet fish also called
Wanda. Also starring Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes,
Geoffrey Palmer, and Cynthia Caylor. Written by John Cleese; story by
John Cleese and Charles Crichton. Directed by Charles Crichton. Produced
by Michael Shamberg. Executive produced by Steve Abbott and John
Cleese. A Michael Shamberg/Prominent Features production. Note: Leach’s
daughter Portia is played by Cleese’s real-life daughter, 17-year-old
Cynthia Caylor.

Awards: Academy Award winner for Best Actor (Kline), also nominated for
Best Original Screenplay (Cleese and Crichton) and Best Director
(Crichton); BAFTA winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Cleese) and
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Palin), also nominated for Best Film,
Original Screenplay, Lead Actor (Kline), Lead Actress (Curtis), Supporting
Actress (Aitken), Editing, and Direction; Golden Globe nominated for Best
Motion Picture Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor (Cleese) and
Actress (Curtis) in a Motion Picture Comedy; Evening Standard British
Film Award for Best Film; Variety Club Show Business Award for Film
Actor of 1988 (Cleese).

Reviews: Richard Schickel (Time, July 18, 1988, p. 73): “The movie
blithely places live actors in situations usually the exclusive preserve of
drawn figures.... Wanda defies gravity, in both senses of the word, and
redefines a great comic tradition”; David Denby (New York, July 18, 1988,
p. 44): “Wanda is completely uneven—uproarious in a few scenes, crude
and inept in others ... a noisily assertive British-American hybrid.... At its
core, Wanda is a transatlantic romantic comedy and a scruffy contrast in
manners”; Peter Travers (People Weekly, July 18, 1988, p. 17): “John
Cleese may be the funniest man on earth.... Putting heart and heat into a
film that could have easily slid by on silliness, Cleese proves himself a
master actor”; Terence Rafferty (The New Yorker, July 25, 1988, p. 78):
“...Cleese, Curtis, and Palin are all fun to watch ... and Kevin Kline gives
what must be one of the oddest comic performances ever”; David Robinson
(The Times [London], Oct. 13, 1988, p. 22): “It is fast, and elegant even in
its slapstick; and although a little too long, it is streets ahead of most
comedies of recent decades”; George Perry (The Sunday Times [London],
Oct. 16, 1988, p. C9): “Monty Python meets Ealing comedy, and in spite of
the age difference they get on splendidly.”

1496 July 17, 1988

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Wanda: From Idea to Reality,” by

Benedict Nightingale, p. 23+. Article explaining how A Fish Called Wanda
evolved. Includes “After the Circus,” a rundown of what the individual
Pythons have been up to.

1497 July 18, 1988

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guest-
hosted by Jay Leno. Guest John Cleese talks about Wanda and jokingly
puts down the other stars of the film.

1498 July 19, 1988

John Cleese, Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Kline,
promoting Wanda, tape an hour-long appearance on Phil Donahue. Palin
and Kline are in the studio in New York, while Cleese and Curtis appear via
satellite from Los Angeles. The show airs Aug. 2.

1499 July 19, 1988

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Wanda, and Brian Setzer. Palin also talks about the
vacations of his youth, his family, and Python’s first U.S. appearance.

1500 July 20, 1988

John Cleese, Michael Palin, producer Michael Shamberg, and Cynthia

Caylor (Cleese’s daughter) meet the Boston Press at the Omni Parker House
Hotel in Boston, MA to talk about their film A Fish Called Wanda.

1501 July 21, 1988

CBS strengthens its defense against the writers’ strike by announcing four
new writer-proof television show commitments—including the half-hour
Graham Chapman comedy Jake’s Journey—to fill out its depleted fall
prime-time schedule. A CBS release describes the show as a
“comedy/fantasy about an American teenager (Chris Young) in England
with his family who discovers a parallel fantasy world and a cranky old
knight named Sir George (Chapman).”

1502 July 21, 1988

Paul W. Smith and Company (Radio talk show: WMCA-AM, New York).
Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Wanda.

1503 July 21, 1988

John Cleese is a guest DJ, with Elliott Forrest, on WNCN-FM, a classical

music radio station in New York.

1504 July 24, 1988

Chicago Tribune (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Wandaful Life,” by Iain Blair, sec.

13, p. 8. John Cleese talks about his life and Wanda.

1505 July 26, 1988

Showbiz Today (TV news show: CNN). John Cleese is interviewed by

Dennis Michael. He talks about Wanda and says there is little chance of
another Python film.

1506 July 27, 1988

Crook and Chase (TV talk show: TNN-The Nashville Network). Kip Kerby
interviews Wanda stars John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Jamie Lee Curtis
together, in New York via satellite.

1507 July 28, 1988

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). John Cleese is interviewed by Jane

Pauley in New York. He talks about names, both his and those in Wanda.
1508 July 28, 1988

The Boston Globe: Calendar (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Proud Father of A Fish

Called Wanda,” by Betsy Sherman, p. 14. Taken from the July 20 Parker
House interview with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Cynthia Caylor, and
Michael Shamberg.

1509 July 29, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda opens in the U.S. nationwide.

1510 July 29, 1988

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). John Cleese and
Michael Palin are interviewed by Chantal. They talk about Wanda, Palin’s
writing for children, and their view of Americans.

1511 July 29, 1988

Goldmine (Newspaper/U.S.). “The Rutles: It Was Ten and a Third Years

Ago Today,” by Jeff Tamarkin, pp. 14–16+. Lengthy article on the fictional
story of The Rutles and the real story of Eric Idle’s Beatle parody. Includes
a Rutles discography.

1512 July 31, 1988

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “You’re a Loony, John Cleese!;

The Ex-Python on Wigs, Wanda and All Seriously Funny Things.” Cleese is
interviewed by Hal Hinson.

1513 August 1, 1988

The Wall Street Journal (Newspaper/U.S.). “Serious Talk About Humor in

the Office,” by John Cleese, p. 16. Article on the importance of humor in
the workplace.

1514 August 2, 1988

Phil Donahue (TV talk show: NBC). Daytime program hosted by Phil
Donahue. The cast of A Fish Called Wanda are the guests for the full hour.
Michael Palin and Kevin Kline are in Donahue’s New York studio, while
John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis appear live via satellite from Los
Angeles. They answer questions from the audience and clips from the film
are shown. Taped July 19. Directed by Bryan Russo.

1515 August 3, 1988

Funny People (TV show: NBC). John Cleese’s life is profiled via clips and
an interview. He then appears on stage with hosts Leeza Gibbons and Rita
Rudner. Produced by George Schlatter.

1516 August 6, 1988

Hersey’s Hollywood (TV show: WSBK-Boston). John Cleese and Michael

Palin, acting as schoolboys, talk about their film A Fish Called Wanda.
Hosted by Dana Hersey. Produced & directed by Bob Ecker.

1517 August 8, 1988

Newsweek (Magazine/U.S.). “Help, Help Me, Wanda,” by Cathleen

McGuigan, pp. 68–69. Article on John Cleese’s life, including his
involvement with Monty Python, business-training films, and A Fish Called
Wanda.

1518 August 15, 1988

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “His Life May Be Fawlty, but John Cleese
is Reeling in Cash and Kudos with A Fish Called Wanda,” by Michael
Alexander, pp. 62–64+. Article on Cleese’s personal life, his career, and
success with Wanda.

1519 August 20, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda has its first British showing when it is screened as
part of a Charles Crichton retrospective at the 42nd Edinburgh International
Film Festival (Aug. 14–Sept. 5) in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film opens in
the U.K. on Oct. 14.

1520 August 23, 1988

Forth Fiesta (TV show: BBC2). Muriel Gray talks to John Cleese and
Charles Crichton, star and director of A Fish Called Wanda, in a report from
the Edinburgh Festival.

1521 Fall 1988

Sight & Sound (Magazine/U.K.). “The Mad Adventures of Terry Gilliam,”

by David Morgan, pp. 238–42. On-set interview with Gilliam during the
making of Baron Munchausen in Rome in December 1987.

1522 September 1988

The Curse of the Vampire’s Socks and Other Doggerel (Book: Pavilion
Books), written by Terry Jones with illustrations by Michael Foreman, is
published in the U.K. Illustrated collection of poetry for children, written in
doggerel style. Poems (32 in all) include “The Revolt of the Clothes,”
“Frank Carew MacGraw,” and “The Day the Animals Talked.” Issued in
paperback by Puffin Books (1990). Also released as an audiobook, read by
Jones, in 2002 (Orion Audio Books).

1523 September 1988

PM Magazine (TV news show: Synd.). John Cleese is interviewed.

1524 September 1988

Life (Magazine/U.S.). “Snapshots: This Man is Not Fishing for

Compliments,” p. 7. Photo of John Cleese with a fish hanging out of his
mouth (taken by Albert Watson), and a brief article.

1525 September 2, 1988

Crook and Chase (TV talk show: TNN-The Nashville Network). Reporter
Jimmy Carter interviews John Cleese about Wanda.
1526 September 4, 1988

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Wonder of Wanda,”

by Stephen Davis and Alex Sutherland, p. C7. Report on the success of A
Fish Called Wanda in the U.S.

1527 September 6, 1988

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). John Cleese is interviewed via satellite
from Venice, Italy, where he is promoting Wanda. David Frost is the
interviewer.

1528 September 7–14, 1988

Time Out (Magazine/U.K.). Interview with John Cleese by John Morrish,

with cover photo (“How I Became a Sex Symbol”).

1529 September 10, 1988

The Moving Image (TV special: BBC2). Terry Gilliam visits London’s
South Bank to preview The Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI),
opening Sept. 15. Directed by Elizabeth Sussex.

1530 September 12, 1988–Early 1989

Erik the Viking, an adventure-comedy written and directed by Terry Jones

and featuring Jones and John Cleese, is filmed at Shepperton Studios,
England and on location in Malta (for four weeks).

1531 September 12, 1988

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Baroness
Jane Ewart-Biggs, Olivia Newton-John, Robert Morley, and Michael Palin.

1532 September 23, 1988

George Harrison’s HandMade Films (Life of Brian, Time Bandits, etc.)

celebrates its ten-year anniversary with a dinner at the Old House,
Shepperton Studios, England. Michael Palin is the master of ceremonies.
Footage from the dinner is later featured in the documentary The Movie Life
of George, which airs in January 1989.

1533 September 24, 1988

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Michael Aspel. Guests:
Barry Norman, Terry Jones, and Julie Christie. Jones talks about the “Silly
Olympics,” Erik the Viking, his father, his wife Alison, and reads a poem
(“Frank Carew MacGraw”) from his book The Curse of the Vampire’s
Socks.

1534 September 25–December 12, 1988

Michael Palin travels around the world to find out if the route described in
Jules Verne’s 1873 novel Around the World in 80 Days can still be
accomplished today. He will document the trip in a book and TV series for
the BBC. The seven-part series will air Oct. 11–Nov. 22, 1989, on BBC1.

1535 September 26, 1988

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Melvyn Bragg.
Guests: Norman Tebbit, Betty Carter, George Melly, and Terry Jones,
promoting The Curse of the Vampire’s Socks.

1536 September 27, 1988

Half Hour Comedy Hour (TV episode: MTV-Music Television). Michael

Palin guest-hosts this show, which features new stand-up comics, and has
some “Undersea Adventures.” Produced & directed by Bill Aiken and
Eileen Katz.

1537 September 30, 1988

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests
include Terry Jones and Ilona Staller.

1538 October 1988

Traveling Wilburys: Volume One (Record: Wilbury/Warner Bros. 25796).
First release from George Harrison’s supergroup. The album’s liner notes,
providing the “history” of the group, are written by Hugh Jampton E. F.
Norti-Bitz Reader in Applied Jacket, Faculty of Sleeve Notes, University of
Krakatoa (East of Java) (aka Michael Palin).

1539 October 1988

John Cleese moves back into his Holland Park home (in London), which he
moved out of last year when he and his wife, Barbara, separated. She is
moving into a house nearby.

1540 October 1988

John Cleese gives $140,000 to Sussex University, England to finance a

three-year study of a psychological phenomenon Cleese finds particularly
interesting: projection and denial. Cleese hopes to write a book on the
subject with Robin Skynner.

1541 October 8, 1988

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Michael Aspel. Guests:
John Cleese, Norman Tebbit, and Julio Iglesias. Cleese talks about Wanda,
the current state of health of the other Pythons, and his hair transplants.

1542 October 9, 1988

The Media Show (TV talk show: Channel 4). Presented by Muriel Gray.
Includes an interview with Terry Gilliam, who talks about the use of Brazil
scenes by British admen.

1543 October 10, 1988

Film 88 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes a look at A

Fish Called Wanda starring John Cleese and Michael Palin.

1544 October 12, 1988

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Gill Hornby interviews John
Cleese about Wanda.

1545 October 14, 1988

A Fish Called Wanda opens in the U.K.

1546 October 16, 1988

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Profile: John Cleese—

Tormented Fawlty Finds an Analyst’s Couch in Comedy,” p. A15. “The
Wanda-ful World of J Otto Cleese,” by Iain Johnstone, p. C9. Article on
Cleese’s life and comedy, with comments by Terry Gilliam and Graham
Chapman, and a drawing of Cleese. The second article is about Cleese and
Wanda, with a photo of Cleese and director Charles Crichton. Johnstone
also directed the BBC1 profile John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance
airing Oct. 18.

1547 October 18, 1988

John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance (TV special: BBC1). An in-depth

profile of John Cleese, made during the filming of A Fish Called Wanda.
The behind-the-scenes footage also features Michael Palin and other cast
members. Later included as a bonus feature on the 2006 DVD release of the
film. Directed by Iain Johnstone.

1548 October 23, 1988

Sunday Premiere (TV play: BBC1). “Number 27.” Michael Palin’s second
television play concerns a greedy young property developer whose heart is
changed by a gentle 90-year-old lady he had planned to evict. A tragi-
comedy about conflicting morals in modern Britain. Adapted for the stage
in 1991, by Gillian Plowman, as Crooked Wood. Starring Nigel Planer,
Joyce Carey, Helena Michell, and Alun Armstrong. Written by Michael
Palin. Directed by Tristram Powell. Produced by Innes Lloyd. Note: Powell
and Lloyd were also the director and producer of Palin’s first TV play, East
of Ipswich, in 1987. Powell will go on to direct Palin’s 1991 feature film
American Friends.
1549 October 28, 1988

Great Performances (TV episode: PBS). “The Mikado.” This music, drama
and dance showcase series’ 16th season opens with The English National
Opera’s 1986 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta. Starring Eric
Idle as Ko-Ko, with Lesley Garrett and Bonaventura Bottone. Stage
direction by Jonathan Miller. Produced & directed by John Michael
Phillips. Series producer: David Horn.

1550 November 1988

Graham Chapman experiences pain in his throat following a dental

checkup. An exploratory operation in December reveals a tumor on his
tonsils. The beginning of his fight with cancer.

1551 November 1988

Playboy (Magazine/U.S.). “20 Questions: John Cleese,” by Dick Lochte,

pp. 128–30+. Cleese is interviewed in a hotel suite in Southern California.
Includes a photo of Cleese in a 150-pound suit made of 400 African cichlid
fish, taken by Geof Kern.

1552 November 3, 1988

Attacks of Opinion (Book: Penguin), written by Terry Jones with

illustrations by Gerald Scarfe, is published in the U.K. A collection of 29
editorial columns in which Jones gives his opinion on various issues of the
day. The pieces were written between Apr. 8, 1987, and May 13, 1988, for
the Young Guardian “Input” column.

1553 November 6, 1988

Michael Palin attends a cocktail reception at The 1997 club in Hong Kong
celebrating the half-way point (actually day 43) in his Around the World in
80 Days journey.

1554 November 17, 1988

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “Graham Chapman’s Journey,” by Jim
Yoakum, p. 47+. Article on Chapman and his TV series Jake’s Journey.

1555 December 1988

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Blood, Devastation, Death, War, Horror and
Other Humorous Events, Volume 10 (Videocassette: Paramount Home
Video 12652). Contains: “Déjà Vu” (Ep. 16, 1970) and “Blood,
Devastation, Death, War, and Horror” (Ep. 30, 1972).

1556 December 1988

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Dirty Vicars, Poofy Judges, and Oscar
Wilde, Too!, Volume 11 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12653).
Contains: “Grandstand” (Ep. 39, 1973) and “Archaeology Today” (Ep. 21,
1970).

1557 December 1988

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Kamikaze Highlanders, Volume 12

(Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12654). Contains: “Dennis Moore”
(Ep. 37, 1973) and “A Book at Bedtime” (Ep. 38, 1973).

1558 December 1988

CBS decides not to produce Graham Chapman’s fantasy-sitcom Jake’s

Journey fearing the show’s British humor wouldn’t work with a mainstream
American audience.

1559 December 8, 1988

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Feature film), world premiere in

West Germany. Terry Gilliam’s big-budget fantasy about the 18th-century
adventurer and teller of tall tales, Baron Karl Friedrich Hieronymus von
Munchausen. In the film, the 80-year-old baron (John Neville),
accompanied by young Sally Salt (Sarah Polley), rounds up the super-
human companions of his youth to save a baroque European city under
siege by the Turks. Their adventures include: a trip to the moon in a balloon
made of ladies’ knickers; a visit with the lusty war god Vulcan (Oliver
Reed) in the heated bowels of Mount Etna; an aerial waltz with the love
goddess Venus (Uma Thurman) in a waterfall ballroom; being swallowed
by a giant sea monster; and an escape from a mechanized three-headed
griffin. The film earns a disappointing $1.6 million in Germany, where
distribution costs are put at $2.5 million. Also starring Eric Idle (as
Berthold), Jonathan Pryce, Valentina Cortese, Robin Williams (uncredited),
Winston Dennis, Jack Purvis, Charles McKeown, Bill Paterson, Peter
Jeffrey, and Sting. Song: “The Torturer’s Apprentice” by Michael Kamen
and Eric Idle. Written by Charles McKeown and Terry Gilliam. Directed
by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Thomas Schuhly. A Prominent Features &
Laura-Film production. Opens in the U.S. on Mar. 10 and in Britain on Mar.
17.

Awards: Academy Award–nominated for Art Direction (Dante Ferretti &

Francesca Lo Schiavo), Costume Design (Gabriella Pescucci), Visual
Effects (Kent Houston & Richard Conway), and Make-Up (Maggie Weston
& Fabrizio Sforza); BAFTA-winner for Production Design, Costume
Design, and Make-Up, and BAFTA-nominated for Special Effects.

Reviews: Richard Corliss (Time, Mar. 13, 1989, p. 82): “Everything about
Munchausen deserves exclamation points.... A lavish fairy tale for bright
children of all ages. Proof that eccentric films can survive in today’s off-
the-rack Hollywood”; Jack Kroll (Newsweek, Mar. 13, 1989, p. 69):
“Munchausen is flawed but fascinating, a Pythonesque fantasy with
awesome special effects.... Gilliam is one of those rare directors who can
create an entire world”; Scot Haller (People Weekly, Mar. 13, 1989, p. 15):
“Its intellectual intent and the physical production seem disconnected,
leaving a film that bedazzles the eye even as it bedevils the mind”; J.
Hoberman (The Village Voice, Mar. 14, 1989, p. 57): “Droll and clamorous,
Terry Gilliam’s latest epic suggests the overamplified confluence of
Federico Fellini and Ronald Searle, a gibbering, capering merry-go-round,
full of wacky wigs, funny accents, and throwaway grottiness”; Iain
Johnstone (The Sunday Times [London], Mar. 19, 1989, p. C8): “This is a
firework display of a film, constantly exploding with a vaulting visual
imagination that few other directors could match—or producers afford to
match”; Bruce Williamson (Playboy, April 1989, p. 22): “Wondrous is the
word for Munchausen, a one-of-a-kind movie that slightly jaded children
might recommend to incurable innocents of all ages.”

1560 December 12, 1988

Michael Palin completes his trip Around the World in 80 Days arriving in
London on the 79th day of his journey.

1561 December 25, 1988

The New York Times Magazine (Magazine/U.S.). “Cleese Up Close,” by

Bill Bryson, pp. 14–17+. Lengthy interview/profile of John Cleese, “the
funniest man in Britain.” Photographs of Cleese by Julio Donoso.

1562 Late December 1988

Graham Chapman undergoes an exploratory operation on his throat which

reveals he has cancer of the tonsils.

1563 1988

Managing Problem People: Rulebound Reggie (Training film: Video Arts).

John Cleese plays the inflexible, by-the-book title character in this first
film of a six-part series designed to show managers how to improve the
performance of problem people (the other titles are: “Moaning Minnie,”
“Big Mouth Billy,” “Wimpy Wendy,” “Silent Sam,” and “Lazy Linda”).
Also starring Stephen Fry, Geoffrey Palmer, Julian Holloway, and
Christopher Asante. Written by Stephen Fry. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1564 1988

Managing Problem People: Moaning Minnie (Training film: Video Arts). A

genie comes to the aid of a manager with a problem employee who delivers
nothing but excuses. Starring John Cleese (as the Genie of the Lamp),
Stephen Fry, and Emma Thompson. Written by Stephen Fry. Directed by
Charles Crichton.

1565 1988
Managing Problem People: Big Mouth Billy (Training film: Video Arts). A
manager is burdened with an employee who always promises but never
delivers. Starring John Cleese, Stephen Fry, and Rik Mayall. Written by
Stephen Fry. Directed by Charles Crichton.

1566 1988

Humour Is Not a Luxury (Training film: Video Arts). Film on the

importance of humor in the workplace. Based on John Cleese’s May 1988
keynote address at the American Society of Training and Development
convention in Dallas, TX. Written by and starring John Cleese. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

1567 1988

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 1: Change for the Better
(Training film: Video Arts). First of a two-part series starring John Cleese
as H. G. Wells, who uses his time machine to show the bleak future for
businesses that refuse to accept change. He then explains the three stages
for successful change management. Also starring Simon Cadell, Geoffrey
Palmer, and Carol Royle. Written by Graeme Garden. Directed by Robert
Knights.

1568 1988

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 2: The Shape of Things to

Come (Training film: Video Arts). H. G. Wells (John Cleese) shows three
managers how to work with staff during a period of change. Also starring
Simon Cadell, Geoffrey Palmer, and Carol Royle. Written by Graeme
Garden. Directed by Robert Knights.

1569 1988

The Screwtape Letters (Audio book: Audio Literature [U.S.]; HarperCollins

Audiobooks [U.K.]). John Cleese reads this three-hour, two-cassette
version of C. S. Lewis’ 1942 novel in which the devil Screwtape instructs
his nephew Wormwood in the art of tempting souls. Part of the “Spiritual
Classics on Cassette” series.
Awards: Grammy-nominated for Best Spoken Word Album.

1570 1988

The Complete Fawlty Towers (Book: Methuen), written by John Cleese and
Connie Booth, is published in the U.K. The complete and unexpurgated
scripts of all 12 episodes of the celebrated situation comedy. Includes eight
pages of black-and-white photos from the show. Published in the U.S. by
Pantheon (1989).

1571 1988

Can I Play with Madness (Music video). Video for the Iron Maiden single
featuring a guest appearance by Graham Chapman as a strict
schoolmaster. The song is from the heavy metal group’s album Seventh Son
of a Seventh Son. Included in the 1992 video compilation Iron Maiden:
From There to Eternity.

1572 January 1989

Vogue (Magazine/U.S.). “Sharp Cleese,” by Vicki Woods, p. 230+. A talk

with John Cleese in Holland Park, London where he is photographed by
Max Vadukul.

1573 January 1989

Universal Pictures releases their own edited version of Terry Gilliam’s

nightmare fantasy Brazil on American television. The studio’s 93-minute
recut of Gilliam’s 131-minute version shortens the film by 38 minutes and
changes the story, giving the film a happy ending.

1574 January 8, 1989

The Movie Life of George (TV special: ITV). Hour-long documentary on

the history of George Harrison’s production company, HandMade Films,
which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Includes footage from
the September 1988 celebration dinner at Shepperton Studios, emceed by
Michael Palin, as well as clips from Life of Brian (the film that launched
the company), Time Bandits, The Missionary, Mona Lisa, and many others.
Also includes interviews with Harrison, Denis O’Brien (Harrison’s business
partner), Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Michael Palin, Bob Hoskins, Michael Caine, and others. Produced &
directed by Charles Brand.

1575 January 9, 1989

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). A look at the making of Erik the Viking
includes talks with director Terry Jones and John Cleese, who has a small
part in the film.

1576 January 16, 1989

The English Programme (TV special: Channel 4). “Models of Writing:

Argument and Persuasion.” Writer-presenter Terry Jones discusses the
columns he wrote for the Young Guardian which were collected in the book
Attacks of Opinion. A Thames Television production. Directed by Adrian
Brown and Greg Lanning.

1577 January 25, 1989

John Cleese wins libel damages from The Daily Mirror in an out-of-court
settlement approved by the High Court. In August 1987, the newspaper
quoted an unidentified “friend” as saying that Cleese had increasingly come
to resemble his Fawlty Towers character, Basil Fawlty—a claim that
Cleese’s lawyer, Roderick Dadak, calls absurd. In the settlement, Cleese
receives undisclosed “substantial” damages from Robert Maxwell’s Mirror
Group Newspapers to be donated to a charity of his choice. The newspaper
will also pay Cleese’s legal costs and publish an apology.

1578 January 28, 1989

The 46th Annual Golden Globe Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese
and Jamie Lee Curtis attend the Golden Globe Awards, presented by the
Hollywood Foreign Press Association for excellence in motion pictures and
television, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Their film A Fish
Called Wanda, nominated for Best Motion Picture Comedy, loses to
Working Girl; Cleese and Curtis, nominated for Best Performance by an
Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy, lose to Tom Hanks and
Melanie Griffith. Broadcast live on TBS.

1579 January 29, 1989

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (Award ceremony). John

Cleese’s A Fish Called Wanda receives the award for Best Film of 1988 at
the annual award show held at the Savoy Hotel, London. Also, Wanda
director Charles Crichton receives the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy.
Michael Palin attends the ceremony, which is hosted by Michael York.
Shown Jan. 30 on ITV.

1580 January 31, 1989

The Directors Guild of America announces this year’s five nominees for its
film directing award. Charles Crichton (A Fish Called Wanda) is one of
them. He was nominated once before, in 1952, for The Lavender Hill Mob.
The ceremony is held on Mar. 11.

1581 February 5, 1989

Link (TV show: ITV). Tim Newark discusses the treatment of handicaps in
comedy with Michael Palin, who played a stutterer in A Fish Called
Wanda.

1582 February 7, 1989

The Variety Club Awards for 1988 (Award ceremony). John Cleese (in a
filmed acceptance) receives the Film Actor of the Year award (for Wanda) at
the 37th Annual Show Business Awards presented by the Variety Club of
Great Britain and held at the Hilton Hotel, London. Hosted by Terry Wogan.
Cleese accepts the award by replaying his acceptance of the same award
two years earlier (for 1986). Broadcast on BBC1.

1583 February 13–25, 1989

The Museum of Broadcasting in Manhattan, New York presents Twenty
Years of Monty Python, a two-week retrospective of the British comedy
group, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Part of the
museum’s New York World Television Festival (Jan. 17–Feb. 25).

1584 February 13, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Seminar). “A Monty Python Seminar.” The

Museum of Broadcasting’s salute to Monty Python begins with a seminar
with Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones, who screen highlights of
their Python and pre–Python shows, and answer questions from the
audience. Hosted by Andy Halper (curatorial director) and moderated by
Robert M. Batscha (Museum president).

1585 February 13, 1989

Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones attend a party at New York’s
Hard Rock Cafe, kicking off the Museum of Broadcasting’s ten-day salute
to Monty Python. Other guests attending include Malcolm Forbes, Uma
Thurman, Lauren Hutton, and Penny Marshall.

1586 February 14, 1989

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Includes a report on the

Pythons’ 20th-anniversary celebration at the Museum of Broadcasting in
New York.

1587 February 14, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “Pre-Python.” A

compilation of the group’s early work, including Graham Chapman with
the Cambridge Circus (1964); a John Cleese sketch on The Frost Report
(1966); a complete episode of the sketch-comedy series At Last the 1948
Show (1967) with Cleese and Chapman; and Do Not Adjust Your Set
(1968) with Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Eric Idle.

1588 February 14, 1989

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Celebrating Two Mad Decades of
Pythonmania,” by Glenn Collins, p. C1. Article on the Python seminar at
the Museum of Broadcasting.

1589 February 15 & 16, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “Python Highlights

and Remembrances.” A compilation of interviews with the Pythons, with
highlights of their work sprinkled throughout. Screened in its entirety is the
BBC documentary The Pythons from 1979.

1590 February 17 & 24, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “The German Monty

Python.” The American premiere of the two German-produced Python
television specials, both titled Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus. One
special was made in English, the other in German.

1591 February 18, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “The Monty Python

Marathon—Part One.” The Museum of Broadcasting screens episodes 1–22
of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, following the sequence in which the
episodes were originally broadcast in Britain. Episodes 23–45 are screened
the following Saturday (Feb. 25).

1592 February 21, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “More Pre-Python.”

More early work by the Pythons is presented, including film inserts by
Michael Palin and Terry Jones for Twice a Fortnight (1967); sketches
from the Palin-Jones series The Complete and Utter History of Britain
(1969); another episode of Do Not Adjust Your Set (1968); and rare
animation work by Terry Gilliam.

1593 February 22 & 23, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) continues. “Post-Python.” A
two-hour compilation of post–Python projects, including a complete
episode of Eric Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television; John Cleese’s training
film Managing Problem People (directed by Charles Crichton); the “Roger
of the Raj” episode of the Michael Palin–Terry Jones series Ripping Yarns
(1979); and assorted guest appearances on American television.

1594 February 23, 1989

A Fish Called Wanda (Videocassette: CBS/Fox Video). Video release of the

1988 comedy starring John Cleese and Michael Palin. The film is
preceded by a commercial message for Schweppes (featuring Cleese).
Released in the U.K. in August (MGM-UA).

1595 February 23, 1989

Schweppes (A Very Public Service Message from John Cleese) (Video

commercial). John Cleese stars in a 96-second spot spoofing subliminal
advertising. Cleese also co-wrote (with Helayne Spivak) and directed the
ad, which precedes A Fish Called Wanda on the videocassette of the film.
Agency: Ammirati & Puris, New York.

Award: Winner of the Gold Lion at the Cannes International Advertising

Film Festival.

1596 February 25, 1989

Twenty Years of Monty Python (Screenings) concludes. “The Monty Python

Marathon—Part Two.” The Museum of Broadcasting screens episodes 23–
45 of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

1597 February 28, 1989

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Terry
Gilliam and Shelley Long. Gilliam talks about his animation, Python, and
Baron Munchausen.

1598 Spring 1989

Terry Gilliam announces that his next project will be directing a film
adaptation of Alan Moore’s graphic novel Watchmen for producer Joel
Silver (Die Hard). Gilliam says, “There really is a climate now for these
comic book properties.” The film’s original script, penned by Sam Hamm in
1988, is rewritten by Gilliam collaborator Charles McKeown, but the
project later stalls due to a lack of funding. Gilliam ultimately concludes
that Moore’s story is too big and complex to be produced as a two-and-a-
half hour film and leaves the project.

1599 Spring 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: The Screenplay (Book: Methuen

[U.K.]; Applause Theatre Books [U.S.]), written by Terry Gilliam and
Charles McKeown, is published. Screenplay, with photos. Includes material
cut from the film.

OceanofPDF.com
1600 Spring 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Book: Methuen/Mandarin [U.K.];

Applause Theatre Books [U.S.]), written by Terry Gilliam and Charles
McKeown, is published. Novelization of the film.

1601 March 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is the number one film in France,

which Columbia Tri-Star Film Distributors credit to the print and broadcast
appearances by Terry Gilliam and Uma Thurman in Paris. Gilliam has also
appeared in Belgium to promote the film.

1602 March 1989

American Film (Magazine/U.S.). “Earth to Gilliam,” by Jack Mathews, pp.

34–39+. Article on Terry Gilliam and Baron Munchausen.

1603 March 4, 1989

Hersey’s Hollywood (TV show: WSBK-Boston). Terry Gilliam is

interviewed about Baron Munchausen, Brazil, and selling a movie idea to a
studio. Hosted by Dana Hersey. Produced & directed by Bob Ecker.

1604 March 8, 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, directed by Terry Gilliam,

premieres in the U.S. at the 32nd San Francisco International Film Festival.

1605 March 8, 1989

Terry Gilliam promotes Baron Munchausen on the TV entertainment

programs Showbiz Today (CNN) and Crook and Chase (TNN).

1606 March 10, 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen opens in the U.S. (released by

Columbia Pictures).
1607 March 10, 1989

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Terry Gilliam is

interviewed about Baron Munchausen.

1608 March 10, 1989

Weekend Live (TV news show: ITV/LWT). News/current affairs program.

The theme this week is “Traffic.” Mike Smith interviews Michael Palin,
president of Transport 2000.

1609 March 11, 1989

The 41st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards (Award ceremony). A

Fish Called Wanda stars John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, and director
Charles Crichton attend the ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in
Beverly Hills, CA. Crichton, nominated for Outstanding Directorial
Achievement in Motion Pictures, loses to Barry Levinson (for Rainman).

1610 March 12, 1989

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Hail Munchausen,” by

George Perry, pp. 36–40. Terry Gilliam is interviewed for this report on his
new film, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.

1611 March 12, 1989

Entertainment Tonight (TV show: Synd.). Includes a look at Baron

Munchausen, with Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle.

1612 March 12, 1989

The Other Side of Midnight (TV arts show: ITV/Granada). Hosted by

Anthony Wilson. Guests include Terry Gilliam, promoting Baron
Munchausen, and Anthony Burgess.

1613 March 13, 1989

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Money, Magic and Mischief,” by
Anne Billson, p. 20. Interview with Terry Gilliam about Baron
Munchausen.

1614 March 13, 1989

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Host Melvyn Bragg talks
to Terry Gilliam about Baron Munchausen.

1615 March 13, 1989

Kaleidoscope (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Terry Gilliam is

interviewed about Baron Munchausen.

1616 March 13, 1989

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Terry
Gilliam, promoting Baron Munchausen, and Bruce Forsyth & his daughter
Julie Grant.

1617 March 13, 1989

Hot Air and Fantasy: The Adventures of Terry Gilliam (TV special: BBC1).
Half-hour documentary on the making of Baron Munchausen. Includes
interviews with Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, John Neville, Charles McKeown,
Sarah Polley, and others. Narrated by David Castell. Produced by David
Castell and Colin Burrows.

1618 March 13, 1989

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Python Scholars,” pp. 28–29. Article on

the marathon showing of Monty Python’s Flying Circus episodes at the
Museum of Broadcasting.

1619 March 14, 1989

John Cleese receives the 12th Annual Jack Benny Award for his comedy
career. The award—whose past recipients include George Burns, Johnny
Carson, Robin Williams, and Steve Martin—is presented to him by the
University of California (UCLA) in Los Angeles. In his acceptance speech
Cleese thanks everyone from Diana Ross and the Supremes to Wile E.
Coyote.

1620 March 14, 1989

Open Air (TV show: BBC1). Eamonn Holmes interviews Terry Gilliam
about Baron Munchausen.

1621 March 14, 1989

Film 89 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Paul Freedman

reports on the making of Terry Gilliam’s Baron Munchausen.

1622 March 16, 1989

01-for London (TV show: ITV/Thames). Magazine program. Terry Gilliam

is interviewed about Baron Munchausen.

1623 March 17, 1989

Breakfast Time (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Gill Hornby interviews Terry
Gilliam about Baron Munchausen.

1624 March 17, 1989

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen opens in the U.K.

1625 March 18, 1989

Going Live! (TV talk show: BBC1). Eric Idle is a guest on this Saturday-
morning magazine show. Hosted by Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene.

1626 March 19, 1989

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests include Eric Idle, Twiggy, and Leigh Lawson.

1627 March 19, 1989

The British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese
receives the Best Actor award for A Fish Called Wanda, which he accepts
via satellite from Los Angeles. Michael Palin receives, in person, the Best
Supporting Actor award. Also, Wanda director Charles Crichton receives
The Michael Balcon Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
The ceremony is held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Broadcast
live on BBC1.

1628 March 29, 1989

The 61st Annual Academy Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese attends
the Academy Award gala at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles where A
Fish Called Wanda is up for three Oscars. Cleese and Charles Crichton lose
the Best Original Screenplay award to Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow for
Rainman, and Crichton loses the Best Director award to Barry Levinson
(Rainman). But Wanda co-star Kevin Kline wins the Best Supporting Actor
award, beating out Sir Alec Guinness and Martin Landau, among others.
Kline thanks those who worked on Wanda, including Cleese and Michael
Palin, and also Phoebe Cates, whom he recently married. The show is
produced by Allan Carr and broadcast live on ABC.

1629 April 1989

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Gilliam’s Marvelous Travels and

Campaigns,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 37–40+. Article on Baron
Munchausen, with many pictures. John Neville riding the cannonball is
featured on the cover.

1630 April 1989

Spin (Magazine/U.S.). “The Edge: Gilliam’s Island,” by Graham Fuller, pp.

84–85+. Article on Terry Gilliam and Baron Munchausen.

1631 April 1989

Premiere (Magazine/U.S.). “Bye, Bye Brazil,” by Michael Shulan, pp. 98–

102. Shulan’s account of his visit to the set of Terry Gilliam’s Baron
Munchausen, with many color photos.
1632 April 3, 1989

Us (Magazine/U.S.). “Idle Time,” by Bridget Byrne, pp. 40–43. Article on

Eric Idle and his current projects, with many color photos.

1633 April 6, 1989

Showbiz Today (TV news show: CNN). Dennis Michael interviews Eric
Idle about his current projects.

1634 April 10–June 1989

Nuns on the Run, starring Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane, is filmed in
England at Lee Shepperton Studios in Surrey and on location in London
and Hertfordshire, for HandMade Films on a budget of $7 million.

1635 April 10–May 1, 1989

Nearly Departed, a short-lived American sitcom starring Eric Idle, airs on

NBC. Idle plays Grant Pritchard, a snobbish professor who, with his wife
Claire, is killed in a rockslide and forced to share his home with its new
residents, the ill-mannered Dooley family. Only four of the six episodes
recorded are aired. Produced by Jack Seifert. Created and executive
produced by John Baskin and Roger Shulman.

1636 April 10, 1989

Nearly Departed (TV episode: NBC). “Grant Meets Grandpa.” In the series’
opener, Grant and Claire are having a hard time adjusting to the afterlife but
discover that they can communicate with the Dooleys’ grandfather. First of
four episodes. Starring Eric Idle, Caroline McWilliams, Stuart Pankin,
Wendy Schaal, Jay Lambert, Henderson Forsythe, with guest-star Janet
Dubois. Executive consultant: Eric Idle. Written by John Baskin and Roger
Shulman. Directed by John Rich.

1637 April 13–15, 17, 1989

Entertainment Tonight (TV news show: synd.). Eric Idle, armed with a
video camera, provides a series of reports from the set of Around the World
in 80 Days during its filming in Macau, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

1638 April 16, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV mini-series: NBC). Part One. A lavish,
three-part TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s 1873 novel about Phileas Fogg
(Pierce Brosnan), a meticulous, enigmatic Englishman who goes on an
around-the-world trek after a boastful wager. Accompanied by his
resourceful French valet, Passepartout (Eric Idle), Fogg travels by hot-air
balloon, steamship, train and elephant caravan, rescuing a beautiful Indian
princess and being pursued by the relentless Detective Fixx, who is
convinced that Fogg robbed the Bank of England to fund his journey. A
colorful mini-series featuring cameos by 19 stars. Also starring Julia
Nickson, Peter Ustinov, Roddy McDowall, Robert Morley, Lee Remick,
and Arielle Dombasle. Directed by Buzz Kulik. Produced by Renee Valente.

Reviews: John Leonard (New York, Apr. 17, 1989, p. 75): “...[the film]
usually enjoys itself, and so did I.... But what it should have been is a
musical”; John Stark (People Weekly, Apr. 17, 1989, p. 13): “...this six-hour
miniseries seems more like Around the World in 80 Years ... overall, this 80
Days presents a rather flat view of the world.”

1639 April 16, 1989

Michael Palin attends a gala screening of the 1931 film City Lights at the
Dominion Theatre in London. The screening, celebrating the 100th birthday
of Charlie Chaplin, is also attended by Princess Diana.

1640 April 17, 1989

Nearly Departed (TV episode: NBC). “Adventures in Babysitting.”

Problems arise when Grandpa asks Grant to babysit Derek. Second of four
episodes. Starring Eric Idle, Caroline McWilliams, Stuart Pankin, Wendy
Schaal, Jay Lambert, Henderson Forsythe, with guest-stars Shonda
Whipple, Randy Irwin, and Al Berry. Executive consultant: Eric Idle.
Written by John Baskin and Roger Shulman. Directed by John Rich.

1641 April 17, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV mini-series: NBC). Part Two. After doing
battle with kidnapping bandits in Burma, Fogg and company go on a
perilous sea voyage to Japan. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Eric Idle, Julia
Nickson, and Peter Ustinov. Directed by Buzz Kulik. Produced by Renee
Valente.

1642 April 18, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV mini-series: NBC). Conclusion. Crossing

the U.S., Fogg and company have close encounters with Jesse James and
Indians. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Eric Idle, Julie Nickson, and Peter
Ustinov. Directed by Buzz Kulick. Produced by Renee Valente.

1643 April 19, 1989

A Royal Gala in Aid of the Prince’s Trust (Stage show). The annual benefit
concert, featuring a mix of comedy and music, is held at London’s
Palladium in the presence of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Sean
Connery serves as Master of Ceremonies. Performers include Michael
Palin, Dame Edna (Barry Humphries), French and Saunders, Kiri Te
Kanawa, Nigel Havers, Jools Holland, Jerry Hall, Steven Wright, and Rita
Rudner. Broadcast in the U.S. (as The Prince’s Trust: A Rock and Royal
Gala) on July 12 (TBS) and in the U.K. on July 30 (ITV).

1644 April 24, 1989

Nearly Departed (TV episode: NBC). “Altared States.” Claire discovers

that Grant was still married to his first wife on their wedding day. Third of
four episodes. Starring Eric Idle, Caroline McWilliams, Stuart Pankin,
Wendy Schaal, Jay Lambert, Henderson Forsythe, with guest-stars Robert
Rockwell, Brian L. Green, and Courtney Gebhart. Executive consultant:
Eric Idle. Written by Sy Dukane and Denise Moss. Directed by John Rich.

1645 April 24, 1989

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Puzzling Out His Post-Python Life

Leaves Eric Idle with Hands Full,” by Susan Schindehette and Michael
Alexander, p. 59–63. Article/interview on Idle’s life and current projects.
Photographs by Terry Smith.

1646 May 1989

Cinefantastique (Magazine/U.S.). “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen,”

pp. 24–28+; “Munchausen: The Historical Facts,” p. 29+; “Munchausen:
Special Effects,” pp. 32–33; “Munchausen: The Budget Debacle,” p. 37+,
by Alan Jones. Four articles covering every aspect of the Terry Gilliam
film, with many photos throughout.

1647 May 1, 1989

Nearly Departed (TV episode: NBC). “TV or Not TV.” When Derek is
pushed around by the school bully, Grant and Claire decide to pay a visit to
the junior high. Last of four episodes. Starring Eric Idle, Caroline
McWilliams, Stuart Pankin, Wendy Schaal, Jay Lambert, Henderson
Forsythe, with guest-stars Bobby Jacoby and Anita Dangler. Executive
consultant: Eric Idle. Written by Neil Alan Levy. Directed by John Rich.

1648 May 5, 1989

Clive Anderson Talks Back (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael
Palin and Peter Bateman.

1649 May 25, 1989

The Big Picture (TV show: MTV-Music Television). Includes a behind-the-

scenes look at Nuns on the Run, starring Eric Idle.

1650 June 1, 1989

John Cleese and his girlfriend, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, attend a dinner at
10 Downing Street, London, hosted by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
and Mr. Denis Thatcher in honor of President (and Mrs.) George Bush.

1651 June 5, 1989

John Cleese attends the annual dinner of the Royal Academy of Arts at
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.

1652 June 14, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: I’m a Lumberjack, Volume 13

(Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12736). Contains: “The Ant, an
Introduction” (Ep. 9, 1969) and “Whither Canada” (Ep. 1, 1969).

1653 June 14, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Chocolate Frogs, Baffled Cats and Other
Tasty Treats, Volume 14 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12737).
Contains: “Man’s Crisis of Identity in the Latter Half of the Twentieth
Century” (Ep. 5, 1969) and “It’s the Arts” (Ep. 6, 1969).

1654 June 14, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Dead Parrots Don’t Talk and Other Fowl
Plays, Volume 15 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12738).
Contains: “Full Frontal Nudity” (Ep. 8, 1969) and “You’re No Fun
Anymore” (Ep. 7, 1969).

1655 June 14, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: A Man with Three Cheeks or Butt Naught for
Me, Volume 16 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12739). Contains:
“Sex & Violence” (Ep. 2, 1969) and “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Goes to the Bathroom” (Ep. 11, 1969).

1656 June 14, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: The Upper-Class Twit Competition, Volume

17 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12740). Contains:
“Intermission” (Ep. 13, 1970) and “The Naked Ant” (Ep. 12, 1970).

1657 June 18, 1989

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Who’s Reading Whom:
Michael Palin,” p. G2. Palin comments on the books he has been reading:
Patrick Leigh Fermor’s A Time of Gifts and John Updike’s Self-
Consciousness.

1658 July 1989

Terry Gilliam receives an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of

Art.

1659 July 1989

Starlog (Magazine/U.S.). “Those Notorious Norsemen in Their Luxurious

Long Ships,” by Kim “Howard” Johnson, pp. 55–59. “Confessions of the
World’s Greatest Liar,” by Lynne Stephens, pp. 73–75+. Articles on Terry
Jones’ Erik the Viking and actor John Neville of Terry Gilliam’s Baron
Munchausen, with color photos from each film.

1660 July 12, 1989

The Prince’s Trust: A Rock and Royal Gala (TV special: TBS Superstation).
U.S. airing of the April 19 Prince’s Trust gala hosted by Sean Connery and
featuring Michael Palin, Jerry Hall, Steven Wright, Kiri Te Kanawa, Rita
Rudner, and many others.

1661 July 27, 1989

The Birthday Show: 21 Years of Variety from Thames Television (TV

special: ITV). Special celebrating Thames Television’s 21st birthday (it
debuted in July 1968), with appearances by John Cleese, Tommy Cooper,
Ken Dodd, Benny Hill, Eric Sykes, and others. Hosted by Edward
Woodward. Produced & directed by Philip Jones.

1662 July 30, 1989

A Royal Gala in Aid of the Prince’s Trust (TV special: ITV/LWT). The
Prince’s Trust benefit concert recorded in April at London’s Palladium.
Hosted by Sean Connery, with Michael Palin, Dame Edna (Barry
Humphries), Jerry Hall, Nigel Havers, and others. Directed by Alasdair
MacMillan. Produced by Trevor Hopkins.

1663 August 1989

Terry Jones’ Erik the Viking, delayed by post-production, is withdrawn

from the 43rd Edinburgh International Film Festival opening Aug. 12.

1664 August 2–9, 1989

Time Out (Magazine/U.K.). Article on Monty Python’s 20th anniversary.

The cover features a dead parrot hanging upside down from its perch.

1665 August 30–September 2, 1989

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (Stage show). British comedians and
musicians perform at London’s Cambridge Theatre for Amnesty
International for the fourth Ball benefit in ten years, putting a greater
emphasis on comedy this time around. Starring John Cleese, Michael
Palin, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Lenny Henry, Robbie Coltrane, Dawn
French, Ben Elton, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie,
Chris Langham, Eleanor Bron, Willie Rushton, John Williams, Jeff Beck,
Nigel Planer, Helen Lederer, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Barlow, Rory Bremner,
Adrian Edmondson, Jimmy Mulville, and Spitting Image. The reunited
team of Cook and Moore perform their classic sketches “One-Legged
Tarzan” and “Frog and Peach.” Other sketches include “Pet Shop” (Cleese
& Palin, in a new, abbreviated version of the Python classic), “Argument
Clinic” (Cleese, Palin, French & Langham), “The Last Supper” (Cleese &
Edmondson), “Biggles Goes to See Bruce Springsteen” (Palin, reading),
and “Crunchy Frog” (Python sketch performed by Coltrane, Henry &
Mulville). Airs as a TV special on Oct. 28 (ITV). Directed by John Cleese
and Jennifer Saunders.

1666 September 1989

Entertainment Tonight (TV show: Synd.). Graham Chapman, in one of his

last interviews, speaks optimistically about his battle with cancer and the
progress he’s made in regaining control of his muscles. Chapman is shown
undergoing physical therapy at a London hospital.

1667 September 1989

Video Arts, the business-training film company co-founded by John Cleese

in 1972, is sold for £44 million in a management buyout. The deal, finalized
on Dec. 6, makes Cleese and each of his four partners—Antony Jay, Peter
Robinson, Michael Peacock, and Robert Reid—about £8 million richer.
Cleese’s original investment was a mere £1,000. He will continue making
new films for the company.

1668 September 1989

The Making of the Prefident 1789: The Unauthorized Campaign Biography

(Book: Harper & Row), written by Marvin Kitman with a foreword by
John Cleese, is published in the U.S. Humorous biography of George
Washington. Published in the U.K. by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

1669 September 1, 1989

Terry Jones’ Erik the Viking has its world premiere in Stockholm, Sweden
at the Svensk Film–Industri Look cinema.

1670 September 3, 1989

The Pythons, including an ailing Graham Chapman, reunite to film some

new comedy material with Steve Martin for the BBC documentary Parrot
Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (airing Nov. 18). One
of the scenes they film—a sketch which featured Martin and the group
playing schoolchildren—does not appear in the final program. Disappointed
by the quality of the sketch, which they did not write, the Pythons decide to
cut it. The other scene filmed is a cameo appearance by the group inside a
cupboard.

1671 September 10, 1989

Terry Jones attends the London premiere of his film Erik the Viking at the
Cannon Cinema. Prince Edward also attends.

1672 September 12, 1989

Film 89 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes a location

report from the set of Erik the Viking in Malta, featuring interviews with
Terry Jones, John Cleese, Tim Robbins, and others.

1673 September 15, 1989

The Big Picture (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in the U.S. A
romance-fantasy-satire about the life of a film school graduate in
Hollywood. John Cleese has a cameo role as a bartender. Starring Kevin
Bacon, Emily Longstreth, J. T. Walsh, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Directed
by Christopher Guest. Produced by Michael Varhol.

1674 September 17, 1989

The Sunday Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Twenty Years of Silly Walks,”

by Sue Summers, pp. 13–16. The six members of Monty Python discuss the
history of the group on its 20th anniversary. Includes a group photo taken
by Gered Mankowitz.

1675 September 18, 1989

Hysteria 2 (Stage show). Benefit concert marking World AIDS Day.

Comedy highlights include John Cleese’s introduction for Tina Turner.
Proceeds from the concert, held at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, go
to the Terrence Higgins Trust. Starring Stephen Fry (host), John Cleese,
Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Tina Turner, Lenny Henry, Robbie Coltrane,
Jerry Hall, Adrian Edmondson, and Joss Ackland. Directed by Stephen Fry.
Airs Dec. 1 on Channel 4.

1676 September 18–20, 1989

The Sun (Newspaper/U.K.). Series of three articles in which Graham

Chapman, speaking exclusively to The Sun, discusses his battle with
cancer and other struggles he’s faced in his life. In the first article, “I Knew
It Was Cancer” (by Mike Housego and Jean Ritchie, p. 17), Chapman tells
the tabloid how he used his medical training to diagnose his spinal cancer,
details his first bout with cancer in late ’88–early ’89, and denies rumors he
has AIDS. In the final article, “I Nearly Died on Three Bottles of Gin a
Day,” Chapman recounts his years as an alcoholic and how he finally quit
drinking in December 1977.

1677 September 22, 1989

Erik the Viking (Feature film) premieres in the U.S. at the Cinetex Film
Festival in Las Vegas. A Pythonesque fantasy-adventure-comedy written
and directed by Terry Jones, inspired by his 1983 children’s story. Drawing
on elements of Norse and Celtic mythology, the story concerns Erik, a
Viking who believes there must be more to life than raping and pillaging.
To bring an end to the dark and violent Age of Ragnarok, he and his crew
must travel to the land of Hy-Brasil and find the Horn Resounding. By
blowing the Horn three times, peace, love and the sun will return.
Meanwhile, certain businessmen and arms manufacturers, who find
Ragnarok to be profitable, set out to stop the expedition. A re-edited version
of the film by Jones’ son Bill, subtitled The Director’s Son’s Cut, is released
in 2006. Starring Tim Robbins, Gary Cady, Terry Jones (as King Arnulf),
Eartha Kitt, Mickey Rooney, John Cleese (as Halfdan the Black), Tsutomu
Sekine, Antony Sher, John Gordon Sinclair, Imogen Stubbs, Samantha
Bond, Freddie Jones, Tim McInnerny, and Charles McKeown. Music by
Neil Innes. Written & directed by Terry Jones. A John
Goldstone/Prominent Features production.

Reviews: David Robinson (The Times [London], Sept. 28, 1989, p. 20):
“There is a perilous indecision about Erik the Viking, which neither takes
off into full-blown Monty Python comedy, nor seems confident enough in
its epic and mythical ambitions”; Ralph Novak (People Weekly, Nov. 20,
1989, p. 27+): “...Jones seems to be driving clumsily at a moral.... Jones
neither makes his point nor gets the laughs this film could easily have
earned.”

1678 September 22, 1989

Showbiz Today (TV news show: CNN). Lorne Michaels, Chevy Chase,
Martin Short, and Eric Idle are interviewed by Bill Tush during a rehearsal
for the upcoming Saturday Night Live anniversary special.

1679 September 23, 1989

Saturday Matters with Sue Lawley (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Terry
Jones, promoting Erik the Viking, Neil Sedaka, Enoch Powell, and
Jacqueline Bisset.

1680 September 26, 1989

Film 89 (TV show: BBC1). Barry Norman looks at Terry Jones’ new film
Erik the Viking, co-starring John Cleese.

1681 September 29, 1989

Erik the Viking opens in the U.K.

1682 September 30, 1989

Melody Maker (Newspaper/U.K.). “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” by

Allan Brown, p. 50. Interview with Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam on
the group’s 20th anniversary.

1683 October 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (Book: BBC Books), written by Michael

Palin, is published in the U.K. Palin’s account of his trip around the world
following the route taken by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s classic story.
This companion book to the TV series becomes a No. 1 bestseller.

1684 October 1989

The First 200 Years of Monty Python (Book: Thomas Dunne), written by
Kim “Howard” Johnson, is published. A celebration of the group’s 20-year
career that includes exclusive interviews, detailed guides to the Python
shows, films, books, records, and stage shows, many rare photos, and
individual profiles of each Python member.
1685 October 1989

The 3rd International Film Festival in Leeds, England presents a special

20th-anniversary tribute to Monty Python.

1686 October 1, 1989

Sunday, Sunday (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford.

Guests include Terry Jones, John Sessions, and Susan Hampshire.

1687 October 3, 1989

Graham Chapman, his condition worsening, is rushed from his home in

Hermitage Lane, Maidstone to Maidstone Hospital.

1688 October 4, 1989

Graham Chapman dies at the age of 48 from cancer of the throat and
spine at Maidstone Hospital near London, England. By his side were
Michael Palin and John Cleese. Terry Jones had also been with him that
day. He had undergone two operations after the disease was detected less
than a year ago and was thought to be recovering. Only a month earlier he
took part in a Python reunion TV special (Parrot Sketch Not Included).
Chapman’s last wish was that those who admired his work contribute
money in his name to the cancer research organization of their choice. It is a
very sad day in Python history. His death comes on the eve of the group’s
20th anniversary. A party that had been planned to celebrate the anniversary
was canceled due to Chapman’s illness. Terry Jones comments “I think
it’s the worst case of party pooping I’ve ever come across. But seriously, we
will all miss him—we loved him very much.”

1689 October 5, 1989

Monty Python’s 20th anniversary. It was 20 years ago today that the first
episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus was aired on the BBC.

1690 October 5, 1989

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Just the Words (Vols 1 & 2) (Book:
Methuen) is published in the U.K. Two-volume collection of the scripts of
all 45 Python shows (1969–74), published in celebration of the group’s 20th
anniversary. The U.S. version, titled The Complete Monty Python’s Flying
Circus: All the Words, is published by Pantheon on Nov. 12.

1691 October 6, 1989

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Life of Graham,” by Michael

Palin, p. 39. Palin pays tribute to his friend and fellow Python, Graham
Chapman.

1692 October 7–13, 1989

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Article on Michael Palin’s new BBC series

Around the World in 80 Days. The cover features Palin seated on a globe
(“The World at My Feet”).

1693 October 8, 1989

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Missing That Talent to

Amuse,” by Iain Johnstone, p. C9. Brief tribute to Graham Chapman.

1694 October 11–November 22, 1989

The seven-part travel series Around the World in 80 Days airs on BBC1. In
the series, filmed in September–December 1988, writer-host Michael Palin
travels around the world following the 1872 route of Jules Verne’s fictional
character, Phileas Fogg, in an attempt to prove that the journey can still be
accomplished today. Palin traveled with only a five-person film crew (his
Passepartout) and was not allowed the use of airplanes. The series,
produced by Clem Vallance, airs in the U.S. in January 1990 (A&E).

Reviews: Patrick Stoddart (The Sunday Times [London], Nov. 26, 1989, p.
C20): “My only regret is that this most amiable and amusing of travelling
companions made it within the time limit. If he’d failed, Palin might have
gone around again, and we could all have gone with him.”
1695 October 11, 1989

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Joanna Lumley (sitting in for
Terry Wogan). Guests: Michael Palin, promoting Around the World in 80
Days, Willy Russell, and Douglas Adams.

1696 October 11, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “The Challenge.”

Michael Palin takes up the BBC’s challenge to replicate Phileas Fogg’s
1872 journey and sets out from Victoria Station in London on Sept. 25,
1988. Pythons Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, acting as referees, see him
off. Day 1–6 of his journey includes a ride on the Orient Express and stops
in Venice and Athens. First episode in a seven-part series. Written & hosted
by Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Mills.

1697 October 13, 1989

Family and friends gather at the chapel at Vinters Park Crematorium in

Maidstone, Kent for the funeral of Graham Chapman. Flowers were sent
by The Rolling Stones with “thanks for all the laughs,” and there is a large
boot-shaped floral arrangement from “the other five Pythons with all our
love. P.S. Stop us if we’re getting too silly.”

1698 October 16, 1989

U.S. News & World Report (Magazine/U.S.). “Now for Something

Completely...,” by Alvin P. Sanoff, p. 105. Interview with John Cleese.

1699 October 18, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “Arabian Frights.” Day
7–14 takes Michael Palin to Alexandria, Egypt, then on to Cairo and the
Pyramids in Giza, followed by a two-day trip across the Red Sea to Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia. While in Egypt, Palin makes a cameo appearance (as Man in
Elevator) in the film Inar Gahined (Hellfire). Second episode in a seven-
part series. Written & hosted by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by
Clem Vallance.
1700 October 25, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “Ancient Mariners.”

Day 14–25 finds Michael Palin on a dhow called the Al Shama, operated
by an 18-man crew, on an eight-day journey across the Arabian Sea from
Dubai to Bombay. Twenty years later, Palin will return to the region and
reunite with the crew of the Al Shama. The reunion is filmed for the BBC
documentary special Around the World in 20 Years, which airs in December
2008. Third episode in a seven-part series. Written & hosted by Michael
Palin. Produced & directed by Clem Vallance.

1701 October 27, 1989

John Cleese turns 50.

1702 October 27, 1989

Erik the Viking opens in the U.S. (released by Orion Pictures).

1703 October 27, 1989

Showbiz Today (TV news-talk show: CNN). Guest Terry Jones talks with
Bella Shaw in Hollywood about Erik the Viking and pays tribute to
Graham Chapman.

1704 October 28–November 3, 1989

TV Times (Magazine/U.K.). John Cleese interview and cover photo.

1705 October 28, 1989

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (TV special: ITV). Recording of the
fourth Ball benefit for Amnesty International, held in August–September
1989. Sketches performed include “Pet Shop” (with a new 1989 punchline),
“Argument Clinic,” and “The Last Supper.” Starring John Cleese, Michael
Palin, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Lenny Henry, Robbie Coltrane, Dawn
French, Ben Elton, and many others. Stage direction by John Cleese and
Jennifer Saunders. Directed by Mike Holgate. Produced by Judith Holder.
1706 October 28, 1989

Saturday Night at the Movies (TV show: ITV). Cinema magazine program
hosted by Tony Slatterey. Includes a report by Terry Gilliam from the
Bristol Animation Festival.

1707 October 30, 1989

People Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Mourning Monty Python Lays to Rest

Silly, Brave, Unique Graham Chapman,” by Susan Schindehette and
Janine Di Giovanni, pp. 52–54. Tribute to Chapman.

1708 October 31, 1989

Daytime Live (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program. Judi Spiers interviews
Michael Palin about his journey in Around the World in 80 Days. Live.

1709 November 1989

Prevue (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Jones Whips Up a Wild Hurricane Film

Fantasy ... Erik the Viking,” by Stan Timmons, pp. 28–29+. Interview with
Jones about his latest film.

1710 November 1, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “A Close Shave.” Day
25–38 finds Michael Palin in Bombay, then going on to Madras (in
southern India). From there, he boards a Yugoslav freighter that takes him
across the Bay of Bengal to Singapore. Fourth episode in a seven-part
series. Written & hosted by Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Mills.

1711 November 2, 1989

This Morning (TV show: ITV). Magazine program hosted by Richard

Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Around the
World in 80 Days.

1712 November 3, 1989

The Mikado (Light opera) opens at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston,
Texas. Jonathan Miller’s version of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta is staged
by the Houston Grand Opera and features Eric Idle as Ko-Ko, a role he
first performed with The English National Opera when Miller’s production
premiered in September 1986 at the London Coliseum. The Mikado is the
last of three works presented during the HGO’s British Opera Festival. The
Duchess of York attends the opening night performance. Nine more
performances are given through Nov. 17. Also starring David Eisler, Sheryl
Woods, Marvellee Cariaga, Ian Caddy, John Stephens, Will Roy, and Lee
Merrill. Conducted by Ward Holmquist.

1713 November 4–December 2, 1989

The Film Club (TV series: BBC2). Terry Jones introduces a new season,
celebrating the work of writer-director Preston Sturges, beginning with his
1941 film The Lady Eve. In the coming weeks, Jones introduces the Sturges
classics Sullivan’s Travels (Nov. 11), The Palm Beach Story (Nov. 18), The
Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (Nov. 25), and Hail the Conquering Hero (Dec.
2).

1714 November 7–15, 1989

The Art of Travel (TV series: BBC2). Michael Palin hosts this series of
imaginary train journeys based on famous railway posters of the 1920s &
’30s, from the collection at the National Railway Museum in York. The
series consists of six ten-minute shows: “London Midland and Scottish
Railway” (Nov. 7), “Southern Railway” (Nov. 8), “London and North
Eastern Railway” (Nov. 9), “Great Western Railway” (Nov. 13), “London
Underground” (Nov. 14), and “British Railways” (Nov. 15). Directed by
John Metherall and Denise Winterburn. Produced by Trevor Hearing.

1715 November 8, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “Oriental Express.” Day
39–46 follows Michael Palin’s journey across the South China Sea, from
Singapore to Hong Kong. After meeting up with his friend, photographer
Basil Pao, in Cheung Chow the two travel on to Guangzhou (in China), then
take a train to Shanghai. Fifth episode in a seven-part series. Written &
hosted by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Clem Vallance.

1716 November 11, 1989

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest:

Michael Palin, promoting Around the World in 80 Days.

1717 November 12, 1989

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: All the Words is published in
the U.S. by Pantheon Books.

1718 November 15, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “Far East and Farther
East.” Day 47–58. Michael Palin travels from Shanghai to Yokohama (in
Japan), then takes the Shin-Kensan (Bullet Train) to Tokyo. After spending
the night in a capsule hotel, he boards a container ship that takes him across
the Pacific Ocean on an 11-day journey to America. Sixth episode in a
seven-part series. Written & hosted by Michael Palin. With Basil Pao.
Directed by Clem Vallance and Roger Mills.

1719 November 18–24, 1989

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). “This Is Getting Too Silly!,” by Tony

Bilbow, pp. 4–5. Python tribute.

1720 November 18, 1989

Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (TV special:
BBC1). Highlights from the four series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus are
compiled in this celebration of the group’s 20th anniversary. Hosted by
Steve Martin, the 72-minute special concludes with a brief appearance by
all six Pythons inside a cupboard. Filmed in September, about a month
before Graham Chapman’s death. Produced by Charles Brand and Anne
James. Premieres in the U.S. on Mar. 17, 1990 (Showtime).

1721 November 22, 1989

Around the World in 80 Days (TV episode: BBC1). “Dateline to Deadline.”
Day 63–79. Michael Palin travels across America, from Los Angeles to
New York, stopping in Colorado to ride in a hot-air balloon and dog sled.
Finally, he takes a Danish container ship across the Atlantic (an 8-day trip),
arriving in London in the seventh hour of the 79th day of his journey (Dec.
12, 1988). Seventh and last episode of the series. Written & hosted by
Michael Palin. With Terry Gilliam. Directed by Roger Mills.

1722 November 23, 1989

Open Air (TV show: BBC1). Eamonn Holmes interviews Michael Palin
about Around the World in 80 Days. Palin also answers questions from
viewers.

1723 December 1989

Monty Python Sings (Record: Virgin MONT 1; CD: MONTD 1).

Compilation of songs from Python TV series, films, and records. Includes
one new track, “Oliver Cromwell” (sung by John Cleese and Eric Idle).
Tracks: “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “Sit on My Face,”
“Lumberjack Song,” “Penis Song (Not the Noël Coward Song),” “Oliver
Cromwell,” “Money Song,” “Accountancy Shanty,” “Finland,” “Medical
Love Song,” “I’m So Worried,” “Every Sperm Is Sacred,” “Never Be Rude
to an Arab,” “I Like Chinese,” “Eric the Half-a-Bee,” “Brian Song,”
“Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “The Meaning of Life,” “Knights of the
Round Table (Camelot Song),” “All Things Dull and Ugly,” “Decomposing
Composers,” “Henry Kissinger,” “I’ve Got Two Legs,” “Christmas in
Heaven,” “Galaxy Song,” and “Spam Song.” Produced by Andre Jacquemin
and Eric Idle.

1724 December 1, 1989

Hysteria 2 (TV special: Channel 4). Two-hour benefit concert marking

World AIDS Day. John Cleese gives a lengthy comedic intro for Tina
Turner. Proceeds from the concert, recorded Sept. 18 at Sadler’s Wells in
London, go to the Terrence Higgins Trust. Starring Stephen Fry (host),
John Cleese, Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Tina Turner, Lenny Henry,
Robbie Coltrane, Jerry Hall, Adrian Edmondson, and Joss Ackland. Stage
show directed by Stephen Fry. Directed by David G. Croft. Produced by
Trevor Hopkins.

1725 December 2, 1989

Michael Palin joins dozens of authors taking part in a “signathon,”

benefitting four charities, at Dillons Bookstore in London.

1726 December 3, 1989

A memorial service for Graham Chapman is held in the Great Hall at St.
Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. John Cleese delivers a memorable
eulogy in which he invokes the “Dead Parrot” sketch, stating that
Chapman has “ceased to be, bereft of life, he rests in peace” and, in a spirit
the late Python would have appreciated, goes on to say “Good riddance to
him, the freeloading bastard. I hope he fries.” Also attending are Michael
Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, David Sherlock
(Chapman’s partner), Jonathan Miller, Alan Bennett, Tim Brooke-Taylor,
and others. The Fred Tomlinson Singers sing “Jerusalem” and Idle leads the
singing of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Filmed portions of
the service are included in the 1990 TV special Life of Python.

1727 December 7, 1989

Reruns of Monty Python’s Flying Circus begin airing on BBC2.

1728 December 11, 1989

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis
Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Around
the World in 80 Days.

1729 December 14, 1989

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV talk show: NBC). Guests:
Michael Palin, Jon Serl, and band Restless Heart. Palin talks about Around
the World in 80 Days and Graham Chapman’s memorial service.

1730 December 22, 1989

Walkie Talkie (TV talk show: Channel 4). Host Muriel Gray talks with guest
Eric Idle as they stroll around Stratford-on-Avon. Directed by Hamish
Barbour.

1731 December 25, 1989

I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Twenty-fifth
anniversary special reuniting the original cast of the classic radio comedy
program: Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, David Hatch,
Jo Kendall, and Bill Oddie. Hour.

1732 December 27, 1989

Woman’s Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Monica Dickens, Sarah
Greene, Jeremy Hardy, and Terry Jones perform in “Shivering Peaks,”
written by Sue Limb.

1733 1989

This Is Going to Hurt Me More Than It Hurts You: The Bad News Interview
(Training film: Video Arts). Management training film on how to give
employees bad news. Starring John Cleese, Maria Aitken, Prunella Scales,
and Richard Wilson. Written by Sean Hardie. Script editor: John Cleese.
Directed by Charles Crichton.

1734 1989

How to Lose Customers Without Really Trying (Training film: Video Arts).
Film demonstrating the right and wrong ways of dealing with customers.
Starring John Cleese, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Stephen Fry, and
Hugh Laurie. Written by Dawn French, Graeme Garden, Antony Jay, Chris
Langham, Jim Pullin, and Jennifer Saunders. Directed by Nick Mallett.

1735 1989

Erik the Viking: The Book of the Film of the Book (Book: Methuen Drama),
written by Terry Jones, is published in the U.K. Screenplay of the film.
Published in the U.S. by Applause Theatre Books (1990).
1736 1989–91

Talking Pages (TV commercials). John Cleese stars in a series of British

TV ads for BT’s Talking Pages. The ads show him in a variety of situations,
from searching for an antique diamond ring to finding a locksmith for his
parents who cannot get into their car.

1737 January 1990

Michael Palin’s mother, Mary Rachel Lockhart (Ovey) Palin, dies at the
age of 86. Mrs. Palin co-hosted Saturday Night Live with her son in January
1984, shortly after her 80th birthday. Palin’s father, Edward, died in April
1977.

1738 January 1, 1990

The A–Z of TV (TV special: Channel 4). Three-hour history of British

television presented in 26 parts by 26 presenters, including Michael Palin
(“Ally Pally” segment), Michael Hordern, and Beryl Reid. Directed by
Philip McDonald. Produced by Linda Zuck.

1739 January 3, 1990

Signals: Anything for a Quiet Life (TV special: Channel 4). Terry Gilliam
introduces a comedy about office politics performed by the Théâtre de
Complicité. Directed by Andy Wilson.

1740 January 4, 1990–November 20, 2000

The TV series One Foot in the Grave airs on BBC1. Eric Idle wrote and
performed the theme song for this British sitcom starring Richard Wilson
and Annette Crosbie. Idle also appears in the Dec. 30, 1991, episode “The
Man in the Long Black Coat.”

1741 January 4, 1990

Schweppes (Video commercial). John Cleese narrowly avoids various

attempts on his life in this James Bond spoof advertising Schweppes soft
drinks. Featured on the videocassette release of the Bond film License to
Kill. Cleese previously appeared in a Schweppes ad for the February 1989
video release of A Fish Called Wanda.

1742 January 5, 1990

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Joan Lunden talks to
Michael Palin about Around the World in 80 Days.

1743 January 7–February 18, 1990

Michael Palin’s seven-part travel series, Around the World in 80 Days, airs
in the U.S. on cable’s Arts & Entertainment Network.

1744 January 7, 1990

A&E Premieres (TV show: A&E). Host Jack Perkins talks to Michael Palin
following the U.S. TV premiere of the first episode of Palin’s travel series
Around the World in 80 Days.

1745 January 19, 1990

Behind the Headlines (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Kathy Lette.
Guests: Michael Palin, Julie T. Wallace, Carlo Gebler, and Margaret
Greaves. Palin talks about Around the World in 80 Days.

1746 January 23, 1990

Friends of Graham Chapman gather in Los Angeles for a memorial

service/cocktail party held at the St. James’ Club. Attendees include David
Sherlock (Chapman’s partner), Harry Nilsson, Timothy Leary, and Martin
Lewis. Hosted by the L.A. chapter of the British Academy of Film and
Television Arts (BAFTA).

1747 January 27, 1990

Saturday Night Clive (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Clive James.
Guests: Michael Palin and Vitali Vitaliev.

1748 February 24, 1990

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Childhood: Michael Palin,” by
Ray Connolly, p. 35. In-depth article on Palin’s early years.

1749 March 1990

The Big Picture (TV news-talk show: MTV). Eric Idle, promoting Nuns on
the Run, is interviewed at a bar by host Chris Connelly.

1750 March 13, 1990

The Arsenio Hall Show (TV talk show: Fox). Guests: Eric Idle, promoting
Nuns on the Run, Miss USA, and Don Cornelius. Idle also talks about the
Life of Brian controversy, the Cambridge Footlights revue, the origins and
popularity of Monty Python, and The Rutles.

1751 March 16, 1990

Nuns on the Run (Feature film: HandMade Films) opens in the U.S.
Comedy starring Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane as two petty crooks, Brian
Hope and Charlie McManus, who find themselves hiding out in a convent
disguised as nuns. Produced by George Harrison’s HandMade Films. Also
starring Janet Suzman, Camille Coduri, Doris Hare, Lila Kaye, Robert
Patterson, and Robert Morgan. Written & directed by Jonathan Lynn.
Produced by Michael White and Simon Bosanquet. Executive produced by
George Harrison and Denis O’Brien.

Reviews: Vincent Canby (The New York Times, Mar. 16, 1990): “It has
something of the cheerful licentiousness of A Fish Called Wanda without
that film’s exhausting intensity”; Iain Johnstone (The Sunday Times
[London], May 6, 1990): “...not the sort of movie that builds up crescendos
of laughter by brilliant layering ... but a film that leaves you with a pleasing
grin on your face throughout.”

1752 March 16, 1990

Life of Python (TV special: Showtime). The history of Monty Python is

detailed in this 20th-anniversary special through clips and interviews with
the five surviving Pythons: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin. Also includes comments from Carol Cleveland,
Barry Took, Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and others.
Produced & directed by Mark Redhead. Parrot Sketch Not Included airs on
Showtime the following night. A British version of the special, presented by
John Lloyd, airs in the U.K. on Oct. 5 (BBC1) as an Omnibus special.

1753 March 17, 1990

The 1989 compilation special Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of
Monty Python airs in the U.S. on Showtime as part of the cable channel’s
“Monty Python: 20 Odd Years” celebration.

1754 March 18, 1990

Step Up to Wordpower (TV show: BBC1). “Signs, Charts, and Maps.”

Hosted by Chris Serle. Guests: Michael Palin and Sandra Salter. Directed
by John Lane. Produced by Elizabeth Cretch.

1755 March 26, 1990

The 62nd Annual Academy Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam and
his wife, Maggie Weston, attend the ceremony at the Dorothy Chandler
Pavilion in Los Angeles where his film The Adventures of Baron
Munchausen is up for four Oscars, including one for Weston (and Fabrizio
Sforza) for Best Make-Up (loses to Driving Miss Daisy). The film is also
nominated for Art Direction (loses to Batman), Costume Design (loses to
Henry V), and Visual Effects (loses to The Abyss). Broadcast live on ABC.

1756 Late March 1990

Eric Idle slips at home breaking one of his lower vertebrae. The injury
prevents him from completing filming on Too Much Sun for several weeks.
Filming wraps in May.

1757 April 11, 1990

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane,
promoting Nuns on the Run.
1758 April 17, 1990

Fresh Air from WHYY (Radio talk show: NPR). Terry Gross interviews
Michael Palin.

1759 April 21, 1990

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Guests: Princess Anne, Michael Palin, and Nigel Kennedy.

1760 April 23, 1990

The New Republic (Magazine/U.S.). “It’s...: The Complete Monty Python’s

Flying Circus: All the Words, 2 Vols.,” by Veronica Geng. The cover of the
issue features a painting (by Bryan Leister) depicting the “Nudge, Nudge”
sketch. Geng reviewed Life of Brian for The New Yorker in 1979.

1761 April 29, 1990

Eric Idle’s radio play, Behind the Crease, is recorded before a live studio
audience at BBC Paris Studios in London. It is broadcast July 28, 1990, on
BBC Radio 2.

1762 April 30, 1990

Michael Palin attends the launch party for the book Elena: A Life in Soho,
by maîtres’ d’ Elena Salvoni, at the restaurant L’Escargot in Soho, London.

1763 May 1990

John Cleese and his second wife, Barbara Trentham, divorce after nine
years of marriage. The couple had been separated since 1987.

1764 May 4, 1990

Nuns on the Run opens in the U.K. (released by Palace Pictures).

1765 May 4, 1990

Viz: The Documentary (TV special: Channel 4). Hour-long documentary on
Viz comic, with comments from Michael Palin, Harry Enfield, others.
Directed by Philip Morrow.

1766 May 12, 1990

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Guests: Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Bob Geldof, and Eric Idle.

1767 May 15, 1990

The Importance of Mistakes (Lecture). John Cleese gives a talk on the

value of making mistakes at the Palmer House in Chicago as part of a
reception benefit for the Wisdom Bridge Theatre.

1768 May 17 & 24, 1990

How Far Can You Go? (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). John Cleese
participates in a discussion on art and blasphemy. With Fay Weldon, Martin
Scorsese, Mary Whitehouse, Arnold Wesker, and others. Hosted by Barry
Norman. Produced by David Coomes. Recorded Apr. 5.

1769 May 29–July 19, 1990

American Friends, a $5 million period drama starring (and co-scripted by)

Michael Palin, is filmed in Switzerland and England. Locations include
New College in Oxford. Palin started writing the script in September of
1986, basing the story on events in the journal of his great-grandfather,
Edward Palin.

1770 May 31, 1990

The Complete Ripping Yarns (Book: Methuen), written by Michael Palin

and Terry Jones, is published in the U.K. Collection containing the scripts
of all nine episodes of the 1975–79 series. The scripts were previously
collected in Ripping Yarns (1978) and More Ripping Yarns (1980).

1771 May 31, 1990

Daytime Green: The Green Life Guide (TV show: ITV/Granada).
Environmental program hosted by Dilly Barlow and Alistair MacDonald.
Michael Palin is interviewed.

1772 Summer 1990

Eric Idle’s daughter, Lily, is born. She is his second child, after his son,
Carey, who was born in 1973.

1773 June 2, 1990

The 8.15 from Manchester (TV show: BBC1). Terry Jones is a guest on
this Saturday-morning children’s program hosted by Ross King and
Charlotte Hindle.

1774 June 6, 1990

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Terry
Jones, Daniel J. Travanti, and Edna O’Brien.

1775 June 9, 1990

A View from the Boundary (Radio sports show: BBC Radio 3). Brian
Johnston talks to Eric Idle about his career and interest in cricket. From
Trent Bridge cricket ground.

1776 July 28, 1990

Behind the Crease (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Radio musical by Eric
Idle and John Du Prez. Originally written for the stage (earlier titles were
The Back Page and Sticky Wicket), this satirical musical follows a famous
cricketer (Gary Wilmot) and a seedy tabloid journalist (Idle) who covers
him on a tour of the West Indies. Recorded Apr. 29. Also starring Brian
Bowles, Vicky Licorish, Flaminia Cinque, Ann Howard, Julian Littman,
Charlie Dore, and Robert Broadbent. Produced by Harry Thompson.

1777 August 13, 1990

Funny That Way (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Barry Cryer presents a
profile of John Cleese. Part two in the series. Produced by Tim Sturgeon.

1778 September 16, 1990

John Cleese speaks on constitutional reform at a rally at the Liberal

Democrats Party conference in Blackpool, England.

1779 October 1990

John Cleese gives a series of lectures in the U.S. on creativity and business.

1780 October 1990

A Fish Called Wanda is named Best British Video of the Year and Best
Comedy at the British Videogram Association Awards.

1781 October 5, 1990

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Life of Python.” Documentary chronicling

the history of Monty Python through clips and interviews with the five
surviving Pythons. The show, originally planned to mark the group’s 20th
anniversary in 1989, was postponed due to Graham Chapman’s death. An
American version of the special aired in the U.S. on Mar. 16, 1990
(Showtime). The U.K. version is hosted by John Lloyd and includes
interviews with Stephen Fry and Ben Elton. Directed by Mark Redhead and
Mark Chapman. Produced by Mark Chapman.

1782 October 10–December 1990

The comedy Missing Pieces, starring Eric Idle and Robert Wuhl, is filmed
in New York City.

1783 October 10, 1990

Too Much Sun (Feature film: CineTel Films) premieres at the Mill Valley
Film Festival in Cal. Comedy about a millionaire who dies and leaves his
money to his gay son and lesbian daughter, but only if one of them can give
him a grandchild. The son and daughter are played by Eric Idle (as Sonny)
and Andrea Martin (as Bitsy). Filmed in Los Angeles in the spring of 1990.
Also starring Howard Duff, Jim Haynie, Robert Downey, Jr., Ralph
Macchio, Leo Rossi, and Laura Ernst. Written by Robert Downey, Sr.,
Laura Ernst, and Al Schwartz. Directed by Robert Downey, Sr. Produced by
Lisa M. Hansen. Released nationally in January 1991.

1784 October 20, 1990

The Economist (Magazine/U.K.). “And Now for Something...,” p. 86.

Article on John Cleese and his U.S. lecture series on the importance of
creativity in business.

1785 October 20, 1990

Showbiz Today (TV news show: CNN). Eric Idle is interviewed.

1786 October 28, 1990

The Sunday Times Review (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Casting Around

for a New Comic Catch,” by George Perry, pp. 22–28. Interview with John
Cleese about his career post–Wanda.

1787 November 1990

John Cleese and Michael Palin both give talks at the Save the Young Vic
Festival (Oct. 28–Nov. 4), which raises money for the Young Vic Theatre in
London.

1788 November 2, 1990

Bullseye! (Feature film: 21st Century Film Corp.) opens in the U.K.
Comedy starring Michael Caine and Roger Moore. John Cleese makes a
brief guest appearance as Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like
John Cleese. Written by Leslie Bricusse, Laurence Marks, and Maurice
Gran. Directed by Michael Winner.

1789 November 8, 1990

Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment (Training film:
Video Arts) premieres in London. Un-green factory manager James Grime
(John Cleese) is visited by two environmental advisors whom he believes
to be advance men for a royal visit. Prince Charles, who conceived the idea
for the film, guest stars. The video is part of a campaign by the organization
Business in the Community (of which The Prince is president). Also
starring Peter Davison. Written by Peter Spence. Directed by Nick Mallett.

1790 November 22, 1990

Terry Gilliam turns 50.

1791 November 25, 1990

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “I Just Flew into New York and...,”
by Eric Idle, p. E11. Idle on filming in New York City.

1792 December 2, 1990

Talking Poetry (Radio show: BBC Radio 5). Poetry on the theme of
conflict. Guest: Terry Jones.

1793 December 6, 1990

Bookshelf (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Host Nigel Forde talks to John
Cleese.

1794 December 12, 1990–January 16, 1991

Families and How to Survive Them (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). Six-part
radio series presented by John Cleese and psychiatrist Robin Skynner,
based on their 1983 book of the same name. Episodes: “Why Do We Fall in
Love?” (Dec. 12); “For Better or Worse—Which Way Will the Marriage
Go?” (Dec. 19); “Mothering and Paranoia” (Dec. 26); “The Astonishing
Stuffed Rabbit—and Depression” (Jan. 2); “Fathering—and Authority”
(Jan. 9); and “Why Good Sex Is Important” (Jan. 16). Produced by Rachel
Yorke and Jonathan James-Moore.

1795 December 14, 1990

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: John
Cleese and Robin Skynner, Jamie Lee Curtis (via satellite), and Paul
McCartney.

1796 December 31, 1990

Tonight with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael
Palin and Lisa Stansfield.

1797 1990

The Helping Hand: Coaching Skills for Managers (Training film: Video
Arts). Management-training film on the essentials of employee coaching.
Starring John Cleese, Robert Lindsay, and Jan Ravens. Written by Chris
Langham. Script editor: John Cleese. Directed by Nick Mallett.

1798 1990

The Unorganised Salesperson, Part 2: Valuing Yourself (Training film:

Video Arts). A salesman learns how, by valuing himself and his time, he can
win the respect and trust of customers. Sequel to Valuing Your Customers
(1990). Narrated by Graeme Garden. Starring John Cleese (as John
Thompson), Harry Enfield, Miranda Richardson, Burt Caesar, Diane
Fletcher, and Bridget Thornborrow. Written by Sean Hardie. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

1799 1990

Rail for the Future: A Development Strategy for the Railways (Book:
Railway Development Society) is published. Foreword by Michael Palin.

1800 1990

Time to Talk (Video). Program on stammering, hosted by Michael Palin.

Produced & directed by Luke Jeans.

1801 1990
Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying and Selling a Used Car but
Were Afraid to Ask (Educational video). Idle plays a sleazy car seller in this
hour-long video for inexperienced car buyers. Co-starring Dexter Fletcher.
Written & directed by Sheldon Greenberg. Produced by Robert Page.

1802 1990

John Cleese appears in a print ad for American Express, dressed as a

woman and holding two small dogs (“John Cleese. Cardmember since
1971.”).

1803 1990

Schweppes (“Straight Schweppes”) (TV commercials). John Cleese stars

in a series of British TV ads for Schweppes Tonic Water to persuade
viewers to drink the tonic on its own. The first several ads, which feature
only Cleese’s voice, deal mainly with figuring out the slogan (“Straight
Schweppes has got citric bite”) and finalizing Cleese’s contract. The main
ad—the one Cleese has “been waiting to make all my life”—shows him
frolicking shirtless on a beach in the Caribbean with bikini-clad girls.
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, London.

1804 1990

The Line That Refused to Die (Book: Leading Edge Books), written by Stan
Abbott and Alan Whitehouse with a foreword by Michael Palin, is
published in the U.K. Story of the successful campaign to save England’s
Settle and Carlisle railway line.

1805 January 1, 1991

1001 Nights of TV (TV special: Channel 4). Michael Palin hosts this three-
hour compilation of TV highlights. Written by Dick Fiddy. Directed by
Steve Connelly. Produced by Linda Zuck.

1806 January 7, 1991

First Bite (TV special: BBC2). Terry Gilliam presents six animated films,
the winning entries of the 1990/91 “First Bite” Student Animation
Competition. Directed by Sebastian Scott. Produced by Jenny Barrett.

1807 January 13, 1991

The 12th Annual Ace Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin and actress
Blair Brown present the award for Best Comedy Series to the creators of It’s
Garry Shandling’s Show at the ceremony honoring cable excellence. The
ceremony, held at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by James
Woods, is broadcast on eight cable channels.

1808 January 23, 1991

Creativity in Management (Lecture). John Cleese gives a speech on the

importance of creative thinking in management to an international audience
(via satellite) at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. The speech is
recorded and released as a training film by Video Arts.

1809 January 27, 1991

Everyman (TV special: BBC1). “They Shoot Children, Don’t They?”

Documentary on the plight of street children in Guatemala. Introduced by
Michael Palin. Directed by Judy Jackson.

1810 February 12, 1991

Michael Palin attends a press conference at Sheraton Park Tower (in

Knightsbridge, London) to launch the Association for Research into
Stammering in Childhood. The main goal of the association, of which Palin
is vice-president, is the creation of a speech therapy center for stammering
children.

1811 March 1991

Wilbury Twist (Music video). Eric Idle appears (with John Candy) in this
video for the Traveling Wilburys’ “Willbury Twist,” from the supergroup’s
1990 album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.
1812 March 9, 1991

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Python’s Travels in the Joke-

Free Zone,” by Andrew Davidson, p. 16–17. Interview with Michael Palin,
conducted at his home in Gospel Park, North London. Palin talks about his
new film American Friends.

1813 March 10, 1991

Naked Hollywood (TV episode: BBC2). “Good Cop, Bad Cop.” Includes a
look at the work of producers Lynda Obst and Debra Hill in bringing The
Fisher King to the screen. Terry Gilliam is interviewed. Shown in the U.S.
on A&E. Directed by Alan Lewens. Produced by Nicolas Kent.

1814 March 12, 1991

Film 91 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Michael Palin is

interviewed during a location report on his new film American Friends.

1815 March 14, 1991

The hotel used in exterior shots for John Cleese’s sitcom Fawlty Towers is
gutted by fire. The former Wooburn Grange Country Club in
Buckinghamshire, England—which briefly operated as a hotel in the late
1980s—had been empty for the past three years.

1816 March 15, 1991

6 O’Clock Live (TV show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Frank Bough. Guests:

Cilla Black, Tom Jones, and Michael Palin.

1817 March 17, 1991

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Comedy of Mild

Manners,” by Iain Johnstone, p. 11. Interview with Michael Palin about his
new film American Friends and his reputation as a nice guy.

1818 March 22, 1991

American Friends (Feature film: Palace Pictures) opens in the U.K. In this
period romance, Michael Palin plays the Rev. Francis Ashby, a stuffy
Oxford University tutor who meets and falls in love with a young Irish-
American girl while on holiday in Switzerland. The film is based on actual
events in the life of Palin’s great-grandfather, Edward Palin (1825–1903),
who, in 1861, was a 35-year-old Oxford tutor when he fell in love (and later
married) a 19-year-old Irish-American girl named Brita Gallagher. Palin
discovered the story in his great-grandfather’s journal in September 1977.
Also starring Trini Alvarado, Connie Booth, Alfred Molina, Simon Jones,
Bryan Pringle, and Charles McKeown. Written by Michael Palin and
Tristram Powell. Directed by Tristram Powell. Produced by Steve Abbott
and Patrick Cassavetti. A Prominent Features production. Released in the
U.S. in April 1993.

Award: Winner of the 1991 Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for Best
Screenplay.

Reviews: Geoff Brown (The Times [London], Mar. 21, 1991, p. 23): “...this
attractive if languorous romance, inspired by the diaries of Palin’s great-
grandfather, keeps its jokes swathed in extreme refinement ... the film
survives, just about, on good taste and charm.”

1819 March 23, 1991

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Guests: Michael Palin, promoting American Friends, Maureen Lipman,
and Wendy James.

1820 April–August 31, 1991

A Salute to Monty Python, a series of retrospective screenings, runs at the

Museum of Television and Radio in New York City.

1821 April 14, 1991

A Present from the Past: The Making of American Friends (TV special:
BBC1). Half-hour documentary on the making of Michael Palin’s new film
American Friends. Includes interviews with Palin, Connie Booth, Tristram
Powell, and Alfred Molina. Produced by Colin Burrows and David Castell.

1822 April 15, 1991

Scene Today (TV show: BBC1). Guests: Michael Palin, Deborah Moggach,
and Gloria Estefan. Palin talks to host Judi Spiers about his new film
American Friends.

1823 May 1991

Missing Pieces (Feature film: Orion) is shown at the Cannes Film Festival
in France. Comedy starring Eric Idle (Wendel) and Robert Wuhl (Lou) as a
pair of misfits who attempt to solve a riddle that will lead them to Wendel’s
inheritance while being pursued by various shady characters. Filmed in late
1990, the film is never given a U.S. theatrical release. Also starring Lauren
Hutton and Richard Belzer. Written & directed by Leonard Stern.

1824 May–June 1991

Arena (Magazine/U.K.). “Michael Palin—Too Good to Be True?,” by John

Williams, pp. 66–69. Palin is interviewed for this British men’s magazine.

1825 May & July–December 1991

Michael Palin goes on a 141-day journey from the North Pole to

Antarctica, visiting 16 countries along the way. His journey is documented
for the BBC travel series Pole to Pole, which will air Oct. 21–Dec. 9, 1992,
on BBC1.

1826 May 1991

What’s So Funny? (Lecture). Michael Palin and Terry Jones talk about
comedy writing at the Hay-on-Wye Festival of Literature (May 24–June 2)
in Wales.

1827 June 1991

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Despicable Families, Naughty Complaints,
and Killer Fruit, Volume 18 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video
12765). Contains: “Owl-Stretching Time” (Ep. 4, 1969) and “Party Political
Broadcast” (Ep. 45, 1974).

1828 June 1991

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink, Volume 19

(Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12766). Contains: “How to
Recognise Different Types of Trees...” (Ep. 3, 1969) and “Hamlet” (Ep. 43,
1974).

1829 June 1991

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Pet Ants, Dead Poets & the Mysterious
Michael Ellis, Volume 20 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12767).
Contains: “Untitled” (Ep. 10, 1969) and “Michael Ellis” (Ep. 41, 1974).

1830 June 1991

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Scott of the Antarctic, Volume 21

(Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12768). Contains: “Scott of the
Antarctic” (Ep. 23, 1970) and “Light Entertainment War” (Ep. 42, 1974).

1831 June 1991

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Mr. Neutron’s Balloonish Bicycle Tour,

Volume 22 (Videocassette: Paramount Home Video 12770). Contains: “The
Cycling Tour” (Ep. 34, 1972), “The Golden Age of Ballooning” (Ep. 40,
1974), and “Mr. Neutron” (Ep. 44, 1974). Last tape in the series.

1832 June 4, 1991

We All Have Tales (TV episode: Showtime). “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Re-
telling of the old English folktale, narrated by Michael Palin to illustrations
by Edward Sorel. Adapted by Eric Metaxas. Music by Dave Stewart.
Directed by C. W. Rogers. Produced by Ken Hoin.

1833 June 6–July 18, 1991

The seven-part mini-series G.B.H. (Great British Holiday) airs on Channel
4. This political satire—about a corrupt Labor leader in a northern town and
the mild-mannered schoolmaster who opposes him—was written by Alan
Bleasdale and stars Robert Lindsay (as Labor council member Michael
Murray) and Michael Palin (as schoolmaster Jim Nelson). Also starring
Lindsay Duncan, Dearbhla Molloy, Andrew Schofield, Tom Georgeson,
Philip Whitchurch, Alan Igbon, David Ross, Jimmy Mulville, Daniel
Massey, Anna Friel, and Julie Walters. Produced by David Jones and Alan
Bleasdale. Released on DVD in June 2006.

Awards: BAFTA-winner for Best Actor (Lindsay) and Best Original

Television Music (Elvis Costello, Richard Harvey), also nominated for Best
Drama Serial, Best Actor (Palin), Best Actress (Duncan), Makeup (Annie
Spears), Film/Video Editor (Anthony Ham, Oral Norrie Ottey), Film/Video
Photography (Peter Jessop), and Graphics (Debby Mendoza).

1834 June 6, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “It Couldn’t Happen Here.” Jim Nelson
(Michael Palin), a teacher at a school for handicapped children, comes into
conflict with new city council leader Michael Murray (Robert Lindsay)
when he fails to take part in Murray’s city-wide strike. First episode in the
seven-part series. Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1835 June 13, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Only Here on a Message.” Second

episode in the seven-part series. Starring Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin
(as Jim Nelson). Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1836 June 20, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Send a Message to Michael.” Third

episode in the seven-part series. Starring Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin
(as Jim Nelson). Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1837 June 27, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Message Sent.” Fourth episode in the
seven-part series. Starring Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin (as Jim
Nelson). Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1838 June 28, 1991

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin and Reggae Sunsplash.

1839 July 4, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Message Received.” Jim Nelson’s

troubles follow him as he and his family vacation at the Woodlands Holiday
Complex. Fifth episode in the seven-part series. Starring Robert Lindsay
and Michael Palin (as Jim Nelson). Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by
Robert Young.

1840 July 8, 1991

The Much Loved Friend?: A Portrait of the National Gallery (TV special:
BBC2). Documentary on the history and work of the National Gallery in
London. With comments from Terry Gilliam, Prince Charles, and others.
Directed by Nicholas Rossiter.

1841 July 11, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Message Understood.” Sixth episode in

the seven-part series. Starring Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin (as Jim
Nelson). Written by Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1842 July 14–August 25, 1991

Michael Palin’s popular 1989 travel series, Around the World in 80 Days, is
repeated on BBC1.

1843 July 16, 1991

Without Walls: Film Talk (TV arts show: Channel 4). Guests Terry Gilliam
and Lynda La Plante discuss the week’s new film releases. Directed by
Kathy Myers and Hamish Barbour.

1844 July 18, 1991

G.B.H. (TV episode: Channel 4). “Over and Out.” Jim Nelson (Michael
Palin) returns from his holiday to make his final stand against Michael
Murray (Robert Lindsay). Seventh and last episode of the series. Written by
Alan Bleasdale. Directed by Robert Young.

1845 September–October 1991

Film Comment (Magazine/U.S.). “Terry Gilliam’s Guilty Pleasures,” by

Terry Gilliam. Gilliam discusses some of his favorite movies, including
One-Eyed Jacks and Pinocchio.

1846 September 1991

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Record: Virgin PYTH1; CD:
PYTHD1). U.K. single containing the title song (sung by Eric Idle), b/w
“I’m So Worried” (sung by Terry Jones) and “I Bet You They Won’t Play
This Song on the Radio” (sung by Idle). The CD single includes the
additional track “Holzfäller Song” (German version of “The Lumberjack
Song”). Produced by Andre Jacquemin.

1847 September 10, 1991

Terry Gilliam’s new film The Fisher King has its world premiere at the
Venice International Film Festival (Sept. 3–14). It is the official U.S. entry
to the festival.

1848 September 13, 1991

The Fisher King is shown at the 16th annual Toronto International Film
Festival (Sept. 5–14). For his work on the film Terry Gilliam receives the
People’s Choice Award, the festival’s highest honor.

1849 September 16, 1991

The Fisher King, directed by Terry Gilliam, has its Los Angeles premiere
at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills.
Gilliam attends, along with the film’s stars (including Robin Williams and
Jeff Bridges), writer, and producers. The charity screening benefits Comic
Relief and The End Hunger Network.

1850 September 20, 1991

The Fisher King (Feature film: TriStar Pictures) opens in the U.S. Terry
Gilliam’s follow-up to 1989’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a
smaller-scale Hollywood production and the first film he has directed where
he did not also contribute to the script. Robin Williams plays a homeless
New Yorker, haunted by his wife’s violent death, who goes in search of the
Holy Grail, which he believes has been hidden in a Park Avenue mansion.
Aiding him in his quest is a suicidal former radio DJ (Jeff Bridges) seeking
redemption. Also starring Mercedes Ruehl, Amanda Plummer, and Michael
Jeter. Written by Richard LaGravenese. Directed by Terry Gilliam.
Produced by Lynda Obst and Debra Hill.

Awards: Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress (Ruehl), also
nominated for Best Actor (Williams), Original Score (George Fenton), Set
Decoration (Mel Bourne, Cindy Carr), and Screenplay; BAFTA-nominated
for Best Supporting Actress (Plummer) and Screenplay; Golden Globe
winner for Best Actor (Williams) and Actress (Ruehl), also nominated for
Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actor (Bridges); Winner of the
People’s Choice Award (Gilliam) at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Reviews: Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times, Sept. 20, 1991): “...a

disorganized, rambling and eccentric movie that contains some moments of
truth, some moments of humor, and many moments of digression”; David
Ansen (Newsweek, Sept. 23, 1991): “Working within the constraints of a big
studio film has brought out Gilliam’s best: he’s become a true storyteller
and a wonderful director of actors”; Ralph Novak (People, Sept. 23, 1991):
“Gilliam may be a yarn-spinner who doesn’t know when to stop, but he
gives you your money’s worth”; George Perry (The Sunday Times
[London], Nov. 10, 1991): “[Gilliam’s] is one of the most fertile and
original imaginations at work in mainstream cinema, and his new film
thankfully eradicates the unfairly assigned reputation for excessive self-
indulgence that plagued him after his last film, The Adventures of Baron
Munchausen.”

1851 October 6, 1991

The South Bank Show (TV arts show: ITV/LWT). “Terry Gilliam.” The
American Python is interviewed at his Highgate, North London home for
this hour-long profile. He also makes a family video in his garden and
shows off his collection of movie memorabilia. Michael Palin is also
interviewed. Edited & presented by Melvyn Bragg. Produced & directed by
Frances Dickenson. Note: John Cleese was the subject of a January 1986
episode of this long-running arts program.

1852 October 11, 1991

Sixthirtysomething (TV show: Channel 4). Eric Idle is interviewed on this

movie magazine show hosted by Ann Bryson and Maria McErlane.

1853 October 17, 1991

Top of the Pops (TV music show: BBC1). Eric Idle performs “Always
Look on the Bright Side of Life,” now a hit single in the U.K., in this
installment of the long-running pop chart show. From BBC’s Elstree Studio.
Produced & directed by Stanley Appel.

1854 October 18, 1991

Pebble Mill (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Alan Titchmarsh. Guests:
Eric Idle, Martha Holmes, Mike DeGruy, Robert Powell, Natalia
Makarova, and Level 42.

1855 October 29, 1991

Film 91 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Tom Brook presents
a report on The Fisher King featuring interviews with Terry Gilliam, Robin
Williams, Jeff Bridges, and Mercedes Ruehl.

1856 November 1991

Losing the Light: Terry Gilliam and the Munchausen Saga (Book: Applause
Books), written by Andrew Yule, is published. Behind-the-scenes look at
the troubled production of Gilliam’s 1989 film The Adventures of Baron
Munchausen.

1857 November 4, 1991

Third Ear (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 3). Allan Hunter talks to Terry
Gilliam about filmmaking and his new film The Fisher King.

1858 November 8, 1991

The Fisher King, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in the U.K.

1859 November 22, 1991

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Feature film: Universal Pictures)

opens in the U.S. Animated feature, sequel to the 1986 hit. John Cleese
voices Cat R. Waul. Voice cast also includes Phillip Glasser, James Stewart,
Erica Yohn, Dom DeLuise, and Amy Irving. Written by Flint Dille. Directed
by Phil Nibbelink and Simon Wells.

1860 November 25, 1991

The Royal Variety Performance (Stage show). Gala evening at Victoria

Palace Theatre in London, hosted by David Frost, with the Queen and the
Duke of Edinburgh in attendance. Eric Idle interrupts an operatic
performance by Ann Howard to sing “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life.” Other performers include Diana Ross, Michael Ball, Jackie Mason,
and Les Dawson. This 62nd Royal Variety Performance benefits the
Entertainment Artists’ Benevolent Fund.

1861 November 29, 1991

A Profile of Jonathan Miller (Book: Cambridge University Press), edited by

Michael Romain, is published in the U.K. Romain explores the work of
theater/opera director Jonathan Miller. Includes conversations with Miller
collaborators John Cleese (1980’s The Taming of the Shrew) and Eric Idle
(1986’s The Mikado).

1862 November 30, 1991

The Royal Variety Performance (TV special: ITV/LWT). Telecast of the

Nov. 25 gala at Victoria Palace Theatre in London. Eric Idle performs
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Hosted by David Frost. Directed
by Alasdair MacMillan.

1863 December 1991

John Cleese attends a Christmas party hosted by The Sunday Times at the
Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

1864 December 4, 1991

Wogan (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry Wogan. Guests: Terry
Jones, Saskia Wickham, Bobby Davro, and Dannii Minogue.

1865 December 6, 1991

So This Is Progress? (TV special: BBC2). Half-hour documentary

examining whether technological advances have really improved man’s
happiness and quality of life. Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced
by Clare Richards and David Souden.

1866 December 30, 1991

One Foot in the Grave (TV episode: BBC1). “The Man in the Long Black
Coat.” Victor learns that the horse manure he recently purchased may have
been contaminated with radioactivity. Eric Idle, who wrote & performed
the theme song for the 1990–2000 comedy series, appears in this episode as
Mervyn Whale, a health official who inspects Victor’s manure. Starring
Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, and Angus Deayton. Written by David
Renwick. Directed by Susan Belbin.

1867 December 31, 1991

Chain Reaction (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5). Cartoonist Ralph
Steadman interviews John Cleese on the first program of this host-less
series in which one night’s guest becomes the next night’s interviewer.

1868 1991

Think or Sink (Training film: Video Arts). Film on team decision skills in
management. Starring John Cleese, Robert Lindsay, Alex Jennings,
Michael Percival, and Josette Simon. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by
Peter Robinson.

1869 1991

Straight Talking: The Art of Assertiveness (Training film: Video Arts). Film
demonstrating the benefits and techniques of assertive behavior in the
workplace. Starring John Cleese, Peter Capaldi, and Jennifer Saunders.
Written by John Cleese, Hugh Laurie, and Sean Hardie. Directed by Sean
Hardie.

1870 1991

Creativity in Management (Training film: Video Arts). Film on the

importance of creative thinking in management. Recording of a speech
delivered by John Cleese at Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Jan. 23,
1991.

1871 1991

Eric Idle’s song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (from 1979’s
Life of Brian) experiences a resurgence in popularity when English football
fans begin singing it during games. Reissued on Virgin Records, the song
reaches No. 3 on the U.K. charts.

1872 1991

Magnavox (“Magnavox. Smart. Very Smart”) (TV commercials). John

Cleese stars in a series of ads for Magnavox electronics (TV, CD player,
camcorder, etc.). Directed by Bryan Loftus.
1873 January 1, 1992

Chain Reaction (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5). John Cleese, who was
interviewed on the first program, takes the interviewer chair and chooses as
his guest the screenwriter William Goldman.

1874 January 29, 1992

Midweek (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Guests: Terry Jones, John
Diamond, and Gordon Haycock.

1875 February 1, 1992

Terry Jones turns 50.

1876 Spring 1992

John Cleese and his fiancée, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, host a three-week
cruise down the Nile in Egypt. Among the 45 invited friends are Eric Idle,
Peter Cook, Stephen Fry, and Kevin and Rachel Billington.

1877 March 5, 1992

Michael Palin attends the premiere of the film Benjamin Huntsman in

Sheffield, England. The film tells the story of Sheffield steel-making
pioneer Benjamin Huntsman (1704–1776). Sheffield native Palin is an
executive producer on the film.

1878 March 29, 1992

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Yes, Britain Could Get

Politics in Proportion,” by John Cleese, p. 4. Cleese explains why he is
voting LibDem.

1879 April 7, 1992

Grand Tour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). “Fez.” Terry Gilliam visits the
city of Fez in Morocco.
1880 May 9, 1992

And God Blew (TV special: BBC2). Terry Jones hosts this half-hour
special examining the role the weather has played in protecting Britain from
invasion and insurrection. Directed by Alan Ereira.

1881 Summer 1992

Splitting Heirs, a comedy written by and starring Eric Idle (and co-starring
John Cleese), is filmed in the South of France, at Lee International Studios
(in Shepperton, Eng.), and at Longleat House (in Wiltshire, Eng.). Longleat
was also a filming location for Michael Palin’s The Missionary in May
1982.

1882 June 6, 1992

Eric Idle attends the wedding ceremony of David Bowie and Iman at St.
James Episcopal Church in Florence, Italy. Other guests include Yoko Ono,
Bono, and Brian Eno.

1883 July 24, 1992

Mom and Dad Save the World (Feature film: Warner Bros.) opens in the
U.S. Comedy about a suburban California couple who are abducted and
brought to an alien planet. Eric Idle plays King Raff, the deposed ruler of
the planet. Also starring Teri Garr, Jeffrey Jones, Jon Lovitz, Kathy Ireland,
and Wallace Shawn. Written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. Directed
by Greg Beeman. Produced by Michael Phillips.

1884 July 24, 1992

6 O’Clock Live (TV show: ITV/LWT). Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and
other celebrities discuss their opposition to the demolition of The Parkway
Cinema in Camden. Reported by Jeni Barnett.

1885 July 30, 1992

John Cleese is awarded a £25,000 settlement in his libel suit against the
British tabloid The Sun. Cleese sued over allegations the paper made about
his sex drive in two articles published in March. The Sun also publishes an
apology on July 31. Cleese plans to donate the money to the Fulbright
Foundation, saying: “All the money is going toward scholarships for British
screenwriters to study in the United States for a year, and I’m delighted The
Sun has been able to help.”

1886 August 1992

The Man (Audio book: Random Century Tellastory TS 472). Michael Palin
voices the title character of Raymond Briggs’ latest children’s story about a
boy’s relationship with a six-inch-tall man who arrives in his bedroom one
morning naked and hungry. With William Puttock as the boy. Adapted by
the author.

1887 September 1992

Esquire (Magazine/U.K.). “Cleese Encounter,” by Melvyn Bragg, pp. 46–

55. John Cleese article with cover photo.

1888 October 1992

Pole to Pole (Book: BBC Books), written by Michael Palin with

photographs by Basil Pao, is published in the U.K. Companion book to the
new BBC travel series which follows Palin’s journey from the North Pole
to the South Pole. Illustrated with photos and maps.

Award: British Book Award for Travel Writer of the Year (Palin).

1889 October 1, 1992

Fantastic Stories (Book: Pavilion Books), written by Terry Jones with

illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K. Stories include
“The Dragon on the Roof,” “The Improving Mirror,” “The Cat with Two
Tails,” and “The Slow Ogre.” Jones’ first collection of children’s stories,
Fairy Tales, was published in 1981. The two books are published together
in 1997 (Pavilion) and 2003 (Chrysalis Children’s Books).
Review: Susan Hill (The Sunday Times [London], Dec. 6, 1992, p. 9):
“Jones takes traditional elements—talking creatures, minstrels and jesters,
ogres and devils and two-tailed cats—and makes them his own in these
varied and inventive stories...”

1890 October 3, 1992

Going Live! (TV talk show: BBC1). Terry Jones, promoting Fantastic
Stories, is a guest on this Saturday-morning magazine show for children.
Hosted by Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene.

1891 October 4, 1992

Sunday Brunch (Radio show: BBC Radio 5). Guest: Terry Jones,
promoting Fantastic Stories.

1892 October 6, 1992

Terry Jones promotes his book Fantastic Stories on TV’s Good Morning
Britain (ITV), hosted by Mike Morris and Lorraine Kelly, and on radio’s
Kaleidoscope (BBC Radio 4).

1893 October 7, 1992

This Morning (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program hosted by

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting
Fantastic Stories.

1894 October 12, 1992

The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (TV episode: ABC). “Barcelona, May
1917.” Terry Jones directs this episode of the 1992–93 adventure series
and also co-stars as Marcello, one of a trio of spies who join up with Indy
(Sean Patrick Flanery) during his spy mission in Barcelona in 1917. Also
starring George Hall, Amanda Ooms, Timothy Spall, Kenneth Cranham,
Harry Enfield, William Hootkins, and Charles McKeown. Written by Gavin
Scott.

1895 October 17–23, 1992

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Article on Michael Palin’s new series, Pole
to Pole. Palin is featured on the cover.

1896 October 19, 1992

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Melvyn Bragg
and Zoe Heller. Guests: Michael Palin, promoting Pole to Pole, Anthony
Burgess, and Harold Prince.

1897 October 21–December 9, 1992

The eight-part travel series Pole to Pole airs on BBC1. In this follow-up to
his successful 1989 series Around the World in 80 Days, Michael Palin
travels 12,500 miles from the North Pole to the South Pole, following the
line of longitude 30-degrees East down through Scandinavia, Russia, the
Middle East, Africa, and Antarctica, visiting a total of 16 countries. Filmed
in May & July–December 1991. Series producer: Clem Vallance. Airs in the
U.S. in January 1993 (A&E).

Awards: BAFTA Crafts-winner for Best Factual Photography; CableAce-

winner for Recreation or Leisure Special or Series, also nominated for
Documentary Host (Palin).

Reviews: Joe Joseph (The Times [London], Oct. 22, 1992, p. 39): “Palin is
the perfect surrogate to do your travelling for you. He seems keen to tackle
any challenges, but he never seems to be enjoying himself so much that you
feel jealous.”

1898 October 21, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Cold Start.” Michael Palin begins his
journey with a dicey plane landing on a piece of floating ice at the North
Pole. From there, he takes a supply ship across the Barents Sea to Norway,
where he pans for gold (in Karasjok). In Finland, he visits Santa Claus
(Rovaniemi) and enjoys a sauna (Helsinki), then moves on to Tallinn in
Estonia. First episode of the eight-part travel series. Written & narrated by
Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Mills and Clem Vallance.
1899 October 23, 1992

Clive Anderson Talks Back (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Pole to Pole, David Mellor, and Kenneth Branagh.

OceanofPDF.com
1900 October 28, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Russian Steps.” In Leningrad (shortly

before the fall of the Soviet Union), Michael Palin is shown around by a
Lenin impersonator, witnesses a christening, and attempts to buy vodka.
From there he moves on to Novgorod, where he meets a film-maker/vodka-
maker. In the Ukraine, he visits a contaminated area near Chernobyl
(Narodichi) and enjoys a mud bath (Odessa). Second episode of the eight-
part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Roger
Mills.

1901 November 1992

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: The Criterion Collection (Laserdisc:

Criterion Collection 144/Columbia TriStar). Terry Gilliam’s 1989 fantasy
is released on a three-disc set. Bonus features include audio commentary by
Gilliam, deleted scenes, storyboards, production history, and the original
theatrical trailer. Distributed by The Voyager Company. Gilliam—with co-
screenwriter Charles McKeown—will record a new commentary track for
the 2008 20th-anniversary DVD release of the film.

1902 November 4, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Mediterranean Maze.” Beginning in

Istanbul, where he enjoys a Turkish bath, Michael Palin continues
southward to the Greek island of Rhodes and the island country of Cyprus,
where he visits an RAF base (Akrotiri) and attends a wedding (Polemi). In
Egypt, Palin takes a cruise down the Nile and visits the Valley of the Kings
(near Luxor). Third episode of the eight-part travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Mills and Clem Vallance.

1903 November 11, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Shifting Sands.” In the Sudan, Michael
Palin travels south by train from Wadi Halfa, crossing the Nubian Desert,
then takes a bus to Khartoum. From there, he travels on a difficult road to
the Ethiopian border. Fourth episode of the eight-part travel series. Written
& narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Clem Vallance.

1904 November 18, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Crossing the Line.” Michael Palin’s
journey through Ethiopia takes him to Gondar, Lake Tana and the capital
city of Addis Ababa. From the border town of Moyale, he continues south
through Kenya to the village of Lerata (where Palin filmed part of The
Missionary in June 1982) and on to the Equator line. Then, after gearing up
in Nairobi, he heads off on safari in Masai Mara National Park. Fifth
episode of the eight-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Directed by Roger Mills and Clem Vallance.

1905 November 21, 1992

Going Live! (TV talk show: BBC1). Michael Palin talks to Sarah Greene
about his series Pole to Pole on this Saturday-morning magazine show for
children. Hosted by Greene and Phillip Schofield.

1906 November 25, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Plains and Boats and Trains.” Michael
Palin watches animals from a hot-air balloon over Masai Mara in Kenya,
then moves south into Tanzania, passing through Serengeti National Park,
to the capital of Dodoma. From there he takes a train west to Kigoma,
followed by a visit to Ujiji, where Livingstone met Stanley in 1871. He then
travels by ferry down Lake Tanganyika to Mpulungu in Zambia. Sixth
episode of the eight-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Directed by Clem Vallance.

1907 December 1992–1995

Health Education Authority (Anti-Smoking) (TV/radio commercials). John

Cleese stars in a series of British TV & radio ads urging people to quit
smoking as part of a campaign run by the Health Education Authority. Titles
include “Withdrawal Symptoms,” “Relax,” “Juggling,” “Morgue,”
“Smoking Machine,” “Ash,” “Preach,” “Children,” “Robot,” “Coughing,”
“Disgusting Habits,” “Over,” “Tempted,” and “Quitline.” The ads are given
a regional trial before going national in 1994–95. Written by Richard Foster.
Directed by Robert Young. Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, London.

1908 December 2, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Evil Shadow.” In Zambia, Michael

Palin consults a witch doctor (in Mpulungu), visits an English-style estate
(Shiwa), and goes white-water rafting on the Zambezi River (on the border
with Zimbabwe). In South Africa, he visits a gold mine and a Soweto hostel
(Johannesburg). He finally makes it to the southern tip of Africa (Cape
Town), but the supply ship bound for Antarctica has no available spaces.
Seventh episode of the eight-part travel series. Written & narrated by
Michael Palin. Directed by Roger Mills.

1909 December 4, 1992

Record Breakers (TV show: BBC1). Roy Castle interviews Michael Palin
about his journey in Pole to Pole.

1910 December 7, 1992

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis
Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Guests include Michael Palin, promoting
Pole to Pole, and Kenny Rogers.

1911 December 8, 1992

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Pole to Pole, Rich Hall, and Christy Turlington.

1912 December 9, 1992

Pole to Pole (TV episode: BBC1). “Bitter End.” Unable to sail from South
Africa, Michael Palin is forced to leave the 30-degree meridian and fly to
Santiago in Chile, then down to Punta Arenas on the tip of South America.
From there, he takes a plane to Antarctica, reaching the South Pole on day
141 of his journey. Eighth and final episode of the travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Clem Vallance.

1913 December 11, 1992

Prisoners of Conscience (TV episode: BBC2). John Cleese presents this

profile of Tibetan doctor Dr. Nyarongsha Jampa Ngodrup, who has been
imprisoned by the Chinese. Directed by Deborah Wearn. Produced by Rex
Bloomstein.

1914 December 14, 1992

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Melvyn Bragg.
Guests: Heather Couper, Terry Jones, Michael Bywater, and W. J. West.

1915 December 20, 1992

Funny Business (TV episode: BBC2). “A Question of Taste.” John Cleese

appears in this mock-documentary. Fifth episode of a six-part series on
comedy. Written & directed by Mark Chapman. Produced by Sarah
Williams.

1916 December 24, 1992

In the Beginning (TV special: BBC2). Ten-minute animated version of the

Creation and the Fall. Voiced by John Cleese (as the Serpent), Harry
Enfield (Adam), Janet McTeer (Eve), and Michael Hordern (God). Created
& written by Bud Handelsman. Directed by Steve Billinger. Produced by
Peter Armstrong.

1917 December 28, 1992

John Cleese marries his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, an American-
born psychotherapist, in Barbados. Cleese had previously been married to
Connie Booth [1968–78] and Barbara Trentham [1981–90], both American.
Cleese and Eichelberger will also divorce (in 2008).

1918 1992
Terry Jones works on bringing Gargantua, a musical spectacular he’s
written based on the 16th-century novels Gargantua and Pantagruel by
François Rabelais, to the West End stage. The production, which will
include “acrobatics, juggling, stilt-walking and giant puppets,” is originally
set to open in the fall, but due to lack of funds is postponed until the spring.
The project is eventually shelved.

1919 1992

Schweppes (TV commercial). John Cleese stars in this parody of Calvin

Klein’s arty, black & white “Obsession” ads. Directed by Paul Weiland.
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, London.

Award: Winner of the Gold Lion at the 40th Cannes International

Advertising Film Festival.

1920 1992

John Cleese starts writing the script for Fierce Creatures, his follow-up to
A Fish Called Wanda, in collaboration with former film critic Iain
Johnstone.

1921 January 1993

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: The Criterion Collection (Laserdisc:
Criterion Collection 168/Columbia TriStar). Laserdisc release of the 1975
comedy. Bonus features: audio commentary by Terry Gilliam and Terry
Jones, original theatrical trailer, the missing “24 seconds” (from “Castle
Anthrax”), photo gallery, and a Japanese-dubbed version of the film.
Distributed by The Voyager Company. Re-released (with more bonus
features) on DVD in October 2001.

1922 January 1, 1993

First Night on Meridian (TV special: ITV/Meridian). Special hosted by

Michael Palin on the New Year’s Day launching of Meridian TV, ITV’s
franchise holder in southern England. Palin, a co-founder of Meridian,
travels across the Meridian region, from Brighton to the Isle of Wight,
conducting interviews with the public and previewing upcoming programs
(including A Class Act, co-starring Palin and Tracey Ullman). Later in the
year Palin returns to the Isle of Wight to film his four-part series Palin’s
Column for Meridian.

1923 January 8, 1993

Terry Wogan’s Friday Night (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Terry
Wogan. Guests: Michael Palin, Arthur Smith, Neil Kinnock, and Sheila
Hancock.

1924 January 9, 1993

Tracey Ullman: A Class Act (TV special: ITV/ Meridian). Tracey Ullman
plays multiple characters in this comedic take on the British class system.
Michael Palin co-stars in the vignettes “37 Up,” about three children
whose lives are documented into adulthood, and “Hethers,” in which
Ullman and Palin play parents who sacrifice greatly to send their daughter
to a posh girls’ school. With Timothy Spall and Susan Wooldridge. Written
by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Kim Fuller, Gary Howe, and Richard
Preddy. Directed by Les Blair. Produced by Jo Wright. Airs in the U.S. on
Nov. 23, 1993 (HBO).

1925 January 10, 1993

Michael Palin’s eight-part series, Pole to Pole, begins airing in the U.S. on
A&E.

1926 January 29, 1993

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Shrink and the Shrunken,” by

Valerie Grove, p. 12. Interview with John Cleese.

1927 February 1993

The British Book Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin is named

Travel Writer of the Year for his book Pole to Pole.

1928 February 1, 1993

The play The Dresser is recorded for radio with Michael Palin playing the
role of Norman. The play airs Mar. 29 on BBC Radio 4.

1929 February 1, 1993

Jackanory (TV show: BBC1). “Fantastic Stories: The Slow Ogre.” Read by
Terry Jones, from his 1992 children’s book Fantastic Stories. First of
three.

1930 February 8, 1993

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Melvyn Bragg
and Brenda Maddox. Guests: John Cleese, Robin Skynner, Fay Weldon,
and Shirley Reynolds.

1931 February 8, 1993

Jackanory (TV show: BBC1). “Fantastic Stories: The Star of the

Farmyard.” Read by Terry Jones, from his 1992 children’s book Fantastic
Stories. Second of three.

1932 February 11, 1993

Life and How to Survive It (Book: Methuen), written by Robin Skynner and
John Cleese, is published in the U.K. In this follow-up to their best-selling
1983 book Families and How to Survive Them, Skynner and Cleese extend
their study to our behavior in society, as individuals and as groups. Like
Families, the book is written in dialogue form, with cartoons by Bud
Handelsman. Paperback issued in October 1994 (Mandarin). Published in
the U.S. in January 1995 (W.W. Norton & Co.).

Review: Polly Toynbee (The Times [London], Oct. 1, 1994, p. 15): “This is
not the kind of How To book that makes you want to hurl it into the
fireplace after a few pages, nauseated by a know-it-all superciliousness nor
with an overly chummy tone.”

1933 February 22, 1993

Film 93 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. A location report
from the set of Splitting Heirs at Longleat House (in Wiltshire, England)
includes interviews with stars Eric Idle and Catherine Zeta Jones and
director Robert Young.

1934 February 24, 1993

John Cleese and Robin Skynner, authors of the new book Life and How to
Survive It, join moderator Brian Redhead at a forum on relationships
outside the family at the Institute of Education in London. The event is
sponsored by The Times and Dillons bookshops.

1935 March 2, 1993

Michael Palin opens the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children in
the Finsbury Health Centre in London. The Centre was established by the
ARSC (Association for Research into Stammering in Childhood) and the
local NHS trust. Palin’s involvement with the ARSC (launched in February
1991) came about through his own personal experience with stammering:
his father had suffered from a life-long stammer. He also played the
stammering character, Ken, in 1988’s A Fish Called Wanda. The Centre is
re-located to Pine Street in September 2011.

1936 March 8, 1993

Jackanory (TV show: BBC1). “Fantastic Stories: The Ship of Fools.” Read
by Terry Jones, from his 1992 children’s book Fantastic Stories. Last of
three.

1937 March 20, 1993

The Bore of the Year Awards (TV special: BBC2). Michael Palin receives
the Alan Whicker International Award for Travel Bore of the Year on this
first televised Private Eye “BOFTY” Awards. Palin appears in a film
preview of a new travel show, Curb to Curb with Palin, in which he
attempts to cross a London street. Hosted by Angus Deayton. Directed by
Janet Fraser-Crook.
1938 March 28, 1993

Aspel & Company (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Michael Aspel.
Guests: Eric Idle, promoting Splitting Heirs, Jackie Collins, Peter Gabriel,
and Gary Webster.

1939 March 29, 1993

Eric Idle turns 50.

1940 March 29, 1993

The Monday Play (Radio play: BBC Radio 4). “The Dresser.” Adaptation
for radio of Ronald Harwood’s 1980 stage play about the devoted assistant
of an aging actor touring with a Shakespearean company during World War
II. Michael Palin plays Norman (the dresser) in his radio drama debut.
Freddie Jones plays “Sir,” the role he created on stage. Adapted & directed
by David Blount. Recorded Feb. 1.

1941 April 1993

Splitting Heirs, starring Eric Idle and John Cleese, is selected as one of
five British entries in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

1942 April 1993

Dick Cavett (TV talk show: CNBC). Guest Michael Palin, promoting
American Friends, also talks about his reputation for being nice, Python’s
lack of topicality, Pole to Pole, and John Cleese prank-calling him in a
Scandinavian accent.

1943 April 1, 1993

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Guest: Michael Palin, promoting

American Friends.

1944 April 1, 1993

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting American Friends, Calvin Trillin, and Jonathan Solomon.

1945 April 2, 1993

Splitting Heirs (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.K. In this
comedy, which he also wrote and executive-produced, Eric Idle plays
Tommy Henry Butterfly Rainbow Peace Patel, a commodities broker raised
in a poor Pakistani family who discovers that he had been switched with
another baby and is really the 15th Duke of Bournemouth. John Cleese co-
stars as Tommy’s attorney, Raoul P. Shadgrind, who suggests murder as the
only way for Tommy to obtain his rightful title. Idle also wrote and
performs the songs “Someone Stole My Baby” and “La Mére” (music by
Michael Kamen). Also starring Rick Moranis, Barbara Hershey, Catherine
Zeta Jones, and Sadie Frost. Directed by Robert Young. Produced by Simon
Bosanquet and Redmond Morris. A Prominent Features production. Opens
in the U.S. on Apr. 30.

Reviews: Geoff Brown (The Times [London], Apr. 1, 1993): “Eric Idle
wrote a script that manages perhaps three good jokes in 89 minutes...”;
Ralph Novak (People, May 24, 1993): “Despite the pleasure and promise of
the onscreen reunion of Monty Pythonites Cleese and Idle ... this labored
farce, written by Idle, drags painfully.”

1946 April 3, 1993

Going Live! (TV talk show: BBC1). Eric Idle is a guest on this Saturday-
morning magazine show for children. Hosted by Phillip Schofield and
Sarah Greene.

1947 April 4, 1993

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Idle He Isn’t,” by Iain

Johnstone, p. 15 (sect. 9). Interview with Eric Idle about his new film
Splitting Heirs, his friendships with rock stars, etc.

1948 April 7, 1993

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting American Friends, Jack Coen, and Wendy Moten. Palin,
his voice hoarse from laryngitis, talks about Pole to Pole, visiting Russia,
etc.

1949 April 9, 1993

American Friends, co-written by and starring Michael Palin, opens in

select U.S. cities (Castle Hill Productions). The film was originally released
in the U.K. in March 1991.

1950 April 15, 1993

CBS This Morning (TV news-talk show: CBS). Guest Michael Palin,
promoting American Friends, also talks about making travel documentaries.

1951 April 16, 1993

Late Night with David Letterman (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: Eric Idle,
promoting Splitting Heirs, also talks about “Always Look on the Bright
Side of Life” being a No. 1 hit in Britain last year.

1952 April 23, 1993

Robin Williams: Acting Funny (TV special: Channel 4). Profile of actor-
comedian Robin Williams, with comments from Terry Gilliam (who
directed Williams in Baron Munchausen and The Fisher King), Robert
Altman, and others. Produced & directed by Chris Rodley.

1953 April 25, 1993

The Boston Globe (Newspaper/U.S.). “Eric Idle’s Karmic Reward,” by

Matthew Gilbert, p. B31. Interview with Idle about his latest film Splitting
Heirs.

1954 April 26, 1993

Film 93 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. John Cleese, Alan
Parker, Kenneth Branagh, and others comment on the state of the British
film industry.

1955 April 26, 1993

Splitting Heirs stars Eric Idle and Catherine Zeta Jones appear at New
York’s Planet Hollywood where, to publicize the film, they donate a baby
blanket used in the production to the club’s collection of film memorabilia.

1956 Late April 1993

CBS This Morning (TV news-talk show: CBS). Guest Eric Idle talks about
Splitting Heirs, Python, and The Rutles.

1957 April 30, 1993

Splitting Heirs, starring Eric Idle and John Cleese, opens in the U.S.

1958 May 1993

Eric Idle attends the Cannes Film Festival in France where his film
Splitting Heirs is the British entry.

1959 May 5, 1993

Michael Palin turns 50.

1960 May 7, 1993

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle,
promoting Splitting Heirs, Paulina Porizkova, and Poison. Idle also talks
about censorship on the Python TV series, performing in The Royal Variety
Performance (in November 1991), and tells a story about the Queen and a
flatulent horse.

1961 May 26, 1993

Film 93 Special (TV show: BBC1). Barry Norman, reporting from the
Cannes Film Festival, interviews Eric Idle about his film Splitting Heirs.
1962 Late May 1993

Michael Palin and Terry Jones appear at the Hay-on-Wye Festival of

Literature (May 28–June 6) in Wales. Palin gives a talk on the South Pole.

1963 May 31–June 7, 1993

Making Hay (TV series: Channel 4). Three-part series in which Terry
Jones reports from the Hay-on-Wye Festival of Literature. Produced by
Jeremy Bugler.

1964 June 8, 1993

Four-Mations: Aspects of Comedy (TV special: Channel 4). “Bob Godfrey:

A Life in Shorts.” Profile of animator Bob Godfrey. Interviewees include
Terry Gilliam, Michael Bentine, Ann Jolliffe, and Stan Hayward. Directed
by Paul Madden. Note: Gilliam appeared with Godfrey on an episode of his
Do-It-Yourself Film Animation Show in May 1974.

1965 June 11, 1993

Gabereau (Radio talk show: CBC Radio, in Canada). Vicki Gabereau talks
to John Cleese about his new book Life and How to Survive It.

1966 June 30, 1993

Michael Palin announces the winners of the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway
Medals (children’s book awards) at a ceremony held at South Bank Centre
in London. Presented by the British Library Association.

1967 July 1993

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (Audiobook cassette: Random
House). John Cleese narrates Dr. Seuss’ 1973 children’s story. Cleese’s
narration was also used to accompany Seuss’ drawings on a 1993 video
version (Random House Home Video), part of the “Dr. Seuss Video
Classics” series. Produced by Sharon Lerner.

Award: Grammy-nominated for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.

1968 July 15, 1993

Under the Sun (TV special: BBC2). “The Cat and the Mouse.” John Cleese
talks to the Dalai Lama in India about the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Written & produced by John Paul Davidson. Note: Michael Palin meets the
Dalai Lama in the second episode (Oct. 10, 2004) of his series Himalaya.

1969 July 16, 1993

Eric Idle and his wife attend a “Bastille Day”–themed costume party in
London celebrating the 50th birthday (on July 26) of singer Mick Jagger.
The party, thrown by Jagger’s wife Jerry Hall, is held at Walpole House at
St. Mary’s University College. Other attendees include Keith Richards, Ron
Wood, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Peter Cook.

1970 August 2, 1993

Financial Times (Newspaper/U.K.). “Acting the Guru,” by Lucy Kellaway,

p. 9. Interview with John Cleese about his management training videos and
what makes a healthy company.

1971 August 27–November 12, 1993

Michael Palin writes four guest columns (published Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct.
22 & Nov. 12) for the Isle of Wight County Press newspaper in Isle of
Wight, off England’s southern coast. Palin’s experiences during his four
weeks on the island are also chronicled in a four-part travelogue, Palin’s
Column, which airs in January 1994 on Meridian TV.

1972 August 30, 1993

Frost in the Air (TV episode: BBC2). “Supertelevisionman.” Part two of a

three-part biography of Sir David Frost. John Cleese, who worked with
Frost on The Frost Report (1966–67) is among the interviewees. Produced
by John Bush.

1973 October 1993–1995

Cellnet (TV commercials). John Cleese and Ronnie Corbett appear in
British ads for Cellnet mobile phones. In one ad Cleese and Corbett (both in
drag) queue up for Joanna Lumley look-alike auditions. In another ad
(“Operations”) they play army surgeons. Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers
BBDO, London.

1974 October 1993

Michael Palin reads a poem for BBC2’s Poems on the Box series.

1975 October 9, 1993

Danny Baker After All (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests include Terry
Gilliam, Tony Collins, and Lloyd Grossman.

1976 November 6, 1993

The Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “A Childhood: Terry

Gilliam,” by Guy Walters, p. 70. Gilliam talks about growing up in
Minnesota and (from 1951) California.

1977 December 4, 1993

The 1993 European Film Awards (Felix Awards) (Award Ceremony). Terry
Jones is a presenter at the 6th annual awards held at the Babelsberg Studios
in Potsdam, Germany. Jones recently became a member of the European
Film Academy.

1978 December 14, 1993

Michael Palin opens the newly refurbished London Transport Museum in

Covent Garden and delivers a speech (“Time for a Change”).

1979 December 16, 1993

Big City (TV show: ITV/Carlton). Hosted by Gordon Kennedy and Carolyn
Marshall. Michael Palin is interviewed about the reopening of the London
Transport Museum.
1980 December 19, 1993

Devout Sceptics (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Host Bel Mooney talks to
John Cleese about the nature of belief.

1981 December 27, 1993

The Best of Rutland Weekend Television (TV special: BBC2). Half-hour

compilation of clips from Eric Idle’s 1975-76 comedy series.

1982 December 27, 1993

Last of the Summer Wine (TV episode: BBC1). “Welcome to Earth.” John
Cleese makes a guest appearance in this fifteenth season episode of the
long-running (1973–2010) British sitcom starring Peter Sallis, Bill Owen,
and Brian Wilde. Written by Roy Clarke. Produced & directed by Alan J. W.
Bell.

1983 1993–2000

What You Really Need to Know About... (Video series: Video Arts). Series
of videos providing medical information for patients, conceived by John
Cleese in collaboration with Toronto-based oncologist Dr. Robert Buckman
(former comedy partner of Chris Beetles). The videos are introduced by
Cleese, written & presented by Buckman, and directed by Graeme Garden.
The 45+ titles produced for the “Videos for Patients” series cover high
blood pressure (1993), breast cancer (1993), depression (1993), shingles
(1993), migraine (1993), chronic bronchitis and emphysema (1993), asthma
(1993), Crohn’s disease (1993), rheumatoid arthritis (1993), epilepsy
(1994), hepatitis (1994), cystic fibrosis (1994), stress (1994), strokes
(1996), heart attacks (1996), diabetes (1996), cholesterol (1996), prostate
cancer (1996), anxiety, phobias and panic attacks (1996), schizophrenia
(1996), bladder problems (2000), Parkinson’s disease (2000), etc. The series
is produced by Video Arts, the business-training film company Cleese co-
founded in 1972. The videos also spawned a series of books published in
2000 by Lebhar-Friedman, written by Buckman with introductions by
Cleese.
Awards: 1993 Evian Health Award for Medical Information; 1994 British
Medical Association Silver Award & Bronze Award.

1984 1993

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (Training film: Video Arts). Remake of the

classic 1976 film (and remade again in 2012). Starring John Cleese, Robert
Hardy, Jeremy Child, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Michael Fenton Stevens,
Kulvinder Ghir, Julian Holloway, Ian Hogg, Lesley Nightingale, Michael
Percival, Don Warrington, and Diana Weston. Written by John Cleese and
Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1985 1993

The Balance Sheet Barrier (Training film: Video Arts). Remake of the 1977
film. Starring John Cleese (as Julian Carruthers) and Dawn French. Written
by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

1986 1993

It’s Your Choice: Selection Skills for Managers (Training film: Video Arts).
How to conduct a successful selection interview. Starring John Cleese (as
Ivan the Terrible), Hugh Laurie, Dawn French, Simon Shepherd, Philip
Franks, and Meera Syal. Written by John Cleese and Antony Jay. Directed
by Robert Young.

1987 January 5–26, 1994

The four-part TV documentary series Palin’s Column airs on Meridian TV

(ITV south/southeast region). In these four half-hour shows, Michael Palin
visits the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England, in search of material
for the four guest columns he is to write for the local Isle of Wight County
Press newspaper. Filmed in the summer & fall of 1993. The series is re-
broadcast June 6–27 on Channel 4.

1988 January 5, 1994

Palin’s Column (TV episode: ITV/Meridian). “Black and Wight Magic.”
Michael Palin investigates stories of black magic on the Isle of Wight. First
episode in the four-part series. Written & hosted by Michael Palin.
Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

1989 January 6, 1994

The Big Breakfast (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Gaby Roslin and
Paul Ross. Guest: Michael Palin.

1990 January 11, 1994

John Cleese receives the 1993 Jack Oakie Award for Comedy in Motion
Pictures (2nd annual) from the Screen Actors Guild Foundation at a charity
dinner held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Michael
Palin, Eric Idle, and Jamie Lee Curtis are among the speakers at the event.

1991 January 12, 1994

Palin’s Column (TV episode: ITV/Meridian). “A Gap in the Market.”

Michael Palin visits a collector of dinosaur fossils. Second episode in the
four-part series. Written & hosted by Michael Palin. Produced & directed
by Roger Mills.

1992 January 14, 1994

The Unpleasant World of Penn & Teller (TV episode: Channel 4). John
Cleese participates in a magic trick involving a water tank and a deck of
cards on this British show starring American magician-comedians Penn &
Teller. Produced by Peter Orton.

1993 January 19, 1994

Palin’s Column (TV episode: ITV/Meridian). “Old Haunts.” Michael Palin

visits the Needles Lighthouse off the west coast of the Isle of Wight and the
supposedly haunted sites of Golden Hill Fort and Ventnor’s Botanic
Gardens. Third episode in the four-part series. Written & hosted by Michael
Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.
1994 January 19, 1994

The Late Show (TV show: BBC2). Music/arts program hosted by Tracey
MacLeod. Guest Terry Jones talks about books.

1995 January 22, 1994

Eric Idle and his wife attend the 51st Annual Golden Globe Awards at the
Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

1996 January 24, 1994

Jesting Pilate: The Diary of a Journey (Book: Flamingo Modern Classic),

written by Aldous Huxley, is published in the U.K. Reissue of Huxley’s
1926 book, with a foreword by Michael Palin. One of 26 Huxley books
reissued this year to celebrate the centenary of the author’s birth.

1997 January 26, 1994

Palin’s Column (TV episode: ITV/Meridian). “I Came, I Saw, I Conkered.”

Michael Palin participates in an Isle of Wight conker tournament and visits
Parkhust prison. Fourth episode in the four-part series. Written & hosted by
Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

1998 February 3, 1994

Great Railway Journeys (TV episode: BBC2). “Derry to Kerry.” In his

second Great Railway journey (following 1980’s “Confessions of a Train
Spotter”), Michael Palin travels from Derry in Northern Ireland to Kerry in
the south on a quest to trace the roots of his great-grandmother, Brita
Gallagher. Along the way he visits Lord O’Neill (at Shane’s Castle), his
friend Michael Barnes (in Belfast), The Edge (of U2), and writer Molly
Keane (in Co. Waterford). He also enjoys a performance of The All-Priest
Show in Dublin, travels on the “Peace Train,” and takes a ride on a Harley
Davidson. Written & hosted by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by
Ken Stephinson.

1999 February 22, 1994

Pole to Pole (Lecture). Michael Palin speaks at the Royal Geographical
Society in London as part of the Sunday Times’ “Lunchtime Lectures”
series.

2000 February 23, 1994

Open Space (TV special: BBC2). “Car Sick.” Documentary, hosted by

Michael Palin, examining the adverse environmental and health effects of
increasing car traffic on Britain’s roadways. Palin is president (since 1988)
of the pressure group Transport 2000. Directed by Mike MacCormack.
Produced by Gavin Dutton.

2001 February 26, 1994

Live and Kicking (TV show: BBC1). Saturday-morning children’s show

hosted by Andi Peters, Emma Forbes & John Barrowman. Guests include
Michael Palin, Shane Richie, and The Proclaimers. Palin talks about his
Great Railway Journeys episode.

2002 February 27, 1994

Sunday Night Clive (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Clive James. Guests:
Michael Palin, Ruby Wax, and Latoya Jackson. Palin talks about playing
football at school, dancing lessons, playing conkers, Marlon Brando, and
acting with a pig in A Private Function.

2003 March 15, 1994

Michael Palin’s first stage play, The Weekend, premieres at the Yvonne
Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, England. The play will run there until Mar.
26, then tour for several more weeks (in Brighton, Wimbledon, Sheffield,
and Crawley) before opening in London’s West End on May 3.

2004 April 1994

Michael Palin launches an appeal to raise money for the Whirlow Hall
Farm Trust, a children’s charity, in his home town of Sheffield, England.

2005 April 9, 1994

Arena (TV arts show: BBC2). “Philip K. Dick: A Day in the Afterlife.”
Documentary on science-fiction author Philip K. Dick (1928–1982). Terry
Gilliam is among the interviewees. Directed by Nicola Roberts.

2006 April 17, 1994

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at the
Cambridge Theatre in London. The event benefits the Michael Palin Centre
for Stammering Children.

2007 April 21, 1994

The Frost Programme (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by David Frost. Guest:
Michael Palin, promoting his play The Weekend.

2008 April 22, 1994

This Morning (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program hosted by

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting The
Weekend.

2009 April 24, 1994

Michael Palin attends the memorial service for his friend, cartoonist Mel
Calman, at the National Museum of Cartoon Art in London. Calman died
on Feb. 10 at age 62.

2010 April 24, 1994

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “More Mr. Nice

Guy,” by Sally Vincent, pp. 56–61. Interview with Michael Palin about his
family, career, and new play The Weekend. Photographs by Tim Richmond.

2011 April 26, 1994

Michael Palin’s play The Weekend opens in previews at The Strand Theatre
in London’s West End.

2012 April 26, 1994

The Big Breakfast (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael Palin and
Richard Wilson, author and star of the new play The Weekend, are
interviewed by puppets Zig and Zag.

2013 April 26, 1994

Kaleidoscope at 21 (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: Michael Palin,

promoting The Weekend.

2014 May 1994

The first seven episodes of the first season of Monty Python’s Flying Circus
are released on video for the first time in Britain. The entire series will be
released throughout the year. Previously, only seasons two and three have
been available on video.

2015 May 2, 1994

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Weekend in the Life of...,” by

Kate Bassett, p. 29. Interview with Michael Palin, conducted at the
Waldorf, on the eve of the opening of his new play The Weekend.

2016 May 3, 1994

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Theatre: A Month and a Half in the

Country,” by Michael Palin. Diary account of Palin’s experiences during
rehearsals and tryouts for his play The Weekend.

2017 May 3, 1994

The Weekend (Stage play), written by Michael Palin, opens at The Strand
Theatre in London’s West End. Palin’s first full-length stage play, written in
1979, is a comedy-drama about a cantankerous old man and his long-
suffering wife whose daughter (and family) comes to visit for the weekend.
The cast includes Richard Wilson (of TV’s One Foot in the Grave) as
Stephen Febble and Angela Thorne as his wife, Virginia. The play
premiered Mar. 15 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. Closes July
9. Directed by Robin Lefevre. Note: Palin’s previous plays, Secrets (1973,
co-written with Terry Jones), East of Ipswich (1987), and Number 27
(1988), were all written for television.

Reviews: Benedict Nightingale (The Times [London], May 5, 1994, p. 38):

“The Weekend often looks and sounds like the first stage play it reportedly
is. It lacks economy, tension, momentum, control of mood, sureness of
tone”; Alastair Macaulay (Financial Times, May 5, 1994, p. 23): “Most of
Michael Palin’s first play, The Weekend, feels just like a TV sitcom.... How
disappointing to find [Palin] writing so conventional a comedy, and so
creakily constructed a play.”

2018 May 13, 1994

Emergency Appeal for Rwanda (TV appeal: BBC1). Michael Palin delivers
a 3-minute appeal on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee
working to aid victims of the war in Rwanda. Written & produced by Jill
Dawson.

2019 May 16, 1994

The Weekend (Book: Methuen Drama), written by Michael Palin, is

published in the U.K. Palin’s first stage play, produced at The Strand
Theatre in May 1994.

2020 May 25, 1994

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Dead Parrots and All That,” by

Michael Leapman. Interview with Michael Palin about his attempt at
writing a newspaper column for his series Palin’s Column.

2021 May 29, 1994

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Funny Thing, Humour,”

by Mark Edwards, pp. 14–15. As Monty Python celebrates its 25th
anniversary, Edwards takes a closer look at their place in the evolution of
comedy.

2022 June 6–27, 1994

Michael Palin’s four-part TV documentary series Palin’s Column airs on
Channel 4. The series originally aired on Meridian TV in January.

2023 June 9, 1994

Esio Trot (Audiobook: HarperCollins Audio). Audio version of Roald

Dahl’s 1990 children’s story, read by Michael Palin. Released on one 33-
minute cassette. Note: Eric Idle reads Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator for audiobooks in 2002
and 2004, respectively.

2024 June 12, 1994

Comedy Tonight!: A Tribute to Roy Kinnear (Stage show). Michael Palin

appears at this comedy event in aid of The Roy Kinnear Trust, at the Olivier
Theatre in London. Also starring David Frost, Peter Ustinov, Tim Brooke-
Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Millicent Martin, Eddie Izzard, and many others.

2025 June 27, 1994

Eric Idle attends a memorial service for Australian actress Madge Ryan at
St. James, Piccadilly, London. Ryan, who died on Jan. 9 at age 75, was the
mother of Idle’s first wife, Lyn Ashley, and the grandmother of their son,
Carey. Lyn and Carey also attend, as does Idle’s wife (Tania) and mother
(Norah).

2026 August 21, 1994

Poetry Please! (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest Terry Jones discusses
Chaucer.

2027 September 1994

Monty Python’s Complete Waste of Time (CD-ROM: 7th Level). Monty

Python’s first CD-ROM computer game. Features include a Desktop
Pythonizer (for Windows desktop), screensavers, classic sketches & songs
from Flying Circus, Terry Gilliam’s original art, also newly-written
material and vocal contributions from the surviving Pythons (except John
Cleese), and the chance to “Solve the Secret to Intergalactic Success.”
Produced by Mark Finkel and Valerie Grant. Executive produced by Terry
Gilliam and Bob Ezrin. Followed in 1996 by Monty Python & the Quest for
the Holy Grail (also 7th Level).

Award: CODiE Award for Best Strategy Program.

2028 September 1994

The Instant Monty Python CD Collection (CD: Virgin Records CDBOX3).

Six-disc set compiling all of the group’s recorded output, including some
tracks previously unreleased in the U.S.

2029 Early September 1994

John Cleese makes a citizen’s arrest near his home in Notting Hill (West
London). Wearing a dressing gown and slippers, Cleese chases down a 14-
year-old boy after the youth snatched a woman’s handbag.

2030 Early September 1994

Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones attend a party celebrating
Python’s 25th anniversary at the British Consul General’s home in Los
Angeles.

2031 September 8, 1994

The Los Angeles Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Why Michael Palin’s M.I.A. at

Python Festival,” by Michael Palin, p. F4. Palin explains in a humorous
open letter why he is unable to attend the Python 25th-anniversary festival
in Los Angeles.

2032 September 9–13, 1994

Monty Python: Lust for Glory! (Screenings). Five-day film & television
festival celebrating the 25th anniversary of Monty Python, held at the
Directors Guild Theatre in Los Angeles. The festival, organized by Martin
Lewis and co-sponsored by the American Cinematheque and the British
Academy of Film and Television Arts, features both group and solo work,
including a 12-hour marathon screening of episodes of Monty Python’s
Flying Circus. Also screened is “Life of Graham,” a tribute to Graham
Chapman shown on opening night. Three Pythons—Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, and Terry Jones—and Python collaborators Neil Innes and Carol
Cleveland attend the festival and take part in post-screening discussions.

2033 September 18, 1994

The Radio 2 Arts Programme (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). “The Life of
Python.” A look back at 25 years of Monty Python, with Michael Palin,
Terry Jones, and Barry Took.

2034 September 21, 1994

John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones reunite to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of Monty Python at an event held at the
Museum of the Moving Image in London.

2035 September 21, 1994

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Pythons Still Flying High,” by

Patrick Stoddart, p. 23. Article on Monty Python’s debut 25 years ago.

2036 October 1994

The Ultimate Monty Python Rip Off (CD: Virgin Records CDV 2748).
Compilation of previously-released sketches and songs.

2037 October 1994

Python Periphery (Screenings). Month-long showing of lesser-known work

by Monty Python, at The National Film Theatre in London, in celebration
of the group’s 25th anniversary.

2038 October 1, 1994

The Fairly Incomplete & Rather Badly Illustrated Monty Python Song Book
(Book: Methuen) is published in the U.K. Compilation of 44 Python songs
from their TV series, films and records, including “Lumberjack Song” and
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Foreword by “Elvis Presley.”
Designed by Gary Marsh. Illustrated by Terry Gilliam, Gary Marsh, and
John Hurst. Music edited by John Du Prez. Published in the U.S. by
HarperPerennial (1994). Reissued Oct. 10, 2005 (Methuen).

2039 October 7, 1994

Clive Anderson Talks Back (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Melvyn
Bragg, Damon Hill, and Terry Jones.

2040 October 9, 1994

The Big Byte (Radio show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Terry Gilliam talks about
the new interactive CD-ROM Monty Python’s Complete Waste of Time.

2041 October 9, 1994

Terry Gilliam participates in a live America Online chat to promote Monty

Python’s Complete Waste of Time.

2042 October 10, 1994

Lunchtime Show (Radio show: BBC Radio 1). Emma Freud talks to Terry
Jones.

2043 October 13, 1994

Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book (Book: Pavilion), written by Terry

Jones with illustrations by Brian Froud, is published in the U.K. Jones and
Froud, who had previously collaborated on The Goblins of Labyrinth
(1986), re-teamed for this volume which claims to be a reproduction of a
journal used by Lady Angelica Cottington to capture the psychic images of
the fairies that populated her garden. Published in the U.S. by Turner
Publishing. A 10th-anniversary edition is published in 2005 with a new
introduction and bonus DVD. Followed by a sequel, Strange Stains and
Mysterious Smells: Quentin Cottington’s Journal of Faery Research (1996).

Awards: Hugo Award for Best Original Art Work.

2044 October 18, 1994

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Brian
Benben and Terry Jones, promoting Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book.
Jones shows a clip of Lady Cottington as a girl and also talks about
Python’s influence, directing in the nude, and the banning of his films in
Ireland.

2045 October 22, 1994

Eric Idle and his wife attend the West Coast premiere of Steve Martin’s
play Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Westwood Playhouse in Westwood,
CA.

2046 October 25, 1994

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Quentin Tarantino: Hollywood’s Boy

Wonder.” Profile of film director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), with
comments from Terry Gilliam, Brian De Palma, Harvey Keitel, and others.
Directed by David Thompson.

2047 October 25, 1994

It’s Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein (TV special: A&E). Documentary
on the Frankenstein story and its screen adaptations. John Cleese, who co-
stars in the new film Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is among those
interviewed. Hosted by Roger Moore. Narrated by Eli Wallach. Written &
directed by Richard Brown.

2048 October 27, 1994

Crusades (Book: BBC Books), written by Terry Jones and Alan Ereira, is
published in the U.K. History of the Christians’ crusade to free the Holy
Land from Islam. Companion book to the upcoming BBC documentary
series (airing in January 1995 on BBC2). Reprinted by Penguin Books in
1996. Published in the U.S. by Facts on File (1995).

2049 October 29, 1994

Eric Idle attends Cricket Aid, a pro-celebrity cricket match, at Will Rogers
State Park in Pacific Palisades, CA. The event is a benefit for Tuesday’s
Child and the Sunlight Mission.

2050 Late October 1994

Tom Snyder (TV talk show: CNBC). Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Lady
Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book. Jones shows a clip of Lady Cottington
(Jones) from the 1930s and talks about writing for Python.

2051 November 1994

Calman’s Savoy Sketchbook (Book: Aztec Design), drawn by Mel Calman

and edited by Claire Calman, is published in the U.K. Limited-edition
volume, the last work of Times cartoonist Mel Calman, who died in
February. Introduction by friend Michael Palin.

2052 November 1994

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (Short film) opens at Epcot Center in Florida.
Eric Idle stars in this 18-minute, interactive 3-D film shown at Disney
theme parks. In the film Idle plays Dr. Nigel Channing, head of the
Imagination Institute, where Prof. Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) is
presented with the Inventor of the Year award for his shrinking ray. Based
on the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids film series. Written by Bill Prady and Steve
Spiegel. Directed by Randal Kleiser. Note: Idle also appears in the spin-off
short Journey into Your Imagination (1999).

2053 November 3, 1994

John Cleese attends the London premiere of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,

in which he co-stars, on the opening night of the London Film Festival.

2054 November 4, 1994

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Feature film: TriStar Pictures) opens in the

U.S. and Britain. Retelling of Mary Shelley’s horror classic starring Robert
DeNiro as the monster. John Cleese plays Professor Waldman, Dr.
Frankenstein’s mentor. Also starring Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham
Carter. Written by Steph Lady and Frank Darabont. Directed by Kenneth
Branagh. Note: Cleese’s Prof. Waldman dies at the hands of Robert
DeNiro’s character early in the film, making him the second Python (after
Michael Palin in Brazil) to be killed on screen by DeNiro.

2055 November 18, 1994

The Swan Princess (Feature film: New Line Cinema) opens in the U.S.
Animated musical fairy tale. John Cleese voices Jean-Bob, a French frog.
Voice cast also includes Jack Palance, Michelle Nicastro, Liz Callaway, and
Steven Wright. Written by Brian Nissen. Directed by Richard Rich.

2056 December 5, 1994

Film 94 (TV show: BBC1). John Cleese is interviewed about the film
script he is currently writing, which will be his follow-up to 1988’s A Fish
Called Wanda.

2057 December 25, 1994

The Jungle Book (Feature film: Buena Vista Pictures) opens in the U.S.
Based on the Rudyard Kipling story. John Cleese plays Dr. Julien
Plumford. Also starring Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, Lena Headey, and
Sam Neill. Written by Stephen Sommers, Ronald Yanover, and Mark D.
Geldman. Directed by Stephen Sommers.

2058 December 30, 1994

New York & Company (Radio show: WNYC-AM, New York). Guest: Terry
Jones, promoting his book Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book.

2059 1994

More Bloody Meetings (Training film: Video Arts). Remake of the 1984
film on improving the productivity of meetings. Sequel to 1993’s Meetings,
Bloody Meetings. Starring John Cleese (as Tim), Robert Hardy, Julian
Holloway, Caroline Quentin, Danny John-Jules, Tessa Peake-Jones, and
Karen Tomlin. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Peter Robinson.

2060 1994

Great Railway Journeys (Book: BBC Books), written by Clive Anderson,

Natalia Makarova, Rian Malan, Michael Palin, Lisa St. Aubin de Teran,
and Mark Tully, is published in the U.K. Companion book to the 1994 BBC
TV series. Includes the chapter “From Derry to Kerry,” by Palin, from his
February 1994 episode.

2061 1994

Eric Idle, with his wife Tania and daughter Lily, moves from England to
the San Fernando Valley in California.

2062 1994

The Last Machine: Early Cinema and the Birth of the Modern World (Book:
British Film Institute/BBC), written by Ian Christie with a foreword by
Terry Gilliam, is published. Companion book to the 1995 BBC2 series
hosted by Gilliam.

2063 January 1995

The 1993 book Life and How to Survive It, written by Robin Skynner and
John Cleese, is published in the U.S. by W.W. Norton & Co.

2064 January 7–February 4, 1995

The Last Machine, a five-part documentary series on early cinema, airs on

BBC2. The series is hosted by Terry Gilliam and written by film historian
Ian Christie, who will later author the 1999 book Gilliam on Gilliam. A
companion book for the series was published in 1994 with a foreword by
Gilliam.

2065 January 7, 1995

The Last Machine (TV episode: BBC2). “The Space and Time Machine.” A
look at the dawn of motion pictures in the 19th century. First episode of a
five-part documentary series hosted by Terry Gilliam. Written by Ian
Christie. Directed by Richard Curson Smith.

2066 January 9, 1995

Comedian Peter Cook dies of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at the age of 57.

Cook, a member of the influential 1960s satirical group Beyond the Fringe
and comedy partner of Dudley Moore (Not Only...but Also), worked with
the Pythons in four Amnesty International benefit shows between 1976 and
1989 and in the films The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970, with
John Cleese and Graham Chapman) and Yellowbeard (1983, with
Chapman, Cleese, and Eric Idle). Cleese and Terry Jones also appeared
on Cook’s 1980 TV special Peter Cook & Co.

2067 January 10–31, 1995

The four-part documentary series Crusades airs on BBC2. The series, co-
written and hosted by Terry Jones, takes an irreverent look at the 200-year
religious conflict (begun in 1096). Airs in the U.S. June 5–8, 1995, on The
History Channel and A&E. A companion book was published in October
1994 by BBC Books.

Review: Lynne Truss (The Times [London], Jan. 11, 1995, p. 47): “Terry
Jones is an excellent story-teller, and the subject became surprisingly
television-friendly in his hands”; David Hiltbrand (People, June 5, 1995, p.
16): “Visually thin but often imaginative, this odd, discursive project is as
much a satirical essay as it is history.”

2068 January 10, 1995

Crusades (TV episode: BBC2). “Pilgrims in Arms.” The Turks’ conquest of

Constantinople and the Byzantine emperor’s appeal for help to Pope Urban
II. First episode of the four-part documentary series hosted by Terry Jones.
Written by Terry Jones and Alan Ereira. Produced & directed by David
Wallace and Alan Ereira.
2069 January 13, 1995

Pebble Mill (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Gloria Hunniford. Guests:
Terry Jones, promoting Crusades, Nigel Le Vaillant, Lionel Bart, and
Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames.

2070 January 14, 1995

The Last Machine (TV episode: BBC2). “Real Lives.” A look at early news
and documentary films. Second episode of a five-part documentary series
hosted by Terry Gilliam. Written by Ian Christie. Directed by Richard
Curson Smith.

2071 January 15, 1995

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Beyond the Final Fringe—Now Is the

Time to Say Goodbye,” by Michael Palin, p. 5. Palin pays tribute to the
late Peter Cook.

2072 January 17, 1995

Crusades (TV episode: BBC2). “Jerusalem.” The sieges at Antioch and the
Holy City of Jerusalem. Second episode of the four-part documentary series
hosted by Terry Jones. Written by Terry Jones and Alan Ereira. Produced
& directed by David Wallace and Alan Ereira.

2073 January 21, 1995

The Last Machine (TV episode: BBC2). “The Body Electric.” A look at the
earliest images of women on film. Third episode of a five-part documentary
series hosted by Terry Gilliam. Written by Ian Christie. Directed by
Richard Curson Smith.

2074 January 24, 1995

Crusades (TV episode: BBC2). “Jihad.” The Arab response to the Crusades
and the rise of Saladin. Third episode of the four-part documentary series
hosted by Terry Jones. Written by Terry Jones and Alan Ereira. Produced
& directed by David Wallace and Alan Ereira.
2075 January 28, 1995

The Last Machine (TV episode: BBC2). “Tales from the City.” A look at
how early films portrayed the modern city. Fourth episode of a five-part
documentary series hosted by Terry Gilliam. Written by Ian Christie.
Directed by Richard Curson Smith.

2076 January 31, 1995

Crusades (TV episode: BBC2). “Destruction.” The crusade of Richard the

Lionhart. Fourth episode of the four-part documentary series hosted by
Terry Jones. Written by Terry Jones and Alan Ereira. Produced & directed
by David Wallace and Alan Ereira.

2077 February 4, 1995

The Last Machine (TV episode: BBC2). “The Waking Dream.” Early
examples of fantasy in film. Last episode of a five-part documentary series
hosted by Terry Gilliam. Written by Ian Christie. Directed by Richard
Curson Smith.

2078 February 8–May 6, 1995

Terry Gilliam’s new film, 12 Monkeys, is shot over three months in

Philadelphia and Baltimore, followed by six months of editing. Production
on the $29 million sci-fi thriller began in November. For this follow-up to
1991’s The Fisher King, Gilliam is again working as a director-for-hire
within the Hollywood system, from a script not his own, and with a big-
name cast (Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Madeleine Stowe). The filming is
chronicled by documentarians Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe (the resulting
doc, The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys, is released in
October 1996).

2079 February 27, 1995

John Cleese promotes his book Life and How to Survive It on the TV show
Today (NBC) and radio show New York & Company (WNYC-AM, New
York).
2080 February 28, 1995

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis
Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford. Guest: John Cleese, promoting Life and
How to Survive It.

2081 March 1, 1995

John Cleese talks to Charlie Rose about his book Life and How to Survive
It before an audience at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

2082 March 2, 1995

Charlie Rose (TV talk show: PBS). Guests: John Cleese, promoting Life
and How to Survive It, Peter Brook, and Robert Wright.

2083 March 17, 1995

Oliver 2: Let’s Twist Again (TV special: BBC1). Michael Palin co-stars in
this black-and-white Charles Dickens spoof shown in three parts during
BBC1’s “Night of Comic Relief.” Also starring Diana Rigg, Jeremy Irons,
Stephen Fry, Oliver Reed, and Ron Moody. Written by Richard Curtis.

2084 March 20, 1995

Eric Idle attends a celebrity screening of the TV special A Comedy Salute

to Andy Kaufman at the Improv in West Hollywood, CA.

2085 March 24, 1995

The Washington Post (Newspaper/U.S.). “The Real John Cleese. No

Fooling. He Writes About Life and Love. Funny Thing Is, He’s Serious,” by
Paula Span. Interview with Cleese about Life and How to Survive It,
recently published in the U.S.

2086 April 3, 1995

Hemingway’s Chair (Book: Methuen), written by Michael Palin, is

published in the U.K. Palin’s first novel concerns a mild-mannered
postmaster’s assistant in a small English village who has an obsession with
writer Ernest Hemingway. Published in the U.S. by Thomas Dunne
Books/St. Martin’s Press in May 1998. Also released as an audiobook (Reed
Audio), read by Palin. Note: Palin will further explore the life of
Hemingway in his 1999 TV documentary series Hemingway Adventure.

Reviews: Francisca Goldsmith (Library Journal, April 1998): “...a tale of

frustration that is both gentle and snappy, human to the core”; Bruce Weber
(The New York Times, May 24, 1998): “The book’s strengths ... its dry,
deftly understated wit; its careful plot and character construction; its hearty,
well-formed sentences; its clever, on-the-money dialogue”; Reviewer
(Publishers Weekly): “...Palin brings a light touch to this yarn, treating his
characters and their many weaknesses with an affection that will have
readers rooting for his unlikely hero.”

2087 April 3, 1995

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Melvyn Bragg.
Guests: Michael Palin, Allison Pearson, and Mike Newell.

2088 April 12, 1995

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest:

Michael Palin, promoting Hemingway’s Chair.

2089 April 15–21, 1995

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Andrew Duncan interviews Michael Palin

(pp. 17–20) in connection with the upcoming mental health program Don’t
Fence Me In. Palin discusses his sister Angela’s suicide (in 1987) and his
thoughts on depression and madness.

2090 April 18, 1995

Don’t Fence Me In (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Documentary on mental

illness, hosted by Michael Palin. This States of Mind program is part of the
BBC’s Mental Health Week. Produced by Clare McGinn.
2091 May 1, 1995

John Cleese and Michael Palin attend a memorial service for Peter Cook
at St. John’s Church in Hampstead, North London. Other attendees include
Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan, Alan Bennett, Willie Rushton, Hugh Laurie,
Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, Dave Allen, Sir David Frost, Barry
Humphries, Terry Wogan, and Clive Anderson. Cook died on Jan. 9.

2092 May 12, 1995

Turns of the Century (Radio show: BBC Radio 3). Robert Cushman looks at
the life and comedy of John Cleese.

2093 May 14, 1995

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Arts: To Hell with Basil,” by Andrew

Davidson. Interview with John Cleese on the creation and legacy of Fawlty
Towers.

2094 May 14–July 30, 1995

All twelve episodes of John Cleese’s 1975/79 sitcom Fawlty Towers are re-
broadcast on BBC1 in celebration of the show’s 20th anniversary.

2095 May 15, 1995

Filming begins on Fierce Creatures (working title: Death Fish II), an $18
million comedy co-written by and starring John Cleese. The film reunites
the cast of A Fish Called Wanda (Cleese, Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis,
and Kevin Kline) for a new story set in a zoo. Filmed at Pinewood Studios
in England and on location at the Marwell Zoological Park (in Hampshire,
Eng.) and Jersey Zoo (in Jersey, Channel Islands). A 77-day shoot.

2096 May 18, 1995

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Comedian on the Constitution,”

by John Cleese (interviewed by Lucy Bailey), p. 19. Cleese explains how
humor can be used to inform people and improve Britain’s flawed political
system.
2097 May 18, 1995

Late Show with David Letterman (TV talk show: CBS). John Cleese
appears via videotape on this episode recorded during Letterman’s week of
shows in London. Cleese reads the Top Ten List “Reasons John Cleese
Could Not Be on Our Program.”

2098 May 20–June 4, 1995

The series Look at the State We’re In! airs on BBC2. The satirical series, co-
produced by Video Arts (the company John Cleese founded in 1972) and
Roger Graef’s Sisyphus Productions, consists of six ten-minute films
examining the current state of Britain. Cleese stars in two episodes. The
series, which was filmed in the summer of 1994, is sponsored by Charter 88
(of which Cleese is a signatory), a pressure group advocating constitutional
change.

2099 May 21, 1995

Look at the State We’re In! (TV episode: BBC2). “Secrecy.” Harold
Kingsby (John Cleese) runs into bureaucratic red tape when he attempts to
view his own government file. Also starring Dawn French. Written by Chris
Langham. Director Robert Knights. Produced by Roger Graef and Margaret
Tree.

2100 May 21, 1995

Eric Idle and family attend the world premiere of the film Casper, in which
he co-stars, at the Cinerama Dome Theater in Universal City, CA.

2101 May 22–June 2, 1995

Book at Bedtime (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin reads his new
novel Hemingway’s Chair in ten parts.

2102 May 26, 1995

Casper (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.S. Fantasy-

comedy about a girl (Christina Ricci) who befriends a ghost named Casper
after she and her widowed father move into a haunted mansion. Eric Idle
plays Paul “Dibbs” Plutzker, the lawyer of the house’s villainous owner.
Also starring Malachi Pearson (voice of Casper), Bill Pullman, and Cathy
Moriarty. Written by Sherri Stoner and Deanna Oliver. Directed by Brad
Silberling.

2103 June 4, 1995

Rabbit Ears Radio (Radio show: Public Radio International). “Tom

Thumb.” John Cleese narrates the classic children’s story, with original
music by Elvis Costello. The half-hour program is introduced by Meg Ryan.
Later released as a book, audiobook, and video.

2104 June 4, 1995

Look at the State We’re In! (TV episode: BBC2). “The Status Quo.” John
Cleese plays a politician recording a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of
the Status Quo. Last of the series. Also starring Hugh Laurie, Chris
Langham, and Sara Stockbridge. Written by John Cleese. Directed by
Hugh Laurie. Produced by Roger Graef and Margaret Tree.

2105 June 5–8, 1995

The four-part documentary series Crusades, co-written and hosted Terry

Jones, airs in the U.S. on The History Channel (and simulcast on its sister
station A&E), presented by Roger Mudd.

2106 June 8, 1995

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle,
promoting Casper, Mike Piazza, and the band Brownstone. Idle wearing a
Michael Palin (“Lumberjack Song”) T-shirt, recounts an incident with a
dog during an earthquake.

2107 June 22, 1995

Eric Idle attends the premiere of the film Apollo 13 at the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles.
2108 July 13, 1995

Michael Palin hosts a screening of A Fish Called Wanda on TNT as part of

the cable channel’s “Our Favorite Movies: Summer Edition” series.

2109 July 26, 1995

Eric Idle attends the charity London premiere of the film Casper, in which
he co-stars, at the Empire Theatre in Leicester Square.

2110 August 1995

Filming on Fierce Creatures is completed. Poor test screenings later in the

year will lead to reshoots next summer.

2111 August 7, 1995

Filming begins on The Wind in the Willows, a $15 million live-action

adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame story, written and directed by Terry
Jones. Jones also stars in the film (as Toad), along with fellow Pythons
Eric Idle, John Cleese, and Michael Palin. Filmed at Shepperton Studios
(London) and on location in England. Locations include The Bluebell
Railway (in Sussex), Burnham Beeches (in Buckinghamshire), and
Kentwell Hall (in Long Melford, Suffolk), which doubles as Toad Hall.

2112 August 28, 1995–Summer 1996

Michael Palin circumnavigates the Pacific Rim for his travel series Full
Circle. His journey begins on Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait.
Only five days earlier he was in a cupboard with John Cleese and a
tarantula (filming his last scene for Fierce Creatures at Pinewood Studios in
Buckinghamshire, England).

2113 October 1995

The Quest for King Arthur (Book: De Agostini Editions), written by David
Day with a foreword by Terry Jones, is published in the U.K. An
examination of the Arthurian legend. Published in the U.S. as The Search
for King Arthur (Facts on File).
2114 November–December 1995

Sainsbury’s (TV commercial). John Cleese appears in a British ad for

Sainsbury supermarket parodying the store’s “celebrity recipe” Christmas
spots. Cleese will later star in Sainsbury’s 1998 “Value to Shout About”
campaign. Written by David Abbott. Directed by John S. Clarke. Agency:
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, London.

2115 November 9, 1995

Look Who’s Talking with Mariella Frostrup (TV talk show: ITV/Carlton).
Guests: Terry Gilliam, Patsy Kensit, and Jack Dee.

2116 November 27, 1995

Close Up (TV show: BBC2). Terry Gilliam talks about his favorite movie
moment, in Fellini’s 8½.

2117 December 11, 1995

A test screening for John Cleese’s new film Fierce Creatures is held at the
Gotham Cinema in Manhattan, NYC. Cleese, co-star Kevin Kline, and co-
writer Iain Johnstone attend. The ending of the film tests poorly and as a
result reshoots are ordered. Those reshoots will have to wait, however, until
Michael Palin returns from filming his new travel series Full Circle. The
reshoots take place in September 1996.

2118 December 25, 1995

The Wind in the Willows (TV special: ITV). Feature-length animated

adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic, produced by TVC
London (The Snowman). Michael Palin voices the role of Rat. A sequel,
The Willows in Winter, airs in 1996. Other voices by Alan Bennett (Mole),
Michael Gambon (Badger), Rik Mayall (Toad), and Vanessa Redgrave
(Narrator). Written by Ted Walker. Directed by Dave Unwin. Note: Palin
will play the smaller role of The Sun in Terry Jones’ live-action feature
version of the story, which will be released in October of next year.
2119 December 27, 1995

12 Monkeys (Feature film: Universal Pictures) premieres in the U.S. (opens

nationwide on Jan. 5). Terry Gilliam’s second Hollywood-made film
(following 1991’s The Fisher King) is an apocalyptic sci-fi thriller about a
man who is sent back in time, from the plague-ravaged world of 2035 to the
pre-plague year of 1996, on a mission to discover how the deadly virus
spread. Based on the 1962 French short La Jetée directed by Chris Marker.
Starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Frank Gorshin,
Christopher Plummer, David Morse, Jon Seda, and Simon Jones. Written by
David Peoples and Janet Peoples. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced by
Charles Roven.

Awards: Academy Award nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Pitt) and
Best Costume Design (Julie Weiss); Golden Globe winner for Best
Supporting Actor (Pitt); Empire Award winner for Best Director (Gilliam).

Reviews: Janet Maslin (The New York Times, Dec. 27, 1995): “12 Monkeys
is fierce and disturbing, with a plot that skillfully resists following any
familiar course ... directed by Mr. Gilliam with great flair for keeping his
audience off balance...”; Kenneth Turan (Los Angeles Times, Dec. 27,
1995): “12 Monkeys is baffling and difficult to decipher at times, but it’s
never a standard brand ... it shows what happens when an unconventional
talent meets straightforward material”; Owen Gleiberman (Entertainment
Weekly, Jan. 12, 1996): “...Gilliam, for the first time since Brazil (1985),
indulges his crackpot imagination at full throttle.”

2120 December 27, 1995

Late Show with David Letterman (TV talk show: CBS). Guests: Mandy
Patinkin and Terry Gilliam, promoting 12 Monkeys. Gilliam also talks
about his horse-riding accident and his studio battles over Time Bandits and
Brazil.

2121 December 28, 1995

Fierce and Gentle Creatures (TV special: Channel 4). Hour-long

documentary on animal conservation efforts at Jersey Zoo in the Channel
Islands. Hosted by John Cleese with help from his Fierce Creatures co-
stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline. Also with Lee Durrell (widow of
the zoo’s founder, Gerald Durrell). Directed by Karl Sabbagh and Celia
Lowenstein. Produced by Karl Sabbagh.

2122 1995

Discworld (Computer game: Psygnosis). Eric Idle voices the wizard

Rincewind in this game based on Terry Pratchett’s best-selling books. Idle
will reprise the role for the 1996 sequel Discworld II: Mortality Bytes!.
Other voices by Jon Pertwee and Tony Robinson. Designed by Teeny
Weeny Games.

2123 January 1996

Norwich Union Direct (TV commercial). John Cleese appears in the first of
a series of British TV ads for the insurance service Norwich Union Direct.

2124 January 1996

Michael Palin’s wife, Helen, undergoes brain surgery to remove a benign

tumor while Palin is in Kuching, Malaysia, filming his travel series Full
Circle. After the successful operation, Palin breaks away from his journey
and flies home to be with her.

2125 January 4, 1996

Terry Gilliam participates in a live online chat to promote 12 Monkeys.

2126 January 4, 1996

Charlie Rose (TV talk show: PBS). Guest: Terry Gilliam, promoting 12
Monkeys.

2127 January 6–21, 1996

Fairy Tales for Adults: A Terry Gilliam Retrospective (Screenings), at the

Museum of the Moving Image in New York City. Retrospective of Terry
Gilliam’s film career and early animation work. Gilliam introduces a
screening of 12 Monkeys on opening night, followed by a Q&A. He speaks
again the next night (Jan. 7) following a screening of Brazil.

2128 January 7, 1996

The 61st New York Film Critics Circle Awards (Award ceremony). Terry
Gilliam presents Nicolas Cage with the Best Actor award (for Leaving Las
Vegas) at the ceremony held at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, New
York.

2129 February 1996

Terry Gilliam attends the 46th Berlin International Film Festival (Feb. 15–
26) in Berlin, Germany where his film 12 Monkeys is nominated for the
Golden Bear award.

2130 February 2, 1996

Space Ghost Coast to Coast (TV talk show: Cartoon Network). “Explode.”
Space Ghost (voice of George Lowe) talks to guests Terry Jones and Glen
Phillips.

2131 February 20, 1996

Michael Palin films a cameo appearance (as a surfer) in the Australian soap
opera Home and Away. Palin is in Sydney filming his travel series Full
Circle.

2132 February 22–May 6, 1996

Spellbound: Art and Film (Art exhibition). Terry Gilliam contributes a

work of art to this exhibition celebrating one hundred years of British
cinema, at the Hayward Gallery in London. His piece, called “The Road to
Monkey Heaven is a: Paved b: Littered c: Barricaded with Good
Intentions!,” features a wall of filing cabinets obscuring a screen upon
which Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys is being projected. Other contributors include
directors Ridley Scott and Peter Greenaway.

2133 February 27, 1996

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (Videocassette: Rhino Home Video).
Video release of Eric Idle’s 1978 Beatles parody. Previously released on
video by Pacific Arts (in 1983).

2134 March 6, 1996

Ken Hom’s Hot Wok (TV cooking show: BBC2). Chef Ken Hom
demonstrates wok cooking with John Cleese at the Jersey Zoo, where
Cleese is filming Fierce Creatures. Produced & directed by Kate
Kinninmont.

2135 March 8, 1996

Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys is the opening film of the 14th annual Brussels
International Festival of Fantasy, Thriller and Science Fiction Films (Mar.
8–23) in Brussels, Belgium. Gilliam attends the screening and also cuts the
ribbon to open the festival.

2136 March 12, 1996

Frasier (TV episode: NBC). “High Crane Drifter.” Frasier is driven to the
brink by people’s rude and inconsiderate behavior. Eric Idle voices the role
of Chuck, a caller to Frasier’s radio show. Starring Kelsey Grammer.
Written by Jack Burditt. Directed by Philip Charles MacKenzie.

2137 March 18, 1996

Film 96 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes a location

report from the set of John Cleese’s Fierce Creatures.

2138 March 25, 1996

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

2139 April 1996

Sight & Sound (Magazine/U.K.). “Time and the Machine,” by Nick James,
pp. 14–16. Interview with Terry Gilliam about 12 Monkeys.
2140 April 1, 1996

Michael Palin’s 1995 novel, Hemingway’s Chair, is released in paperback

in the U.K. by Mandarin.

2141 April 2, 1996

Good Morning with Anne and Nick (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Anne
Diamond and Nick Owen. Terry Jones is interviewed about his new book
The Goblin Companion.

2142 April 5, 1996

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Still in the Python’s Embrace,” by

Valerie Grove, p. 17. Interview with Michael Palin at his North London
home. Palin talks about his novel Hemingway’s Chair, his wife’s brain
surgery, traveling, Python, etc.

2143 April 9, 1996

Moving Pictures (TV show: BBC2). Film program hosted by Howard

Schuman. Terry Gilliam is interviewed about 12 Monkeys.

2144 April 13, 1996

Saturday Night Special (TV episode: Fox). Eric Idle appears as Fox owner
Rupert Murdoch in the premiere episode of this six-week sketch-comedy
series. Hosted by Roseanne (the show’s executive producer), with musical
guests Bush and Melissa Etheridge.

2145 April 14, 1996

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Gilliam the

Barbarian,” by Joan Goodman, pp. 34–38. Interview with Terry Gilliam
about his career and new film 12 Monkeys. Photographs by Nigel Parry.

2146 April 15, 1996

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “How to Succeed in Monkey
Business,” by Stephanie Billen, p. 14. Interview with Terry Gilliam about
his new film 12 Monkeys.

2147 April 15, 1996

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Spike.” Documentary on the life and career
of comedian Spike Milligan (The Goon Show). Interviewees include
Milligan, Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine, John Cleese, and many others.
Directed by Alan Lewens. Produced by Jo Lustig and Martin Smith.

2148 April 15, 1996

Film 96 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Barry Norman. Includes a report on

12 Monkeys featuring interviews with Terry Gilliam, Bruce Willis, and
Brad Pitt.

2149 April 18, 1996

The Big Breakfast (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Mark Little and
Gillian Taylforth. Guest: Terry Gilliam, promoting 12 Monkeys.

2150 April 19, 1996

12 Monkeys opens in the U.K.

2151 April 19, 1996

Good Morning with Anne and Nick (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Anne
Diamond and Nick Owen. Terry Gilliam is interviewed about 12 Monkeys.

2152 April 25, 1996

The Goblin Companion (Book: Thorsons), by Brian Froud and Terry

Jones, is published. Abridged reissue of The Goblins of Labyrinth (1986).
Published in the U.S. by Turner Publishing.

2153 April 28, 1996

Celebrity Choice (Radio show: Classic FM). Hosted by Paul Callan. Guest:
Michael Palin.

2154 May 7, 1996

Home and Away (TV episode). Michael Palin makes a cameo appearance
as a surfer in this Australian soap opera. Filmed while Palin was in Sydney
in February filming his travel series Full Circle. Directed by Dave Gould.

2155 May 18, 1996

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Fan Fare from the Little Man,” by
Michael Palin, p. 15. Palin pays tribute to his friend, the late cartoonist
Mel Calman, upon the release of the new Calman collection A Little Light
Worrying.

2156 June 1996

A Little Light Worrying: The Best of Mel Calman (Book: Methuen), by Mel
Calman, is published in the U.K. A collection of cartoons by the late Mel
Calman (1931–1994), edited by his daughter Claire Calman with a preface
by his friend Michael Palin.

2157 June 6–August 29, 1996

Blazing Dragons (TV series: ITV). First series (13 episodes) of a British
animated comedy-adventure for children set in the dragon kingdom of
Camelhot. Terry Jones co-created the show (with Gavin Scott) and also
serves as one of the executive producers. Co-produced by the studios of
Nelvana Limited (Canada) and Ellipse Animation (France). A second series
of 13 episodes airs Jan. 8–Oct. 2, 1998. A video game based on the series
(and featuring the voice of Jones) is released in October 1996. Directed by
Lawrence Jacobs. Produced by Jocelyn Hamilton.

2158 July 1996

Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail (CD-ROM: 7th Level). The
Pythons’ 1975 medieval comedy is the basis for this interactive CD-ROM
game, the group’s second from Texas-based 7th Level following Monty
Python’s Complete Waste of Time (1994). The player, charged with the task
of finding the Holy Grail, must navigate through nine of the film’s locations
(Plague Village, Camelot, Castle Anthrax, etc.) collecting objects,
companions, and clues. Includes video and audio clips from the film, new
animation and voice-overs (from the surviving Pythons, except John
Cleese), and arcade/puzzle games like “Burn the Witch,” “Drop Dead,”
“Knights in Kombat,” and “Spank the Virgin.” Also features an animated
version of “King Brian the Wild,” a sequence that was cut from the final
script and never filmed. Followed in 1997 by Monty Python’s The Meaning
of Life. Produced by Charles Otte. Executive produced by Eric Idle and
Bob Ezrin.

Reviews: Ty Burr (Entertainment Weekly, July 26, 1996, p. 58): “...Quest

wholly reworks the movie into a multimedia game that pokes brutal,
welcome fun at ... multimedia games”; Tim Wapshott (The Times [London],
Aug. 17, 1996, p. 21): “The game looks and feels exceptionally good. The
animations, sound effects and music score all combine to produce well-
honed computer entertainment.”

2159 July 1996

PythOnline is launched. The website was created by Eric Idle and 7th
Level, makers of the Holy Grail CD-ROM.

2160 July 1996

The Wind in the Willows (Audiobook: Dove Kids Audio). Terry Jones
reads Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 story (unabridged). Released on four
cassettes. Jones also wrote, directed & starred in the 1996 film adaptation
of the story.

2161 July 1996

John Cleese attends a lecture (“The Four Noble Truths”) given by the Dalai
Lama at the Barbican Hall in London.

2162 September 1996

Reshoots on Fierce Creatures take place over three weeks. The reshoots,
which include a new opening and a new ending, were ordered following
poor test screenings but had to wait until Michael Palin returned from
filming his travel series Full Circle. The reshoots are directed by Fred
Schepisi, as the film’s original director, Robert Young, had become
unavailable.

2163 September 1996

River of Mirrors: The Fantastic Art of Judson Huss (Book: Morpheus

International), by Judson Huss, is published in the U.S. Collection of
paintings by fantasy artist Huss. Foreword by Terry Gilliam.

2164 September 1, 1996

The Radio 2 Arts Programme (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). “The Once and
Future King.” Terry Jones explores the legend of King Arthur.

2165 September 5, 1996

Eric Idle participates in a live chat in the Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle on

America Online.

2166 September 12, 1996

Eric Idle and his wife attend a fund-raising dinner and concert for President
Bill Clinton at the Greenacres estate (former home of silent-film star Harold
Lloyd) in Beverly Hills, CA. Performers at the gala event include The
Eagles, Chicago, The Neville Brothers, and Barbra Streisand, with Tom
Hanks serving as emcee. During the concert the Idles are seated directly
behind the President and First Lady.

2167 September 23, 1996

The Los Angeles Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “My Dinner with Bill: Hold the
Spam,” by Eric Idle, p. 3. Idle on the Clinton fund-raiser he attended on
Sept. 12th.

2168 September 25, 1996

John Cleese launches the Liberal Democrats’ new poster campaign.

2169 September 26, 1996

Terry Gilliam attends a lavish party in Shepherd’s Bush, West London,

celebrating the opening of fashion designer Donna Karan’s new store in
Bond Street, London.

2170 October 1996

The revised, re-edited version of John Cleese’s Fierce Creatures is test-

screened at a cinema near Hicksville on Long Island, NY. The new ending
receives a positive response but the new opening tests poorly. After more
re-editing of the opening the film receives a much higher rating in
subsequent test screenings.

2171 October 1996

The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat (Book:
Dove Kids), written by Eric Idle with illustrations by Wesla Weller, is
published. Children’s book based on the classic 1871 poem “The Owl and
the Pussycat” by Edward Lear. Idle originally adapted Lear’s poem as an
animated musical with songs co-written with John Du Prez. When he
couldn’t get the film made, the story became a book instead. Also released
as an audiobook (Dove Audio), read by Idle and featuring ten songs,
including “Shopping,” “Revenge Is Sweet,” and “I Like Dinosaurs.”

Award: Grammy-nominated for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.

2172 October 1996

Blazing Dragons (Video game: Crystal Dynamics). Adventure game, based

on the TV series, in which the player (in the role of a young dragon named
Flicker) competes against rival dragons in a grand tournament for the hand
in marriage of the lovely Princess Flame. Created by Terry Jones, who also
voices Sir Loungealot. For Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

2173 October 1, 1996

Film Education (TV show: BBC2). “Wind in the Willows: The Filming of
Mr. Toad.” A look at Terry Jones’ big-screen adaptation of The Wind in the
Willows. Narrated by Sally James.

2174 October 3, 1996

Brazil: The Criterion Collection (Laserdisc: Criterion Collection 196).

Five-disc set containing Terry Gilliam’s director’s cut (142 mins) of his
1985 comedy-fantasy, digitally remastered under Gilliam’s supervision, and
the studio-edited “Love Conquers All” version (94 mins) created with the
intent of making the film more commercial. Special features include audio
commentary by Gilliam, What Is Brazil? (1985 doc), “The Battle of Brazil:
A Video History” (1996 doc by writer-critic Jack Mathews, based on his
book), The Production Notebook (script, designs, costumes, etc.), and the
original theatrical trailer. Distributed by The Voyager Company. Re-
released on DVD in 1999 and 2006 and on Blu-ray in 2012.

2175 October 9, 1996

Kaleidoscope (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Includes a report from the set of
Terry Jones’ new film The Wind in the Willows.

2176 October 11, 1996

The Late Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Guests: Terry Gilliam,
Frank Skinner, Tamara Beckwith, and Piers Morgan.

2177 October 11, 1996

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle,
Peter Gallagher, and Los Lobos. Idle, promoting Owl and the Pussycat,
also talks about PythOnline and sings “Shopping,” then ends the interview
prematurely to catch a plane to London.

2178 October 12, 1996

Live and Kicking (TV show: BBC1). Terry Jones and Steve Coogan are
interviewed about The Wind in the Willows on this Saturday-morning
magazine program for children. Hosted by Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston.

2179 October 14, 1996

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Wind-Up in the Willows,” by

Sue Summers, p. 21. Interview with Terry Jones about his new film The
Wind in the Willows.

2180 October 14, 1996

The Pier on Film (TV arts show: ITV/Meridian). Terry Jones is

interviewed about The Wind in the Willows.

2181 October 14, 1996

Something Like Fire: Peter Cook Remembered (Book: Methuen), edited by

Lin Cook (Peter’s widow), is published in the U.K. Collection of tributes to
the late British comic includes contributions from Eric Idle (“The Funniest
Man in the World”), John Cleese (“Peter Amadeus Cook”), and Michael
Palin (“I Had That Peter Cook in the Back of My Car”).

2182 October 14, 1996

Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin attend a book party for
Something Like Fire: Peter Cook Remembered at Tramp nightclub in
London.

2183 October 16, 1996

This Morning (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program. Guests include

Terry Jones and Eric Idle, promoting The Wind in the Willows.

2184 October 17, 1996

The Daily Mirror (Newspaper/U.K.). “Groan with the Wind; Terry’s Toad
Catches Wife on the Hop,” by Brigit Grant, p. 2. Interview with Terry
Jones about his new film The Wind in the Willows.

2185 October 18, 1996

The Wind in the Willows (Feature film: Pathé) opens in the U.K. Live-action
adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 story in which Mr. Toad’s mania for
motor cars gets him into all sorts of trouble. Written and directed by Terry
Jones, who also stars (as Toad) alongside fellow Pythons Eric Idle (Rat)
and, in smaller roles, John Cleese (Toad’s Lawyer) and Michael Palin
(The Sun). Jones also wrote the lyrics for the songs “Messing About on the
River” (music by Tony Hatch) and “Miracle of Friends” (music by Dave
Howman & Andre Jacquemin). Filmed at Shepperton Studios (London) and
on location in England. Palin had previously voiced the role of Rat in an
animated TV production in 1995. Also starring Steve Coogan, Antony Sher,
Nicol Williamson, Stephen Fry, Bernard Hill, Nigel Planer, Julia Sawalha,
and Victoria Wood. Produced by John Goldstone and Jake Eberts. An Allied
FilmMakers production. The film’s U.S. distributor, Disney, loses the
theatrical rights in a settlement to Columbia, who give the film a limited
release on Oct. 31, 1997, in New York and Los Angeles. Disney retains the
video rights, releasing the film on video as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in
December 1998.

Awards: Best of the Fest award-winner at the Chicago International

Children’s Film Festival (1998); Winner of the WisKid Award for Best Full-
Length Feature at the Wisconsin International Children’s Film Festival
(2000).

Reviews: Lawrence Van Gelder (The New York Times, Oct. 31, 1997):
“...brimming with verbal and visual wit and imagination.... In this
adaptation, an enchanting book has become an enchanting film.”

2186 October 18, 1996

Blue Peter (TV children’s show: BBC1). Tim Vincent looks at the making
of the new film The Wind in the Willows and interviews Terry Jones, Eric
Idle, and Steve Coogan.

2187 October 19, 1996

Go Wild in the Country: The Making of Wind in the Willows (TV special:
ITV). Behind-the-scenes look at the making of Terry Jones’ film
adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Half-hour. Later
included on the 2003 DVD release of the film.

2188 October 20, 1996

Clive Anderson All Talk (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Eric Idle,
promoting The Wind in the Willows, and Frank Skinner.

2189 October 25, 1996

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Terry Jones on Groundhog Day,” by

Terry Jones, p. 27. Jones on why he wishes he had made the Harold Ramis
comedy.

2190 October 25, 1996

The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys (Feature film)
premieres in Philadelphia. Behind-the-scenes look at the making of Terry
Gilliam’s 1995 film 12 Monkeys. Produced, written & directed by Keith
Fulton and Louis Pepe, who will later chronicle Gilliam’s ill-fated attempt
to bring Don Quixote to the screen in Lost in La Mancha (2002). The 88-
minute film is included in the 2004 DVD release of the film.

2191 October 25, 1996

Auntie’s TV Favourites: BBC Brings You the World (TV special: BBC1).
Host Jill Dando presents the nominations for viewers’ favorite BBC
presenter. Michael Palin discusses his upcoming travel series Full Circle.

2192 October 31, 1996

Eric Idle’s mother, Norah, age 82, falls and suffers a serious injury to her
leg while strolling in the garden at Idle’s Los Angeles home. She is taken to
the hospital where her condition worsens a few days later after she suffers a
minor heart attack.

2193 November 1996

Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells: Quentin Cottington’s Journal of
Faery Research (Book: Simon & Schuster), written by Terry Jones with
illustrations by Brian Froud, is published. Sequel to Jones and Froud’s 1994
volume Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book. The journal contains the
research of one Quentin Cottington (twin brother of Lady Cottington)
analyzing the stains and smells left by pressed fairies.

2194 November 1996

Discworld II: Mortality Bytes! (Computer game: Psygnosis). Sequel to

1995’s Discworld with Eric Idle again voicing the role of the wizard
Rincewind. Includes the song “That’s Death,” written & sung by Idle.
Developed by Perfect Entertainment.

2195 November 1, 1996

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Jon Lovitz
and Eric Idle, promoting Owl and the Pussycat. Idle also talks about his
mother’s recent fall, attending a Clinton fundraiser (in September), and
sings “Shopping.”

2196 November 3, 1996

Auntie’s All-Time Greats (TV special: BBC1). Special celebrating the 60th
birthday of BBC television, hosted by Michael Parkinson. Michael Palin
presents the viewers’ award for Sitcom Performer to David Jason. John
Cleese is among the celebrities sending birthday messages.

2197 November 7, 1996

Eric Idle performs songs and signs books at the Storyopolis in Los Angeles
in support of his new children’s book, The Quite Remarkable Adventures of
the Owl and the Pussycat. He is accompanied by guitarists John Du Prez
and Danny Ferrington.

2198 November 14, 1996

The Terry Gilliam Guardian Interview (Event). Terry Gilliam talks to critic
Jonathan Romney at the National Film Theatre in London as part of the
40th London Film Festival (Nov. 7–24).

2199 November 17, 1996

Eric Idle and family attend the “Children at Play” fair, a benefit for
battered women and children, at Will Rogers State Park in Los Angeles.

OceanofPDF.com
2200 November 19, 1996

Eric Idle’s mother, Norah Barron (Sanderson) Idle, dies at his Los Angeles
home at the age of 82. Idle’s father, Ernest, died in December 1945—when
Idle was 2½—in a traffic accident on his way home on Christmas leave
from the RAF.

2201 December 3, 1996

Lumberjacks OK! (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Single Bucking

Competition.” While filming his Full Circle travel series, Michael Palin
stopped in Squamish, B.C. where the annual loggers sports competition is
held. Palin participates as a celebrity judge in the single bucking
competition. Episode three of a six-part series. Hosted by David Jensen and
George Spanswick. Produced & directed by Des Bradley.

2202 December 9, 1996

Late Show with David Letterman (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: John
Cleese, promoting Fierce Creatures, also talks about having his hearing
tested.

2203 December 15, 1996

Equinox (TV episode: Channel 4). “Dr. Satan’s Robot.” Documentary on

new advances in science and the ethical issues they raise. Interviewees
include Terry Gilliam.

2204 December 26, 1996

The Willows in Winter (TV special: ITV). Feature-length animated

adaptation of William Horwood’s 1993 sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s
children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows (an animated version of the
original story was produced by the same team in 1995). Michael Palin
reprises the role of Rat. A TVC London production. Other voices by Alan
Bennett (Mole), Michael Gambon (Badger), Rik Mayall (Toad), and
Vanessa Redgrave (Narrator). Written by Ted Walker. Directed by Dave
Unwin.

2205 1996

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation (Training film: Video Arts).

Remake of the 1983 film. Starring John Cleese (St. Peter), Nigel Lindsay,
and Beatie Edney. Written by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Robert Knights.

2206 1996

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation (Training film: Video Arts).

Remake of the 1983 film. Followed by Part 3 (Divine Intervention) in 1997.
Starring John Cleese (St. Peter), Nigel Lindsay, and Beatie Edney. Written
by Jonathan Lynn. Directed by Robert Knights.

2207 1996

That’s Death (CD single: Psygnosis). Single release of the song “That’s
Death,” written & sung by Eric Idle, from the computer game Discworld
II: Mortality Bytes!, in which Idle voices the role of Rincewind. Arranged
& produced by Tom Scott.

2208 1996

John Cleese declines the title of Commander of the Order of the British
Empire (CBE). Michael Palin will be made a CBE on New Year’s Eve
1999.

2209 1996

The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Illustrated Screenplay (Book:

Mandarin/Methuen), written by Terry Jones, is published. Screenplay of
the 1996 film, based on the story by Kenneth Grahame. Photographs by
Keith Hamshere.

2210 January 1997

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Matt Lauer interviews John Cleese
about Fierce Creatures.

2211 January 1, 1997

Ronnie Barker: A Life in Comedy (TV special: BBC1). Tribute to the

popular British comedian Ronnie Barker (The Two Ronnies), now retired.
Interviewees include Michael Palin, Ronnie Corbett, David Frost, and
David Jason.

2212 January 5, 1997

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Sue Lawley’s castaway is
John Cleese, whose choice of records includes “Rhapsody in Blue”
(George Gershwin), “The Meaning of Life” (Eric Idle), “Cavatina” (John
Williams), and “Easter Hymn, from Cavalleria Rusticana” (Pietro
Mascagni). His luxury item is Michael Palin (stuffed). Cleese had
previously appeared on the show in July 1971.

2213 January 9, 1997

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Fierce Creatures, explains why he tries to eat only unintelligent
animals.

2214 January 11, 1997

Saturday Night Live (TV comedy show: NBC). Hosted by Kevin Spacey,
with musical guest Beck and special guests John Cleese (in his SNL debut)
and Michael Palin. In the opening, Cleese and Palin explain the new TV
ratings system. Palin also appears in a “Medical Marijuana” sketch (with
Spacey and Beck), and later he and Cleese perform the “Pet Shop” sketch
(ending with “Do you want to come back to my place?”). Cast: Jim Breuer,
Will Ferrell, Anna Gasteyer, Darrell Hammond, Chris Kattan, Tracy
Morgan, and Molly Shannon. Directed by Beth McCarthy. Produced by
Steve Higgins.

2215 January 12, 1997

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Animal Crackers,” by
Georgina Howell, pp. 26–33. In-depth interview with John Cleese about
his life, career, and new film Fierce Creatures. Also offering their insights
on the man are Michael Palin and Cleese’s wife, Alyce Faye.

2216 January 13, 1997

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis
Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford. Guest: John Cleese, promoting Fierce
Creatures, also talks about his wife and the psychology book she’s writing.

2217 January 15, 1997

Des O’Connor Tonight (TV talk show: ITV/Carlton). Guests: John Cleese,
promoting Fierce Creatures, Cliff Richard, and Donna Lewis. Cleese also
talks about studying law, the hotel owner who inspired Fawlty Towers, etc.
During the interview he is briefly joined by a lemur. Cleese finishes by
performing “The Courier Sketch,” the first sketch he ever did on TV.

2218 January 15, 1997

The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: John
Cleese, promoting Fierce Creatures. He also talks about the Royal family,
the Dalai Lama, psychotherapy, Graham Chapman’s memorial service,
surprising Michael Palin in his hotel room, etc. and takes questions from
callers.

2219 January 16, 1997

John Cleese and his wife attend the world premiere of Fierce Creatures at
Universal City’s Cineplex Odeon Cinemas in Los Angeles. Proceeds from
the premiere will benefit the Wildlife Preservation Trust Int. and Greater
Los Angeles Zoo Assn.

2220 January 21, 1997

The Daily Show (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Hosted by Craig Kilborn.
Guest: John Cleese, promoting Fierce Creatures. He also talks about the
American accent and answers “5 Questions.” In response to the question
“Why does British food suck?” Cleese responds “We had an empire to run.”

2221 January 24, 1997

Fierce Creatures (Film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.S. Comedy

reuniting the four leads from A Fish Called Wanda tells the story of London
zookeepers forced to deal with the changes that come when their failing zoo
is bought by a giant conglomerate. Co-star, co-writer & co-producer John
Cleese based the story on an idea Michael Palin and Terry Jones
developed back in 1968. Starring John Cleese (as Rollo Lee) and Michael
Palin (as Adrian “Bugsy” Malone), with Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline,
Ronnie Corbett, Carey Lowell, Robert Lindsay, Derek Griffiths, and
Cynthia Cleese (John’s daughter). Written by John Cleese and Iain
Johnstone. Directed by Robert Young and Fred Schepisi (reshoots).
Produced by Michael Shamberg and John Cleese. Note: Young had
previously directed Cleese in Romance with a Double Bass (1974) and
Splitting Heirs (1993) and also in commercials.

Reviews: Desson Howe (The Washington Post, Jan. 24, 1997): “[Creatures]
spends most of its time honoring a banal, farcical storyline. And it often
lapses into sophomorically sexual antics which don’t always work”; Owen
Gleiberman (Entertainment Weekly, Jan. 24, 1997): “...Fierce Creatures is
mostly a mess: toothless when it should be nasty, not so much madcap as
merely frantic”; Geoff Brown (The Times [London], Feb. 13, 1997, p. 41):
“Fierce Creatures relies mostly on Cleese’s squawks and bluster, on
dropped pants and raised eyebrows, plus broad satire on marketing
strategies, sponsorship deals and other signs of the times.”

2222 January 24, 1997

TFI Friday (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Chris Evans. Guests:
John Cleese, promoting Fierce Creatures, Gabrielle, Candyskins, and
Audioweb. Cleese plays “How Far Will John Go?” in order to show a clip
from the film.

2223 January 25, 1997

Live and Kicking (TV show: BBC1). John Cleese is a guest on this
Saturday-morning magazine program for children hosted by Zoe Ball and
Jamie Theakston. Answering questions from viewers and audience
members, Cleese talks about working with animals in Fierce Creatures, the
living conditions in zoos, and the dullness of movie-making.

2224 January 25, 1997

The National Lottery Live (TV show: BBC1). John Cleese, promoting
Fierce Creatures, talks to host Dale Winton and assists in drawing the
winning lottery numbers. Directed by Duncan Cooper. Produced by Peter
Estall.

2225 January 28, 1997

Fierce Creatures has its London premiere at the Empire Cinema in

Leicester Square. John Cleese and Michael Palin both attend the gala
charity event, the proceeds from which will aid London Zoo, the Marwell
Preservation Trust, and Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Other attendees
include Sir David Frost and Michael Winner. The film opens in the U.K. on
Feb. 14.

2226 January 29, 1997

How Do They Do That? (TV show: BBC1). Includes a behind-the-scenes

look at Fierce Creatures.

2227 January 30, 1997

Charlie Rose (TV talk show: PBS). Guest: John Cleese, promoting Fierce
Creatures, also talks about comedy writing, focus groups, and experience
vs. talent.

2228 January 30, 1997

The Frank Skinner Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Michael Palin,
promoting Fierce Creatures, Paul Sayce, Isobel Varley, and Kate Wilton.
Palin also talks about a possible Python reunion, the German Python
shows, his travel series, Elvis Presley, and sings “The Lumberjack Song” in
German.

2229 January 31, 1997

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Full Monty.” Comedian Eddie

Izzard interviews John Cleese.

2230 February 1997

Empire (Magazine/U.K.). John Cleese interview and cover photo

(“Hollywood and How to Survive It”).

2231 February 9, 1997

The 11th Annual American Comedy Awards (Award ceremony). Eric Idle
presents the award for Funniest Male in a TV Series to John Lithgow (3rd
Rock from the Sun). The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles, is telecast Feb. 17 on ABC.

2232 February 11, 1997

Good Stuff (TV arts show: ITV/Carlton). Hosted by Davina McCall and
Rowland Rivron. Guests: Cliff Richard, Michael Palin, promoting Fierce
Creatures, and Paco Pena.

2233 February 14, 1997

Fierce Creatures opens in the U.K.

2234 February 21, 1997

TFI Friday (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Chris Evans. Guests
include Michael Palin and John Lenahan.

2235 February 27, 1997

A Party Political Broadcast: Liberal Democrat Party (TV:

BBC1/BBC2/ITV) Five-minute party political broadcast presented by John
Cleese on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

2236 February 28, 1997

City councilors in Swansea, England, vote to lift a 17-year ban on local

showings of Monty Python’s controversial comedy Life of Brian. The film
was refused a license by the city council in 1980.

2237 Spring 1997

The Inferno of Dante (Audiobook: Audio Literature). John Cleese reads

Robert Pinsky’s translation (1995) of the 14th-century epic poem by Dante
Alighieri. A three-hour recording released on two cassettes.

2238 March 1997

Arista re-masters and re-releases (in the U.S.) the Python albums Matching
Tie and Handkerchief (1973), Holy Grail (1975), Live at City Center
(1976), and Contractual Obligation Album (1980) on CD as part of their
“Arista Masters” series.

2239 March 5, 1997

The 2nd Annual Empire Awards (Award ceremony). The Pythons are
honored at this award show hosted by Empire magazine and held at the
Park Lane Hotel in London. First, Terry Gilliam receives the Best Director
award for 12 Monkeys. Later, Elton John presents Monty Python with The
Empire Inspirational Award. Accepting in person are Gilliam, Terry Jones,
and Michael Palin, with John Cleese and Eric Idle appearing via satellite
from Los Angeles.

2240 March 25, 1997

John Cleese becomes a grandfather for the first time when his daughter
Cynthia gives birth to a son, Evan Daniel. The father is screenwriter Ed
Solomon (Men in Black).

2241 March 26, 1997

Terry Gilliam attends the London premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s new film
version of Romeo and Juliet at the Curzon Cinema in Mayfair.

2242 April 1997

Michael Palin launches an appeal to raise money for the Children’s

Hospital in his home town of Sheffield, England. The launch takes place at
Whirlow Hall Farm.

2243 April 16, 1997

John Cleese lends his support to the campaign of Liberal Democrat Paddy
Ashdown by joining him at Church House in Westminster for a live “phone
link” with members of the electorate. He asks one caller, a Mr. Brin
Dimmot, “Is your name an anagram?”

2244 April 16, 1997

Heroes of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “Les Dawson.” British

comedian Les Dawson (1931–1993) is profiled. Includes interviews with
John Cleese, Dave Allen, Barry Cryer, and others. Directed by Tom
Atkinson. Produced by John Fisher.

2245 April 22, 1997

John Cleese visits Skansen Zoo in Stockholm, Sweden, where he is

promoting Fierce Creatures.

2246 April 24, 1997

Sen kväll med Luuk (TV talk show: TV4, in Sweden). Late-night talk show
hosted by Kristian Luuk. Guest: John Cleese, promoting Fierce Creatures.

2247 April 25, 1997

Lo + plus (TV talk show: Canal Plus, in Spain). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting Fierce Creatures.

2248 April 29, 1997

The British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin
presents the BAFTA for Best Comedy Series to Only Fools and Horses, at
the Royal Albert Hall in London.

2249 May 1997

The five surviving Pythons meet in London to discuss the possibility of

making another movie together. Although the meeting—organized by Eric
Idle—is an enjoyable reunion, nothing is decided concerning future group
projects.

2250 May 7, 1997

Heroes of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “The Goons.” The influential
British comedy group (Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe &
Michael Bentine) are profiled. Interviewees include John Cleese, Michael
Palin, Eric Sykes, Eddie Izzard, and others. Produced by John Fisher.

2251 May 10, 1997

Pirates (Short film) premieres at Sea World of Ohio. 3-D comedy adventure
written by and co-starring Eric Idle (who plays first mate, Pierre). The
expensive 17-minute film, aka Pirates 4D, premieres at Sea World’s new 4-
D Theater. Also starring Leslie Nielsen (as Capt. Lucky) and Adam Wylie.
Directed by Keith Melton.

2252 May 12, 1997

Ruby (TV talk show: BBC2). Host Ruby Wax discusses European comedy
with Terry Jones, Eddie Izzard, Raoul Heertje, Babben Larsson, and Leo
Bassi.

2253 May 22, 1997

John Cleese (and his wife) and Michael Palin attend the annual dinner of
the Royal Academy of Arts at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.

2254 May 30, 1997

Richard and Judy Exclusive (TV talk show: ITV/Granada). Hosted by
Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guests: Michael Palin, Rory
Bremner, Miriam Margolyes, and Robbie Coltrane.

2255 June 1997

The five surviving Pythons reunite for a meeting at the Cliveden Hotel in
Berkshire, England to discuss plans for a project together, possibly a stage
show.

2256 June 7, 1997

The Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Michael Palin:

Sheffield,” by Sue Fox, p. 66. Palin reminisces about his home town.

2257 June 10, 1997

John Cleese and his wife attend a lecture by Dr. Robert Buckman at the
Royal Society of Medicine in London. Cleese and Buckman are
collaborators on the “Videos for Patients” series What You Really Need to
Know About...

2258 June 15, 1997

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Relative Values,”

by Sue Fox, pp. 9–12. Interviews with Michael Palin and his son, Tom, a
music producer and writer. Photograph of father and son by Tim
O’Sullivan.

2259 June 22, 1997

Parkinson’s Sunday Supplement (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Hosted by

Michael Parkinson. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Full Circle.

2260 July 9, 1997

Eric Idle attends the world premiere of George of the Jungle, featuring the
voice of John Cleese, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
2261 July 16, 1997

George of the Jungle (Feature film: Buena Vista Pictures) opens in the U.S.
Comedy based on the 1960s TV cartoon and starring Brendan Fraser in the
title role. John Cleese voices Ape, George’s animatronic ape pal. Cleese
reprises the role in the direct-to-video sequel George of the Jungle 2 (2003).
Also starring Leslie Mann and Thomas Haden Church. Written by Dana
Olsen and Audrey Wells. Directed by Sam Weisman.

2262 July 23, 1997

Talking Tate (TV episode: BBC2). “Michael Palin: Totes Meer.” Series of
90-second programs in which art enthusiasts discuss their favorite paintings
at the Tate Gallery in London. In this episode Michael Palin discusses Paul
Nash’s “Totes Meer” (1940–41).

2263 August 1997

The Pythons announce that they are planning a reunion, although the date
and format are uncertain.

2264 August 1997

Full Circle (Book: BBC Books), written by Michael Palin with

photographs by Basil Pao, is published in the U.K. Palin’s journey around
the Pacific Rim is chronicled in this companion book to the BBC TV series.

2265 August 1997

J. R. R. Tolkien: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Audiobook:

HarperCollins). Terry Jones reads J. R. R. Tolkien’s translation of the 14th-
century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” On two cassettes.
Reissued (with “Pearl” and “Sir Orfeo”) in 2006.

2266 August 1997

J. R. R. Tolkien: Pearl and Sir Orfeo (Audiobook: HarperCollins). Terry

Jones reads J. R. R. Tolkien’s translations of the 14th-century poems
“Pearl” and “Sir Orfeo.” On two cassettes. Reissued (with “Sir Gawain”) in
2006.

2267 August 3–October 1997

The big-screen adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in

Las Vegas, directed by Terry Gilliam, is filmed over two months (on a
budget of $18.5 million), mainly in Las Vegas. Locations include the
Stardust Hotel & Casino. Gilliam was brought in after the original director
and screenwriter, Alex Cox, dropped out of the project in April over artistic
differences with producers.

2268 August 10, 1997

The Bookworm (TV show: BBC1). Literary magazine program hosted by

Griff Rhys Jones. Michael Palin discusses his favorite children’s book.

2269 August 24, 1997

The Nation’s Favourite Children’s Book (TV show: BBC1). “Michael

Palin: Tales of Arabian Nights.” Palin discusses his favorite children’s
book, Tales from the Arabian Nights.

2270 August 30, 1997

The Times: The Directory (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Been There, Done

That, Got It on Film,” by Jason Cowley, p. 9. Interview with Michael Palin
about his travel programs, including the new Full Circle.

2271 August 30, 1997

Loose Ends (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Host Ned Sherrin talks to
Michael Palin about his new book & series Full Circle.

2272 August 31–November 9, 1997

The ten-part travel series Full Circle with Michael Palin airs on BBC1
(except for the first episode, which airs on BBC2). In the series, which was
filmed over ten months (a 245-day shoot), Michael Palin circumnavigates
the Pacific Rim—beginning and ending on Little Diomede Island in the
Bering Strait—visiting 18 countries along the way. Palin’s third travel
series, following Around the World in 80 Days (1989) and Pole to Pole
(1992). The series airs in the U.S. Sept. 15–November 1997 on PBS. Series
producer: Clem Vallance.

Awards: Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) awards for BBC
Programme of the Year and BBC Personality of the Year (Palin); National
Television Award for Most Popular Documentary.

Review: Matthew Bond (The Times [London], Sept. 1, 1997, p. 55): “...a
real treat, a skillful blend of the spontaneous and what the suspicious among
us might believe was the artfully contrived.”

2273 August 31, 1997

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Python with No Venom; Profile;

Michael Palin.” Hester Lacey interviews Palin about the success of his
travel series (his latest is Full Circle), also Python, politics, his father, etc.

2274 August 31, 1997

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Profile: In Search of the

Python’s Tale,” by Jonathan Margolis, pp. 8–9. Article on Michael Palin by
writer Margolis, whose unauthorized biography of Palin will be published
in November.

2275 August 31, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC2). “Alaska and Russia.”
In this first episode of his ten-part travel series, Michael Palin sets off on
his journey (in August 1995) from the island of Little Diomede in the
Bering Strait. His first stops include Kodiak Island and a former Soviet
gulag camp. He also learns a Russian folk song and performs it with the
Russian Pacific Fleet Choir. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

2276 September 1997

Dad’s Army: A Celebration (Book: Virgin Books), written by Richard
Webber with a foreword by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K.
Thirtieth-anniversary tribute to the classic BBC sitcom Dad’s Army (1968–
77).

2277 September 2, 1997

The Jack Docherty Show (TV talk show: Channel 5). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Full Circle, Edwyn Collins, and Amanda Donohoe.

2278 September 3, 1997

This Morning (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program hosted by

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Full
Circle.

2279 September 7, 1997

The People (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘She Thought We All Wore Suits of

Armour in London!’ I’ll Never Forget...My First Penfriend,” by Michael
Palin (told to John Earls). The story of how Palin began a correspondence
with a 14-year-old Japanese girl named Mayumi in 1975 and how she
became his Tokyo guide during his Full Circle journey (in the second
episode, airing Sept. 14).

2280 September 10, 1997

The Daily Show (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Hosted by Craig Kilborn.
Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Full Circle. He also answers “5
Questions.”

2281 September 11, 1997

Charlie Rose (TV talk show: PBS). Guest Michael Palin talks about Full
Circle, Python, and John Cleese.

2282 September 11, 1997

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Full Circle, and Cyndi Lauper.

2283 September 14, 1997

This Week’s Good Cause (Radio appeal: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin
appeals on behalf of the World University Service.

2284 September 14, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Japan and Korea.”
Michael Palin visits Sado Island, home of the famous Kodo Drummers,
and Tokyo, where he meets for the first time his Japanese pen pal, Mayumi
Nobetsu. After Japan he visits Seoul and the North Korean border. Second
episode in the ten-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Produced & directed by Clem Vallance.

2285 September 15, 1997

Full Circle begins airing in the U.S. on PBS.

2286 September 16, 1997

Actor Brian Hall, who played Terry the cook in the second series (1979) of
Fawlty Towers, dies of cancer at the age of 59.

2287 September 18, 1997

Michael Palin talks about his journey around the Pacific Rim in Full Circle
at a forum at Westminster Hall in London. The event is sponsored by The
Times and Dillons bookshops.

2288 September 21, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “China.” In China,
Michael Palin climbs Taishan Mountain, ballroom-dances on the streets of
Shanghai, and travels on a steamer down the Yangtse River. Third episode
in the ten-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced
& directed by Clem Vallance.
2289 September 21, 1997

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “The Film of Reeves & Mortimer.”

Documentary profiling the British comedy team of Vic Reeves and Bob
Mortimer. Terry Jones is among the interviewees. Narrated by Sting.
Directed by Kevin Hewitt. Produced by Paul Morley.

2290 September 28, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Vietnam and the
Philippines.” In Vietnam, Michael Palin visits the Forbidden Purple City
(in Hue) and the Marble Mountains (south of Da Nang). In the Philippines,
he visits the cloud-covered Rice Terraces of Banaue, assists a surgeon
performing “psychic surgery,” and judges a beauty contest. Fourth episode
in the ten-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced
& directed by Roger Mills.

2291 September 29, 1997

The Traveller’s Handbook (Book: Wexas), edited by Miranda Haines, is

published in the U.K. Seventh edition of the travel guide, with a foreword
by Michael Palin.

2292 October 1997

Michael Palin speaks at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature (Oct. 10–19)

in Cheltenham, England.

2293 October 1997

John Cleese is among 18 celebrities appearing in British cinema ads

nominating their favorite teachers. The ads are part of a campaign for good
teachers launched by The Teacher Training Agency. Other celebs
participating include Prime Minister Tony Blair, Joanna Lumley, and
Stephen Hawking.

2294 October 1, 1997

The Knight and the Squire (Book: Pavilion), written by Terry Jones with
illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K. Children’s story
set in 14th-century England about a young boy named Tom who runs away
in search of adventure. Paperback edition published by Puffin (1999).
Followed by The Lady and the Squire (2000).

2295 October 2, 1997

An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (Feature film) premieres at

the Mill Valley Film Festival in Cal. Eric Idle plays film director Alan
Smithee (a famous screen pseudonym) in this satire of Hollywood movie-
making. Also starring Ryan O’Neal, Sylvester Stallone, and Whoopi
Goldberg. Written by Joe Eszterhas. Directed by Alan Smithee (pseudonym
for Arthur Hiller, who removed his name from the credits). The film opens
in selected U.S. theaters on Feb. 27, 1998 (Buena Vista Pictures).

Awards: Razzie Award for Worst Film of 1998 (and four other Razzies).

2296 October 2, 1997

Clive Anderson All Talk (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Michael Palin and
Gary Barlow. Palin talks about Full Circle and the possibility of a Python
reunion.

2297 October 4, 1997

Wannabe (TV show: ITV/LWT). Terry Jones is a guest on this career

advice program.

2298 October 5, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Borneo and Java.” In
the Borneo jungle Michael Palin visits the communal longhouse of the
Iban tribe. His stay on the island of Java includes a visit to a tea plantation
and the Buddhist temple of Borobudur, and a climb up Mount Bromo (an
active volcano). Fifth episode in the ten-part travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Clem Vallance.
2299 October 10, 1997

Blue Peter (TV children’s show: BBC1). Stuart Miles talks to Michael
Palin about his series Full Circle. Palin also assists Katy Hill in building a
model Jeepney.

2300 October 12, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Australia and New
Zealand.” In Australia Michael Palin visits a crocodile farm (in Katherine),
participates in a camel muster (King’s Creek), and films a cameo role in the
soap Home and Away (Sydney). In New Zealand he flies over the Tasman
glacier, goes jet-boating (Queenstown), and joins Selwyn College’s
freshman run (Dunedin). Sixth episode in the ten-part travel series. Written
& narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

2301 October 19, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Chile and Bolivia.”
From his landing on Cape Horn (southernmost point of the Americas),
Michael Palin heads north to Chiloe, Santiago (capital of Chile), the Juan
Fernandez Islands, the Chuquicamata copper mine, and then crosses the
Andes by train (which derails) to La Paz in Bolivia. Seventh episode in the
ten-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced &
directed by Roger Mills.

2302 October 21, 1997

The Jack Docherty Show (TV talk show: Channel 5). Guests include Terry
Jones and Nick Hancock.

2303 October 24, 1997

Good Morning America (TV news-talk show: ABC). Guest Michael Palin,
promoting Full Circle, is interviewed by Lisa McRee and participates in a
cooking segment with Graham Kerr.

2304 October 26, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Bolivia and Peru.”
Michael Palin observes reed boat makers on the Bolivian shores of Lake
Titicaca. After crossing into Peru he travels north by train to Cuzco (capital
of the Inca Empire) and Machu Picchu (lost city of the Incas), then takes a
boat up the Urubamba River. Eighth episode in the ten-part travel series.
Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Clem
Vallance.

2305 October 28, 1997

The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder (TV talk show: CBS). Guests:
Michael Palin and Art Garfunkel. Palin, promoting Full Circle, discusses
preparations for the journey, strange foods & drinks, psychic surgery, etc.
He also takes questions from callers.

2306 October 31, 1997

Terry Jones’ The Wind in the Willows, originally released in Britain in

October 1996, is given a limited U.S. theatrical release (Columbia) in New
York City and Los Angeles. Columbia Pictures won U.S. distribution rights
to the film in a lawsuit settlement with Disney (although Disney retained
the video rights). The film is released on video (as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride) by
Disney in December 1998.

2307 November 1997

Graham Crackers: Fuzzy Memories, Silly Bits and Outright Lies (Book:
Career Press), edited by Jim Yoakum, is published. Collection of comedy
and autobiographical material written (or co-written) by the late Graham
Chapman, compiled by Chapman’s friend, Jim Yoakum. Includes a
foreword by John Cleese, a backward by Eric Idle, and a sideways by
Terry Jones.

2308 November 2, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Peru and Colombia.”
From the village of Sepahua Michael Palin takes a plane to Iquitos (capital
of the Peruvian jungle), then a riverboat down the Amazon. In Colombia
Palin is given a tour of the violent streets of Bogota and visits the Cosquez
emerald mine. Ninth episode in the ten-part travel series. Written & narrated
by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Clem Vallance.

2309 November 2, 1997

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Books: On Top of the

World,” by Iain Johnstone, pp. 1–2 (sect. 8). Johnstone reviews Jonathan
Margolis’ unauthorized biography of Michael Palin and remembers
working with Palin on Fierce Creatures (which Johnstone co-wrote with
John Cleese).

2310 November 5, 1997

Ex-S (TV episode: BBC1 Scotland). “Palin on Redpath.” Michael Palin’s

quest to find out more about his favorite artist, Scottish painter Anne
Redpath (1895–1965), takes him to Edinburgh, London, and the South of
France. Airs nationally Dec. 15 on BBC2. Written by Michael Palin.
Directed by Eleanor Yule. Produced by Richard Downes.

2311 November 6, 1997

Lateline (TV show: ABC, in Australia). “Travellers’ Tales.” Reporter

Jonathan Holmes talks to two famous travelers—Michael Palin and
Redmond O’Hanlon—in this Australian program hosted by Jennifer Byrne.
Directed by Janet Collins. Produced by Brett Evans and Janet Carr.

2312 November 9, 1997

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Mexico, Western
USA, Canada and Alaska.” Michael Palin observes the Mexican–U.S.
border from both sides of the fence, visits Alcatraz prison and the Castro
District in San Francisco, and participates in the logging games in
Squamish, B.C. Palin closes the circle on the 245th day of his journey on a
Coast Guard ship just off the coast of Diomede. Tenth episode in the ten-
part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced &
directed by Roger Mills.
2313 November 18, 1997

Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (TV discussion show: ABC).

Panelists: Terry Jones (promoting Starship Titanic), Laura Ingraham,
Alicia Witt, and Jason Alexander. Topics include the jury system, dyslexia,
and the use of “F” for Fail in grading.

2314 November 20, 1997

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: Terry Jones,
promoting Starship Titanic. He also talks about voicing the parrot in the
Starship computer game.

2315 November 30, 1997

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Michael Palin

talks about his efforts to help raise money for the Sheffield Children’s
Hospital.

2316 November 1997

Douglas Adams’s Starship Titanic (Book: Harmony Books), written by

Terry Jones, is published. Comic sci-fi adventure novel, based on the
computer game conceived by Douglas Adams, about three Earthlings
trapped aboard a luxurious alien spacecraft. Jones also provides the voice
of the parrot in the game version. The audio version, read by Jones, is
released by Simon & Schuster Audio. The computer game will be released
next spring.

2317 December 1997

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (CD-ROM: Panasonic Interactive

Media). Monty Python’s third CD-ROM, a two-CD comedy-strategy
adventure game advertised as “The First Game Devised Exclusively for the
Betterment of Humanity,” is based on their 1983 film and contains new
material from all of the surviving Pythons with Terry Gilliam supervising.
The game is divided into three acts which the player must navigate in order
to discover the meaning of life. Games include “You Don’t Know John”
(quiz) and “Live Organ Transplants.” Developed by 7th Level, makers of
the first two Python CD-ROMs, Monty Python’s Complete Waste of Time
(1994) and Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail (1996). Produced
by David Feldstein. Executive produced by Terry Gilliam and Bob Ezrin.

2318 December 1, 1997

Masters of Fantasy (TV episode: Sci-Fi Channel). “Douglas Adams.” Half-

hour profile of author Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,
Starship Titanic). Interviewees include Terry Jones and Joseph Stefano.

2319 December 7, 1997

Point of View (Radio show: WNUA-FM 95.5, Chicago). Charlie Meyerson

interviews Terry Jones and Douglas Adams, who discuss their book & CD-
ROM game Starship Titanic and agree that Chaucer was funnier than
Shakespeare.

2320 December 17, 1997

Monty Python’s Life of Brian: The Criterion Collection (Laserdisc:

Criterion Collection 353). Laserdisc release of the 1979 biblical comedy
with special features including two commentary tracks—one by Terry
Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones, one by John Cleese and Michael
Palin—the original theatrical trailer, five rare deleted scenes—“Shepherds”
(shepherds discussing their love of sheep), “Pilate’s Wife,” “Otto” (suicide
squad leader), “The Sign That Is the Sign,” and “Souvenir Salesman”—with
commentary, four British radio ads, and the 1979 documentary The
Pythons. Released on DVD in November 1999.

2321 1997

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Divine Intervention (Training film:

Video Arts). Manager Richard Lewis returns to heaven for a performance
appraisal from St. Peter. Remake. Starring John Cleese (as St. Peter), Nigel
Lindsay, Beatie Edney, and Ann Bryson. Written by Tony Grounds.
Directed by Simon Langton.
2322 1997

Who Sold You This Then? (Training film: Video Arts). John Cleese narrates
this remake of Video Arts’ first business-training film, in which Cleese
starred in 1972. Starring Hugh Laurie, Hugh Bonneville, Tim McInnerny,
Patsy Byrne, and Alphonsia Emmanuel. Written & directed by Sean Hardie.

2323 1997

Telephone Behaviour: The Rules of Effective Communication (Training

film: Video Arts). How to improve bad telephone technique. Remake of the
1986 film. Starring John Cleese, Rebecca Front, Hugh Bonneville, Lolita
Chakrabarti, and Chris Langham. Written by Chris Langham. Directed by
Robert Knights.

2324 1997

The Directors: The Films of Terry Gilliam (Documentary). Hour-long doc,

part of a series of filmmaker profiles sponsored by the American Film
Institute, featuring an interview with Terry Gilliam, interspersed with clips
from his films and comments from Shelley Duvall, Brad Pitt, Amanda
Plummer, David Warner, Madeleine Stowe, and Mercedes Ruehl. Produced,
written & directed by Robert J. Emery. Released on video in 2000. Later
included in the 2004 special edition DVD release of Gilliam’s Time
Bandits.

2325 1997

Reflections on Success (Book: Lennard), written by Martyn Lewis, is

published. Michael Palin is one of 67 celebrities interviewed by BBC
newsman Lewis on the subject of success.

2326 1997

Graham Chapman: A Six Pack of Lies (CD: Verbatim/Magnum Music

CDVB 001). Recording of one of Graham Chapman’s comedy lectures
made during his U.S. tour in the spring of 1988. Recorded live on Apr. 25,
1988, at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta.
2327 1997

47 Years in Tibet (Documentary). John Cleese narrates this short

documentary on China’s occupation of Tibet. Produced & directed by
Camilo Gallardo.

2328 January 16, 1998

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Michael Palin, Stephen Tomkinson, and Elton John. Palin talks about The
Goons, Python humor, his Yorkshire roots, and losing his temper.

2329 January 19, 1998

Heroes of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “Peter Cook.” A profile of

comedy great Peter Cook with contributions from Michael Palin, John
Cleese, Eric Idle, Lin Cook (his widow), Jonathan Miller, Stephen Fry,
Eleanor Bron, and others. Written & Produced by John Fisher. Directed by
Tom Atkinson.

2330 February 4–June 4, 1998

Devious Devices (Exhibition). Exhibition of automata at the Croydon

Clocktower (in Croydon, South London) featuring 18 pieces (by 18 artists)
based on objects chosen by Terry Gilliam to symbolize the 20th century.
The exhibition will go on tour to Wolverhampton, Manchester,
Birmingham, and other towns.

2331 February 7, 1998

An Awfully Big Adventure (TV episode: BBC2). “Kenneth Grahame.”

Profile of Kenneth Grahame, author of the 1908 classic The Wind in the
Willows. Includes interviews with Terry Jones, Alan Bennett, Griff Rhys
Jones, Diana Quick, and others. Second of six documentaries on children’s
literature. Produced & directed by Sarah Aspinall. Note: Jones directed a
film version of Wind in the Willows, released in 1996.

2332 February 21, 1998

Pinky and the Brain (TV episode: WB). “The Family That Poits Together,
Narfs Together.” Eric Idle voices Pinky’s Mom & Dad in this episode of
the 1995–98 animated series. Directed by Russell Calabrese.

2333 February 22, 1998

The 12th Annual American Comedy Awards (Award ceremony). John

Cleese presents Frank Oz with the Creative Achievement Award and also
narrates a six-minute video package covering Oz’s TV and film career.
Executive producer: George Schlatter. Airs Mar. 17 on Fox.

2334 February 23, 1998

Eric Idle and his wife attend the premiere of An Alan Smithee Film: Burn
Hollywood Burn, in which he stars, at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood,
CA.

2335 Spring 1998

Michael Palin films scenes for the Tom Hanks–Meg Ryan romantic
comedy You’ve Got Mail in New York City. Palin plays a writer friend of
Ryan’s character. Director Nora Ephron is later forced to cut certain scenes
to shorten the film’s length, relegating Palin’s entire performance to the
cutting-room floor. The film (minus Palin) premieres in December.

2336 March 4, 1998

Time Bandits: The Criterion Collection (Laserdisc: Criterion Collection

354). Laserdisc release of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy-comedy. Special
features: audio commentaries (recorded separately) by Gilliam, Michael
Palin, John Cleese, David Warner, and Craig Warnock and a Time Bandits
Scrapbook. Released on DVD in March 1999 (Criterion No. 37). A two-disc
“Special Edition” DVD (Anchor Bay) is released in January 2004.

2337 March 5, 1998

John Cleese appears at a screening of the Fawlty Towers episodes “The

Psychiatrist” and “The Kipper and the Corpse” at the Directors Guild of
America Theatre Complex as part of the Museum of Television & Radio’s
15th Annual William S. Paley Television Festival. Cleese talks about the
episodes and the creation of the series with moderator (and Museum
director) Steven A. Bell and takes questions from the audience.

2338 March 5, 1998

Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (TV talk show: ABC). Panelists: Eric
Idle, Dennis Miller, Ariana Huffington, and Jeff Greenfield. Taped at the
Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado. Terry Jones appeared in a
November 1997 episode.

2339 March 6, 1998

Dennis Miller Live (TV talk show: HBO). “Greed.” Guest John Cleese
talks about tycoons, greed in America vs. England, Python fans, etc. Taped
at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado.

2340 March 7, 1998

U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Tribute to Monty Python (Event). The five
surviving members of Monty Python—John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric
Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin—and the late Graham Chapman
(in an urn) reunite on stage at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado
as part of the annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival (Mar. 4–8). Host Robert
Klein asks them about the origins of the group’s name, censorship on the
TV series, Python writing sessions, sketches (“Pet Shop”), the films, stage
shows, etc. The biggest laugh of the night comes when Gilliam
“accidentally” knocks over Chapman’s urn, spilling his ashes all over the
stage. During the show the Python team is presented the Star Award by the
American Film Institute and for the finale Idle leads the audience in singing
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” The interview airs as a one-hour
special on Mar. 21 on HBO. After the event there is talk among the Pythons
about the possibility of doing a stage show to celebrate the group’s
upcoming 30th anniversary, but after several months of planning Michael
Palin backs out. There is also talk of making another movie, possibly a
follow-up to Holy Grail that would have the knights taking part in the
Crusades. But this too fails to materialize.
2341 March 9, 1998

The Pythons take legal action against Paragon Entertainment Corporation, a

Toronto-based company that owns the distribution rights for Life of Brian
and other films previously owned by HandMade Films. The group claims
that Paragon allowed cuts to be made to Brian without their permission,
violated their right to oversee sales and editing, and licensed the film at a
rate below the film’s worth. The Pythons are also suing Britain’s Channel 4
for broadcasting the film under their licensing deal with Paragon after the
company’s right to distribute the film had been terminated. Paragon bought
HandMade Films (founded in 1978 by George Harrison) in 1994.

2342 March 9, 1998

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Python Comeback Rises from the

Ashes,” by Giles Whittell, p. 3. Article on the Pythons’ reunion in Aspen
and the possibility of a 30th-anniversary stage tour in 1999.

2343 March 10, 1998

The Television and Radio Industries Club Awards (Award ceremony).

Michael Palin receives two awards—for BBC Programme of the Year (Full
Circle) and BBC Personality of the Year—from the Television and Radio
Industries Club (TRIC) in a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in
London. The second award is presented to Palin by Baroness Margaret
Thatcher.

2344 March 12, 1998

Michael Palin takes the witness stand in the High Court in London to speak
on behalf of the other Pythons in the Python (Monty) Pictures v. Paragon
Entertainment Corp. case.

2345 March 21, 1998

U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Tribute to Monty Python (TV special: HBO).
Hour-long special from the Mar. 7 event in which host Robert Klein
interviews the five surviving Python members on stage at the U.S. Comedy
Arts Festival in Aspen, CO. Written by Peter Crabbe. Directed by Paul
Miller.

2346 March 23, 1998

Eric Idle attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s Restaurant in
West Hollywood, CA.

2347 March 23, 1998

U.S. News & World Report (Magazine/U.S.). “Off to the Flying Circus:
Comedy’s New Stars Silly-Walk in the Footsteps of Monty Python,” by
Anna Mulrine, p. 64. Article about Python’s influence on younger
comedians and TV writers.

2348 March 25, 1998

Travel Addiction: Is There a Cure? (Lecture). Michael Palin speaks at a

Library Evening at the Travellers Club in London.

2349 Late March 1998

WTTW Channel 11 (TV promos). John Cleese stars in a series of humorous

spots for the PBS station in Chicago promoting an upcoming Monty
Python’s Flying Circus marathon. WTTW was the second PBS station to
pick up the show (after Dallas’ KERA) in October 1974.

2350 April 1998

John Cleese spends three weeks in Madagascar, off the coast of Africa, for
an upcoming documentary on lemurs.

2351 April 1998

Terry Jones films his cameo role (as God) in Albert Dupontel’s French
comedy Le Créateur in Paris. The film is released in June 1999.

2352 April 2, 1998

Starship Titanic (CD-ROM: Simon & Schuster Interactive) is released.
Computer game created by best-selling author Douglas Adams
(Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), the first project produced by The
Digital Village, the company Adams founded in 1996 with Richard Creasey
and Robbie Stamp. The sci-fi adventure includes the voices of Terry Jones
(Parrot) and John Cleese (Bomb). Jones also wrote the novelization,
Douglas Adams’s Starship Titanic, which was published in the fall of 1997.

2353 April 10, 1998

Coast to Coast (TV episode: BBC2). “A Beast, a Present and a One-Legged

Man.” Host Janet Street-Porter meets Terry Jones in Wales during her
coast to coast walk across Britain. Sixth episode of a seven-part
documentary series. Directed by John Bush.

2354 April 18–19, 1998

Britain’s Paramount Comedy Channel presents a “Monty Python Weekend,”

two nights of all–Python programming.

2355 April 18, 1998

Spike Milligan: A Loose Cannon (TV special: BBC2). Career retrospective

of British comedy great Spike Milligan. Part of BBC2’s “Spike Night,”
celebrating the comedian’s 80th birthday. Narrated by Haydn Gwynne.
Interviewees include John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Harry
Secombe, Billy Connolly, and others. Produced & directed by Dagmar
Charlton.

2356 April 19, 1998

David Mellor (Radio show: Classic FM). Guest: Michael Palin.

2357 April 26, 1998

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “How We Met: Douglas Adams and

Terry Jones,” by Maggie O’farrell. Interview with the Starship Titanic
collaborators.
2358 April 28, 1998

3rd Rock from the Sun (TV episode: NBC). “Just Your Average Dick.” A
new professor arrives at Pendelton State University. John Cleese guest-
stars in this third-season episode, making the first of his four appearances as
Dr. Liam Neesam. Starring John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French
Stewart, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jane Curtin. Written by Michael
Glouberman and Andrew Orenstein. Directed by Terry Hughes.

2359 April 29, 1998

3rd Rock from the Sun (TV episode: NBC). “Dick and the Other Guy.”
John Cleese’s second appearance as Dr. Liam Neesam. Cleese will reprise
the role for two 2001 episodes (May 8 & 15). Starring John Lithgow,
Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jane Curtin.
Written by Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner. Directed by Terry Hughes.

Awards: Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

(Cleese).

2360 May 1998

The Writers Guild of America rules that screenwriter credit for Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas will be given to Terry Gilliam, Tony Grisoni, Alex
Cox, and Tod Davies. Gilliam had objected to an earlier ruling by the WGA
giving sole screenwriter credit to Cox (the film’s original director) and
Davies, even though the screenplay had been rewritten by Gilliam and
Grisoni. As a result of that ruling Gilliam resigned from the Guild.

2361 May 1998

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: NOT the Screenplay (Book: Applause
Books), written by Terry Gilliam and Tony Grisoni, is published.
Screenplay of the 1998 Terry Gilliam film adapted from the novel by
Hunter S. Thompson, illustrated with Gilliam’s storyboards. The subtitle
pokes fun at The Writers Guild of America’s initial decision to credit the
film’s screenplay solely to Alex Cox and Tod Davies, whose earlier
adaptation (to be directed by Cox) had been completely rewritten by
Gilliam and Grisoni.

2362 May 1998

Michael Palin’s 1995 novel Hemingway’s Chair is published in the U.S. by

Thomas Dunne Books.

2363 May 1998

American Cinematographer (Magazine/U.S.). “Unholy Grail,” by Stephen

Pizzello, pp. 42–47. Interview with Terry Gilliam on his career and new
film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The issue also includes an article
(“Gonzo Filmmaking,” pp. 30–34+) on the film’s cinematographer, Nicola
Pecorini.

2364 May 1998

Monty Python Encyclopedia (Book: Batsford), written by Robert Ross, is

published in the U.K. Guide to the Python team’s work in television, film,
books, etc.

2365 May 3, 1998

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “On Filming a Gonzo Vision: A

Gonzo Dialogue.” Artist Ralph Steadman talks with his friend Terry
Gilliam about Fear and Loathing. The conversation took place Apr. 5 at
Steadman’s home in England.

2366 May 3, 1998

Terry Gilliam attends the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction
Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center. Gilliam screens the
trailer of his new film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and answers
questions from the audience.

2367 May 11, 1998

Charlie Rose (TV talk show: PBS). Guests: Terry Gilliam and Johnny
Depp, who discuss their new film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

2368 May 15, 1998

Terry Gilliam’s new film, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, premieres at
the 51st Cannes Film Festival (May 13–24) in France. Gilliam also takes
part in a press conference with star Johnny Depp.

2369 May 15, 1998

Quest for Camelot (Feature film: Warner Bros.) opens in the U.S. Animated
musical-adventure based on the Arthurian legend. Eric Idle voices Devon,
one-half of a two-headed dragon (the other half is voiced by Don Rickles).
Idle and Rickles sing “If I Didn’t Have You,” written by Carole Bayer
Sager and David Foster. Other voices by Pierce Brosnan, Gabriel Byrne,
Cary Elwes, Gary Oldman, Jane Seymour, and Sir John Gielgud. Written by
Kirk DeMicco, William Schifrin, Jacqueline Feather, and David Seidler.
Directed by Frederik Du Chau.

2370 May 18, 1998

Kiss Me Kate (TV episode: BBC1). “Calendar.” John Cleese appears

briefly as himself in this first-series episode of the 1998–2000 British
sitcom starring Caroline Quentin, Chris Langham, and Amanda Holden.
Written by Chris Langham and John Morton. Directed by John Stroud.
Produced by Nick Symons.

2371 May 19, 1998

Terry Gilliam attends the New York premiere of his film Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas.

2372 May 20, 1998

Terry Gilliam signs copies of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: NOT the
Screenplay at the Barnes & Noble in Lincoln Center, New York City. After
the signing Gilliam burns his Writers Guild of America card in protest over
the WGA’s initial decision to deny him (and co-author Tony Grisoni)
screenplay credit.

2373 May 21, 1998

The Pythons win back the distribution rights to their 1979 film Life of Brian
in a High Court judgment against Canadian distributor Paragon
Entertainment Corp. Python sued Paragon for not putting restrictions in
their licensing agreements that would prevent broadcasters from cutting or
editing the film. Justice Donald Rattee rules that Paragon’s licensing deals
with a Russian broadcaster (in 1994) and Britain’s Channel 4 (in 1995)
were invalid and that Channel 4 had paid an “unreasonably low price” (just
$100,000) for the film. He also rules that Channel 4, for broadcasting the
film under their licensing deal with Paragon, had infringed Python’s
copyright.

2374 May 21, 1998

Lifeline (TV appeal: BBC1). “Sudan Appeal.” Michael Palin presents a 4-

minute appeal on behalf of those suffering in Sudan on account of civil war
and drought. Produced by Jill Dawson.

2375 May 21, 1998

The Best of Southwold (Book: The History Press/Sutton Publishing), edited

by John Miller with a foreword by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K.
Book celebrating the seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk, England.
Palin’s family used to holiday in Southwold in the 1950s. And it was there
that he met his future wife, Helen Gibbins, in 1959 (they married in 1966).

2376 May 22, 1998

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in
the U.S. Big-screen adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s classic 1971 novel
about a drug-addled journalist and his Samoan lawyer who have a series of
psychedelic adventures while on assignment in Las Vegas. Many attempts
to film the novel have been made over the past two decades, with several
high-profile directors (Oliver Stone, Alex Cox, et al.) attached, before
Terry Gilliam came on board. The director had shown interest in the
project in the early ’90s but was unavailable at the time. Starring Johnny
Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Ellen Barkin, Gary Busey, and
Christina Ricci. Written by Terry Gilliam, Tony Grisoni, Tod Davies, and
Alex Cox. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Laila Nabulsi, Patrick
Cassavetti, and Stephen Nemeth.

Reviews: Stephen Holden (The New York Times, May 22, 1998): “...the
closest sensory approximation of an acid trip ever achieved by a
mainstream movie and the latest example of Mr. Gilliam’s visual bravura”;
Geoff Brown (The Times [London], Nov. 12, 1998, p. 39): “...the cardinal
sin of Terry Gilliam’s film is to visually magnify Thompson’s excesses
without giving the audience any pause for thought, any guide through the
jungle or reason for persevering”; Tom Shone (The Sunday Times [London],
Nov. 15, 1998): “Compared with his baroque spirals of invention for the
Pythons, or indeed for his previous films, such as Time Bandits and Brazil,
Gilliam’s imaginings here cannot help but look a little ingrown and self-
circling.”

2377 May 24, 1998

Rolf’s Amazing World of Animals (TV episode: BBC1). In this first episode
of a six-part wildlife series, host Rolf Harris joins animal lover John Cleese
at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England (where Fierce Creatures was partly
filmed in 1995). Directed by Bill Morton. Produced by Dale Templar.

2378 May 25, 1998

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Profiles: War Games,” by Giles Smith.

Interview with Terry Gilliam conducted at the Four Seasons Hotel in
Beverly Hills.

2379 May 26, 1998

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Guest: Michael Palin, promoting his
book Hemingway’s Chair.

2380 May 26, 1998

Michael Palin takes part in an online chat on Yahoo! Chat, promoting
Hemingway’s Chair.

2381 May 29, 1998

The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder (TV talk show: CBS). Guest:
Michael Palin, promoting Hemingway’s Chair, also talks about being
presented the TRIC Award by Margaret Thatcher (in March), the Python
reunion in Aspen, losing his voice while performing with Python on stage in
NY, etc.

2382 June 1998

Sight & Sound (Magazine/U.K.). “Chemical Warfare,” by Bob McCabe, pp.

6–8. Interview with Terry Gilliam about Fear and Loathing.

2383 June 24, 1998

Funny Women (TV episode: BBC2). “Prunella Scales.” Profile of the

Fawlty Towers star. Interviewees include her Fawlty co-stars John Cleese
and Andrew Sachs. Produced by Louis Heaton.

2384 June 26–September 24, 1998

The Complete and Utter History of Monty Python’s Flying Circus

(Screenings) is presented by the Museum of Television and Radio in New
York and Los Angeles. The screenings are divided into 15 programs, each
consisting of Flying Circus episodes with pre- and post–Python clips.

2385 June 28, 1998

Fantasy World Cup (TV talk show: ITV/LWT). Hosted by Frank Skinner
and David Baddiel. Guests: Michael Palin and Caroline Aherne.

2386 July 1998

John Cleese is made an A.D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell

University in Ithaca, NY. The honorary post is named after the university’s
first president, Andrew Dickson White. Cleese will give a lecture about
once a year over the course of his six-year term, which is later extended to
2006.

2387 July 6, 1998

Fortune (Magazine/U.S.). “Test: Can You Laugh at His Advice?,” by Anne

Fisher, pp. 203–04. Interview with John Cleese on how laughter and
creativity are important in business.

2388 July 20, 1998

Terry Jones conducts a “coroner’s inquest” for the International Chaucer

Congress at the Sorbonne in Paris in an attempt to determine who murdered
14th-century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales). This
event leads to further research and eventually a book, Who Murdered
Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery, published in 2003.

2389 July 31, 1998

Twiggy’s People (TV talk show: ITV/Granada). Model-actress Twiggy talks

to her guest Eric Idle about his career, rumors of a Python reunion, the
group’s beginnings, etc. He also sings a few songs and introduces his
daughter Lily and dog Bagel (the Beagle). Fourth show of an eight-episode
series.

2390 August 23, 1998

Born to Be Wild: Operation Lemur with John Cleese (TV special: BBC1).
Documentary on the endangered primate, the lemur, and the efforts to save
them from extinction. Host John Cleese travels to the rainforests of
Madagascar to view the progress of five lemurs, born in captivity in
America, who had been released into the wild five months earlier (in
November 1997). The project was partly funded with proceeds from the
1997 London premiere of Fierce Creatures. Cleese also visits the Jersey
Zoo in the Channel Islands. Directed by Justine Kershaw. Produced by
Sarah Williams. Premieres in the U.S. as In the Wild: Lemurs with John
Cleese on Oct. 10, 1999, on PBS.
Awards: BAFTA-nominated for Best Photography (Factual) and Originality.

2391 August 25–26, 1998

Terry Gilliam attends the 52nd Edinburgh International Film Festival

(Aug. 16–30) in Scotland where he introduces the U.K. premiere of his film
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Aug. 25). He also participates in an
onstage Q&A with critic Mark Kermode (Aug. 26).

2392 August 25, 1998

Edinburgh Nights (TV episode: BBC2). Coverage of events at the

Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. Host Mark Lamarr interviews Terry
Gilliam about his film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which has its U.K.
premiere at the festival tonight. Episode four of an eight-part series.

2393 August 31, 1998–March 1999

Hercules (TV series: ABC/synd.). Eric Idle voices the role of Parenthesis, a
guidance counselor at the Prometheus Academy attended by the young
Hercules (voiced by Tate Donovan), in episodes of this Disney animated
series based on the 1997 feature film.

2394 Fall 1998

Sainsbury’s (“Value to Shout About”) (TV commercials). John Cleese

appears in the first of a series of British TV ads for Sainsbury’s
supermarket. The ads, in which Cleese shouts about the store’s low prices,
are voted the most irritating of the year in a poll and the campaign is
subsequently dropped. Cleese previously appeared in a Sainsbury
Christmas ad (in 1995). Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, London.

2395 September 1998

Terry Gilliam attends the 46th San Sebastian International Film Festival
(Sept. 17–26), in San Sebastian, Spain, where he is honored with a film
retrospective.

2396 September 3, 1998

A Party Political Broadcast: Liberal Democrat Party (TV:
BBC1/BBC2/ITV/Channel 4). John Cleese makes the case for proportional
representation in a new version of a political ad he made in 1985 (for the
Social Democratic Party).

2397 September 10, 1998

The Daily Show (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Hosted by Craig Kilborn.
Guest Terry Jones talks about Ancient Inventions and answers “5
Questions.”

2398 September 13, 1998

The three-part documentary series Ancient Inventions airs on the Discovery

Channel. Co-written & hosted by Terry Jones, the hour-long series looks at
inventions of the ancient world. Produced by David Souden and Amanda
Wilkie.

2399 September 13, 1998

Ancient Inventions (TV episode: Discovery Channel). “City Life.” A

revealing look at one of man’s oldest and greatest inventions—the city.
Host Terry Jones explores the ancient origins of skyscrapers, fire engines,
aqueducts, concrete, taxi meters, street lights, etc. Part one of three. Written
by Phil Grabsky, Terry Jones, and David Souden. Directed by Phil
Grabsky.

2400 September 13, 1998

Ancient Inventions (TV episode: Discovery Channel). “Sex and Love.” The
origins of kissing, cosmetics, brothels, contraception, etc. are explored. Part
two of three. Hosted by Terry Jones. Written by Terry Jones, Daniel
Percival, and David Souden. Directed by Daniel Percival.

2401 September 13, 1998

Ancient Inventions (TV episode: Discovery Channel). “War and Conflict.”

The surprising sophistication of early weaponry (the bow-and-arrow, tank,
flame-thrower, etc.) is examined. Part three of three. Hosted by Terry
Jones. Written by Terry Jones, Daniel Percival, and David Souden.
Directed by Daniel Percival.

2402 September 23, 1998

The First Take (TV special: BBC Choice). Terry Jones hosts this program
celebrating BBC TV firsts. Includes an interview with Wendy Richard. Also
with Prof. Robert Winston and Gillian Wearing. Jones introduces the first
episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Directed by Elaine Shepherd.
Produced by Alex Sumner.

2403 October 14, 1998

Terry Gilliam attends the official launch of DVD Video in the U.K.

2404 October 14, 1998

Terry Gilliam attends a dinner at the Dorchester Hotel in London marking

the centenary of Duckworth publishers. Other guests include Dame Iris
Murdoch, Twiggy, Malcolm McLaren, and Anthony Andrews.

2405 October 16 & 17, 1998

Terry Jones hosts screenings of his film The Wind in the Willows at the
Pipers Alley Theater in Chicago as part of the 15th Annual Chicago
International Children’s Film Festival. He also presents a workshop on the
making of the film and takes part in a Q&A session. The film wins the Best
of the Fest award.

2406 October 16, 1998

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (Feature film: Legacy

Releasing Corp.) opens in the U.S. Animated tale based on the Robert May
story and Johnny Marks song. Eric Idle voices Slyly the Fox and sings “It
Could Always Be Worse.” Other voices by John Goodman, Bob Newhart,
Debbie Reynolds, and Richard Simmons. Written by Michael Aschner.
Directed by William R. Kowalchuk, Jr.
2407 October 27, 1998

The National Television Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin attends

the 4th annual award ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall where his
TV travel series Full Circle wins the award for Most Popular Documentary.

2408 October 30, 1998

TFI Friday (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Chris Evans. Guest:
Terry Gilliam, promoting Fear and Loathing.

2409 November 1998

The 1998 Sheffield Children’s Book Awards (Award ceremony). Michael

Palin hosts this award show—in which local schoolchildren vote for their
favorite children’s books—in his home town of Sheffield, England. Author
J. K. Rowling accepts the top prize for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s
Stone.

2410 November 1998

The two Python German shows, Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus, are
released on video (VHS) by Guerilla Films.

2411 November 3, 1998

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (TV show: Channel 4). Film program hosted by
Charlie Higson. Guest: Terry Gilliam, promoting Fear and Loathing.

2412 November 5, 1998

Terry Gilliam participates in an onstage conversation about his career with

film critic Stuart Klawans at the Walker Art Center auditorium in
Minneapolis (Gilliam’s birthplace). It is the final event of a retrospective
called And Now for Something Completely Different: The Films of Terry
Gilliam (Oct. 14–Nov. 5).

2413 November 7, 1998

Recess (TV episode: ABC). “The Girl Was Trouble.” Eric Idle voices
Galileo (a personal computer) in this second-season episode of the Disney
animated children’s series (1997–2001). Idle reprises the role in a
November 1999 episode.

2414 November 8, 1998

Big Screen (TV show: ITV/LWT). Anna Richardson interviews Terry

Gilliam about Fear and Loathing.

2415 November 9, 1998

Terry Gilliam and family attend a screening of Fear and Loathing in Las
Vegas at the Odeon in London.

2416 November 13, 1998

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in the
U.K.

2417 November 14, 1998

The Angry Beavers (TV episode: Nickelodeon). “Open Wide for

Zombies/Dumbwaiters.” Eric Idle voices Spanque in this second-season
episode of the animated children’s series. Created by Mitch Schauer.

2418 November 18, 1998

John Cleese joins biologist Richard Dawkins for an onstage conversation at

the Herbst Theater in San Francisco.

2419 November 28, 1998

Live from the Lighthouse (TV special: Channel 4). Three-hour music-
comedy fundraiser marking World AIDS Day. Participants include Stephen
Fry (host), Michael Palin, Hugh Laurie, Boy George, Graham Norton, and
Steve Coogan. Directed by Geoff Posner.

2420 December 8, 1998

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Videocassette: Walt Disney). Terry Jones’ film
adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic—starring Jones and
Eric Idle with John Cleese and Michael Palin—is released on VHS in the
U.S. Released on DVD in March 2004. The film premiered in Britain in
1996 under its original title, The Wind in the Willows.

2421 December 22, 1998

The Secret of NIMH II: Timmy to the Rescue (Feature film: MGM) is
released on video in the U.S. Direct-to-video sequel to the 1982 Don Bluth
animated film. Eric Idle voices Timmy’s evil older brother, Martin. Other
voices by Ralph Macchio, William H. Macy, Dom DeLuise, and Harvey
Korman. Written by Sam Graham and Chris Hubbell. Directed by Dick
Sebast.

2422 December 30, 1998

What’s Eating Johnny Depp? (TV special: Channel 4). Profile of actor
Johnny Depp, currently starring in Terry Gilliam’s Fear and Loathing in
Las Vegas. Interviewees include Depp, Gilliam, and John Waters. Produced
& directed by Adrian Sibley.

2423 1998

Lexus (“The Road Is Calling”) (TV commercial). American ad in which the

Lexus ES 300 takes on the rain-drenched road to Canterbury in England.
John Cleese voices the road. Other ads in the series feature different roads
voiced by Jeremy Irons (Autobahn), Joe Pesci (Brooklyn Bridge), and
others. Written by Rob Schwartz. Directed by David Wagreich. Agency:
Team One Advertising, El Segundo, CA.

2424 1998

Michael Palin receives the Ness Award from the Royal Geographical
Society in London for his efforts in popularizing geography. Palin will
become president of the Society in 2009.

2425 1998
Diana: A Dedication in Seven Ages: An Anthology of Poetry with Music
(Audiobook: Naxos AudioBooks). Collection of 150 poems read by John
Cleese, Michael Caine, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and many
others. Cleese reads Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat,” John
Whitworth’s “Boring,” and Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” The
recording benefits the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Two-CD or
cassette set. Produced by Sean Murphy. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in
London. Reissued in 2000.

2426 January 22–24, 1999

An Evening with Terry Jones (Event). Terry Jones appears at a screening of

Holy Grail at AMC Glen Lakes Theater in Dallas, TX (Jan. 22) as part of
the 29th annual USA Film Festival. Following the screening he takes part in
an audience Q&A. Over the weekend (Jan. 23–24) a tribute to Jones is
presented at the 15th annual KidFilm Festival with screenings of his films
Erik the Viking and The Wind in the Willows (KidFilm is sponsored by the
USA Film Festival). He also gives a reading and signs books.

2427 February 1999

Monty Python is celebrated at the Leicester Comedy Festival (Feb. 12–21)

in Leicester, England. The event features new film interviews with Michael
Palin and Terry Jones and a tribute to Graham Chapman (who was born
in Leicester).

2428 February 1, 1999

John Cleese lectures about decision-making and creativity in business for

the keynote address at the Training ’99 conference at the Arie Crown
Theater in Chicago. The lecture is based on the book Hare Brain, Tortoise
Mind by Guy Claxton. Recorded and released as a training film (The
Hidden Mind) by Video Arts.

2429 February 4–6, 1999

John Cleese lectures at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. It is his first

official visit since becoming Cornell’s A.D. White Professor-at-Large in
1998. Cleese hosts a screening of Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years
of Monty Python in Willard Straight Hall (Feb. 5), screens and lectures on A
Fish Called Wanda in Bailey Hall (Feb. 6), gives a lecture titled “Hare
Brain, Tortoise Mind,” and conducts a master class on acting.

2430 February 7, 1999

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Talking Management With: John

Cleese,” by Adam Bryant. Interview with Cleese about what he’s learned
making business-training films.

2431 February 12, 1999

The Monty Python Reunion Special (TV special: Paramount Comedy

Channel). Taping of the Pythons’ reunion in Aspen, CO, in March 1998 airs
in Britain.

2432 February 25, 1999

Eric Idle and his wife attend the opening of Tennessee Williams’ play Not
About Nightingales at the Circle in the Square, New York City.

2433 March 1999

Gilliam on Gilliam (Book: Faber & Faber), edited by Ian Christie, is

published. Terry Gilliam reflects on his life and career. Compiled from
interviews conducted in 1996 and 1998.

2434 March 12, 1999

Comic Relief: Red Nose Day 1999—The Record Breaker (TV special:
BBC1). John Cleese appears on this six-hour fund-raising event for Comic
Relief.

2435 March 14, 1999

The Observer (Newspaper/U.K.). “Do Not Adjust Your Set.” William Leith
interviews Terry Gilliam on a train bound for Manchester, England, where
Gilliam is to give a talk and sign copies of the book Gilliam on Gilliam.
2436 March 15–April 28, 1999

Payne (TV series: CBS). This short-lived sitcom—an American version of

Fawlty Towers—stars John Larroquette as Royal Payne, the Basil Fawlty-
like owner of a California inn. Only eight episodes air. Also starring JoBeth
Williams, Julie Benz, and Rick Batalla. Note: Fawlty Towers was
previously adapted for U.S. television as Snavely (1978 pilot starring
Harvey Korman) and Amanda’s (1983 series starring Bea Arthur).

2437 March 23, 1999

The Directors (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Film critic Mark Kermode
interviews Terry Gilliam.

2438 March 23, 1999

A Fish Called Wanda (DVD: MGM). Single-disc DVD release of John

Cleese’s 1988 comedy. Re-released in a two-disc “Collector’s Edition” in
November 2006.

2439 March 24, 31 & April 9, 1999

Omnibus (TV series: BBC1). “Laughter in the House: The Story of British
Sitcom.” Three-part documentary series examining the history of the British
sitcom. Episodes: “The Early Days,” “The Sensational Seventies,” and
“Modern Times.” Interviewees include John Cleese. Narrated by Julie
Walters. Produced by Paul Tilzey.

2440 March 31, 1999

Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular (TV episode: FX Channel). Eric Idle
appears in this episode of the 1998–99 comedy-variety series hosted by
magicians Penn & Teller. Idle sings “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life” while being suspended over a vat of boiling oil. Taped in January at
the MGM Grand Adventures Magic Screen Theatre in Las Vegas.

2441 April 1, 1999

Training (Magazine/U.S.). “John Cleese on Creativity,” by Jack Gordon.
Interview with Cleese conducted in his hotel following his Feb. 1 speech at
Training ’99 in Chicago.

2442 April 2, 1999

The Out-of-Towners (Feature film: Paramount Pictures) opens in the U.S.

Comedy starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn as a Midwestern couple
who face a series of misfortunes on a trip to New York City. John Cleese
plays hotel manager Mr. Mersault. Remake of a 1970 film starring Jack
Lemmon and Sandy Dennis. Also starring Mark McKinney, Oliver Hudson,
and Valerie Perri. Written by Marc Lawrence, based on Neil Simon’s
original script. Directed by Sam Weisman. Note: Cleese had previously
worked with Weisman on 1997’s George of the Jungle.

2443 April 11, 1999

The 51st British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin
presents the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay to Andrew Niccol (The
Truman Show) at the annual awards ceremony held at the Business Design
Centre in Islington, London.

2444 April 24–25, 1999

Michael Palin appears at the 4th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of
Books (Apr. 24–25) on the UCLA campus.

2445 April 26, 1999

Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind (Lecture). John Cleese gives a talk on creativity
and decision-making on the first day of the Solutions ’99 conference,
hosted by Hyperion Solutions, in Orlando, FL. The lecture is based on the
Guy Claxton book of the same title.

2446 May 1999

Monty Python: How Big Is My IMAX Film? (Short film). Humorous short in
which John Cleese explains the large-screen IMAX format. The short was
created by Terry Jones for the opening of the British Film Institute London
IMAX Cinema. Written & directed by Terry Jones. Produced by John
Goldstone.

2447 May 1, 1999–October 7, 2000

Mickey MouseWorks (TV series: ABC). John Cleese narrates four cartoons
for this Disney animated series: “Around the World in 80 Days” (June 5),
“Mickey’s Mechanical House” (Sept. 11), “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
(Sept. 25), and “The Nutcracker” (Oct. 23). Also, Eric Idle voices the role
of Pluto Angel in two episodes (May 29, 1999, & Jan. 22, 2000). Segments
were later repeated on the House of Mouse series.

2448 May 14, 1999

Parting Shots (Feature film: United International Pictures) opens in the

U.K. British comedy about a man who, upon learning that he has only
weeks to live, decides to kill those who wronged him. John Cleese plays
Maurice Walpole. Filmed in the fall of 1997. Also starring Chris Rea,
Felicity Kendal, Bob Hoskins, Diana Rigg, Ben Kingsley, Joanna Lumley,
and Oliver Reed. Written by Michael Winner and Nick Mead. Produced &
directed by Michael Winner. A Scimitar Films production. Note: Cleese, a
good friend of Winner’s, also appeared briefly in the director’s 1990 film
Bullseye!.

2449 May 14, 1999

Eric Idle takes part in a staged reading of the first draft of Seussical in New
York City. Idle, who co-conceived the show with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen
Flaherty, reads the part of the Cat in the Hat.

2450 June 1999

Vanity Fair (Magazine/U.S.). “The Dead Parrot Society,” by David Morgan.

The five surviving Pythons look back on thirty years of silliness. Highlights
from Morgan’s new book Monty Python Speaks!.

2451 June 1, 1999

Monty Python Speaks! (Book: Spike), by David Morgan, is published in the
U.S. Oral history of the group told through interviews with the Pythons
themselves, conducted by Morgan in the summer and fall of 1998.
Published in the U.K. in October (Fourth Estate).

2452 June 6, 1999

Radio 4 Appeal (Radio appeal: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin appeals on
behalf of the Federation of Prisoners’ Families Support Groups.

2453 June 8, 1999

Terry Gilliam takes part in a lecture/conversation with journalist Bob

McCabe at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Gilliam is in New
York promoting the book Dark Knights & Holy Fools, written by McCabe.

2454 June 16, 1999

Le Créateur (English: The Creator) (Feature film) is released in France.

Terry Jones makes a cameo appearance (as God, in a dream sequence) in
this French comedy written and directed by Albert Dupontel, who also stars.
Jones later appears (with Terry Gilliam) in Dupontel’s Enfermés dehors
(2006).

2455 June 19, 1999

John Cleese attends the wedding of Prince Edward to Sophie Rhys-Jones in

St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.

2456 June 30, 1999

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (Feature film: Paramount Pictures)
opens in the U.S. Big-screen version of the popular animated TV series.
Eric Idle voices Dr. Vosknocker. Also voiced by Trey Parker, Matt Stone,
Mary Kay Bergman, and Isaac Hayes. Written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone,
and Pam Brady. Directed by Trey Parker.

2457 July 9, 1999

Eric Idle Sings Monty Python Songs (Stage show). Eric Idle performs a
free concert in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium at the J. Paul Getty
Center in Los Angeles, backed by a ten-member band led by conductor-
arranger John Du Prez. In addition to Python classics such as “Galaxy
Song” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” Idle also performs
the original “The Getty Song.” The one-night show is recorded for a CD,
Eric Idle Sings Monty Python: Live in Concert (released in April 2000) and
later expanded into a multi-city tour in April–June 2000 called Eric Idle
Exploits Monty Python.

2458 July 11, 1999

The Mail on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “I’ve Read My Way Around the

World.” Michael Palin writes about some of the books that have inspired
his love of travel.

2459 July 16, 1999

Two Ronnies Night (TV special: BBC1). Second hour of BBC1’s two-hour
tribute to comedians Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. Hosted by Barry
Cryer, with contributions from John Cleese, Michael Palin, David Frost,
Bob Monkhouse, Terry Wogan, Ben Elton, and others.

2460 July 18, 1999

The Heaven and Earth Show (TV show: BBC1). Psychotherapist Alyce
Faye Cleese (wife of John) discusses mothers, with comments from
Michael Palin and Michael Winner.

2461 July 24, 1999

Michael Palin attends the 18th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike

Contest at Sleepy Joe’s Bar in Key West, FL, as part of the celebrations for
the 100th birthday (on July 21) of author Ernest Hemingway. Palin is
filming the event for his documentary series Hemingway Adventure (third
episode, airing Oct. 31).

2462 July 26, 1999

A Night at the Net (Event). Eric Idle performs (with Clint Black) at the
annual charity tennis match at UCLA Tennis Center. Players in the pro-
celebrity doubles match are Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Robin Williams,
and Billy Crystal. The event raises money for the charity MusiCares.

2463 August 1999

John Cleese speaks in a video message from the Santa Barbara Zoo on
behalf of the World Parrot Trust launching a campaign to save 90 species of
parrot in danger of extinction.

2464 August 27, 1999

Dudley Do-Right (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.S.

Comedy starring Brendan Fraser as a bumbling Canadian Mountie. Based
on the popular 1960s TV cartoon. Eric Idle plays prospector Kim J.
Darling. Also starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Alfred Molina. Written &
directed by Hugh Wilson.

2465 August 28, 1999

Eric Idle attends the Men of Lonach Highland Gathering and Games at
Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Other kilt-wearing celebrities
attending the annual event include Billy Connolly (who lives at nearby
Candacraig House), Robin Williams, Dame Judi Dench, and Steve Martin.

2466 September 1999

John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam film
new sketches for a special “Python Night” to air on BBC2 in October in
celebration of the group’s 30th anniversary.

2467 September 1999

The Road to Mars: A Post Modem Novel (Book: Pantheon Books [U.S.];
Boxtree [U.K.]), written by Eric Idle, is published. Idle’s second novel
(following 1975’s Hello Sailor), a “comic science-fiction thriller,” takes
place in the 22nd century and follows the adventures of an interplanetary
comedy duo and their robot companion. Based on a film script Idle wrote in
1983 with Robin Williams and David Bowie as possible stars. Unable to
sell the idea to Hollywood, Idle later reworked the story as a musical (titled
Outta Space), but that too never sold.

2468 September 2, 1999

Clive Anderson All Talk (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Adam Sandler and
Eric Idle. Idle talks about Python’s continuing popularity, his new novel
The Road to Mars, and sings his new song “The Getty Song,” from his
recent performance at the Getty Museum.

2469 September 6, 1999

The Big Breakfast (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guest: Terry Gilliam.

2470 September 10, 1999

BBC Breakfast News (TV news show: BBC1). Includes a report from
Madeleine Holt on Eric Idle and the 30th anniversary of Monty Python.

2471 September 13, 1999

Ruby (TV talk show: BBC2). Host Ruby Wax and guests Eddie Izzard and
Terry Gilliam, seated around a dinner table, discuss various topics.

2472 September 14, 1999

Long Live the Dead Parrot (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Thirtieth-
anniversary special looking back on Monty Python’s beginnings and impact
on British comedy. Hosted by Carol Cleveland, with insights from John
Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Harry Secombe, Barry Took, Neil
Innes, Stephen Fry, Hazel Pethig, Douglas Adams, and others.

2473 September 14, 1999

Eric Idle attends the BAFTA/Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
2474 September 14, 1999

Film director Charles Crichton dies at his home in London at the age of 89.
Crichton, best known for his Ealing Studio comedies of the 1940s & 50s
(The Lavender Hill Mob, The Titfield Thunderbolt), directed and co-wrote
John Cleese’s 1988 hit comedy A Fish Called Wanda, which earned him
two Oscar nominations and two BAFTA noms. He also directed Cleese in
over a dozen Video Arts training films in the 1970s & 80s.

2475 September 15, 1999

The Martin Short Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Eric Idle, Jamie
Lee Curtis, and Chad Lowe.

2476 September 20, 1999–December 26, 2000

The fourth season of Suddenly Susan airs on NBC in the U.S. In this final
season of the 1996–2000 sitcom starring Brooke Shields, Eric Idle joins the
cast as Ian Maxtone-Graham, the new publisher of The Gate (the magazine
for which Shields’ character works). Idle replaces her former boss played
by Judd Nelson. 22 episodes.

2477 September 22, 1999

Monty Python’s Life of Brian comes in at No. 28 on a list of the top 100
British films of all time, as chosen by more than 400 filmmakers in a survey
conducted by the British Film Institute. Also making the list are John
Cleese’s A Fish Called Wanda (No. 39) and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil (No.
54).

2478 September 22, 1999

Eric Idle participates in an onstage conversation with actress Carrie Fisher

at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA. The event is hosted by
Writers Bloc.

2479 September 26, 1999

Eric Idle performs and reads from his new novel, The Road to Mars, at the
21st “New York is Book Country” fair in Manhattan.

2480 September 27, 1999

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Steve Martin: Seriously Funny.” Profile of

actor-comedian Steve Martin. Interviewees include John Cleese, Eric Idle,
Michael Caine, Billy Connolly, and Ron Howard. Produced & directed by
Adrian Sibley.

2481 September 28, 1999

Clint Black’s cover of Eric Idle’s “Galaxy Song” (from The Meaning of
Life) is released on his album D’lectrified (RCA). Idle joined Black in
writing—and singing—a new intro to the song. It is Black’s version of
“Galaxy Song” that is played to wake astronauts on the space shuttle
Endeavour and the International Space Station on May 28, 2011.

2482 September 29, 1999

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle,
Isabella Rossellini, and Tom Shillue.

2483 October 1999

Micronpc.com (“Labyrinth”) (TV commercial). Terry Gilliam–directed

TV ad for the American company Micron Electronics, newly rebranded as
Micronpc.com. In the ad, a CEO working at his office late at night makes
his way through a labyrinth of possessed computers in search of someone to
fix his malfunctioning PC. Filmed in London. Written by Mike Gallagher.
Produced by Tommy Turtle. Agency: Goldberg Moser O’Neill, San
Francisco.

2484 October 1999

Journey into Your Imagination (Short film) opens. Short film accompanying
the ride at Disney’s Epcot Center. Eric Idle hosts, reprising his role as Dr.
Nigel Channing from the 1994 film Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. In 2002
a new version of the film, Journey into Imagination with Figment, debuts.

2485 October 1, 1999

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Farewell to the Admirable

Charlie,” by Michael Palin, p. 48. Palin pays tribute to director Charles
Crichton (A Fish Called Wanda), who died Sept. 14.

2486 October 2, 1999

The Daily Mirror (Newspaper/U.K.). “Bullfights, Elephant Stalking, Car

Crashes...I’ve Had a Busy Day.” Sue Blackhall interviews Michael Palin
about his new series Hemingway Adventure.

2487 October 3, 1999

The Heaven and Earth Show (TV show: BBC1). Esther McVey interviews
John Cleese on the topic of blasphemy.

2488 October 3, 1999

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “A Life in the Day

of...,” by Eric Idle (interviewed by Caroline Scott), p. 78. Idle describes an
average day at his home in Los Angeles. Photograph of Idle by Fergus
Greer.

2489 October 5, 1999

Something Completely Different (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Thirtieth-

anniversary documentary on Monty Python narrated by Griff Rhys Jones,
with comments from John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry
Gilliam, and others.

2490 October 6, 1999

Fresh Air from WHYY (Radio talk show: NPR). Terry Gross interviews Eric
Idle, who talks about his new book Road to Mars and his father’s death at
the end of World War II. He also sings “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life,” “All Things Dull and Ugly,” and “Galaxy Song.”

2491 October 7, 1999

Clive Anderson All Talk (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Michael Palin,
promoting Hemingway Adventure, and Martin Kemp.

2492 October 7, 1999

Four of the five surviving Pythons—John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry

Jones, and Michael Palin—attend a 20th-anniversay charity screening of
Life of Brian at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square, London. The event,
which benefits Macmillan Cancer Relief, was organized by the Paramount
Comedy Channel and is hosted by Jonathan Ross.

2493 October 8, 1999

30 Years of Python (TV special: Paramount Comedy Channel). Half-hour

special. Includes footage cut from 1979’s Life of Brian: “Shepherds,”
“Otto,” and “Pilate’s Wife.” The scenes were also included in the 1997
laserdisc release of the film on Criterion. The special is followed by a
screening of Holy Grail. Narrated by Jonathan Ross. Directed by Chris
Loizou.

2494 October 9, 1999

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Staying In: Travelling Circus.” James

Rampton interviews Michael Palin about his career and new series
Hemingway Adventure.

2495 October 9, 1999

“Python Night,” a four-hour block of all–Python programming celebrating

the 30th anniversary of the first broadcast of Monty Python’s Flying Circus,
airs on BBC2. The group (minus Eric Idle) and Carol Cleveland perform in
new comedy sketches shown throughout the night: “Arthur
Ewing/Announcer,” “BBC Dumbing Down/Gumbys/Out-Focus-
Group/anim/Pepperpots,” “Mastermind Parody/Talking Apes,” “This Is
BBC1,” “Ken Shabby and Announcer,” and “Police Press Conference.”
Eric Idle’s only contribution is a piece (taped in Los Angeles) examining
“Who Was Monty Python?” The featured programs are It’s: The Monty
Python Story (doc hosted by Eddie Izzard), Pythonland (doc hosted by
Michael Palin), a screening of Life of Brian, “Lost Python” (six-minute
short film the Pythons created for the 1971 May Day special Euroshow
’71), a South Park tribute to Monty Python, From Spam to Sperm: Monty
Python’s Greatest Hits (doc hosted by Meat Loaf), and The Peter Sissons
Interview (a live, heavily-promoted interview with all five surviving
Pythons, which lasts all of 20 seconds). The three documentaries air
together in the U.S. as Life of Python on A&E in April 2000.

2496 October 9, 1999

It’s: The Monty Python Story (TV special: BBC2). Documentary, hosted by
comedian Eddie Izzard, telling the group’s story through interviews, clips,
and a Python family tree created by Pete Frame. Interviewees include John
Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, also Sir David
Frost, Ronnie Corbett, Carol Cleveland, Kevin Kline, Trey Parker, and Matt
Stone. Produced & directed by Elaine Shepherd.

2497 October 9, 1999

Pythonland (TV special: BBC2). Travel mockumentary in which Michael

Palin revisits various Flying Circus filming locations around London,
including the sites for “Seduced Milkmen,” “New Cooker Sketch” and
“Silly Walks” (Thorpebank Rd, Shepherds Bush), “Climbing the Uxbridge
Road” (South Ealing Rd), “Hell’s Grannies” (Acton High St), “Bicycle
Repair Man” (Acton), “The Fish-Slapping Dance” (Teddington Lock), and
the very first “It’s” Man intro (Poole Harbour, Dorset). Produced & directed
by Ralph Lee.

2498 October 9, 1999

From Spam to Sperm: Monty Python’s Greatest Hits (TV special: BBC2).
Documentary focusing on the music of Monty Python. Featured songs are
“Spam Song,” “Lumberjack Song,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life,” and “Every Sperm Is Sacred.” Also, Eric Idle sings “Galaxy Song.”
Hosted by Meat Loaf, with comments from the Pythons, also Carol
Cleveland, Steve Martin, and others. Produced & directed by Selina Mehta.

2499 October 11, 1999

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson),

written by Michael Palin and designed by Basil Pao, is published in the
U.K. Companion book to the TV series, assembled from notes and diaries
Palin kept before, during and after filming, along with plenty of photos.
Paperback edition published by Orion (2000). Published in the U.S. by
Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press) in 2000.

OceanofPDF.com
2500 October 13, 1999

Michael Palin gives a talk on Ernest Hemingway at the Town Hall in

Cheltenham, England, as part of the 50th Cheltenham Festival of Literature
(Oct. 8–24).

2501 October 17–November 7, 1999

The four-part documentary series Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure

airs on BBC1. In this series, writer-host Michael Palin follows in the
footsteps of legendary author Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961), a journey
that takes him to Chicago, Italy, Spain, Paris, Cuba, Africa, Key West, etc.
The project sprung from Palin’s love of reading Hemingway as a youth, a
love that was reignited while doing research for his 1995 novel
Hemingway’s Chair. The series, produced by Martha Wailes, airs in the U.S.
in May 2000 (PBS).

Reviews: Mark Lawson (The Guardian, Oct. 10, 1999): “...the itinerary
seems to be dictated mainly by the pictures least likely to make the viewer
switch off.... There is no sense of the presenter being on a quest”; Paul
Hoggart (The Times [London], Oct. 18, 1999, p. 47): “...‘Michael Palin
Visits Some Places Mentioned In Hemingway and Pootles Around a Bit’
would have been a more honest title”; Mike Davies (The Birmingham Post,
Oct. 18, 1999): “Hemingway once called Orson Welles an effeminate
theatrical and took a chair to him. One suspects Palin would have
warranted an entire dining table.”

2502 October 17, 1999

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Funny Fellow in Deadly

Ernest,” p. 17. Profile of Michael Palin.

2503 October 17, 1999

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (TV episode: BBC1). Michael

Palin travels to Spain, where he observes the annual Running of the Bulls
(Pamplona) and attends a bullfight (Valencia). In Kenya, Africa he meets
some of the local wildlife and visits the Masai tribe. First episode of the
four-part documentary series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Directed by David F. Turnbull.

2504 October 19, 1999

Donny & Marie (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Donny Osmond and
Marie Osmond. Guest: Eric Idle.

2505 October 24, 1999

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (TV episode: BBC1). Michael

Palin visits Oak Park, IL (Hemingway’s birthplace), learns how to fire a
gun at a shooting range (Chicago), then moves on to north Michigan, where
the Hemingways spent their summers. Next, Palin investigates the writer’s
war and post-war experiences, visiting Milan and Paris. Second episode in
the four-part documentary series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Directed by David F. Turnbull.

2506 October 25, 1999

Michael Palin talks about Hemingway Adventure at Waterstone’s bookstore

(High Street) in Birmingham, England, as part of the Birmingham Book
Festival (Oct. 15–25).

2507 October 27, 1999

John Cleese turns 60.

2508 October 29, 1999

This Morning (TV show: ITV/Granada). Magazine program hosted by Ruth

Langsford and John Leslie. Guest: Terry Jones.

2509 October 31, 1999

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (TV episode: BBC1). Michael

Palin attends a Hemingway look-alike contest in Key West, FL, celebrating
the author’s 100th birthday (July 21, 1999). He then visits Uganda, where
Hemingway survived two successive plane crashes in 1954. In Italy Palin
dons a Gumby costume for the annual carnival in Venice and joins a duck
hunt (in Cáorle). Third episode in the four-part documentary series. Written
& narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by David F. Turnbull.

2510 November 1999

John Cleese appears in promotional spots for TBS Superstation’s “15 Days
of 007” James Bond movie festival (beginning Nov. 27). Cleese plays R in
the new Bond movie The World Is Not Enough, premiering this month.

2511 November 1, 1999

Hollywood Greats (TV episode: BBC1). “Cary Grant.” Profile of

Hollywood leading man Cary Grant. Interviewees include John Cleese
(who borrowed Grant’s real name, Archie Leach, for his character in A Fish
Called Wanda), Roger Moore, and others. Narrated by Ian McShane.
Produced by Richard Downes.

2512 November 4, 1999

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Terry Jones (Book: Methuen) is published

in the U.K. Collection of Python sketches & songs selected by Terry Jones,
with a preface by Terry Gilliam. Includes “Lumberjack Song,” “Spam,”
and “Every Sperm Is Sacred.” First book in the series.

2513 November 4, 1999

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by John Cleese (Book: Methuen) is

published in the U.K. Collection of Python sketches & songs selected by
John Cleese, with a preface by Michael Palin. Includes “Eric the Half-A-
Bee,” “The Last Supper,” and “Merchant Banker.” Second book in the
series.

2514 November 5, 1999

The Routes of English (Radio episode: BBC Radio 4). “Evolving English:
From the Tabard Inn to Canterbury.” Terry Jones joins in a discussion on
Middle English (as used in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales) with Dr. Kathryn
Lowe, Dr. Ruth Evans, and Martin Starkie. Episode four in the first series of
a program exploring the history of the English language. Hosted by Melvyn
Bragg. Produced by Simon Elmes and Tony Phillips.

2515 November 7, 1999

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (TV episode: BBC1). Michael

Palin travels to Havana, Cuba, where he visits Hemingway’s house, takes
part in a fishing tournament, and attempts to get an interview with Fidel
Castro. Next, he heads back to America, where he visits a dude ranch and a
taxidermist (Montana) and, finally, Hemingway’s grave (Ketchum, Idaho).
Fourth and final episode in the documentary series. Written & narrated by
Michael Palin. Directed by David F. Turnbull.

2516 November 8, 1999

The World Is Not Enough (Feature film: MGM) premieres in the U.S. James
Bond adventure—19th in the series—starring Pierce Brosnan as Bond.
John Cleese plays R, assistant to Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget expert, Q.
Cleese will take over the role of Q for 2002’s Die Another Day, replacing
Llewelyn, who died in a car accident a month after World’s release. The
film opens nationwide Nov. 18. Also starring Sophie Marceau, Denise
Richards, Robert Carlyle, and Judi Dench. Written by Neal Purvis, Robert
Wade, and Bruce Feirstein. Directed by Michael Apted.

2517 November 8, 1999

John Cleese and his wife attend the premiere of The World Is Not Enough,
in which he plays R, at the Mann Village Theater in Los Angeles.

2518 November 13, 1999

Recess (TV episode: ABC). “That Stinking Feeling.” Eric Idle voices
Galileo (a personal computer) in this third-season episode of the Disney
animated children’s series (1997–2001). Idle first voiced the role in a
November 1998 episode.
2519 November 14, 1999

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Millennium Masterworks:

The Canterbury Tales,” by Terry Jones, p. 22. Jones praises Chaucer’s
masterwork.

2520 November 15, 1999

Maclean’s (Magazine/Can.). “Life After Monty Python: Eric Idle Is as

Amusing as Ever,” p. 120. Interview.

2521 November 15, 1999

Mornings with Margaret Throsby (Radio talk show: ABC Classic FM, in
Australia). Margaret Throsby talks to Michael Palin about Hemingway
Adventure.

2522 November 16, 1999

Monty Python’s Life of Brian: The Criterion Collection (DVD: Criterion

Collection 61). Twentieth-anniversary DVD release containing the same
special features from Criterion’s 1997 laserdisc release: two commentary
tracks by the Pythons, original theatrical trailer, five deleted scenes, four
British radio ads, and the 1979 documentary The Pythons. The film is re-
released on DVD in 2007 in a two-disc “Immaculate Edition.”

2523 November 20, 1999

MADtv (TV variety show: Fox). John Cleese appears on this late-night
comedy show.

2524 November 21, 1999

Open Book (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). A look at children’s literature for
Christmas, with guests Terry Jones, Philip Pullman, and Caroline Horn.

2525 November 22, 1999

Eric Idle reads from his new novel The Road to Mars at Chicago
Shakespeare Theatre, Navy Pier, Chicago.

2526 November 24, 1999

Michael Palin gives a talk (with slides) on Ernest Hemingway at London’s

Institute of Education.

2527 November 24, 1999

Terry Gilliam gives a master class and takes part in an interview (with
Michael Orpen) in Belfast, N. Ireland. The event is organized by the
Northern Ireland Film Commission.

2528 November 29, 1999

People (Magazine/U.S.). “Too Cleese for Comfort,” by Peter Ames Carlin,

pp. 141–46. Article/interview on John Cleese’s life and current projects.

2529 December 1999

Michael Palin attends the 2nd annual “Made in Sheffield” dinner in his
home town of Sheffield, England.

2530 December 1999

Biography Magazine (Magazine/U.S.). “Stranded on a Desert Island: Eric

Idle,” by David Goldman, p. 38. Idle tells Goldman what he would want
with him if stranded on a desert island.

2531 December 1999

Eric Idle and Kevin Nealon join musician Clint Black on stage at Caesars
Palace in Las Vegas. Wearing black Stetsons, they sing Idle’s “Galaxy
Song,” with Nealon on banjo. Nealon also played banjo on Black’s
recording of the song on his album D’lectrified.

2532 December 12, 1999

Rock ’n’ Roll in the Making (TV special: BBC1). Half-hour documentary on
the recording of the charity single “It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll” by an all-star
lineup that includes Eric Idle. Hosted by Kathy Burke.

2533 December 13, 1999

It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (Single: Universal ROCK 2). This cover of the
Rolling Stones classic, a charity recording in aid of Children’s Promise,
features an all-star lineup that includes Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Robin
Williams, The Spice Girls, Natalie Imbruglia, James Brown, B.B. King, The
Corrs, Annie Lennox, Lionel Ritchie, Iggy Pop, and Eric Idle.

2534 December 21, 1999

Hot Pursuits (TV show: BBC Knowledge). “Unusual.” Terry Jones

appears on this careers program hosted by Gill Mills. Produced & directed
by Bob Franklin.

2535 December 25, 1999

Aladdin (Radio play: BBC Radio 4). Pantomime adaptation of the classic
tale, starring Terry Jones, Clive Anderson, Penelope Keith, Robbie
Coltrane, Jennifer Ehle, Jeremy Hardy, and others. Written by Stewart
Permutt, John Langdon, and Bruce Hyman. Produced & directed by Bruce
Hyman.

2536 December 31, 1999–January 1, 2000

2000 Today (TV special: BBC1). Twenty-eight–hour live broadcast from

BBC Television Centre covering Millennium Eve celebrations around the
world, with Michael Palin among the famous names participating (others
include Michael Parkinson, David Attenborough, and Cliff Richard).
Throughout the broadcast Palin reviews events and provides links and
updates.

2537 December 31, 1999

In the Millennium Honors List, Michael Palin is awarded the title of
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to
television.

2538 1999

The Hidden Mind (Training film: Video Arts). John Cleese’s lecture on
creative thinking in business, recorded live Feb. 1, 1999, at the Training ’99
conference in Chicago. Cleese based his lecture on the book Hare Brain,
Tortoise Mind by Guy Claxton. Written by and starring John Cleese.

2539 1999

A blue plaque dedicated to Graham Chapman is unveiled at King Edward

VII School in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England. Chapman
attended the school from 1953 to 1959.

2540 1999

Dark Knights & Holy Fools: The Art and Films of Terry Gilliam (Book:
Orion) is published. Book by journalist Bob McCabe, with a foreword by
Terry Gilliam, covering Gilliam’s life and career, including his work as
animator for Monty Python’s Flying Circus and as the director of
Jabberwocky, Time Bandits, Brazil, etc. Includes loads of Gilliam artwork,
scripts, rare photographs, and interviews with Gilliam, John Cleese, Terry
Jones, Michael Palin, Tom Stoppard, Robin Williams, and others.

2541 1999

OJRIL: The Completely Incomplete Graham Chapman (Book: Batsford

[U.K.], Brassey’s [U.S.]), written by Graham Chapman and edited by Jim
Yoakum, is published. Compilation of Chapman’s previously unpublished
scripts, including a TV special for Ringo Starr (co-written by Douglas
Adams) and the pilot script for his unaired series Jake’s Journey. Foreword
by Eric Idle. Note: OJRIL is an acronym for “Old Jokes and Ridiculously
Irrelevant Links.”

2542 1999
Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale, named after the Pythons’ 1975 film, is
introduced to commemorate the group’s 30th anniversary. The label claims
that the ale, brewed by the Black Sheep Brewery of North Yorkshire, was
“tempered over burning witches.”

2543 Early January 2000

Eric Idle visits his friend George Harrison at his Friar Park home (in
Henley-on-Thames, England) where Harrison is recuperating from an attack
at his home by a knife-wielding intruder (on Dec. 30).

2544 January 3, 2000

Backstage from the Millennium (TV special: BBC Choice). Behind-the-

scenes look at the BBC’s Millennium Eve broadcast. With Michael
Parkinson, Peter Sissons, Michael Palin, and others. Hosted by Jon Monie.

2545 January 21, 2000

Trigger Happy TV (TV show: Channel 4). Terry Gilliam appears on this
comedy series starring Dom Joly. Second of six programs.

2546 January 22, 2000

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Have I Got News for You,” by

Michael Cable, p. 4. Article on Michael Palin’s life in Gospel Oak, the
North London neighborhood he’s lived in for over 30 years, and his
relationship with the local newsagent, Mash Patel.

2547 January 28, 2000

Isn’t She Great (Feature film: Universal Pictures) opens in the U.S. Biopic
of author Jacqueline Susann (Valley of the Dolls) starring Bette Midler in
the title role. John Cleese plays Susann’s publisher, Henry Marcus. Filmed
in Montreal in the summer of 1998. Also starring Nathan Lane, Stockard
Channing, and David Hyde Pierce. Written by Paul Rudnick. Directed by
Andrew Bergman.

2548 February 1, 2000

Trevor McDonald Meets... (TV talk show: ITV2). Michael Palin is
interviewed.

2549 February 5, 2000

Boy in Darkness (TV special: BBC Choice). Terry Jones narrates this half-
hour fantasy/drama adapted from a short story by Mervyn Peake. Starring
Jack Ryder (as Titus Groan). Directed by Nick Copus.

2550 February 12, 2000

AFI Star Award Tribute to Robin Williams (Stage event). Eric Idle hosts
this tribute to comedian Robin Williams at the Red Brick Arts and
Recreation Center in Aspen, CO. Williams is being honored with the
American Film Institute’s Star Award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival
(Feb. 9–13). Monty Python received AFI’s Star Award at the festival in
March 1998. Note: Idle worked with Williams on 1982’s Faerie Tale
Theatre (“Tale of the Frog Prince”) and 1988’s The Adventures of Baron
Munchausen.

2551 March 17, 2000

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Jon Stewart,
Eric Idle, and Fran Lebowitz. Idle, promoting his upcoming album and
tour, also talks about St. Patrick’s Day and sings “The Bruces’ Philosophers
Song.”

2552 March 22, 2000

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Guest:
Eric Idle, promoting his upcoming North American tour. Idle also sings
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”

2553 March 26, 2000

John Cleese and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

2554 April 7, 2000

Dennis Miller Live (TV talk show: HBO). “The Penis.” Guest Eric Idle
discusses this week’s topic and sings, appropriately, the “Penis Song.”

2555 April 8, 2000

Michael Palin gives a talk on Ernest Hemingway at the Oxford University

Union as part of the Oxford Literary Festival (Apr. 7–9).

2556 April 9, 2000

Life of Python (TV special: A&E). Two-hour compilation of documentaries

from 1999 airing in the U.S. on the A&E Network as a “Biography Special”
guest-hosted by Eric Idle. The documentaries—It’s: The Monty Python
Story (hosted by Eddie Izzard), From Spam to Sperm: Monty Python’s
Greatest Hits (hosted by Meat Loaf), and Pythonland (hosted by Michael
Palin)—originally aired on BBC2 in Britain in October 1999.

2557 April 14, 2000

Astérix & Obélix Take on Caesar (Feature film) is released in the U.K.
English-dubbed version of the 1999 French film Astérix & Obélix Contre
César starring Gerard Depardieu and Christian Clavier in the title roles.
Terry Jones wrote the English adaptation and also voices Depardieu’s role
(Obélix). The film is a live-action version of the cartoons created by René
Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Written & directed by Claude Zidi.

2558 April 18, 2000

Eric Idle Sings Monty Python: Live in Concert (CD: Restless Records
73730) is released. The 22-track album was recorded live at the J. Getty
Center in Los Angeles in July 1999. In addition to the Python tracks, the
album also includes several Idle originals and one song from The Rutles.
Tracks: “Spam Song,” “The Meaning of Life,” “Money Song,” “Every
Sperm Is Sacred,” “Accountancy Shanty,” “The Meaning of Life Poem,” “I
Like Chinese,” “The Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Men, Men, Men,”
“Shopping,” “Sit on My Face,” “Penis Song,” “All Things Dull and Ugly,”
“Eric the Half-a-Bee,” “One Foot in the Grave,” “I Must Be in Love,”
“Rock Notes,” “Galaxy Song,” “Medical Love Song,” “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life,” “Lumberjack Song (encore),” and “Liberty Bell.”
Produced by John Du Prez.

2559 April 18, 2000

Terry Jones attends the opening night of the play Snogging Ken, a political
satire, at the Almeida Theatre in London.

2560 April 20, 2000

TV Guide Online (Website). Eric Idle promotes Eric Idle Sings Monty
Python.

2561 April 22, 2000

Top Ten (TV episode: Channel 4). “Comedy Records.” Paul Whitehouse
hosts this look at comedy records of the past. Terry Jones and Eric Idle are
interviewed. Directed by Ken McGill.

2562 April 25, 2000

The Unknown Peter Sellers (TV special: American Movie Classics). Hour-
long documentary on the life and career of comic star Peter Sellers (1925–
1980). Includes interviews with Michael Palin, Spike Milligan, Richard
Lester, Shirley MacLaine, David Frost, and others. Written & directed by
David Leaf and John Scheinfeld.

2563 April 25, 2000

Donny & Marie (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Donny Osmond & Marie
Osmond. Guests: Eric Idle, Margaret Colin, and Nancy O’Dell.

2564 April 26, 2000

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guest: Michael
Palin, promoting Hemingway Adventure on PBS, talks about the running of
the bulls, eating bull’s testicles, Cuba, etc.

2565 April 28, 2000

Gladiators: The Brutal Truth (TV special: The Learning Channel). Hour-
long documentary, hosted by Terry Jones, exploring the history of those
trained killers of the Roman Empire who fought and died to entertain the
public and to serve as symbols of Rome’s superiority. With insights from
Prof. Keith Hopkins, Dr. Shelby Brown, and Dr. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill.
Airs in Britain on Aug. 28 as part of BBC2’s “Romans’ Day.” Produced &
directed by Alan Ereira.

2566 April 28, 2000

Canned Ham (TV episode: Comedy Central). Eric Idle talks about his
career and gives a preview of his upcoming stage tour. With John Du Prez,
Peter Crabbe, and Mark Ryan. Written & directed by Natalie Barandes and
Andrew Scheer.

2567 April 29–June 29, 2000

Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python: A Rather Stupid Evening of Skits and
Songs (Stage show). Eric Idle takes his stage show to over 20 cities in the
U.S. and Canada. The show, which evolved from his one-night performance
at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles in July 1999, features Python material
(“Nudge, Nudge,” “The Meaning of Life,” “Always Look on the Bright
Side of Life,” etc.) performed by Idle, accompanied by performers Peter
Crabbe, Samantha Harris, and Mark Ryan, and “the Rutland Symphony
Orchestra” led by Idle’s longtime musical collaborator John Du Prez. Idle’s
tour takes him to the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, AZ (Apr. 29), University
of Arizona’s Centennial Hall in Tuscon, AZ (Apr. 30), San Diego State
University Open Air Theatre (May 2), Sun Theatre in Anaheim, CA (May
3), Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, CA (May 5), Abravanel Hall
in Salt Lake City, UT (May 7), Schnitzer Theatre in Portland, OR (May 9),
Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. (May 12–13), Paramount Theater in
Seattle, WA (May 15–16), Warfield Theater in San Francisco, CA (May 18–
20), Community Center Theater in Sacramento, CA (May 23), Paramount
Theatre in Denver, CO (June 1–2), Fox Theater in Detroit, MI (June 4),
Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL (June 6), Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee,
WI (June 7), Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis, MN (June 9), Madison
Civic Center in Madison, WI (June 10), Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA
(June 13), Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. (June 14–15), Ohio Theater
in Columbus, OH (June 17), Palace Theatre in Cleveland, OH (June 18),
Hummingbird Centre in Toronto (June 20–21), New Jersey Performing Arts
Center in Newark, NJ (June 25), Carnegie Hall in New York City (June 27–
28), and Wang Center in Boston, MA (June 29). Idle will tour again in
October–December 2003 with his Greedy Bastard Tour of North America.

2568 April 29, 2000

Michael Palin talks about Hemingway Adventure at the 5th annual Los
Angeles Times Festival of Books (Apr. 29–30) on the UCLA campus.

2569 May 2000

Playboy (Magazine/U.S.). “20 Questions: Michael Palin,” by Warren

Kalbacker, pp. 126–27+. Palin answers questions concerning the current
state of Britain, the comedy of Monty Python, English sex scandals, and
Ernest Hemingway.

2570 May 2000

Vanity Fair (Magazine/U.S.). Eric Idle answers the magazine’s “Proust

Questionnaire.”

2571 May 2000

Sight & Sound (Magazine/U.K.). “Preston Sturges Changed My Life,” p.

20. Film directors Baz Luhrmann, Peter Farrelly, Clare Kilner, and Terry
Jones write about the career of 1940s writer-director Preston Sturges and
the impact his films made on them.

2572 May 3 & 10, 2000

The 1999 TV travel series Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure airs in the
U.S. on PBS.

2573 May 5, 2000

Quantum Project (Short film) premieres on the internet. Stephen Dorff stars
as a physicist exploring the quantum universe in this 32-minute film
combining live-action and computer animation. Produced exclusively for
distribution on the internet. John Cleese plays Dorff’s father, Alexander
Pentcho. Also starring Fay Masterson. Written by David Cohen. Directed by
Eugenio Zanetti.

2574 May 9, 2000

The View (TV talk show: ABC). Guests: John Cleese and Richard Lewis.

2575 May 11, 2000

Michael Palin attends a reception for the opening of the new Tate Modern
art gallery in London.

2576 June 1, 2000

Donny & Marie (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Donny Osmond & Marie
Osmond. Guests: John Cleese and Kenny Loggins.

2577 June 6, 2000

Eric Idle takes his show Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python to the Chicago
Theatre in Chicago, Ill. on the last night of the Chicago Comedy Festival
(June 1–6).

2578 June 14, 2000

Morning Edition (Radio show: NPR). Host Bob Edwards interviews Eric
Idle about his U.S. tour.

2579 June 18, 2000

That’s Esther (TV show: ITV/Meridian). Hosted by Esther Rantzen. In this

special edition devoted to stammering, Rantzen meets Michael Palin, who
shows her around the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children and
talks about his father’s stammer.

2580 June 19, 2000

John Cleese and his wife attend the biennial Royal Academy of Arts
Mayflower dinner in London.

2581 June 26, 2000

Late Show with David Letterman (TV talk show: CBS). Guests: Tom
Brokaw and Eric Idle, promoting Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python. Idle
also talks about avoiding the news, having dinner with Prince Charles, etc.

2582 June 27–28, 2000

Eric Idle brings his stage show Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python to
Carnegie Hall in NYC for two nights as his North American tour draws near
to its close. Terry Jones attends the performance and also appears on stage
for “The Lumberjack Song.” Singer Art Garfunkel also makes a surprise
appearance, joining Idle on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”
(Garfunkel performed the song on the soundtrack of the 1997 film As Good
as It Gets).

2583 June 28, 2000

Omnibus (TV special: BBC1). “Wallace and Gromit Go Chicken.”

Documentary on the making of Aardman Productions’ new film Chicken
Run. Interviewees include Nick Park, Terry Gilliam, Ray Harryhausen, and
Mel Gibson. Directed by Steven Cole.

2584 July 6, 2000

Michael Palin receives the honorary degree Doctorate of Literature from

Queen’s University in Belfast, N. Ireland. The degree, presented during the
university’s graduation ceremonies, is awarded to Palin for his services to
film, television, and literature.

2585 July 9, 2000

The Facts of Life (TV special: Channel 4). Documentary on sex education
in Britain. Includes interviews with Michael Palin, Junior Simpson, and
John Mortimer. Produced & directed by Jenny De Yong.
2586 August 2000

Michael Palin and Terry Jones travel to Scotland to revisit the filming
locations (Doune Castle, Loch Tay, Glen Coe, and Castle Stalker) for Holy
Grail. The resulting documentary, The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations,
is released on the film’s two-disc special edition DVD in October 2001.

2587 August 2000

Erik the Viking (DVD: Arrow Films) is released in the U.K. The British
version of Terry Jones’ 1989 comedy. Re-released on DVD in October
2006 as a two-disc set containing both this version and a new “Director’s
Son’s Cut” edited by Jones’ son, Bill.

2588 August 2000

Fairy Tales (Audiobook: Orion Audio Books). Terry Jones reads stories
from his 1981 children’s book. Also read by Joan Greenwood, Michael
Hordern, Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, and Tim Rice. Recorded in 1982.

2589 August 15, 2000

What a Performance! (TV episode: ITV). “Madcap.” Hosted by Bob

Monkhouse. Program on comedy, with appearances by Terry Jones, Spike
Milligan, Tim Brooke-Taylor, others. Directed by Charles Boyd.

2590 August 20, 2000

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “History as I Invented It,”

by Terry Jones, p. 4. In this article on the Roman gladiator, Jones reflects
on how history has often proven to be more surreal than Monty Python.

2591 August 26, 2000

Eric Idle attends the annual Men of Lonach Highland Gathering and
Games in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, along with Billy Connolly (host), Robin
Williams, Dame Judi Dench, and Steve Martin.

2592 September 2000

Fawlty Towers is voted the greatest British television program of all time in
a poll (of TV writers, producers, and critics) conducted by the British Film
Institute. Monty Python’s Flying Circus comes in at No. 5 in the top 100
poll.

2593 September 16, 2000

Night of 1,000 Shows (TV special: BBC1). Michael Parkinson hosts this
clip-filled special celebrating the 40th anniversary of BBC Television
Centre, with recollections from stars John Cleese (about Fawlty Towers),
Terry Wogan, Bruce Forsyth, Brian Blessed, Gary Lineker, and Sir David
Attenborough. Produced by Kate Phillips.

2594 September 22, 2000

O Happy Day! (Play), written by Graham Chapman and Barry Cryer,

premieres at Dad’s Garage Theatre in Atlanta, GA. This previously-
unproduced play, written in the mid–1970s, was discovered several years
ago by Jim Yoakum, the Atlanta-based director of the Graham Chapman
Archives. John Cleese and Michael Palin serve as consultants on the
production, which runs until Nov. 19. Directed by Sean Daniels. Dad’s
Garage will later adapt a collection of “lost” Chapman sketches and
perform them under the title Out of the Trees (2003).

2595 September 24, 2000

John Cleese’s friend and former therapist, Robin Skynner, dies at the age of
78. Cleese and Skynner, who first met in 1975, collaborated on two books:
Families and How to Survive Them (1983) and Life and How to Survive It
(1993).

2596 September 28, 2000

A launch party is held in London for Terry Jones’ new film production
company, Messiah Pictures. The company, which Jones formed in
partnership with Julian Doyle, will develop and produce smaller-budgeted
feature films.
2597 Late September 2000

After a decade in development, Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don
Quixote begins filming in Las Bardenas Reales, north of Madrid, Spain. The
film—scripted by Gilliam and Tony Grisoni, based on the 1605 story Don
Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes—is being financed by European investors
and stars Johnny Depp (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and French actor
Jean Rochefort (as Quixote). Filming on the $32 million production, which
was set to take place over 17 weeks, is halted after only six days on account
of flash floods that wash away the set (on day two) and the worsening
condition of 70-year-old Rochefort, who is suffering from a prostate
infection. On the fifth day, Rochefort is flown back to Paris for medical
attention. When it becomes clear that he will not be able to return, the film
is abandoned. The collapse of the production is chronicled in the
documentary film Lost in La Mancha, which premieres in February 2002.

2598 October 2000

The Lady and the Squire (Book: Pavilion), written by Terry Jones with
illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published in the U.K. Sequel to The
Knight and the Squire (1997) continues the medieval adventures of young
Tom, now a squire in France. Shortlisted for the Whitbread Children’s Book
of the Year Award 2001. Paperback edition published by Puffin books
(2002).

2599 October–November 2000

Terry Jones talks about—and reads from—his new children’s book, The
Lady and the Squire, at the Newcastle Arts Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne,
Eng. (Oct. 14), Waterstone’s bookshop in Bath, Eng. (Oct. 18), Orange Tree
Theatre in London (Nov. 5), and other venues.

2600 October 2000

Terry Gilliam receives the Time Machine Award at the 33rd Sitges
International Film Festival (Oct. 5–14) in Catalonia, Spain. The award
honors work in the fantasy genre.
2601 October 5, 2000

John Cleese’s mother, Muriel Evelyn (Cross) Cleese, dies on her 101st
birthday, in Somerset, England. Cleese’s father, Reginald, died in 1972.

2602 October 5, 2000

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Terry Gilliam (Book: Methuen) is

published in the U.K. Collection of Python sketches & songs selected by
Terry Gilliam, with a preface by Eric Idle. Includes “The Meaning of Life
(song).” Third book in the series.

2603 October 5, 2000

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Michael Palin (Book: Methuen) is

published in the U.K. Collection of Python sketches & songs selected by
Michael Palin, with a preface by John Cleese. Includes “Cheese Shop”
and “The Knights Who Say ‘Ni.’” Fourth book in the series.

2604 October 6, 2000

Calendar News (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Michael

Palin is interviewed.

2605 October 8, 2000

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Why I Love the Local

Colour,” by Michael Palin, p. 3. Article on the Scottish Colourists.

2606 October 8, 2000

Michael Palin on...The Colourists (TV special: BBC2). Documentary

special, hosted by Michael Palin, exploring the lives and work of four
Scottish painters—John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter, Samuel
John Peploe, and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell—known as “The
Colourists.” Palin visits 10 Downing Street, Paris, Edinburgh, the Isle of
Iona (off the Scottish coast), Glasgow, and the French Riviera. Produced &
directed by Eleanor Yule. Note: Palin and Yule previously collaborated on
the TV doc Palin on Redpath (1997).
2607 October 13–14, 2000

John Cleese visits Cornell University in Ithaca, NY for a second time since
being named an A.D. White Professor-at-Large in 1998. During his visit,
Cleese presents a screening and lecture on Life of Brian in Bailey Hall (Oct.
13) and gives a lecture on writing with novelist-screenwriter William
Goldman in Rockefeller Hall (Oct. 14).

2608 October 13, 2000

Terry Jones introduces a screening of Holy Grail and talks about his career
at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle upon Tyne, England as part of the
Newcastle Film Festival.

2609 October 15, 2000

The Mail on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “East Fife Four, Forfar Five... (or
Why a List of Place Names Used to Bring the Nation to a Standstill),” by
Michael Palin, p. 61. Palin recalls his family’s ritual of listening to the
Saturday football results.

2610 October 25, 2000

Terry Jones gives a talk on the death of Chaucer at the Museum of

London.

2611 November 4–December 3, 2000

Watching (TV series: BBC2). Tom Sutcliffe hosts this six-part documentary
series on filmmaking. Interviewees include Terry Gilliam, John Carpenter,
Peter Bogdanovich, Sydney Pollack, Atom Egoyan, and Richard Schickel.
Episodes: “Beginnings” (Nov. 4), “Big” (Nov. 11), “Screens” (Nov. 18),
“Punch” (Nov. 25), “Unseen” (Dec. 2), and “Freeze” (Dec. 3).

2612 November 12, 2000

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin speaks at the

Duke of York’s Theatre in London in aid of Action for Prisoners’ Families.
2613 November 17, 2000

The Scotsman (Newspaper/U.K.). “Master of Middle-Age Mischief,” by

Aidan Smith. Interview with Terry Jones, conducted at his Camberwell,
London home.

2614 November 17, 2000

The Beatles Revolution (TV special: ABC). Two-hour documentary on the

Fab Four. Eric Idle is among the celebrities interviewed. Directed by Rudy
Bednar.

2615 November 20, 2000

I Don’t Believe It! The “One Foot in the Grave” Story (TV special: BBC1).
Documentary looking back on the ten-year run of the popular British sitcom
One Foot in the Grave. Eric Idle, composer and singer of the show’s title
song, appears. Directed by Gerard Barry.

2616 November 21–22, 2000

Terry Gilliam contributes original artwork to the annual “Secret” postcard

exhibition at the Royal College of Art in London. Proceeds from sales of
the postcards (contributed by both celebrities and unknown artists) go to the
RCA’s Fine Art Student Award Fund.

2617 November 22, 2000

Terry Gilliam turns 60. A few days later, he celebrates his birthday with a
party at the Cucina restaurant in Hampstead, London, attended by fellow
Pythons Michael Palin and Terry Jones.

2618 November 22, 2000

Michael Palin attends the first gala charity evening for the Peter Cook
Foundation in London. Other attendees include Andrew Lloyd Webber,
Helen Mirren, Sir David Frost, Bill Wyman, and Ron Wood.

2619 November 22, 2000

102 Dalmatians (Feature film: Buena Vista Pictures) opens in the U.S.
Sequel to the 1996 live-action remake of the 1961 Disney animated classic
101 Dalmatians. Eric Idle voices Waddlesworth, a macaw who thinks he’s
a dog. Starring Glenn Close, Gerard Depardieu, and Ioan Gruffudd. Written
by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White. Directed
by Kevin Lima.

2620 November 29, 2000

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV episode: UPN). “War and Peace and
War.” Eric Idle voices Guzelian in this episode of the animated sci-fi series.
Patrick Warburton voices Buzz. Directed by Victor Cook.

2621 November 30, 2000

Seussical opens on Broadway. The musical, by lyricist Lynn Ahrens and

composer Stephen Flaherty, is based on the works of children’s author Dr.
Seuss. Ahrens and Flaherty conceived the work in collaboration with Eric
Idle in 1998. Idle also performed the role of the Cat in the Hat in a staged
reading of the show in May 1999.

2622 December 2–23, 2000

The Medieval Ball (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). Terry Jones examines
medieval thinkers’ understanding of the world in this four-part series.
Episodes: “A World View” (Dec. 2), “What Have the Romans Ever Done
for Us?” (Dec. 9), “The View from the East” (Dec. 16), and “Towards the
Age of Discovery” (Dec. 23). Produced by Mark Rickards.

2623 December 2, 2000

A Candlelight Christmas (Concert). John Cleese gives a reading of “Twas

the Night Before Christmas” at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa
Barbara, CA.

2624 December 10, 2000

The Mail on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Monty Python and His Holy
Trail,” by Terry Jones, p. 89. Jones writes about his trip (with illustrator
Michael Foreman) through France to trace the route of Edward III’s 1359–
60 campaign.

2625 December 14, 2000

The Magic Pudding (Feature film: 20th Century–Fox Australia) opens in

Australia. Animated film, based on the Australian children’s classic by
Norman Lindsay, starring John Cleese as the voice of Albert, the Magic
Pudding. Voice cast also includes Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving, and Geoffrey
Rush. Written by Harry Cripps, Greg Haddrick, and Simon Hopkinson.
Directed by Karl Zwicky.

2626 December 19, 2000

Best of British (TV episode: BBC1). “Ronnie Corbett.” Tribute to the

comedian, with guests Ronnie Barker, Sir David Frost, Michael Palin, and
others. Produced & directed by Jo Shinner.

2627 December 28, 2000

Heroes of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “Ronnie Barker.” Comedian

Ronnie Barker (The Two Ronnies) is profiled. Interviewees include Michael
Palin, Ronnie Corbett, and David Jason. Written & produced by John
Fisher. Directed by Tom Atkinson.

2628 December 30, 2000

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Borders of History,” by Michael

Palin. Palin writes about his visits to Poland and Italy for his Radio 4
program on the Iron Curtain, beginning this morning.

2629 December 30, 2000 & January 6, 2001

Excess Baggage (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). “Michael Palin’s Iron
Curtain.” Two-part program in which Palin travels to Trieste (in Italy) and
Szczecin (in Poland), the two cities immortalized in Winston Churchill’s
“Iron Curtain” speech of March 1946.

2630 2000

Performance Matters: The Importance of Praise (Training film: Video

Arts). Film on the importance of praise as a management tool. Introduced &
narrated by John Cleese. Starring Andy Taylor and Mina Anwar. Written by
Antony Jay. Directed by Sean Hardie.

2631 2000

Performance Matters: The Need for Constructive Criticism (Training film:

Video Arts). Film for managers on how to improve employee performance
by giving constructive criticism. Introduced & narrated by John Cleese.
Starring Andy Taylor and Mina Anwar. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by
Sean Hardie.

2632 2000

Studies in the Age of Chaucer, Volume 22 (Book: New Chaucer Society,

Ohio State University), edited by Larry Scanlon, is published in the U.S.
Includes “The Monk’s Tale,” by Terry Jones, pp. 387–97.

2633 2000

Brightness (Short film). Two small-time crooks get a second chance from a
mysterious man named Mr. Bix (Eric Idle) in this 25-minute short. Also
starring Chad Lindberg, Gregory Fawcett, and Fay Masterson. Written by
Todd Messegee. Directed by Andrew Tsao.

2634 January 7, 2001

Heroes for the Planet—A Tribute to National Geographic (TV special:

National Geographic Channel & CNBC). John Cleese appears on this hour-
long live broadcast from the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. Hosted by
Pierce Brosnan.

2635 February 2001–February 2002

Michael Palin’s next travel series, Sahara, is filmed over four months,
taking him across the vast Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. The series will
air Oct. 13–Nov. 3, 2002, on BBC1.

2636 February 2, 2001

Blue Peter (TV children’s show: BBC1). In this medieval-themed episode

Terry Jones assists Matt Baker in preparing for a joust.

2637 February 7, 2001

Jeopardy! (TV game show: Synd.). Eric Idle competes in this celebrity
edition against Dana Delany and Wayne Brady. Idle wins the game, earning
$15,000 for his charity, Friends of the Los Angeles Free Clinic. Taped at the
Las Vegas Hilton. Hosted by Alex Trebek.

2638 March 2001

John Cleese films his scenes as Nearly Headless Nick in Harry Potter and
the Sorcerer’s Stone. The film is released in November.

2639 March 2001

John Cleese is reported to be in negotiations to star in a new American

sitcom titled H.M.O., for ABC Television. In the show, which is set at a
dysfunctional hospital, Cleese would play administrator Dr. Larry King.
The pilot is scripted by Peter Tolan.

2640 March 1, 2001

The Human Face (Book: BBC Books), written by Brian Bates with John
Cleese, is published in the U.K. Companion book to the TV documentary
series hosted by Cleese, illustrated with many photographs. Published in the
U.S. in July (Dorling Kindersley).

2641 March 7–25, 2001

The four-part documentary series The Human Face airs on BBC1. The
series, hosted with humor by John Cleese, explores how facial
characteristics and expressions effect our perceptions of personality, beauty,
and fame. The series, which costars Elizabeth Hurley (in three episodes)
and Michael Palin (one episode), airs in the U.S. on Aug. 26 & 27 (The
Learning Channel).

Awards: Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Non-Fiction (Informational)

Special.

2642 March 7, 2001

The Human Face (TV episode: BBC1). “Face to Face.” “Professor” John
Cleese and his assistant Janet (Elizabeth Hurley) explore how people make
and read facial expressions in this first episode of the four-part documentary
series. With comments from David Attenborough, Prof. Paul Ekman, and
others. Written & hosted by John Cleese. Produced & directed by James
Erskine.

2643 March 9, 2001

Morning Becomes Eclectic (Radio talk show: KCRW, Santa Monica). Host
Nic Harcourt talks to Eric Idle about the creation of The Rutles and the
DGA screening of All You Need Is Cash tonight.

2644 March 9, 2001

Eric Idle introduces a screening of the Rutles film, All You Need Is Cash
(1978), at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles as part of
the Museum of Television & Radio’s 18th Annual William S. Paley
Television Festival (Feb. 28–Mar. 13). After the screening, Idle takes part in
a panel discussion (moderated by Museum curator Ron Simon) with his
Rutle collaborators Neil Innes, Ricky Fataar, and director Gary Weis.

2645 March 10, 2001

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Tonight’s

only guest, John Cleese, talks about the origins of Fawlty Towers, the Life
of Brian controversy, the sketches “Ministry of Silly Walks” and “Pet
Shop,” and fame.
2646 March 11, 2001

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Relative Values:

Terry and Bill Jones,” pp. 7–9. Caroline Scott interviews Terry Jones and
his son, film editor Bill Jones (age 24). Photographs of father and son by
Zed Nelson. Michael Palin and his son, Tom, were also interviewed for
“Relative Values” (June 15, 1997).

2647 March 13, 2001

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (DVD: Rhino Home Video). Eric Idle’s
1978 TV mockumentary is released on DVD with a remastered soundtrack
and special features, including an introduction and audio commentary by
Idle, Idle’s memoirs, deleted scenes, and photo gallery.

2648 March 14, 2001

The Human Face (TV episode: BBC1). “Here’s Looking at You!” A look at
the role the face plays in shaping our identity. Hosted by John Cleese, with
comments from David Attenborough, caricaturist Tim Watts, and others.
Second episode of the four-part documentary series.

2649 March 16, 2001

Comic Relief: Big Red Nose Night (TV special: BBC1). John Cleese
appeals for donations during this eight-hour TV event in aid of Comic
Relief.

2650 March 21, 2001

The Human Face (TV episode: BBC1). “Beauty.” An attempt to answer the
question “What is beauty?” Hosted by a miniaturized John Cleese standing
on the face of Elizabeth Hurley. Prunella Scales also co-stars. Interviewees
include Candice Bergen, Pierce Brosnan, Dr. Stephen R. Marquardt, and
Prof. Paul Ekman. Third episode of the four-part documentary series.

2651 March 25, 2001

The Human Face (TV episode: BBC1). “Fame.” An examination of famous
faces. Hosted by John Cleese, and guest-starring Elizabeth Hurley and
Michael Palin, who plays a man applying to become an icon and a lowly
peasant who wants his face on a coin. With comments from William
Goldman, David Attenborough, Pierce Brosnan, and casting director Mali
Finn. Fourth episode of the four-part documentary series. Produced &
directed by David Stewart.

2652 March 25, 2001

John Cleese and Eric Idle (and their wives) attend the Vanity Fair Oscar
Party at Morton’s Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

2653 April 3, 2001

GMTV (TV show: ITV/Carlton). Morning magazine program. Guests: John

Cleese, Eddie Izzard, and Faith Hill.

2654 April 6, 2001

Eric Idle attends the opening of the exhibition “The Private Collection of
Steve Martin” at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art in Las Vegas. Other
attendees include Martin Short and Martin Mull.

2655 April 13, 2001

An Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese hosts a screening of The
Meaning of Life at Campbell Hall at the University of California Santa
Barbara. The event benefits The Arts Fund and UCSB Department of Film
Studies.

2656 April 14, 2001

The Archive Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). “Children’s Hour.” Terry
Jones hosts this look at 70-plus years of children’s radio programs in the
English-speaking world. Hour.

2657 April 16, 2001

John Cleese, Benjamin Bottoms, and Margaret Kemp give readings at the
Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA. The readings are part of the “Fine
Actors Performing Great Writers” series presented by Speaking of Stories.
Cleese reads “Sanatorium” by W. Somerset Maugham.

2658 April 19, 2001

Eric Idle attends the opening night of Mel Brooks’ Broadway musical The
Producers at the St. James Theatre in New York City. It was Idle who first
pitched the idea of a Producers musical to Brooks back in the late 1980s,
but at the time the director wanted to concentrate on making movies and
passed on the project.

2659 April 22–23, 2001

John Cleese speaks at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. It is his third visit
to the university since being named a professor-at-large in 1998. During his
visit, Cleese delivers a Sunday sermon titled “My First Sermon” at Sage
Chapel (Apr. 22), gives a lecture with wildlife preservationist Simon Hicks
at the James Law Auditorium (Apr. 22), holds a press conference with local
media (Apr. 23), lectures at the McCarthy Reading Room (Libe Café) in
Olin Library (Apr. 23), and joins Prof. Stephen Ceci for a talk on “The
Human Face” (Apr. 23).

2660 April 24 & May 22, 2001

The Criterion Collection releases on DVD three classic comedies by French

filmmaker Jacques Tati—M. Hulot’s Holiday (1953), Mon Oncle (1958),
and Playtime (1967)—each with a video introduction by Tati fan Terry
Jones.

2661 April 27, 2001

Terry Gilliam’s Desert Island Flicks (Event). Terry Gilliam talks about his
favorite animated films with writer-critic Mark Kermode as part of the
Animated Encounters festival (Apr. 26–29) at the Watershed Media Centre
in Bristol, England.
2662 May 2001

Terry Gilliam serves on the jury at the 54th Cannes Film Festival (May 9–
20) in France. His fellow jury members include Liv Ullmann, Edward Yang,
Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Julia Ormond. Gilliam also attends the Amfar
AIDS charity dinner at Le Moulin de Mougins (May 17).

2663 May 2001

Speaking Images: Essays in Honor of V. A. Kolve (Book: Pegasus Press),

edited by Robert F. Yeager and Charlotte C. Morse, is published. Collection
of 26 medieval and Renaissance-themed essays, including “The Image of
Chaucer’s Knight,” by Terry Jones, pp. 205–36. The book is presented to
retiring professor V. A. Kolve at a banquet in his honor at the University of
California, Los Angeles.

2664 May 8, 2001

3rd Rock from the Sun (TV episode: NBC). “Mary Loves Scoochie: Part 1.”
Dick (John Lithgow) attempts to learn the identity of a mystery man who
has been sending love letters to Mary (Jane Curtin). First of two parts. John
Cleese reprises the role of Dr. Liam Neesam, whom he first played in two
1998 episodes (Apr. 28 & 29). Also starring Kristen Johnston and French
Stewart. Written by Aron Abrams, Gregory Thompson, and Dave Boerger.
Directed by Terry Hughes.

2665 May 11, 2001

Author Douglas Adams dies of a heart attack at the age of 49 in Montecito,

CA. Adams, best known for his 1978 radio play The Hitchhiker’s Guide to
the Galaxy (later a book & TV series), made several contributions to the
fourth series of Monty Python in 1974, appearing briefly in sketches and co-
writing one sketch (“Patient Abuse”) with Graham Chapman for the very
last show to be broadcast (on Dec. 5). He also collaborated with Chapman
on the TV special Out of the Trees (1976) and the “For Your Own Good...”
episode (1977) of Doctor on the Go. In 1997 Terry Jones wrote the
novelization of Adams’ computer game Starship Titanic. Jones later writes
two introductions for the U.S. paperback edition (2003) of Adams’
posthumous collection The Salmon of Doubt (2002).

2666 May 15, 2001

3rd Rock from the Sun (TV episode: NBC). “Mary Loves Scoochie: Part 2.”
Dick (John Lithgow) learns that Dr. Liam Neesam (John Cleese) is only
using Mary (Jane Curtin) to further his plot to turn the Earth into a theme
park called “Planet Monkey World.” Second of two parts. Also starring
Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Written by
Will Forte. Directed by Terry Hughes.

2667 May 16–June 23, 2001

Scorched, a comedy co-starring John Cleese, is filmed in California.

2668 May 30, 2001

Terry Gilliam attends the annual dinner of the Royal Academy of Art in
London.

2669 May 30, 2001

Welcome to South Park (Event). Eric Idle hosts this Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences event celebrating the hit animated show, South Park, held
at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. Idle talks to
the show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

2670 June 3, 2001

An Afternoon with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese participates in an

onstage discussion with Dr. Stephen Erickson at UC Davis in California as
part of the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

2671 June 13, 2001

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘Our Roads? Don’t Make Me Laugh,’”

by Ros Coward. Interview with Michael Palin about his travels and the
state of British transport.
2672 June 15, 2001

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) is re-released in selected U.S.
theaters. The digitally re-mastered film will be released on DVD in October.
John Cleese and Eric Idle introduce the film’s premiere screening at the
Nuart Theater in Los Angeles.

2673 June 15, 2001

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guests: John
Cleese, promoting the re-release of Holy Grail, Jordana Brewster, and
Travis.

2674 June 20, 2001

Counterblast (TV special: BBC2). “The Road to Hell.” Documentary,

hosted by Michael Palin, examining the ill effects of road travel on the
environment. Palin, president of the pressure group Transport 2000,
previously visited this subject in the 1994 doc Car Sick. Produced &
directed by Mike MacCormack.

2675 June 24, 2001

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Basil Fawlty’s Basement,”

by Cheryl Markosky, pp. 1+ (sect. 12). John Cleese is interviewed about
his Holland Park, London home. Cleese has recently put the Victorian
townhouse on the market, priced at £5 million. He purchased the house in
1977.

2676 June 27, 2001

Terry Gilliam receives the second annual Vision Award from the
Filmmakers’ Alliance at the Director’s Guild of America’s main theatre in
Los Angeles. Presenting the award is Gilliam’s Fisher King star Mercedes
Ruehl.

2677 June 28, 2001

Film 2001 with Jonathan Ross (TV show: BBC1). Terry Gilliam, Nick
Park, and Jeffrey Katzenberg talk about the future of animation.

2678 June 29, 2001

Monty Python is inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame at the 2nd
annual Hall of Fame gala held at the famous Los Angeles venue. Eric Idle
accepts the award (from friend Robin Williams) on behalf of the group and
sings “The Lumberjack Song,” accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl
Orchestra (John Mauceri conducting). The other four inductees are Marilyn
Horne, Bonnie Raitt, John Raitt, and Stevie Wonder. Python played the
Bowl for four nights in September 1980; the film of the performance,
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl, was released in 1982. Idle will
return to the Hollywood Bowl stage in June 2002 to induct the late George
Harrison into the Bowl Hall of Fame and again in August 2008 to perform
his Python-inspired oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy).

2679 July 2001

John Cleese attends the taping of the pilot episode of Zum letzten Kliff (To
the Last Cliff), a German version of Fawlty Towers, in Cologne, Germany.
Cleese is serving as a consultant on the show which stars Jochen Busse and
Claudia Rieschel as Viktor and Helga Stein, owners of a hotel on the island
of Sylt in the North Sea. The pilot is a remake of the first Fawlty episode,
“A Touch of Class.” Produced for Germany’s RTL network.

2680 July 3, 2001

On the Ropes (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). John Humphrys interviews
Terry Gilliam about his career and the collapse of his Don Quixote film
project.

2681 July 6, 2001

The Treatment (Radio talk show: KCRW, Santa Monica). Host/film critic
Elvis Mitchell, at the Museum of Television & Radio in New York,
interviews Terry Gilliam (in Los Angeles).
2682 July 24–August 14, 2001

Best Sellers: The Life and Times of Peter Sellers (Radio series: BBC Radio
4). Four-part documentary on comedian Peter Sellers (The Goon Show, Dr.
Strangelove), hosted by Phill Jupitus. Interviewees include Harry Secombe,
Michael Bentine, Shirley MacLaine, Alexander Walker, and Michael Palin.

2683 August 2001

Mind the Gap (Book: HarperCollins), photographed & written by Simon

James with a foreword by Michael Palin, is published. Photographic
collection on the London Underground.

2684 August 4, 2001

Omnibus (TV special: BBC2). “Douglas Adams: The Man Who Blew Up
the World (aka Life, the Universe and Douglas Adams).” Documentary on
the life and work of writer Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy), who died on May 11. Includes interviews with Terry Jones,
Stephen Fry, Clive Anderson, Griff Rhys Jones, and others. Presented by
Kirsty Wark. Produced & directed by John Bush.

2685 August 10, 2001

Help! I’m a Fish (Feature film) is released in the U.K. English-dubbed

version of a 2000 Danish-animated musical adventure about three children
who are turned into fish when they drink a potion created by mad Professor
MacKrill (voice of Terry Jones). Jones sings “Fishtastic.” Also featuring
the voice of Alan Rickman. Written by Stefan Fjeldmark, Karsten Kulerich,
and John Stefan Olsen. Directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Michael Hegner.

2686 August 17, 2001

Rat Race (Feature film: Paramount Pictures) opens in the U.S. Comedy
about a Nevada-to-New Mexico race to claim a $2 million prize. John
Cleese plays casino owner Donald P. Sinclair, who sets up the race. Also
starring Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson,
Cuba Gooding, Jr., Seth Green, and Jon Lovitz. Written by Andy Breckman.
Directed by Jerry Zucker.

2687 August 21, 2001

Today (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: John Cleese, who denies reports
that he has left Britain for good.

2688 August 25, 2001

Eric Idle attends the annual Men of Lonach Highland Gathering and
Games in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, along with Billy Connolly, Robin
Williams, Ewan McGregor, Steve Buscemi, and Aidan Quinn.

2689 August 26 & 27, 2001

John Cleese’s four-part documentary series The Human Face airs in the
U.S. on The Learning Channel. The series first aired in Britain in March on
BBC1.

2690 August 26, 2001

The Mail on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “Please Bury Me in Somerset.”

Caroline Graham interviews John Cleese about why he loves California but
is still proud to be British.

2691 August 27, 2001

The 100 Greatest Kids TV Shows (TV special: Channel 4). Countdown of
the top 100 children’s programs, hosted by Jamie Theakston. Terry Jones is
among those interviewed.

2692 September 2001

Cineaste (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python: Lust for Glory,” by David

Sterritt and Lucille Rhodes, pp. 18–23. A look at the film and TV work of
Monty Python and their influence on comedy.

2693 September 11, 2001

Michael Palin is in Agadez, a remote town in Niger, filming his travel
series Sahara when he learns of the terrorist attacks on New York City and
Washington, D.C.

2694 September 21, 2001

Stammering: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Other Professionals

(Book: David Fulton Publishers), written by Lena Rustin, Frances Cook,
Willie Botterill, Cherry Hughes, and Elaine Kelman, is published in the
U.K. Foreword by Michael Palin. Rustin, Cook, Botterill, and Kelman are
all speech therapists at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children
(founded in 1993).

2695 October 8, 2001

Fawlty Towers (DVD: BBC Video) is released in the U.K. Two-disc set
containing all twelve episodes of John Cleese’s classic sitcom. Includes
interviews with Cleese (Basil), Prunella Scales (Sybil), and Andrew Sachs
(Manuel), also audio commentaries from the show’s director and producer,
out-takes, etc.

2696 October 13, 2001

The Big Schmooze (TV show: The Comedy Channel, in Australia). Guest:
Terry Jones.

2697 October 23, 2001

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Special Edition (DVD: Columbia
TriStar). Two-disc special edition containing the 1975 film presented in
high definition wide-screen and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound and including the
missing “24 seconds” (during the “Castle Anthrax” scene). To confuse
viewers, the film is preceded by the first two minutes of the 1961 film
Dentist on the Job. The added features include: audio commentaries by
Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones (first track; from the 1993 Criterion
Collection laserdisc release) and John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael
Palin (second track); On-screen screenplay; Singalong; The Quest for the
Holy Grail Locations (Palin & Jones revisit the filming locations);
“Ministry of Foods: Coconut Information Division” (demonstration by
Michael Palin); BBC Film Night (1974 location report; originally aired
Dec. 19, 1974); and the original U.K. trailer (Chinese narrator). Released in
the U.K. on Mar. 4, 2002. Followed by a three-disc Extraordinarily Deluxe
Edition (in 2006) and a Blu-ray release (in 2012).

2698 October 23, 2001

The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations (Documentary). Michael Palin and
Terry Jones returned to Scotland in August 2000 in search of the filming
locations for Holy Grail, made 26 years earlier. Locations include Doune
Castle (“The Swallow,” “Knights of the Round Table,” “The French
Taunter,” “Castle Anthrax,” and “Swamp Castle”) and Loch Tay (“Rabbit of
Caerbannog”). With comments from Julian Doyle (production manager on
Grail) and Hamish MacInnes (leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team).
Released as a special feature on the two-disc special edition DVD of the
film.

2699 October 23, 2001

Jabberwocky (DVD: Columbia TriStar) is released in the U.S. Terry

Gilliam’s 1977 medieval comedy starring Michael Palin (with Terry
Jones in a small role) is presented on DVD with the special features: audio
commentary by Gilliam and Palin, Sketch-to-Screen Comparisons, and
theatrical trailer. Released in the U.K. on Feb. 17, 2003.

2700 October 30, 2001

Michael Palin and his wife attend the opening of the Centenary
Development extension at the Tate Britain art gallery in London.

2701 November 1, 2001

Victoria Wood’s Sketch Show Story (TV special: BBC1). Second of two
programs celebrating the sketch show. Hosted by Victoria Wood, with John
Cleese, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and others. Produced by Danny Dignan.

2702 November 4, 2001

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Feature film: Warner Bros.)
premieres in the U.K. Fantasy story, first in the series based on the best-
selling books by J. K. Rowling. John Cleese plays Nearly Headless Nick.
Cleese reprises the role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002).
Also starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard
Harris, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, and John Hurt. Directed by Chris
Columbus.

2703 November 4, 2001

The Teaching Awards 2001 (TV special: BBC1). Award show honoring
Britain’s best teachers, from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.
Hosted by Carol Smillie, with John Cleese, Michael Parkinson, Jonathan
Ross, Bryan Ferry, and others. Directed by Steve Smith. Produced by Kaye
Godleman.

2704 November 14, 2001

John Cleese and his wife attend the Los Angeles premiere of Harry Potter
and the Sorcerer’s Stone, in which he plays Nearly Headless Nick.

2705 November 24, 2001

MADtv (TV variety show: Fox). John Cleese guest-stars on this late-night
comedy series.

2706 November 29, 2001

Former Beatle George Harrison dies of cancer at the age of 58. A longtime
friend of the Pythons, Harrison provided the financial backing for the
group’s 1979 film Life of Brian after the original backers pulled out. His
company, HandMade Films, went on to produce a number of Python solo
projects, including Time Bandits (1981), The Missionary (1982), and A
Private Function (1984).

2707 November 30, 2001

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Robin Denselow presents a tribute to
the late George Harrison. Includes interviews with Paul McCartney, Tony
Blair, Tony Gilmour, and Michael Palin.

2708 November 30, 2001

Voices for Peace (Book: Scribner), edited by Anna Kiernan, is published in

the U.K. Collection of essays reflecting on the tragedy of 9/11 and the
military response it provoked. Includes Terry Jones’ “The Grammar of the
War on Terrorism,” later reprinted in Jones’ own 2005 collection Terry
Jones’s War on the War on Terror.

2709 December 1, 2001

The 2001 European Film Awards (Award ceremony). Monty Python is

honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th annual awards held
at the Tempodrom in Berlin, Germany. Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones are
there to accept the award on behalf of the group. Host Mel Smith,
disappointed that only two Pythons showed up, attempts to take the award
back.

2710 December 1, 2001

‘I Love Monty Python,’ an evening of all–Python programming, airs on

BBC2. The evening begins with repeats of two 1999 documentaries, It’s:
The Monty Python Story and Pythonland, followed by two films, Holy Grail
and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil.

2711 December 2, 2001

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “George Harrison—‘No CD can bring

back his kindness, his generosity or his warmth,’” by Michael Palin, p. 21.
Palin remembers his friend, the late George Harrison.

2712 December 2, 2001

The Observer (Newspaper/U.K.). “George Harrison 1943–2001: George

Harrison and Film,” by Michael Palin, p. 5. Palin recalls how Harrison
saved Life of Brian by putting up the money to make it and founding
HandMade Films.

2713 December 6, 2001

Comedy Lab (TV episode: Channel 4). “Knife & Wife.” Half-hour animated
comedy with Terry Jones as the voice of Knife, an angry chicken.
Produced by the Welsh animation studio Siriol. Other voices by Jessica
Stevenson, Paul Putner, Kevin Eldon, and Brian Murphy. Written by Paul
Rose. Directed by Les Orton.

2714 2001

Can You Spare a Moment? (Training film: Video Arts). Remake of the 1987
management-training film on how to deal with workers who have personal
problems. Starring John Cleese (host), Ricky Gervais, Angus Barnett,
Lorraine Brunning, Jaye Griffiths, and Naomie Harris. Written by Antony
Jay and John Cleese. Directed by Sean Hardie.

2715 2001

Chatter of Choughs (Book: Signal Books), edited by Lucy Newlyn, is

published in the U.K. Collection of poems and essays celebrating the
Cornish chough (a black crowlike bird) and its association with the college
of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University. Terry Jones, an alumnus of the
college, contributes the poem “The Unsteady Chough,” which will later be
made into an animated short (in 2004). Jones will contribute another poem
(“Untitled”) to the second edition of the book (2005).

2716 2001–2008

Titleist (TV commercials). John Cleese plays Scottish golf course architect
Ian MacCallister in a series of humorous spots for Titleist’s NXT golf balls.
Titles include: “Press Conference” (2001), “Civil Disobedience” (2001),
“Elevator” (2002), “Presentation” (2002), “Dentist” (2003), “Replacement”
(2004), “NXT-ivore” (2004), “Painting” (2005), “Statue” (2005),
“Intervention” (2006), and “Uncle Sam” (2008). Also starring David Joy (as
Tom Morris) and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Written by Craig Johnson. Directed
by David Kellogg. Agency: Arnold Worldwide, Boston.

2717 January 2002

Terry Jones undergoes an operation to resurface his hip.

2718 January 20, 2002

Hidden History of Egypt (TV special: Discovery Channel). Host Terry

Jones looks at the daily lives of ordinary citizens in Ancient Egypt. First of
three “Hidden History” documentaries. Written by Phil Grabsky, Alan
Ereira, and Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Phil Grabsky. Airs in the
U.K. on Feb. 1, 2003, as Terry Jones’s Hidden Histories: Egypt (BBC2).

2719 January 20, 2002

Hidden History of the Roman Empire (TV special: Discovery Channel).

Host Terry Jones examines how the average Roman citizen lived. Second
of three “Hidden History” documentaries. Written by Phil Grabsky and
Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Phil Grabsky. Airs in the U.K. on
Feb. 8, 2003, as Terry Jones’s Hidden Histories: Rome (BBC2). The third
doc in the series, Hidden History of Sex and Love, airs in the U.K. on Feb.
14, 2003 (Discovery Channel).

2720 January 22, 2002

Terry Jones attends The 2001 Whitbread Book Awards ceremony at The
Brewery in London. Jones’ The Lady and the Squire is one of four books
nominated for Children’s Book of the Year (Philip Pullman wins for his
book The Amber Spyglass).

2721 January 31, 2002

This Is Your Life (TV talk show: BBC1). “Bill Oddie.” Hosted by Michael
Aspel. Michael Palin and Eric Idle appear on this special celebrating the
life of comedian Bill Oddie (one-third of The Goodies). They both appear
on film, with Idle speaking from Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he
and Oddie first met as students. Directed by John Gorman and Steve
Docherty. Produced by Sue Green.

2722 February 2002

Taking the Wheel (Short film), world premiere at the Berlin International
Film Festival. Dark comedy starring John Cleese as a man determined to
keep his 90-year-old mother off the road. The 10-minute short also stars
Patience Cleveland and David Brainard. Written & directed by David
Ackerman.

2723 February 2002

Clive James: Talking in the Library (Web show). Australian writer-

broadcaster Clive James interviews Terry Gilliam for series three of his
web program.

2724 February 2002

Michael Palin unveils his new series, Sahara, at the annual BBC Showcase
television trade show (Feb. 24–27), held at the Brighton Conference Centre
in Brighton, England.

2725 February 1, 2002

Terry Jones turns 60.

2726 February 3, 2002

Terry Gilliam and his wife attend the 29th annual Evening Standard British
Film Awards ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London.

2727 February 5, 2002

Terry Gilliam and his wife attend the 6th annual Empire Awards ceremony
at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

2728 February 11, 2002

Lost in La Mancha (Feature film), world premiere in Berlin. Documentary
chronicling Terry Gilliam’s failed attempt to bring Cervantes’ 1605 novel
Don Quixote to the screen. Filmmakers Louis Pepe and Keith Fulton were
allowed to follow Gilliam throughout the ill-fated production of The Man
Who Killed Don Quixote in Spain in 2000. Narrated by Jeff Bridges.
Produced by Lucy Darwin. A Quixote Films and Low Key Pictures
production. Opens in Britain on Aug. 2 and in New York City and Los
Angeles on Jan. 31, 2003.

Awards: Winner of the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy at the Evening
Standard British Film Awards.

2729 February 11, 2002

Terry Gilliam attends the world premiere of Lost in La Mancha at the 52nd
Berlin International Film Festival (Feb. 6–17) in Berlin, Germany.

2730 February 23 & March 2, 2002

George Harrison: The Inner Light (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Two-part
tribute to the late George Harrison. Includes interviews with Michael Palin,
Ravi Shankar, Jeff Lynne, and many others. Hosted by Bob Harris.

2731 February 28, 2002

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Simply Spike,” by Michael Palin, p. 4.

Tribute to the late Spike Milligan, whose work on radio’s Goon Show was a
major comedic influence on the Pythons.

2732 March 2002

Terry Jones gives a talk on Chaucer’s death in Bath, England as part of the
Bath Literature Festival (Mar. 2–10).

2733 March 2, 2002

Heroes of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “Spike Milligan.” Comedian

Spike Milligan (The Goon Show) is profiled, with comments from John
Cleese and Michael Palin, who reflect on the influence Milligan and The
Goons had on the humor of Monty Python. Directed by Tom Atkinson.

2734 March 3, 2002

The Sunday Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Spike Changed Britain More

Than the Angry Young Men,” by John Cleese, p. 25. Cleese pays tribute to
the late Spike Milligan.

2735 March 3, 2002

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Cleese and Izzard on the

True King of Comedy,” by Stuart Wavell, p. 8 (sect. 5). John Cleese and
Eddie Izzard pay tribute to their mutual comedy influence, Spike Milligan.
“Glorious Delusion of the Golden Age,” by Stuart Wavell, p. 9 (sect. 5).
Terry Jones gives his thoughts on the Renaissance, the subject of his
upcoming Radio 4 series, The Anti-Renaissance Show.

2736 March 9–23, 2002

The Anti-Renaissance Show (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). Terry Jones
hosts this series of three half-hour programs challenging the modern view
of the Renaissance as a more culturally-advanced period than the Middle
Ages. Episodes: “What Did Renaissance Man Ever Do for Us?” (Mar. 9),
“Medieval ‘Savagery’ and Renaissance ‘Enlightenment’” (Mar. 16), and
“The 19th Century View” (Mar. 23).

2737 March 9, 2002

The Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Cold Call: Michael

Palin,” p. 8. Alan Jackson interviews Palin.

2738 March 24, 2002

John Cleese and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

2739 March 24, 2002

The New York Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “The Importance of Being Silly,”
by Terrence Rafferty, p. A27. Interview with John Cleese about his career
and the upcoming BBC America tribute John Cleese Forever.

2740 March 25, 2002

Good Day Live (TV talk show: Synd.). Guest: John Cleese.

2741 March 26, 2002

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: John
Cleese, promoting Wednesday 9:30, talks about trying to sell his house,
things he dislikes about America, and answers “5 Questions.”

2742 March 27–April 3, May 29–June 12, 2002

Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) (TV series: ABC). Short-lived American

sitcom co-starring John Cleese. The show, created by Peter Tolan (The
Larry Sanders Show), is set at a television network called IBS. Cleese plays
Red Lansing, an Australian media mogul who owns the network. Also
starring Ivan Sergei, Ed Begley, Jr., Melinda McGraw, James McCauley,
and Sherri Shepherd. ABC cancels the show after only two episodes air due
to low ratings. Retitled My Adventures in Television when the show was
relaunched in May. Five episodes air.

Reviews: Terry Kelleher (People Weekly, Mar. 25, 2002): “...plays like a
laundered Larry Sanders with a loud laugh track.... John Cleese is a
disappointment.... His performance, like his Australian accent, seems half-
hearted.”

2743 March 29, 2002

John Cleese Forever, a retrospective devoted to John Cleese, airs on BBC

America. The retrospective includes episodes of Flying Circus, Fawlty
Towers, and the film Time Bandits.

2744 March 31, 2002

English writer-comedian Barry Took dies at the age of 73. It was Took who,
as comedy advisor for the BBC, facilitated the meeting between the BBC
and a group of young British comedians in May 1969 that would lead to the
creation of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

2745 April–June 2002

Nike (“The Secret Tournament”) (TV commercial). Terry Gilliam directed

this TV ad (and its sequel, “The Rematch”) for Nike as part of the
company’s 2002 World Cup campaign. The ads, filmed in London and
Rome in December 2001 and January 2002, take place inside a cargo ship
where 24 of the world’s greatest football players (in eight teams of three)
compete in a secret tournament. Featured footballers include Eric Cantona,
Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, and Rio Ferdinand. Music: Elvis
Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation.” Written by Tim Wolfe. Agency:
Wieden & Kennedy, Amsterdam.

2746 April 11, 2002

The Evening Standard (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “So, Has John Cleese

Lost His Funny Bone?,” by Pete Clark, p. 32 (sect. A). Harsh critique of
Cleese claiming the comedian has stopped being funny since moving to
California. Cleese sues the paper for libel and in February 2003 wins a
£13,500 award.

2747 April 21, 2002

Michael Palin attends the gala re-opening of the newly-refurbished

Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London.

2748 April 28, 2002

Lifeline (TV appeal: BBC1). “FARM-Africa.” Michael Palin appears on

this monthly charity program appealing on behalf of the FARM-Africa
organization (aiding African farmers), of which he is a patron.

2749 May 5, 2002

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “My Hols,” by Michael
Palin (talking to Vanya Kewley), p. 18 (sect. 5). Palin describes some of
his favorite travel experiences, including visits to the Grand Canyon (with
Terry Jones in 1972), Southwold, Venice, New York, and the west of
Scotland.

2750 May 12–14, 2002

Dinotopia (TV mini-series: ABC). Six-hour TV series set on a mythical

island where humans and dinosaurs co-exist. Based on the books by James
Gurney, the series combines live-action with computer-generated images.
Terry Jones voices Messenger Bird. Shown in three parts. Starring Tyron
Leitso, Wentworth Miller, Stuart Wilson, Katie Carr, Alice Krige, and David
Thewlis. Written by Simon Moore. Directed by Marco Brambilla.

2751 May 17, 2002

Scorched (Feature film) premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Comedy about three bank employees separately plotting to rob the bank on
the same night. John Cleese plays millionaire Charles Merchant. Released
in the U.S. in July 2003, the film is quickly pulled from theaters due to its
poor box office performance. Also starring Alicia Silverstone, Rachael
Leigh Cook, Woody Harrelson, Paulo Costanzo, and Joseph Leonard.
Written by Joe Wein. Directed by Gavin Grazer. Opens in the U.K. on Dec.
9, 2005.

2752 May 18, 2002

Michael Palin opens the Electric Picture Palace, a new, 1912-style cinema
in the seaside town of Southwold, England. Southwold had been the site of
Palin’s summer holidays as a youth and inspired his 1987 TV film East of
Ipswich.

2753 May 19, 2002

The 2nd Annual World Stunt Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese is a
presenter at the ceremony held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. Airs
May 31 on ABC.
2754 May 22, 2002

Terry Gilliam meets the Queen at a Golden Jubilee celebration of the arts
hosted by Her Royal Highness at the Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly,
London. Other guests include Sir Richard Attenborough, Dame Shirley
Bassey, Kate Bush, Joanna Lumley, Jane Asher, Barry Humphries, and
Penelope Keith.

2755 May 26, 2002

Banzai! (TV show: Channel 4). Terry Gilliam is interviewed by Lady One
Question on this comedy-betting show.

2756 June 2, 2002

John Cleese attends the opening of a new three-acre lemur habitat (the
Lipman Family Lemur Forest) at the San Francisco Zoo. Cleese, a lemur
advocate, hosted the 1998 documentary Born to Be Wild: Operation Lemur
with John Cleese.

2757 June 6, 2002

The Scotsman (Newspaper/U.K.). “Gilliam’s Curse,” by Stephen

Applebaum. Article on Terry Gilliam’s ill-fated Don Quixote production.

2758 June 10, 2002

John Cleese receives the 2002 Sir Peter Ustinov/Comedy Network Award
at the 23rd annual Banff Television Festival (June 9–14) in Banff, Canada.
Appearing on stage with interviewer Ralph Benmergui, Cleese discusses his
career in comedy.

2759 June 20–26, 2002

John Cleese is a guest-speaker on the Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner for its
six-night British Comedy-themed transatlantic crossing from New York to
Southampton, England.

2760 June 20, 2002

Readers and Writers Roadshow (TV show: BBC4). Kate Mosse hosts a
discussion with authors Terry Jones and Terry Pratchett at Hove Town
Hall.

2761 June 24, 2002

Maclean’s (Magazine/Can.). “Raging with Laughter,” by Brian Bergman, p.

54. Interview with John Cleese conducted the day after his Banff
appearance.

2762 June 28, 2002

Eric Idle posthumously inducts his friend George Harrison into the
Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame at the 3rd annual Hall of Fame gala at the
Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Idle represented Monty Python when the
group was inducted last year (June 29, 2001).

2763 June 28, 2002

John Cleese and his wife, Alyce Faye, unveil two English Heritage Blue
Plaques at the Freud Museum in Hampstead, London in honor of Sigmund
Freud and his daughter Anna, both pioneers in the field of psychoanalysis.
The museum was formerly Freud’s London residence.

2764 June 28, 2002

John Cleese and his wife attend the annual James Bond Golf Classic and
Gala Dinner at Stoke Park Golf Club in England. The charity event is
hosted by the Ian Fleming Foundation. Cleese plays Q in the upcoming
Bond film Die Another Day.

2765 July 3, 2002

John Cleese and Terry Jones attend a memorial service for the late writer-
comedian Barry Took at St. John’s Wood Church in London. Took died on
Mar. 31.

2766 July 16, 2002

Michael Palin speaks at the Buxton Festival (July 9–21) in Buxton,
Derbyshire, England.

2767 July 20, 2002

Lost in La Mancha, the film documenting Terry Gilliam’s attempt to bring

Don Quixote to the screen, premieres in the U.K. in Cambridge, England as
part of the 22nd Cambridge Film Festival (July 11–21). The film had its
world premiere in Berlin on Feb. 11.

2768 July 25, 2002

Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin attend the London premiere of Lost in La
Mancha at the Screen on the Green in Islington.

2769 July 30, 2002

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Mark Lawson.
Features a report on the new documentary Lost in La Mancha.

2770 August 2, 2002

Lost in La Mancha opens in the U.K.

2771 August 2, 2002

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Includes a report on the documentary

Lost in La Mancha.

2772 August 16, 2002

The Adventures of Pluto Nash (Feature film: Warner Bros.) opens in the
U.S. Sci-fi comedy starring Eddie Murphy in the title role. John Cleese
plays James, a computerized chauffeur. Also starring Randy Quaid, Rosario
Dawson, Jay Mohr, and Pam Grier. Written by Neil Cuthbert. Directed by
Ron Underwood.

2773 August 20, 2002

Legends (TV episode: ITV1/Carlton). “Peter Cook.” Half-hour profile of
the late comedian, with contributions from Michael Palin, Ian Hislop, John
Bird, and others. Produced & directed by Huda Abuzeid.

2774 August 24, 2002

Eric Idle attends the annual Men of Lonach Gathering and Games in
Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, along with Billy Connolly, Pamela
Stephenson, and Aidan Quinn.

2775 August 28, 2002

Train enthusiast Michael Palin unveils the new Virgin Super Voyager high-
speed train (number 221130), named in his honor, at Sheffield Train Station
in Sheffield, England. He also rides the train to Leeds on its maiden run. A
report on the event is shown that night on TV’s Calendar News (ITV
Yorkshire).

2776 August 30, 2002

The documentary Lost in La Mancha (featuring Terry Gilliam) has its

North American premiere at the 29th annual Telluride Film Festival (Aug.
30–Sept. 2) in Telluride, CO. Gilliam attends the festival and participates in
a conversation with author Salman Rushdie at Telluride Courthouse (Sept.
2). A video recording of their talk is included in the June 2003 DVD release
of the film.

2777 August 31, 2002

Financial Times (Newspaper/U.K.). “Lunch with the FT: A Tall Order,” by

Andrew Davidson, p. III. John Cleese is interviewed at a production office
in Port Royal, London where he talks about his interest in business and
involvement with Video Arts, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this
year.

2778 September 14–December 2002

Michael Palin tours the U.K. promoting his book & TV series Sahara,
signing books and giving lectures and readings.

2779 September 14, 2002

The 2002 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (Award ceremony). John
Cleese is a presenter at the ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles. Broadcast Sept. 21 on E! Entertainment.

2780 September 15, 2002

Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform at a charity evening at the

Guildhall in London paying tribute to the late Spike Milligan (The Goon
Show). The event, a fundraiser for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, is broadcast
as Spike Milligan: I Told You I Was Ill...A Live Tribute on Oct. 5 (BBC2).

2781 September 17, 2002

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Media: Screen Villains?; What Image

of Britain Does Our Television Present Abroad?,” by Michael Palin.

2782 September 23, 2002

Good Beer Guide 2003 (Book: CAMRA Books), edited by Roger Protz, is
published in the U.K. Thirtieth edition of the guide. Includes an article by
Terry Jones.

2783 September 25, 2002

Michael Palin’s new website, Palin’s Travels, is launched on the 14th

anniversary of his departure from Victoria Station for his journey Around
the World in 80 Days.

2784 September 26, 2002

Sahara (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin with

photographs by Basil Pao, is published in the U.K. Illustrated account of
Palin’s journey across the vast African desert. This companion book to the
2002 BBC TV series becomes a No. 1 bestseller in Britain. Paperback
edition published by Phoenix (2003). Published in the U.S. by Thomas
Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press) in April 2003.

Award: British Book Award–winner for Illustrated Book of the Year.

2785 September 26, 2002

Inside Sahara (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), by Basil Pao (photographs)

with an introduction by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K.
Photography book accompanying the Michael Palin TV series & book
Saraha.

2786 September 28, 2002

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Michael Palin, Ricky Gervais, Kate Adie, and Norah Jones. Palin talks
about Sahara, George Harrison, and stammering.

2787 September 29, 2002

Peter Cook: A Post-Humourous Tribute (Stage show), at The Prince of

Wales Theatre in London. Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform at this
comedy benefit honoring the late Peter Cook (who died in 1995). Sketches
include “How Do You Do It?” (Palin & Jones). The event raises funds for
the Peter Cook Foundation, a charity for mentally-handicapped children.
Hosted by Sir David Frost and also starring Rik Mayall, Adrian
Edmondson, Griff Rhys Jones, David Baddiel, Jonathan Ross, Harry
Enfield, Angus Deayton, Neil Innes, Greg Proops, and Jimmy Carr.
Directed by Terry Jones. The show is filmed, airing Dec. 28 on BBC2.

2788 September 30, 2002

Michael Palin gives a talk on his new book and series Sahara at the Royal
Geographical Society in London.

2789 October 2, 2002

Midweek (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Libby Purves.
Guests: Michael Palin, David Bellamy, and Steve Cohen.
2790 October 4, 2002

The Scream Team (TV film: Disney Channel). In this Halloween-themed

family comedy, Eric Idle plays Coffin Ed, one a trio of bumbling ghosts
who try to help two children find their grandfather’s lost soul. Filmed in
Ontario, Canada. Also starring Tommy Davidson, Kathy Najimy, Mark
Rendall, and Kat Dennings. Written by Daniel Berendsen. Directed by
Stuart Gillard.

2791 October 5, 2002

Spike Milligan: I Told You I Was Ill...A Live Tribute (TV special: BBC2).
Tribute to the late comedian Spike Milligan (who died in February at age
83), recorded live at a charity event on Sept. 15 at London’s Guildhall.
Michael Palin and Terry Jones perform some of Milligan’s famous Goon
Show characters and material from his Q series. Other performers include
John Sergeant (host), Paul Merton, Eddie Izzard, Harry Enfield, Kathy
Burke, Dame Cleo Laine, and Eric Sykes. Directed by Dominic Brigstocke.
Produced by Cerrie Frost.

2792 October 6, 2002

The New York Times Book Review (Newspaper/U.S.). “Clouseau, Quilty and
Sir Jervis Fruit: Peter Sellers managed to invest his most outlandish
characters with a measure of dignity,” by Michael Palin, p. 9. Palin
reviews the book Mr. Strangelove: A Biography of Peter Sellers by Ed
Sikov.

2793 October 8–29, 2002

The Beatles: Across the Universe (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Four-part
retrospective narrated by Robert Lindsay. Michael Palin is among those
interviewed.

2794 October 8, 2002

Michael Palin signs copies of his new book Sahara (tie-in with the TV
series) at Hatchards bookshop in London.
2795 October 11, 2002

Michael Palin talks about Sahara at the 53rd Cheltenham Festival of

Literature (Oct. 11–20) in Cheltenham, England. Followed by a book
signing.

2796 October 12, 2002

The Mirror (Newspaper/U.K.). “Follow That Camel,” by Tony Purnell.

Michael Palin describes some highlights from his Sahara adventure.

2797 October 13–November 3, 2002

The four-part travel series Sahara with Michael Palin airs on BBC1. In the
series, filmed over four months between February 2001 and February 2002,
Michael Palin explores the vast Sahara Desert in northern and western
Africa, traveling through the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania,
Senegal, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Tunisia. Shown in the U.S. in April 2003
(Bravo). Series producer: Roger Mills.

Award: BAFTA-winner for Best Photography (Factual) (Nigel Meakin),

also nominated for Best Sound (Factual) (John Pritchard & George
Foulgham); 2003 TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Award
winner for Best Documentary Programme of the Year.

Review: Paul Hoggart (The Times [London], Oct. 14, 2002, p. 19):
“[Palin’s] commentaries are usually relaxed, wry, observant, kindly and
informative.... But by now it is beginning to feel as if he is going through
the motions, thinking of exotic journeys just to get out of the house for a
while”; Claire Stoker (Liverpool Echo, Oct. 14, 2002): “The Sahara is not a
typical tourist destination, but Palin’s ever warm and witty commentary
makes it sound a fascinating place.”

2798 October 13, 2002

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Welcome Aboard,” by

Michael Palin, pp. 1–2 (sect. 4). Palin writes of his life-long romance with
trains and recalls some particularly memorable railway journeys.
2799 October 13, 2002

Sahara with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “A Line in the Sand.”
Starting off in Gibraltar, Palin moves on to Tangier (in northern Morocco),
then visits the medieval city of Fez and the Berber village of Aremd. After a
stop at the Smara Refugee Camp (near Tindouf, Algeria), he travels on to
Tfariti (in Western Sahara) and Zouerat (in Mauritania), where he boards
the Iron Ore Express. In Atâr, he observes the Paris-Dakar Rally. First
episode in a four-part series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed
by Roger Mills.

OceanofPDF.com
2800 October 14, 2002

Eric Idle attends the premiere of the film Frida at the Leo S. Bing Theater
in Los Angeles.

2801 October 20, 2002

Sahara with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Destination Timbuktu.”

Palin crosses the Senegal River into Senegal, where he visits the town of
St-Louis, the island of Goree, and the capital city of Dakar. From there, it’s
a 43-hour train journey to Bamako, the capital of Mali, followed by visits to
the Dogon village of Tirelli and the ancient town of Djenné. He then takes a
cargo boat up the Niger River heading for Timbuktu. Second episode in a
four-part series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by John
Paul Davidson.

2802 October 23, 2002

The South Bank Tapes (Radio episode: BBC Radio 4). “Early Days of
Hollywood.” Terry Jones hosts this look back at Hollywood’s early days.
Third episode in a five-part series (Oct. 21–25) celebrating the 50th
anniversary of the National Film Theatre.

2803 October 24, 2002

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “John Cleese Gets Serious—So

Don’t Mention the Parrot,” by Peter Brown, p. 2. Interview with Cleese
about creativity in business.

2804 October 27, 2002

Sahara with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Absolute Desert.” Palin
visits the legendary city of Timbuktu (in Mali), then travels with the
nomadic Wodaabe people to Ingal (in Niger), where he observes the festival
of the nomads, Cure Salée. He then joins a Touareg camel train on a five-
day trek across the Ténéré Desert. Third episode in a four-part series.
Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by John Paul Davidson.
2805 October 30, 2002

Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam attend the 5th annual British Independent
Film Awards held at The Pacha Club, Victoria, London. Their late friend
George Harrison, founder of HandMade Films (Life of Brian, Time
Bandits), receives a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

2806 October 31, 2002

Open House with Gloria Hunniford (TV show: Five). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Sahara, and Lulu.

2807 October 31, 2002

Michael Palin gives an illustrated talk on his new book & TV series
Sahara at a “Meet the Author” forum at Congress Centre in London. The
event is sponsored by The Times and Foyles bookshops.

2808 November 2002

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Audiobook: Harper Children’s Audio).

Audio version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story, read by Eric Idle.
Reissued in 2005 as a tie-in with Tim Burton’s film version. Idle will later
read Dahl’s Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator for a 2004 audiobook.
Note: Michael Palin also read the story on TV’s Jackanory in March 1986.

Awards: Grammy-nominated for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.

Reviews: Rochelle O’Gorman (Hartford Courant, Nov. 24, 2002): “Pairing

Eric Idle with this material was brilliant, as he is an energetic and
imaginative narrator; the result is pure magic”; Publishers Weekly (Dec. 9,
2002, p. 23): “In a sublime bit of casting, comedic actor Idle delivers an
inspired rendition of Dahl’s classic novel.”

2809 November 3, 2002

Sahara with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Dire Straits.” Palin
crosses from Niger into Algeria, and from there to Libya, where he attends a
last reunion of the Desert Rats of World War II (in Tobruk) and visits the
ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna. In Tunisia, he re-visits the locations
where Life of Brian was filmed in 1978 (El Haddej, Monastir & Sousse).
Next, he visits Algiers (in Algeria), the Spanish city of Ceuta, and ends his
journey where it began: in Gibraltar. Fourth and final episode of the series.
Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by John Paul Davidson.

2810 November 3, 2002

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Feature film: Warner Bros.)
premieres in the U.K. (opens wide Nov. 15 in Britain and the U.S.). Film
fantasy, second in the series based on the books by J. K. Rowling. John
Cleese plays Nearly Headless Nick, a role he first played in Harry Potter
and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001). Also starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma
Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane, and Kenneth
Branagh. Directed by Chris Columbus.

2811 November 3, 2002

Eric Idle attends the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets at the Odeon, Leicester Square.

2812 November 8, 2002

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: John
Cleese, promoting Chamber of Secrets and Die Another Day, talks about
being tall, the name Cleese (changed from Cheese by his father), his brief
appearances in the Harry Potter films, and his total inability to sing. He also
answers “5 Questions.”

2813 November 10, 2002

A Centenary Concert for the Mountain Gorillas (Concert). Michael Palin

performs (“Save the Plankton”) at this concert to raise money for the Dian
Fossey Gorilla Fund, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
Other performers include Bryan Adams, Brian May, Joe Strummer, Jeremy
Irons, Sinead Cusack, Terence Stamp, and Alan Bates.

2814 November 12, 2002

The Grierson Documentary Awards 2002 (Award ceremony). Michael
Palin hosts this award ceremony honoring British documentary filmmakers.
The ceremony, held at BAFTA in London, is being televised for the first
time (Nov. 13 on BBC4). Directed by Amanda Crayden. Produced by Mark
Bell.

2815 November 14, 2002

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Eric Idle (Book: Methuen) is published in

the U.K. Collection of Python sketches & songs selected by Eric Idle, with
a preface by Terry Jones. Includes “The Bruces’ Philosophers Song.” Fifth
book in the series.

2816 November 15–23, 2002

Tilting at Windmills: The Fantastical Worlds of Terry Gilliam (Screenings).

Retrospective of Terry Gilliam’s film career presented over two weekends
at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The retrospective also includes
A Conversation with Terry Gilliam (Nov. 16) in which the director is
interviewed by film critic Elvis Mitchell. The interview airs (in edited form)
on IFC’s Independent Focus in February 2003 and is included (unedited) in
the June 2003 DVD release of Lost in La Mancha.

2817 November 15, 2002

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guests: John Cleese and Sir David Attenborough.

2818 November 17, 2002

E! True Hollywood Story (TV episode: E! Entertainment). “The Bond

Girls.” Documentary on the “girls” of the James Bond film series. Die
Another Day co-star John Cleese is among the interviewees.

2819 November 18, 2002

Die Another Day (Feature film: MGM) premieres in London (opens in

Britain Nov. 20 and in the U.S. Nov. 22). Twentieth film in the James Bond
series, starring Pierce Brosnan as Bond (his fourth time in the role). John
Cleese plays gadget expert, Q, replacing Desmond Llewelyn in the role
(Llewelyn died in December 1999). Cleese had previously played Q’s
assistant, R, in 1999’s The World Is Not Enough. Also starring Halle Berry,
Rosamund Pike, Toby Stephens, and Judi Dench. Written by Neal Purvis
and Robert Wade. Directed by Lee Tamahori.

2820 November 18, 2002

John Cleese and his wife attend the premiere of Die Another Day at
London’s Royal Albert Hall, held in the presence of the Queen and Prince
Phillip. The gala charity event is the Royal Film Performance of 2002.

2821 November 19, 2002

Last Call with Carson Daly (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John Cleese and
Good Charlotte.

2822 November 20, 2002

Die Another Day, co-starring John Cleese, opens in the U.K.

2823 November 20, 2002

The Human Face of Business (Seminar). The speakers at this business

seminar, held at Cass Business School in London, are John Cleese (who
gives a talk on creativity), Prof. Brian Bates, and Dr. Ken Robinson. Hosted
by the London Business Forum.

2824 November 20, 2002

Life on Air (TV special: BBC4). Michael Palin hosts this hour-long
documentary celebrating the 50-year television career of naturalist Sir
David Attenborough. Palin narrates and interviews Attenborough at his
home. Produced by Brian Leith. Repeats Dec. 5 on BBC1. Note:
Attenborough was Director of Programmes at the BBC when Monty
Python’s Flying Circus was commissioned in 1969.

2825 November 22, 2002

Die Another Day, co-starring John Cleese, opens in the U.S.

2826 November 29, 2002

Concert for George (Concert). An all-star tribute concert for the late George
Harrison held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on the one-year anniversary of
his death. The event raises money for Harrison’s charity, The Material
World Charitable Foundation. Participants include fellow Beatles Paul
McCartney and Ringo Starr, also Dhani Harrison (George’s son), Eric
Clapton, Ravi Shankar, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, and four
Pythons—Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam—
who perform “Sit on My Face” (with Neil Innes) and “The Lumberjack
Song” (with Tom Hanks as a Mountie). The film of the event premieres in
theaters in October 2003 and on TV in March 2004 (PBS).

2827 November 29, 2002

Later with Jools Holland (TV show: BBC2). Michael Palin is a guest on
this live music program. He talks about his book Sahara and friend George
Harrison.

2828 December 5, 2002

Forever Ealing (TV special: Turner Classic Movies). Documentary

chronicling 100 years of England’s Ealing Studios. Interviewees include
Terry Gilliam, Martin Scorsese, and Richard Attenborough. Airs in Britain
on Dec. 30 (Channel 4). Directed by Andrew Snell.

2829 December 5, 2002

Eric Idle and his wife attend the 10th annual “Divine Design” benefit show
at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.

2830 December 10, 2002

TV director Ian MacNaughton dies at the age of 76 in Munich, Germany.

The Scottish-born MacNaughton, who started out as an actor (his film
credits include X the Unknown), directed almost all of Monty Python’s TV
output between 1969 and 1974, including 41 episodes of Flying Circus (the
first four were directed by John Howard Davies) and their two German
specials in 1971 and 72. He also directed their first feature film, And Now
for Something Completely Different (1971).

2831 December 14, 2002

The British Comedy Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin receives the
Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by Eric Sykes) at the ceremony
held at the Southbank in London. Hosted by Jonathan Ross. Broadcast live
on ITV.

2832 December 18, 2002

The funeral of Python director Ian MacNaughton (who died Dec. 10) is held
in Glasgow. Michael Palin is among the attendees.

2833 December 24, 2002

V Graham Norton (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael Palin and
Roy Wood’s Army.

2834 December 25, 2002

Pinocchio (Feature film: Miramax Films) is released in the U.S. The

English-dubbed version of the Italian film starring Roberto Benigni in the
title role. Benigni also directed and co-wrote the film, which is based on the
classic story by Carlo Collodi. The English version features the voices of
John Cleese (as The Cricket) and Eric Idle (as Medoro), also Breckin
Meyer, James Belushi, Glenn Close, Topher Grace, Eddie Griffin, Cheech
Marin, and David Suchet.

2835 December 27, 2002

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Obituary: Ian MacNaughton: Television

Director Who Got Monty Python’s Circus Flying,” by Terry Jones, p. 19.
Jones remembers Python’s TV director, Ian MacNaughton, who died Dec.
10.
2836 December 27, 2002

Billy Connolly: A BAFTA Tribute (TV special: BBC1). Tribute to Scottish

comedian Billy Connolly. Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Stars celebrating
his career include Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Dame Judi Dench, Robin
Williams, Pamela Stephenson, Eddie Izzard, Bob Geldof, and others.
Recorded earlier this month. Directed by John L. Spencer.

2837 December 28, 2002

James Bond: A BAFTA Tribute (TV special: BBC1). Tribute to Ian

Fleming’s superspy, hosted by Michael Parkinson with appearances by four
screen Bonds—Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, and George
Lazenby—and many Bond co-stars, including John Cleese (Q in Die
Another Day), Halle Berry, Christopher Lee, and Ursula Andress. Directed
by Stuart McDonald. Produced by Arabella McGuigan.

2838 December 28, 2002

Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe (TV special: BBC2).

Documentary on the life of comedy great Peter Cook (1937–1995). Includes
interviews with John Cleese, Eric Idle, Jonathan Miller, John Fortune, and
others. Followed on BBC2 by Peter Cook: A Post-Humourous Tribute.
Produced by Lucy Kenwright.

2839 December 28, 2002

Peter Cook: A Post-Humourous Tribute (TV special: BBC2). Recording of

the Sept. 29 charity event at The Prince of Wales Theatre in London. Hosted
by Sir David Frost and starring Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Rik Mayall,
Adrian Edmondson, Griff Rhys Jones, David Baddiel, Jonathan Ross, Harry
Enfield, Angus Deayton, Neil Innes, Greg Proops, and Jimmy Carr.
Sketches include “How Do You Do It?” (Palin & Jones). Stage show
directed by Terry Jones. Directed by John L. Spencer. Produced by Sam
Donnelly.

2840 2002
Going to a Meeting, Part 1: Messing Up a Meeting (Training film: Video
Arts). First of two films on improving meetings. Starring John Cleese
(host), Lolita Chakrabarti, Felicity Montagu, Andy Taylor, Chris Pavlo, and
Ellen Thomas. Written by Antony Jay. Directed by Phil Bowker.

2841 2002

Going to a Meeting, Part 2: Meeting Menaces (Training film: Video Arts).

How to deal with five types of meeting menaces: the waffler, the turf
warrior, the assassin, the dominator, and the interrupter. Starring John
Cleese (host), Lolita Chakrabarti, Ralph Ineson, Toby Jones, Dan Mersh,
Felicity Montagu, Chris Pavlo, Andy Taylor, and Ellen Thomas. Written by
Antony Jay. Directed by Phil Bowker.

2842 2002

A Time to Live (Book: Genesis Publications) is published. Limited-edition,

large-format book commemorating the end of the Millennium. Introduction
by Michael Palin.

2843 January 11, 2003

Heroes and Villains (Radio episode: BBC Radio 4). “Alexander the Great
and Attila the Hun.” Terry Jones re-appraises the reputations of Alexander
the Great (as a hero) and Attila the Hun (as a villain). First of a three-part
series (Bonnie Greer and Matthew Parris host the next two episodes). Half-
hour.

2844 January 18, 2003

Comedians’ Comedians (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). “Monty Python.”

Host Angus Deayton asks comedians Eddie Izzard, Mark Steel, and others
about their favorite Python moments.

2845 January 23, 2003

John Cleese gives evidence (via video link from Los Angeles) in the High
Court in London in his libel case against the Evening Standard newspaper,
claiming that the paper’s April 2002 article (“So, Has John Cleese Lost His
Funny Bone?”) was “offensive and damaging.”

2846 January 30, 2003

Fresh Air from WHYY (Radio talk show: NPR). Terry Gilliam is
interviewed about the documentary Lost in La Mancha.

2847 January 31, 2003

Lost in La Mancha opens in New York and Los Angeles.

2848 Late January–February 2003

Michael Palin visits Australia and New Zealand for a Sahara promotional
tour.

2849 February 2003

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (DVD: Criterion Collection). DVD release
of Terry Gilliam’s 1998 film. Special features include audio commentaries
by Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, and Laila Nabulsi (track 1), Gilliam
(track 2), and Hunter S. Thompson (track 3). Also deleted scenes and
Hunter Goes to Hollywood (doc).

2850 February 1, 8 & 14, 2003

The Terry Jones documentaries Hidden History of Egypt and Hidden

History of the Roman Empire, which first aired in the U.S. in January 2002
on the Discovery Channel, are shown in the U.K. on BBC2 (Feb. 1 & 8)
under the series title Terry Jones’s Hidden Histories. The third documentary
in the series, Hidden History of Sex and Love, which did not air in the U.S.,
is shown in Britain on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) on the Discovery Channel.

2851 February 2, 2003

Carnival of the Animals (Concert). The 1886 work by Camille Saint-Saëns

is performed by John Cleese and the West Coast Symphony (Christopher
Story VI conducting) at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA. Cleese
reads the text written by Ogden Nash in 1949.

2852 February 2, 2003

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry

Gilliam presents director Stephen Frears with the Best Film Award (for
Dirty Pretty Things) at the 30th annual awards ceremony, held at the Savoy
Hotel in London. Also that night, the Gilliam-Quixote documentary Lost in
La Mancha wins the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy.

2853 February 6, 2003

John Cleese is awarded £13,500 in a libel suit against The Evening

Standard. The British newspaper, in an April 2002 article (“So, Has John
Cleese Lost His Funny Bone?”), stated that Cleese had stopped being funny
since moving to the U.S. Cleese told the High Court in London on Jan. 23
that he found the article “offensive and damaging.”

2854 February 7, 2003

The Fat (TV sports-talk show: ABC, in Australia). Hosted by Tony Squires.
Guests: Michael Palin, promoting Sahara, Jon Lord, and Kirk Pengilly.

2855 February 8, 2003

The Times: Play (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Surreal Deal,” by Terry

Gilliam (interviewed by Dominic Wells), p. 3. Gilliam discusses some of
his current favorite films, books, etc.

2856 February 11, 2003

An Evening with John Cleese (Seminar). John Cleese participates in a

seminar on his career at The Museum of Television & Radio in Los Angeles
during which he discusses comedy, his work with Python, and takes
questions from the audience. Hosted by Museum director Barbara Dixon
and moderated by actor Alan Alda.

2857 February 11, 2003

Independent Focus (TV talk show: IFC-Independent Film Channel). Film
critic Elvis Mitchell interviews Terry Gilliam in November 2002 as part of
the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Tilting at Windmills retrospective.
Half-hour. Later included (unedited) as a bonus feature in the June 2003
DVD release of Lost in La Mancha.

2858 February 14, 2003

Hidden History of Sex and Love (TV special: Discovery Channel/U.K.).

Terry Jones hosts this documentary looking at sex and love throughout
history and how social and religious attitudes on the subject have changed
over time. Jones visits locations in Egypt, Italy, Greece, France, and
England. Last of three “Hidden History” documentaries produced in 2002.
Unlike the first two docs (on Egypt and Roman Empire), which debuted in
America in January 2002, “Sex and Love” has not been aired in the U.S.
Written by Alan Ereira, Phil Grabsky, and Terry Jones. Directed by Alan
Ereira and Phil Grabsky. Released on DVD as The Surprising History of
Sex and Love as part of “The Terry Jones Collection” (2009).

2859 February 24, 2003

The British Book Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin wins the award
(or “Nibbie”) for Illustrated Book of the Year for Sahara. Palin attends the
ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

2860 February 26, 2003

Bitter Jester (Feature film) is released. Documentary about the life and
struggles of a New York comic, starring Maija DiGiorgio, Kenny Simmons,
Jody Del Giorno, and Heather McConnell. Includes interviews with Terry
Jones, Joy Behar, George Carlin, Chevy Chase, Richard Belzer, and many
others. Written by Maija DiGiorgio and David Burton Levin. Directed by
Maija DiGiorgio.

2861 February 28, 2003

Real Time with Bill Maher (TV talk show: HBO). Musical guest Eric Idle
sings the Rutland Isles’ “National Anthem,” from his new CD, The Rutland
Isles.

2862 March 2003

Terry Gilliam’s next film, The Brothers Grimm—his first since Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas in 1998—is greenlit by Bob Weinstein’s Dimension
Films (a division of Miramax). The company is financing the film in
partnership with MGM. Filming begins in June.

2863 March 1, 2003

The USCAF Awards Gala and Comedy Film Honors (Award ceremony).
Eric Idle presents the Best Theatre Award to Canadian comedienne Sandra
Shamas at the gala held in the St. Regis Aspen Ballroom in Aspen, CO. The
ceremony takes place on the closing night of the U.S. Comedy Arts
Festival.

2864 March 3, 2003

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Guest:
Eric Idle, promoting his new CD, The Rutland Isles. Idle also talks about
Prime Minister Tony Blair, the George Harrison tribute concert last
November, and Graham Chapman’s ashes.

2865 March 4, 2003

The Rutland Isles (Album: iMusic/BMG). Mock-travel documentary with

music in which host Nigel Spasm (Eric Idle) visits the weird and remote
Rutland Isles. Idle originally conceived of this project as a potential TV
series back in the early 1980s, and later tried turning it into a feature film
but could not find a studio willing to commit to the project. Tracks: “Intro,”
“Rock Stars,” “Penis Fish,” “Rutland Triangle,” “National Anthem,”
“Whoops Look Out Behind You,” “Mugger’s Day,” “Pre-Chewed Food,”
“Contraception,” “Killing for God,” “Analogy,” “Flipper Minnelli,” “Gay
Animal Song,” “West Pole,” “Camouflage Regiment,” “General Gucci,”
“Hey Rita,” “Paranoid Jails,” “Vacation in Rutland,” “Quiz Show (Look
Out Behind You),” “Goodbye from Paranoia,” “Intermission,” “Intro Part
II,” “Over-Friendly Isles,” “Fishing for Compliments,” “Muff Diving,”
“Civil War,” “Banana Song,” “The Randi,” “Homo Semi-Erectus,” “Surfing
Apes,” and “Randi Statistics.” Written & directed by Eric Idle. Music &
lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Produced by Eric Idle and John Du
Prez.

2866 March 11, 2003

The Television and Radio Industries Club Awards (Award ceremony).

Michael Palin receives the award for Best Documentary Programme of the
Year (Sahara) from the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) in a
ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

2867 March 12, 2003

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: Eric
Idle.

2868 March 13, 2003

This Week (TV news-talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Andrew Neil. Guest
Terry Jones talks about President Bush’s pre-emptive war strategy with
Iraq.

2869 March 14, 2003

Comic Relief: Red Nose Night (TV special: BBC1). John Cleese appears in
this seven-hour TV event in aid of Comic Relief.

2870 March 15, 2003

MADtv (TV variety show: Fox). Eric Idle plays a gay animal trainer in a
“Tonight Show” sketch and sings the “Gay Animal Song” (from The
Rutland Isles).

2871 March 20, 2003

The Wayne Brady Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Eric Idle, Anna
Nicole Smith, Poppy Montgomery, Wolfgang Puck, and Bob Wieland.
2872 March 25, 2003

Rove Live (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Hosted by comedian Rove
McManus. Guest: John Cleese.

2873 March 28, 2003

The Caroline Rhea Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Eric Idle, Mariska
Hargitay, and Jourdan Urbach.

2874 March 29, 2003

Eric Idle turns 60.

2875 March 30, 2003

The Simpsons (TV episode: Fox). “‘Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky.”
Filmmaker Declan Desmond (voiced by Eric Idle) shoots a documentary
about Springfield Elementary. Idle will reprise the role in the episodes “Fat
Man and Little Boy” (2004), “Springfield Up” (2007), and “The Spy Who
Learned Me” (2012). Other voices by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner,
Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer.
Written by Dan Greaney and Allen Glazier. Directed by Steven Dean
Moore.

2876 March 30, 2003

Michael Palin attends the Broadway opening of The Play What I Wrote,
directed by Kenneth Branagh, at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City. He
also attends the opening-night party afterward at the Blue Fin restaurant in
Times Square.

2877 April 2003

Michael Palin’s book Sahara is published in the U.S. by Thomas Dunne

Books (St. Martin’s Press).

2878 April 2003

Out (Magazine/U.S.). “Voices: Eric Idle,” by Michael Musto, p. 65.
Interview with Eric Idle about The Rutland Isles.

2879 April 2003

Spin (Magazine/U.S.). “American Idle,” by David Peisner. Interview with

Eric Idle.

2880 April 2003

The Great Outdoors (TV show: Channel 7, in Australia). John Cleese

guest-stars.

2881 April 1, 2003

W. C. Fields: A Comedian for Politically Incorrect Times (Lecture). John

Cleese gives an April Fool’s Day lecture on the life and career of W. C.
Fields in Statler Hall at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Also taking part in
the lecture is author James Curtis (W. C. Fields: A Biography). This is
Cleese’s fourth lecture at Cornell since being named an A.D. White
Professor-at-Large in 1998.

2882 April 1, 2003

The Leonard Lopate Show (Radio talk show: WNYC-FM, New York).
Guest Michael Palin talks about the filming of Sahara.

2883 April 2, 2003

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guest Michael
Palin, promoting Sahara on Bravo, talks about the strange things he’s eaten
during his journeys.

2884 April 5, 2003

Terry Jones speaks at the 54th Cheltenham Festival of Literature (Apr. 4–

6) in Cheltenham, England.

2885 April 5, 2003

The Big Read (TV special: BBC2). Launch program for the BBC’s “Big
Read” campaign searching for Britain’s best-loved book. Those nominating
their favorites include Michael Palin, Helen Fielding, Sophie Dahl, and
Terry Pratchett. Narrated by Joanna Lumley.

2886 April 6, 2003

The four-part 2002 travel series Sahara with Michael Palin begins airing in
the U.S. on Bravo as Michael Palin’s Travels: Sahara.

2887 April 10, 2003

Michael Palin talks about the journey he documented in his book Sahara at
the “Book Soup” event at the Beverly Hills Library in Beverly Hills, CA.

2888 April 14, 2003

Eric Idle attends the premiere of the film A Mighty Wind at the Directors
Guild in Los Angeles.

2889 April 16, 2003

Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse (TV special: BBC1).
Documentary, hosted by Michael Palin, telling the story of Etta and
Claribel Cone, two wealthy sisters from Baltimore who amassed over a 30-
year period one the finest collections of early 20th-century French art. Palin
visits Paris, Florence, Nice, and the Cones’ Baltimore apartment gallery.
Filmed in June 2002. Directed by Eleanor Yule. Produced by Mhairi
McNeill.

2890 May 2003

Alan Moore: Portrait of an Extraordinary Gentleman (Book: Abiogenesis

Press), introduced by Terry Gilliam, is published in the U.K. Collection of
tributes to comics writer Alan Moore in celebration of his 50th birthday.
Gilliam was once attached to direct a film adaptation of Moore’s
Watchmen.

2891 May 2003

Time and the Soul (Book: Berrett-Koehler Publishers), written by Jacob
Needleman with a foreword by John Cleese, is published. Time-
management book penned by San Francisco philosophy professor
Needleman.

2892 May 2, 2003

Michael Palin launches a new website for the Tate Britain art gallery in
London. The website will allow people to view exhibitions from home.

2893 May 5, 2003

Michael Palin turns 60.

2894 May 11, 2003

The BAFTA Craft Awards 2002 (Award ceremony). Michael Palin presents
at the award ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Palin’s
series Sahara wins in the category of Photography Factual (Nigel Meakin).
Hosted by Alistair McGowan.

2895 May 12, 2003–April 7, 2004

Michael Palin’s new travel series Himalaya is filmed over six months. The
journey covers 3,000 miles of Himalaya and takes him across Pakistan,
India, Nepal, China, and Bangladesh. The six-part series will air in
October–November 2004 on BBC1.

2896 May 18, 2003

BBC London News (TV news show: BBC1). Guest: Michael Palin.

2897 May 27, 2003

Tubular Bells 2003 (CD: Warner Bros) is released in the U.K. John Cleese
voices the Master of Ceremonies (“Finale” track) on Mike Oldfield’s 30th-
anniversary remake of his 1973 album. Vivian Stanshall voiced the MC on
the original recording. Released in the U.S. on Rhino Records (Aug. 5).
2898 June 10, 2003

Eric Idle and family attend the premiere of Hollywood Homicide, in which
he co-stars, at the Mann Village Theater in Westwood, CA.

2899 June 13, 2003

Hollywood Homicide (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in the U.S.

Action-comedy starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett as two
moonlighting LAPD detectives. Eric Idle plays an arrested celebrity. Also
starring Lena Olin, Bruce Greenwood, and Isaiah Washington. Written by
Robert Souza and Ron Shelton. Directed by Ron Shelton.

2900 June 24, 2003

Lost in La Mancha (DVD: New Video Group) is released. Two-DVD set of

Louis Pepe and Keith Fulton’s 2002 documentary about Terry Gilliam’s
ill-fated production of The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Special features
include: exclusive interviews with Gilliam, et al.; IFC Focus: Terry Gilliam
(unedited version of a November 2002 interview conducted by Elvis
Mitchell); Salman Rushdie and Terry Gilliam (conversation from the 2002
Telluride Film Festival); deleted scenes; and theatrical trailer.

2901 June 27, 2003

Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in

the U.S. Sequel to Charlie’s Angels (2000), the big-screen version of the
popular TV series, with Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz
returning in the title roles. John Cleese plays Mr. Munday. Also starring
Bernie Mac, Crispin Glover, and Demi Moore. Written by John August,
Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley. Directed by McG.

2902 June 30, 2003

Filming begins on The Brothers Grimm, directed by Terry Gilliam, in

Prague, Czech Republic. The film is budgeted at $75 million (Gilliam’s
largest film budget to date) and scheduled to shoot over 17 weeks. The
production (even before filming begins) is plagued by clashes between
Gilliam and studio heads Bob and Harvey Weinstein (Dimension Films),
clashes over the Weinsteins’ refusal to allow Gilliam to add a prosthetic
bump to star Matt Damon’s nose; the Weinsteins’ opposition to Gilliam’s
casting of Samantha Morton in the role of Angelika (the part goes instead to
Lena Headey); the firing of Gilliam’s director of photography, Nicola
Pecorini, six weeks into shooting, and so on.

2903 July 2, 2003

Shrek & Fiona’s Honeymoon Storybook (CD-ROM: DreamWorks). Read-

along story based on Universal Studios’ theme park attraction Shrek 4-D.
Narrated by John Cleese, who will voice King Harold in 2004’s film
sequel, Shrek 2. A limited-edition CD given away in theaters.

2904 July 7, 2003

Storyville (TV special: BBC4). “Lost in La Mancha.” Louis Pepe and Keith
Fulton’s 2002 documentary chronicling Terry Gilliam’s failed attempt to
bring Don Quixote to the screen.

2905 July 31, 2003

The Way We Travelled (TV episode: BBC2). Michael Palin is featured on

this last episode of a three-part documentary series about travel on TV over
the past 30 years. Narrated by Nick Hancock. Directed by Steve Webb.

2906 August 16, 2003

The Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch (Film: NBC) premieres at the Don’t
Knock the Rock film festival in Los Angeles. Hour-long sequel to the 1978
TV film All You Need Is Cash finds documentarian Melvin Hall (Eric Idle)
interviewing various artists on the legacy of The Rutles. Interviewees
include David Bowie, Billy Connolly, Steve Martin, Carrie Fisher, Tom
Hanks, Conan O’Brien, Jewel, Mike Nichols, Garry Shandling, Salman
Rushdie, James Taylor, and Clint Black. Includes footage and outtakes from
the original film. Also starring Robin Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin
Nealon, Jim Piddock, Catherine O’Hara, and Lily Idle. Produced, written &
directed by Eric Idle. Music by Neil Innes. Executive produced by Lorne
Michaels. Produced in 2002. Released on DVD in March 2005.

2907 August 16, 2003

Eric Idle introduces the world premiere screening of The Rutles 2: Can’t
Buy Me Lunch at the ArcLight Cinema in Los Angeles as part of the Don’t
Knock the Rock film festival (Aug. 15–17). Idle also takes part in a Q&A
following the screening.

2908 September 2003

Empire (Magazine/U.K.). “The Pythons: Hall of Fame—Kings of Comedy.”

Interview with the surviving Pythons, who are inducted into the magazine’s
Hall of Fame for their contribution to cinema.

2909 September 2, 2003

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (DVD: Universal Studios) is released

in the U.S. Two-disc “Special Edition” marking the 20th anniversary of the
1983 film. Bonus features include an introduction by Eric Idle, audio
commentary by Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, The Meaning of Making
The Meaning of Life (doc), “Education Tips No. 41: Choosing a Really
Expensive School” (six-minute sketch performed by John Cleese, Michael
Palin & Terry Jones), Un Film de John Cleese (a new Cleese-centric
promotional trailer for the film created by Cleese), “Remastering a
Masterpiece” (comic look at how the film was restored, with Palin, Jones,
Gilliam, and James C. Katz), Song and Dance (doc), “Songs Unsung”
(Eric Idle sings “Every Sperm Is Sacred” and “Christmas in Heaven” and
Terry Jones sings “It’s the Meaning of Life”), “Virtual Reunion,” “What
Fish Think,” “Soundtrack for the Lonely,” promotional spots (trailer, U.K.
radio ads, etc.), and deleted scenes (including “The Adventures of Martin
Luther” and “Diana the Waitress”). The film was previously released on
DVD as a single disc in 2001. Produced by John Goldstone. Released in the
U.K. on May 17, 2004.

2910 September 2, 2003

The Meaning of Making The Meaning of Life (Documentary). Forty-nine-
minute doc on the making of the film, with comments from all five
surviving Pythons. Released as a bonus feature on the two–DVD “Special
Edition” of the film.

2911 September 2, 2003

Song and Dance (Documentary). Eleven–minute doc on the making of the

musical numbers “Every Sperm Is Sacred” and “Christmas in Heaven”
from The Meaning of Life, with recollections from director Terry Jones,
choreographer Arlene Phillips, and actress Jane Leeves (a dancer in
“Christmas”). Released as a bonus feature on the two–DVD “Special
Edition” of the film.

2912 September 12, 2003

The Business of Commercials (Seminar). John Cleese moderates a seminar

presented by BAFTA/LA at the Los Angeles Film School.

2913 September 14, 2003

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Oh What a

Circus,” by Tony Barrell, pp. 36–41. Python article with many rare photos
taken from their new book The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons.

2914 September 21, 2003

With Friends Like These (TV special: BBC2). “Don’t Mention the War.”
Host Michael Cockerell examines Britain’s relationship with Germany in
this second episode of a three-part documentary series. Includes an
interview with John Cleese, who discusses the “Germans” episode of
Fawlty Towers.

2915 September 22, 2003

The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons (Book: Orion), edited by Bob

McCabe, is published in the U.K. Large-sized, lavishly-illustrated chronicle
of the group’s history, told by the Pythons themselves. The surviving
Pythons—and Graham Chapman, through previously-published material
and contributions from family members and his partner, David Sherlock—
offer their recollections of events, with excerpts from the diaries of Michael
Palin (and Terry Jones) sprinkled throughout. Includes photographs (many
from the Pythons’ private collections) and Gilliam artwork. Journalist/film
critic Bob McCabe had previously written Dark Knights & Holy Fools: The
Art and Films of Terry Gilliam (1999). Published in the U.S. by Thomas
Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press) on Oct. 7.

Reviews: Barry X. Miller (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 2003, p. 120): “...this
glorious offering is the bible, the last word, and, yes—the full Monty. One
of this season’s best offerings; a pox on every library that doesn’t acquire
it!”; Tom Huntington (British Heritage, May 2004, pp. 59–60): “This is a
great big book, perhaps as big as the one about how to put your budgie
down.”

2916 September 24, 2003

Eric Idle attends the premiere of the documentary film Concert for George
at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Other attendees include Paul
McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison and son Dhani, and Yoko Ono.
The doc is a filmed record of the November 2002 tribute concert for the late
George Harrison.

2917 Late September 2003

Good Morning Canada (TV show: CTV, in Canada). Guest: Eric Idle,
promoting The Greedy Bastard Tour.

2918 October 2003

Football Days (Book: Mitchell Beazley) is published in the U.K. Collection

of classic football photographs by Peter Robinson, with text by Will Hoon
and foreword by Michael Palin.

2919 October 2–December 19, 2003

The Greedy Bastard Tour (Stage show). Eric Idle takes his musical revue to
49 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Like in his previous tour (Eric Idle
Exploits Monty Python) in April–June 2000, Idle performs many familiar
Python songs and sketches (“The Bruces’ Philosophers Song,” “Galaxy
Song,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” etc.), as well as newer
solo material (“Fuck Christmas,” “Killing for God,” etc.), some of it from
his recently-released CD The Rutland Isles. Accompanying him is his
longtime musical collaborator John Du Prez (musical director), also
actor/singer Peter Crabbe and actress/singer Jennifer Julian (both veterans
of Idle’s 2000 tour). Venues: Paramount Theatre in Rutland, VT (Oct. 2),
Empire Theatre in Belleville, Ont. (Oct. 5), Centre In the Square in
Kitchener, Ont. (Oct. 7), Massey Hall in Toronto (Oct. 8–9), Lac Leamy
Casino in Gatineau, Que. (Oct. 11), Centennial Hall in London, Ont. (Oct.
12), St. Denis Theatre in Montreal (Oct. 13), Flynn Center in Burlington,
VT (Oct. 16), Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, NY (Oct. 17),
Shubert Theatre in New Haven, CT (Oct. 18), Orpheum Theatre in Boston,
MA (Oct. 19), Calvin Theatre in Northampton, MA (Oct. 21), Hart Theatre
in Albany, NY (Oct. 22), Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ (Oct. 23),
Williamsport Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA (Oct. 24), State
Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ (Oct. 25), 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.
(Oct. 27), Town Hall Theatre in NYC (Oct. 29–30), Keswick Theatre in
Glenside, PA (Oct. 31), Norva Theatre in Norfolk, VA (Nov. 2), Shriver Hall
in Baltimore, MD (Nov. 4), Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts in
Richmond, VA (Nov. 5), Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, MO
(Nov. 7), University at Buffalo Center for the Arts in Buffalo, NY (Nov. 9),
Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, MI (Nov. 10), Byham Theatre in
Pittsburgh, PA (Nov. 11), Southern Theatre in Columbus, OH (Nov. 12),
Kalamazoo State Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI (Nov. 14), Adler Theater in
Davenport, IA (Nov. 16), Barrymore Theater in Madison, WI (Nov. 18),
Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, MN (Nov. 19), Vic Theatre in Chicago
(Nov. 21–22), Francis Winspear Centre for Music in Edmonton, Alberta
(Nov. 28), Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, Alberta (Nov. 29), Orpheum
Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. (Dec. 1–2), Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA (Dec.
4), Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, OR (Dec. 5), Egyptian
Theatre in Boise, ID (Dec. 6), Met Theatre in Spokane, WA (Dec. 7),
Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR (Dec. 8), Fillmore in San Francisco, CA
(Dec. 10–11), Flint Center in San Jose, CA (Dec. 12), House of Blues in
Las Vegas (Dec. 14), Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, CA (Dec.
16), Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ (Dec. 18), and Henry Fonda Theater in
Los Angeles (Dec. 19). Idle’s online diary of the tour is later published as a
book, The Greedy Bastard Diary: A Comic Tour of America (2005).

2920 October 3, 2003

Concert for George (Feature film: ArenaPlex LLC) premieres in the U.S.
Documentary film of the November 2002 charity concert at London’s Royal
Albert Hall paying tribute to the late George Harrison, with appearances by
Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. Directed by
David Leland.

2921 October 8, 2003

Terry Jones attends the London premiere of the George Harrison tribute
documentary Concert for George at the Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square,
London. Other attendees include Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia
Harrison and son Dhani, Bill Wyman, and Eric Clapton.

2922 October 13, 2003

Terry Jones attends a party celebrating journalist-broadcaster Joan

Bakewell’s 70th birthday and the launch of her autobiography, at the Royal
College of Physicians in London.

2923 October 19, 2003

Michael Palin witnesses the abduction of a British Gurkha officer by

Maoist rebels in the village of Lekhani in Western Nepal. Palin is in Nepal
filming his new travel series Himalaya and at the time was filming a
Gurkha recruitment drive in the village. The officer, Lt-Col. Adrian Griffith,
is freed unharmed 36 hours later.

2924 October 20, 2003

Who Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery (Lecture). Terry Jones

discusses his investigation into the death of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer
at the British Library in London.

2925 October 21, 2003

George of the Jungle 2 (Feature film: Walt Disney) is released. Direct-to-

video sequel to 1997’s George of the Jungle. John Cleese voices Ape,
reprising his role from the original film. Also starring Christopher
Showerman, Julie Benz, Angus T. Jones, and Thomas Haden Church.
Written by Jordan Moffet. Directed by David Grossman.

2926 October 22, 2003

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1). Guest: Terry Jones, promoting his
new book Who Murdered Chaucer?

2927 October 23, 2003

Who Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery (Book: Methuen), written

by Terry Jones with Robert Yeager, Terry Dolan, Alan Fletcher, and
Juliette Dor, is published in the U.K. In this historical whodunnit (or
“wasitdunnatall”), Jones investigates the mystery surrounding the death of
the celebrated English poet Geoffrey Chaucer over 600 years ago, shortly
after the deposition (in 1399) of Richard II. The project began in July 1998
when Jones led a “coroner’s inquest” into Chaucer’s death at the Sorbonne
in Paris. Jones’ previous book on Chaucer was 1980’s Chaucer’s Knight:
The Portrait of a Medieval Mercenary. Published in the U.S. by Thomas
Dunne Books (2004).

Reviews: Jonathan Bate (The Sunday Telegraph, Nov. 9, 2003): “More of a

contextual study than a biography, it contains a great deal of valuable
material and intriguing speculation”; Jonathan Myerson (The Guardian,
Nov. 14, 2003): “...flamboyantly argued, beautifully balanced...”; Alexander
Rose (The Times Literary Supplement [London], Jan. 16, 2004, p. 24):
“Light-hearted, intelligent, panoramic and defiantly unbeholden to
conventional interpretations...”; William Grimes (The New York Times, Jan.
19, 2005): “...[a] hefty, beautifully illustrated volume ... it sifts through the
doctrinal disputes and political rivalries of the time with great zest and close
attention to the source material.”
2928 October 24, 2003

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones discusses the mysterious

death of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, the subject of his new book, at the
Library Theatre in Birmingham, England, as part of the Birmingham Book
Festival (Oct. 9–24).

2929 October 29–30, 2003

Eric Idle brings his Greedy Bastard Tour to Broadway, playing two nights
at the Town Hall Theatre in NYC.

2930 November 2003

James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (Video game: Electronic Arts).

James Bond adventure game. John Cleese voices Q, reprising his role from
Die Another Day (2002). Other voices by Pierce Brosnan, Judi Dench, and
Willem Defoe.

2931 November 1, 2003

Parkinson (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Emma Thompson, Michael Palin, Rod Stewart, and Luciano Pavarotti.

2932 November 6, 2003

Will & Grace (NBC). “Heart Like a Wheelchair.” Karen (Megan Mullally)
tracks husband-stealing Lorraine Finster to a hotel but finds Lorraine’s
father instead. John Cleese plays Lyle Finster in this sixth-season episode
of the 1998–2006 sitcom. It is the first of his four appearances in the role
(2003–04), which include two two-part episodes in 2004. Also starring Eric
McCormack, Debra Messing, and Sean Hayes. Written by Tracy Poust and
Jon Kinnally. Directed by James Burrows.

Awards: Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

(John Cleese).

2933 November 13, 2003

From Hollywood to Borehamwood (TV episode: ITV1). “Romance.”
Episode of the six-part documentary series (Nov. 6–Dec. 18) looking at
films made in English studios. Interviewees include Michael Palin.
Narrated by Nigel Havers. Produced & directed by Caius Julyan.

2934 November 17, 2003

The Boy Who Would Be King (TV special: BBC1). Documentary

chronicling—through dramatizations and interviews with historians—the
eventful early years of Charles II (1630–1685). Michael Palin visits
Moseley Hall where, in September 1651, his ancestor helped hide the
fugitive future King from Cromwell’s soldiers. Produced & directed by
Nick Rossiter.

2935 November 19, 2003

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Terry Jones.

2936 November 22, 2003

Brits Go to Hollywood (TV episode: Channel 4). “Sean Connery.” Profile of

the Scottish actor. Last in a four-part series. Interviewees include Terry
Gilliam (who directed Connery in Time Bandits), Diane Cilento, and
Harrison Ford. Directed by Christopher Bruce.

2937 November 23, 2003

Terry Jones unveils a blue plaque to Geoffrey Chaucer in front of

Copyprints Ltd. in Talbot Yard, Borough High Street, London. The building
stands on the site of The Tabard Inn, from where the pilgrims set off in 1386
in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

2938 November 27, 2003

The Talk Show (TV talk show: BBC4). Hosted by Jonathan Freedland.
Guests: Dame Pauline Neville-Jones and Terry Jones, promoting his new
book Who Murdered Chaucer?
2939 November 27, 2003

From Hollywood to Borehamwood (TV episode: ITV1). “Comedy.” Third

episode of the six-part documentary series (Nov. 6–Dec. 18) looking at
films made in English studios. Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam are among
the interviewees. Narrated by Nigel Havers. Produced & directed by Caius
Julyan.

2940 November 29, 2003

A recovered episode of the John Cleese-Graham Chapman-Tim Brooke

Taylor-Marty Feldman sketch-comedy series At Last the 1948 Show (1967–
68) is screened—with a new introduction by Cleese—at the National Film
Theatre in London. The screening is part of the 10th anniversary of the
BFI’s “Missing Believed Wiped” initiative. This “lost” episode, which was
re-assembled from various sources, is later aired on BBC4 on Dec. 29
following a Time Shift documentary on the subject.

2941 December 2003

The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons: The Interviews That Made the
Book (Audiobook: Orion). Two-and-a-half hours of interviews and sketches
on a two–CD set. The interviews with the surviving Pythons were
conducted by Bob McCabe and transcribed for his book The Pythons:
Autobiography by The Pythons (published in September). Narrated by
McCabe with “interjections from Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.”

2942 December 20, 2003

Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (TV film: NBC).

Sequel to 1989’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation starring Randy
Quaid as Cousin Eddie. Eric Idle reprises his cameo role from 1985’s
European Vacation as an abused Englishman. Also starring Miriam Flynn,
Fred Willard, Dana Barron, and Edward Asner. Written by Matty Simmons.
Directed by Nick Marck.

2943 December 29, 2003

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Sailing Under the Pole and into
History,” by Michael Palin, p. 6. Palin writes about his favorite item in the
Royal Geographical Society’s Polar Archive: a recording of the USS
Nautilus’ 1958 voyage beneath the North Pole. The piece is written to bring
attention to the RGS’s “Unlocking the Archive” campaign, supported by
The Times’ Christmas Charity Appeal.

2944 December 29, 2003

Time Shift (TV episode: BBC4). “Missing Believed Wiped.” Documentary

on the efforts of the BFI’s National Film & Television Archive to recover
lost British TV programs of the 1960s & ’70s that had been wiped from the
tapes after broadcast. Terry Jones, visiting the archive on Nov. 28,
comments on recovered footage from his and Michael Palin’s 1969 series
The Complete and Utter History of Britain, while John Cleese comments
on the recovery of an episode of his and Graham Chapman’s 1967 series
At Last the 1948 Show (an airing of that episode, with an intro by Cleese,
follows the documentary). Narrated by Veronika Hyks. Produced & directed
by Jo Haywood.

2945 2003

Restoring Balance: Removing the Black Rat from Anacapa Island

(Documentary). John Cleese narrates this half-hour doc on the efforts to
protect the seabirds and other species of Anacapa Island (off the coast of
southern California) by removing the island’s major predator, the black rat.
Written, produced & directed by Kevin White.

2946 2003

John Cleese and writer Kirk DeMicco (Quest for Camelot) collaborate on a
screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1980 children’s book The Twits, to be
produced by Vanguard Animation for Walt Disney Pictures. The project
remains in development. Note: Cleese will later voice a role in Vanguard’s
2005 animated feature Valiant.

2947 2003
Terry Jones writes the script for a film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The
BFG (Big Friendly Giant).

2948 January 3–24, 2004

The Emmy-nominated, eight-part documentary series Terry Jones’ Medieval

Lives airs on The History Channel (U.S.). Writer and host Terry Jones
presents an irreverent, myth-debunking look at various archetypes of the
medieval world (knight, monk, king, damsel, philosopher, minstrel, outlaw,
and peasant). Filmed in Britain, Italy, and France. Airs in the U.K. on Feb.
9–Mar. 29 (BBC2). Series producer: Paul Bradshaw.

Reviews: Josh Wolk (Entertainment Weekly, Jan. 9, 2004, p. 76): “With his
exuberant delivery and game role-playing (occasionally tossing on a suit of
armor), Jones is the history teacher you wish you had”; Joe Joseph (The
Times [London], Feb. 10, 2004, p. 22): “Jones makes an engaging
companion through this rewardingly informative but reassuringly
undemanding history lesson.”

2949 January 3, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Knight.” Terry Jones debunks the myth of the noble knight in shining
armor. First episode in the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the U.K.
on Mar. 8 (BBC2). Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Directed by Paul
Bradshaw.

2950 January 3, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Monk.” Terry Jones reveals how the medieval monk’s ideal of simplicity,
solitude and prayer was corrupted by money and power. Second episode in
the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the U.K. on Feb. 16 (BBC2).
Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Paul Bradshaw.

2951 January 10, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
King.” Terry Jones examines the reigns of the English kings Richard I, II
and III. Third episode in the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the U.K.
on Mar. 29 (BBC2). Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed
by Nigel Miller.

2952 January 10, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Damsel.” Terry Jones investigates the myth of the passive “damsel in
distress.” Fourth episode in the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the
U.K. on Feb. 23 (BBC2). Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced &
directed by Nigel Miller.

2953 January 15, 2004

Will & Grace (TV episode: NBC). “The Accidental Tsuris.” John Cleese
returns as Lyle Finster (who first appeared in the Nov. 6, 2003, episode
“Heart Like a Wheelchair”). Starring Eric McCormack, Debra Messing,
Sean Hayes, Megan Mullally, Geena Davis, and Minnie Driver. Written by
Jeff Greenstein. Directed by James Burrows.

2954 January 17, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Philosopher.” Terry Jones looks at the discoveries made by medieval
scientists, or philosophers as they were then called. Fifth episode in the
eight-part documentary series. Airs in the U.K. on Mar. 15 (BBC2). Written
& hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Nigel Miller.

2955 January 17, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Minstrel.” Terry Jones shows how being a medieval minstrel could be a
danger-ous job. His investigation includes a look at the fate of court poet
Geoffrey Chaucer, whose mysterious disappearance in 1400 was the subject
of Jones’ 2003 book Who Murdered Chaucer? Sixth episode in the eight-
part documentary series. Airs in the U.K. on Mar. 1 (BBC2). Written &
hosted by Terry Jones. Directed by Lucy Cooke.

2956 January 24, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Outlaw.” Terry Jones reveals the truth behind the medieval outlaw of
legend. Seventh episode in the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the
U.K. on Mar. 22 (BBC2). Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Directed by
Nigel Miller.

2957 January 24, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV episode: The History Channel). “The
Peasant.” An examination of the medieval peasant reveals that he may not
have been as simple, sickly, and subservient as commonly believed. Last
episode in the eight-part documentary series. Airs in the U.K. on Feb. 9
(BBC2). Written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Lucy
Cooke.

Awards: Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction

Programming.

2958 January 24, 2004

Britain’s Best Sitcom (TV episode: BBC2). “Fawlty Towers.” Host Jack
Dee celebrates the classic British sitcom, with comments from John
Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Terry Jones, Carol Cleveland,
Eddie Izzard, and others. Each episode of the series presents arguments
explaining why the featured sitcom should be voted Britain’s best. Produced
& directed by Matt O’Casey.

2959 January 25, 2004

Eric Idle attends the 61st Golden Globe Awards and the In Style Golden
Globe Party afterward at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

2960 January 27, 2004

Time Bandits: Special Edition (DVD: Anchor Bay) is released in the U.S.
Two-disc special edition of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy-comedy featuring
a new high-definition transfer and bonus material, including an interview
with Gilliam and co-writer Michael Palin (27 mins.), The Directors: The
Films of Terry Gilliam (AFI program, 60 mins.), theatrical trailers, and a
fold-out map of the universe. Previously released by Criterion on laserdisc
(1998) and DVD (1999) with audio commentaries by Gilliam, Palin, John
Cleese, and others.

2961 January 29, 2004

The Daily Post (Liverpool) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Journey Back in Time

That Led Python Star Home.” Graham Keal interviews Terry Jones about
Medieval Lives, his Welsh roots, Python, etc.

2962 January 31, 2004

John Cleese presents director Peter Jackson with the Modern Master Award
at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, CA, as part of the 19th Annual
Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

2963 February 2004

History Today (Magazine/U.K.). “History with the Boring Bits Put Back,”
by Terry Jones, p. 62. Jones explains how the boring bits of Chaucer re-
ignited his interest in history.

2964 February 5, 2004

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (Book: BBC Books), written by Terry Jones
and Alan Ereira, is published in the U.K. Jones debunks the myths
surrounding various medieval archetypes (knight, damsel, minstrel, etc.) in
this companion book to the TV series. A No. 1 bestseller in Britain.

2965 February 5, 2004

Today with Des and Mel (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Des O’Connor
and Melanie Sykes. Guests include Terry Jones, promoting Medieval
Lives, and Dennis Taylor.

2966 February 7, 2004

Ronnie Barker: A BAFTA Tribute (TV special: BBC1). Gala tribute to

comedian Ronnie Barker (The Two Ronnies) in celebration of his receiving
BAFTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hosted by Ronnie Corbett, with
contributions by John Cleese, Michael Palin, David Jason, Eric Sykes,
Patricia Routledge, and others. Directed by John L. Spencer. Produced by
Sam Donnelly.

2967 February 8, 2004

The Observer (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Middle Ages of Reason,” by Terry

Jones, p. 29. Jones explains why he made Medieval Lives and disputes our
common notions of the “ignorant” Middle Ages and the “enlightened”
Renaissance.

2968 February 9–March 29, 2004

The eight-part series Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives airs in the U.K. on BBC2.
The series first aired in the U.S. in January on The History Channel.

2969 February 9, 2004

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1). Guest: Terry Jones, promoting
Medieval Lives.

2970 February 9, 2004

The Terry and Gaby Show (TV talk show: Five). Hosted by Terry Wogan
and Gaby Roslin. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Medieval Lives.

2971 February 10–13, 2004

John Cleese’s Life and Times (Events). John Cleese participates in onstage
interviews (with film clips) at three California venues: The Rafael Film
Center in San Rafael (Feb. 10), The Herbst Theater in San Francisco (Feb.
11), and Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto (Feb. 13). Michael Krasny is the
interviewer for the first two dates, David Kipen for the third. The benefit
events will raise funds for the Esalen Institute.

2972 February 12, 2004

The Evening News (Edinburgh) (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘History is funny ...

that’s why I’m so serious about it,’” by Miranda Fettes, p. 26. Interview
with Terry Jones about his interest in the Middle Ages.

2973 February 18, 2004

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guests: John
Cleese and Portia de Rossi.

2974 February 18, 2004

Terry Jones reads from his book Medieval Lives at the Wycombe Swan
Theatre in High Wycombe, England.

2975 February 21, 2004

The Birmingham Post (Newspaper/U.K.). “Comic Trying to Rewrite

History,” by Simon Evans. Interview with Terry Jones about his new book
and series Medieval Lives and his fascination with the Middle Ages.

2976 February 22, 2004

Special guests Michael Palin and Sir David Attenborough are interviewed
by Michael Aspel at the Brighton Centre in Brighton, England for the
launch of BBC Showcase, a four-day television trade fair.

2977 February 26, 2004

Will & Grace (TV episode: NBC). “Flip-Flop: Part 1.” Karen (Megan
Mullally) and Lyle Finster (guest-star John Cleese) get back together. But
things become complicated when Lyle’s daughter, Lorraine (Minnie
Driver), moves in. Also starring Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean
Hayes, and Shelley Morrison. Written by Adam Barr. Directed by James
Burrows.
2978 February 29, 2004

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

2979 March 2004

Vanity Fair (Magazine/U.S.). “The Hollywood Portfolio: The League of

Extraordinarily Silly Gentlemen,” pp. 382–83. Two-page photo spread of
the Monty Python team in coffins, taken by Art Streiber. The Pythons were
photographed for the “reunion” in separate locations (in December 2003)
and then spliced together.

2980 March 3, 2004

Great Performances (TV special: PBS). “Concert for George.” Film of the
tribute concert to the late George Harrison, held in November 2002 for
charity at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Includes appearances by Michael
Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. The film premiered in
October 2003. Airs in Britain on Apr. 2 on BBC1. Directed by David
Leland.

2981 March 4, 2004

Will & Grace (TV episode: NBC). “Flip-Flop: Part 2.” Lyle Finster (guest-
star John Cleese) proposes to Karen (Megan Mullally). Also starring Eric
McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, Shelley Morrison, and Minnie
Driver. Written by Alex Herschlag. Directed by James Burrows.

2982 March 6, 2004

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Python’s Tale,” by Ed Potton, p.

12. Michael Palin interview.

2983 March 17, 2004

X-Play (TV show: TechTV). Video game review program. Guests: Ben
Affleck and John Cleese.
2984 Late March 2004

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones gives a talk on the

mysterious death of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer at The Royal Oak pub
in Tabard Street, London, marking the opening of the pub’s new Chaucer
Room. The lecture is based on his 2003 book of the same name.

2985 April 4, 2004

Lifeline (TV appeal: BBC1). “Motivation.” Michael Palin presents a 10-

minute appeal on behalf of The Motivation Charitable Trust. Palin
previously appeared on Lifeline in 1998 (Sudan Appeal) and 2002 (FARM-
Africa). Directed by Jill Dawson.

2986 April 9, 2004

Ella Enchanted (Feature film: Miramax Films) opens in the U.S. Re-
imagining of the Cinderella story. Narrated by Eric Idle. Starring Anne
Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, and Joanna Lumley. Written by Laurie
Craig, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith, Jennifer Heath, and Michele J.
Wolff. Directed by Tommy O’Haver.

2987 April 17, 2004

Eric Idle attends the wedding of author Salman Rushdie and model-actress
Padma Lakshmi in New York City.

2988 April 25, 2004

The Los Angeles Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “Recalling the View, Such as It

Was,” by Eric Idle, p. E12. Idle recalls the filming of Life of Brian and
reveals what it’s like to be crucified.

2989 April 29, 2004

Will & Grace (TV episode: NBC). “I Do, Oh, No, You Di-in’t: Part 1 & 2.”
Karen and Lyle fly to Las Vegas to elope. John Cleese’s final appearance as
Lyle Finster, who debuted in a November 2003 episode (“Heart Like a
Wheelchair”). Starring Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally,
Sean Hayes, Tim Curry, and Jennifer Lopez. Written by Jeff Greenstein and
Jhoni Marchinko (pt 1) and Kari Lizer and Sonja Warfield (pt 2). Directed
by James Burrows.

2990 April 30, 2004

Life of Brian is re-released (by Rainbow Films) in New York and Los
Angeles to commemorate its 25th anniversary (and also to capitalize on the
success of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, released in February).

2991 May & June 2004

Michael Palin and Terry Jones record commentaries for the DVD release
(Oct. 11) of their 1975–79 series Ripping Yarns.

2992 May 5, 2004

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). Guests: Eric
Idle and Lauren Holly.

2993 May 8, 2004

John Cleese attends the premiere of Shrek 2, in which Cleese voices the
King, at the Mann Village Theater in Los Angeles.

2994 May 15, 2004

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Every Laugh Is Sacred,” by Terry

Jones (talking to Ed Potton), p. 7. Jones talks about the making of Meaning
of Life, which will be released on DVD in Britain on May 17.

2995 May 16, 2004

VH1 Goes Inside (TV special: VH1). “Shrek.” A look at the making of the
new Shrek film. John Cleese is among the interviewees.

2996 May 17, 2004

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life is released on DVD in the U.K.

2997 May 19, 2004

Shrek 2 (Feature film: DreamWorks) opens in the U.S. Animated feature,

sequel to the 2001 hit. John Cleese voices King Harold, a role he later
reprises in Shrek the Third (2007). Voice cast also includes Mike Myers,
Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, and Antonio Banderas.
Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon.

2998 May 30, 2004

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones gives a talk on the

mysterious death of poet Geoffrey Chaucer at the Hay-on-Wye literary
festival (May 28–June 6) in Wales. The lecture is based on his 2003 book of
the same name.

2999 June 16, 2004

Around the World in 80 Days (Feature film: Buena Vista Pictures) opens in
the U.S. Steve Coogan plays Phileas Fogg in this big-screen version of the
Jules Verne novel. John Cleese plays Grizzled Sergeant. Also starring
Jackie Chan. Written by David Titcher, David Benullo, and David Andrew
Goldstein. Directed by Frank Coraci.

3000 June 21, 2004

Comedy Connections (TV episode: BBC1). “The Goodies.” Documentary

tracing the origins of the comedy series starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill
Oddie, and Graeme Garden. Interviewees include John Cleese, who got his
start in comedy with the future Goodies in the Cambridge Footlights revue.
Narrated by Julia Sawalha. Directed by Angus McIntyre. Produced by Toby
Stevens.

3001 June 28, 2004

John Cleese and his wife attend the U.K. premiere of Shrek 2, in which
Cleese voices the King, at The Empire, Leicester Square, London.

3002 July 2004

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (Audiobook: Harper Children’s
Audio). Audio version of Roald Dahl’s children’s story, read by Eric Idle.
Idle was Grammy-nominated for his reading of Dahl’s Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory in 2002.

3003 July 3, 2004

Wetten, dass..? (Wanna Bet That...?) (TV show: ZDF, in Germany). Hosted
by Thomas Gottschalk. Guest: John Cleese. Taped at the Waldbuehne
Theater in Berlin.

3004 July 6, 2004

Eric Idle and Kevin Nealon join musician Clint Black on stage at the Civic
Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, CA, to perform “Galaxy Song” and “The
Getty Song,” both penned by Idle. Black recorded a cover of “Galaxy
Song” in 1999.

3005 July 8–10, 2004

John Cleese and his wife attend the 39th Karlovy Vary International Film
Festival (July 2–10) in The Czech Republic where Shrek 2 is being
premiered.

3006 July 23, 2004

John Cleese attends the opening ceremony for the re-constructed Old
Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Prince Charles is also among the
attendees. The 16th-century bridge was destroyed Nov. 9, 1993, during the
Bosnian War. Michael Palin will visit the Old Bridge in 2006 for his travel
series New Europe.

3007 July 25, 2004

The Independent on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “And Now for Something

Completely Different,” by Terry Jones. Jones explains his love for Iceland
—and sheds.

3008 August 2004

Time Troopers (DVD Game: b EQUAL). Two-disc history trivia game
hosted by John Cleese (as Special Agent Wormold). Presented by The
History Channel. Directed by Dick Cooper.

3009 August 1, 2004

An Audience with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese participates in an

onstage conversation with journalist Robert Hall at the Jersey Opera House
on the Isle of Jersey. The event benefits the Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust.

3010 August 7 & 8, 2004

Terry Jones lectures at English Heritage’s Festival of History at Stoneleigh

Park in Warwickshire, England.

3011 August 19, 2004

The Birmingham Post (Newspaper/U.K.). “Climb Every Mountain.” Emma

Pomfret interviews Michael Palin about his Himalaya journey.

3012 August 24, 2004

A Valid Path (CD: Artemis). Album from English musician Alan Parsons,
with guest spoken vocal by John Cleese on the final track,
“Chomolungma.” Produced by Alan Parsons.

3013 August 26, 2004

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV talk show: CBS). On Craig
Kilborn’s second to last show, John Cleese is the guest (and Kilborn’s last
interview). Cleese talks about the animals on his ranch, television
executives, and his new website TheJohnCleese.Com (coming in October).

3014 August 31, 2004

Himalaya (Audiobook: RNIB), written & read by Michael Palin, is

published. An RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Talking
Book. Special audio version of the companion book (released next month)
to the upcoming BBC TV series.

3015 Fall 2004

Terry Jones and his wife, Alison Telfer, separate after 35 years of marriage.
Jones’ new girlfriend is 21-year-old Oxford University student Anna
Söderström, whom he met at a book-signing.

3016 September–October 2004

Terry Jones films in Morocco and other locations for the documentary The
Story of 1, which will air in September 2005 on BBC1.

3017 September 2004

Terry Jones gives a talk on Medieval Lives at Queens’ College, Cambridge

as part of the second Cambridge History Festival (Sept. 2–5).

3018 September 8, 2004

Eric Idle attends the American opening in Las Vegas of We Will Rock You,
a British musical built around the music of the rock group Queen. The show
is performed at the Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino. Idle attends in a
wheelchair, having recently undergone knee surgery.

3019 September 9, 2004

Terry Gilliam Interviews (Book: University Press of Mississippi), edited by

David Sterritt and Lucille Rhodes, is published in the U.S. Collection of
interviews with Terry Gilliam, previously published in Film Comment
(1981), The Christian Science Monitor (1982), etc.

3020 September 12, 2004

The 2004 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (Award ceremony). John
Cleese is a presenter at the ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles. Broadcast Sept. 18 on E! Entertainment.
3021 September 20, 2004

Michael Palin attends the U.K. premiere of the film Wimbledon in

Leicester Square, London, then moves on to the after-party at the
Dorchester Hotel.

3022 September 25, 2004

Parkinson (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya and the DVD release of Ripping
Yarns, also Julie Andrews, Ant & Dec, Tom Jones, and Jools Holland.

3023 September 26, 2004

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “What’s He Up to Now?,”

by Michael Palin, p. 1–2 (sect. 4). Palin on his latest travel journey
Himalaya.

3024 September 27–November 2004

Tideland, directed by Terry Gilliam, is filmed on a small budget in the

Qu’Appelle Valley and Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada. The film
premieres in Toronto in September 2005.

3025 September 27, 2004

Himalaya (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin with

photographs by Basil Pao, is published in the U.K. Palin gives his account
of his journey across Pakistan, India, Nepal, and other countries of the
Himalayas in this companion book to his 2004 BBC travel series. The No. 1
bestseller in Britain for 2004. The audiobook version, read by Palin, is
released on a six–CD set by BBC Audio. Published in the U.S. on June 17,
2005 (Thomas Dunne Books).

Award: The British Book Award for TV & Film Book of the Year.

3026 September 27, 2004

Inside Himalaya (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), photographed by Basil
Pao with foreword by Michael Palin, is published. Collection by
photographer Pao who accompanied Palin on his journey for the BBC TV
series and book.

3027 September 28, 2004

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya.

3028 September 29, 2004

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1). Hosted by Dermot Murnaghan and
Natasha Kaplinsky. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya.

3029 September 30, 2004

Michael Palin gives an illustrated talk on his new book & BBC series
Himalaya at a “Writers & Readers” forum at the Institute of Education in
London. Followed by a book-signing. The event is sponsored by The Times
and Foyles bookshops.

3030 October 2004

Michael Palin signs copies of his book Himalaya at bookstores around the
U.K., including WH Smith in London (Oct. 6), Waterstone’s in London
(Oct. 7), Hatchards in London (Oct. 12), Waterstone’s at Lancaster
University, Eng. (Oct. 13), Ottakar’s in Aberdeen, Scot. (Oct. 18),
Waterstone’s in Edinburgh, Scot. (Oct. 19), Waterstone’s in Cardiff, Wales
(Oct. 25), and Borders in Oxford, Eng. (Oct. 27).

3031 October 2004

John Cleese launches his own website, TheJohnCleese.Com

3032 October 2004

When We Were Young: A Compendium of Childhood (Book: Bloomsbury

Publishing), compiled & illustrated by John Burningham, is published in
the U.K. Collection of childhood memories by various writers, with all
proceeds going to UNICEF. Michael Palin contributes a piece on his
family’s seaside summer holidays.

3033 October 1, 2004

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin: Mountains of the

Mind,” by Sue Gaisford. Interview with Michael Palin about his latest
travel series Himalaya.

3034 October 1, 2004

Medieval Views of the Cosmos (Book: The Bodleian Library, Oxford),

written by Evelyn Edson and Emilie Savage-Smith, is published in the U.K.
Foreword by Terry Jones.

3035 October 2, 2004

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Climb Every Mountain,” by

Michael Palin (interviewed by James Jackson), p. 23. Palin recalls his
journey for the new series Himalaya.

3036 October 2, 2004

Excess Baggage (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Sandi Toksvig talks to
Michael Palin about his new travel series Himalaya.

3037 October 3–November 7, 2004

The six-part travel series Himalaya with Michael Palin, airs on BBC1. On
this journey (his sixth, following 2002’s Sahara) Michael Palin travels the
1,800-mile length of the mountain range, visiting the countries of Pakistan,
India, Nepal, China, and Bangladesh. The series was filmed over six
months from May 2003 to April 2004. The book of the series is published in
September 2004. Airs in the U.S. on June 20–July 24, 2005, on the Travel
Channel.

Awards: BAFTA-nominated for Best Factual Series or Strand, Best Original

Television Music, Best Photography (Factual), and Best Sound (Factual);
Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) award-winner for TV Music
and Arts Programme.

Reviews: Paul Hoggart (The Times [London], Oct. 4, 2004): “...it promises
to be a captivating series, both for the stunning landscape photography and
the exotic cultural phenomena.”

3038 October 3, 2004

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “A Life in the

Day: Michael Palin,” by Michael Palin (interviewed by Danny Scott), p.
78. Palin describes his daily routine (when at home), which includes a 50-
minute run and a visit to the local art gallery. Photo of Palin by Kalpesh
Lathigra.

3039 October 3, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “North by Northwest.”

The journey begins at the Khyber Pass on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
In Pakistan, Palin visits a gun seller (Darra) and a dentist (Peshawar),
attends a bull race (Taxila), gives an English lesson to the children of the
Kalash Valley, and enjoys a polo match on The Shandur Pass. First episode
of the six-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced
& directed by Roger Mills.

3040 October 6, 2004

London Tonight (TV news show: ITV1/LNN-Carlton). News magazine

hosted by Alastair Stewart. Michael Palin talks about Ripping Yarns (on
DVD) and his new series Himalaya.

3041 October 7, 2004

Michael Palin and Terry Jones attend the screening of two restored
episodes of Ripping Yarns at the National Film Theatre in London. The
event is a promotion for the launch of the complete series on DVD.
Following the screening, Palin and Jones take part in an onstage interview
(with Arthur Smith) and Q&A.
3042 October 9, 2004–October 9, 2005

Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (TV episodes: ABC Family).
Eric Idle voices Scrapperton in three episodes of the anime series (2004–
06): “Magnetic Menace” (Oct. 9, 2004), “Ape New World” (Dec. 4, 2004),
and “The Skeleton King Threat” (Oct. 9, 2005).

3043 October 9, 2004

Jonathan Ross (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: Michael Palin,
promoting Himalaya.

3044 October 9, 2004

Terry Jones hosts a screening of his 1996 film The Wind in the Willows at
the 12th Raindance Film Festival (Oct. 1–10) in London. The screening is
followed by a Q&A session.

3045 October 10, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “A Passage to India.”

Before crossing into India, Palin attends a flag-lowering ceremony on the
Pakistan side of the border. In India, he visits the Golden Temple in the Sikh
town of Amritsar, rides the Himalayan Queen railroad, appears on the stage
of the Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, and meets with the Dalai Lama in
Dharamsala. Second episode of the six-part travel series. Written & narrated
by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

3046 October 11, 2004

The Telegraph Travel Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin receives

the special Global Traveller award at the ceremony held at the Waldorf
Hilton in London.

3047 October 11, 2004

The Complete Ripping Yarns (DVD: Network) is released in the U.K. Two-
disc set of the complete nine-episode series Ripping Yarns (1976–79)
starring Michael Palin and written by Palin and Terry Jones. The episodes
have been digitally restored. Extras include audio commentaries by Palin
and Jones, a deleted scene from “Murder at Moorstones Manor,” also
Comic Roots (1983 Palin doc), Secrets (1973 TV play written by Palin and
Jones), and a commemorative booklet. Released in the U.S. in August 2005
(Acorn Media). Re-released in March 2012 (Network).

3048 October 12, 2004

The Nutcracker and the Mouseking (Feature film: Anchor Bay) is released
on video in the U.S. English version of a German animated adaptation
(Nussknacker und Mausekönig) of the E.T.A. Hoffmann story. Eric Idle
voices the role of Drosselmeier. Other voices by Leslie Nielsen, Robert
Hays, and Fred Willard. Written by Andy Hurst and Ross Helford. Directed
by Michael Johnson and Tatiana Ilyina.

3049 October 13, 2004

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones discusses his investigation

into the death of 14th-century poet Geoffrey Chaucer at the Victoria and
Albert Museum in London. The lecture is based on his 2003 book of the
same title.

3050 October 13, 2004

Michael Palin opens the new exhibition “Chris Orr’s John Ruskin, and
Other Stories” at the Ruskin Library at Lancaster University in Lancaster,
England. Earlier Palin signed copies of his book Himalaya at the
Waterstone’s bookstore on campus.

3051 October 15, 2004

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones lectures on the death of

poet Geoffrey Chaucer at the 55th Cheltenham Literature Festival (Oct. 8–
17) in Cheltenham, England.

3052 October 16, 2004

Michael Palin talks about his new book & TV series, Himalaya, as part of
the “Distant Climes” series at the 55th Cheltenham Festival of Literature
(Oct. 8–17) in Cheltenham, England.

3053 October 17, 2004

John Cleese’s Wine for the Confused (TV special: The Food Network).
Hour-long documentary that guides the inexperienced viewer through the
process of wine making and wine selection. Hosted by wine-lover John
Cleese, who tours several California wineries. Filmed partly at Cleese’s
ranch in Santa Barbara where a wine-tasting party is held, attended by actor
Brendan Fraser, Alyce Faye (Cleese’s wife), and others. Written by John
Cleese and David Kennard. Produced & directed by David Kennard.

3054 October 17, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Annapurna to

Everest.” In Nepal, Palin has a close encounter with Maoist rebels (in
Lekhani), then treks into the mountains to Annapurna Base Camp. In
Kathmandu (Nepal’s capital), he receives a blessing from the King of
Nepal. Then, on his way up to Everest Base Camp, Palin visits the highest
monastery in the world (in Rongbuk). Third episode of the six-part travel
series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by John
Paul Davidson.

3055 October 18, 2004

Eric Idle attends the New York premiere of the film Alfie at the Ziegfeld
Theatre.

3056 October 22, 2004

What Is Religion?: Musings on the Life of Brian (Lecture). John Cleese

speaks in Barton Hall at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Cleese was named
A.D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell in 1998.

3057 October 24, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “The Roof of the
World.” Palin crosses the Tibetan Plateau, stopping to visit the country’s
second largest monastery (in Shigatse) and the Potala Palace and Sera
monastery (in Lhasa, the capital), then takes a dip in a hot springs
swimming pool (Yangbajing), attempts to milk a dri (a female yak) in
Qinghai Province, and attends a horse fair (Yushu). Fourth episode of the
six-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced &
directed by John Paul Davidson.

3058 October 29–November 19, 2004

Peter Cook in His Own Words (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Michael
Palin hosts this tribute to the late Peter Cook, using the comedian’s own
writings, interviews, and performances to tell his life story. The four-part
program covers the years 1959–65 (Oct. 29), 1966–73 (Nov. 5), 1974–82
(Nov. 12), and 1983–94 (Nov. 19). Released on BBC Audiobooks in
October 2005.

3059 October 30, 2004

The 2nd Irish Film and Television Awards (Award ceremony). John Cleese
presents Pierce Brosnan with the award for Outstanding Irish Contribution
to Cinema. The ceremony, hosted by James Nesbitt, is held at The
Burlington Hotel in Dublin. Broadcast Nov. 1 on RTE One (Ireland).
Directed by John Comiskey.

3060 October 30, 2004

Superman: True Brit (Comic book: DC Comics Elseworlds), written by

John Cleese and Kim “Howard” Johnson/illustrated by John Byrne and
Mark Farmer, is published in the U.S. Re-imagining of the Superman story
in which the Man of Steel grows up, not in Kansas, but in Cleese’s home
town of Weston-Super-Mare in England. Published in the U.K. by Titan
Books.

3061 October 31, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Leaping Tigers, Naked
Nagas.” In China’s Yunnan Province, Palin visits with Mosuo singing star
Namu (at Lugu Lake), meets famed conductor Xuan Ke (in the city of
Lijiang), and visits the Yunnan capital of Kunming. He then travels to the
tribal area called Nagaland (in India). In Assam (in India), he visits Tipong
Coal Mine, rides an elephant, and stays at a monastery on Majuli Island.
Fifth episode of the six-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael
Palin. Produced & directed by John Paul Davidson.

3062 November 2004

Michael Palin tours New Zealand and Australia promoting Himalaya.

3063 November 2004

Geographical (Magazine/U.K.). “In Conversation: Michael Palin.” Jessi

Tucker interviews Palin about his new series Himalaya.

3064 November 4, 2004

Poets for Peace (Event). Terry Jones gives a reading at this benefit event
for the children of Iraq, held at Conway Hall in London. Introduced by
Jonathan Pryce. Also with Brian Patten, Adrian Mitchell, Peter Porter, and
Jean Binta Breeze.

3065 November 7, 2004

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Bhutan to the Bay of
Bengal.” In the Kingdom of Bhutan, Palin attends the Tsechu festival (in
Paro), visits a snooker bar (Thimphu), and travels to the Popshika Valley to
see the endangered black-neck cranes. In Bangladesh, he visits the ship-
breaking yards of Chittagong and meets singer Mahjabeen (“Moni”) Khan
on a boat ride from Dhaka to Mongla. The journey ends in the Bay of
Bengal. Sixth episode of the six-part travel series. Written & narrated by
Michael Palin. Produced & directed by John Paul Davidson and Roger
Mills.

3066 November 16, 2004

Michael Palin gives talks on Himalaya in Sydney, Australia, first at the
Shangri-La Hotel, then at the Mosman Art Gallery.

3067 November 16, 2004

Rove Live (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Hosted by comedian Rove
McManus. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya.

3068 November 23, 2004

Good Morning Australia (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Hosted by Bert
Newton. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya.

3069 November 26, 2004

Michael Palin gives a talk on Himalaya at the Lecture Theatre at the

University of Queensland in Australia. Followed by a book-signing.

3070 November 27 & 28, 2004

The Ultimate Film (TV special: Channel 4). John Cleese hosts this two-part
countdown program revealing the 100 most successful movies ever shown
in Britain, based on audience figures from the British Film Institute.
Narrated by Fay Ripley.

3071 December 3, 2004

The Late Late Show (TV talk show: RTE One, in Ireland). Hosted by Pat
Kenny. Guests include Michael Palin, promoting Himalaya, and Nigella
Lawson.

3072 December 4, 2004

Terry Jones introduces two “lost” episodes of his and Michael Palin’s
1969 sketch comedy series The Complete and Utter History of Britain at the
National Film Theatre in London. The episodes, which were recovered
through the British Film Institute’s “Missing Believed Wiped” initiative,
were the first two recorded for the series. The best parts of each show were
edited together to form the first broadcast episode (Jan. 12, 1969), meaning
that about half of the material from these two episodes has never been seen
by the public.

3073 December 6, 2004

Michael Palin gives a talk on his new book and TV series Himalaya at the
Royal Geographical Society in London.

3074 December 9, 2004

Who Murdered Chaucer?, written by Terry Jones et al., is published in the

U.S. by Thomas Dunne Books.

3075 December 9, 2004

Arena (TV arts show: BBC4). “Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball?”
Documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Amnesty International
benefit concert. Includes highlights from the show and recollections from
participants John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam,
Rowan Atkinson, Sting, Stephen Fry, Bob Geldof, and others. Narrated by
Dawn French. Directed by Margy Kinmonth. Produced by Roger Graef.
The special premieres theatrically in June 2009 as part of “The Secret
Policeman’s Film Festival” in Los Angeles and New York and is also
included that year in the three–DVD set The Secret Policeman’s Balls
(Shout! Factory).

3076 December 12, 2004

The Simpsons (TV episode: Fox). “Fat Man and Little Boy.” Homer builds a
nuclear reactor in this 16th-season episode. Eric Idle voices Declan
Desmond, host of a TV nature doc Homer watches. Idle first voiced the role
in the March 2003 episode “‘Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky.” Other voices
by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith,
Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer. Written by Joel H. Cohen. Directed by
Mike B. Anderson.

3077 December 15, 2004

Terry Jones gives a lecture (with slides) on medieval life in Britain at the
National Museum and Gallery in Cardiff, Wales. Part of The Annual
Christmas Celebrity Lecture series.

3078 December 18, 2004

Let’s Hear It for the King of Judea (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Terry
Jones re-examines the reign of King Herod in this half-hour program.
Produced by Mark Rickards.

3079 December 20, 2004

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Sixteen Tons of Fun,” by Dave Eggers,

pp. 166–174. Interview with Eric Idle on the eve of Spamalot’s world
premiere in Chicago.

3080 December 21, 2004

Eric Idle’s new musical Spamalot, based on Monty Python and the Holy
Grail, has its world premiere at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago. Idle attends
the performance. The show runs there until Jan. 16, 2005, then moves to
Broadway in March 2005 (previews begin in February).

3081 December 31, 2004

Tarrant’s 2004 (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Host Chris Tarrant looks
back over the past year with guests Michael Palin, Katie Melua, Tom
Jones, and others.

3082 2004

The Unsteady Chough (Short film). Animated short (part live-action) about
an undergraduate’s encounter with a drunken bird on his first day at Oxford
University. Written by Terry Jones, based on his 2001 poem. Jones also
narrates and voices Father, Barman, Professor, and Priest. Shown May 20,
2006, on BBC4. Produced & directed by Sam Leifer and Jonathan Van
Tulleken. Suetonius Productions.

3083 2004
Eric Idle is fined $5,000 by the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) for saying “fuck” on a national American radio broadcast. In
response Idle composes the ditty “FCC Song (Fuck You Very Much),”
which features 14 instances of the offending word. The song is made
available for download from the Python website.

3084 January 2005

The Aristocrats (Feature film: THINKFilm) premieres at the Sundance Film

Festival. Documentary examining the many versions of the world’s dirtiest
joke, “The Aristocrats.” Comedians appearing include George Carlin, Lewis
Black, Kevin Pollack, Bob Saget, and Eric Idle. Written by Penn Jillette.
Directed by Paul Provenza.

3085 January 2005

Terry Jones’s War on the War on Terror (Book: Nation Books), written by
Terry Jones, is published in the U.S. Collection of 33 columns written by
Jones between 2001 and 2004 for the British newspapers The Guardian,
The Observer, and The Independent criticizing President Bush’s “war on
terrorism.” One of the articles, “The Grammar of the War on Terror,”
originally appeared in the 2001 collection Voices for Peace (Scribner).
Illustrations by Steve Bell.

3086 January 1, 2005

The Comedians’ Comedian (TV special: Channel 4). Three-hour special

counting down the top 50 comedians as selected by their fellow comedians.
Among those selected are: Michael Palin (No. 30), Eric Idle (No. 21), and
John Cleese (No. 2). Peter Cook is voted No. 1. Hosted by Jimmy Carr.

3087 January 11, 2005

Michael Palin talks about Himalaya at The Oldie Literary Lunch at

Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, London.

3088 January 13, 2005

Michael Palin appears at the Tate Britain art gallery in London to launch
“Explore Tate Britain,” an interactive, online map of the gallery.

3089 January 18, 2005

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Terry Gilliam: This Python Bites,”

by Sholto Byrnes. Interview with Gilliam at his Soho office.

3090 January 24, 2005

John Cleese speaks at the opening session of IBM’s Lotusphere 2005

conference (Jan. 24–26) in Florida.

3091 January 25–February 19, 2005

Monty Python’s Flying Circus...at Last, in French (Stage show), at

Riverside Studios in London. French stage production featuring Python
classics like “Argument Clinic” and “The Lumberjack Song” all performed
in French (with English subtitles) by a five-member cast (including one
woman). The show, which producer Rémy Renoux first staged in Paris in
June–September 2002, was a surprise success at the Edinburgh Festival in
August 2003. It is the first and only authorized stage version of Monty
Python’s television work. Directed by Thomas Le Douarec.

3092 January 28, 2005

Today with Des and Mel (TV talk show: ITV1/Granada). Hosted by Des
O’Connor and Melanie Sykes. Guests include Michael Palin and Terry
Gilliam.

3093 January 31, 2005

John Cleese presents his long-time friend, naturalist Sir David

Attenborough, with the first Attenborough Nature Filmmaker Award at an
event at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (in Santa Barbara,
CA) as part of the 20th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Jan. 28–
Feb. 6). The event also includes a screening of the documentary The Reel
Ocean: Tribute to Sir David Attenborough.
3094 February 2, 2005

Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys (Feature film: Labrador Pictures)

premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Comedy starring
columnist Dave Barry, adapted from his book. John Cleese plays various
roles. Filmed in the fall of 2004. Written & directed by Jeff Arch.

3095 February 2, 2005

John Cleese attends the world premiere of Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to
Guys, in which he co-stars, at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, CA,
as part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. He also takes part
in a Q&A session following the screening.

3096 February 14, 2005

Previews begin at the Shubert Theatre in New York City for the Eric Idle–
John Du Prez musical Spamalot, which opens on Broadway March 17. The
previews follow successful tryouts in Chicago in December 2004–January
2005.

3097 February 15, 2005

The Greedy Bastard Diary: A Comic Tour of America (Book: HarperCollins

[U.S.]; Weidenfeld & Nicolson [U.K.]), written by Eric Idle, is published.
Idle combines autobiographical material with diary accounts chronicling
his 49-city Greedy Bastard Tour of North America in October–December
2003. His diary entries were originally posted daily on the internet during
the tour.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (Feb. 7, 2005, p. 55): “...writing with wit and
honesty.... Idle offers a Pythonesque pastiche of goofy observations as he
analyzes audiences, dissects his nightly performances and recalls showbiz
friendships.”

3098 February 15, 2005

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (TV talk show: Comedy Central). Guest:
Eric Idle, promoting Spamalot on Broadway and his new book The Greedy
Bastard Diary.

3099 February 19, 2005

Terry Jones reads fairy tales at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, Scotland,
as part of the Aye Write! book festival.

OceanofPDF.com
3100 February 21, 2005

Comedy Connections (TV episode: BBC1). “Monty Python’s Flying

Circus.” Documentary on the ground-breaking comedy series covering the
Pythons’ writing process, John Cleese’s departure, battles with the BBC,
and the group’s various pre– and post–Python projects. John Cleese, Eric
Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and Carol Cleveland are interviewed.
Narrated by Doon Mackichan. Directed by Angus McIntyre. Note: Ripping
Yarns is the subject of an August 2008 episode.

3101 February 23, 2005

Michael Palin attends the annual Orion Authors’ Party at the Tate Britain
art gallery in London.

3102 February 25, 2005

NewsNight with Aaron Brown (TV news show: CNN). Eric Idle is
interviewed.

3103 February 27, 2005

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in Beverly Hills, CA.

3104 February 28, 2005

Newsweek (Magazine/U.S.). “Spamish Inquisition.” Devin Gordon

interviews two of the creators of the new Broadway musical Spamalot,
writer Eric Idle and director Mike Nichols.

3105 March 2005

The Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch (DVD: Warner). Eric Idle’s 2002 sequel
to his 1978 Beatle parody All You Need Is Cash. Hour.

3106 March 2, 2005

Michael Palin is a guest speaker at the Tsunami Appeal Dinner hosted by
the magazine Condé Nast Traveller and held at The Ballroom of the Four
Seasons Hotel, London. Proceeds go to victims of the Asian earthquake and
tsunami.

3107 March 4, 2005

John Cleese emcees a live auction at the 6th annual Mission Creek Gala
held at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara, CA.

3108 March 7, 2005

John Cleese’s Comedy Heroes (TV special: Five). John Cleese talks about
some of his favorite comedy stars, including Laurel & Hardy, Alastair Sim,
Tony Hancock, Peter Cook, W.C. Fields, Spike Milligan, and Bill Hicks.
Includes interviews with Michael Palin, Steve Martin, Rik Mayall, and
others. Written & presented by John Cleese. Directed by J. Dickel.

3109 March 8–22, 2005

Kington’s Anatomy of Comedy (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). Three-part

series hosted by humorist Miles Kington. Interviewees include Terry
Jones, Mark Lamarr, and David Quantick.

3110 March 9, 2005

Live with Regis and Kelly (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis Philbin
and Kelly Ripa. Guests include Eric Idle, promoting Spamalot.

3111 March 9, 2005

The Tony Danza Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Eric Idle, Phil
Keoghan, and George Lopez. Idle talks about Spamalot and sings “Always
Look on the Bright Side of Life.”

3112 March 11, 2005

An Evening with Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin talks to moderator

Harry Shearer at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles as part of
the Museum of Television & Radio’s 22nd Annual William S. Paley
Television Festival (Mar. 2–16).

3113 March 17, 2005

Spamalot (Stage musical) opens on Broadway at New York City’s Shubert

Theatre. This musical-comedy, “lovingly ripped off” from 1975’s Monty
Python and the Holy Grail, was conceived and written by Eric Idle and
composer John Du Prez and produced with the blessings of the four other
surviving Pythons. The show’s score includes “Knights of the Round Table”
and “Brave Sir Robin” (both from the original film), “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life” (from Life of Brian) and 15 original songs: “Fisch
Schlapping Song,” “King Arthur’s Song,” “He Is Not Dead Yet,” “Come
with Me,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “All for One,” “Find Your
Grail,” “Run Away,” “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” “The Diva’s
Lament,” “Where Are You?,” “Here Are You,” “His Name Is Lancelot,”
“I’m All Alone,” and “The Holy Grail.” The show is a smash hit, running
almost four years (until Jan. 11, 2009). Directed by Mike Nichols (The
Graduate). Original Broadway cast includes Tim Curry (King Arthur),
David Hyde Pierce (Sir Robin, others), Hank Azaria (Sir Lancelot, Knight
of “Ni,” others), Sara Ramirez (Lady of the Lake), Michael McGrath
(Mayor, Patsy, Guard), Christopher Sieber (Sir Galahad, Black Knight,
others), with John Cleese as the voice of God.

Awards: Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Featured
Actress in a Musical (Ramirez), and Best Direction of a Musical (Nichols).
Also Tony-nominated for Book (Idle), Original Score (Idle and Du Prez),
Actor in a Musical (Azaria, Curry), Featured Actor in a Musical (McGrath,
Sieber), Choreography (Casey Nicholaw), Orchestrations (Larry Hochman),
Scenic Design of a Musical (Tim Hatley), Costume Design of a Musical
(Hatley), and Lighting Design of a Musical (Hugh Vanstone). Winner of the
2005 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Musical, Outstanding Lyrics
(Idle), and Outstanding Costume Design (Hatley).

Reviews: David Rooney (Variety, Mar. 17, 2005): “...the irreverent

Arthurian romp’s brash, lunatic spirit is impossible to ignore and almost as
hard to resist”; Ben Brantley (The New York Times, Mar. 18, 2005):
“...resplendently silly ... the show is amusing, agreeable, forgettable...”;
John Lahr (The New Yorker, Mar. 28, 2005): “Spamalot’s freewheeling,
nonlinear style and wacky non sequiturs are exhilarating because they keep
viewers on their toes.”

3114 March 17, 2005

John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
attend the Broadway premiere of Idle’s Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre in
New York City. The five Pythons and director Mike Nichols join the cast on
stage during the curtain call to sing “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life.” Other celebrities attending the premiere include Steve Martin,
Candice Bergen, Whoopi Goldberg, Carly Simon, Lauren Hutton, and Ellen
Barkin.

3115 March 18–29, 2005

Who Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery (Lecture). Terry Jones,

following his appearance at the Spamalot Broadway premiere, takes his
lecture (with slideshow) on the death of Geoffrey Chaucer to universities
and other venues across the U.S. as part of a promotional tour for the
American release of his 2003 book of the same title. Venues include:
Lecture Hall South at Pace University, NYC (Mar. 18), Calhoun College at
Yale University (Mar. 22), Hamilton College House at the University of
Pennsylvania (Mar. 23), Commons Auditorium at the University of West
Florida (Mar. 24), and Book Revue in Huntington, Long Island (Mar. 29).
He also signs books at Barnes & Noble in New York City (Mar. 28).

3116 March 18, 2005

Today (TV news-talk show: NBC). Guests: Eric Idle and the cast of
Spamalot.

3117 March 18, 2005

Eric Idle signs copies of his book The Greedy Bastard Diary at Virgin
Megastore in New York City.

3118 March 21–April 8, 2005

Michael Palin films a documentary special exploring the life of Danish
painter Vilhelm Hammershøi called Michael Palin and the Mystery of
Hammershøi. The special, which is filmed over 17 days in London,
Amsterdam, and Copenhagen, airs July 14 on BBC1.

3119 March 22, 2005

Good Morning Monterey Bay (Radio talk show: KSCO-AM, Santa Cruz).
Guest: Terry Jones.

3120 March 23, 2005

The Treatment (Radio talk show: KCRW, Santa Monica). Host/film critic
Elvis Mitchell talks to Eric Idle about his new book The Greedy Bastard
Diary, also Python’s influence, Spamalot, English humor, etc.

3121 March 24, 2005

Eric Idle appears at Dutton’s Books in Brentwood, CA, signing copies of

his new book The Greedy Bastard Diary.

3122 March 25, 2005

Entertainment Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “The Full Monty,” by Chris

Nashawaty, pp. 40–47. Interview with all five surviving Pythons on the
history of the group. Includes EW’s picks of the top 20 Python sketches and
a piece (“Spamalot’s Opening Knights”) on Eric Idle’s new Broadway
musical.

3123 March 25, 2005

Valiant (Feature film: Entertainment Film Distributors) opens in the U.K.

Computer-animated comedy-adventure about a pigeon who joins the
London war effort in 1944. John Cleese voices Mercury. Voice cast also
includes Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, and Hugh Laurie.
Written by Jordan Katz, George Webster, and George Melrod. Directed by
Gary Chapman. A Vanguard Animation/Odyssey Entertainment production.
Opens in the U.S. on Aug. 19.
3124 March 29, 2005

The Leonard Lopate Show (Radio talk show: WNYC-FM, New York).
Guest Terry Jones talks about his book Terry Jones’s War on the War on
Terror.

3125 April 2005

Men’s Health (Magazine/U.S.). “The Sex God at 62,” by Eric Idle, p. 84.
Idle, who turned 62 on March 29, shares his views on aging.

3126 April 1–June 12, 2005

The IN-Complete History of Monty Python (Screenings) is presented by the

Museum of Television & Radio in New York City and Los Angeles. The
series of screenings consists of five programs: “Sex and Violence” (Apr. 1–
14), “Full Frontal Nudity” (Apr. 15–28), “Spam” (Apr. 29–May 12), “Royal
Episode Thirteen” (May 13–26), and “Idle Pleasures” (May 27–June 9).

3127 April 3, 2005

The 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches (TV special: Channel 4). Countdown of

the best TV comedy sketches as voted on by viewers, with Python making
the list five times: “Homicidal Barber/Lumberjack Song” (No. 49), “Nudge,
Nudge” (No. 31), “The Ministry of Silly Walks” (No. 15), “The Spanish
Inquisition” (No. 12), and “The Pet Shop” (No. 2). Narrated by Tom Baker,
with comments from John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and
others.

3128 April 4, 2005

Risk to Innovate (Lecture). John Cleese delivers the keynote address at the
Gartner Outsourcing Summit (Apr. 4–6) held at the Westin Century Plaza
Hotel in Los Angeles. In his lecture Cleese talks about the importance of
taking risks and making mistakes.

3129 April 4, 2005

Creativity and the Creative Process (Lecture). John Cleese speaks on
creativity in an onstage Q&A with screenwriter Ed Solomon at UCLA’s
James Bridges Theater in Los Angeles. Solomon is Cleese’s son-in-law (he
married Cynthia Cleese in 1995).

3130 April 11, 2005

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guests: Eric Idle,
Brittany Murphy, and Ringside.

3131 April 12, 2005

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests
include Eric Idle, promoting The Greedy Bastard Diary, and Olympic
wrestler Rulon Gardner. Idle talks about Spamalot star Sara Ramirez, the
Greedy Bastard tour, and living in the U.S. He also brings cans of Spam
(Spamalot Collector’s Edition by Hormel) for the audience.

3132 April 17, 2005

The British Academy Television Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin

receives a BAFTA Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to
Television. Graham Norton hosts the ceremony from the Theatre Royal,
Drury Lane, London. Broadcast live on BBC1. Palin also attends the after-
party at Grosvenor House Hotel.

3133 April 18, 2005

Tavis Smiley (TV talk show: PBS). Guest Eric Idle talks about Python,
Spamalot, his book The Greedy Bastard Diary, and the DVD release of The
Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch.

3134 April 18, 2005

Sullivan’s Travels (DVD: Universal Pictures) is released in the U.K. Preston

Sturges’ classic 1941 comedy, with audio commentary track by Sturges fan
Terry Jones. Also sold as part of the seven-disc set Written and Directed by
Preston Sturges.
3135 April 20, 2005

The British Book Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin wins the award
(or “Nibbie”) for TV & Film Book of the Year for Himalaya. Palin, who
attends the ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, was also up
for the WH Smith Book of the Year prize, which went to Dan Brown’s The
Da Vinci Code. Broadcast Apr. 22 on Channel 4.

3136 April 20, 2005

Terry Jones attends the London premiere of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy, the film version of Douglas Adams’ sci-fi comedy.

3137 April 24, 2005

Eric Idle appears at the 10th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
on the UCLA campus where he discusses his new book The Greedy Bastard
Diary.

3138 April 25, 2005

Animation Nation (TV episode: BBC4). “Something to Say.” Part two of a

three-part documentary series on the history of British animation. Terry
Gilliam discusses his work on Flying Circus. Also with Bob Godfrey,
Gerald Scarfe, and others.

3139 April 26, 2005

Monty Python’s Graham Chapman: Looks Like a Brown Trouser Job

(DVD: Rykodisc). Recording of Graham Chapman’s comedy lecture from
his 1988 college tour of the U.S., videotaped under his supervision. Extras
include outtakes, interviews, a “Chapmanography,” and the Iron Maiden
music video for “Can I Play with Madness?” (featuring Chapman) from
1988.

3140 April 27, 2005

60 Minutes (TV news show: CBS). In the segment, “A Good Time for
Silly,” Charlie Rose reports on the Broadway success of Spamalot,
interviewing Eric Idle, Mike Nichols, Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce, Hank
Azaria, and Sara Ramirez. Produced by Elliot Kirschner.

3141 April 27, 2005

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (TV talk show: ABC). Guests: Eric Idle, Kevin
Nealon, John McEuen, and New Order.

3142 April 30, 2005

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “I Could No More Stop Travelling

Than I Could Stop Drawing Breath,” by Michael Palin, p. 2. Palin dispels
the rumors that he is giving up his TV traveling career.

3143 May 2005

Michael Palin attends the opening of The Watermill, a bookshop-gallery-

coffee shop in Aberfeldy, Scotland.

3144 May 3, 2005

Spamalot (CD: Decca Broadway B0004265–02). Original cast recording of

Eric Idle & John Du Prez’s hit Broadway musical. Songs: “Finland/Fisch
Schlapping Song,” “Come with Me,” “The Song That Goes Like This,”
“All for One,” “Knights of the Round Table,” “Find Your Grail,” “Run
Away,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “Brave Sir Robin,” “You
Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” “The Diva’s Lament (What Happened to My
Part?),” “Where Are You?,” “His Name Is Lancelot,” and “I’m All Alone.”
Produced by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. Recorded Feb. 7 at Right Track
Studios in New York City.

Awards: Grammy-winner for Best Musical Show Album (Du Prez and
Idle).

3145 May 5, 2005

Monty Python’s Flying Circus is inducted in the Rose d’Or Hall of Fame at
the 45th Rose d’Or (Golden Rose) International Television Festival (May
3–8). Terry Jones attends the Hall of Fame ceremony in Lucerne,
Switzerland. The show previously won the Silver Rose (1971) and the
group itself received the Honorary Rose d’Or at the 1995 festival.

3146 May 10, 2005

Eric Idle’s Spamalot receives 14 Tony Award nominations, more than any
other Broadway show this season. The awards are given out on June 5 in
New York City.

3147 May 13, 2005

The 71st Annual Drama League Awards (Award ceremony). Eric Idle
presents Spamalot director Mike Nichols with the Julia Hansen Award for
Excellence in Directing. The gala luncheon, hosted by Cherry Jones, is held
at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

3148 May 15, 2005

For the Roundhouse (Event). Michael Palin introduces writer-comedian

Alan Bennett (A Private Function), who reads from his works and answers
questions from the audience. The event, held at the Prince of Wales Theatre,
is a fundraiser aiding the renovation of the Roundhouse, a landmark venue
in North London.

3149 May 20–21, 2005

John Cleese is a special guest at the “Cooking for Solutions 2005” event
sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. As part of the event Cleese
presents (with John Ash) a “Wine and Cleese” tour of Monterey Bay farms
and wineries (May 21).

3150 Summer 2005

The Pythons film new comedy material for a six-episode series titled Monty
Python’s Personal Best in which each member presents their favorite
sketches from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Filming locations include the
Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Teddington Lock in London (where
“The Fish-Slapping Dance” was filmed in 1971). The Eric Idle and
Michael Palin episodes will be released on DVD in Aug. The entire series
will air on PBS (and released on DVD) in February 2006.

3151 June 5, 2005

The 59th Annual Tony Awards (Award ceremony). Eric Idle (and wife)
attends the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall in New York City where his
musical Spamalot is nominated for 14 Tonys. The show wins in three
categories: Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Sara Ramirez), Best
Direction of a Musical (Mike Nichols), and Best Musical. Also, the
Spamalot cast performs “Find Your Grail.” Broadcast live on CBS.

3152 June 7, 2005

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting Himalaya, Cedric the Entertainer, and Better Than Ezra.
Palin talks about his Himalayan Sherpa guide, also eating yak and meeting
the Dalai Lama.

3153 June 9–15, 2005

John Cleese and his wife, Alyce Faye, are guest-speakers on the Queen
Mary 2 during the ocean liner’s transatlantic voyage from New York to
Southampton, England.

3154 June 12, 2005

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “On the Whole I Prefer to

Drive Spam,” by Mark Anstead, p. 3 (sect. 9). Interview with Terry Jones
about what he drives (a Subaru Legacy) and his first car (a Morris Minor).

3155 June 17, 2005

Himalaya, the book of the series by Michael Palin, is published in the U.S.
by Thomas Dunne Books.

3156 June 20, 2005

Michael Palin’s 2004 travel series, Himalaya, begins airing in the U.S. on
the Travel Channel.

3157 June 24, 2005

Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Michael
Palin, Jennifer Connelly, Nigel Harman, and Moby.

3158 June 25, 2005

Michael Palin talks about his travels at the 2nd annual Borders Book
Festival (June 23–26) in Melrose, Scotland.

3159 June 30, 2005

Michael Palin gives a talk at the Museum of Photography, Film and

Television in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.

3160 July 1, 2005

Outside Magazine (Magazine/U.S.). “He’s Not Dead Yet,” by David

Rakoff. Interview with Michael Palin about his new series Himalaya.

3161 July 10, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the 3rd Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest
(July 10–15) on the Isle of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy.

3162 July 12, 2005

Unfaithfully Yours (DVD: Criterion). DVD release of the 1948 Preston

Sturges comedy starring Rex Harrison with bonus features that include a
new 14-minute introduction by Sturges fan Terry Jones.

3163 July 14, 2005

Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershøi (TV special: BBC1). Hour-
long documentary special, hosted by Michael Palin, exploring the life and
work of Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864–1916). Palin’s quest to
learn more about the enigmatic artist takes him to London, Holland, and
Copenhagen. Directed by Eleanor Yule. Produced by Mhairi McNeill.

Awards: BAFTA-nominated for Best Photography Factual (Neville Kidd).

3164 July 19, 2005

Michael Palin’s Himalaya series is released on DVD by BBC Video.

3165 July 26, 2005

Episodes of the pre–Python TV series At Last the 1948 Show (with John
Cleese and Graham Chapman) and Do Not Adjust Your Set (with Eric
Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin) are released on DVD for the first
time, in the U.S. (Tango Entertainment) and U.K. (Boulevard
Entertainment). Extras include an interview with Jones.

3166 July 30, 2005

The Archive Hour (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Tribute to veteran
broadcaster Alan Whicker, with contributions from Michael Palin, Michael
Parkinson, Jan Morris, Antony Jay, and Michael Grade.

3167 August 2005

Calcium Made Interesting: Sketches, Letters, Essays & Gondolas (Book:

Sidgwick & Jackson), written by Graham Chapman and edited by Jim
Yoakum, is published in the U.K. Collection of previously-unpublished
material written or co-written by Graham Chapman, compiled by
Yoakum, curator of Chapman’s archives. Items include sketches, essays,
teleplays, letters, and transcripts of Chapman’s comedy lectures. Yoakum
previously edited 1997’s Graham Crackers and 1999’s Ojril: The
Completely Incomplete Graham Chapman. Published in paperback by Pan
Books (2006).

3168 August 2005

John Cleese undergoes surgery to remove a portion of his colon due to

diverticulitis (a digestive ailment). Cleese announces that he plans to
auction off the removed part, with proceeds to be divided between himself
and the surgeon.

3169 August 8, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the Los Angeles premiere of his film The Brothers
Grimm at the DGA Theatre.

3170 August 9, 2005

The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (Feature film) premieres at the Locarno

Film Festival in Switzerland. Terry Gilliam executive produced this dark
fantasy, the second live-action feature from the Quay Brothers (twins
Stephen and Timothy), best known for their animated shorts.

3171 August 10, 2005

Terry Gilliam participates in a Q&A with film critic Joel Siegel at the
Learning Annex in New York City following a preview screening of his
film The Brothers Grimm.

3172 August 11, 2005

Here’s Your Obituary (TV episode: ITV1 Wales). “Terry Jones.” Jones is
interviewed by Hywel Williams, with contributions from Michael Palin,
John Goldstone, Robert Hewison, Alan Ereira, and Richard Rampton.
Produced & directed by Ian Michael Jones.

3173 August 12, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the 58th Locarno International Film Festival (Aug.
3–13) in Locarno, Switzerland, where he is awarded the Leopard of Honor
for his work in film.

3174 August 13, 2005

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Here Be Wonders,” by Michael

Palin, pp. 12–13 (Books). Palin pays tribute to the explorers who inspired
him. Extracted from Palin’s introduction to The Explorer’s Eye, out Aug.
25.

3175 August 14, 2005

The Sunday Times: Culture (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “This is Not a

Dead Python,” by Jasper Gerard, p. 5 (sect. 5). Interview with Terry Jones.

3176 August 21, 2005

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Crikey! What’s That

Terry Gilliam Gone and Done to The Brothers Grimm, asks Neil Norman,”
pp. 4–5 (Culture). Interview with Terry Gilliam about his new film The
Brothers Grimm.

3177 August 25, 2005

The Explorer’s Eye: First-Hand Accounts of Adventure & Exploration

(Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), edited by Fergus Fleming and Annabel
Merullo, is published in the U.K. Introduction by Michael Palin. Published
in the U.S. by The Overlook Press (October 2005).

3178 August 26, 2005

The Brothers Grimm (Feature film: Miramax/Dimension Films) opens in

the U.S. Comedy-fantasy from Terry Gilliam starring Matt Damon and
Heath Ledger as Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, two traveling con-artists in
19th-century Germany who earn their living by ridding villages of evil
spirits produced by their own fakery. Their fortunes change, however, when
they encounter real supernatural forces in a haunted wood. Filmed in 2003.
Gilliam’s struggles on Grimm—in particular, his differences with
Dimension Films head Bob Weinstein—are chronicled in the book Dreams
and Nightmares, published in November 2005. A delay in the film’s release
gave Gilliam time off to film his next project, Tideland. Also starring
Monica Bellucci, Jonathan Pryce, Lena Headey, and Peter Stormare.
Written by Ehren Kruger. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced by Charles
Roven and Daniel Bobker.
Reviews: Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times, Aug. 26, 2005): “...Grimm is a
work of limitless invention, but it is invention without pattern ... the movie,
for all of its fantastic striving, stays on the screen and fails to engage our
imagination”; James Christopher (The Times [London], Nov. 1, 2005): “The
Brothers Grimm splutters more than it sparkles, the stars shift uneasily in
their boots and you need an ice pick and a Sherpa to negotiate the baffling
plot”; Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian, Nov. 3, 2005): “...frantic and
bombastic, like a multicoloured fairground ride that offers everything but
enjoyment.”

3179 August 26, 2005

Entertainment Weekly (Magazine/U.S.). “Grimm Tidings.” Gillian Flynn

interviews Terry Gilliam about his latest film The Brothers Grimm.

3180 August 27, 2005

Eric Idle attends the annual Lonach Gathering and Games in Strathdon,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland, along with Billy Connolly, Eddie Izzard, Brian
Cox, Steve Buscemi, and Anna Friel.

3181 August 30, 2005

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Eric Idle’s Personal Best (DVD: A&E Home
Video). Compilation of Python sketches selected and presented by Eric Idle
from the Hollywood Bowl. Playing his rain-coated interviewer character,
Idle talks to his mother (Idle), his gynecologist (voice of Idle), and Nazi
fugitive Otto Rumsfeld (Idle). Sketches selected are: “The Holzfäller Song
(Lumberjack Song)” (bit), “Sit on My Face,” “The Refreshment Room at
Bletchley,” “The Poet McTeagle” (bit), “World Forum,” “Children’s
Interview,” “Nudge, Nudge,” “Silly Olympics,” “International Philosophy,”
“Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and Horror (Anagrams),” “Mount Everest
(Hairdresser Expedition),” “Travel Agent,” “Never Be Rude to an Arab,”
“Face the Press,” “Hermits,” “Storytime,” “How to Do It,” “Camp Army
Drills,” “Bruces,” “Jockey Interviews/Queen Victoria Handicap,” “The
Money Programme,” “Sviatoslav Richter and Rita,” “The Judges,”
“Climbing the Uxbridge Road,” “Whicker Island,” and “The Lumberjack
Song.” Written by Eric Idle. The show will air on PBS in February 2006 as
part of the series Monty Python’s Personal Best.

3182 August 30, 2005

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Michael Palin’s Personal Best (DVD: A&E
Home Video). Compilation of Python sketches selected and presented by
Michael Palin from Teddington Lock in London (where “The Fish-
Slapping Dance” was filmed in March 1971). Palin’s selections are:
“French Lecture on Sheep-Aircraft,” “Hungarian Phrase Book,” “A Duck, a
Cat, and a Lizard (discussion),” “Come Back to My Place,” “It’s the Arts:
Johann Gambolputty ... of Ulm,” “David and the Fig Leaf [anim],” “The
Chemist Sketch,” “Words Not to Be Used Again,” “Wishes
(Schoolboys/Businessmen Interview),” “Ethel the Frog: The Piranha
Brothers,” “Hearses Racing,” “Sexual Athletes [anim],” “Blackmail,”
“Psychiatrist [anim],” “The Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights/Julius
Caesar on an Aldis Lamp,” “A Man with a Tape Recorder Up His Nose,”
“Leaving the Army,” “A Man with a Tape Recorder Up His Brother’s
Nose,” “The Architect Sketch,” “A Scotsman on a Horse,” “Mosquito
Hunters,” “Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth,” “Wife-Swapping,” “Post
Box Ceremony (Mr. Neutron),” “Cheese Shop,” and “The Fish-Slapping
Dance.” Written by Michael Palin. The show will air on PBS in March
2006 as part of the series Monty Python’s Personal Best.

3183 September–November 2005

Orange “Gold Spot” (Cinema commercial). John Cleese pitches his idea
for a war movie to the Orange Film Funding Board. Orange “Gold Spots,”
shown in U.K. theatres before the feature, are designed to encourage
cinema-goers to turn off their mobile phones. Written by Yan Elliott.
Directed by Bryan Buckley. Agency: Mother, London.

3184 September 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the 62nd Venice International Film Festival (Aug.
31–Sept. 10) in Venice, Italy where his film The Brothers Grimm is being
screened (Sept. 4).
3185 September 2005

Intel Centrino (“Entertainment in Your Lap”) (TV commercial). John

Cleese sits on a commuter’s lap drinking tea in this TV ad for Intel Centrino
mobile technology for laptops. Other celebrity lap-sitters featured in the ad
campaign include Tony Hawk, Seal, and Lucy Liu. Agency: McCann-
Erickson, New York.

3186 September 9, 2005

Tideland (Feature film), world premiere in Toronto. Terry Gilliam’s

follow-up to The Brothers Grimm (which was released in August after a
long delay) is a dark fantasy about a lonely young girl who, neglected by
her drug-addicted father, escapes into her imagination. The film, described
by Gilliam as “a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Psycho,” is met
with a mixed critical reaction and spends the next year unable to find a
distributor. Starring Jodelle Ferland, Jeff Bridges, Janet McTeer, Brendan
Fletcher, and Jennifer Tilly. Written by Terry Gilliam and Tony Grisoni,
adapted from a story by Mitch Cullin. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced
by Gabriella Martinelli and Jeremy Thomas. Opens in Britain in August
2006, then in selected U.S. theaters in October 2006. Released on DVD on
Feb. 27, 2007.

Reviews: J. Hoberman (The Village Voice, Sept. 13, 2005): “...almost

unwatchable, not altogether unadmirable, and certainly unreleasable...”;
Wendy Ide (The Times [London], Aug. 10, 2006): “...Gilliam is always a
fascinating director, and his latest work is among his boldest. Just don’t
expect an easy ride”; A. O. Scott (The New York Times, Oct. 13, 2006):
“After a while I started to envy him [Jeff Bridges’ character], since duty
required me to stay alive and awake for two hours during which misery
masqueraded as whimsy and vice versa.”

3187 September 9, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the world premiere of Tideland at the Elgin Theatre
in Toronto, Canada, as part of the 30th annual Toronto International Film
Festival (Sept. 8–17).
3188 September 12, 2005

Michael Palin launches the new Belsize Walk in the London borough of
Camden. The walk links Primrose Hill with Parliament Hill.

3189 September 17–19, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the 11th Lund International Fantastic Film Festival
(Sept. 16–25) in Lund, Sweden where he receives the Finn the Giant Award
for lifetime achievement and takes part in a Q&A following a screening (on
the 18th) of The Brothers Grimm.

3190 September 18, 2005

John Cleese is given a silver star on the new Avenue of the Stars, Britain’s
version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in London. Cleese and
fellow honoree Ricky Gervais appear together on video (from California)
for the opening ceremony in Covent Garden, which airs on ITV.

3191 September 18, 2005

The South Bank Show (TV special: ITV/LWT). “Eric Sykes.” Host Melvyn
Bragg interviews comedian Eric Sykes about his career. Also appearing are
Michael Palin, Ken Dodd, Peter Hall, Denis Norden, and others. Produced
& directed by Aurora Gunn.

3192 September 19, 2005

Mark Lawson Talks to... (TV talk show: BBC4). “Michael Palin.” Mark
Lawson interviews Palin on a wide range of topics (his father, stammering,
niceness, religion, Shrewsbury School, Python, etc.) in this hour-long
program. Produced & directed by Andrew Thomas. Part of BBC4’s “Palin
Night,” the program is followed by episodes of Ripping Yarns, Himalaya,
etc.

3193 September 20, 2005

What Did ITV Do for Me? (TV special: ITV). Two-hour documentary
special celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ITV television channel.
Includes appearances by Roger Moore, David Jason, Michael Palin, Bruce
Forsyth, Chris Tarrant, and others. Narrated by Samantha Bond. Directed by
John Kaye Cooper.

3194 September 20, 2005

Terry Gilliam’s Tideland has its European premiere at the 53rd annual San
Sebastian International Film Festival (Sept. 15–24) in Spain, attended by
Gilliam. Despite a mixed audience reaction (there are many walkouts), the
film is awarded the FIPRESCI prize.

3195 September 23, 2005

The “10¾ Anniversary Edition” of Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book

(1994), by Terry Jones and illustrator Brian Froud, is published in the U.K.
by Pavilion Books (London). The book includes a new introduction by
Jones and Froud and a bonus DVD which features a never-before-seen
interview with Lady Angelica Cottington (Jones). Published in the U.S. in
October by Harry N. Abrams Inc. (New York).

3196 September 25, 2005

Michael Palin gives a talk on his life and travels at the Lyceum Theatre in
his home tome of Sheffield, England.

3197 September 27 2005

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus 16-Ton Megaset (DVD: A&E
Home Video). Reissue of the 14-disc set, originally released in 2000, with
two bonus discs titled Monty Python Live!, containing Monty Python Live at
the Hollywood Bowl (1982 film), Live at Aspen (1998 HBO special), Parrot
Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989 doc), and Monty
Python’s Fliegender Zirkus (first German special).

3198 September 28, 2005

The Paul O’Grady Show (TV talk show: ITV/Granada). Guests: Jerry Hall,
Kelvin Fletcher, and Terry Jones. Jones, promoting his new BBC doc The
Story of 1, also talks about writing children’s stories, Rupert Bear, and
Python.

3199 September 28, 2005

The Story of 1 (TV special: BBC1). Documentary revealing the story behind
the world’s simplest number. Hosted by Terry Jones, who visits Rome,
Egypt, Sumeria, Greece, India, and Bletchley. With contributions from
mathematician Marcus du Sautoy. Written by Alan Ereira, Nick Murphy and
Jasper James. Produced & directed by Nick Murphy. Airs in the U.S. in
March 2007 on PBS.

3200 October 2005

The Life of Graham: The Authorised Biography of Graham Chapman

(Book: Orion), written by Bob McCabe, is published in the U.K. Biography
of the late Graham Chapman, written with the full cooperation of
Chapman’s partner, David Sherlock, and the Pythons. McCabe previously
penned the Terry Gilliam bio Dark Knights & Holy Fools (1999) and
edited The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons (2003).

3201 October 2, 2005

The Sunday Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Python with the Last Laugh,”

by Catherine Shoard. Interview with Eric Idle on the success of Spamalot.

3202 October 9, 2005

The 50 Greatest Documentaries (TV special: Channel 4). Countdown of the

top 50 television documentaries—as voted on by a panel of documentary
filmmakers—with Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days coming in
at No. 27. Interviewees include Palin, David Attenborough, Morgan
Spurlock, and Michael Apted. Narrated by Zoë Wanamaker.

3203 October 15, 2005

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Chinese Epic: If It’s Monday It

Must Be Inner Mongolia,” by Michael Palin with photographs by Basil
Pao, pp. 4–8 (Travel). Palin’s account—exclusive to The Times—of his
visit to China with his friend, photographer Basil Pao. Palin describes their
stay in the cities of Hailar and Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia.

3204 October 19, 2005

Eric Idle and his daughter Lily attend a gala screening of George
Harrison’s The Concert for Bangladesh at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank,
CA, celebrating the release of the film on DVD.

3205 October 23, 2005

The 8th Annual Mark Twain Prize (Award ceremony). Eric Idle appears at
the ceremony, held at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center, honoring
recipient Steve Martin. The ceremony is broadcast Nov. 9 on PBS.

3206 October 27, 2005

The Frank Skinner Show (TV talk show: ITV1). Guests: Terry Gilliam,
promoting The Brothers Grimm, George Galloway, and Zoe Ball.

3207 October 31, 2005

Simon Mayo (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Guest: Terry Gilliam,
promoting The Brothers Grimm.

3208 October 31, 2005

Film 2005 with Jonathan Ross (TV talk show: BBC1). Guest: Terry
Gilliam, promoting The Brothers Grimm.

3209 October 31, 2005

The Brothers Grimm, directed by Terry Gilliam, premieres in London at

the Odeon West End, Leicester Square as part of The Times BFI 49th
London Film Festival (Oct. 19–Nov. 3). The Sky Movies gala screening is
attended by Gilliam, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Jonathan Pryce, and
others.
3210 October 31, 2005

John Cleese holds a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland, New
Zealand, to promote the upcoming NZ tour of his one-man stage show.

3211 November 2005

The Power of the Sun (Documentary). University of California

documentary on solar energy, presented by Nobel Laureates Alan Heeger
and Walter Kohn. Hosted & narrated by John Cleese. Written by John
Perlin and David Kennard.

3212 November 1, 2005

The Times Screen Talk (Event). Terry Gilliam talks to Andrew Collins
about his career and latest film, The Brothers Grimm, at the National Film
Theatre as part of the London Film Festival.

3213 November 2, 2005

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1). Hosted by Bill Turnbull and Sian
Williams. Guest: Terry Gilliam, promoting The Brothers Grimm.

3214 November 3, 2005

Terry Gilliam attends the 19th Leeds International Film Festival in Leeds,
England where his new film, The Brothers Grimm, is being screened.

3215 November 3, 2005

Terry Jones and Michael Palin attend a launch party for cartoonist Gerald
Scarfe’s new book Drawing Blood: Forty-Five Years of Scarfe Uncensored
at the Fine Art Society in London.

3216 November 4, 2005

The Brothers Grimm, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in the U.K.

3217 November 6, 2005

Forty Years Without a Proper Job (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at
London’s Prince of Wales Theatre in aid of the Peter Cook Foundation, a
charity for mentally-ill children. The talk includes a reading of his comedy
piece “Biggles Goes to See Bruce Springsteen.” Followed by a Q&A
session.

3218 November 7–December 9, 2005

John Cleese—His Life, Times and Current Medical Problems (Stage show).
John Cleese tours New Zealand with his one-man stage show. The show,
directed by Bille Brown, also features appearances by Cleese’s 22-year-old
daughter/co-writer, Camilla, and actor Jay Bunyan. Cleese performs 22
shows in eight cities: Civic Theatre in Invercargill (Nov. 7), Isaac Theatre
Royal in Christchurch (Nov. 10–14), Regent Theatre in Dunedin (Nov. 18–
19), Opera House in Wellington (Nov. 21–24), Regent on Broadway in
Palmerston North (Nov. 26), Municipal Theatre in Napier (Nov. 28–30),
Town Hall in Auckland (Dec. 3–7), and TSB Theatre Showplace in New
Plymouth (Dec. 9). Cleese then takes the tour to California (January–March
2006).

3219 November 7, 2005

Dreams and Nightmares: Terry Gilliam, The Brothers Grimm & Other
Cautionary Tales of Hollywood (Book: HarperCollins), written by Bob
McCabe, is published. Chronicle of the troubled pre-production and filming
of Terry Gilliam’s 2005 film The Brothers Grimm, told through McCabe’s
on-set diary accounts and interviews with Gilliam and others.

3220 November 10, 2005

Michael Palin speaks at the Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Conference

held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, England.
Organized by the Department for Transport.

3221 November 14, 2005

John Peel’s Record Box (TV special: Channel 4). Documentary revealing
the favorite records of the late English DJ John Peel (1939–2004), which he
kept in a special box. Michael Palin, Peel’s schoolmate at Shrewsbury
School, is among the interviewees. Narrated by Nemone. Directed by
Elaine Shepherd.

3222 November 17, 2005

The TV comedy special Earth to America!, featuring a performance by Eric

Idle, is taped at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for airing
Nov. 20 on TBS.

3223 November 20, 2005

Earth to America! (TV special: TBS). Two-hour comedy special celebrating

our planet and raising awareness of global warming. Eric Idle, Tom Hanks,
and Steve Martin appear together onstage as The Too-Warm Trio,
performing Martin’s bluegrass number “Tin Roof” and Idle’s “Galaxy
Song.” Taped Nov. 17 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

3224 November 27, 2005

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on his
Himalaya adventure at the Palace Theatre in London, in aid of the Medical
Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.

3225 December 8, 2005

The Grammy nominations are announced by the Recording Academy and

the Spamalot cast recording is among the five nominees for Best Musical
Show Album.

3226 December 20, 2005

The Brothers Grimm (DVD: Dimension Home Video). Terry Gilliam’s

2005 fantasy-adventure. Special features include audio commentary by
Gilliam, the making-of featurette Bringing the Fairy Tale to Life, and
deleted scenes (with optional commentary by Gilliam).

3227 2005
John Cleese co-writes—with Kirk DeMicco (Quest for Camelot)—the
screenplay for Crood Awakening, an animated comedy set during the Stone
Age. The film is intended to be a co-production between DreamWorks and
Britain’s Aardman Animation studio. When the two studios end their
partnership in 2007, DreamWorks gives the film to writer-director Chris
Sanders, who re-writes the script with DeMicco. The film is ultimately
released as The Croods in March 2013 with Cleese receiving a story credit.
Note: Cleese and DeMicco previously collaborated (in 2003) on a screen
adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits.

3228 2005

Researchers at the University of Zurich in Switzerland name a newly-

discovered (in 1990) species of woolly lemur—avahi cleesei—after John
Cleese in honor of his efforts in bringing attention to the plight of the
endangered primate (Cleese hosted the 1998 documentary Born to Be Wild:
Operation Lemur with John Cleese).

3229 2005

Shrek: Totally Tangled Tales (DVD game: b EQUAL/DreamWorks).

Interactive family trivia game based on the Shrek films. John Cleese,
reprising his role as King Harold, hosts.

3230 January 1, 2006

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The World Tells Us to

Take the Train,” by Michael Palin, p. 2 (sect. 4). Extracted from Palin’s
speech at the Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Conference in November
2005.

3231 January 1, 2006

The 50 Greatest Comedy Films (TV special: Channel 4). Countdown of the
50 greatest film comedies, as voted on by viewers. Making the top ten are
Life of Brian (at No. 1) and Holy Grail (No. 6). Also on the list: A Fish
Called Wanda (No. 23). Hosted by Stephen Fry, with comments from
Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, others.
3232 January 7, 2006

An Intimate Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese appears at the
ANZ Conservation Theatre at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The
event raises money for the Taronga Foundation which helps endangered
wildlife.

3233 January 27–March 25, 2006

Seven Ways to Skin an Ocelot (Stage show). John Cleese tours California
(and Arizona) with his one-man stage show. Cleese launched the tour,
formerly titled John Cleese—His Life, Times and Current Medical
Problems, in New Zealand in November–December 2005. The show is co-
written by his daughter Camilla and directed by Bill Brown. Venues:
University of California Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall (Jan. 27–30),
Humboldt State University’s Van Duzer Theatre in Arcata (Feb. 2),
California State University Chico’s Laxson Auditorium (Feb. 4), UC
Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley (Feb. 8 & 9), Sunset Center in
Carmel (Feb. 11), CA Polytechnic State University’s Cohan Center in San
Luis Obispo (Feb. 12), Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre in Malibu
(Feb. 14), Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD in La Jolla (Mar. 7), Scottsdale
Center’s Piper Theater in Scottsdale, AZ (Mar. 10 & 11), UCLA’s Royce
Hall in Los Angeles (Mar. 18), and CA State Long Beach’s Carpenter
Center in Long Beach (Mar. 24 & 25).

3234 February 4, 2006

Who Is Harry Nilsson (and Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?) (Feature
film) premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Documentary on the life and career of singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson
(1941–1994). Includes interviews with Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle (who also
sings “Harry”), Randy Newman, Ringo Starr, Robin Williams, Micky
Dolenz, and many others. Written & directed by John Scheinfeld (The
Unknown Peter Sellers). Opens in New York City on Sept. 10, 2010
(released by Lorber Films). Note: Nilsson, a drinking companion of
Graham Chapman’s in the 1970s, recorded Idle’s “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life” for his 1980 album Flash Harry.
3235 February 7, 2006

Medieval Misconceptions (Lecture). Terry Jones gives a talk at the

Museum of London as part of the “Medieval London” gallery (which
opened Nov. 25, 2005). In his lecture, Jones makes the case that medieval
society was more sophisticated and technologically advanced than
previously believed.

3236 February 7, 2006

Man About Town (Feature film: Media 8 Ent.) premieres at the Santa
Barbara International Film Festival. Comedy-drama starring Ben Affleck as
a successful Hollywood agent reassessing the priorities in his life. John
Cleese plays Dr. Primkin, the teacher of Affleck’s journal-writing class.
Also starring Rebecca Romijn, Bai Ling, and Mike Binder. Written &
directed by Mike Binder.

3237 February 7, 2006

John Cleese and his wife attend the Santa Barbara International Film
Festival.

3238 February 21, 2006

Eric Idle appears at a press event outside the Palace Theatre in London
launching the first day of ticket sales for Spamalot, which is coming to the
Palace Theatre in October.

3239 February 22–March 8, 2006

The six-part series Monty Python’s Personal Best airs on PBS. Five of these
hour-long episodes feature one of the Pythons presenting a compilation of
their best moments from Python on TV and film. The sixth, featuring the
best of the late Graham Chapman, was compiled by the surviving
Pythons. The series, produced by John Goldstone, was filmed in the
Summer of 2005 in Hollywood (Idle), London (Palin), Santa Barbara
(Cleese), and other locations. Four of the shows (Chapman, Cleese,
Gilliam, Jones) are released on DVD (A&E Home Video) on Feb. 28. The
Palin and Idle shows were released on DVD in August 2005.

3240 February 22, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “Eric Idle’s Personal
Best.” Originally released on DVD in August 2005.

3241 February 22, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “Graham Chapman’s

Personal Best.” Collection of some of Chapman’s best sketches, with
reminiscences from the surviving Pythons. Sketches selected are: “Colonel
(Silly),” “Raymond Luxury-Yacht (Plastic Surgery),” “Agatha Christie
Sketch (Inspector Tiger),” “It’s the Arts: Sir Edward Ross,” “One-Man
Wrestling,” “Thrust: Miss Anne Elk,” “The Fish-Slapping Dance,” “The
Oscar Wilde Sketch,” “Vocational Guidance Counselor,” “Mollusks (Live
Documentary),” “Ken Shabby,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “Albatross,”
“The Pantomime Horse Is a Secret Agent,” “The Pet Shop (Dead Parrot),”
“Penguin on the TV,” “Twentieth-Century Vole (Irving C. Saltzberg),”
“Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion,” “Spam,” and “Argument Clinic.”

3242 February 26, 2006

The Sunday Times: Culture (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “He Likes to Ham

a Lot,” by Bryan Appleyard, pp. 6–7. Cover story on Eric Idle and
Spamalot.

3243 March 1, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “Terry Gilliam’s

Personal Best.” Gilliam, speaking from his dark basement prison,
introduces this compilation of his Python animation. Includes: “Opening
titles (3rd series),” “Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth,” “The Killer
Cars,” “Ambulance,” “Compere Chasing Mouth/The Fish-Slapping Dance
(live-action)/Nazi Fish,” “Royal Navy Advert,” “Crelm Toothpaste,”
“Charles Fatless,” “Purchase a Past,” “Sexual Athletes,” “The Prince and
the Black Spot,” “Powder My Nose/Charwoman,” “Baby Carriage/Musical
Statue,” “What a Lovely Day,” “Eggs Diamond,” “Hands Up,” “Shaving,”
“Full Frontal Nudity,” “Metamorphosis,” “No-Time Tolouse,” “TV is Bad
for Your Eyes/The Good Fairy from Program Control,” “The House-
Hunters,” “Gay Boys in Bondage,” and “2001.” Written by Terry Gilliam.
Released on DVD with a 13-minute featurette in which Gilliam discusses
how he created his cut-out animations.

3244 March 1, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “John Cleese’s Personal
Best.” Dayna Devon interviews a crotchety, 96-year-old Cleese at his Santa
Barbara ranch. Cleese’s selections are: “A Fairy Tale (Happy Valley),” “The
Epilogue,” “Gumby Brain Surgery,” “Self Defense Against Fresh Fruit,”
“The Exploding Version of ‘The Blue Danube,’” “Life or Death Struggles,”
“Rival Documentaries,” “Confuse-A-Cat,” “Cheese Shop” (bit), “Raymond
Luxury-Yacht Interview,” “It’s the Arts: Picasso-Cycling Race,” “Flying
Lessons,” “Baby Suction [anim],” “It’s Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
Famous Deaths,” “The Batley Townswomens’ Guild’s Re-enactment of the
Battle of Pearl Harbor,” “The Fish-Slapping Dance,” and “The Upper-Class
Twit of the Year.” Written by John Cleese. Directed by Harry Garvin.

3245 March 2, 2006

Diabolo (Stage show), world premiere at the Noga Hall of the Gesher
Theatre in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel. Terry Gilliam co-directs this production
starring his friend, the celebrated Russian clown Slava Polunin (Snow
Show). The show runs until March 14. A documentary on the making of the
production, titled Diabolo’s Workshop, is produced in 2009.

3246 March 3, 2006

Michael Palin attends a memorial service for comedian Ronnie Barker

(The Two Ronnies) at Westminster Abbey in London. Barker died Oct. 3,
2005, at age 76. Other attendees include Ronnie Corbett, Richard Briers,
Stephen Fry, David Jason, Donald Sinden, and Terry Wogan.

3247 March 7, 2006

The National Tour of Eric Idle’s Broadway musical Spamalot begins at The
Colonial Theatre in Boston, MA. The tour closes Oct. 18, 2009, in Costa
Mesa, CA, after 1,435 performances. The show made its Broadway debut
on Mar. 17, 2005.

3248 March 8, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “Terry Jones’ Personal
Best.” Hosted by Jones who, in his introduction, reveals that it was he who
created Monty Python and that the others actually played only minor roles
(Terry Gilliam was used primarily as a cupboard). Jones’ selections are:
“The Funniest Joke in the World,” “Ratcatcher (Killer Sheep),” “The News
for Parrots,” “Working-Class Playwright,” “Housing Project Built by
Characters from 19th-Century English Literature,” “Mystico and Janet,”
“Bicycle Repair Man,” “The Olympic Hide-and-Seek Final,” “Minister for
Overseas Development,” “The Bishop,” “Living Room on Pavement,”
“Poets in the Home,” “The Fish-Slapping Dance,” “Clodagh Rodgers (The
Cycling Tour),” “The Spanish Inquisition (Comfy Chair),” “Homicidal
Barber/The Lumberjack Song,” “Up Your Pavement,” “RAF Banter,”
“Trivializing the War,” and “Courtmartial (Basingstoke/Special
Gaiters/Anything Goes In).” Written by Terry Jones.

3249 March 8, 2006

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV episode: PBS). “Michael Palin’s

Personal Best.” Originally released on DVD in August 2005.

3250 March 10, 2006

Michael Palin opens the Davies Alpine House, a new glasshouse at Kew
Botanic Gardens in London. The building was designed by architect
Wilkinson Eyre.

3251 March 17, 2006

Michael Palin’s first grandson, Archie, is born.

3252 March 20, 2006

What I Heard About Iraq (Event). Terry Jones participates in a worldwide
public reading of Eliot Weinberger’s essay at the London Review Bookshop
in London.

3253 March 22, 2006

Commemorating Spamalot’s first-year anniversary on Broadway, 1,789

fans gather in New York’s Shubert Alley to set the Guinness World Record
for “World’s Largest Coconut Orchestra.” Banging two coconut halves
together (as the knights in Spamalot do to simulate the sound of galloping
horses), the fans—led by the Spamalot cast—perform the song “Always
Look on the Bright Side of Life.”

3254 March 25, 2006

Artists and Legends Gala 2006 (Event). Eric Idle hosts a charity gala in the
Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Springs, CA.

3255 March 26, 2006

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on his
Himalayan journey at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London in aid of the
Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children.

3256 April 5, 2006

Enfermés dehors (English: Locked Out) (Feature film: UGC Distribution)

opens in France. Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam make cameo appearances
in this French comedy starring Albert Dupontel. Written & directed by
Albert Dupontel.

3257 April 12, 2006

How Well Do We Know Ourselves? (Lecture). John Cleese, A.D. White

Professor-at-Large, joins psychology professor David Dunning for a lecture
at the Carl Becker House at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

3258 April 14, 2006

The Wild (Feature film: Walt Disney Pictures) is released in the U.S.
Animated film featuring the song “Really Nice Day,” written, produced &
performed by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. The soundtrack is released on
Walt Disney Records.

3259 April 15, 2006

Peter and the Wolf (Concert). John Cleese narrates a production of the
Sergey Prokofiev work, performed with the Cornell Chamber Orchestra, at
the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY. This is Cleese’s last public performance as
an A.D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University, a post he has held
since 1998.

3260 April 21, 2006

Eric Idle and composer John Du Prez sign copies of the Spamalot CD and
Idle’s book The Greedy Bastard Diary at Borders Book Store on State
Street in Chicago.

3261 April 22, 2006

Loose Ends (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Guest: Michael Palin, promoting
the Radio 4 adaptation of Gogol’s Dead Souls.

3262 April 23 & 30, 2006

Classic Serial (Radio drama: BBC Radio 4). “Dead Souls.” Two-part
adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical 1842 novel, starring Michael Palin
(as Narrator) and Mark Heap (as Chichikov). Adapted by Dan Rebellato.
Produced by Polly Thomas.

3263 April 27, 2006

Terry Jones signs copies of his new book Terry Jones’ Barbarians at Pace
University in New York City.

3264 April 29, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians at the UCLA Hammer Museum in
Los Angeles.

3265 May 2006

John Cleese is made Provost’s Visiting Professor at Cornell University in

Ithaca, NY. The three-year post follows Cleese’s previous post at the
university, A.D. White Professor-at-Large, which he held from 1998 to
2006.

3266 May 2006

The Idler (Magazine/U.K.). “In Conversation with Michael Palin,” by Tom

Hodgkinson. Palin is interviewed at his London office (near Covent
Garden).

3267 May 2006

Don’t Mention the World Cup (Single), recorded by The First Eleven with
John Cleese, is released. The World Cup-themed song, written by Dean
Whitbread and Ashley Slater, is an appeal for goodwill between English and
German football fans. The title was inspired by the line “Don’t mention the
war” from the “Germans” episode (1975) of Fawlty Towers.

3268 May 3, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians in Giffels Auditorium at the

University of Arkansas.

3269 May 4, 2006

Terry Gilliam attends the opening of his art installation “Past People of
Potsdamer Platz” at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany. The
installation, which Gilliam created in collaboration with several other
artists, consists of four headless figures. When a visitor looks into the neck
of one of the figures, a photographic image of their face is merged with a
face from the past and projected onto the SPOTS light and media facade
nearby. The work will be on view until June 8.
3270 May 7, 2006

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Decline and Fall of the

Roman Myth,” by Terry Jones, p. 2 (sect. 4). Jones debunks Roman
propaganda that has branded all non–Romans of the ancient world as
savage “barbarians.”

3271 May 14, 2006

The Sunday Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “What Did the Barbarians Ever

Do for Us?” Terry Jones (interviewed by Catherine Shoard) talks about
some of his favorite Barbarians, also Rupert the Bear and his love of beer.

3272 May 16, 2006–May 4, 2007

Michael Palin’s new travel series, New Europe, is filmed over a period of
five-and-a-half months in 20 countries, including Croatia, Hungary, The
Ukraine, and The Czech Republic.

3273 May 18, 2006

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (Book: BBC Books), written by Terry Jones and
Alan Ereira, is published. Jones and Ereira present a revealing history of
those ancient peoples whom the Romans had written off as uncivilized and
barbaric. The authors assert that the Celts, Goths, Persians, and Vandals
were more culturally and technologically advanced than Roman propaganda
would have us believe. Companion book to the BBC2 TV series. With 24
pages of photos and maps.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (June 19, 2006): “...readers will go along for a
most enjoyable ride and appreciate [Jones’] fascinating tale of the
barbarians’ lost world.”

3274 May 19, 2006

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “Terry Jones: Blood and Circuses,”

by Boyd Tonkin. Interview with Terry Jones about his upcoming book and
TV series Barbarians.
3275 May 22, 2006

Start the Week (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Andrew Marr.
Guests: Terry Jones, promoting Barbarians, Val Gilbert, Joan Cheever, and
Anthony Beevor.

3276 May 24, 2006

Simon Mayo (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Guest: Terry Jones,
promoting Barbarians.

3277 May 24, 2006

The New Paul O’Grady Show (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Terry
Jones, promoting Barbarians, and Laurie Brett.

3278 May 24, 2006

The Brunels’ Tunnel (Book: Thomas Telford Ltd), written by Andrew

Mathewson, et al., edited by Eric Kentley with a foreword by Michael
Palin, is published. Story of the 1825–43 construction of the Thames
Tunnel undertaken by engineer Marc Brunel and his son, Isambard.

3279 May 25, 2006

Silent Clowns (TV episode: BBC4). “Buster Keaton.” British comic Paul
Merton profiles silent screen comedian Buster Keaton, with Keaton fan
Terry Jones commenting on the classic films Seven Chances (1925) and
Sherlock Jr. (1924). First episode in a four-part series. Directed by Tom
Cholmondeley.

3280 May 26–June 16, 2006

The four-part documentary series Terry Jones’ Barbarians airs on BBC2.

The series, written & presented by Terry Jones and produced by Alan
Ereira, takes a fresh look at the Celts, the Goths, the Vandals, and other
ancient tribes whom the Romans dismissed as uncivilized and savage.
Filming locations include France, Ireland, Romania, and Iran. The
companion book, co-authored by Ereira, is published by BBC Books.
3281 May 26, 2006

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (TV episode: BBC2). “The Primitive Celts.” Terry
Jones discovers that the “primitive” Celts were more advanced than the
Romans in many ways, including road-building, gold-mining, and in their
treatment of women. Jones visits France, Ireland, and Wales. First episode
in the four-part series written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced &
directed by Robert Coldstream.

3282 May 26, 2006

The Wright Stuff (TV show: Five). Discussion program hosted by Matthew
Wright. Terry Jones is a guest panelist.

3283 May 27, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians (his new book and TV series) at the
Hay-on-Wye book festival in Wales. Jones also screens the “Director’s
Son’s Cut” of his film Erik the Viking.

3284 May 28, 2006

Wogan Now and Then (TV talk show: U.K.TV). Hosted by Terry Wogan.
Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Barbarians.

3285 May 30, 2006

John Cleese gives a lecture on creativity at the Oslo Spektrum in Oslo,

Norway.

3286 June 2, 2006

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (TV episode: BBC2). “The Savage Goths.” In this
episode, focusing on the “savage” Barbarians of the North, Terry Jones
looks at the “Romanization” of Germanic hero Hermann (or Arminius, to
the Romans), which backfired and led to the slaughter of three Roman
legions in the Teutoburg Forest in A.D. 9; the sophistication of Dacian
culture and its destruction by the Romans in A.D. 106; and the so-called
“Sack of Rome” in A.D. 410 by Alaric, leader of the Goths. Jones visits
Germany and Romania. Second episode in the four-part series written &
hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by Robert Coldstream.

3287 June 5, 2006

Terry Jones signs copies of his book Barbarians at Waterstone’s book shop
in Bath, England.

3288 June 6, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians at the Assembly House in Norwich,

England.

3289 June 9, 2006

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (TV episode: BBC2). “The Brainy Barbarians.”

Terry Jones looks at the enlightened societies of the Persians and the
Greeks, whose scientific progress was halted by Roman expansion. This
episode examines Archimedes’ ingenious inventions used in the defense of
the Greek city of Syracuse; Roman general Crassus’ ill-fated campaign
against the Parthians in 53 B.C.; the military might of the Sassanid Persian
Empire; and the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism, a sophisticated
astronomical calculator invented by the Greeks. Jones visits Syracuse (in
Sicily), Iran, London, and Rhodes. Third episode in the four-part series
written & hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by David McNab.

3290 June 10, 2006

Eric Idle presents The Del Close Award to comedian Harry Shearer at the
4th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival (June 5–10).

3291 June 12, 2006

G.B.H. (DVD: Channel 4). Four-disc set of the 1991 TV series written by
Alan Bleasdale and starring Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin. Includes
audio commentary by Lindsay, Palin, and editor Peter Ansorge.

3292 June 15, 2006

Silent Clowns (TV episode: BBC4). “Harold Lloyd.” Profile of silent screen
comedian Harold Lloyd, presented by Paul Merton, with comments from
Terry Jones, who had previously appeared in the Buster Keaton episode.
Last episode in a four-part series. Produced & directed by Kate Broome.

3293 June 16, 2006

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (TV episode: BBC2). “The End of the World.”
Terry Jones looks at the lives of two barbarian leaders—Attila the Hun
(“The Scourge of God”) and Geiseric, leader of the Vandals—and the roles
they played in the destruction of the Roman empire. He also examines the
role the Roman Catholic Church played in re-writing history. Jones visits
Rome, Hungary, and Carthage. Last episode in the four-part series written
& hosted by Terry Jones. Produced & directed by David Wilson.

3294 June 17, 2006

The Saturday Play (Radio play: BBC Radio 4). “Quartermaine’s Terms.”
Michael Palin plays St. John Quartermaine in Simon Gray’s 1981 play
following the lives and relationships of seven teachers at a Cambridge
language school in the 1960s. Palin’s first major acting role since 1997’s
Fierce Creatures. Also starring Francesca Faridany, James Fleet, Clive
Francis, Andrew Lincoln, David Yelland, and Harriet Walter. Directed by
Maria Aitken.

3295 June 21, 2006

L’entente cordiale (Feature film: Warner Bros.) opens in France. French

comedy about a former diplomat (Christian Clavier) and his interpreter
(Daniel Auteuil) on a secret mission to London. The cast also includes John
Cleese (as Lord Conrad) and Jennifer Saunders. Written by Fabien Suarez.
Directed by Vincent De Brus.

3296 June 27, 2006

The Art of Football (TV special: Sky One). Host John Cleese, with comic
Tom Konkle, presents the A to Z’s of football. Includes interviews with
David Stewart, Dennis Hopper, Henry Kissinger, Pelé, Mia Hamm, and
Thierry Henry. Shown in the U.S. as The Art of Soccer. Written by Chris
Langham and Hermann Vaske. Produced & directed by Hermann Vaske.
Executive-produced by Bernard Brochand, John Cleese, and Nizan
Guanaes.

3297 June 30, 2006

Eric Idle and family attend the gala premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Beatle-
themed show Love at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Other
attendees include Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono.

3298 July 14, 2006

Michael Palin models an outfit at a presentation of the fashion collection

“Demonic Angels, Angelic Demons,” by Hungarian designer Katti Zoob, in
Budapest, Hungary. Palin is in Budapest filming his series New Europe (the
fashion show appears in Episode 4, first airing Oct. 7, 2007).

3299 July 16, 2006

Radio 4 Appeal (Radio appeal: BBC Radio 4). John Cleese delivers a 3-
minute appeal on behalf of The British Institute for Brain Injured Children
(BIBIC).

3300 July 16, 2006

Eric Idle attends the Toronto premiere of Spamalot at The Canon Theatre
and appears on stage for the curtain call.

3301 July 16, 2006

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of his film Tideland at the Arts

Picturehouse in Cambridge, England on the closing night of the 26th
Cambridge Film Festival (July 6–16).

3302 July 21 & 22, 2006

John Cleese appears for the first time at the Just for Laughs comedy
festival [24th annual] in Montreal. For the July 21st event, In Conversation
with John Cleese, he participates in an onstage conversation with Ian
Hanomansing, followed by an audience Q&A, at Theatre Maisonneuve in
Place des Arts. The following night he hosts two galas at the Theatre St.
Denis in Montreal. Sketches include “Cleese Idol,” in which Cleese judges
a series of John Cleese impersonators. Highlights from the festival are later
broadcast on CBC television.

3303 July 23, 2006

Mark Lawson Talks to... (TV talk show: BBC4). “Terry Gilliam.” Mark
Lawson interviews Gilliam about his life and career in this hour-long
program. Directed by Phil Cairney. Produced by Lucie Hass.

3304 August 3, 2006

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Still Swimming Against the Tide,”

by Wendy Ide, pp. 18–19. Interview with Terry Gilliam about his
provocative new film Tideland.

3305 August 4, 2006

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘I like it when people walk out of
my films.’” SF Said interviews Terry Gilliam about Tideland.

3306 August 5, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians at the Cambridge History Festival

(Aug. 3–6) in Cambridge, England.

3307 August 5, 2006

Financial Times (Newspaper/U.K.). “Perfect Weekend: Terry Gilliam,” p.

50. Gilliam writes about some of his favorite London haunts, including
Tate Britain (art gallery) and The Wolseley (restaurant).

3308 August 5, 2006

Togas on TV: Visions of Rome (TV special: BBC4). Documentary

examining portrayals of Ancient Rome on television. Terry Jones
comments on past TV historians (Mortimer Wheeler, Kenneth Clark) and
on his own series Barbarians. Narrated by Mariella Frostrup. Produced &
directed by Nick Angel.

3309 August 6, 2006

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Relative Values:

Terry Gilliam and His Daughter Amy,” pp. 7–9. Beverley D’Silva
interviews Gilliam and his 29-year-old daughter, Amy, who works as his
assistant. Photographs by David Poole.

3310 August 9, 2006

Turn Back Time (TV talk show: BBC2). Hosted by Irish comedian Dara
O’Briain. O’Briain’s first guest on the series’ debut is Terry Jones, who
looks back on his life and career and ponders what he would do differently
if he could “turn back time.” Directed by Lissa Evans.

3311 August 11, 2006

Simon Mayo (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Guest-host Phil
Williams interviews Terry Gilliam.

3312 August 11, 2006

Tideland, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in the U.K.

3313 August 11, 2006

HARDtalk Extra (TV talk show: BBC World). Gavin Esler interviews
Terry Gilliam about Python, filmmaking, offending people, Tideland, etc.

3314 August 12 & 13, 2006

Terry Jones lectures on Barbarians at English Heritage’s Festival of

History at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, England.

3315 August 14, 2006

Time Bandits: 25th Anniversary Edition (DVD: Anchor Bay) is released in
the U.K. Two-disc edition of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy-comedy. Bonus
features include: audio commentary by Gilliam, Michael Palin, John
Cleese, and others; two joint interviews with Gilliam and co-writer Palin,
one for the TV show Clapperboard from July 1981 (17 mins.), the other
more recent (27 mins.); also storyboards, production photos, trailer, etc.

3316 August 19, 2006

Talking Movies (TV show: BBC World News). Hosted by Tom Brook.
Terry Gilliam talks about his film Tideland.

3317 September 4, 2006

EMI Records reissues the Monty Python catalog in the U.K. The eight CDs,
all newly-remastered at Abbey Road and Redwood Studios in London, each
include a selection of bonus tracks.

3318 September 4, 2006

Another Monty Python Record (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD1) is released

in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ second album (from 1971),
with four bonus tracks: “Treadmill Lager” (alternate version of “Bishop”
from Contractual Obligation Album), “Bishop at Home (Mr. Stoddard)”
(cut from Contractual), “Court Room Sketch,” and “Undertaker
(freelance).”

3319 September 4, 2006

Monty Python’s Previous Record (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD2) is released

in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ third album (from 1972),
with twelve bonus tracks: “Baxter’s,” “Meteorology,” “Blood, Devastation,
Death, War & Horror (Anagrams),” “The Great Debate (TV4 or Not
TV4?),” “Mortuary Visit/Mortuary Hour,” “Flying Fox of the Yard,” “Is
There...Life After Death?,” “Teach Yourself Heath” (1972), “The Book Ad,”
“Big Red Bowl,” “Pepperpots,” and “Pellagra.” The last four tracks are
radio ads (from 1971) for Monty Python’s Big Red Book.
3320 September 4, 2006

The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief (CD: EMI Records
PYTHCD3) is released in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’
fourth album (from 1973), with four bonus tracks: “Psychopath,”
“Teleprinter Football Results,” “Radio Tuning Radio 4/Radio Time,” and
“Radio Shop.” Released in the U.S. on Arista/Legacy.

3321 September 4, 2006

The Album of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and
the Holy Grail (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD4) is released in the U.K.
Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ sixth album (from 1975), with three
bonus tracks: “Arthur’s Song,” “Terry Jones and Michael Palin interview”
(from the 2001 doc The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations), and “Run
Away Song.” Released in the U.S. on Arista/Legacy.

3322 September 4, 2006

Monty Python Live at Drury Lane (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD5) is

released in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ fifth album (from
1974), with the bonus track: “U.K. Tour Interview Promo” (16-min. Python
interview).

3323 September 4, 2006

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD6) is released in

the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ 1979 soundtrack album, with
six bonus tracks: “Otto Sketch,” “Otto Song,” “Otto Song” (demo), “Brian
Song” (alternate version), “Record Shop,” and “Twice as Good.” The last
two tracks are radio ads (featuring Eric Idle and Graham Chapman) for
the Life of Brian album.

3324 September 4, 2006

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (CD: EMI Records PYTHCD7) is

released in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the 1983 film soundtrack.
Includes twelve bonus tracks: “The Meaning of Life” (two alternate
versions of the song, sung by Terry Jones), “Fat Song” (deleted intro to the
“Mr. Creosote” sketch), “Christmas in Heaven” (alternate version), and
eight U.K. radio ads.

3325 September 4, 2006

Monty Python’s Contractual Obligation Album (CD: EMI Records

PYTHCD8) is released in the U.K. Remastered reissue of the Pythons’ last
album for Charisma Records (from 1980), with four bonus tracks:
“Promotional Interview (Graham Chapman & Terry Jones, from
September 1980),” “Radio ad,” “Medical Love Song” (alternate demo
version), and “I’m So Worried” (demo version).

3326 September 6, 2006

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “How I Sold Panto to the Yanks,”

by Eric Idle. Idle on how he came to turn Monty Python and the Holy
Grail into the hit Broadway musical Spamalot (premiering in London next
month).

3327 September 16, 2006

The Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “Man of Spam,” by Alan

Franks, pp. 36–39. Interview with Eric Idle on the success of Spamalot.

3328 October 2006

Terry Jones is told by doctors that he has early-stage bowel cancer. The 64-
year-old Jones will undergo surgery to remove the growth later in the
month. At the time, Jones was in the middle of production on an episode of
the TV parody series Kombat Opera Presents (which airs Mar. 25, 2007).

3329 October 2006

Terry Gilliam is one of the judges for the 7th annual TCM (Turner Classic
Movies) Classic Shorts competition, which is held during The Times BFI
50th London Film Festival (Oct. 18–Nov. 2). Other judges on the panel
include Pierce Brosnan, Imelda Staunton, and Matthew Modine. The winner
is Silence Is Golden directed by Chris Shepherd.

3330 October 2, 2006

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Guest Michael Palin talks
about his new book The Python Years.

3331 October 2, 2006

Terry Gilliam talks about his film Tideland at The Museum of the Moving
Image in New York City.

3332 October 3, 2006

Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson),

written by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K. Palin’s diary, which he
started writing in April of 1969, chronicles his day-to-day thoughts and
activities from the year of Monty Python’s formation to the height of their
fame with the release of Life of Brian ten years later. Published in the U.S.
by Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press) in September 2007. Palin’s
second volume of diaries, Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988, is
published in September 2009.

Reviews: David Baddiel (The Times [London], Oct. 7, 2006, p. 3): “It has
the useful effect of placing Python—a show that perhaps could have
flourished only in the 1970s—in historical context, but it also makes
anyone who has tried to write a diary feel like a slacker”; Pete Clark (The
Evening Standard, Oct. 9, 2006): “...we are left with the picture of a man of
great ambition and tireless energy. He loves food and the countryside,
demands a good night’s sleep and worries about his teeth”; Peter Keepnews
(The New York Times, Dec. 2, 2007): “A voice of (relative) sanity in the eye
of a comedic storm, Palin paints so vivid a picture that the reader becomes
a Python by proxy.”

3333 October 3, 2006

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Extraordinarily Deluxe Edition (DVD:
Sony Pictures). The Pythons’ 1975 film, previously released in a two-disc
Special Edition in 2001, is re-released in a three-disc set with new special
features, including a CD of The Album of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of
the Film of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, “The Holy Grail Challenge”
(quizzes), and “A Taste of Spamalot” (promo for the CD of the Broadway
musical). The film will be re-released again, on Blu-ray, in 2012.

3334 October 4, 2006

Terry Gilliam takes to the streets of New York City carrying a sign that
reads “Studio-Less Film Maker—Will Direct for Food” to bring attention to
the plight of the independent filmmaker and to promote the Oct. 13 NY
opening of his film Tideland.

3335 October 5, 2006

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of Tideland at the Smithsonian’s

Hirshhorn Museum of Art in Washington, D.C., and takes part in a Q&A
afterward.

3336 October 7, 2006

Terry Gilliam is interviewed by Mark Askwith at the Toronto Public

Library. The interview will air on HypaSpace (Oct. 10–14) on the Canadian
cable channel Space.

3337 October 7, 2006

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of the director’s cut of Brazil at

Cinematheque Ontario. Followed by an audience Q&A. The first screening
in a Gilliam retrospective that runs until Oct. 22.

3338 October 7, 2006

A Culture Show Special: Michael Palin (TV special: BBC2). Special edition
of the hour-long program devoted exclusively to Michael Palin and his
new book Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years. Palin is interviewed by
Madeleine Holt. Also, Mark Kermode and Matthew Sweet comment on
Palin’s career.

3339 October 8, 2006

Just for Laughs (TV episode: CBC, in Canada). John Cleese hosts an
evening of stand-up comedy taped at Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy
festival in July. First episode of the season.

Awards: Gemini Award-nominee for Best Individual Performance in a

Comedy Program or Series (Cleese).

3340 October 9–13, 2006

Book of the Week (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin reads from
his new book Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years in five 10-minute
episodes: “The Holy Grail” (Oct. 9), “Branching Out” (Oct. 10), “My
Father” (Oct. 11), “Saturday Night Live” (Oct. 12), and “The Life of Brian”
(Oct. 13).

3341 October 9, 2006

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1). Hosted by Dermot Murnaghan and
Kate Silverton. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Erik the Viking on DVD.

3342 October 9, 2006

The Sharon Osbourne Show (TV talk show: ITV1). Guests: Terry Jones,
promoting Erik the Viking on DVD, Claire King, Darryn Lyons, and Sean
Lennon.

3343 October 9, 2006

Erik the Viking: The Director’s Son’s Cut (DVD: Arrow Films). Two-disc
set containing the new “Director’s Son’s Cut” (75 mins) of Terry Jones’
1989 comedy-adventure, edited by Bill Jones (son of Terry). Also includes
the U.K. theatrical version (released at 89 mins, cut down from the 100-
minute U.S. version) and bonus features: audio commentaries by Jones,
interview with Terry and Bill (7 mins), The Making of Erik the Viking (1989
featurette, 30 mins), cast interviews, and photo gallery.

3344 October 9, 2006

Terry Jones gives a talk on Barbarians at the Everyman Theatre in

Cheltenham, England as part of the 57th Cheltenham Literature Festival
(Oct. 6–15).

3345 October 9, 2006

Terry Gilliam talks with film critic Geoff Pevere at a screening of Tideland
at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto.

3346 October 10–14, 2006

HypaSpace (TV show: Space, in Canada). Entertainment news program.

Mark Askwith interviews Terry Gilliam about his career and latest film
Tideland. The interview was conducted Oct. 7 at the Toronto Public Library.

3347 October 12, 2006

Terry Jones signs copies of the new Erik the Viking DVD at Virgin
Megastore in London.

3348 October 13, 2006

Tideland, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in New York City. The film
premiered in Toronto in September 2005.

3349 October 13, 2006

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of Tideland at the 39th Sitges Film

Festival (Festival Internacional de Cinema de Catalunya) (Oct. 6–15) in
Sitges, Spain.

3350 October 13 & 14, 2006

John Cleese delivers the keynote speech at Australia’s National
Commercial Radio Conference which is held at the Crystal Palace
Conference Centre at Luna Park in Sydney (Oct. 13). He also presents at the
18th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards held at Luna Park (Oct.
14).

3351 October 15, 2006

The Sunday Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Chaos Theory,” by Helen

Davies, pp. 10–11 (sect. 9). Terry Gilliam and his wife, Maggie, describe
the renovations they’ve made to a coach house they purchased in 1991. The
property, located near their Highgate home (in North London), is now up
for sale.

3352 October 15, 2006

The South Bank Show (TV arts show: ITV1). “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”
A behind-the-scenes look at the hit musical Spamalot as it makes the move
from Broadway to London. Features exclusive footage of the show’s
London rehearsals, also interviews with the five surviving Pythons: Eric
Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, and John Cleese. Other
interviewees include comedian Eddie Izzard, composer John Du Prez, and
members of the cast. Broadcast on the eve of the show’s West End debut.
Edited & hosted by Melvyn Bragg. Produced & directed by Suzannah
Wander.

3353 October 16, 2006

The musical Spamalot, which premiered on Broadway to critical acclaim in

March 2005, opens to the press at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End.
The London cast includes Tim Curry (King Arthur, reprising his Broadway
role), Hannah Waddingham (Lady in the Lake), and Tom Goodman-Hill
(Sir Lancelot). The show ends its run at the Palace Theatre on Jan. 3, 2009.

3354 October 17, 2006

Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin attend the gala
London opening of Spamalot at the Palace Theatre (John Cleese is in
Australia). Other guests include Jeremy Irons, Eddie Izzard, Brian May, and
Neil Innes.

3355 October 21, 2006

Parkinson (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Eric Idle, Joan Bakewell, Lemar, and Ray Winstone. Idle talks about
Spamalot and the late George Harrison.

3356 October 22, 2006

The Independent on Sunday (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Pythons: Spam,

Spam, Spam. A Lot,” by Neil Norman. Python profile.

3357 October 22, 2006

Greatest Ever Comedy Movies (TV special: Five). Hosted by Giles Coren.
Countdown of the 40 funniest movies, including A Fish Called Wanda (No.
18) and Life of Brian (No. 1). With comments from John Cleese, Terry
Jones, and others.

3358 October 23, 2006

Hands: A Journey Around the World (Book: Thames & Hudson), by Basil
Pao (photographs) with a foreword by Michael Palin, is published.
Collection of photographs focusing on hands, most of which were taken by
Pao as he accompanied Palin on his travels for the BBC.

3359 October 27, 2006

HARDtalk Extra (TV talk show: BBC). Gavin Esler interviews Terry Jones
about his early years, Python, directing, the new re-edit of Erik the Viking,
Spamalot, George W. Bush, etc.

3360 October 31, 2006

Time Out London (Magazine/U.K.). “Michael Palin: Interview,” by John

O’Connell. Palin talks about his new book Diaries 1969–1979: The Python
Years in an interview conducted at his Covent Garden office in April
(before he left for Eastern Europe).

3361 November 18, 2006

Parkinson (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Michael Palin, Wendy Richard, Patrick Kielty, and Paolo Nutini.

3362 November 21, 2006

A Fish Called Wanda (DVD: MGM). Two-disc collector’s edition of John

Cleese’s 1988 comedy. Bonus features include audio commentary by
Cleese, John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance (1988 TV doc),
Something Fishy (2003 making-of doc), Farewell Featurette: John Cleese,
the Wanda episode of TV’s On Location (hosted by Robert Powell), and 26
deleted/alternate scenes. Previously released on DVD in March 1999.

3363 November 28 & 30, 2006

Michael Palin talks about his book Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years
(and signs copies) in Logan Hall at the Institute of Education in London
(Nov. 28) and at Waterstone’s, Deansgate in Manchester (Nov. 30).

3364 December 1, 2006

The Interview (Radio talk show: BBC World Service). Michael Palin talks
to 12-year-old guest-interviewer Max Syed-Tollan about his love of travel.

3365 December 2, 2006

The Times: The Knowledge (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Sketchy Ideas,”

by Michael Palin (interviewed by Ed Potton), p. 6. Palin gives his thoughts
on comedy writing.

3366 December 2, 2006

A screening of Graham Chapman and Douglas Adams’ rarely-seen 1976

TV pilot Out of the Trees, recently restored from an old video tape, is held
at the National Film Theatre in London. The screening is part of the British
Film Institute’s “Missing Believed Wiped” series.

3367 December 9, 2006

Richard & Judy’s Christmas Book Special (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosts
Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan look at holiday book releases. Guest
authors include Michael Palin, Gordon Ramsay, and Billie Piper.

3368 December 15, 2006

Charlotte’s Web (Feature film: Paramount Pictures) opens in the U.S. Film
adaptation of E. B. White’s classic children’s story. John Cleese voices
Samuel the Sheep. Also starring Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia
Roberts, Dominic Scott Kay, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Reba
McEntire, and Steve Buscemi. Written by Susannah Grant and Karey
Kirkpatrick. Directed by Gary Winick.

3369 December 22, 2006

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Mark Lawson interviews
Michael Palin.

3370 December 24, 2006

Radio 4 Appeal (Radio appeal: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin delivers a
Christmas appeal on behalf of the charity FARM-Africa, of which he is a
patron.

3371 December 31, 2006

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “How We Met: Terry Jones &

Geoffrey Burgon.” Jones and his good friend Geoffrey Burgon (composer
of the score for Life of Brian) recall their first meeting, which occurred
nearly 50 years ago when Burgon became friends with Jones’ older brother
Nigel. Burgon dies in 2010 at age 69.

3372 December 31, 2006

Jools’s Annual Hootenanny (TV special: BBC2). Terry Gilliam is a guest
on Jools Holland’s 14th annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny.

3373 2006

Terry Gilliam, a long-time resident and citizen of Great Britain, renounces

his American citizenship citing tax issues as the primary reason and disgust
with the George W. Bush administration as an added motive.

3374 2006

Medieval Mercenaries: The Business of War (Book: Greenhill Books),

written by William Urban, is published. Foreword by Terry Jones, who had
examined the subject in his own 1980 book Chaucer’s Knight: The Portrait
of a Medieval Mercenary.

3375 January 1, 2007

The Secret Life of Brian (TV special: Channel 4). Hour-long documentary
on the making of and controversy surrounding the Pythons’ 1979 film Life
of Brian. Includes interviews with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin. The doc—the first program in a night devoted to
Python—is followed by a screening of Life of Brian and another doc, What
the Pythons Did Next. Narrated by Richard Dillane. Produced & directed by
Will Yapp.

3376 January 1, 2007

What the Pythons Did Next (TV special: Channel 4). Documentary
following the Pythons’ solo careers. Narrated by Miriam Margolyes.
Directed by Jon Riley.

3377 January 1, 2007

Philip Pullman and Enid Jones (Radio special: BBC Radio Wales). Terry
Jones presents an intimate conversation between best-selling author Philip
Pullman and his former teacher Enid Jones. Repeated Mar. 29, 2007, on
BBC Radio 4.
3378 January 5, 2007

A New Year at Kew (TV show: BBC2). Includes a report on Michael Palin
opening the Alpine House at Kew Gardens in London (in March 2006).
Narrated by Alan Titchmarsh. Produced by Deborah Perkin.

3379 January 18, 2007

Terry Gilliam attends The Great Britons Awards at the Guildhall in

London.

3380 January 22, 2007

Eric Idle appears at a press event for the Las Vegas debut of Spamalot at
The Grail Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas. The show begins previews Mar. 8
and opens Mar. 31.

3381 January 27, 2007

The Comedy Map of Britain (TV episode: BBC2). Michael Palin and friend
Robert Hewison look back on their college days at Oxford when they first
began to write and perform their own comedy material. First episode of the
TV documentary series visiting locations around Britain that have inspired
great moments in past BBC comedy series. Narrated by Alan Whicker.

3382 February 2, 2007

John Cleese and his wife attend the 22nd Annual Santa Barbara
International Film Festival.

3383 February 5, 2007

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guest: Terry Gilliam.

3384 February 8, 2007

Frost Tonight (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by David Frost. Guests: Terry
Gilliam, discussing his film Tideland, Zac Goldsmith, and Steven Berkoff.
3385 February 9, 2007

Anna and the Moods (Short film: Monster Distributes) premieres in Iceland.
Icelandic computer-animated film featuring the voice of singer-songwriter
Björk. Narrated by Terry Jones. Directed by Gunnar Karlsson.

3386 February 15, 2007

Michael Palin attends the annual Orion Authors’ Party at the Victoria and
Albert Museum in London.

3387 February 17, 2007

The Art Directors Guild Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam receives
the Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery Award at the 11th
annual award show, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

3388 February 18, 2007

The Simpsons (TV episode: Fox). “Springfield Up.” Springfield residents

become the subjects of a documentary series in this send-up of Michael
Apted’s Seven Up films. Eric Idle voices filmmaker Declan Desmond; his
third time voicing the role, following episodes in March 2003 and
December 2004. Other voices by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy
Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer. Written by
Matt Warburton. Directed by Chuck Sheetz.

3389 February 18, 2007

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez musical Spamalot loses in all categories at The
Laurence Olivier Awards, the 31st annual British theater awards, held in
London. Spamalot had received seven nominations including Best New
Musical, Best Actor (Tim Curry), and Best Actress (Hannah Waddingham).
At the 2005 Tony Awards in NYC the musical—which received 14 Tony
nominations—won three awards (including Best Musical).

3390 February 19, 2007

Forty Years Without a Proper Job (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk
(hosted by Samuel West) at the Crucible Theatre in his home town of
Sheffield, England. All proceeds from the event go to the Sheffield Theatres
Capital Redevelopment Campaign. Earlier in the day, Palin was named a
Sheffield Legend and honored with a plaque on the Walk of Fame in front
of Sheffield Town Hall.

3391 February 25, 2007

John Cleese and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Morton’s
Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.

3392 February 27, 2007

Tideland (DVD: THINKFilm). Terry Gilliam’s 2005 film is released in a

two-disc Collector’s Edition that includes audio commentary by Gilliam
and screenwriter Tony Grisoni, deleted scenes, interviews, and the
featurettes Getting Gilliam and The Making of Tideland.

3393 March 8, 2007

Spamalot begins in previews at The Grail Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas.

3394 March 18, 2007

The Los Angeles Times (Newspaper/U.S.). “The Spread of ‘Spam,’” by Eric

Idle, p. F1. Article on bringing Spamalot to Las Vegas.

3395 March 25, 2007

Kombat Opera Presents (TV episode: BBC2). “The South Bragg Show.”
Terry Jones co-directed this parody of the British TV arts series The South
Bank Show (hosted by Melvyn Bragg), presented in the form of a half-hour
opera. Before filming started in October 2006, Jones was diagnosed with
bowel cancer and had to leave the production. Peter Orton took over as
director. The show, originally titled “Children of the Stones,” is the last
program in a five-episode series of operatic parodies. Written by Richard
Thomas and Stewart Lee. Composed by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer:
The Opera). Starring Kevin Eldon (Melvynn Bragg). Produced by Stephen
Abrahams.

3396 March 25, 2007

The Making of Kombat Opera (TV special: BBC Wales). Documentary on

the opera-parody series Kombat Opera Presents. Includes interviews with
Terry Jones and other artists involved in the making of the series. Jones
explains why he had to pull out of the production of his episode (“The
South Bragg Show,” which airs Mar. 25) due to the discovery of cancer in
his colon. Jones’ interview takes place shortly before he undergoes surgery
in October 2006. Produced & directed by Andy Frith.

3397 March 25, 2007

Eric Idle attends Elton John’s 60th Birthday Concert at Madison Square
Garden in New York City.

3398 March 31, 2007

Eric Idle, John Cleese, and Terry Gilliam attend the Las Vegas premiere
of Spamalot at The Grail Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas. The Vegas
production (which is 20 minutes shorter than the Broadway version)
features John O’Hurley as King Arthur.

3399 April 2, 2007

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Will Spamalot Be Harder in

Nevada?,” by Eric Idle. Idle on bringing his hit Broadway musical
Spamalot to Las Vegas.

3400 April 23, 2007

In honor of Spamalot, Python fans gather in London’s Trafalgar Square to

break the Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest Coconut Orchestra”
by performing “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” on coconut
halves. Leading the performance are Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam and
the London cast of Spamalot, with Michael England conducting. At 4,382
they break the record previously set in New York City on Mar. 22, 2006
(with 1,789 fans). The St. George’s Day event is followed by a screening of
Holy Grail.

3401 May 2007

Candis (Magazine/U.K.). “The Palin Effect.” Article on Michael Palin,

with cover photo (“Mr. Nice Guy”).

3402 May 1, 2007

An Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese hosts a screening of Life
of Brian at Campbell Hall at the University of California Santa Barbara.
The event benefits UCSB’s Arts & Lectures Film Series.

3403 May 6, 2007

Eric Idle attends the premiere of Shrek the Third, in which he voices
Merlin, in Los Angeles.

3404 May 9, 2007

HBO First Look (TV episode: HBO). “The Making of Shrek the Third.”
Eric Idle is among the interviewees.

3405 May 18, 2007

Shrek the Third (Feature film: Paramount) opens in the U.S. Animated
feature, third in the series. John Cleese voices the King, a role he first
voiced in Shrek 2 (2004). Eric Idle voices Merlin. Cleese will voice the
king again in Shrek Forever After (2010). Voice cast also includes Mike
Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, and Antonio
Banderas. Written by Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman, Chris Miller, and Aron
Warner. Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui.

3406 May 18, 2007

Canada AM (TV show: CTV, in Canada). Guest: Eric Idle.

3407 May 22–June 7, 2007

John Cleese hosts a festival of his films aboard the ship Silver Shadow
(Silversea Cruises) during its 16-day Atlantic crossing from New York to
Southhampton, England.

3408 May 22, 2007

Michael Palin attends a reception celebrating the 80th anniversary of the

Royal Television Society. The event, hosted by The Prince of Wales and
Duchess of Cornwall, is held at Clarence House in London. Other guests
include Sir David Attenborough, Natasha Kaplinsky, and Lord Melvyn
Bragg.

3409 May 27, 2007

Toronto Star (Newspaper/Can.). “Idle Thoughts,” by Eric Idle, p. C6. Idle

on the upcoming world premiere (in Toronto) of his oratorio Not the
Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy).

3410 June 1–4, 2007

Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (Oratorio) has its world
premiere at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Canada as part of that city’s
Luminato festival. Eric Idle collaborated with composer John Du Prez—
with whom Idle had previously adapted Holy Grail for the hit Broadway
musical Spamalot (2005)—to create this comic oratorio, a spoof of
Handel’s 1741 masterwork Messiah which, instead of Jesus, tells the story
of Brian Cohen from Monty Python’s 1979 film Life of Brian. Described by
Idle as “funnier than Handel,” this new work—commissioned by the
Luminato festival—includes the original songs: “Chaos and Confusion!,”
“There Shall Be Monsters,” “O God You Are So Big,” “Mandy’s Song,”
“Woe Woe Woe!” “We Love Sheep,” “Spiritual,” “Brian’s Dream,” “What
Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?,” “The Peoples’ Front of Judea,” “I
Want to Be a Girl,” “The Market Square,” “You’re the One,” “Hail to the
Shoe,” “Amourdeus,” “The Chosen One Has Woken,” “When They Grow
Up,” “Take Us Home,” “Not the Messiah,” “Individuals,” “Find Your
Dream,” “Arrested,” “A Fair Day’s Work,” and “The Final Song,” as well
as a sing-along version of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (from
the 1979 film). Starring Eric Idle as soloist and narrator, and soloists
Shannon Mercer (soprano), Jean Stilwell (mezzo-soprano), Christopher
Sieber (tenor), and Theodore Baerg (baritone), with Peter Oundjian (Idle’s
cousin) conducting the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn
Choir. The oratorio receives its U.S. premiere in Katonah, NY (July 1),
followed by performances in Australia and New Zealand (December),
Houston (July 2008), The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (August 2008),
and The Royal Albert Hall in London (October 2009). Note: Sieber played
Sir Galahad in the original Broadway production of Spamalot in March
2005.

3411 June 6, 2007

Eric Idle attends “Making Magic Happen,” the 3rd Annual Los Angeles
Gala for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation at the Century Plaza
Hotel. Idle’s friend, Robin Williams, is honored at the event for his work
with the foundation.

3412 June 13, 2007

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests
include Eric Idle and S. Epatha Merkerson. Idle talks about Spamalot in
Las Vegas, younger comedians, and his wife’s new hybrid car.

3413 June 16, 2007

Tiswas Reunited (TV special: ITV). Reunion special celebrating the popular
British Saturday-morning children’s show Tiswas (1974–82). Michael
Palin appears, recalling his and Terry Jones’ guest-appearance on the show
in 1979. Hosted by Chris Tarrant and Sally James.

3414 June 25, 2007

Michael Palin opens the John Murray Archive Exhibition at the National
Library in Scotland.

3415 June 27, 2007

Michael Palin receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from
Edinburgh University in Scotland in honor of his contributions to literature.
The ceremony is held at McEwan Hall.

3416 June 28, 2007

The Wall Street Journal (Newspaper/U.S.). “A Python Grip on Handel,” by

Barrymore Laurence Scherer, p. D7. Interview with Eric Idle about the
creation of his comic oratorio Not the Messiah.

3417 July 1, 2007

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty
Boy) has its U.S. premiere at The Venetian Theater in Katonah, NY, as part
of the Caramoor International Music Festival (June 23–Aug. 5). Idle, as
soloist and narrator, is joined by soloists Shannon Mercer, Jean Stilwell,
Chistopher Sieber, and Theodore Baerg, with Peter Oundjian conducting the
Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the Collegiate Chorale. The work had its world
premiere on June 1 in Toronto.

3418 August 2007

Terry Jones films a new documentary series, Ogilby’s Roads, in Wales. The
series, retitled Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery, will air in May–June 2008
on BBC2 Wales.

3419 August 25, 2007

British Film Forever (TV special: BBC2). “Magic, Murder and Monsters:
The Story of British Horror and Fantasy.” Documentary special, the fifth
installment of a seven-part series on British cinema. Includes an interview
with Terry Gilliam, who talks about British fantasy and his own work in
that genre (Brazil). Narrated by Jessica Stevenson.

3420 September 2007

Michael Palin’s book Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years is published in

the U.S. by Thomas Dunne (St. Martin’s Press).
3421 September 4–10, 2007

John Cleese is a guest-speaker on the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner during its
transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England.

3422 September 4, 2007

The Leonard Lopate Show (Radio talk show: WNYC-FM, New York).
Guest Michael Palin talks about Diaries, the creation of Monty Python, the
“Pet Shop” sketch, etc.

3423 September 4, 2007

Talk of the Nation (Radio talk show: NPR). Michael Palin is interviewed
about Diaries.

3424 September 4, 2007

Michael Palin gives a reading from his Diaries at the Barnes & Noble book
store at Lincoln Center in New York City, and also signs copies of the book.

3425 September 5, 2007

Michael Palin, promoting Diaries, talks about his life and career with
interviewer Lorne Michaels at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The
event is followed by a book signing.

3426 September 6, 2007

Michael Palin signs copies of Diaries at the Free Library in Philadelphia.

3427 September 7, 2007

Michael Palin reads from (and signs copies of) Diaries at the First Parish
Church Meetinghouse in Cambridge, Mass. The event is sponsored by
Harvard Book Store. Palin later introduces a screening of And Now for
Something Completely Different at the Brattle Theatre.

3428 September 8, 2007

Michael Palin speaks at the Hudson Union Society’s annual fundraising
gala held at the Princeton Club in New York City. During his address he
reads from Diaries and afterward takes part in a Q&A.

3429 September 8, 2007

British Film Forever (TV special: BBC2). “Sauce, Satire and Silliness: The
Story of British Comedy.” Last in a seven-part series of documentary
specials. Terry Gilliam is interviewed.

3430 September 13, 2007

New Europe (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin

with photographs by Basil Pao, is published in the U.K. Palin’s account of
his visits to Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Albania, Poland, and other former
Eastern bloc countries. Companion book to the new BBC travel series.
Paperback edition published by Phoenix (2008). Also released as an
audiobook (BBC Audiobooks), read by Palin, on Oct. 8.

3431 September 14, 2007

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests
include Eric Idle and Les Stroud.

3432 September 15, 2007

Parkinson (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Michael Parkinson. Guests:

Michael Palin, promoting New Europe, Dame Diana Rigg, Sir David Frost,
and Annie Lennox.

3433 September 16–October 28, 2007

The seven-part travel series Michael Palin’s New Europe, written & hosted
by Michael Palin, airs on BBC1. Palin’s seventh travel series takes him to
20 countries in Eastern and Central Europe formerly hidden behind the Iron
Curtain. Filmed over a period of five-and-a-half months between May 2006
and May 2007. Airs in the U.S. in January–March 2008 on the Travel
Channel.
3434 September 16, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “War and Peace.”
Michael Palin’s journey through the former Yugoslavia begins in the Julian
Alps in Slovenia. He then visits the island of Hvar (Croatia), observes a
mine-clearing operation in war-scarred Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), and
visits Belgrade (Serbia) and Dubrovnik (Croatia). In Albania, he witnesses a
sheep sacrifice. First episode in the seven-part travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by John Paul Davidson.

3435 September 19, 2007

Michael Palin signs copies of his new book New Europe at Hatchards
bookshop in Piccadilly, London.

3436 September 21, 2007

This Morning (TV show: ITV). Magazine program hosted by Ruth

Langsford and Phillip Schofield. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting New
Europe.

3437 September 22, 2007

Michael Palin promotes New Europe on the radio shows Jonathan Ross
(BBC Radio 2) and Excess Baggage with Sandi Toksvig (BBC Radio 4).

3438 September 23, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “Eastern Delight.” In

Bulgaria, Michael Palin observes the dance of the White Brotherhood (Rila
Mountains) and meets gypsy transvestite singer Azis (Sofia). In Turkey, he
watches a display of oil wrestling (Edirne), takes a belly-dancing lesson
(Istanbul), attends a camel wrestling festival (Selçuk-Ephesus), and visits a
fortune-teller (Göreme, Cappadocia). Second episode in the seven-part
travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by
John Paul Davidson.

3439 September 24, 2007

The One Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Adrian Chiles and
Christine Bleakley. Chiles interviews Michael Palin about his series New
Europe.

3440 September 26, 2007

Michael Palin discusses his new book & TV series, New Europe, at the
Institute of Education in London.

3441 September 30, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “Wild East.” After a
visit to the breakaway republic of Transdniester, Michael Palin moves on
to Moldova’s capital, Chisinau. In Romania, he visits the “Merry Cemetery”
and rides the lumberjacks’ train (Maramures), visits Transylvania and Bran
Castle (aka “Dracula’s Castle”), then tours the Palace of the People and
meets tennis star Ilie Nastase (Bucharest). Third episode in the seven-part
travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by
John Paul Davidson.

3442 September 30, 2007

A Slice of Cleese—John Cleese In Conversation with James Crathorne

(Event). John Cleese appears onstage in conversation with his longtime
friend James Crathorne at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, North
Yorkshire, England. The event raises money for the theater.

3443 October–November 2007

Michael Palin goes on a book-signing tour of the U.K. to promote New

Europe.

3444 October 4, 2007

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones gives a talk in Conron

Hall at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont. In the lecture
Jones questions the accepted image of English king Richard II as being
weak and tyrannical. Jones’ talk, which is the opening address of the 22nd
International Conference on Medievalism, is followed by a screening of
Holy Grail.

3445 October 6, 2007

Michael Palin talks about his new book & TV series, New Europe, at
Cheltenham Racecourse as part of the 58th Cheltenham Literature Festival
(Oct. 5–14).

3446 October 7, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “Danube to Dnieper.”

During his stay in Budapest, Hungary, Michael Palin visits the House of
Terror Museum and participates in a fashion show. In the Ukraine, he
returns to Kiev (which he previously visited in 1991 for Pole to Pole) where
he meets a fellow Yorkshireman who is married to the Ukranian Prime
Minister’s daughter. Lastly, he visits the Livadia Palace in Yalta. Fourth
episode in the seven-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael
Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

3447 October 8, 2007

Michael Palin discusses his new book & TV series, New Europe, at the
Royal Geographical Society in London.

3448 October 8, 2007

Translating Richard II (Was Richard II a Tyrant?) (Lecture). Terry Jones

speaks in McPherson Lab at Ohio State University. The lecture, in which
Jones questions Richard’s image as a tyrannical king, is presented by the
university’s Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

3449 October 14, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “Baltic Summer.”

Michael Palin tours the Baltic States, starting in Estonia, where he
witnesses fire-walking and receives leech therapy (Tallinn). In Latvia, he
participates in the pagan festival of Jani, meets a prominent chef, and sees
the Ventspils radio telescope (Riga). In Lithuania, he tours the Museum of
Genocide Victims (Vilnius). His last stop is the Russian port city of
Kaliningrad. Fifth episode in the seven-part travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

3450 October 14, 2007

An Audience with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese appears onstage in

conversation with journalist Robert Hall at the Jersey Opera House on the
Isle of Jersey. Proceeds from the event go to the Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust.

3451 October 16, 2007

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones gives his Richard II

lecture in the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University in
New York City.

3452 October 20, 2007

The Culture Show (TV arts show: BBC2). Newly-published author Karl
Pilkington (of the Ricky Gervais podcasts) visits the Cheltenham Literature
Festival, where he observes a Michael Palin book-signing.

3453 October 21, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “From Pole to Pole.”
During his journey through Poland, Michael Palin meets Lech Walesa
(Gdansk), performs with a famous cabaret group (Elblag), learns to drive a
steam locomotive (Poznan to Wolsztyn), tours the former concentration
camp Auschwitz I (OúwiÍcim), visits a salt mine (Wieliczka), and attends
the wedding of two ski instructors (Bialka Tatrzanska). Sixth episode in the
seven-part travel series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Produced &
directed by Roger Mills.

3454 October 28, 2007

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV episode: BBC1). “Journey’s End.” In
Slovakia, Michael Palin learns how to make sausages (Tatra Mountains). In
the Czech Republic, he attends Turba’s mime class (Brno), visits a health
clinic with Miss World 2006, Tatana Kucharova (Karlovy Vary), and enjoys
a pedalo ride (Prague). In the former East Germany, Palin learns about the
Berlin Wall from two actors (Berlin). The journey ends on Rugen Island in
the Baltic Sea. Seventh episode in the seven-part travel series. Written &
narrated by Michael Palin. Produced & directed by John Paul Davidson.

3455 November 2007

Kerri-Anne (TV talk show: Nine Network). Australian daytime talk show
hosted by Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting New
Europe. He also sings “The Lumberjack Song” in German.

3456 November 2007

720 Morning (Radio talk show: ABC Perth, in Australia). Hosted by Geoff
Hutchison. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting New Europe and answering
questions from callers.

3457 November 1, 2007

Slices of Cleese: An Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese speaks
at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara, CA. The
event benefits the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Cleese is a member of
the OLLI’s Advisory Board).

3458 November 1, 2007

Late Night Live (Radio talk show: ABC Radio National, in Australia).
Hosted by Phillip Adams. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting New Europe,
also talks about Ernest Hemingway, the Life of Brian controversy, writing,
etc.

3459 November 4, 2007

Rove (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Hosted by Rove McManus. Guest:
Michael Palin, promoting New Europe. Palin also talks about having to
buy underwear in Perth (his luggage arrived late) and his youthful crush on
actress Kim Novak.

3460 November 5, 2007

Monty Python’s Life of Brian: The Immaculate Edition (DVD: Sony

Pictures) is released in the U.K. Two-disc special edition of the 1979 film,
previously released on DVD in 1999 (Criterion Collection). This edition
includes most of the same special features from the earlier release—minus
the 1979 doc The Pythons—and adds The Story of Brian (hour-long doc, a
re-edited version of the recent Channel 4 doc The Secret Life of Brian) and
an audio recording of the July 1977 table reading by the group of the
screenplay in progress. Also released on Blu-ray (Dec. 3). Released in the
U.S. in January 2008.

3461 November 5, 2007

John Cleese participates in an onstage conversation with Professor Richard

Tarnas at the Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA. The event is part of the
Mind and Supermind Lecture Series.

3462 November 6, 2007

More Boys Who Do Comedy (TV talk show: BBC4). Comedienne Dawn
French interviews John Cleese about his life in comedy in this premiere
episode of her 2007 series. Half-hour. Produced & directed by Ben
McPherson.

3463 November 7, 2007

Michael Palin talks about New Europe at a literary luncheon at Star City
casino in Sydney, Australia.

3464 November 8, 2007

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones reassesses the reign of
King Richard II in a talk at Folkestone Academy in Kent, England as part of
the Folkestone Literary Festival (Nov. 2–10).

3465 November 10 & 11, 2007

What About Dick? (Play), written by Eric Idle with music by John Du Prez,
is presented on two nights at the Ricardo Montalban Theater in Los
Angeles. This staged radio play is a work-in-progress based on an
unproduced screenplay by Idle titled The Remains of the Piano (a
Merchant-Ivory spoof). The two workshop presentations are performed by
Idle, Eddie Izzard, Tracey Ullman, Billy Connolly, Emily Mortimer, Tim
Curry, Jim Piddock, Tony Palermo, and Jane Leeves.

3466 November 10, 2007

Love Letters (Play). John Cleese and Carol Burnett—both residents of

Montecito, Cal. (in Santa Barbara County)—give a reading of A. J.
Gurney’s play at the Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara. A one-night-only
performance benefitting Girls Inc.

3467 November 11–14, 2007

Michael Palin tours New Zealand promoting his book New Europe. The
tour includes stops in Auckland (Nov. 11) and Wellington (Nov. 13).

3468 November 20, 2007

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Dermot

Murnaghan and Kate Silverton. Guest: Michael Palin.

3469 November 20, 2007

Spamalot has its first Australian performance as it begins previews at Her

Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. The musical’s official gala opening will
take place on Dec. 1.

3470 November 26, 2007

Eric Idle appears on the Australian radio shows Breakfast (ABC Radio
National) and Mornings with Margaret Throsby (ABC Classic FM) to
promote Spamalot and Not the Messiah, which are both making their
Australian debuts in early December.

3471 November 26, 2007

Eric Idle attends a party in honor of David Beckham and his team, the LA
Galaxy, at Cafe Sydney in Sydney, Australia.

3472 November 28, 2007

Late Night Live (Radio talk show: ABC Radio National, in Australia).
Hosted by Phillip Adams. Guest: Eric Idle, promoting the Australian
premieres of Spamalot and Not the Messiah, also talks about “Galaxy
Song,” English comedy, the Life of Brian controversy, his love of books,
etc.

3473 December 2007

Terry Gilliam begins filming in London on his next film, The Imaginarium
of Doctor Parnassus, a fantasy starring Heath Ledger and Christopher
Plummer (in the title role). Shooting continues in London until Jan. 18, then
the production will move to Vancouver. Before filming restarts, however,
Ledger is found dead in his New York apartment (on Jan. 22).

3474 December 1, 2007

Spamalot premieres in Australia at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne

(previews began Nov. 20). Eric Idle, with his wife, attends the gala opening
and also joins the cast onstage for the final curtain call. The show will play
at the theater until April.

3475 December 4, 2007

Erik the Viking: The Director’s Son’s Cut (DVD: MGM) is released in the
U.S. The “Director’s Son’s Cut” of Terry Jones’ 1989 comedy, by editor
Bill Jones (son of Terry), which was first released on DVD in Britain in
October 2006. Bonus features include audio commentary by Jones, Behind
the Director’s Son’s Cut (10-min featurette), The Making of Erik the Viking
(1989 featurette, 30 mins), photo gallery, and theatrical trailer.

3476 December 5, 2007

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty
Boy) makes its Australian debut at the Lyric Theatre, Queensland
Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane. Eric Idle appears as narrator and
soloist. The work, which premiered in June 2007 in Toronto, will also have
performances at the Sydney Opera House (Dec. 9 & 12), The Civic Theatre
in Auckland, New Zealand (Dec. 15 & 16), and Perth Concert Hall (Dec. 20
& 21).

3477 December 12, 2007

Michael Palin gives a reading at the Parkinson’s Disease Society Christmas

Carol Concert at Westminster Cathedral in London.

3478 December 13, 2007

Terry Jones attends a press conference in Fnac Chiado in Lisbon, Portugal

for the launch of The Pythons autobiography. He also talks about writing
fairy tales and his opera Evil Machines, which is premiering in Lisbon in
January.

3479 December 25, 2007

Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind (TV special:
BBC1). Robbie’s fiancée, Donner, is kidnapped by aliens. Third in a series
of animated specials featuring Robbie the Reindeer, following Hooves of
Fire (1999) and Legend of the Lost Tribe (2002). Michael Palin voices the
alien Gariiiiiii. Other voices by Ardal O’Hanlon, Jane Horrocks, Keira
Knightly, Ozzy Osbourne, Gillian Anderson, Russell Brand, and Graham
Norton. Written by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler. Produced & directed
by Donnie Anderson.

3480 January 2008

John Cleese separates from his third wife, Alyce Faye.

3481 January 12, 2008

Evil Machines (Opera) premieres at the São Luiz Municipal Theatre in

Lisbon, Portugal. The opera, written & directed by Terry Jones with music
by Luis Tinoco, is a musical fantasy in which household appliances do
battle with mankind. The libretto, based on an unpublished work by Jones,
is later revised and published as a book in November 2011. This work
marks the second time that Tinoco has set Jones’ words to music. In 2005
the composer arranged music for several of Jones’ children’s stories to
create the short play Contos Fantásticos, also staged at the São Luiz
Theatre. The production runs until Feb. 3. Note: Jones will write and direct
another opera, The Doctor’s Tale, in April 2011.

3482 January 22, 2008

Actor Heath Ledger dies of an accidental prescription drug overdose in

New York City at the age of 28. Ledger, who had previously worked with
Terry Gilliam on 2005’s The Brothers Grimm, was about halfway through
shooting Gilliam’s latest film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, at
the time of his death. He had been filming in London just three days earlier
(Saturday) and was scheduled to resume filming in Vancouver at the end of
the week. Gilliam decides to continue filming using three different actors in
the role Ledger originated.

3483 January 28, 2008

Michael Palin’s 2007 travel series New Europe begins airing in the U.S. on
the Travel Channel.

3484 January 31, 2008

Hannity & Colmes (TV news-talk show: Fox News Channel). Guest John
Cleese talks to pollster Frank Luntz.

3485 February 4, 2008

Movies for Grownups (Award ceremony). John Cleese and Dana Delany
(replacing Jamie Lee Curtis, who had the flu) host AARP Magazine’s 7th
annual “Movies for Grownups” awards at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles.
The evening includes a tribute to A Fish Called Wanda on its 20th
anniversary.

3486 February 10, 2008

Eat Something Sexy (Event). John Cleese hosts a workshop on aphrodisiacs

at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara, CA.

3487 February 11, 2008

Terry Jones attends a funeral service for his friend, humorist Miles
Kington, at Haycombe Cemetery in Bath, England. Kington died of cancer
on Jan. 30.

3488 February 19, 2008

Michael Palin attends a lunchtime reception, hosted by The Prince of

Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, celebrating the 60-year legacy of The
Royal Film Performance. The reception, held at Clarence House in London,
is also attended by Lord Richard Attenborough and Peter O’Toole. Palin
later attends the Royal Film Premiere of The Other Boleyn Girl at the
Odeon, Leicester Square, London.

3489 February 22, 2008

New Hero of Comedy (TV episode: Channel 4). “Ricky Gervais.” Comedian
Ricky Gervais (The Office) is profiled, with comments by Michael Palin,
others.

3490 February 24, 2008

Filming resumes on Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

in Vancouver, a month later than planned due to the Jan. 22 death of star
Heath Ledger. Three different actors—Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin
Farrell—will take over Ledger’s role.
3491 February 29, 2008

Michael Palin receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening gala

of the 14th annual Bradford International Film Festival (Feb. 29–Mar. 15),
held at the National Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.
The festival also features a retrospective of Palin’s film work.

3492 March 7, 2008

Michael Palin and art historian Tim Marlow give a talk on the Camden
Town Group at the Tate Britain gallery in London. The Camden Town
Group of the 1910s were a gathering of English post-impressionists that
included Walter Sickert and Harold Gilman. Palin, an admirer of the group,
will return to Tate Britain in 2009 for an episode of Marlow Meets...

3493 March 15–21, 2008

Rutlemania, a tribute concert featuring the music of Eric Idle’s Beatle-

parody group The Rutles, plays five dates at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre
in Hollywood, CA. The concert, conceived and directed by Eric Idle with
music & lyrics by Neil Innes, is performed by Beatles tribute band The Fab
Four. The concert then plays four dates (Mar. 26–29) at the Blender Theater
at Gramercy in New York City.

3494 March 17, 2008

Entertainment Weekly (Magazine: U.S.). “Eric Idle on the Rutles Reunion”

by Jamie Reno. Interview with Eric Idle on the upcoming Rutles reunion in
Los Angeles.

3495 March 17, 2008

Eric Idle takes part in a Rutles reunion at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in

Hollywood celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Beatle-parody group’s
1978 TV mockumentary All You Need Is Cash. The reunion, part of the
Mods & Rockers Film Festival, includes a screening of a restored print of
the film followed by a Q&A session with the band members: Dirk (Idle),
Nasty (Neil Innes), Stig (Ricky Fataar), and Barry (John Halsey),
moderated by event organizer Martin Lewis. The band later plays four
songs at a reception held in the back room of the Pig ’n Whistle restaurant.
It is actually their first performance together, as Idle didn’t play or sing on
the group’s original recordings (it was the late Ollie Halsall, rather, who
performed in the studio as the fourth Rutle).

3496 March 24, 2008

The Frost Report Is Back! (TV special: BBC4). Two-hour reunion special
celebrating the satirical BBC sketch series The Frost Report (1966–67),
which helped launch the careers of John Cleese, Graham Chapman,
Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett,
Tim Brooke-Taylor, and others. Hosted by David Frost, the special includes
interviews with Cleese, Jones, Palin, Corbett, Brooke-Taylor, others.
Produced & directed by Andrew Fettis.

3497 March 31, 2008

Legends (TV episode: BBC4). “Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of

Separation.” Documentary on the life and career of writer-comedian Marty
Feldman (1934–1982). John Cleese and Michael Palin are interviewed.
Narrated by Nigel Planer. Produced & directed by Jeff Simpson.

3498 April 2008

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: 20th Anniversary Edition

(DVD/Blu-ray: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment). Special edition of
Terry Gilliam’s 1989 film fantasy. Special features include audio
commentary by Gilliam and co-screenwriter Charles McKeown, deleted
scenes, storyboards, and the new three-part documentary The Madness and
Misadventures of Munchausen.

3499 April 2008

The Madness and Misadventures of Munchausen (Documentary). Three-

part doc (73 mins.) on the making of Terry Gilliam’s 1989 film The
Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Features new interviews with Terry
Gilliam, John Neville, Sarah Polley, Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Charles
McKeown, and others. Released as a special feature on the 20th
Anniversary Edition DVD release. Produced by Constantine Nasr.

3500 April 1, 2008

Terry Jones appears as host of a fake nature documentary—about a colony

of flying penguins—for an April Fool’s Day trailer promoting the BBC
iPlayer. Directed by Vince Squibb.

OceanofPDF.com
3501 April 5, 2008

Terry Jones introduces a screening of Rene Clair’s classic 1931 film Le

Million at The Courtyard in Hereford, England, as part of the 6th annual
Borderlines Film Festival (Mar. 28–Apr. 13).

3502 April 13, 2008

Michael Palin presents an appeal (on BBC Radio 4) on behalf of the

international development charity Motivation.

3503 April 15, 2008

Filming ends on Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Post-production won’t be completed for nearly a year (in March 2009).

3504 April 17, 2008

Michael Palin opens the “Art in the Age of Steam” exhibition (Apr. 18–
Aug. 10) at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, England.

3505 April 24, 2008

John Cleese (and daughter Cynthia) and Eric Idle (and wife Tania) attend
the 2nd annual BritWeek launch party at the British Consul General’s
residence in Los Angeles.

3506 April 26, 2008

The Comedy Map of Britain (TV episode: BBC2). “Scotland.” Includes a

stop at Doune Castle in Scotland, the main filming location for Holy Grail.
With comments from Grail’s production manager, Julian Doyle. Narrated
by Alan Whicker.

3507 April 27, 2008

The Andrew Marr Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: David Cameron,
David Miliband, and Michael Palin. Palin talks about the High Tide
festival, meeting the Dalai Lama, and the Timewatch episode on World War
I.

3508 May 2008

Michael Palin attends the High Tide film festival (May 2–5) in Halesworth,
England, answering questions after a screening of his 1987 TV film East of
Ipswich.

3509 May 2008

Terry Jones joins his neighbors, including actor Tom Conti, in a protest
against a proposed construction highway near his home in the Hamstead
Heath area of London.

3510 May 3, 2008

John Cleese and daughter Camilla attend the opening night performance of
Jersey Boys at The Palazzo in Las Vegas.

3511 May 9, 2008

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones questions King Richard

II’s reputation as a tyrant in a talk at the 43rd International Congress on
Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

3512 May 13–June 3, 2008

The four-part documentary series Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery airs on
BBC2 Wales. In the series, host Terry Jones travels four routes through his
native Wales following John Ogilby’s Britannia (1675), the world’s first
road atlas, in an attempt to discover the real purpose of the map.

3513 May 13, 2008

Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery (TV episode: BBC2 Wales). “The Road to
Aberystwyth.” Host Terry Jones takes the first route in John Ogilby’s 1675
map, traveling from Presteigne, on the English border, to Aberystwyth. First
episode in the four-part documentary series. Written, directed & produced
by Alan Ereira.

3514 May 15, 2008

An Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese hosts a screening of

Holy Grail at Campbell Hall at the University of California Santa Barbara.
The screening benefits UCSB’s Arts & Lectures Cinema Series.

3515 May 19, 2008

Who Murdered Chaucer? (Lecture). Terry Jones speaks at the Hudson

Union Society’s fundraising gala in New York City. Jones’ lecture (with
slides) is based on his 2003 book of the same title.

3516 May 19, 2008

Michael Palin attends Press Day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008
(May 20–24). Also attending are Ringo Starr, George Martin, Brian May,
and Felicity Kendal. One of the gardens in the show is “From Life to Life,
A Garden for George Harrison,” designed by Yvonne Innes.

3517 May 20, 2008

Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery (TV episode: BBC2 Wales). “The Road to
St. Davids.” Host Terry Jones travels from Monmouth to St. Davids.
Second episode in the four-part documentary series. Written, directed &
produced by Alan Ereira.

3518 May 21, 2008

Terry Jones receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Pace
University during the commencement ceremony for undergraduates held at
Radio City Music Hall in New York City. In his acceptance speech, Jones
gives “bad advice” to the undergraduates.

3519 May 26, 2008

Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins airing on the cable channel BBC
America.

3520 May 27, 2008

Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery (TV episode: BBC2 Wales). “The Road to
Holywell.” Host Terry Jones travels the route connecting the two Catholic
shrines of St. Davids and Holywell. Third episode in the four-part
documentary series. Written, directed & produced by Alan Ereira.

3521 May 28, 2008

Michael Palin attends the launch of the Oxford Thinking campaign at the
British Academy in London. The campaign raises funds for the University
of Oxford, of which Palin is an alumnus (1962–65). For the campaign
Palin filmed the short Oxford Today.

3522 May 28, 2008

Oxford Today (Short film). Michael Palin presents this 24-minute film on
the University of Oxford as part of the school’s Oxford Thinking
fundraising campaign. Directed by Roger Mills.

3523 June 2008

John Cleese, recently separated from his wife, sells his 15-acre ranch in
Montecito, CA, for a reported $16.5 million. Cleese will put his second
home in Montecito—an ocean-front property—up for sale in October
(asking price: $10.75 million).

3524 June 2008

Fourteenth Century England: V (Book: The Boydell Press, Woodbridge),

edited by Nigel Saul, is published. Collection of essays, including Terry
Jones’ “Was Richard II a Tyrant? Richard’s Use of the Books of Rules for
Princes.”

3525 June 1, 2008

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones reassesses Richard II’s
reign in a lecture at Barclays Wealth Pavilion in Hay-on-Wye, Wales as part
of the Hay Literary Festival (May 22–June 1).

3526 June 3, 2008

Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery (TV episode: BBC2 Wales). “The Road to
Holyhead.” Host Terry Jones travels the route from Chester, England (near
the Welsh border) to the port town of Holyhead in North Wales. Last
episode in the four-part documentary series. Written, directed & produced
by Alan Ereira.

3527 June 19 & 20, 2008

Michael Palin gives a talk about New Europe at the Showroom Cinema
Sheffield in his home town of Sheffield, Yorkshire, England (June 19). The
following day he gives a speech (and plants a tree) at Sheffield Botanical
Gardens to officially re-open the site following a period of restoration.

3528 June 19, 2008

Was Richard II Mad? (Lecture). Terry Jones challenges history’s portrayal

of Richard II as a mad tyrant in the Historical Association/English
Association’s annual lecture presented (with slides) at the Bishopsgate
Institute in London.

3529 June 23, 2008

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guests: Michael Palin, Mary Portas, and Todd Wilbur.

3530 June 25, 2008

Terry Jones and Michael Palin introduce a screening of “lost” episodes of

their 1969 TV comedy series The Complete and Utter History of Britain at
an event hosted by the British Film Institute and held at the National Film
Theatre in London. The episodes, previously thought to have been wiped
from the tapes after their original airing, were recovered through the BFI’s
“Missing Believed Wiped” initiative (begun in 1993). The screening is
followed by a Q&A session.

3531 June 26–27, 2008

The Seventh Python (Feature film), world premiere at the Mods & Rockers
Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Documentary about
songwriter-musician Neil Innes, former member of The Bonzo Dog Band
and the Beatles-parody group The Rutles, often referred to as the “Seventh
Python” because of his collaborations with the group (Flying Circus, Holy
Grail, stage shows, etc.). Also appearing are John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin. Directed by Burt Kearns. Innes gives a special
concert performance on the second night of the premiere.

3532 June 27, 2008

The One Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Adrian Chiles and
Christine Bleakley. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting his book New Europe.

3533 June 28, 2008

Financial Times (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘I feel less afraid of the world’—

Lunch with the FT: Michael Palin,” p. 3. Rahul Jacob interviews Palin at
Wiltons restaurant in London.

3534 July 2008

Michael Palin is awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the School of

Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. He is
presented the award at the school’s graduation ceremonies.

3535 July 2008

Terry Gilliam attends the 6th Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest
(July 13–20) on the Isle of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy where he takes part
in a scriptwriting panel.

3536 July 2, 2008

Michael Palin speaks on the subject of geography at Homerton College,
Cambridge University as part of The Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI)
Summer School (June 30–July 3).

3537 July 4, 2008

Discovering Hammershøi (Lecture). Michael Palin discusses his

fascination with the Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi at the Royal
Academy of Art in London. Part of the “Vilhelm Hammershøi: The Poetry
of Silence” exhibition (June 28–Sept. 7). Palin hosted the 2005
documentary Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershøi.

3538 July 7, 2008

Palin on Art (DVD: BBC Worldwide) is released in the U.K. Two-disc set
containing three of Michael Palin’s four documentaries on great painters:
Palin on Redpath (1997), Michael Palin on...The Colourists (2000), and
Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershøi (2005). The fourth doc, not
included here, is Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse (2003).

3539 July 9, 2008

John Cleese and Michael Palin attend Sir David Frost’s annual Summer
Garden Party at Frost’s residence in London. Other guests include Ronnie
Corbett and Bill Wyman.

3540 July 14, 2008

Terry Jones gives a public reading from John Gower’s Confessio Amantis
at an event commemorating the 600th anniversary of the English poet’s
death (in 1408) at Southwark Cathedral in London.

3541 July 16, 2008

Richard & Judy (TV talk show: Channel 4). Hosted by Richard Madeley
and Judy Finnigan. Guests: John Cleese and Tracey Emin.

3542 July 16, 2008

The Front Row (Radio arts show: KUHF public radio, Houston). Bob
Stevenson talks to Eric Idle about tomorrow’s Houston premiere of Not the
Messiah. The interview was conducted backstage at Jones Hall following a
rehearsal.

3543 July 17 & 18, 2008

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty
Boy) is performed at Jones Hall in Houston, Texas. Idle stars as
narrator/soloist, joining soloists Shannon Mercer, Jean Stilwell, William
Ferguson, and Theodore Baerg (all, except Ferguson, from the work’s
original June 2007 production in Toronto), with Du Prez conducting the
Houston Symphony and Chorus. Note: Idle last performed in Houston in
November 1989 in the Jonathan Miller/Houston Grand Opera production of
The Mikado.

3544 July 23–25, 2008

John Cleese in Conversation with Chris Serle (Events). John Cleese

participates in three evenings of conversations (with TV host Chris Serle) at
The Clifton Pavilion Theatre at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Bristol, England.
Proceeds from the events go to funding the Bristol Zoo’s conservation
programs. Cleese used to visit the zoo when he was a student at nearby
Clifton College.

3545 July 24, 2008

All Things Considered (Radio talk show: NPR). Robert Siegel interviews
Eric Idle about Not the Messiah.

3546 July 24, 2008

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty
Boy) premieres in the Washington, D.C., area at the Wolf Trap National
Park for the Performing Arts near Vienna, VA. Eric Idle stars as narrator
and soloist, along with four soloists, the National Symphony Orchestra
(conducted by Du Prez), chorus, bagpipers, and sheep.
3547 July 25, 2008

Michael Palin unveils a British Airways plane painted with the special
Change for Good logo celebrating the 14-year partnership between BA and
UNICEF U.K. which has raised £25 million for charity. The unveiling takes
place at Heathrow airport in London.

3548 July 28, 2008

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guest: Eric
Idle, promoting Not the Messiah at the Hollywood Bowl.

3549 August 2008

Michael Palin’s 2007 series New Europe is censured by the BBC Trust, the
governing body of the BBC, for “inaccuracy” relating to statements Palin
made in the show concerning responsibility for the Balkan wars. Palin later
calls the action “a stupid decision.”

3550 August 1 & 2, 2008

Eric Idle presents his oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy)
in its West Coast premiere at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Idle
performs as narrator and soloist, while the work’s co-creator, composer
John Du Prez, conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The production also
features soloists Shannon Mercer, Jean Stilwell, William Ferguson, and
Theodore Baerg, plus The Pacific Chorale (John Alexander, director), The
Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band, and a fireworks display. The oratorio, first
performed in Toronto in June 2007, will be presented again in October 2009
at London’s Royal Albert Hall with four of the five surviving Pythons
participating.

3551 August 8, 2008

Comedy Connections (TV episode: BBC1). “Ripping Yarns.” Michael

Palin and Terry Jones look back on the making of their 1976–79 comedy
series and the early days of their writing partnership. Narrated by Doon
Mackichan. Directed by Maria Stewart. Produced by Paul Gallagher. Note:
Monty Python’s Flying Circus was the subject of a February 2005 episode.

3552 August 24, 2008

Eric Idle attends a surprise 50th birthday party for skater Scott Hamilton in
Los Angeles.

3553 Fall 2008

Beautiful Britain (Magazine/U.K.). “Travelling Man.” Mark Tully

interviews Michael Palin at the London Transport Museum.

3554 September 2008

Terry Gilliam suffers a cracked vertebra when he is struck by a car outside

a restaurant in Soho, London.

3555 September 3, 2008

Loose Women (TV talk show: ITV). Hosted by Jackie Brambles, Coleen
Nolan, Carol McGiffin, and Sherrie Hewson. Guests: Jonathan Wilkes and
John Cleese, who talks about writing a Fish Called Wanda musical with his
daughter, his three marriages, his friend Michael Winner, growing old, and
California.

3556 September 3, 2008

Michael Palin attends the Foyles Summer Party at Foyles bookshop in

Charing Cross Road, London.

3557 September 5, 2008

Icons of England (Book: CPRE/Think Books), introduced by Bill Bryson, is

published in the U.K. Anthology celebrating rural England. Contributors
include Michael Palin, who writes in his piece (“Living on the Edge”)
about the crags of his native Sheffield. The expanded 2010 edition of the
book (Black Swan) also includes a piece by Terry Jones, who writes about
Hampstead Heath (“View Over London”). Proceeds from the book support
the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England).

3558 September 13, 2008

Terry Gilliam attends the 7th Milan Film Festival (Sept. 12–21), which is
presenting a retrospective of his work.

3559 September 19, 2008

Michael Palin gives a talk at the Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames,

England as part of the Henley Literary Festival (Sept. 19–21).

3560 September 19, 2008

Igor (Feature film: MGM) opens in the U.S. Computer-animated feature.

John Cleese voices Igor’s master, Dr. Glickenstein. Other voices by John
Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, Eddie Izzard, Sean Hayes,
Jennifer Coolidge, and Christian Slater. Written by Chris McKenna.
Directed by Tony Leondis.

3561 September 30, 2008

Michael Palin attends the launch party for Sir Michael Parkinson’s new
book, Parky: My Autobiography, at the Belvedere Restaurant in Holland
Park, London.

3562 October 2008

Michael Palin returns to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Mumbai

(India) twenty years after his last visit to the region, in October 1988, for
his TV travel series Around the World in 80 Days. Palin also travels to
Mandvi (in Kutch, India), where he finds the captain and other crew
members of the Al Shama, the dhow that transported Palin across the
Arabian Sea twenty years earlier. Palin’s account of his trip is included in
the book Around the World in 80 Days: Special 20th Anniversary Edition
(published Nov. 27). It is also filmed for the TV special Around the World
in 20 Years (airing Dec. 30).
3563 October 4, 2008

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Richard II: Royal Villain or

Victim of Spin?,” by Terry Jones, p. 13. Jones explains why he believes
that Richard’s usurper, Henry IV, rewrote history in order to justify his
treacherous grab for power.

3564 October 5, 2008

The South Bank Show (TV arts show: ITV). “The One Ronnie.”
Documentary on the career of comedian Ronnie Corbett (one half of the
“Two Ronnies”), with contributions from Michael Palin, John Cleese, Sir
David Frost, and others. Hosted & edited by Melvyn Bragg. Produced &
directed by Jonathan Levi.

3565 October 11 & 12, 2008

Terry Jones appears at the 59th Cheltenham Festival of Literature (Oct.

10–19) in Cheltenham, England. On Oct. 11 he gives a talk on Richard II at
the Book It! Tent; the following day he joins Joanna Lumley and Maureen
Lipman in remembering the late humorist Miles Kington for Miles Kington:
A Celebration at the Main Hall.

3566 October 20–24, 2008

Woman’s Hour Drama (Radio series: BBC Radio 4). “How Shall I Tell the
Dog?” Michael Palin plays Miles Kington in this radio adaptation of the
late humorist’s final book (he died of cancer in January). Told by his
doctors that he has only months to live, Kington suggests a series of
increasingly absurd ideas for a book to his agent Gill (played by Anna
Massey). Five 15-minute episodes. Produced by Clive Brill.

3567 October 21, 2008

Eric Idle attends the Dream Believe Achieve Inspiration Gala, an event
benefitting inner-city youth, at the Ahmanson Ballroom in the Skirball
Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Performers include Jackson Browne and
Smokey Robinson.
3568 October 30–December 4, 2008

Batteries Not Included (TV series: Dave). John Cleese, in his first British
TV series since 2001’s The Human Face, travels around the world testing
unusual gadgets. This six-episode series, broadcast on the digital-only
channel Dave, was inspired by Cleese’s role as gadget expert Q in the
James Bond film Die Another Day (2002). Also featuring Danny Wallace,
Dom Joly, Richard Herring, and others.

3569 October 30, 2008

Travel, Comedy and a Little Bit of Fish (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a
charity performance at the Irwin Mitchell Oval Hall in his home town of
Sheffield, relating stories from his days with Python and his travels around
the world. The show raises £40,000 for the local charity, Helen’s Trust.

3570 October 31, 2008

Countdown with Keith Olbermann (TV news show: MSNBC). Guest John
Cleese comments on Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign and reads a
poem he wrote about commentator Bill O’Reilly.

3571 October 31, 2008

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin: My Guilt Over

My Great-Uncle Who Died in the First World War,” by Michael Palin.
Palin describes his experience making the Timewatch special about the last
day of World War I (airing Nov. 1 on BBC2) and learning more about his
great-uncle, Harry Palin, who was killed in action in 1916.

3572 November 2008

The Pythons launch The Monty Python Channel on YouTube. The site will
provide high-quality clips from the group’s TV and film archive. The
creation of the site is an attempt to combat illegal uploading of Python
material to YouTube.

3573 November 2008

Monty Python’s Tunisian Holiday: My Life with Brian (Book: Thomas
Dunne), written by Kim “Howard” Johnson, is published in the U.S.
Behind-the-scenes record of the making of Life of Brian from Python
chronicler Johnson (The First 200 Years of Monty Python), who
accompanied the group to Tunisia, where the film was shot in 1978, and
kept a diary. Forewords by John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and
Michael Palin.

3574 November 1, 2008

Timewatch (TV episode: BBC2). “The Last Day of World War One.”
Michael Palin hosts this documentary looking at November 11, 1918, the
last day of the First World War, and the thousands of soldiers who died in
those final hours after the armistice was signed and before the ceasefire
went into effect. Palin visits the war’s battle and burial sites in France and
Belgium. Produced & directed by John Hayes Fisher.

3575 November 2, 2008

The Andrew Marr Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Prime Minister
Gordon Brown, Mark Thompson, and Michael Palin. Palin talks about
revisiting the 80 Days series, the Timewatch episode on World War I, and
Campaign for Better Transport.

3576 November 6, 2008

A Masterclass with Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin is interviewed on

stage by travel writer Simon Calder at the Pennine Theatre, Hallam
University City Campus in Sheffield (Palin’s home town), England as part
of Sheffield Doc/Fest (Nov. 5–9). The talk is aided by video clips and
followed by an audience Q&A.

3577 November 6, 2008

Eric Idle attends a performance of the first foreign-language production of

Spamalot at the Teatre Victoria in Barcelona, Spain.

3578 November 7, 2008

The Alan Titchmarsh Show (TV talk show: ITV). Daytime talk show. Gloria
Hunniford interviews Michael Palin.

3579 November 12, 2008

We Are Most Amused (Stage show). John Cleese hosts this comedy gala at
London’s New Wimbledon Theatre celebrating Prince Charles’ 60th
birthday (on Nov. 14) and raising money for his charity, The Prince’s Trust.
The Prince is in attendance, along with his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall,
and son, Prince Harry. Other performers include Eric Idle, Robin Williams,
Rowan Atkinson, Joan Rivers, Bill Bailey, and Andrew Sachs. Sachs
reprises his Manuel character (from Fawlty Towers) for a short skit with
Cleese. For the finale, Idle leads in the singing of “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life.” Televised Nov. 15 on ITV1.

3580 November 13, 2008

Around the World in 80 Ways (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at

Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The event raises funds for Campaign for
Better Transport (formerly called Transport 2000), of which Palin is
president.

3581 November 13, 2008

Richard & Judy’s New Position (TV talk show: Watch). Hosted by Richard
Madeley and Judy Finnigan. Guest: John Cleese, who talks about his recent
hair transplant.

3582 November 15, 2008

The charity gala We Are Most Amused, featuring John Cleese, Eric Idle,
Robin Williams, and others, airs on ITV1.

3583 November 17, 2008

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (30th Anniversary Edition) (DVD: Second
Sight Films) is released in the U.K. Eric Idle’s 1978 mockumentary,
previously released on DVD in 2001, is reissued with new extras, including
the documentaries Get Up & Go: The Making of The Rutles and Inside
Shabby Road: The Music of The Rutles.

3584 November 17, 2008

Get Up & Go: The Making of The Rutles (Documentary). The story of The
Rutles told through clips from Eric Idle’s 1978 film All You Need Is Cash
and interviews with Michael Palin (who played Eric Manchester in the
film), Neil Innes (Ron Nasty), John Halsey (Barry Wom), Ricky Fataar
(Stig O’Hara), and co-director Gary Weis. Included on the 30th-anniversary
DVD release of the film. Half-hour.

3585 November 17, 2008

Inside Shabby Road: The Music of The Rutles (Documentary). Singer-

songwriter Neil Innes discusses the music of the Pre-Fab Four and his early
music career as a member of The Bonzo Dog Band (who appeared in The
Beatles’ 1967 TV film Magical Mystery Tour). Includes interviews with
John Halsey, Ricky Fataar, and Michael Palin. Included on the 30th-
anniversary DVD release of All You Need Is Cash. Half-hour.

3586 November 18, 2008

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Collector’s Edition (DVD set:
A&E Home Video) is released. Twenty-one-disc DVD set containing all 45
episodes of Flying Circus (14 discs) and the extras (7 discs): Before the
Flying Circus: A Black and White Documentary (new doc), Monty Python
Conquers America (new doc), Animated Gilliam (short), “Politically
Incorrect” (deleted 1973 sketch “A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of
the Conservative and Unionist Party”), Monty Python Live at the Hollywood
Bowl (1982 film), Live at Aspen (1998 HBO special), Parrot Sketch Not
Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989 doc), Monty Python’s
Fliegender Zirkus (first German special), and the six Personal Best specials
(2006). All of the material in this set (except for the two new docs) had
been previously released by A&E: The 14-disc Flying Circus set (in 2000),
the 2-disc Monty Python Live! set (in 2001), and the 6-disc Personal Best
set (in 2006).
3587 November 18, 2008

Before the Flying Circus: A Black and White Documentary (Documentary).

Hour-long doc looking back at the Pythons’ early years in comedy and how
they eventually came together. Includes interviews with the Pythons, also
Robert Hewison, Humphrey Barclay, Sir David Frost, Ronnie Corbett, and
others. Narrated by Robert Bathurst. Produced & directed by Will Yapp.
Executive Producer: John Goldstone. Released on the DVD set The
Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Collector’s Edition.

3588 November 18, 2008

Monty Python Conquers America (Documentary). Hour-long doc detailing

how Python broke through in the U.S., from their first attempts in 1972
with the film And Now for Something Completely Different and Buddah
Records’ release of Another Python Record to their successful run on PBS
television (starting in 1974) and hit stage shows (in 1976 and 1980).
Includes interviews with the Pythons, also Victor Lownes, Nancy Lewis,
Carol Cleveland, Carl Reiner, Tony Smith, John Goldstone, Robert Klein,
George Schlatter, Hank Azaria, Jimmy Fallon, David Hyde Pierce, and
others. Narrated by Tom Streithorst. Produced & directed by Will Yapp.
Executive Producer: John Goldstone. Released on the DVD set The
Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Collector’s Edition.

3589 November 19, 2008

John Cleese is a keynote speaker at the World Creativity Forum held at the
Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium.

3590 November 24, 2008

Eric Idle attends the Friends of the Saban Free Clinic’s 32rd Annual Dinner
Gala held at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

3591 November 27, 2008

Around the World in 80 Days: Special 20th Anniversary Edition (Book:

Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin, is published in the
U.K. Updated edition of the 1989 book that accompanied Palin’s BBC
travel series. Includes new photographs and a new chapter chronicling his
return to Dubai and Mumbai in search of the crew of the Al Shama, the
dhow that carried him across the Arabian Sea twenty years ago. A
documentary special about his return visit, Around the World in 20 Years,
airs Dec. 30.

3592 December 2008

PythOnline is re-launched. The website is operated by Eric Idle in

partnership with New Media Broadcasting Company (based in Glendale,
CA). Idle launched the first version of the site in July 1996 (with 7th
Level).

3593 December 5, 2008

The New York Times (Newspaper online/U.S.). “The Extended Life of

Monty Python,” by Douglas Quenqua. Article on Eric Idle’s efforts to keep
the Python legacy alive, which include the new website PythOnline.

3594 December 8, 2008

Frost Over the World (TV talk show: Al Jazeera English). Hosted by David
Frost. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting the 20th-Anniversary Edition of his
book Around the World in 80 Days. He also talks about no longer being the
most famous Palin with Alaskan governor Sarah Palin now in the headlines.

3595 December 10, 2008

Michael Palin gives a poetry reading at the annual Parkinson’s Disease

Society Christmas Carol Concert at the Methodist Central Hall,
Westminster, London.

3596 December 12, 2008

The Day the Earth Stood Still (Feature film: Twentieth Century–Fox) opens
in the U.S. Remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic. John Cleese plays Professor
Barnhardt. Also starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates,
Kyle Chandler, and Jaden Smith. Written by David Scarpa. Directed by
Scott Derrickson.

3597 December 12, 2008

Delgo (Feature film: Freestyle Releasing) opens in the U.S. Computer-

animated fantasy-adventure about a youth who tries to bring peace to two
warring alien races. Eric Idle voices Spig, servant of the villainous
Sedessa. The independently-made film started production back in 1998.
Also voiced by Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Anne Bancroft,
Val Kilmer, and Burt Reynolds. Written by Patrick J. Cowan, Carl Dream,
and Jennifer A. Jones. Directed by Marc F. Adler and Jason Maurer.

3598 December 15, 2008

The One Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Hosted by Adrian Chiles and
Christine Bleakley. Guests: Michael Palin, promoting the 20th-Anniversary
Edition of his book Around the World in 80 Days, and Bette Midler (in New
York).

3599 December 16, 2008

Michael Palin signs copies of his new book Around the World in 80 Days:
Special 20th Anniversary Edition at Waterstone’s bookshop in London.

3600 December 22, 2008

Time Shift (TV episode: BBC4). “The Comic Songbook.” Documentary on

the history of Britain’s comic songs. Includes interviews with Michael
Palin, Terry Jones, Neil Innes, Bill Oddie, and others. Produced & directed
by Georgina Harvey.

3601 December 26, 2008

The Man Who Made Eric and Ernie (TV special: BBC2). Hour-long tribute
to BBC TV exec Sir Bill Cotton (1928–2008), who helped launch the
careers of Morecambe & Wise and other British comics. Includes
appearances by Michael Palin, Ronnie Corbett, Bruce Forsyth, Michael
Parkinson, and others. Narrated by Frances de la Tour. Produced & directed
by Alexandra Briscoe.

3602 December 30, 2008

Around the World in 20 Years (TV special: BBC1). One-hour documentary

celebrating the 20th anniversary of Michael Palin’s 1988 journey around
the world (broadcast in 1989). In the special, Palin returns to Dubai and
Mumbai in search of the crew of the dhow that carried him across the
Arabian Sea twenty years ago. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Produced & directed by Roger Mills.

3603 2008

Kaupthing Bank (“Thinking Beyond”) (TV commercials). John Cleese

stars in a series of Icelandic ads for Kaupthing Bank playing a banking
“expert” speaking at a banking conference. Titles include “E-Card
Banking,” “Loyalty System,” and “Service.” Written by Jón Gnarr. Directed
by Tim Hamilton. Agency: Ennemm, Reykjavik, Iceland.

3604 2008

John Cleese divorces his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger. The couple
were married in December 1992 and separated in January 2008.
Eichelberger is awarded a $13 million divorce settlement. Cleese must also
pay her $1 million a year until 2015.

3605 January 2–March 27, 2009

The Legend of Dick and Dom (TV series: CBBC). First series (13 episodes)
of the British children’s show. Terry Jones narrates the series, which stars
Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood as two young princes from the
kingdom of Fyredor who set out on a quest to find a cure for the plague
ravaging their kingdom.

3606 January 7, 2009

Movie Connections (TV episode: BBC1). “Monty Python and the Holy
Grail.” Documentary on the making of the 1975 comedy classic. Includes
interviews with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Michael Palin,
Neil Innes, Carol Cleveland, and producers Mark Forstater and John
Goldstone. Narrated by Ashley Jensen. Directed by Ewan Torrance.

3607 January 11, 2009

The Eric Idle–John Du Prez musical Spamalot ends its successful

Broadway run at the Shubert Theatre after nearly four years and 1,575
performances. The show opened Mar. 17, 2005.

3608 January 21, 2009

Comedy Chief (Event). Michael Palin interviews TV comedy producer

Humphrey Barclay about becoming the Development Chief of the African
village of Kwahu-Tafo in Ghana. The fundraising event (for Friends of
Tafo) takes place at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Palin
worked with Barclay in the late 1960s on the shows Do Not Adjust Your Set
and The Complete and Utter History of Britain.

3609 January 27, 2009

The Secret Policeman’s Balls (DVD: Shout! Factory). Three-DVD set

containing the Amnesty International films Pleasure at Her Majesty’s
(1976), The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979) and its three sequels (1981–89),
plus Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball? (2004 doc) and various extras.

3610 January 28, 2009

King Guillaume (Feature film) is released in France. French comedy in

which Terry Jones appears as an Oxford professor. Starring Florence
Foresti, Pierre-François Martin-Laval, and Pierre Richard. Written by Jean-
Paul Bathany, Perre-François Martin-Laval, and Fred Proust. Directed by
Pierre-François Martin-Laval.

3611 February 2009

Brush with Fame (TV episode: Sky Arts 1). “John Cleese.” Artist/host John
Myatt paints two portraits of Cleese in the style of Henri Matisse. The
sitting takes place in the Queen’s House, Greenwich. Produced & directed
by Caz Stuart.

3612 February 3, 2009

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Bill

Turnbull and Sian Williams. Lizo Mzimba interviews Terry Gilliam.

3613 February 3, 2009

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (TV talk show: ABC). Guest: John Cleese, promoting
The Pink Panther 2.

3614 February 4, 2009

The Bonnie Hunt Show (TV talk show: Synd.). Guest: John Cleese,
promoting The Pink Panther 2. Cleese also talks about his mother’s sense
of humor, his daughters, his three wives, and his experience working with
the late Peter Sellers.

3615 February 5, 2009

Simon Mayo (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Host Simon Mayo and
Mark Kermode interview Terry Gilliam.

3616 February 6, 2009

The Pink Panther 2 (Feature film: Columbia Pictures) opens in the U.S.
Comedy starring Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau (a role originated by
Peter Sellers), sequel to the 2006 re-launch of the series. John Cleese plays
Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus. Also starring Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer,
Jeremy Irons, and Andy Garcia. Written by Scott Neustadter, Michael H.
Weber, and Steve Martin. Directed by Harald Zwart.

3617 February 6, 2009

Chelsea Lately (TV talk show: E! Entertainment). Host Chelsea Handler
interviews John Cleese, who talks about his age, his daughters, writing a
Fish Called Wanda musical, and The Pink Panther 2.

3618 February 6, 2009

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Kirsty Lang talks with Terry
Gilliam about his reputation as a disaster-prone maverick filmmaker.

3619 February 8, 2009

The Orange British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry

Gilliam is awarded BAFTA’s highest honor, The Academy Fellowship, for
his outstanding contribution to film. Jonathan Pryce (Brazil) presents the
award to Gilliam, while Jeff Bridges (The Fisher King), on video, praises
the director and introduces a clip package of career highlights. In his
acceptance speech, Gilliam thanks his family (who are in the audience) and
pays tribute to the late Heath Ledger. The ceremony is hosted by Jonathan
Ross from London’s Royal Opera House. Broadcast on BBC1 and BBC2.

3620 February 9, 2009

This Morning (TV show: ITV). Magazine program hosted by Phillip

Schofield and Fern Britton. Terry Gilliam is interviewed.

3621 February 9, 2009

An Evening with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese hosts a screening of A

Fish Called Wanda at Campbell Hall at the University of California Santa
Barbara. The event benefits UCSB’s Arts & Lectures Cinema Series.

3622 February 13 & 15, March 20 & 22, 2009

The Comic Genius: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Seminar). Two-part

seminar taught by John Cleese and Prof. Richard Tarnas in Namaste Hall at
the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. The seminar
explores the role of comedy in cultural life. Cleese and Tarnas became
friends in 2003 after Cleese attended one of the professor’s workshops.
3623 February 18, 2009

Michael Palin attends the annual Orion Authors’ Party at the Victoria and
Albert Museum in London.

3624 February 20, 2009

The Culture Show Uncut (TV arts show: BBC2). Mark Kermode hosts his
own Kermode Awards of 2009, honoring Terry Gilliam with the
Fellowship Award. Kermode also interviews Gilliam about his career and
influences.

3625 February 22, 2009

John Cleese and his daughter Camilla attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at
the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, CA.

3626 March 2009

John Cleese becomes a contributing editor to the British magazine The

Spectator. In his first article, “The Real Reason I Had to Join The
Spectator” (Mar. 28), Cleese writes about the consistently bad reviews he
has received in The Spectator over the years.

3627 March 2009

Michael Palin is a special guest at the 13th Sofia International Film

Festival (Mar. 5–15) in Sofia, Bulgaria where he receives the Sofia Prize for
his contribution to film and television. The festival also features screenings
of his work.

3628 March 3, 2009

Terry Jones participates in a tribute to his friend, the late humorist Miles
Kington, at the Bath Literature Festival (Feb. 28–Mar. 8) in Bath, England.

3629 March 13, 2009

Twenty Years on the Road (Lecture). Michael Palin talks about his travels
for the BBC in a lecture (with slides) at Assembly Hall in New College,
University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The lecture is hosted by the University
of Edinburgh and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS). Before
the lecture Palin receives the 2008 Livingstone Medal from the RSGS
(presented by the Society’s president, Lord Lindsay), along with his
Honorary Fellowship of the Society (awarded in 1993). The Livingstone
Medal honors outstanding public service in the area of geography.

3630 March 24, 2009

Michael Palin opens a new exhibition at The Portal Gallery in New

Cavendish Street, London. The art gallery is celebrating its 50th
anniversary.

3631 March 25, 2009

The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote: Words and Music from the Time of
Cervantes (Concert) is performed by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and
John Cleese with the Santa Barbara Symphony at the Lobero Theatre,
Santa Barbara, CA. Cleese reads adapted portions from Cervantes’ novel
while the quartet performs.

3632 March 25, 2009

The Wind in the Willows: A Centenary Celebration (Event). Terry Jones

attends an evening of readings, conversation and music in appreciation for
Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s story. The event, hosted by writer
Libby Purves, takes place at the British Library in London. Jones adapted
the story as a live-action film in 1996.

3633 March 26, 2009

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (Lecture). Terry Jones gives a talk in defense of

King Richard II at the Law and Social Sciences Lecture Theatre at The
University of Nottingham, England. Part of the university’s Distinguished
Speaker Series. Jones has given this lecture several times before at venues
including Pace University (October 2007) and Western Michigan University
(May 2008).

3634 March 27, 2009

Terry Jones gives a talk at the 15th annual Bradford International Film
Festival (Mar. 13–28), held at the National Media Museum in Bradford,
West Yorkshire, England. The festival also screens Jones’ post–Python
directorial efforts, including Erik the Viking: The Director’s Son’s Cut.
Michael Palin was honored by the festival in 2008 with a Lifetime
Achievement Award.

3635 March 28, 2009

Life of Brian is screened for the first time in the Welsh town of
Aberystwyth, with Terry Jones and Michael Palin attending. The film had
been banned in the town since its original release in 1979. The charity
screening, which takes place at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, is also
attended by the town’s mayor, Sue Jones-Davies, who played Judith in the
film. The event is filmed for the TV special Monty Python in Aberystwyth:
A Mayor and Two Pythons, which airs May 12 on BBC1 Wales. Welsh-born
Jones previously visited Aberystwyth for the first episode of his 2008 series
Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery.

3636 April 2009

Terry Jones records an audio guide for visitors to Doune Castle in

Scotland. The 14th-century castle was used in much of the filming for Holy
Grail in May 1974. The audio guide was commissioned by the historical
preservation agency Historic Scotland, which has been organizing special
“Monty Python Day” events at the castle since 2004.

3637 April 2009

Michael Palin is awarded the Order of Magellan by the Circumnavigators

Club.

3638 April 3, 2009

The British Book Awards (Award ceremony). Michael Palin receives the
Outstanding Achievement Award at the ceremony at the Grosvenor House
Hotel in London. It is the fourth “Nibbie” Palin has won since 1993.
Hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

3639 April 7, 2009

Michael Palin attends the 70th birthday celebration for Sir David Frost at
the Lanesborough Hotel in London. Other guests include Billy Connolly,
Ronnie Corbett, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rory Bremner, Tim Rice, Melvyn
Bragg, Sir Roger Moore, and Liam Neeson.

3640 April 14, 2009

The late George Harrison (who died in 2001) receives a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. His friend Eric Idle is among the
speakers at the ceremony. Other attendees include Paul McCartney, Tom
Hanks, and Tom Petty.

3641 April 15, 2009

The Importance of Creativity (Lecture). John Cleese gives a talk on

creativity in Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.
Followed by an audience Q&A. Part of the university’s Distinguished
Lecture Series.

3642 April 19–22, 2009

John Cleese visits Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he is currently

the Provost’s Visiting Professor. During his visit, Cleese gives a talk on
creativity, politics and psychology in Statler Auditorium (Apr. 19) and,
following a screening of the Fawlty Towers episode “Waldorf Salad,”
lectures to Hotel Administration students in the Beck Center about his hotel
experiences over the years (Apr. 20).

3643 April 23, 2009

Eric Idle and his wife attend the 3rd annual BritWeek launch party at the
British Consul General’s residence in Hancock Park, Los Angeles.

3644 April 24, 2009

One on One (TV talk show: Al Jazeera). Riz Khan talks to Terry Gilliam
about Hollywood, critics, Python, Don Quixote, etc.

3645 Late April–May 2009

John Cleese and his daughter, Cynthia, are guests on the Queen Mary 2
ocean liner for its New York-to-Southampton (England) crossing.

3646 May 1, 2009

Michael Palin attends the re-opening of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford,
England. The museum, of which Palin is a patron, had been closed for ten
months for re-modeling.

3647 May 4, 2009

Beyond a Joke (TV episode: ITV3). “A Class Apart.” John Cleese appears
in this first episode of the five-part TV documentary series on British
sitcoms of the past. Narrated by Dave Lamb. Produced & directed by Vicky
Thomas.

3648 May 6, 2009

The cast of Fawlty Towers—John Cleese, Connie Booth, Prunella Scales

and Andrew Sachs—reunite at a press launch for two upcoming Fawlty TV
specials (airing May 10 & 17). The event takes place at The Naval and
Military Club in London.

3649 May 6, 2009

The Paul O’Grady Show (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Channing
Tatum and John Cleese. Cleese, promoting the two upcoming Fawlty
Towers documentaries, also talks about the films Life of Brian and A Fish
Called Wanda, and speaking German.
3650 May 7, 2009

In Search of John Gower: Glosses, Recensions, Politics (Discussion). Terry

Jones participates in a panel discussion on English poet John Gower (a
contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer) at the 44th International Congress on
Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Jones
gave a lecture on Richard II at the university last May.

3651 May 9 & 10, 2009

Comedy Writing with Terry Jones (Seminars). Terry Jones participates in

two comedy writing seminars (with interviewer Kim “Howard” Johnson) at
Chicago’s iO Theatre.

3652 May 9, 2009

Terry Jones attends a “Meet the Maker” screening of Holy Grail at the
Lakeshore Theater in Chicago. Jones introduces the film and takes part in a
Q&A session afterward.

3653 May 9, 2009

Eric Idle attends the Westfield Hollywood Ashes Cricket Match between
Australia and Britain at Woodley Park Cricket Field in Van Nuys, CA.

3654 May 10, 2009

Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened (TV special: G.O.L.D.). British documentary on

the celebrated sitcom Fawlty Towers, marking the 30th anniversary of the
end of the series’ run (in 1979), with comments from the show’s stars John
Cleese, Connie Booth, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, and producer John
Howard Davies, also Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and others. A second
documentary, Fawlty Exclusive: Basil’s Best Bits, compiling the series’ best
moments, airs the following week. Narrated by Stephen Fry. Directed by
Lindsay Jex.

3655 May 12, 2009

Monty Python in Aberystwyth: A Mayor and Two Pythons (TV special:
BBC1 Wales). Documentary examining how the controversy surrounding
Life of Brian in 1979 prompted many towns in Britain to ban the film and
how one of those towns, Aberystwyth in Wales, finally lifted the ban thirty
years later. Includes interviews with Terry Jones and Michael Palin, who
attended a special screening of the film in Aberystwyth in March of this
year, and Sue Jones-Davies, an actress in the film who became the town’s
mayor in 2008. Narrated by David Tennant. Written & directed by James
Strong.

3656 May 17, 2009

Open Book (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Mariella Frostrup talks to Michael
Palin, who selects his “Five of the Best” books (they include Tales from the
Arabian Nights and Virginia Woolf Diaries). Recorded May 5 (Palin’s
birthday).

3657 May 17, 2009

Fawlty Exclusive: Basil’s Best Bits (TV special: G.O.L.D.). Second of two
British TV documentaries on the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers offers
highlights from all twelve episodes as John Cleese picks his favorite
moments. Also with Michael Palin, Terry Jones, others. Narrated by
Stephen Fry.

3658 May 21, 2009

Spiegel Online (Website). Michael Palin is interviewed by Martin Wolf.

3659 May 22, 2009

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Feature film), world premiere at the

Cannes Film Festival in France. Terry Gilliam’s eleventh feature film as
director—and his first original screenplay since 1989’s The Adventures of
Baron Munchausen—tells the story of the very old Doctor Parnassus
(Christopher Plummer) and his traveling theater troupe who offer customers
a chance to explore their imaginations by passing through a magic mirror.
When actor Heath Ledger, who plays Tony, died halfway through filming
(on Jan. 22, 2008), his role was completed with the help of actors Johnny
Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law, who each play a different incarnation of
the character after he passes through the mirror. Also starring Lily Cole,
Verne Troyer, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Waits. Written by Terry Gilliam
and Charles McKeown. Songs (lyrics by Gilliam): “We Love Violence” and
“We Are the Children of the World.” Directed by Terry Gilliam. Produced
by Terry Gilliam, Amy Gilliam (daughter of Terry), Samuel Hadida, and
William Vince. Released in the U.S. on Jan. 8, 2010.

Awards: Academy Award-nominated for Art Direction (Caroline Smith,

Anastasia Masaro, and David Warren) and Costume Design (Monique
Prudhomme); BAFTA-nominated for Production Design (Smith, Masaro,
and Warren) and Make-Up & Hair (Sarah Monzani).

Reviews: Lisa Schwarzbaum (Entertainment Weekly, May 22, 2009, p. 59):

“...as is so often the case since his Monty Python days, Gilliam is best at
visual games and weakest at storytelling ... individual scenes are dazzling....
But the assembled moments amount to a portfolio of collages...”; Kenneth
Turan (Los Angeles Times, Dec. 25, 2009): “...as unusual and idiosyncratic
as its one-of-a-kind title. You’d expect no less from Terry Gilliam....
Imaginarium is one of his most original and accessible works.”

3660 May 22, 2009

Terry Gilliam attends the premiere showing of The Imaginarium of Doctor

Parnassus at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Gilliam and the cast take
questions from the press corps.

3661 May 23–28, 2009

Michael Palin attends the second Palestine Festival of Literature, or

“Palfest.” Though a seasoned world traveler, it is Palin’s first visit to the
Palestine region.

3662 May 30, 2009

Terry Jones talks about Barbarians at the Listowel Arms Hotel in Ireland
as part of the 39th Listowel Writers Week (May 27–31).
3663 Late May–June 2009

Terry Gilliam attends the 3rd annual Ibiza International Film Festival (May
27–June 3), on the Island of Ibiza in Spain, where he is honored with a film
retrospective. Gilliam is a patron of the festival.

3664 June 2009

Michael Palin participates in Refugee Action’s Simple Acts campaign for

Refugee Week (June 15–21). Palin’s “simple act” is to learn a few words in
another language. His teacher is 26-year-old Somali refugee Musa Ibrahim,
whom Palin will interview in November for his “Michael Meets...” series
for the Royal Geographical Society.

3665 June 1, 2009

Michael Palin is elected president of the Royal Geographical Society for a

three-year term. Palin has been a Fellow of the Society since 1978 and also
had the title of Honorary Vice President of the Society.

3666 June 1, 2009

Michael Palin speaks at the Etonnants Voyageurs International Book and

Film Festival in St. Malo, France where he is promoting the French edition
of his book Around the World in 80 Days.

3667 June 3, 2009

John Cleese and his companion, actress Lisa Hogan, attend the Royal
Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2009 at Burlington
House in London.

3668 June 5, 2009

John Cleese speaks about creativity at the 14th Yorkshire International

Business Convention, first at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, then
at Burton Agnes Hall at Bridlington Spa.

3669 June 11–19, 2009

The Secret Policeman’s Film Festival (Film screenings). Film festival
celebrating the 30th anniversary of Amnesty International benefit show &
film The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979), presented at the American
Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Ball and other Amnesty
shows brought together the best of British comedy (Monty Python, Peter
Cook, Billy Connolly, etc.) and British rock (Pete Townsend, Sting,
Donovan, etc.). Films shown during the festival also include Pleasure at
Her Majesty’s (1976), Mermaid Frolics (1977), The Secret Policeman’s Ball
(1979), The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (1982), and Remember the
Secret Policeman’s Ball? (2004 doc). Curated & produced by Ball series co-
creator Martin Lewis. The festival also plays at The Paley Center for Media
in Beverly Hills (June 24–July 19), The Film Society of Lincoln Center in
NYC (June 26–July 1), The Paley Center for Media in Manhattan (July 1–
31), and later at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD (Dec. 10–15).

3670 June 13, 2009

Dermot O’Leary (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Guest Michael Palin selects
some of his favorite songs, including Bruce Springsteen’s “4th of July,
Asbury Park (Sandy).”

3671 June 18, 2009

Michael Palin attends and speaks at the sixth annual Borders Book Festival
(June 18–21) at Harmony Gardens in Melrose, Scotland and takes part in
the fundraising effort for the literacy charity Book Aid International. Palin
is promoting the upcoming publication (in September) of his second
volume of diaries, Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988. While at the
festival, Palin is interviewed by Stuart McFarlane of Radio Borders for
Hotdisc TV. He also talks to Alistair Moffat for The Radio Café (Radio
Scotland), which airs July 14.

3672 June 19, 2009

Eric Idle attends the opening night gala at the Hollywood Bowl in Los
Angeles.

3673 June 25, 2009

The Leonard Lopate Show (Radio talk show: WNYC-FM, New York).
Producer Martin Lewis and Terry Jones (on the phone) are interviewed
about The Secret Policeman’s Film Festival, opening tomorrow in New
York.

3674 June 26, 2009

A Night with Michael Palin: 20 Years of Travelling, 40 Years of Jokes

(Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on his travels for the BBC and his
years in comedy. The event, which takes place at the O2 Arena in London,
benefits the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.

3675 June 28, 2009

Radio 4 Appeal (Radio appeal: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin delivers a 3-
minute appeal on behalf of the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
Children.

3676 July 6, 2009

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guest Eric
Idle talks about Spamalot playing in Los Angeles, Not the Messiah playing
the Royal Albert Hall in October, and sings his original song “Life Will Get
You in the End.”

3677 July 8, 2009

Spamalot opens in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theater. Eric Idle attends,
joining the cast onstage at the curtain call. He later attends the rooftop after-
party at The Standard Hotel. The production, which features John O’Hurley
(King Arthur) and Merle Dandridge (Lady of the Lake), runs until Sept. 6.

3678 July 12, 2009

Toronto Star (Newspaper/Can.). “John Cleese: A Towering Force of Funny

at Just for Laughs,” by Rob Salem, p. E1. Interview with Cleese, who will
be appearing in the upcoming Just for Laughs comedy festival.

3679 July 18, 2009

The Globe and Mail (Newspaper/Can.). “Loves Vancouver, Hates
Accountants,” p. R9. Michael Posner interviews John Cleese, who is in
Toronto to host tonight’s Just for Laughs Britcom Galas.

3680 July 18, 2009

John Cleese hosts two BritCom Galas as part of the 3rd Toronto Just for
Laughs comedy festival (July 15–19) at Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada.
Performers include Mark Watson, Gina Yashere, and Jimmy Carr. Cleese
devotes his opening monologue to his recent costly divorce settlement and
later hosts a telethon for himself. He then moves on to Montreal where he is
scheduled to host a Just for Laughs gala on July 22. Cleese last appeared at
the festival in July 2006 (in Montreal).

3681 July 23, 2009

Terry Gilliam appears at Comic-Con International at Hall H in San Diego

to discuss—and show clips from—his new film The Imaginarium of Doctor
Parnassus, which premiered at Cannes in May. Verne Troyer, one of the
stars of the film, also appears on the panel. At the start the event Gilliam is
presented with Comic-Con’s Inkpot Award for Achievement in Film Arts.

3682 July 26, 2009

John Cleese hosts two galas on the closing night of the Just for Laughs
comedy festival at the Theatre St. Denis in Montreal, Canada. He was
forced to cancel an earlier performance, on July 22, due to a bout of
prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), and was replaced at the last
minute by comedian Lewis Black. Poking fun at his illness, Cleese appears
on stage with an IV pole.

3683 August 3, 2009

New Statesman (Magazine/U.K.). “Diary: John Cleese’s Balls-Up,” by

Mark Watson, p. 8. Comedian Mark Watson writes about his experience
working with Cleese at the Just for Laughs festival.

3684 August 6, 2009

Michael Palin’s second grandson, Wilbur Spike, is born.

3685 August 10, 2009

The Daily Post (Liverpool) (Newspaper/U.K.). “The Welsh King of

Comedy; Top 30 North Walians Part 8,” by Martin Williams, p. 22. Profile
of North Wales native Terry Jones.

3686 August 29, 2009

George Harrison: What Is Life (Radio documentary: BBC Radio 2).

Michael Palin narrates this tribute to the late George Harrison. Includes
comments from Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Olivia Harrison, and many
others. Produced by Kevin Howlett.

3687 September 2009

Terry Jones’ daughter, Siri, is born. She is Jones’ third child, following
Sally (now 35) and Bill (now 33). The mother is Jones’ 26-year-old
girlfriend, Anna Söderström.

3688 September 2009

An early 70th birthday party for John Cleese is held at the Holland Park,
London home of his friend, director Michael Winner, who organized the
party. Guests include Michael Palin and Leslie Caron. Cleese turns 70 on
Oct. 27.

3689 September 2009

Marlow Meets... (TV talk show: Sky Arts). “Michael Palin.” Palin, at the
Tate Britain gallery in London, talks with host/art historian Tim Marlow
about artworks that have inspired him. The six paintings discussed include
J. M. W. Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire” (1839) and Joseph Wright’s
“An Iron Forge” (1772).

3690 September 2009

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (Book: Pan Books), written by
Douglas Adams with a new foreword by Terry Jones, is published in the
U.K. Reissue of the second volume (1980) in Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to
the Galaxy series.

3691 September 14–18, 2009

Book of the Week (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Michael Palin reads from
his new book Halfway to Hollywood. Five 10-minute episodes.

3692 September 14, 2009

Simon Mayo (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Guest: Michael Palin,
promoting Halfway to Hollywood.

3693 September 17, 2009

Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988 (Book: Weidenfeld &

Nicolson), written by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K. Second
volume of Palin’s diaries, following Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years
(2006), covers his busiest years as a film actor (in The Missionary, A
Private Function, Brazil, etc.), ending in September 1988, just before he
was to embark on his first major travel journey for the BBC. Published in
the U.S. by Thomas Dunne Books in March 2011.

3694 September 17, 2009

Michael Palin launches his new book Halfway to Hollywood with a book-
signing at Hatchards in Piccadilly, London. He also appears at a book-
signing at Foyles in St. Pancras International, London.

3695 September 19, 2009

Loose Ends (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Clive Anderson talks to
Michael Palin about his book Halfway to Hollywood.

3696 September 22, 2009

Monty Python Live! (Book: Hyperion), edited by Eric Idle and Steve
Kirwan (art editor) with artwork by Terry Gilliam, is published in the U.S.
Lavishly-illustrated volume devoted to the group’s live performances, from
their 1971 shows at the Lanchester Arts Festival in Coventry to the
Hollywood Bowl in 1980. Includes recollections from the surviving
Pythons (and previously-published thoughts from Graham Chapman) and
collaborators Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes. Also contains the program
and the scripts of every sketch performed at the Hollywood Bowl, appended
by other sketches the team has performed on stage. Published in the U.K on
Oct. 1 by Simon & Schuster.

3697 September 22, 2009

Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross (TV show: BBC1). Guest: Michael Palin,
promoting his book Halfway to Hollywood.

3698 September 22, 2009

The Paul O’Grady Show (TV talk show: Channel 4). Guests: Michael
Palin, promoting his book Halfway to Hollywood, and the boy band JLS.
Palin, with O’Grady and the other guests, takes part in a team building
exercise.

3699 September 23, 2009

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “My Life as a Python,” by Eric

Idle, p. 24. Idle recalls the Monty Python years (“Laughter is what I
remember most,” he writes) and promotes the Oct. 23 Royal Albert Hall
performance of Not the Messiah.

3700 September 23, 2009

Michael Palin: A Life in Pictures (Event). Michael Palin is interviewed by

film critic Mark Kermode in Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England for
this special BAFTA event, held as part of the 29th Cambridge Film Festival
(Sept. 17–27). Palin, promoting his book Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries
1980–1988, talks about his boyhood love of cinema, his film career, and
George Harrison and HandMade Films.
3701 September 23–October 4, 2009

An Evening Without Monty Python (Stage show) is performed at the

Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Los Angeles. Stage revue celebrating the
40th anniversary of Monty Python and featuring some of the group’s best
sketches and songs. Created by Eric Idle and directed by Idle and BT
McNicholl. Starring Jeff B. Davis, Rick Holmes, Jane Leeves (of Frasier),
Jim Piddock, and Alan Tudyk. The show moves to NYC for five shows on
Oct. 6–10.

3702 September 25, 2009

This Morning (TV show: ITV). Magazine program. Hosts Eamonn Holmes
and Ruth Langsford interview Michael Palin, who talks about his diaries
and his late sister, Angela.

3703 September 26, 2009

Michael Palin delivers the opening speech at an event celebrating the 500th
anniversary of the founding of Brasenose College Oxford (his alma mater,
1962–65) at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England.

3704 September 29, 2009

Conversation Pieces: Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin talks about

Halfway to Hollywood with host Alistair Moffat at Glasgow Royal Concert
Hall in Scotland.

3705 October 2009

ABC News Now (TV news show: ABC). Terry Gilliam is interviewed by
film critic Peter Travers for the “Popcorn with Peter Travers” segment. He
talks about Python reuniting, people’s fear of offending, and renouncing his
American citizenship (in 2006).

3706 October 2009

Geographical (Magazine/U.K.). “President Palin Plots His Course,” by

Olivia Edward. Interview with Michael Palin, the new president of the
Royal Geographical Society, conducted at the RGS’s Kensington
headquarters.

3707 October 1, 2009

From Shrewsbury to the World—A Debt to Darwin (Lecture). Michael

Palin gives a talk on Charles Darwin in Alington Hall at Shrewsbury
School (which Palin attended as a youth) in Shrewsbury, England. Proceeds
from the lecture go to the Field Studies Council Darwin Scholarship.

3708 October 1, 2009

Terry Jones attends the London gala screening of the Ricky Gervais
comedy The Invention of Lying at BAFTA. Jones tells a reporter that his
friendship with Gervais began when the Office star saved his dog from
drowning while the dog was out for a walk on London’s Hampstead Heath
with Jones’ personal assistant.

3709 October 2–10, 2009

A Ludicrous Evening with John Cleese...or How to Finance Your Divorce

(Stage show). John Cleese debuts his one-man stage show for a seven-
show, nine-day engagement in Norway. The show was necessitated by
Cleese’s recent divorce, which requires him to pay nearly $20 million in
alimony. Cleese plays the Oslo Concert House in Oslo (Oct. 2), Maihaugen
Hall in Lillehammer (Oct. 3), Olav Hall in Trondheim (Oct. 5), Oseberg
Cultural Center in Tønsberg (Oct. 6), Grieg Hall in Bergen (Oct. 8),
Stavanger Concert House in Stavanger (Oct. 9), and Oslo Concert House
(Oct. 10). Cleese brings the show to the U.S. on Oct. 30 as A Final Wave at
the World: The Alimony Tour, Part One.

3710 October 5, 2009

Terry Gilliam: A Life in Pictures (Event). Terry Gilliam is interviewed by

film critic Mark Kermode for this special event at BAFTA London. Gilliam
talks about his films including the soon-to-be-released The Imaginarium of
Doctor Parnassus.
3711 October 5, 2009

Time Bandits (DVD/Blu-ray: Optimum Home Entertainment) is released in

the U.K. Remastered version of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy-comedy.
Bonus features include an 18-minute interview with Gilliam, production &
publicity photos, and trailer.

3712 October 6, 2009

Terry Gilliam signs copies of the remastered Time Bandits on DVD/Blu-

ray at HMV in Oxford Street, London.

3713 October 6, 2009

Terry Gilliam attends a Q&A for his film The Imaginarium of Doctor
Parnassus at BAFTA London. Also participating are the film’s producers,
Amy Gilliam (daughter of Terry) and Samuel Hadida, and stars Andrew
Garfield, Lily Cole, and Verne Troyer.

3714 October 6, 2009

Terry Gilliam attends the Gala London Premiere of The Imaginarium of

Doctor Parnassus at the Empire, Leicester Square. Terry Jones also
attends.

3715 October 6, 2009

Michael Palin talks about his book Halfway to Hollywood at the Olivier
Theatre in London. Followed by a book-signing.

3716 October 6–10, 2009

The stage revue An Evening Without Monty Python is performed at the

Town Hall in New York City. The show, created and co-directed by Eric
Idle, previously played in Los Angeles on Sept. 23–Oct. 4.

3717 October 8, 2009

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Christine
Bleakley and Gethin Jones. Guest Terry Gilliam talks about Doctor
Parnassus and Python’s 40th anniversary.

3718 October 9, 2009

The Guardian Books Podcast (Podcast). Claire Armitstead interviews

Michael Palin about his book Halfway to Hollywood.

3719 October 10, 2009

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Douglas, the Last of the Pythons,”

by Terry Jones, p. 42. Jones looks back on author Douglas Adams’
involvement with Python.

3720 October 10, 2009

The Daily Mail (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin: I’m a Closet Bathrobe

Thief,” by Michael Palin (interviewed by Frances Hardy), p. 7.

3721 October 10, 2009

Michael Palin speaks about his film career in the 1980s as chronicled in
Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988 at Cheltenham Racecourse in
Cheltenham, England as part of the 60th Cheltenham Literature Festival
(Oct. 9–18).

3722 October 11, 2009

The Observer (Newspaper/U.K.). “My Favorite Table,” by Michael Palin.

Palin writes about his dining experiences over the years and gives special
praise to his regular haunt, Vasco & Piero’s Pavilion restaurant in London.

3723 October 12, 2009

New York (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python’s Ongoing Circus,” by Justin

Davidson, p. 16. Interview with Eric Idle about the stage revue An Evening
Without Monty Python.
3724 October 13–November 17, 2009

Around the World in 80 Days (TV series: BBC1). Six-part travel series in
which six pairs of celebrities set off on a relay race retracing Phileas Fogg’s
—and Michael Palin’s—epic journey. Palin appears in the show, offering
advice to the travelers. The program raises money for BBC Children in
Need. Produced & directed by Rupert Miles.

3725 October 13, 2009

Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross (TV show: BBC1). A report on Doctor
Parnassus includes interviews with Terry Gilliam, Verne Troyer, Andrew
Garfield, and Lily Cole.

3726 October 14, 2009

Countdown with Keith Olbermann (TV news show: MSNBC). Keith

Olbermann interviews John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones, who
discuss the upcoming IFC documentary Monty Python: Almost the Truth—
The Lawyer’s Cut.

3727 October 14, 2009

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (TV talk show: NBC). Guests: John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones, promoting Monty Python:
Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut. Cleese also takes part in the game
“Wheel of Carpet Samples” and Idle sings “Always Look on the Bright
Side of Life.”

3728 October 15, 2009

Live with Regis and Kelly (TV talk show: Synd.). Hosted by Regis Philbin
and Kelly Ripa. Guests: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry
Jones, and Michael Palin, promoting Monty Python: Almost the Truth—
The Lawyer’s Cut.

3729 October 15, 2009

The five surviving Pythons—John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry
Jones and Michael Palin—reunite at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York
City where they attend a screening of the new IFC documentary Monty
Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut and afterward take part in a
Q&A session, during which Idle sings “Galaxy Song.” The group also
receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Academy of Film
and Television Arts (BAFTA). The after party is held at the Le Parker
Meridien New York Hotel.

3730 October 16, 2009

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in

the U.K.

3731 October 18–23, 2009

The six-part documentary series Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The

Lawyer’s Cut airs on the Independent Film Channel (IFC). The series,
commemorating Monty Python’s 40th anniversary, chronicles the history of
the group through new interviews with the surviving Pythons (and Graham
Chapman in archived interviews) and clips from their TV series and films.
Produced & directed by Ben Timlett and Bill Jones (son of Terry).

Awards: Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Nonfiction Series and

Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming.

3732 October 18, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (IFC). “The Not-So-
Interesting Beginnings.” The Pythons reflect on their childhoods, early
schooling, college years, working on The Frost Report, and the formation of
Monty Python. Also discussed is the influence of The Goons and Beyond
the Fringe. First episode in a six-part documentary series.

3733 October 18, 2009

Terry Gilliam attends a screening of his film The Imaginarium of Doctor

Parnassus at the 4th Rome International Film Festival (Oct. 15–23) held at
the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, Italy.

3734 October 18, 2009

The National Tour of the Broadway musical Spamalot ends following a

performance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa,
CA. The tour has played 1,435 performances in 101 cities since its launch
in Boston in March 2006.

3735 October 19, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (IFC). “The Much
Funnier Second Episode.” The Pythons look back at the debut and growing
popularity of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Other interviewees include Bill
Oddie, Barry Cryer, David Aukin, Phill Jupitus, Bruce Dickinson, Sanjeev
Bhaskar, Russell Brand, and Steve Coogan. Second episode in the six-part
documentary series.

3736 October 20, 2009

Chiambretti Night (TV variety show: Italy 1). Host Piero Chiambretti
interviews Terry Gilliam on this Italian late-night program. Taped in
Milan.

3737 October 20, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (IFC). “And Now, the
Sordid Personal Bits.” The Pythons discuss censorship at the BBC,
becoming celebrities, and John Cleese’s departure from the show. Third
episode in the six-part documentary series.

3738 October 20, 2009

Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered (DVD: BBC Video)

is released. The three-disc set, digitally restored from the original masters,
includes: new commentaries recorded by John Cleese for all twelve
episodes; director commentaries by John Howard Davies (series one) and
Bob Spiers (series two); interviews (from the May 2009 TV doc Fawlty
Towers: Re-Opened) with Cleese, Connie Booth, Prunella Scales, Andrew
Sachs, et al.; also outtakes and the short documentary Torquay Tourist
Guide. BBC Video previously released the complete set on DVD in 2001.

3739 October 21, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (TV episode: IFC).
“The Ultimate Holy Grail Episode.” A look back at the group’s first visit to
the U.S. and the making of Holy Grail. Fourth episode in the six-part
documentary series.

3740 October 21, 2009

The Art Instinct (Event). John Cleese participates in a conversation with

Prof. Denis Dutton at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in Santa Barbara,
CA.

3741 October 21, 2009

Rolling Stone (Magazine/U.S.). “John Cleese’s Towering Legacy,” by Eric

J. Plosky. Interview with John Cleese (by phone from L.A.), who is
promoting the new DVD release of Fawlty Towers.

3742 October 22, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (TV episode: IFC).
“Lust for Glory!” The Pythons discuss the making of Life of Brian and the
controversy that followed its release. Fifth episode in the six-part
documentary series.

3743 October 22, 2009

The Culture Show (TV arts show: BBC2). Michael Palin, promoting his
new book Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988, talks to Mark
Kermode and Simon Mayo about his post–Python film career. The
interview takes place on stage at the National Film Theatre as part of the
London Film Festival.

3744 October 23, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (TV episode: IFC).
“Finally! The Last Episode Ever!” The Pythons remember playing the
Hollywood Bowl, making their last film The Meaning of Life, and Graham
Chapman’s passing. Final episode of the six-part documentary series.

3745 October 23, 2009

Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (Oratorio) is performed at the
Royal Albert Hall in London. Four of the five surviving Pythons (John
Cleese was unable to attend) come together in celebration of the group’s
40th anniversary to participate in this special presentation of the Eric Idle–
John Du Prez oratorio based on Life of Brian. The work premiered in June
2007 in Toronto, followed by performances in Katonah, NY (July 2007),
Australia & New Zealand (December 2007), Houston, TX (July 2008), The
Wolf Trap near Vienna, VA (July 2008), and The Hollywood Bowl in Los
Angeles (August 2008). Starring Eric Idle and soloists Shannon Mercer
(soprano, as Judith), Rosalind Plowright (mezzo, as Mandy), William
Ferguson (tenor, as Brian), Christopher Purves (bass, as Reg & Biggus
Dickus), with special performances by Michael Palin (as Mrs. Betty Palin,
et al.), Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam, and guest appearances by Carol
Cleveland, Neil Innes, and Sanjeev Bhaskar. Du Prez conducts the BBC
Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. Also with the pipers from the Royal Scots
Guard. Directed by Aubrey Powell. Broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Dec. 26.
A film of the performance is released in European theaters on Mar. 25,
2010, and on DVD June 8, 2010.

3746 October 26, 2009

Just for Laughs (TV episode: CBC). Highlights from the Montreal comedy
festival. Includes performances by John Cleese, Danny Bhoy, and Aisha
Tyler.

3747 October 27, 2009

John Cleese turns 70.

3748 October 27, 2009

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (DVD/Blu-ray: Eagle
Rock Entertainment). The six-part IFC documentary is released on 3-disc
DVD and 2-disc Blu-ray sets, with bonus material including classic
sketches, extended interviews, bits “From the Cutting Room Floor,” and a
Terry Gilliam picture gallery.

3749 October 27, 2009

Monty Python: The Other British Invasion (DVD: A&E). Two-disc DVD
set containing the 2008 documentaries Before the Flying Circus: A Black
and White Documentary and Monty Python Conquers America, both
previously released in the 2008 DVD set The Complete Monty Python’s
Flying Circus: Collector’s Edition.

3750 October 30–December 11, 2009

A Final Wave at the World: The Alimony Tour, Part One (Stage show). John
Cleese tours the U.S. west coast with his one-man stage show in which he
talks about his divorce, early years, and life in comedy, followed by a Q&A
session. Cleese debuted the show, originally called A Ludicrous Evening
with John Cleese...or How to Finance Your Divorce, in Norway in early
October. His U.S. tour takes him to the Gallo Center for the Arts in
Modesto, CA (Oct. 30), Newmark Theatre in Portland, OR (Nov. 2), Moore
Theatre in Seattle, WA (Nov. 3), McDonald Theatre in Eugene, OR (Nov.
4), John Van Duzer Theatre in Arcata, CA (Nov. 6), Mondavi Center for the
Performing Arts, UC Davis in Davis, CA (Nov. 7), Fox Theatre in Redwood
City, CA (Nov. 8), Laxson Auditorium in Chico, CA (Nov. 10), Lincoln
Theater Napa Valley in Yountville, CA (Nov. 11), Sunset Cultural Center in
Carmel, CA (Nov. 13), Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA (Nov. 14), Fred Kavli
Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA (Nov. 15), Carpenter Performing Arts
Center in Long Beach, CA (Nov. 17), Spreckels Theatre in San Diego, CA
(Nov. 18), and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, AZ
(Dec. 10–11, postponed from Nov. 20–21 due to illness).

3751 November 2009

Vanity Fair (Magazine/U.S.). “Circus Maximus,” by Christopher Hitchens.

An appreciation of Monty Python on their 40th anniversary. Includes a two-
page photo of the Pythons “smoking themselves silly” by Tim Walker.

3752 November 2, 2009

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of The Imaginarium of Doctor

Parnassus at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles as part of AFI Fest
2009. Gilliam is also joined onstage by the film’s cast.

3753 November 6–7, 2009

Michael Palin signs copies of his book Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries

1980–1988 at Eason’s in Belfast, N. Ireland (Nov. 6) and Dubray Books in
Dublin (Nov. 7).

3754 November 6, 2009

The Late Late Show (TV talk show: RTE One, in Ireland). Hosted by Ryan
Tubridy. Guest Michael Palin talks about the Pythons’ recent reunion in
NYC, John Cleese, his mother’s appearance on Saturday Night Live, his
sister’s suicide, stammering, and his two grandsons.

3755 November 11, 2009

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Bill

Turnbull and Sian Williams. Guest Michael Palin talks about Armistice
Day and his great-uncle Harry Palin who was killed in World War I.

3756 November 11, 2009

Michael Palin attends the “Passing of a Generation” memorial service,

honoring those who fought in the First World War, at Westminster Abbey in
London. The service is also attended by the Queen and Prime Minister.

3757 November 13, 2009

Eric Idle attends the opening night of the musical Baby It’s You! at the
Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, CA.

3758 November 16, 2009

The Graham Norton Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Rod Stewart,
Dawn French, and Michael Palin, who talks about his new book Halfway
to Hollywood, diary writing, and bringing his mother to America in 1984.

3759 November 18, 2009

Michael Meets...Musa Ibrahim (Event). Michael Palin interviews Somali

refugee Musa Ibrahim in the first installment of the “Michael Meets...”
series held at Ondaatjie Theatre of the Royal Geographical Society (of
which Palin is president) in London. Palin befriended Ibrahim during
Refugee Week in June.

3760 November 20, 2009

Planet 51 (Feature film: TriStar Pictures) opens in the U.S. Animated sci-fi
comedy with John Cleese voicing the role of Professor Kipple, a mad alien
scientist. Voice cast also includes Jessica Biel, Gary Oldman, Dwayne
Johnson, and Justin Long. Written by Joe Stillman. Directed by Jorge
Blanco, Javier Abad, and Marcos Martinez.

3761 November 20, 2009

Vanity Fair.com (Website). “Q&A: John Cleese Plans on Living Forever

(or at Least Long Enough to Pay Off His Alimony),” by Eric Spitznagel.
Cleese answers questions on life, death, and politics.

3762 November 21, 2009

Saturday Extra (Radio talk show: ABC Radio National, in Australia).

Michael Palin is interviewed (by phone from London) about his book
Halfway to Hollywood.

3763 November 21, 2009

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin’s Hand of Friendship

Gives Asylum Seekers a Human Face,” by Jamie Doward. Article on
Palin’s friendship with Somali refugee Musa Ibrahim.

3764 November 23, 2009

Around the World in 80 Ways (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at
Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England. The event raises funds for the
Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, of which Palin is a patron.

3765 November 23, 2009

Eric Idle attends the Saban Free Clinic’s 33rd Annual Dinner Gala held at
the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

3766 November 24, 2009

Terry Jones speaks at a 30th-anniversary screening of Life of Brian in

Norway (where the film was banned in 1980) as part of the 19th Oslo
International Film Festival (Nov. 19–29). Jones is also in Norway
promoting his book Barbarians.

3767 November 26, 2009

The Alan Titchmarsh Show (TV talk show: ITV). Daytime talk show.
Guests: Michael Palin, Samantha Bond, and Nick Ferrari.

3768 November 27, 2009

Skavlan (TV talk show: NRK1/SVT1). Norwegian/Swedish program hosted

by Fredrik Skavlan. Guests: Mats Sundin, Margot Wallstrom, and Terry
Jones, who talks about his character Mr. Creosote (from Meaning of Life),
the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, his Swedish girlfriend, and baby
daughter.

3769 December 2009

Five Minutes with: Michael Palin (Web talk show: BBC News). Matthew
Stadlen interviews Michael Palin for exactly five minutes. Palin talks
about Python and modern comedy, and guesses that he’s been to about 95
countries.

3770 December 1, 2009

He’s Not the Messiah, He’s a Very Naughty Boy (Radio special: BBC Radio
2). Special celebrating the 30th anniversary of Life of Brian. Hosted by
Sanjeev Bhaskar, with remembrances from the Pythons, also Carol
Cleveland, producer John Goldstone, and others. Produced by Caroline
Hughes.

3771 December 8 & 15, 2009

Monty Python’s Wonderful World of Sound (Radio special: BBC Radio 2).
Two-part special revisiting the comedy albums of Monty Python. Includes
interviews with Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin,
Neil Innes, Andre Jacquemin, Alan Bailey, Dave Howman, and John Du
Prez. Hosted by Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt of The Mighty Boosh.

3772 December 8, 2009

Terry Gilliam talks about The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus after a

screening of the film at The Museum of the Moving Image in New York
City.

3773 December 14, 2009

Coming Home (TV episode: BBC1 Wales). “Terry Jones.” Jones returns to
his native Wales to learn more about his Welsh ancestry, with the help of
genealogist Michael Churchill-Jones. Jones lived in Colwyn Bay until the
age of 4 when his family moved to London. Jones visits the railway station
in Colwyn Bay where he met his father for the first time, and Gloddaeth
Hall in Llandudno where his great-grandmother, Louisa Parry, worked as a
servant for the wealthy Mostyn family. Produced by Paul Lewis.

3774 December 17, 2009

The Fabulous Picture Show (TV show: Al Jazeera). Terry Gilliam talks to
Amanda Palmer about his latest film The Imaginarium of Doctor
Parnassus.

3775 December 17, 2009

The Hour (TV talk show: CBC, in Canada). Hosted by George
Stroumboulopoulos. Guest: Terry Gilliam, promoting Doctor Parnassus.

3776 December 18, 2009

Vanity Fair.com (Website). “Terry Gilliam: The Vanity Fair Interview,” by

Julian Sancton. Gilliam discusses his troubled film projects, including his
latest, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

3777 December 20, 2009

All Things Considered (Radio talk show: NPR). Guy Raz talks to Terry
Gilliam about Doctor Parnassus.

3778 December 22, 2009

Fresh Air from WHYY (Radio talk show: NPR). David Bianculli talks to
Terry Gilliam about Doctor Parnassus.

3779 December 23, 2009

HARDtalk (TV talk show: BBC News). Stephen Sackur interviews Michael
Palin.

3780 December 25, 2009

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in

the U.S. in limited release. It will open nationwide on Jan. 8.

3781 Late 2009

John Cleese, recently divorced from his third wife (Alyce Faye
Eichelberger), begins dating 39-year-old jewelry designer Jennifer Wade.
The two will marry in August 2012.

3782 2009

Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile (Book: Burton & Park),

written by Michael Katakis with a foreword by Michael Palin, is published
in the U.S. Katakis, literary rights manager for Ernest Hemingway’s family,
served as a consultant on Palin’s 1999 series Hemingway Adventure.

3783 January–February 2010

Mother Jones (Magazine/U.S.). “Three-Reel Circus: Filmmaker Terry

Gilliam.” Michael Mechanic interviews Gilliam about Don Quixote,
money and movie-making, what inspires him, his childhood, giving up his
American citizenship, and Heath Ledger.

3784 January–March 2010

Oxford Today (Magazine/U.K.). “A Python’s Progress.” Greg Neale

interviews Terry Jones about his days as a student at Oxford.

3785 January 5, 2010

Up Close with Carrie Keagan (TV show: No Good TV). Carrie Keagan
interviews Terry Gilliam, Lily Cole, and Verne Troyer about Doctor
Parnassus.

3786 January 8, 2010

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in

the U.S. nationwide.

3787 January 14, 2010

Bristol Evening Post (Newspaper/U.K.). “A Life of Laughter,” by Natalie

Hale, pp. 6–7. Michael Palin interview.

3788 January 20, 2010

Eric Idle attends the opening night of The Pee-Wee Herman Show at Club
Nokia in Los Angeles.

3789 January 21, 2010

Something ALMOST Completely Different (Event). Michael Palin gives a
talk onstage (with Graeme Garden) for the Sixth Slapstick Gala at Colston
Hall in Bristol, England. The event launches Bristol’s four-day Slapstick
Silent Comedy Festival. Palin also receives the Aardman/Slapstick Award
for Excellence in Visual Comedy.

3790 January 21, 2010

Inside Joke with Monty Python’s Terry Jones (Event). Terry Jones
participates in an onstage conversation for “Inside Joke,” hosted by Carl
Arnheiter, at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. The event, presented by
SF Sketchfest, follows a 35th-anniversary screening of Holy Grail.
Afterward, Jones introduces a screening of Life of Brian.

3791 January 22, 2010

A History of the World in 100 Objects (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). “Clovis
Spear Point.” A 13,000-year-old stone spear point found in Arizona is the
object discussed. Michael Palin comments on man’s desire for movement.
Hosted by Neil MacGregor.

3792 January 29, 2010

Singer Roy Orbison receives a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of

Fame in Los Angeles. Attending the ceremony are Eric Idle, Jeff Lynne,
Dan Aykroyd, David Lynch, and others.

3793 February 8, 2010

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of

Fame in Los Angeles. Eric Idle attends the ceremony.

3794 February 16, 2010

Terry Gilliam attends the launch of the Play Station videogame Heavy
Rain in Paris.

3795 February 18, 2010

Michael Meets...Maan Barua (Event). Michael Palin interviews Maan
Barua at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Barua guided Palin
down the Brahmaputra River in India for his Himalaya series (in 2004). The
second of Palin’s “Michael Meets...” conversations (he interviewed Musa
Ibrahim in November 2009).

3796 February 21, 2010

The Orange British Academy Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry

Gilliam presents the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema
to camera technician Joe Dunton at this year’s BAFTA ceremony, hosted by
Jonathan Ross from London’s Royal Opera House. Broadcast on BBC1.

3797 February 22, 2010

Michael Palin attends the annual Orion Authors’ Party at the Royal Opera
House, Covent Garden, London.

3798 February 24, 2010

Around India in 25 Years (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at the Nehru
Centre in London in which he discusses his first visit to India in 1982 (with
Terry Gilliam) and answers questions.

3799 March–April 2010

John Cleese films his role in the movie Spud in South Africa. The film
premieres in November.

3800 March 2, 2010

GMTV (TV news show: ITV1). Guests Michael Palin and Ed Balls
(Schools Secretary) talk about the work of the Michael Palin Centre for
Stammering Children and a new fundraising campaign to open a second
center in the north of England.

3801 March 2, 2010

Michael Palin attends a reception at Clarence House in London, hosted by
The Prince of Wales, for supporters of the Michael Palin Centre for
Stammering Children on the 17th anniversary of the Centre’s opening.
Palin uses the event as the launch of the ARSC (Association for Research
into Stammering in Childhood) Appeal, which is hoping to raise £2 million
to set up a new center in West Yorkshire.

3802 March 3–May 5, 2010

The Legend of Dick and Dom (TV series: CBBC). Terry Jones narrates the
second series (10 episodes) of the British children’s show starring Richard
McCourt and Dominic Wood. The series premiered in January 2009.

3803 March 4, 2010

Vanity Fair.com (Website). “Terry Gilliam: I don’t know what the Oscars
represent anymore.” Julian Sancton gets Gilliam’s perspective on the
Academy Awards.

3804 March 7, 2010

Eric Idle attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower Hotel in
West Hollywood, CA.

3805 March 8, 2010

Outlook (Radio show: BBC World Service). Guests Michael Palin and his
friend, Somali refugee Musa Ibrahim, talk about the treatment of asylum
seekers in Britain.

3806 March 24, 2010

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin, as president of

the Royal Geographical Society, speaks at the University of Southhampton,
England.

3807 Late March 2010

Michael Palin visits the state of Orissa, in eastern India, staying a week.
3808 April 12 & 13, 2010

Terry Jones returns to his home town of Colwyn Bay, Wales where he
attends a benefit screening of Life of Brian at Theatre Colwyn (Apr. 12) and
gives a talk called “Medieval Lives” in Memorial Hall at Rydal Penrhos
College (Apr. 13).

3809 April 14, 2010

Medieval Lives (Lecture). Terry Jones gives an illustrated talk at The

National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

3810 April 16, 2010

A tribute to Terry Jones is presented at the 5th Funchal International Film

Festival (Apr. 10–17) in Funchal, Madiera, Portugal. Jones is prevented
from attending the festival by an ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano which
has grounded flights out of Britain. He will receive his tribute and award in
person at next year’s festival (in November 2011).

3811 April 16, 2010

Skavlan (TV talk show: NRK1/SVT1). Norwegian/Swedish program hosted

by Fredrik Skavlan. Guests: Robyn, Natascha Illum Berg, and John Cleese,
who talks about his Alimony Tour, his new girlfriend, his failed marriages,
and the Catholic church.

3812 April 17, 2010

Due to the volcanic ash cloud disrupting air travel in Europe, John Cleese
is forced to take a taxi from Oslo, Norway to Brussels, Belgium in order to
catch a Eurostar train to London. The 930-mile taxi trip costs him £3,000
(or $5,100). Cleese was in Oslo to tape his appearance on the talk show
Skavlan.

3813 April 22, 2010

Michael Palin and his wife attend a dinner party/sleepover hosted by the
Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle. Palin was invited as
president of the Royal Geographical Society. The dinner marks the Queen’s
84th birthday (Apr. 21).

3814 April 23, 2010

You and Yours (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Peter White talks to Michael
Palin about slow travel.

3815 April 26, 2010

The Graham Norton Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: John Cleese,
Martin Clunes, Lee Mack, and Jane Turner. Cleese, appearing in a
wheelchair due to a knee injury, talks about his taxi ride from Oslo to
Brussels, his Alimony Tour, his new girlfriend, eating dog in Hong Kong,
and versions of Fawlty Towers in different countries.

3816 April 27, 2010

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (DVD/Blu-ray: Sony Pictures).

Terry Gilliam’s 2009 fantasy is released on DVD and Blu-ray. Bonus
features include an introduction and audio commentary by Gilliam, a
deleted scene, interviews, trailer, etc.

3817 May 2010

John Cleese undergoes knee replacement surgery. His knee gave out in
April during a night out at a restaurant with Michael Palin. Cleese had his
hip replaced in 1999.

3818 May 2010

Terry Gilliam confirms that he plans to start shooting his next film, The
Man Who Killed Don Quixote, in September with Ewan McGregor and
Robert Duvall in the lead roles. Shooting is later postponed when the film’s
funding falls through. Gilliam’s last attempt to film Quixote, in 2000 (with
Johnny Depp and Jean Rochefort as the leads), fell apart after six days
filming (as seen in the 2002 documentary Lost in La Mancha).

3819 May 2, 2010

Jarvis Cocker’s Sunday Service (Radio show: BBC Radio 6 Music). Guest
Michael Palin talks about Sheffield, his start in comedy, hosting the 1960s
pop show Now!, making travel documentaries, Bruce Springsteen, and
Ernest Hemingway (he also reads from Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast).

3820 May 12, 2010

Eric Idle and his wife attend the 2nd Annual Dream Believe Achieve Gala,
an event benefitting ICEF Public Schools, at the Skirball Cultural Center in
Los Angeles. Performers include Jackson Browne and Crosby, Stills &
Nash.

3821 May 15 & 16, 2010

Terry Gilliam, at the 63rd annual Cannes International Film Festival (May
12–23) in France, attends a star-studded Vanity Fair/Gucci party honoring
director Martin Scorsese at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (May 15). The next
day he attends the launch of Qatar’s Doha Film Institute (DFI) at the
Majestic Beach.

3822 May 18, 2010

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). John Wilson interviews Eric
Idle about Spamalot, Not the Messiah, and his start in comedy.

3823 May 21, 2010

Shrek Forever After (Feature film: Paramount Pictures) opens in the U.S.
Animated feature, fourth in the series. John Cleese voices King Harold, a
role he first voiced in Shrek 2 (2004). Voice cast also includes Mike Myers,
Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, and Antonio Banderas.
Directed by Mike Mitchell.

3824 May 24, 2010

The Graham Norton Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Janet Jackson,
Tyler Perry, Marcus Brigstocke, and Eric Idle. Idle talks about Spamalot,
the Pythons’ appearance on the Tonight Show in the 1970s, and sings
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Note: Comedian Brigstocke will
be playing King Arthur in the upcoming U.K. tour of Spamalot.

3825 May 25, 2010

Eric Idle and Terry Jones host an Emmy-consideration screening of the

IFC documentary Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (a
90-minute version) for members of the Television Academy at the Leonard
H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. They also take part in an
onstage conversation with the doc’s directors, Bill Jones (son of Terry) and
Ben Timlett, and moderator Peter Hammond.

3826 May 27–28, 2010

Michael Palin, visiting Hong Kong as president of the Royal Geographical

Society, gives a talk (“Himalaya”) at Olympic House, Causeway Bay (May
27). The next day he gives a talk (“Travelling on Television”) at a lunch at
the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) and another talk (“Around the
World in 20 Years”) at an RGS fundraising dinner held at the Hong Kong
Football Club, Causeway Bay.

3827 May 29, 2010

The U.K. tour of Spamalot begins at the New Wimbledon Theatre in

London. The cast includes Marcus Brigstocke (King Arthur) and Jodie
Prenger (Lady of the Lake).

3828 May 31, 2010

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Kirsty Lang talks with Terry
Gilliam about his determination to film Don Quixote, the recurring themes
in his films, and his plan to direct the opera The Damnation of Faust.

3829 June 2, 2010

Singer-songwriter Randy Newman is given a star on the Hollywood Walk

of Fame. Friend Eric Idle is one of the speakers at the ceremony.

3830 June 2, 2010

Eric Idle attends the opening night performance of South Pacific at the
Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

3831 June 4, 2010

The Comedy Café (Radio show: BBC Radio Scotland). Janice Forsyth talks
to Eric Idle about Not the Messiah.

3832 June 7, 2010

Michael Palin hosts the Royal Geographical Society’s Medals and Awards
Celebration at the RGS headquarters in London.

3833 June 7, 2010

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests:
Eric Idle and Terry Crews. Idle, promoting the DVD release of Not the
Messiah, also talks about playing the Hollywood Bowl, Spamalot, etc.

3834 June 8, 2010

The Great British Comedy Event (Event). Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and
Terry Gilliam attend the event at Old Billingsgate in London where an
original working script for Life of Brian—signed by four of the Pythons—is
auctioned. The event supports the National Film and Television School.

3835 June 8, 2010

Eric Idle’s oratorio Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy), filmed live
at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2009, is released in the U.S. on DVD.
Released in the U.K. on June 14.

3836 June 8, 2010

Talk of the Nation (Radio talk show: NPR). Neal Conan interviews Eric
Idle, who talks about Not the Messiah and takes questions from callers.

3837 June 9, 2010

Talk Asia (TV talk show: CNN). Anjali Rao interviews Michael Palin (in
Hong Kong) about travel, Python, stammering, his father & mother, and
how his travels affect his marriage.

3838 June 10, 2010

The 38th AFI Life Achievement Award (Award ceremony). Eric Idle
performs at the AFI (American Film Institute) ceremony honoring director
Mike Nichols, held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, CA. Dressed as
an angel (with a wig and giant wings), Idle sings “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life” with the audience—including Oprah Winfrey and Jack
Nicholson—singing along. Nichols won a Tony Award in 2005 for his
direction of Idle’s musical Spamalot. The show airs June 26 on TV Land.

3839 June 11–14, 2010

The Directorspective: Terry Gilliam (Screenings). Terry Gilliam’s film

work is honored at the Barbican Centre in London with screenings of
Brazil, Baron Munchausen, Fear and Loathing, and Doctor Parnassus.

3840 June 12, 2010

Terry Jones appears at the Theatre Royal in Winchester, England, as part of

the Winchester Film Festival 2010 (June 5–13). Jones takes part in an
interview (with Bernard McKenna) and audience Q&A.

3841 June 12, 2010

Michael Palin attends the 6th Biografilm Festival (June 9–14) in Bologna,
Italy, where he takes part in a tribute to comic actor Peter Sellers (The Goon
Show, The Pink Panther). Also attending is John Scheinfeld, co-director of
the 2000 doc The Unknown Peter Sellers, in which Palin also appeared.

3842 June 13, 2010

Terry Jones introduces a screening of Holy Grail (on its 35th anniversary)
at the Arnolfini Cinema in Bristol, England, as part of Bristol Silents’ 10th-
anniversary celebration. The screening is followed by a discussion and
audience Q&A.

3843 June 17, 2010

Michael Palin promotes the Polish edition of his book Around the World in
80 Days at Empik Junior Bookstore in Warsaw, Poland.

3844 June 26, 2010

AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mike Nichols (TV special: TV

Land). An angel-winged Eric Idle performs in this tribute ceremony taped
June 10. Directed by Louis J. Horvitz.

3845 June 29, 2010

Terry Gilliam attends the opening of the exhibition “Ray Harryhausen—

Myths and Legends,” showcasing the work of 90-year-old stop-motion
animator Ray Harryhausen, at the London Film Museum in South Bank,
London.

3846 July 2010

John Cleese films his role in an episode of HBO’s Entourage, which will
air Sept. 12.

3847 July 8, 2010

Marlow Meets... (TV talk show: Sky Arts). “Terry Jones.” Host/art
historian Tim Marlow talks with Jones at the National Gallery of Art in
London about the influence of art in his life. The six paintings Jones
chooses to discuss include Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s “The Adoration of the
Kings” (1564), Pieter de Hooch’s “The Courtyard of a House in Delft”
(1658), and J. M. W. Turner’s “Rain, Steam and Speed” (1844). Michael
Palin was featured in a 2009 episode.

3848 July 8, 2010

Michael Palin speaks at the West Cork Literary Festival (July 4–10) in
Bantry, Cork, Ireland. He is promoting his book Halfway to Hollywood:
Diaries 1980–1988, released today in paperback (Phoenix).

3849 July 12, 2010

Simon Mayo Drivetime (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: Michael
Palin.

3850 July 12, 2010

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Louise
Minchin and Matt Baker. Guest Eric Idle talks about Spamalot.

3851 July 14, 2010

The Daily Post (Liverpool) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Idle’s Light Work Reborn

for Liverpool Date.” Philip Key interviews Eric Idle at the Manchester
Opera House about the new touring production of Spamalot, which is set to
open at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in August.

3852 July 15, 2010

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Louise
Minchin and Matt Baker. Guest Michael Palin talks about his book
Halfway to Hollywood and his role in A Fish Called Wanda.

3853 July 18, 2010

Terry Gilliam attends the London premiere of the Pixar-animated film Toy
Story 3 at Empire Leicester Square.

3854 August 5, 2010

The Canadian rock group Arcade Fire performs at Madison Square Garden
in New York City. Terry Gilliam directs the live worldwide webcast of the
show for the series Unstaged, sponsored by American Express. Gilliam
also appears in a behind-the-scenes skit before the concert in which the
group members are revealed to be machines under the control of Gilliam
and his assistant Andrew Garfield.

OceanofPDF.com
3855 August 8–14, 2010

John Cleese is a guest-speaker on the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner during its
transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England. His talk
includes an interview, an audience Q&A, and a screening of the Fawlty
Towers episode “The Psychiatrist.”

3856 August 10, 2010

Simply Absurd (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Terry Jones hosts this half-
hour special exploring the Theatre of the Absurd and its influence on
modern comedy. Produced by Susan Marling.

3857 August 13, 2010

Home Movie Roadshow (TV episode: BBC2). Kirsty Wark interviews

Terry Jones, who discusses and shows some the home movies he took with
his then-new 8mm camera during the early days of Python. Produced by
Stephen Taylor Woodrow.

3858 August 21, 2010

The 2010 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (Award ceremony). Terry
Jones presents, with son Bill Jones and Ben Timlett, at the award ceremony
held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The younger Jones and Timlett
were nominated for directing and producing the documentary Monty
Python: Almost the Truth. Broadcast Aug. 27 on E! Entertainment.

3859 August 24, 2010

Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits is released on Blu-ray by Image

Entertainment. Special features are an interview with Gilliam (18 mins.)
and theatrical trailer.

3860 September 2010

Phoenix Pictures announces that a comedy titled Absolutely Anything, co-

written & directed by Terry Jones and starring John Oliver (The Daily
Show), will begin filming in early 2011. Unfortunately, the project, which
was also to feature the voices of John Cleese and Michael Palin, has
trouble getting financing and filming is postponed.

3861 September 2010

Terry Gilliam attends the 36th American Film Festival (Sept. 3–12) in
Deauville, France. The festival includes a tribute to Gilliam and a screening
of Brazil.

3862 September 12–October 23, 2010

An Evening with John Cleese—Paying My Ex-Wife, Year Two (Stage show).

John Cleese tours Scandinavia with his one-man stage show, playing 20
dates. In Norway, Cleese plays Grieg Hall in Bergen (Sept. 12), Oslo
Concert Hall (Sept. 15–18), Stavanger Concert Hall (Sept. 20), Olavshallen
in Trondheim (Sept. 22 & 24), and Ibsen House in Skien (Sept. 25). In
Denmark, he plays the Concert Hall in Odense (Sept. 28), Music Hall in
Aarhus (Sept. 30), Falconer in Copenhagen (Oct. 2), and Aalborg Hallen
(Oct. 22). In Sweden, he plays the Gothenburg Concert House (Oct. 8 & 9),
Cirkus in Stockholm (Oct. 11, 12 & 17), Jönköping Concert House (Oct.
14), Linköping Concert & Congress (Oct. 15), Uppsala Concert & Congress
(Oct. 18), Västeras Concert House (Oct. 20), and Malmö Concert House
(Oct. 23).

3863 September 12, 2010

Entourage (TV episode: HBO). “Lose Yourself.” John Cleese makes a

cameo appearance (as himself) in the seventh-season finale of the 2004–11
comedy-drama. Written by Doug Ellin. Directed by David Nutter.

3864 September 13, 2010

In Conversation (TV talk show: Sky Arts 1). “Terry Gilliam.” Film critic
Derek Malcolm talks with Gilliam about his career in film in this first
episode of a 12-part series.

3865 September 16, 2010

Senkveld (Late Night) with Thomas and Harald (TV talk show: TV2, in
Norway). Guest: John Cleese, who talks about humor, his expensive
divorce from his third wife, and his new (and much younger) girlfriend.

3866 September 23, 2010

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Obituary: Geoffrey Burgon,” by Terry

Jones, p. 38. Jones pays tribute to his friend, composer Geoffrey Burgon,
who died Sept. 21 at age 69. Burgon’s works included the film score for
Life of Brian.

3867 September 28, 2010

Michael Palin opens a free outdoor exhibition called “Britain from the Air”
in Bath City Centre, England. The exhibition, which involves a walk-on
map of Britain and over a hundred aerial photographs, was co-created by
The Royal Geographical Society, of which Palin is president. Before the
launch of the exhibition, Palin gives a talk (titled “Around the World in 20
Years”) in Bath Abbey.

3868 September 30, 2010

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Bill

Turnbull and Sian Williams. Guest: Michael Palin.

3869 October 2010

AA Home Emergency Response (Faulty Showers) (TV commercial). John

Cleese stars in this British TV ad—the launch of a new campaign—playing
a man whose daughter has the good sense to call AA Home Emergency
Service when their shower pipes break. Agency: McCann-Erickson,
London.

3870 October 2010

Terry Gilliam attends the 8th Morelia International Film Festival (Oct. 16–
24) in Mexico. During his visit, Gilliam receives the Gold Medal Award in
Film from the Film Archive of the National University of Mexico and gives
a master class at the University of Michoacan’s Public Library.

3871 October 2010

Explorers: Great Tales of Adventure and Endurance (Book: Dorling

Kindersley), by the Royal Geographical Society, is published in the U.K.
Illustrated guide to the world’s greatest explorers. Foreword by Sir Ranulph
Fiennes. Introduction by Michael Palin, president of the RGS.

3872 October 2010

Geographical (Magazine/U.K.). “One Year On,” by Michael Palin, p. 20.

Palin reflects on his first year as president of the Royal Geographical
Society.

3873 October 9, 2010

Robins (TV talk show: SVT, in Sweden). Hosted by Robin Paulsson. Guest:
John Cleese, promoting his stage tour of Scandinavia. To help pay his
alimony, Cleese accepts a check for 34 krona from the Support Cleese
Foundation. He also talks about his new girlfriend, Fawlty Towers, etc.

3874 October 12, 2010

The Scotsman (Newspaper/U.K.). “Monty Python’s Eric Idle on His New

Musical Spamalot.” Mark Fisher interviews Idle, who is in Edinburgh
promoting Spamalot’s Oct. 18–23 run at the Playhouse Theatre.

3875 October 20, 2010

An Evening with the President (Event). Michael Palin, president of the

Royal Geographical Society, speaks at Rattray Lecture Theatre, University
of Leicester.

3876 October 25, 2010

John Cleese and his partner, Jennifer Wade, attend an exhibition of The
John Cleese Collection at The Chris Beetles Gallery in London. The
collection consists of 80 English paintings, drawings, and cartoons which
Cleese will be selling through the gallery from Oct. 26 until Nov. 13. His
decision to sell his collection is the result of having sold several homes
since his divorce and no longer having the space to display the paintings.
Also attending the exhibition are Terry Jones, Michael Winner, Barry
Cryer, and Chris Beetles.

3877 October 26, 2010

Fable III (Video game: Microsoft). Third installment of the action-

adventure role-playing game, with John Cleese voicing Jasper the butler.
Other voices by Ben Kingsley, Stephen Fry, and Jonathan Ross. Developed
by Lionhead Studios.

3878 October 28, 2010

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk at

Whitla Hall, Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. Palin’s talk is
part of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s (Oct. 15–30). Palin will also be
funding The Michael Barnes Scholarships and Travel Bursaries for the
school’s drama students. Barnes—a good friend of Palin’s and former
director of the Belfast Festival—died in May 2008. Palin’s association with
the festival began in November 1981 when, at the urging of Barnes, he
performed in the first of a series of one-man shows. Palin would later
receive an honorary degree from Queen’s (in July 2000).

3879 October 28, 2010

Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future: The Biography (Book: Orion Books), written
by Daniel Tatarsky with an introduction by Terry Jones, is published in the
U.K. Illustrated biography of the British science-fiction hero who first
appeared in Eagle comics in 1950.

3880 October 31, 2010

The Legend of Hallowdega (Short film) premieres online. A television host

investigates claims that the Talladega Superspeedway race track is haunted.
Eighteen-minute short presented by AMP Energy Juice. Starring David
Arquette, Justin Kirk, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Darrell Waltrip. Written by
Aaron Bergeron. Directed by Terry Gilliam.

3881 November 2, 2010

Orissa: Temples and Tribes (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on Orissa
(in India), which he visited in March, at The Clothworkers’ Hall in London.
Palin will repeat the lecture on Apr. 11, 2011, at the Royal Geographical
Society.

3882 November 8, 2010

Michael Meets...Raja Shehadeh (Event). Michael Palin interviews

Palestinian author Raja Shehadeh at the Royal Geographical Society in
London. It is the third event in Palin’s “Michael Meets...” series for the
RGS.

3883 November 11, 2010

Walks on the Wild Side (Event). Michael Palin is among the speakers at this
Transglobe Expedition Trust Event at the Royal Geographical Society in
London. Palin talks about “Walking with Camels.” Hosted by Paul Heiney.

3884 November 13, 2010

Spud (Feature film: Nu Metro Films) premieres in Johannesburg, South

Africa (opens wide Dec. 3). Comedy set in South Africa in 1990, based on
the book by John Van De Ruit. John Cleese plays Mr. “The Guv” Edly.
Also starring Troye Sivan in the title role. Written & directed by Donovan
Marsh.

3885 November 13, 2010

John Cleese attends the world premiere of Spud at Montecasino in

Johannesburg, South Africa.

3886 November 14, 2010

The Sunday Times Magazine (Magazine/U.K.). “So Mr. Cleese, Let’s Talk
About Your Mother.” In this six-page article John Cleese talks about his
bitter divorce, his mother, etc. Cover photo shows Cleese peeking out from
behind a curtain.

3887 November 18, 2010

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Chris
Evans and Alex Jones. Guest: John Cleese, who talks about his one-man
stage show.

3888 November 21, 2010

The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala (Stage show). Charity gala hosted by
John Cleese at London’s Old Vic Theatre. The show, which benefits the
Old Vic Theatre Trust and Old Vic New Voices, presents six short plays
written, rehearsed and performed in just 24 hours.

3889 November 22, 2010

Terry Gilliam turns 70.

3890 November 22, 2010

Eric Idle attends the Saban Free Clinic’s 34rd Annual Dinner Gala held at
the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

3891 November 22, 2010

Michael Palin gives a talk at Nightingale House, a care home in Clapham,

South London.

3892 November 23, 2010

Michael Palin talks about Halfway to Hollywood at The Oldie Literary

Lunch at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, London.

3893 December 2010

Michael Palin completes the first draft his new novel.

3894 December 2, 2010

Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam appear at Tower Bridge in London to

promote the launch next year of a new Monty Python video game, The
Ministry of Silly Games, created by the U.K. company Zattikka. The last
Python video game, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, came out in 1997.

3895 December 5, 2010

The British Independent Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam

and Helen McCrory present the award for Best British Independent Film to
Tom Hooper (for The King’s Speech) at the 13th annual BIFA ceremony
held at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

3896 December 9, 2010

Michael Palin attends a gala charity screening of The King’s Speech at the
Curzon Mayfair Cinema, London in aid of the Michael Palin Centre for
Stammering Children (founded in 1993).

3897 December 10, 2010

Michael Palin gives a reading at the York Minster Carol Concert in York,
England.

3898 December 23, 2010

Being Ronnie Corbett (TV special: BBC2). Documentary on the career of

comedian Ronnie Corbett (The Two Ronnies), who celebrated his 80th
birthday earlier this month. Interviewees include Michael Palin, Stephen
Merchant, Miranda Hart, Matt Lucas, Catherine Tate, and others. Produced
by Andy Humphries.

3899 January 2011

Terry Gilliam directs the short film The Wholly Family on location in
Naples, Italy. The film is funded by the Italian pasta company Garofalo.
3900 January 2011

Frost Over the World (TV talk show: Al Jazeera English). Hosted by David
Frost. Guest: Michael Palin, who talks about the film The King’s Speech,
stammering, and his next travel series in Brazil.

3901 January 4, 2011

Michael Palin helps launch the Fair Fares Now campaign, which calls for
“cheaper, simpler, fairer train fares,” at Charing Cross station in London.
Fair Fares Now was organized by Campaign for Better Transport (of which
Palin is president).

3902 January 6, 2011

Lorraine (TV show: ITV). Host Lorraine Kelly talks to Michael Palin
about the Centre for Stammering Children.

3903 January 9, 2011

Terry Jones attends an awards ceremony celebrating the 13th birthday of

Upstairs at the Gatehouse, a theatre in Highgate, London.

3904 January 9, 2011

That Sunday Night Show (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Adrian Chiles.
Guests: Michael Palin, Shaun Ryder, Al Murray, Pamela Stephenson, and
Darren Gough.

3905 January 11, 2011

The Daily Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “The King’s Speech Is My

Family’s Story, Too,” by Michael Palin. Palin describes how the film
reminded him of his own experience of growing up with a father who
stammered.

3906 January 12, 2011

North West Tonight (TV show: BBC1). John Cleese is interviewed by
Gordon Burns about his upcoming Alimony Tour of the U.K.

3907 January 12, 2011

American Masters (TV special: PBS). “Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides.”
Ninety-minute film on the life and career of actor Jeff Bridges. Terry
Gilliam, who directed Bridges in The Fisher King (1991) and Tideland
(2005), is among the interviewees. Written & directed by Gail Levin.

3908 January 13, 2011

Alex Belfield (Radio talk show: BBC Radio Leeds). Michael Palin is
interviewed.

3909 January 14, 2011

Yorkshire Evening Post (Newspaper/U.K.). “John Cleese in Leeds.” Rod

McPhee interviews Cleese at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. Cleese talks
about his upcoming tour of the U.K.

3910 January 19–March 23, 2011

The Legend of Dick and Dom (TV series: CBBC). Terry Jones narrates the
third and final series (10 episodes) of the British children’s show starring
Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood. The series premiered in January
2009.

3911 February 15, 2011

Michael Palin attends the annual Orion Authors’ Party at the Royal Opera
House, Covent Garden, London.

3912 February 26, 2011

My Life (TV episode: BBC2). “Stammer School.” Michael Palin appears in

this documentary in which six children go through an intensive two-week
course of speech therapy at The Michael Palin Center for Stammering
Children (opened in London in 1993). Narrated by Andy Akinwolere.
Directed by Mick Robertson.

3913 February 27, 2011

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset
Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, CA.

3914 March 2011

Animal Tales (Book: Pavilion Children’s Books), written by Terry Jones

with illustrations by Michael Foreman, is published. Collection of
humorous children’s stories, including “The Good Doctor” and “The
Ambitious Crocodile.” The former story, about a dog doctor, was adapted
by Jones for the short opera The Doctor’s Tale, which premieres in London
on Apr. 8.

3915 March 2011

An Illustrated History of Bristol Zoo Gardens (Book: The Independent Zoo

Enthusiasts Society), written by Tim Brown, Alan Ashby & Christoph
Schwitzer, is published in the U.K. Foreword by John Cleese. Cleese was a
frequent visitor to the zoo when he was a pupil at nearby Clifton College.

3916 March 2011

Independently Animated: Bill Plympton (Book: Universe Publishing),

written by Bill Plympton and David B. Levy, is published. Biography of
animator Bill Plympton. Foreword by Terry Gilliam.

3917 March 2011

Adults Learning (Magazine/U.K.). “And Now for Something Completely

Different,” by Ed Melia, pp. 30–31. Interview with Terry Jones about his
new Quick Read book Trouble on the Heath.

3918 March 3, 2011

Trouble on the Heath (Book: Accent Press), written by Terry Jones, is
published. Short story about the trouble that arises from a plan to construct
a large, unattractive building in a London suburb. Published on World Book
Day as part of the “Quick Reads” series devised to improve adult literacy.

3919 March 5, 2011

Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales) (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘I’d rather not be

remembered for Python.’” Nathan Bevan interviews Terry Jones, who
talks about his new book Trouble on the Heath, Python, and his early years
in Colwyn Bay, Wales.

3920 March 8, 2011

Forty Years Without a Proper Job (Lecture). Michael Palin gives the
opening talk at the 3rd Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (Mar. 8–12)
in Dubai.

3921 March 20, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the 17th annual Bradford International Film Festival
(Mar. 16–27) in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, where he receives a
Fellowship Award for his contribution to film and is honored with a
retrospective tribute. Previous guests at the festival include Michael Palin
(in 2008) and Terry Jones (in 2009).

3922 March 20, 2011

Calendar (TV news show: ITV/YTV–Yorkshire Television). Guest: Terry

Gilliam.

3923 March 25, 2011

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “It’s...Monty Python’s Flying Opera

House,” by Terry Jones, p. 18. Jones on collaborating with composer Anne
Dudley on the short opera The Doctor’s Tale (premiering Apr. 8).

3924 April 2011

Vanity Fair (Magazine/U.S.). “A Dogged Diarist’s Dos and Don’ts of Diary
Writing,” by Michael Palin, p. 136. A guide to diary-keeping etiquette.

3925 April 3, 2011

An Afternoon with John Cleese (Event). John Cleese hosts a screening of

Life of Brian at Campbell Hall at the University of California Santa
Barbara. Part of the UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Student Appreciation Free
Event Series.

3926 April 8, 2011

The Doctor’s Tale (Opera) premieres at The Linbury Studio Theatre in

London. Terry Jones directed and wrote the libretto for this short opera
composed by Anne Dudley (Oscar-winner for The Full Monty). The surreal
work, about a respected doctor who is forced to give up his practice because
he’s a dog, is presented on a double-bill with Stewart Copeland’s The Tell-
Tale Heart as part of the Royal Opera House’s “OperaShots” series. Jones
based his libretto on one of the children’s stories (“The Good Doctor”) in
his recently-published book Animal Tales. Cast includes Darren Abrahams
as the doctor. The show runs until April 16.

3927 April 10, 2011

The Andrew Marr Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests include Danny
Alexander, Martin McGuinness, Peter Hain, and Michael Palin. Martha
Kearney talks to Palin about his upcoming travel series on Brazil.

3928 April 10, 2011

Desert Island Discs (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Kirsty Young’s castaway
is Terry Gilliam, whose choice of records includes “Heartbreak Hotel”
(Elvis Presley), “When You Wish Upon a Star” (Cliff Edwards), and “Ein
Heldenleben—final movement” (Richard Strauss). Gilliam also talks about
his life, films, and directing the opera The Damnation of Faust. His book is
a dictionary; his luxury item is a mirror.

3929 April 11, 2011

Orissa: Temples and Tribes (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on Orissa
(in India) at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Repeat of his Nov.
2, 2010, lecture at The Clothworkers’ Hall.

3930 April 12, 2011

MacAulay and Co. (Radio show: BBC Radio Scotland). Host Fred
MacAulay talks to John Cleese.

3931 April 15, 2011

Paul O’Grady Live (TV talk show: ITV1). Guests: Charlotte Church,
Rupert Everett, Amanda Holden, and John Cleese.

3932 April 19, 2011

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Alex Jones
and Matt Baker. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Animal Tales.

3933 April 20–22, 2011

An Evening with John Cleese (Stage show). John Cleese gives three extra
performances of his 2010 one-man stage show at the Cirkus in Stockholm,
Sweden. Cleese previously played the Cirkus in October 2010.

3934 April 25, 2011

Arena (TV arts show: BBC2). “Produced by George Martin.” Documentary

on the life of Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Includes a talk with
Michael Palin. Produced & directed by Francis Hanly.

3935 April 25, 2011

Efter Tio (After Ten) (TV talk show: TV4, in Sweden). Hosted by Malou
Von Sivers. Guest: John Cleese, who talks about his Alimony Tour, his
divorce, his new girlfriend, his mother, Fawlty Towers, and creativity.

3936 April 26, 2011

Eric Idle and his wife attend the 5th annual BritWeek launch party at the
British Consul General’s residence in Hancock Park, Los Angeles.

3937 April 27, 2011

John Cleese and his partner, Jennifer Wade, attend a private viewing of an
exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London where bronze
sculptures of Wade—created by Jonathan Wylder—are unveiled.

3938 April 27, 2011

Inspirations at NLS: Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin is interviewed

on stage by author Alistair Moffat at the National Library of Scotland in
Edinburgh.

3939 May 2011

Break Free! (Web videos). John Cleese wrote and performs in this series of
online videos as part of an ad campaign for the GPS company TomTom and
their HD Traffic service. The six comedy vignettes involve Cleese trying to
pass the time while stuck in traffic. Queen’s “I Want to Break Free” is the
series’ theme song.

3940 May 2011

Saga Magazine (Magazine/U.K.). “Fawlty Tours,” by William Langley, pp.

40–43. Interview with John Cleese about his Alimony Tour of Britain, his
expensive divorce, etc.

3941 May 3–July 2, 2011

The Alimony Tour (Stage show). John Cleese tours Britain with his one-
man stage show. Cleese plays 37 dates at 12 venues: Corn Exchange in
Cambridge (May 3–7), Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham (May 9–11),
Theatre Royal in Nottingham (May 12–15), Salford Lowry in Manchester
(May 24–27), Grand Opera House in York (May 28–29), Liverpool Empire
Theatre in Liverpool (May 31–June 1), The Grand Theatre & Opera House
in Leeds (June 2–4), Theatre Royal in Glasgow (June 6–8), Festival Theatre
in Edinburgh (June 9–11), New Theatre in Oxford (June 17–20), Bristol
Hippodrome in Bristol (June 21–23), and Theatre Royal in Bath (June 28–
July 2). One of Cleese’s last dates in Bath will be recorded for a DVD
release in the autumn. Bath is also the city where Cleese currently calls
home (but for only three months of the year due to tax reasons).

3942 May 3, 2011

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Bill

Turnbull and Sian Williams. Guest: Terry Jones.

3943 May 6, 2011

The Damnation of Faust (Opera), directed by Terry Gilliam, opens at the

London Coliseum. Gilliam makes his opera directorial debut with this
English National Opera production of Hector Berlioz’s 1846 work. Leading
the cast are Peter Hoare (Faust, tenor), Christopher Purves (Mephistopheles,
bass), and Christine Rice (Marguerite, soprano). Edward Gardner conducts
the ENO Chorus & Orchestra. Faust performs at the Coliseum until June 7.
Televised Oct. 14 on BBC4.

Award: South Bank Sky Arts Award for best opera.

3944 May 7, 2011

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus! (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Host
Henning Wehn looks back at the making of the two special shows Monty
Python produced for German television forty years ago. Interviewees
include Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and producers Alfred Biolek and
Thomas Woitkewitsch. Produced by Joe Meek and Marvin Close.

3945 May 9, 2011

Newsnight (TV news show: BBC2). Will Gompertz reports on Terry

Gilliam’s new production of The Damnation of Faust, showing rehearsals
and interviewing Gilliam, conductor Edward Gardner, others.

3946 May 9, 2011

Simply Shakespeare (Event). Eric Idle participates in the 21st Annual
“Simply Shakespeare” fundraiser put on by the Shakespeare Center of Los
Angeles at Royce Hall, UCLA in Westwood, CA. He and other celebrities
give a reading from The Merry Wives of Windsor.

3947 May 10, 2011

Michael Meets...Mahjabeen Khan (Event). Michael Palin interviews

musician-journalist Mahjabeen (“Moni”) Khan at the Royal Geographical
Society in London. It is the fourth event in Palin’s “Michael Meets...”
series for the RGS. Palin first met Khan in Dhaka, Bangladesh, while
filming his Himalaya series in 2004 (she appears in episode six).

3948 May 11, 2011

An Evening with the President (Event). Michael Palin, president of the

Royal Geographical Society, speaks at Wallace Lecture Theatre, Cardiff
University, Wales.

3949 May 19, 2011

OxTravels: Meetings with Remarkable Travel Writers (Book: Profile

Books), introduced by Michael Palin, is published in the U.K. Travel
anthology in support of Oxfam.

3950 May 20, 2011

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: John
Cleese.

3951 May 20, 2011

The Review Show (TV arts show: BBC2). Hosted by Martha Kearney. Guest
Terry Gilliam talks about directing the opera The Damnation of Faust.

3952 May 25, 2011

Knights, Python, Adventures (Event). Michael Palin participates in an

onstage conversation with John Murray at The National Concert Hall in
Dublin, Ireland as part of the 13th annual Dublin Writers Festival (May 23–
29).

3953 May 25, 2011

The Wholly Family (Short film) premieres in Rome, Italy. Terry Gilliam
wrote and directed this 20-minute short about a boy who enters a strange
dream world while he and his parents are vacationing in Naples. Filmed
over a week in mid–January on location in Naples, the film was sponsored
by the Italian pasta company Garofalo. Starring Cristiana Capotondi,
Douglas Dean, Nicolas Connolly, Sergio Solli, and Antonino Iuorio.
Produced by Gabriele Oricchio and Amy Gilliam.

Award: European Film Award winner for Best Short Film.

3954 May 26, 2011

Michael Palin attends the launch party for the book OxTravels (for which
he wrote the intro) at Daunt Books in Marylebone, London.

3955 May 27–29, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends Istancool 2011, the Istanbul International Festival of

Culture in Istanbul, Turkey, where he participates in an onstage discussion
(at the Vakko Fashion Centre) and a Q&A (at the Pera Museum). There are
also screenings of some of his films.

3956 May 28, 2011

Eric Idle’s “Galaxy Song,” performed by Clint Black, is played to wake the
crews of the space shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station.

3957 May 29, 2011

Terry Jones attends the Hay Literary Festival (May 26–June 5) in Hay-on-
Wye, Wales, where he helps launch a new reader-supported publishing
venture called Unbound. The first book from the publisher is Jones’ Evil
Machines (out Nov. 4).
3958 June–July 2011

Michael Palin visits the North-East of Brazil for the first of four film
shoots for his new BBC series Brazil with Michael Palin.

3959 June 2011

The Monster of Nix (Short film) premieres at the Annecy Animated Film
Festival in France. Terry Gilliam voices The Ranger in this 30-minute
animated fairy tale by Dutch artist/filmmaker Rosto. Tom Waits voices
Virgil (the monster).

3960 June 2, 2011

The Book Show (TV episode: Sky Arts 1). Host Mariella Frostrup talks to
Terry Jones about his book Animal Tales and writing for children.

3961 June 6, 2011

Michael Palin hosts the Royal Geographical Society’s Medals and Awards
Celebration at the Ondaatjie Theatre of the RGS headquarters in London.

3962 June 13, 2011

Michael Palin and Terry Jones participate in an onstage conversation with

host Mariella Frostrup (followed by an audience Q&A) at Queen Elizabeth
Hall in London. The event is part of Ray Davies’ Meltdown festival (June
10–19).

3963 June 14, 2011

Daybreak (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Adrian Chiles and Kate
Garraway. Guests: Terry Jones and Jennifer Ellison.

3964 June 16, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the opening of the Persol Magnificent Obsessions

exhibition at Center 548 in New York City. The exhibition looks at
obsessive craftsmanship in filmmaking.
3965 June 26, 2011

The New York Times (Newspaper online/U.S.). “This May Be Something

Completely Different,” by Michael Cieply. Article on the making of a new
3-D animated film on the life of Graham Chapman for which the other
Pythons (except Idle) are providing voices.

3966 July 2011

Terry Jones attends The First International Comedy Film Festival (July 4–
11) in Albufeira, Portugal.

3967 July 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the 9th Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest
(July 10–17) on the Isle of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy.

3968 July 11, 2011

The Animal Magic Zoo (TV special: BBC1). Host Terry Nutkins looks at
the 175-year history of Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England. Interviewees
include John Cleese and Nick Park. Produced by Helen Shawcross.

3969 July 15, 2011

Winnie the Pooh (Feature film: Walt Disney Studios) opens in the U.S.
Animated film based on A. A. Milne’s classic children’s story. Narrated by
John Cleese. Voice cast also includes Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, and
Tom Kenny. Directed by Stephen Anderson and Don Hall.

3970 July 16, 2011

The Danny Baker Show (Radio show: BBC Radio 5 Live). Terry Jones is
interviewed.

3971 July 21–31, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the 11th New Horizons Film Festival in Wroclaw,
Poland. The fest includes a retrospective of his films (with Q&A) and the
premiere of a new book, Wunderkamera: Terry Gilliam’s Cinema.

3972 July 21, 2011

Terry Jones hosts a memorial concert by the City of London Sinfonia and
the Wellensian Consort celebrating the life and music of composer Geoffrey
Burgon (Life of Brian) at St. John’s Smith Square, London. Burgon, who
died in September 2010, would have turned 70 this month.

3973 July 25, 2011

Terry Jones: Animal Tales (Event). Terry Jones, in conversation with TV

host Carol Bundock, talks about his new book Animal Tales at the King’s
Lynn Arts Centre in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, as part of the 61st
King’s Lynn Festival (July 17–30).

3974 July 28, 2011

Michael Palin: In Conversation with Michael Brunson (Event). Michael

Palin talks with journalist Michael Brunson at the Auden Theatre in Holt,
Norfolk, England, as part of the Holt Festival (July 24–30). The talk is
followed by an audience Q&A.

3975 July 29, 2011

Q (Radio show: CBC Radio, in Canada). Guest-host Stephen Quinn talks to

Terry Jones about his book Evil Machines (due out in the fall) and the
Unbound publishing venture.

3976 August 6, 2011

Ronnie Corbett’s Comedy Britain (TV special: ITV1). First of a special two-
part series in which 80-year-old Ronnie Corbett (The Two Ronnies) looks
back on his career and the history of British comedy. Corbett speaks to
John Cleese (in Oxford), Miranda Hart, Stephen Merchant, Matt Lucas,
and David Mitchell. Produced & directed by Nic Guttridge. Note: Corbett
and Cleese are both veterans of TV’s The Frost Report (1966–67).

3977 August 14, 2011

Terry Gilliam discusses his career with Dan Jolin at Empire magazine’s
Big Screen event (Aug. 12–14) in London.

3978 August 22, 2011

TV producer-director John Howard Davies dies of cancer at age 72. A

former screen child actor (Oliver Twist), Davies later directed the first four
episodes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus (in 1969) and the first series of
Fawlty Towers (in 1975).

3979 August 31, 2011

John Cleese speaks at a press conference at the Sydney Opera House in

Sydney, Australia about the upcoming Just for Laughs comedy festival,
which he will be hosting.

3980 September 3, 2011

John Cleese hosts the International Comedy Gala as part of the Just for
Laughs comedy festival at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. It
is the festival’s first time in Australia (it originated in Montreal). Other
performers include Martin Short, Louis C.K., and Russell Howard. Cleese
had previously hosted Just for Laughs galas in Montreal (in 2006 and 2009)
and Toronto (2009).

3981 September 6, 2011

Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (CD: Verve Forecast). Compilation of Buddy

Holly songs performed by top music artists, including Ringo Starr, Brian
Wilson, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, and Jeff Lynne.
Eric Idle performs the bonus track, “Raining in My Heart.” Executive
produced by Peter Asher.

3982 September 10, 2011

QI Genesis (TV special: BBC2). Documentary on the making of the panel

game QI (Quite Interesting). Michael Palin talks to QI’s creator, John
Lloyd, recalling why he turned down Lloyd’s offer to be the show’s
moderator (Stephen Fry ultimately got the job). Directed by Ian Lorimer.
Produced by Arron Ferster and John Lloyd.

3983 September 11, 2011

Michael Palin: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Lecture). Michael Palin
gives a talk on architecture he’s encountered in his travels, at Sheppey Little
Theatre in Sheerness, Isle of Sheppey, England, as part of the Promenade
Festival (Sept. 9–11).

3984 September 12, 2011

Michael Palin hosts a dinner at the Pollen Street Social restaurant in

London in honor of an expedition team setting off to climb Mount
Kilimanjaro in aid of the charity FARM-Africa.

3985 September 13, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the opening night performance of No Naughty Bits at

the Hampstead Theatre in London. The play, written by Steve Thompson,
tells the story of Monty Python’s 1975 legal battle with ABC Television for
which Michael Palin (played by Harry Hadden-Paton) and Gilliam (Sam
Alexander) flew to New York to represent the group in court. The show
runs until Oct. 15.

3986 September 13, 2011

Michael Palin introduces the premiere of the documentary The Lost World
for Ibex Earth at the Royal Geographical Society (of which Palin is
president) in London.

3987 September 15, 2011

Photographs & Words (Book: The British Library), by Michael Katakis and
Kris Hardin, is published. Foreword by John Falconer and introduction by
Michael Palin.

3988 September 24, 2011

John Cleese performs at a comedy gala co-starring Norwegian comics
Harald Eia, Atle Antonsen, and Bard Tufte Johansen at the Oslo Spektrum
Arena in Oslo, Norway, before an audience of nearly 7,000 fans. Cleese
brought his one-man stage show to Norway in October 2009 and September
2010.

3989 September 25, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the 17th International Short Film Festival in Drama,
Northern Greece where he accepts the special European Film Academy
Prize for his short film The Wholly Family.

3990 October 2011

Michael Palin visits Minas Gerais and Rio in Brazil to film part of his new
BBC series Brazil with Michael Palin.

3991 October 2011

Terry Gilliam attends both the BFI London Film Festival (Oct. 12–27) and
the 5th annual Abu Dhabi Film Festival (Oct. 13–22). His Italian-made
short, The Wholly Family, is screened at both festivals.

3992 October 2011

Fame in the Frame (TV episode: Sky Arts 1). “Terry Gilliam.” Artist/host
John Myatt paints a portrait of Gilliam as “The Buddha” (based on Odilon
Redon’s 1904 work). Myatt also painted John Cleese for his earlier series
Brush with Fame in February 2009.

3993 October 2011

1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die (Book: Universe Publishing),
edited by Paul Gravett with a foreword by Terry Gilliam, is published.

3994 October 2, 2011

Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin attend the U.K. premiere of
the documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World at the BFI
Southbank, London.

3995 October 4, 2011

Eric Idle and his wife attend the U.S. premiere of the documentary George
Harrison: Living in the Material World at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
as part of the 49th annual New York Film Festival (Sept. 30–Oct. 16).

3996 October 5–6, 2011

George Harrison: Living in the Material World (Feature film: HBO). Two-
part documentary on the life and music of the late former Beatle—and
friend of the Pythons—George Harrison. Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam are
interviewed. Directed by Martin Scorsese.

3997 October 6, 2011

Medieval Misconceptions (Lecture). Terry Jones gives the Annual Lecture

at the Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, in support
of The Churches Conservation Trust.

3998 October 6, 2011

John Cleese and his girlfriend Jennifer Wade attend the Build Africa
fundraising dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London.

3999 October 7, 2011

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Chris
Evans and Alex Jones. Guest Terry Gilliam talks about his short The
Wholly Family and his production of the opera The Damnation of Faust,
which premiered in May and will air Oct. 14 on BBC4.

4000 October 9, 2011

Dr. Robert Buckman dies at the age of 63. The Toronto-based oncologist,
formerly half of a comedy team with Chris Beetles (the two can be seen
dancing in the “Cheese Shop” sketch in The Secret Policeman’s Ball),
collaborated with John Cleese in the 1990s on the Videos for Patients
series. Buckman dies on board a plane flying back to Toronto from London
where he had been filming another series of health videos (for
MyHealthTips.com), this time with Terry Jones.

4001 October 10, 2011

Erik the Viking: The Complete Viking (DVD: Arrow Video) is released in
the U.K. Special two-disc edition of the 1989 Terry Jones film containing
both the 2006 “Director’s Son’s Cut” and British theatrical versions. Bonus
features include audio commentaries by Jones, the documentaries The
Making of Erik the Viking (1989), The Evolution of a Director, The Casting
of a Comedy Adventure, The Special Effects of Erik the Viking, Making
Movie Magic on Malta, Jones and Cleese: A Grand Reunion, and Creating
the Look, also interviews, photo gallery, theatrical trailer, and a collector’s
booklet.

4002 October 12, 2011

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Obituary: Robert Buckman,” by Terry

Jones. Obituary for Dr. Robert Buckman, who had been collaborating with
Jones on a series of short films in the week before his death.

4003 October 14, 2011

The Damnation of Faust (TV special: BBC4). Berlioz’s 1846 opera,

directed by Terry Gilliam for the English National Opera. Starring Peter
Hoare and Christopher Purves.

4004 October 14, 2011

The Big Year (Feature film: Twentieth Century–Fox) opens in the U.S.
Comedy starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, with John
Cleese as Historical Montage Narrator. Directed by David Frankel.

4005 October 15, 2011

Terry Jones cuts the ribbon at the re-opening of the Theatr Colwyn in his
home town of Colwyn Bay, Wales. The venue, of which Jones is a patron,
had been closed for renovations. Afterward there is a benefit screening of
Holy Grail, followed by an interview with Jones (conducted by comedian
Phill Jupitus) and a Q&A.

4006 October 15–21, 2011

Radio Times (Magazine/U.K.). Terry Jones looks back on the Life of Brian
controversy.

4007 October 16, 2011

Michael Palin presents an appeal (on BBC Radio 4) on behalf of the

international development charity Motivation. His last appeal for the charity
in 2008 raised £40,000.

4008 October 18, 2011

Holy Flying Circus (TV special: BBC4). Comedic dramatization of events

surrounding the release of Monty Python’s controversial film Life of Brian
in 1979. The Pythons are played by Darren Boyd (John Cleese), Charles
Edwards (Michael Palin), Tom Fisher (Graham Chapman), Rufus Jones
(Terry Jones), Steve Punt (Eric Idle), and Phil Nichol (Terry Gilliam).
Also starring Ben Crispin (Jesus), Simon Greenall (Barry Atkins), Paul
Chahidi (Harry Balls), and Stephen Fry (God). Written by Tony Roche.
Directed by Owen Harris.

4009 October 18, 2011

The Kid’s Speech (TV special: BBC1). Documentary following three

children as they undergo intensive speech therapy over a two-week period
at The Michael Palin Center for Stammering Children (opened in London in
1993). Michael Palin is interviewed. Narrated by Daniel Rigby. Produced
& directed by David Brindley.

4010 October 21–29, 2011

The Alimony Tour (Stage show). John Cleese brings his one-man show to
South Africa, playing the Cape Town International Convention Centre (Oct.
21–22) and the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg (Oct. 25–29). While in
Johannesburg, Cleese records a radio ad for the online store Takealot.

4011 October 22, 2011

Rupert Bear and Me (Radio special: BBC Radio 4). Mark Radcliffe
presents a half-hour tribute to the little white bear of children’s comics and
talks to Rupert fans Terry Jones, John Thompson, and Terence Stamp.
Produced by Lorna Skingley. Note: Jones wrote, directed & hosted the TV
special The Rupert Bear Story—A Tribute to Alfred Bestall in 1982.

4012 November 3, 2011

An Evening with the President (Event). Michael Palin, president of the

Royal Geographical Society, speaks at Merewood Country House Hotel in
Windermere, England.

4013 November 4, 2011

Evil Machines (Book: Unbound), written by Terry Jones, is published.

Collection of 13 darkly-comic tales about machines that turn malevolent.
The stories, which include “The Truthful Phone” and “The Lift That Took
People to Places They Didn’t Want to Go,” originally appeared as the
libretto for a 2008 opera with music by Luis Tinoco. First book from the
reader-funded publisher, Unbound, which Jones helped launch at the Hay
Festival on May 29.

4014 November 4, 2011

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Charlie

Stayt and Susanna Reid. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting Evil Machines.

4015 November 4, 2011

Terry Jones attends the launch of his book Evil Machines at the Adam
Street Private Members Club in London.

4016 November 6, 2011

Sunday Night (TV talk show: Channel 7, in Australia). John Cleese talks to
interviewer Ross Coulthart about his stage show, divorce, and comedy.

4017 November 8, 2011

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (Feature film: Universal) is released on

video. Holiday children’s film starring the loveable St. Bernard, Beethoven.
Narrated by John Cleese. Starring Curtis Armstrong, Munro Chambers,
Robert Picardo, Kyle Massey, and the voice of Tom Arnold. Written by
Daniel Altiere and Steven Altiere. Directed by John Putch.

4018 November 11, 2011

Arthur Christmas (Feature film: Sony Pictures) is released in the U.K. This
3-D computer-animated holiday film, a collaboration between Aardman
Animations and Sony Pictures Animation, tells the story of Santa’s
bumbling son, Arthur, and his efforts to deliver one overlooked present on
Christmas Eve. Michael Palin voices Ernie Clicker. Voice cast also
includes James McAvoy (as Arthur), Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim
Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, and Ashley Jensen. Written by Sarah Smith
and Peter Baynham. Directed by Sarah Smith. Produced by Steve Pegram.
Opens in the U.S. on Nov. 23.

4019 November 12, 2011

Terry Jones attends the 6th Funchal International Film Festival (Nov. 12–
19) in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, where he is given an award for his
contribution to cinema at the opening night gala at the Teatro Municipal
Baltazar Dias. Jones was to have received the award at last year’s festival
(April 2010) but was unable to attend due to the volcanic ash cloud from
Iceland that disrupted air travel in Europe.

4020 November 13, 2011

Open Book (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Hosted by Mariella Frostrup
with John Mullen. Guest Terry Jones discusses the humor in the work of
Chaucer.
4021 November 17, 2011

The Guardian Books Podcast (Podcast). Terry Jones is interviewed about

writing books for children.

4022 November 17, 2011

John Cleese and his partner, Jennifer Wade, switch on the Christmas lights
at a ceremony in Bath, Somerset, England, where the couple are currently
residing part-time.

4023 November 19, 2011

Terry Gilliam receives the Premio Fellini (Fellini Award) from the Fellini
Foundation in Rimini, Italy.

4024 November 21, 2011

John Cleese Live: The Alimony Tour 2011 (DVD: ITV Studios) is released
in the U.K. John Cleese’s stand-up show, recorded in Bath on the last day
of his U.K. tour.

4025 November 21, 2011

John Cleese, promoting the Alimony Tour DVD, appears on the radio
shows The Chris Moyles Show (BBC Radio 1), Richard Bacon (BBC Radio
5 Live), Dominic King (BBC Radio Kent), and Judi Spiers Show (BBC
Radio Devon).

4026 November 21, 2011

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Matt Baker
and Alex Jones. Guest: John Cleese, promoting the Alimony Tour DVD,
also talks about his knee replacement, his teaching days, singing on
Broadway, etc.

4027 November 21, 2011

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Shouts & Murmurs: Who Wrote
Shakespeare?” by Eric Idle, p. 65. Humorous essay asserting that lack of
evidence is no reason for denouncing a theory.

4028 November 21, 2011

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Saban Free Clinic’s 35th Annual Dinner
Gala held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

4029 November 22, 2011

John Cleese, promoting the Alimony Tour DVD, appears on the radio
shows The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show (Absolute Radio), Steve
Wright in the Afternoon (BBC Radio 2), and Shaun Keaveny (BBC Radio 6
Music).

4030 November 23, 2011

Daybreak (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by John Stapleton and Christine
Bleakley. Guests: John Cleese, promoting his Alimony Tour DVD, Russell
Grant, Jodie Prenger, and Westlife.

4031 November 30, 2011

Terry Gilliam attends the Hidden Gems photography gala auction held at
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. The event raises funds for
Variety, the children’s charity.

4032 December 1, 2011

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Bill

Turnbull and Sian Williams. Guest Terry Gilliam talks about the battle to
get Brazil released in the U.S.

4033 December 3, 2011

The 2011 European Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam attends
the ceremony at the Tempodrom in Berlin, Germany, where his short film
The Wholly Family wins for Best European Short Film.
4034 December 3, 2011

Buddy Holly: Listen to Me—The Ultimate Buddy Party (TV special: PBS).
Eric Idle contributes a video message to this tribute concert (recorded Sept.
7), which followed the release of the album Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (on
which Idle performs “Raining in My Heart”).

4035 December 5, 2011

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Charlie

Stayt and Susanna Reid. Guest John Cleese talks about his stage tour and
DVD.

4036 December 5, 2011

This Morning (TV news-talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Phillip Schofield and
Holly Willoughby. Guest: John Cleese, promoting his Alimony Tour DVD.

4037 December 5, 2011

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Mark Lawson interviews John
Cleese about his Alimony Tour DVD, his expensive divorce, Python writing
sessions, Life of Brian controversy, etc.

4038 December 6, 2011

Terry Gilliam is honored with the Golden Star Award at the 11th Annual
Marrakech International Film Festival (Dec. 2–10) in Marrakech, Morocco.

4039 December 7, 2011

Film 2011 (TV show: BBC1). Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Terry

Gilliam discusses the making of his 1985 film Brazil.

4040 December 8, 2011

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Guests include Eric
Idle, Matthew Bourne, and Sir Roger Moore.
4041 December 8, 2011

Michael Palin attends a reception hosted by the Queen and the Duke of
Edinburgh celebrating “Exploration and Adventure” at Buckingham Palace
in London. Other guests include Sir David Attenborough, mountaineer Sir
Chris Bonington, and Bear Grylls.

4042 December 9, 2011

Michael Palin gives a reading at the York Minster Christmas Carol Concert
in York, England.

4043 December 10, 2011

Telegraph Magazine (Magazine/U.K.). “The World of: Terry Jones.” Jones

(interviewed by Angela Wintle) discusses his routine, childhood, typewriter,
love of Rupert Bear, etc.

4044 December 10, 2011

Loose Ends (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Clive Anderson talks to Eric
Idle about Spamalot’s new U.K. tour.

4045 December 15, 2011

Spamalot’s new U.K. tour begins with a four-week residency at The Theatre
Royal in Brighton. The production features Marcus Brigstocke (King
Arthur) and Jodie Prenger (Lady of the Lake). Eric Idle also appears (on
film) as God.

4046 December 16, 2011

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Mark Lawson interviews
Terry Jones about Python and his new book Evil Machines.

4047 December 24, 2011

The Many Faces of Les Dawson (TV special: BBC2). Profile of British
comedian Les Dawson (1931–1993). John Cleese, who worked with
Dawson on his 1970s series Sez Les, is among the interviewees. Narrated by
Sally Phillips. Produced & directed by Charlie Stuart.

4048 January 2012

Michael Palin visits Amazônia and Brasília in Brazil to film part of his new
BBC series Brazil with Michael Palin.

4049 January 2012

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (Training film: Video Arts). Second remake of

the best-selling 1976 training film (previously remade in 1993). In this
version John Cleese, who played the manager in the earlier films, takes the
role of the Judge. Also starring Will Smith, Howard Charles, Felix Dexter,
Matt Green, Rebecca Johnson, and Susie Kane. Written by John Cleese and
Antony Jay. Directed by Sean Hardie.

4050 January 2012

Terry Jones is reported to be collaborating with composer-lyricist Jim

Steinman on a heavy-metal version of the Tchaikovsky ballet The
Nutcracker.

4051 January 2, 2012

French and Saunders (Radio special: BBC Radio 2). Hosted by Dawn
French and Jennifer Saunders. Guests: Michael Palin and Tracey Emin.

4052 January 7, 2012

John Howard Davies: A Life in Comedy (TV special: BBC2). Profile of the
late John Howard Davies, who directed episodes of Monty Python’s Flying
Circus (in 1969) and Fawlty Towers (in 1975). John Cleese is among those
paying tribute. Hosted by Penelope Keith. Produced & directed by Hannah
Robson.

4053 January 14, 2012

Ken Russell: A Bit of a Devil (TV special: BBC2). Documentary about
maverick film director Ken Russell (1927–2011). Interviewees include
Terry Gilliam, Twiggy, Roger Daltrey, and Glenda Jackson. Hosted by
Alan Yentob. Directed by Eleanor Horne. Produced by Allan Campbell.

4054 January 16, 2012

MyHealthTips.com (Web videos). Canadian-made series of videos presented

by Dr. Rob Buckman and Terry Jones. The five videos, which use comedy
to get points across, focus on five different health concerns: “Type 2
Diabetes,” “Weight Control,” “Asthma,” “High Blood Pressure,” and
“Quitting Smoking.” Written by Terry Jones. Directed by Bill Jones (son
of Terry). Note: Buckman died on Oct. 9 while on board a plane flying
back to Toronto from London, where he had just spent a week shooting the
videos.

4055 January 19, 2012

Here and Now Toronto (Radio talk show: CBC, in Canada). Laura Di
Battista talks with guest Terry Jones about the health videos he made with
the late Dr. Rob Buckman.

4056 January 19, 2012

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (TV talk show: CBC, in Canada).

Hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos. Guest Terry Jones, promoting the
MyHealthTips.com videos, talks about his bowel cancer scare (in 2006),
working in Python, and how the arms industry drives us into war. Note:
Terry Gilliam appeared on the show in December 2009 when it was called
The Hour.

4057 January 19, 2012

The Project (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). John Cleese, speaking from
Perth, talks about his Australian tour, also Fawlty Towers, Python, etc. He
will appear again on the program (in the studio) when his tour comes to
Melbourne in March.
4058 January 19, 2012

The Film Programme (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). Host Francine Stock
talks to Terry Gilliam about his short film The Wholly Family.

4059 January 19, 2012

Terry Gilliam discusses his work before a group of film students at the
Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa in Palermo, Italy. The talk is followed by a
screening of the documentary Lost in La Mancha. Gilliam’s production of
the Berlioz opera The Damnation of Faust opens in Palermo on Jan. 22.

4060 January 20, 2012

The Morning Show (TV news-talk show: Global TV, in Canada). Hosted by
Liza Fromer. Guest: Terry Jones, promoting the MyHealthTips.com videos.

4061 January 20, 2012

The Circle (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Guest-hosted by Indira

Naidoo and Michala Banas. Yumi Stynes talks to John Cleese about his
career and upcoming Australian tour.

4062 January 22–April 16, 2012

An Evening with John Cleese (Stage show). John Cleese tours Australia
with his one-man show (previously titled The Alimony Tour), performing 54
dates. Venues: Regal Theatre in Perth (Jan. 22–25, 27–Feb. 1, 3), Her
Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide (Feb. 6–11), QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane
(Feb. 20–27), The Arts Centre in Gold Coast (Feb. 29 & Mar. 1), Civic
Theatre in Newcastle (Mar. 5–7), Comedy Theatre in Melbourne (Mar. 12–
17), Princess Theatre in Melbourne (Mar. 19–24, 26, 27), State Theatre in
Sydney (Mar. 30–Apr. 2, 4), and Canberra Theatre in Canberra (Apr. 12,
14–16).

4063 January 22, 2012

The opera The Damnation of Faust, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens at the
Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Italy. In this new production, which will run
until Jan. 29, Faust is played by Gianluca Terranova; the conductor is
Roberto Abbado. The original production, with the English National Opera,
premiered at the London Coliseum in May 2011. Faust will open in
Belgium in September.

4064 January 23, 2012

The Guardian hosts an online screening of Terry Gilliam’s short film The
Wholly Family, with Gilliam participating in a live-blogged interview (with
Peter Bradshaw) and post-screening Q&A.

4065 January 27, 2012

BBC Breakfast (TV news show: BBC1/News Channel). Hosted by Charlie

Stayt and Susanna Reid. Guest Terry Jones discusses his next film project,
Absolutely Anything (set to feature the voices of John Cleese, Terry
Gilliam, and Michael Palin) and silent films.

4066 January 28, 2012

He’s Not the Messiah He’s...Terry Jones! (Event). Terry Jones introduces a
screening of Life of Brian at Colston Hall in Bristol, England as part of the
Slapstick Festival (Jan. 26–29). Jones also participates in a discussion
about the film with Sanjeev Bhaskar.

4067 January 31, 2012

Afternoons with Gillian O’Shaughnessy (Radio news-talk show: 720 ABC

Perth, in Australia). Gillian O’Shaughnessy interviews John Cleese, who
talks about his early years, working with Python, etc. and takes questions
from callers.

4068 February 1, 2012

Terry Jones turns 70.

4069 February 1, 2012

Whitney (TV episode: NBC). “Mind Games.” John Cleese guest-stars as
couples therapist Dr. Grant in this episode of the new sitcom starring
comedian Whitney Cummings. Written by Betsy Thomas and Adrian
Wenner. Directed by Linda Mendoza.

4070 February 5, 2012

The Cricklewood Greats (TV special: BBC4). Mock-documentary, directed

& hosted by Peter Capaldi, exploring the history of London’s “legendary”
Cricklewood Film Studios. Terry Gilliam plays Terry Gilliam, the director
of an out-of-control film project that drove the studio into bankruptcy in the
1980s. Written by Peter Capaldi and Tony Roche. Produced by Adam
Tandy.

4071 February 7, 2012

Terry Gilliam attends a lunch at the Savoy Hotel in London celebrating

actor John Hurt’s BAFTA award for Outstanding British Contribution to
Cinema.

4072 February 9, 2012

Eric Idle is among a small gathering of friends and family (and a few lucky
fans) attending an intimate concert by Paul McCartney, backed by Diana
Krall and others, at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The show, which
features songs off his new album Kisses on the Bottom, is streamed live on
iTunes. A few hours earlier McCartney’s star was unveiled on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.

4073 February 12, 2012

Terry Gilliam attends the BAFTA Awards after-party at the Grosvenor

House Hotel in London.

4074 February 22, 2012

Michael Meets...Michael Katakis (Event). Michael Palin interviews writer

and photographer Michael Katakis at the Royal Geographical Society in
London.

4075 February 23, 2012

An Evening with the President (Event). Michael Palin, president of the

Royal Geographical Society, speaks at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral in
Norwich, England.

4076 February 27, 2012

Michael Palin attends the BBC Worldwide Showcase at the BT Convention

Centre in Liverpool. Among the new BBC programs being promoted at the
television festival is the four-part travel series Brazil with Michael Palin.

4077 February 27, 2012

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests:
Eric Idle, promoting his play What About Dick? (coming in April), and
Sarah Paulson. Idle also plays the harmonica, winning the “Golden Mouth
Organ.”

4078 February 28, 2012

Eric Idle attends the opening night of Spamalot at the Pantages Theatre in
Los Angeles.

4079 March 2, 2012

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Chris
Evans and Alex Jones. Guests: Michael Palin and Terry Jones, promoting
the Ripping Yarns DVD, also Willem Defoe and Gyles Brandreth.

4080 March 3, 2012

Michael Palin and Terry Jones participate in a one-legged “Hopathon” for

charity at Hampstead Heath Athletics Track in North London. The event is
part of a promotion for the DVD re-release of Ripping Yarns. A 30-mile hop
was featured in the Yarns pilot episode Tomkinson’s Schooldays.
4081 March 4, 2012

The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 (Stage show). Amnesty International

benefit show staged for the first time in America (the first Ball, featuring
John Cleese, Terry Jones & Michael Palin, was staged in London in June
1979), at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Eric Idle, Jones & Palin appear
in pre-recorded video messages. Other stars include Jon Stewart, Eddie
Izzard, Kristen Wiig, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand, Reggie Watts, and
Coldplay. Streamed live on Epix in the U.S. and shown Mar. 9 in the U.K.

4082 March 5, 2012

The Complete Ripping Yarns (DVD: Network) is re-released in the U.K.

The series was previously released on DVD in 2004. Michael Palin and
Terry Jones sign copies of the DVD at HMV Oxford Street, London.

4083 March 6, 2012

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Blu-ray: Sony Pictures). The 1975 film
—previously released on DVD in a two-disc Special Edition (2001) and a
three-disc Extraordinarily Deluxe Edition (2006)—debuts on Blu-ray. New
features: “The Holy Book of Days Second Screen Experience,” “Lost
Animations” (introduced by Terry Gilliam), and “Outtakes & Extended
Scenes” (introduced by Terry Jones).

4084 March 6, 2012

Monty Python: The Holy Book of Days (iPad app). App giving users the
chance to follow the day-by-day filming of Holy Grail over 28 days in the
spring of 1974. The behind-the-scenes materials include the script (with
handwritten notes), outtakes, stills, storyboards, songs, sound effects,
Michael Palin’s diary entries, etc. Designed to sync with the film’s Blu-ray
release as a “Second Screen” experience. Produced by Melcher Media.

4085 March 9, 2012

The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012, the Mar. 4 Amnesty International show,
airs in the U.K. on Channel 4.
4086 March 9, 2012

The Project (TV talk show: Ten, in Australia). Guest John Cleese,
appearing live in the studio (in Melbourne), talks about his Australian tour,
Python, meeting the Queen, etc.

4087 March 11, 2012

Douglas Adams: The Party (Event). Terry Jones participates in an onstage

conversation (with Clive Anderson) about the late Douglas Adams, author
of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, at this event commemorating
Adams’ 60th birthday. The event, which takes place at the Hammersmith
Apollo in London, benefits the Save the Rhino charity. Adams died in 2001.

4088 March 12, 2012

Empire (TV episode: BBC1). “Playing the Game.” Third episode in a five-
part documentary series telling the story of the British Empire. Michael
Palin joins host Jeremy Paxman in viewing a scene from the “Roger of the
Raj” episode of Ripping Yarns and comments on the stories that inspired the
series. Directed by Robin Dashwood and David Vincent.

4089 March 14, 2012

Adam Hills in Gordon St. Tonight (TV show: ABC1, in Australia). Guests:
John Cleese, Tom Green, Lachy Hulme, and Julia Morris. Also, Cleese
recreates the “Fish-Slapping Dance” with a 15-year-old fan.

4090 March 29, 2012

Terry Jones attends the Teenage Cancer Trust concert, featuring Sir Paul
McCartney, at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

4091 March 31, 2012

Arena (TV arts show: BBC2). “Jonathan Miller.” Profile of comedian,

doctor, and theatre/opera/TV director Sir Jonathan Miller. Interviewees
include Miller, Eric Idle (who starred in Miller’s 1986 production of The
Mikado), Penelope Wilton, Oliver Sacks, and Kevin Spacey. Produced &
directed by David Thompson.

4092 April 2012

Michael Palin visits São Paulo and The South of Brazil for the last of four
film shoots for his new BBC series Brazil with Michael Palin.

4093 April 1, 2012

John Cleese takes part in an interview (with Oscar Hillerstrom) and Q&A
following a screening of the 2010 film Spud, in which he co-stars, at the
Cremorne Orpheum in Sydney, Australia. Cleese is touring the country with
his one-man show An Evening with John Cleese.

4094 April 5, 2012

Terry Gilliam introduces a screening of his short film The Wholly Family
on the opening night of the 30th Brussels International Fantastic Film
Festival (BIFFF) (Apr. 5–17) in Brussels, Belgium. He is also made a
“Knight of the Order of the Raven” during the festival’s opening ceremony.

4095 April 8, 2012

Perspectives (TV arts show: ITV1). “Sergeant on Spike.” Journalist-

broadcaster John Sergeant explores the life and career of his comedy idol,
Spike Milligan. Sergeant talks to Michael Palin (about Milligan’s TV
work), Eddie Izzard, Noel Fielding, director Richard Lester, and others.
Produced & directed by Christopher Bruce.

4096 April 26–29, 2012

What About Dick? (Play), written by Eric Idle, runs for four nights at the
Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. Comic play (with music), described by
Idle as “the decline and fall of the British Empire as seen through the eyes
of a piano,” starring Russell Brand as Dick, a student of philosophy and
gynecology at Oxford who lives in the home of his cousins and alcoholic
aunt. A workshop version of the play was presented in November 2007 at
the Ricardo Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. Also starring Idle (as
narrator), Billy Connolly, Tim Curry, Eddie Izzard, Jane Leeves, Jim
Piddock, Tracey Ullman, and Sophie Winkleman. Features eight new songs
(by Idle & composer John Du Prez), including “Arsetrology,” “Blow Me (a
Kiss in the Moonlight),” “He’s Different (Not Gay),” “My Piano,” and “The
Lament of the Lonely Trout.” A film of the play will be made available
online Nov. 13.

4097 April 27, 2012

John Le Mesurier: It’s All Been Rather Lovely (TV special: BBC2). Profile
of the late British character actor John Le Mesurier (Dad’s Army). Michael
Palin, who worked with Le Mesurier in the late 1970s (Jabberwocky,
Ripping Yarns), is among the interviewees. Narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
Produced & directed by Lucy Kenwright.

4098 May 2012

The Medieval Python: The Purposive and Provocative Work of Terry Jones
(Book: Palgrave Macmillan), edited by Robert F. Yeager and Toshiyuki
Takamiya, is published. Collection of essays by various contributors paying
tribute to Terry Jones for his work as a medieval scholar. Includes “Terry
Jones: The Complete Medievalist,” by Michael Palin, pp. 55–58.

4099 May 1, 2012

Michael Meets...Dervla Murphy (Event). Michael Palin interviews Irish

writer and traveler Dervla Murphy in the last installment of his “Michael
Meets...” series for the Royal Geographical Society in London.

4100 May 1, 2012

The South Bank Sky Arts Awards (Award ceremony). The English National
Opera production of The Damnation of Faust, directed by Terry Gilliam, is
awarded the prize for best opera at the ceremony held at the Dorchester
Hotel in London. Gilliam and ENO Artistic Director John Berry accept the
award. The ceremony, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, airs on Sky Arts 1.
4101 May 3, 2012

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, and Carol Cleveland appear at
the Regent Street Apple Store in London to introduce the Monty Python’s
Flying Circus: Python Bytes app, which includes 22 sketches from the first
series (with commentary). Edith Bowman interviews the Pythons for a
“Meet the Comedians” panel discussion.

4102 May 6, 2012

The Simpsons (TV episode: Fox). “The Spy Who Learned Me.” Eric Idle
voices the role of Declan Desmond (for the fourth time since 2003), who
presents a Super Size Me-style documentary on the dangers of eating Krusty
Burgers. Other voices by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright,
Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, and Bryan Cranston. Written
by Marc Wilmore. Directed by Bob Anderson.

4103 May 6, 2012

The 2nd Annual KPFK Hero Awards and Tribute (Award ceremony). Eric
Idle is a presenter at the benefit event, held at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

4104 May 7, 2012

It’s My Story (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). “White Chief Humphrey.”
Michael Palin introduces the story of how TV comedy producer Humphrey
Barclay (Do Not Adjust Your Set) became the chief of an African village in
Ghana.

4105 May 21, 2012

Terry Gilliam attends the Filmmakers Dinner and award ceremony, during
the 65th Cannes Film Festival, at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap
d’Antibes, France. The event is hosted by IWC Schaffhausen (Swiss
watchmakers). During the dinner Gilliam receives the Finch’s Quarterly
Filmmaker Award.

4106 May 23–26, 2012

An Evening with John Cleese (Stage show). John Cleese brings his one-
man show to Dubai for four nights at the First Group Theatre at Souk
Madinat Jumeirah.

4107 May 28, 2012

Terry Gilliam presents a street exhibition of his short film The Wholly
Family in Stoleshnikov Lane at the opening of the summer museum season
in Moscow, Russia. The exhibition, which consists of a series of stills and
sketches from the film, was organized by Holly Gilliam (the director’s
daughter).

4108 June 1, 2012

What’s So Great About...? (Radio episode: BBC Radio 4). Host Lenny
Henry asks: “What’s so great about Chaucer?” Medievalist Terry Jones,
scholar Ardis Butterfield, and playwright Mike Poulton present their cases.
Produced by Simon Elmes.

4109 June 7, 2012

The One Show (TV show: BBC1). Magazine program hosted by Matt Baker
and Alex Jones. Guest: Eric Idle, promoting the new West End production
of Spamalot.

4110 June 23, 2012

The Daily Telegraph Review (Magazine/U.K.). “Michael Palin: ‘The Dalai

Lama and I have a lot in common,’” by Mick Brown. Interview with
Michael Palin about his new novel The Truth, with cover photo of Palin.

4111 June 24 & 25, 2012

Terry Gilliam attends the 58th Taormina Film Festival (June 22–28) in
Taormina, Sicily, where he is presented with the Cubovision Award and
hosts a master class titled “The Imagination of Dr. Gilliam.”

4112 July 2012

DirectTV (Questions) (TV commercial). John Cleese plays a wealthy
Englishman who, while appearing in a variety of outlandish costumes and
situations, questions himself about DirectTV’s “Best Offer of the Year.”
Directed by Tom Kuntz. Agency: Grey, New York.

4113 July 2012

Terry Gilliam attends the 10th Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest
(July 7–15) on the Isle of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy, where he receives
the Keys to the City (July 10), takes part in a master class on acting and a
panel on script writing (July 10), and presents the Ischia Legend Award to
directors Paolo and Vittorio Taviani (July 11).

4114 July 2012

John Cleese films Spud 2, a sequel to the 2010 film, in South Africa.

4115 July 2–13, 2012

Book at Bedtime (Radio show: BBC Radio 4). “The Truth.” Alex Jennings
reads Michael Palin’s new novel in ten parts. Produced by Joanna Green.

4116 July 2, 2012

Simon Mayo Drivetime (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Guest: Michael
Palin, promoting The Truth.

4117 July 3, 2012

Books and Arts Daily (Radio talk show: ABC Radio National, in Australia).
Hosted by Michael Cathcart. Guest Michael Palin talks about his book The
Truth.

4118 July 3, 2012

Michael Palin—The Truth (Event). Michael Palin talks to author Joseph

Connolly about his life, career, and latest novel The Truth at The Gallery at
Foyles bookshop, Charing Cross Road, London.
4119 July 4, 2012

This Morning (TV news show: ITV1). Hosted by Phillip Schofield and
Holly Willoughby. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting The Truth.

4120 July 5, 2012

The Truth (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin, is

published. Palin’s second novel (following 1995’s Hemingway’s Chair)
tells the story of a hack writer, Keith Mabbut, who is commissioned to pen
the biography of an elusive environmental activist and humanitarian.
Mabbut’s assignment takes him to North East India where he finds “the
truth” about his subject to be just as elusive.

Reviews: DJ Taylor (The Guardian, July 14, 2012, p. 14): “...The Truth is
immensely well-intentioned, resolutely on the side of the angels and
overflowing with wry good humour ... nonetheless the reader may well
conclude that the material needed a Paul Theroux or a Justin Cartwright to
do it justice”; Rachel Redford (The Observer, July 15, 2012, p. 38):
“Michael Palin’s second novel establishes him as an assured storyteller.”

4121 July 6, 2012

Michael Palin talks about his new book, The Truth, at the 2012 Telegraph
Ways with Words Festival at Dartington Hall in Devon, England.

4122 July 6, 2012

Terry Gilliam and his wife attend the world premiere of a newly-restored
version of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 silent thriller Blackmail at the British
Museum in London (the film’s climax is set on the roof of the Museum).
Part of the BFI’s “The Genius of Hitchcock” retrospective.

4123 July 8, 2012

Open Book (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 4). Mariella Frostrup talks to
Michael Palin about his new novel The Truth.

4124 July 9, 2012

The Book Café (Radio show: BBC Radio Scotland). Claire English talks to
Michael Palin about his new novel The Truth.

4125 July 13, 2012

The Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman (Radio show: BBC Radio
2). Claudia Winkleman talks to Michael Palin about his new book The
Truth.

4126 July 15, 2012

Understanding Stammering or Stuttering: A Guide for Parents, Teachers

and Other Professionals (Book: Jessica Kingsley Publishers), written by
Elaine Kelman and Alison Whyte with a foreword by Michael Palin, is
published. Kelman is a speech therapist at the Michael Palin Centre for
Stammering Children.

4127 July 16, 2012

The Times (London) (Newspaper/U.K.). “Why My Lear Opera is Utterly

Runcible,” by Terry Jones. Article on Jones’ new opera The Owl and the
Pussycat.

4128 July 19, 2012

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show...Live! (Stage show).

Terry Jones guest stars as the Voice of the Book in a stage production of
Douglas Adams’ radio serial performed at the Hackney Empire Theatre in
London. Also starring Simon Jones (from the original radio & TV versions)
as Arthur Dent. Adapted & directed by Dirk Maggs. Other guest stars
voicing the book during the production’s U.K. tour include Andrew Sachs,
John Lloyd, Roger McGough, Phill Jupitus, and Neil Gaiman.

4129 July 20, 2012

Front Row (Radio arts show: BBC Radio 4). Kirsty Lang talks to Terry
Jones and composer Anne Dudley about their new opera The Owl and the
Pussycat.
4130 July 20, 2012

The Owl and the Pussycat (Opera) premieres on a canal barge at Brentford
Lock, London. Short children’s opera based on Edward Lear’s 1871 poem,
with libretto by Terry Jones and music by Anne Dudley, presented in a
water-bound production as part of the London 2012 Festival (June 21–Sept.
9). The work, which is being performed throughout July on various London
canals and waterways, was commissioned jointly by the Mayor of London
and the Royal Opera House with the goal of bringing opera to strange
places and new audiences. This is Jones and Dudley’s second collaboration
following their 2011 opera The Doctor’s Tale. Directed by Martin
Constantine. Note: Eric Idle had earlier adapted the poem for his 1996
children’s book The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the
Pussycat.

4131 July 24–September 9, 2012

Eric Idle’s Spamalot returns to London’s West End for a run at the Harold
Pinter Theatre. The production stars Marcus Brigstocke (King Arthur) and
Bonnie Langford (Lady of the Lake).

4132 July 24, 2012

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Terry Jones: The Python, the Owl and
the Pussycat,” by Stuart Jeffries. Interview with Jones (conducted at his
Highgate, London, home) about writing the libretto for the opera The Owl
and the Pussycat.

4133 July 29, 2012

The New Review (The Independent) (Magazine/U.K.). “The Dark Knight

Rises: Perhaps Michael Palin Isn’t the Nicest Chap in Britain After All...,”
by Robert Chalmers. Interview with Palin at his North London home. Palin
also appears on the cover.

4134 August 2, 2012

John Cleese, 72, marries his girlfriend Jennifer Wade, 41, in a private
ceremony on the island of Mustique in the Carribean. Hello! magazine is
given exclusive access to the event and features the newlyweds on the cover
of its Aug. 20 issue. Wade is Cleese’s fourth wife, following Connie Booth
[1968–78], Barbara Trentham [1981–90], and Alyce Faye Eichelberger
[1992–2008].

4135 August 12, 2012

Eric Idle performs “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” during the
closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The elaborate
production number features Idle singing the classic Python ditty amid a cast
of sexy angels, Indian dancers, and roller-blading nuns.

4136 August 13, 2012

Michael Palin talks to literary agent Jenny Brown about his book The Truth
in an event at the RBS Main Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland, as part of the
Edinburgh International Book Festival (Aug. 10–26).

4137 August 20, 2012

Hello! (Magazine/U.K.). Cover story on John Cleese’s marriage to Jennifer

Wade on Aug. 2. The magazine was given exclusive access to the event.

4138 September 2012

John Cleese begins writing his autobiography.

4139 September 6, 2012

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Barry Cryer, and Carol Cleveland gather
together to unveil a blue plaque outside the Angel Pub in Highgate, North
London. The plaque, created by The British Comedy Society, is dedicated
to Graham Chapman (“A very naughty boy”), who drank at the pub “often
and copiously.”

4140 September 8, 2012

A Liar’s Autobiography—The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham
Chapman (Feature film: Epix/Brainstorm Media) premieres in Toronto. 3-D
animated adaptation of Graham Chapman’s semi-fictionalized 1980
memoir. The film, produced through the combined efforts of 14 animation
studios, uses Chapman’s actual voice (taken from audio recordings he
made for the book) and those of the other Pythons (minus Idle). Airs on
EPIX and opens in selected U.S. theaters on Nov. 2. Featuring the voices of
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael
Palin, Carol Cleveland, Cameron Diaz, and Philip Bulcock. Written &
directed by Ben Timlett, Bill Jones, and Jeff Simpson. Produced by Ben
Timlett and Bill Jones. Note: Timlett and Jones (son of Terry) previously
produced the 2009 documentary series Monty Python: Almost the Truth—
The Lawyer’s Cut.

4141 September 8, 2012

Terry Jones attends the world premiere of A Liar’s Autobiography—The

Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman at the TIFF Bell
Lightbox in Toronto, Canada, as part of the 37th annual Toronto
International Film Festival (Sept. 6–16).

4142 September 10, 2012

Writing and Travelling (Event). Michael Palin joins author Patrick French
for a conversation at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, Ivy House as part
of the Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival (Sept. 9–11). Palin talks
about his new books The Truth and Brazil.

4143 September 13, 2012

From Brazil to The Truth (Event). Michael Palin talks to Rebecca Jones
about his new books The Truth and Brazil at the Burlington Pavilion,
Chiswick House, Chiswick (west London) as a pre-festival event of the 4th
Chiswick Book Festival (Sept. 14–16). Followed by a book signing.

4144 September 13, 2012

God Loves Caviar (Feature film), world premiere at the Toronto
International Film Festival. Greek/Russian film about the 18th-century
Greek pirate and merchant Ioannis Varvakis. John Cleese plays
McCormick, an English colonial officer. Starring Sebastian Koch, Catherine
Deneuve, and Juan Diego Botto. Directed by Yannis Smaragdis. Opens in
Greece on Oct. 11.

4145 September 14, 2012

Eric Idle attends the launch party for Salman Rushdie’s book Joseph
Anton: A Memoir at The Collection in London. Idle was a guest at the April
2004 wedding of Rushdie and Padma Lakshmi.

4146 September 16, 2012

The opera The Damnation of Faust, directed by Terry Gilliam, opens in

Ghent, Belgium. Faust is played by American tenor Michael Spyres; the
conductor is Dmitri Jurowski. The production will play in Ghent until Sept.
23, then move on to Antwerp (Oct. 3–14). The original production
premiered in London in May 2011.

4147 September 24, 2012

Searching for Truth (Event). Michael Palin talks to Emma Freud about his
new novel, The Truth, at the Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames,
England as part of the Henley Literary Festival (Sept. 24–30).

4148 September 25, 2012

Michael Palin attends the launch party for chef Antonio Carluccio’s new
memoir A Recipe for Life at Carluccio’s restaurant in Garrick Street,
London.

4149 September 26, 2012

The Province (B.C.) (Newspaper/Can.). “John Cleese: Why I Love Having

Insurance,” by John Cleese, p. A16. Cleese on the virtues of insurance (his
father was an insurance salesman). The article is part of an ad campaign for
the Pacific Blue Cross insurance company of British Columbia, for which
Cleese is a spokesman.

4150 September 28, 2012

Michael Palin is interviewed about his career (and new book The Truth) by
travel writer Barnaby Rogerson before an audience at the Soho Theatre in
London as part of the Soho Literary Festival (Sept. 27–30).

4151 October 2012

Discovering King’s Cross: A Pop-Up Book (Book: Cicada Books),

illustrated by Lucy Dalzell with texts by Michael Palin (foreword) and Dan
Cruickshank, is published in the U.K. Pop-up book exploring the 160-year
history of King’s Cross station in London.

4152 October 2, 2012

Terry Jones attends a gala screening of a restored version of the Beatles’

1967 TV film Magical Mystery Tour at The BFI Southbank in London. Paul
McCartney also attends.

4153 October 3, 2012

Michael Palin attends the launch for Discovering King’s Cross: A Pop-Up
Book, for which he wrote the foreword, in the Parcel Yard Pub at King’s
Cross station in London.

4154 October 5, 2012

Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO (TV special: BBC4). One-
hour documentary on musician Jeff Lynne, includes interviews with his
friends and collaborators Eric Idle, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Dhani
Harrison, and others. Written & directed by Martyn Atkins.

4155 October 6, 2012

Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales) (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘It’s like a re-birth of

life.’ Not Even Bowel Cancer Could Slow Monty Python Star Terry Jones
Down...,” by Emily Lambert. Interview with Jones, who talks about still
feeling young at age 70.

4156 October 6, 2012

Brazil (Lecture). Michael Palin gives an illustrated talk about his new
travel series & book at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, England as
part of the Times Cheltenham Literature Festival (Oct. 5–14).

4157 October 6, 2012

Arena (TV special: BBC2). “Magical Mystery Tour Revisited.”

Documentary on the making of the Beatles’ 1967 TV film Magical Mystery
Tour. Interviewees include Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Terry Gilliam,
Martin Scorsese, and Neil Innes. Directed by Francis Hanly. Produced by
Jonathan Clyde.

4158 October 10, 2012

Michael Palin gives an illustrated talk about Brazil at The Forum in Bath,
England as part of the 2012 Bath Autumn Book Festival (Oct. 5–16). The
talk, hosted by Topping & Company Booksellers, is followed by a book-
signing.

4159 October 11, 2012

Brazil (Book: Weidenfeld & Nicolson), written by Michael Palin, is

published in the U.K. Palin’s account of his visit to South America’s largest
country. Companion book to the upcoming BBC TV series. Photographed
& designed by Basil Pao.

4160 October 12, 2012

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show (Radio show: BBC Radio 2). Guest:
Michael Palin, promoting his new travel series Brazil.

4161 October 15, 2012

The New Yorker (Magazine/U.S.). “Shouts & Murmurs: In Me Own
Words,” by Eric Idle, p. 37. An excerpt from “The Rock and Roll Memoirs
of Eff (Stiffie) Steffham.”

4162 October 16, 2012

A Liar’s Autobiography—The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham

Chapman has its London premiere at the Empire Cinema in Leicester
Square as part of the 56th BFI London Film Festival (Oct. 10–21). Michael
Palin and Terry Jones attend the screening. The two Pythons also appear at
a press conference with the film’s writer-directors Ben Timlett, Bill Jones,
and Jeff Simpson.

4163 October 19, 2012

The Guardian (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin’s Brazil.” Palin

describes the Brazil he discovered making his latest travel series.

4164 October 20, 2012

The Times Magazine (London) (Magazine/U.K.). “What I’ve Learnt.”

Michael Palin interview.

4165 October 22, 2012

Terry Gilliam begins shooting his next film, The Zero Theorem, in
Bucharest, Romania. The film, which is being made by MediaPro Studios
from a script by Pat Rushin, stars Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Thierry, David
Thewlis, Lucas Hedges, Tilda Swinton, and Matt Damon (who previously
worked with Gilliam on The Brothers Grimm). Gilliam’s last feature-length
film was 2009’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

4166 October 22, 2012

Daybreak (TV talk show: ITV1). Hosted by Aled Jones and Lorraine Kelly.
Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Brazil.

4167 October 23, 2012

The Alan Titchmarsh Show (TV talk show: ITV). Daytime talk show.
Guests: Michael Palin, promoting Brazil, and The Nolans.

4168 October 24–November 14, 2012

The four-part travel series Brazil with Michael Palin airs on BBC1. Palin
travels to the fifth-largest country on Earth for his first travel program since
2007’s New Europe. John Paul Davidson is series producer.

Reviews: John Crace (The Guardian, Oct. 25, 2012, p. 21): “Palin is a
thoroughly agreeable companion.... But it did feel a bit like Brazil on
valium”; Gerard O’Donovan (The Daily Telegraph, Oct. 25, 2012, p. 36):
“...a hugely enjoyable introduction to a country that looks all too capable of
overwhelming the unsuspecting visitor with its unstoppable zest for life....
Palin remained, as ever, a calm and exceptionally charming guide.”

4169 October 24, 2012

Brazil with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Out of Africa.” Michael
Palin’s Brazilian journey begins in the North-East region of the country
where a mix of races (natives, Portuguese explorers, and African slaves)
and cultures produced the Brazil we know today. He witnesses the festival
of Bumba Meu Boi (in São Luís), then heads down the coast to Recife,
joins a gathering of Brazilian cowboys (or vaqueros) (west of Serrita), and
visits the city of Salvador, where he learns how to drum at the Olodum
school and observes the martial art of capoeira. Part one of a four-part
series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Francis Hanly.

4170 October 26, 2012

A photograph of Terry Gilliam, posing semi-nude with a spider crab, goes

on display at the “Fishlove” exhibition in Soho, London. The exhibition, by
the photographer Rankin, is part of a campaign to end over-fishing.

4171 October 31, 2012

Brazil with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “Into Amazonia.” Michael
Palin travels to a remote village in the Amazon rainforest in North-West
Brazil where he visits with the indigenous Yanomami tribe. He also watches
a rehearsal of the Amazon Philharmonic Orchestra (in Manaus), views the
remains of Henry Ford’s ill-fated rubber plantation “Fordlândia” (south of
Santarém), meets music producer Priscilla (Belem), visits a Wauja village
(Upper Xingu), and meets rock star/activist Dinho Ouro Preto in the capital
city of Brasília. Part two of a four-part series. Written & narrated by
Michael Palin. Directed by John Paul Davidson.

4172 October 31, 2012

Close Up (TV show: TV One, in New Zealand). Mark Sainsbury interviews

Michael Palin about traveling, Python, being called “nice,” etc.

4173 October 31, 2012

Spend an Hour with Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin talks to Finlay
Macdonald about Brazil and The Truth at The Spencer on Byron Hotel in
Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Followed by a book-signing.

4174 Late October–November 2012

Michael Palin tours New Zealand and Austalia promoting his new book &
TV series Brazil.

4175 November–December 2012

Michael Palin visits book stores throughout the U.K. and Ireland signing
copies of his new book Brazil. Stores include Waterstones Bluewater in
Kent (Nov. 22), Eason’s in Belfast (Nov. 23), Dubray Books in Dublin
(Nov. 24), WH Smith in Guildford (Nov. 26), Waterstones in Staines (Nov.
27), WH Smith in Milton Keynes (Nov. 29), Stanfords in Covent Garden,
London (Dec. 5), Blackwells in Oxford (Dec. 6), and Selfridges in London
(Dec. 7).

4176 November 1, 2012

Brand X (TV talk show: FX). Guest: Eric Idle. Host Russell Brand played
the title role in the recent production of Idle’s play What About Dick?
4177 November 1, 2012

Breakfast (TV news-talk show: TV One, in New Zealand). Morning

program hosted by Petra Bagust and Rawdon Christie. Guest Michael Palin
talks about Brazil, traveling, Python, the “Cheese Shop” sketch, etc. He also
presents the weather.

4178 November 2, 2012

An Evening with Michael Palin (Event). Michael Palin talks about his new
book and TV series Brazil at Christ’s College Auditorium in Christchurch,
New Zealand as part of The Press Christchurch Writers Festival.

4179 November 3, 2012

The Late Great Eric Sykes (TV special: BBC2). Tribute to British comedian
Eric Sykes, who died on July 4th. Interviewees include Michael Palin,
Eddie Izzard, and Bruce Forsyth. Produced by Alexandra Briscoe.

4180 November 4, 2012

The Telegraph (Newspaper/U.K.). “Michael Palin: Our Very Silly Man in

Brazil,” by Brian Viner. Interview with Palin about his new series Brazil,
conducted at his London home.

4181 November 5, 2012

Newsweek (Magazine/U.S.). “My Favorite Mistake.” Eric Idle (interviewed

by Sujay Kumar) describes his second wedding—a star-studded ceremony
held in Lorne Michaels’ apartment—in 1981.

4182 November 7, 2012

Brazil with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “The Road to Rio.” On his
way to Rio de Janeiro, Michael Palin explores the mining region of Minas
Gerais, visiting a gold mine, Serra do Cipo National Park, and the Academy
of Coffee (in Belo Horizonte). In Rio, Palin views up-close the Christ the
Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, visits the Fluminense Football
Club, meets artist Vik Muniz, observes the special ops battalion Bope, rides
a cable car, and visits a boxing club and a “love hotel.” Part three of a four-
part series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin. Directed by Francis
Hanly.

4183 November 9, 2012

Michael Palin participates in an onstage conversation (with Michael

Williams) about his comedy and travel career at Melbourne Town Hall in
Melbourne, Australia. The event, hosted by The Wheeler Centre, also
includes an audience Q&A and book signing.

4184 November 9, 2012

The Hollywood Reporter (Magazine/U.S.). “Monty Python Alum on

American Politics,” by Eric Idle, p. 18. Idle gives his thoughts on the
recent American election.

4185 November 9, 2012

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV talk show: CBS). Guests
include Eric Idle and Emily VanCamp. Idle discusses What About Dick?
and sings a Scottish song from the play.

4186 November 10, 2012

The Independent (Newspaper/U.K.). “‘I’m just curious about the world.’”

Ben Ross interviews Michael Palin about his travels and new series Brazil
at Palin’s production offices near Covent Garden in London.

4187 November 10, 2012

The Life of Palin: From Monty Python to Brazil (Event). Michael Palin
talks about his career with his host Jonathan Biggins in the Concert Hall of
the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

4188 November 11, 2012

Mornings (TV news-talk show: Channel 9, in Australia). Hosted by David

Campbell and Sonia Kruger. Guest: Michael Palin, promoting Brazil, also
talks about stammering, meeting Johnny Cash, and Python.

4189 November 11, 2012

Rove LA (TV talk show: Fox8). Los Angeles–based Australian comedy-talk

show hosted by Rove McManus. Guests: Eric Idle, promoting What About
Dick?, Kate Walsh, and Maggie Grace.

4190 November 12, 2012

Midday (Radio show: ABC Classic FM, in Australia). Margaret Throsby

interviews Michael Palin about Brazil, the importance of comedy, his
mother’s appearance on SNL, being a grandfather, etc.

4191 November 13, 2012

Eric Idle’s comic play What About Dick?, recorded in April, is made
available for download from the internet.

4192 November 14, 2012

Brazil with Michael Palin (TV episode: BBC1). “The Deep South.”
Michael Palin experiences a mix of European and Asian cultures in his
journey to the deep south. In Parati, he meets a royal heir, then visits the
Embraer airplane factory (in São José dos Campos). In the city of São
Paulo, Palin meets TV soap opera star Carolina Ferraz and former president
Fernando Henrique Cardoso. He then visits the German-speaking towns of
Blumenau and Pomerode. In the wetlands of The Pantanal, he rides with
cowboys and fishes for piranha. Palin ends his journey at the Iguazu Falls.
Last episode of a four-part series. Written & narrated by Michael Palin.
Directed by John Paul Davidson.

4193 November 14, 2012

Drive with Richard Glover (Radio show: 702 ABC Sydney, in Australia).
Richard Glover interviews Michael Palin.

4194 November 16, 2012

Real Time with Bill Maher (TV episode: HBO). Host Bill Maher interviews
Eric Idle for the show’s 10th-season finale. Idle last appeared on the show
in February 2003.

4195 November 18, 2012

Weekend Wogan (Radio talk show: BBC Radio 2). Host Terry Wogan talks
to Michael Palin about his new TV series Brazil.

4196 November 19, 2012

First Tuesday Book Club (TV show: ABC1, in Australia). Host Jennifer
Byrne interviews Michael Palin in Melbourne’s Athenaeum Library.

4197 November 19, 2012

Eric Idle and his wife attend the Saban Free Clinic’s Annual Dinner Gala at
the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

4198 November 20, 2012

Mornings (TV news-talk show: Channel 9, in Australia). Eric Idle talks to

Suz Messara about his play What About Dick? and his performance at the
Olympic closing ceremonies.

4199 November 23, 2012

The Graham Norton Show (TV talk show: BBC1). Guests: Helena Bonham
Carter, Michael Bublé, Jack Whitehall, and Michael Palin, promoting
Brazil.

4200 November 26, 2012

The four-part TV series Brazil with Michael Palin is released on DVD &
Blu-ray in the U.K.

4201 November 28, 2012

Michael Palin gives a talk on Brazil at the Apple Store in Covent Garden,
London.

4202 November 30–December 4, 2012

Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin give evidence during a five-day
hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London of a lawsuit brought
against the Pythons by Holy Grail producer Mark Forstater. He is suing the
group for royalties he claims to be owed from the hit musical Spamalot,
which is based on the film. The Pythons’ counsel, Richard Spearman QC,
tells the court (on Dec. 3): “These are not unpleasant shifty people trying to
do people out of their just deserts. They reckoned, and they were right, that
he had already got a pretty good deal and here he was, coming back for
more, which they weren’t prepared to give.”

4203 November 30, 2012

This Morning (TV show: ITV). Magazine program. Hosts Eamonn Holmes
and Ruth Langsford talk to Eric Idle about his play What About Dick?.

4204 Early December 2012

Filming is completed, in Romania, on Terry Gilliam’s The Zero Theorem.

4205 December 2, 2012

An Evening with Michael Palin (Lecture). Michael Palin gives a talk on

Brazil and his comedy career at London’s Playhouse Theatre. The talk
finishes with a surprise guest appearance by Eric Idle (with guitar), who
leads the audience in a rendition of “Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life.” Proceeds from the event go to the Michael Palin Centre for
Stammering Children.

4206 December 4, 2012

Brazil: The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray: Criterion Collection). Blu-ray

release of Criterion’s special edition of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil containing
Gilliam’s 142-minute director’s cut of the film and special features. First
released on laserdisc in 1996.

4207 December 9, 2012

The British Independent Film Awards (Award ceremony). Terry Gilliam

presents the Variety Award to Jude Law at the 15th annual BIFA ceremony
held at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

4208 December 11, 2012

Michael Palin and poet Pam Ayres are guest-speakers at the Daily Mail
Christmas Literary Lunch at the Lancaster London Hotel. Hosted by Gyles
Brandreth.

OceanofPDF.com
 Appendix: John Cleese’s Business-Training
Films for Video Arts, 1972–2012

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 1: Change for the Better
(1988/act/28 mins)

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 2: The Shape of Things to

Come (1988/act/25 mins)

The Balance Sheet Barrier (1977/act/30 mins)

The Balance Sheet Barrier (1993/act/remake/30 mins)

Budgeting (1984/act/30 mins)

Can We Please Have That the Right Way Round? A Guide to Slide
Presentations (1976/act/22 mins)

Can You Spare a Moment? (2001/host, co-wr/remake/23 mins)

Can You Spare a Moment? The Counselling Interview (1987/act, co-wr/25

mins)

The Control of Working Capital (1978/act/26 mins)

Cost, Profit and Break-Even (1980/act/23 mins)

Creativity in Management (1991/lecture/36 mins)

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 1: In Two Minds (1973/act, co-wr/18

mins)

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 2: The Meeting of Minds (1973/act, co-

wr/15 mins)
Customer Relations in Practice, No. 3: Awkward Customers (1973/act, co-
wr/24 mins)

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 4: More Awkward Customers

(1974/act, wr/31 mins)

Decisions, Decisions (1978/act/28 mins)

Depreciation and Inflation (1980/act/17 mins)

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer: What Is a Computer? (1979/narr/18

mins)

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer: What Is a Computer Program?

(1982/narr/17 mins)

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer: What Is a Word Processor?

(1982/act/24 mins)

Going to a Meeting, Part 1: Messing Up a Meeting (2002/host/16 mins)

Going to a Meeting, Part 2: Meeting Menaces (2002/host/21 mins)

Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment (1990/act/30 mins)

Head for Business (1982/act)

The Helping Hand: Coaching Skills for Managers (1990/act/37 mins)

The Hidden Mind (1999 lecture/45 mins)

Hidden Treasure (1981/act)

How Am I Doing? The Appraisal Interview (1977/act/26 mins)

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 1: The Gee Whiz Graph (1974, narr)

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 2: The Average Chap (1977, narr)
How to Lose Customers Without Really Trying (1989/act/32 mins)

Humour Is Not a Luxury (1988/act, wr/40 mins)

I’d Like a Word with You: The Discipline Interview (1979/act/27 mins)

The Importance of Mistakes (1987/lecture/33 mins)

It’s Your Choice: Selection Skills for Managers (1993/act, co-wr/34 mins)

Man Hunt: The Selection Interview (1974/act, co-wr/31 mins)

Managing Problem People: Big Mouth Billy (1988/act/16 mins)

Managing Problem People: Moaning Minnie (1988/act/15 mins)

Managing Problem People: Rulebound Reggie (1988/act/12 mins)

Marketing in Practice, No. 1: Who Sold You This, Then? (1972/act, co-
wr/23 mins)

Marketing in Practice, No. 2: It’s All Right, It’s Only a Customer (1973/act,
co-wr/29 mins)

Marketing in Practice, No. 3: The Competitive Spirit (1973/act, co-wr/29

mins)

Marketing in Practice, No. 4: Prescription for Complaints (1974/act/21

mins)

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (1976/act, co-wr/30 mins)

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (1993/act, co-wr/remake/34 mins)

Meetings, Bloody Meetings (2012/act, co-wr/remake/34 mins)

More Bloody Meetings (1984/act/27 mins)

More Bloody Meetings (1994/act/remake/25 mins)

Performance Matters: The Importance of Praise (2000/narr/18 mins)

Performance Matters: The Need for Constructive Criticism (2000/narr/19

mins)

The Proposal (1975/act/24 mins)

Return on Investment (1985/act/20 mins)

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 1: Try to See It My Way (1977/act/28
mins)

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 2: We Can Work It Out (1977/act/28
mins)

Selling in Practice, No. 2: How Not to Exhibit Yourself (1974/act/30 mins)

Selling on the Telephone: The Cold Call (1976/act/24 mins)

Selling on the Telephone: When I’m Calling You (1975/act/16 mins)

Selling on the Telephone: Will You Answer True? (1975/act/16 mins)

The Show Business: How to Demonstrate a Product (1974/act, co-wr/23

mins)

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 1: The Preparation

(1981/act/26 mins)

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 2: The Presentation

(1981/act/25 mins)

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 3: Difficult Customers

(1983/act/25 mins)

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 4: Closing the Sale

(1984/act/29 mins)

Straight Talking: The Art of Assertiveness (1991/act, co-wr/27 mins)

Telephone Behaviour: The Power and the Perils (1986/act/29 mins)

Telephone Behaviour: The Rules of Effective Communication

(1997/act/remake/32 mins)

Think or Sink (1991/act/25 mins)

This Is Going to Hurt Me More Than It Hurts You: The Bad News Interview
(1989/act/28 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation (1983/act/24 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation (1996/act/remake/24 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation (1983/act/26 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation (1996/act/remake/27 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Divine Intervention

(1997/act/remake/18 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Lamentations (1985/act/20 mins)

The Unorganised Manager, Part 4: Revelations (1985/act/29 mins)

The Unorganised Salesperson, Part 2: Valuing Yourself (1990/act/21 mins)

Welcome Customer, Part 1: Have a Nice Stay (1979/act/25 mins)

Welcome Customer, Part 2: See You Again Soon (1979/act/23 mins)

When Will They Realise We’re Living in the 20th Century? (1980/act/24
mins)

Who Sold You This Then? (1997/narr/remake/20 mins)

Why Do People Work? (1981/act/3 mins)

You’ll Soon Get the Hang of It (1981/act, co-wr/29 mins)

OceanofPDF.com
 Selected Bibliography

BBC Motion Gallery. Archive (Website).

BFI Film & TV Database (Website).

Billboard. Various issues.

Chapman, Graham, et al. The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: All
the Words, Vols. 1 & 2. New York: Pantheon, 1989.

_____. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. London: Mandarin, 1992.

_____. Monty Python Live! New York: Hyperion, 2009.

_____, edited by Bob McCabe. The Pythons: Autobiography by The

Pythons. London: Orion, 2003.

Cleese, John, et al., interviewed by David Morgan. Monty Python Speaks!

New York: Spike, 1999.

Hertzberg, Hendrik. New Yorker. “Naughty Bits,” pp. 69–70+. March 29,
1976.

Hewison, Robert. Monty Python: The Case Against. London: Methuen,

1981.

Idle, Eric. The Greedy Bastard Diary. New York: HarperCollins, 2005.

ITN Source. Archive (Website).

Johnson, Kim “Howard.” The First 200 Years of Monty Python. New York:
Thomas Dunne, 1989.

The Los Angeles Times. Various issues.

Mathews, Jack. The Battle of Brazil. New York: Crown, 1987

McNeil, Alex. Total Television, 4th Edition. New York: Penguin Books,
1996.

Monty Python: The Holy Book of Days. (iTunes app). Melcher Media, 2012.

The New York Times. Various issues.

Palin, Michael. Around the World in 80 Days. London: BBC Books, 1989.

_____. Brazil. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2012.

_____. Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years. London: Weidenfeld &

Nicolson, 2006.

_____. Full Circle. London: BBC Books, 1997.

_____. Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988. London: Weidenfeld &

Nicolson, 2009.

_____. Himalaya. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2004.

_____. Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure. London: Weidenfeld &

Nicolson, 1999.

_____. New Europe. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2007.

_____. Pole to Pole. London: BBC Books, 1992.

_____. Sahara. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2002.

Palin’s Travels (Website), launched in 2002.

Perry, George. Life of Python. Boston/Toronto: Little, Brown, 1983.

Pixley, Andrew. Ripping Yarns DVD booklet. “‘Plucky’ Palin Marches On:
A Ripping Tale of BBC2 Comedy Adventure.” 2004.
Rolling Stone. Various issues.

Ross, Robert. Monty Python Encyclopedia. New York: TV Books. 1997.

The (London) Times. Various issues.

TV Guide. Various issues.

Variety. Various issues.

Video Arts Training Catalogue, 1989.

OceanofPDF.com
 Monty Python Sketch and Song Index

References are to entry numbers.

Accidents Sketch 96

Accountancy Shanty [song, w/m: Idle, John du Prez] 1012, 1026, 1723,
2558

The Adventures of Biggles see Biggles Dictates a Letter

The Adventures of Martin Luther [cut] 996, 1012, 1046, 2909

Adventures of Ralph Melish 293

After-Shave 93

Agatha Christie Sketch (Inspector Tiger) 55, 3241

Agatha Christie Sketch (Railway Timetables) 108

Albatross 60, 78, 116, 316, 347, 494, 502, 805, 943, 3241

Albrecht Dürer Documentary/Song 180

Algon see Prices on the Planet Algon

Alistair Cooke Being Attacked by a Duck 235, 613

The All-England Summarize Proust Competition [wr: Palin & Jones] 198,
219, 222, 226, 613

All Things Dull and Ugly [song, w: Idle; m: Trad.] 752 (lyrics), 799, 1723,
2490, 2558
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life [song, w/m: Idle] 710, 722, 723,
803, 1723, 1726, 1846, 1853, 1860, 1862, 1871, 1951, 2038, 2340, 2440,
2457, 2490, 2498, 2552, 2558, 2567, 2582, 2919, 3111, 3113, 3114, 3144,
3234, 3253, 3400, 3410, 3579, 3727, 3824, 3838, 4135, 4205

Ambulance [anim] 249, 3243

Anagram Quiz (Beat the Clock) 225

Anatomy Chart [anim] 221

The Anatomy of an Ant [anim] 365

Angus Podgorny see Science Fiction Sketch

Animals Eating [anim] 54

Animated Head [anim] 86

Animator/Flying Saucers [anim] 236

Anne Elk see Thrust: Miss Anne Elk

Ant Communication see University of the Air: Let’s Talk Ant

Ant Counter see Buying an Ant

Ant Poetry see Victorian Poetry Reading (Ants)

Anti-Masonic Therapy [anim] 93

The “Anything Goes” Courtmartial see Courtmartial

Anything Goes (In) [song] 368

Apologetic Murderer see Court Room (Multiple Murderer)

Apologies (Pleasures of the Dance) 162

An Appeal for Sanity (Silly Vicar) 102

An Appeal on Behalf of Extremely Rich People 374

An Appeal on Behalf of the National Truss (Leapy Lee) 102

Archaeology [anim] 102

Archaeology Today (Flaming Star) 102

The Architect Sketch 82, 93, 162, 1131, 1427, 3182

Are You Embarrassed Easily? see Embarrassment

Argument see Argument Clinic

Argument Clinic 219, 224, 235, 268, 316, 347, 494, 502, 613, 805, 911,
943, 1131, 1427, 1665, 1705, 3091, 3241

Army Captain as Clown 225

Army Protection Racket 49

An Art Critic (Edible Paintings) 39

An Art Critic (The Place of the Nude) 49, 78

Art Gallery 39

Art Gallery Strike 110

Arthur and God 397, 422

Arthur Ewing see Musical Mice

Arthur Figgis 44

Arthur Frampton see A Man with Three Buttocks

Arthur Jarrett 1025

Arthur Tree see It’s a Tree (Arthur Tree)

Arthur “Two Sheds” Jackson see It’s the Arts: Arthur “Two Sheds”
Jackson

Attila the Bun [anim] 98

Attila the Hun see Mr. Attila the Hun

The Attila the Hun Show 98

Attila the Nun 98

The Audit 47

Australian Table Wines 235, 613, 1427

Baby Carriage [anim] 37, 161, 3243

Baby Suction [anim] 229, 3244

The Background to History 293

BALPA Spokesman 88

Bank Robber in Lingerie Shop 54, 161

Banter see RAF Banter

The Barber see Homicidal Barber/Lumberjack Song

Barry Zeppelin (The Golden Age of Ballooning) 363

Basingstoke see Courtmartial

The Batley Townswomens’ Guild’s Re-enactment of the Battle of Pearl

Harbor 55, 130, 161, 3244
The Batley Townswomen’s Guild’s Re-enactment of the First Heart
Transplant 105

The Batsmen of the Kalahari (Cricket Match) 362, 374

The Battle of Trafalgar 55

Bavarian Restaurant Sketch 180

Baxter’s [cut] 3319

The BBC Is Short of Money 221

BBC Previews 102

Be a Great Actor 162, 1427

Beat the Clock see Anagram Quiz (Beat the Clock)

Beethoven’s Mynah Bird 102

Being Eaten by a Crocodile see Crocodile

Bells 799, 1427

Ben, the Old Prisoner [wr: Palin & Jones] 710, 723

Bicycle Repair Man [wr: Palin & Jones] 21, 38, 1180, 2497, 3248

Big Nose see Sermon on the Mount (Big Nose)

Big-Nosed Sculptor [cut] 239

Biggles Dictates a Letter 232

Biggus Dickus see Pontius Pilate (Throw Him to the Floor/Biggus Dickus)

Bikini-Clad Women & Announcer 105, 161

Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong [song, w: Chapman, m: Fred Tomlinson] 105, 166
Bingo-Crazed Chinese (The Cycling Tour) 234

Birth see Delivery Room

Bishop 799, 3318

The Bishop 93

Bishop at Home [cut] 3318

Bishop on the Landing see Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police)

A Bishop Rehearsing 88

The Black Beast of Arrrghhh [anim] 397

The Black Eagle 110

The Black Knight [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 328, 349, 397

Blackmail 96, 130, 161, 494, 502, 911, 3182

Blancmanges Playing Tennis see Science Fiction Sketch

Blood Bank see Blood Donor

Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and Horror (Man Who Speaks in

Anagrams) 225, 3181, 3319

Blood Donor 251

Bloody Catholics see Protestantism and Sex

The Blow on the Head see Take Your Pick

Boarding House see Mr. Hilter

Bogus Psychiatrists (Hamlet) 370, 592

The Bols Story (Gestures to Indicate Pauses) 225

Bomb on Plane (Mr. Badger) 236

Bomb Scare 422

Bombings (Mr. Neutron) 372

A Book at Bedtime 235

A Book at Bedtime (Redgauntlet) 250

The Book of the Film 397

Book-of-the-Month Club Dung 97

Bookshop [from At Last the 1948 Show, 1967] 63, 579, 622, 777, 799, 911,
1131, 1427

Bouncing in Jungle [anim] 224

Bounder of Adventure see Travel Agent

Bournemouth Gynecologists vs. Watford Long John Silver Impersonators

106

Boxer Documentary see Ken Clean-Air System

Boxing Commentary 370

Boxing Match Aftermath (The Killer vs. The Champ) 370, 592

Boxing Tonight (Jack Bodell vs. Sir Kenneth Clark) 249, 293

Brave Sir Robin [song, w: Idle, m: Neil Innes] 397, 422

Brian [song, w: Palin, m: Andre Jacquemin & Dave Howman] 710, 722,
723, 1723, 3323

Brian Islam and Brucie [anim] 52

Brian, the Messiah (The Shoe and the Gourd) 710, 723

Brian, the Prophet 710, 723

The Bridge of Death 329, 397, 422

Brigadier and Bishop 374

Bright Side of Life see Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Bring Out Your Dead 336, 397, 422, 911

British Consulate see Bingo-Crazed Chinese (The Cycling Tour)

The British Show Biz Awards 251

British Soldiers (Fighting Each Other) 1012, 1025

Bruces [wr: Cleese & Idle] 82, 105, 293, 613, 1427, 3181

The Bruces’ Philosophers Song [song, w/m: Idle) 293, 347, 494, 502, 527,
752, 805, 943, 1427, 1723, 2551, 2558, 2815, 2919

Bruces Song see The Bruces’ Philosophers Song

Bull-Fighting see Probe: Bull-Fighting

Burglar/Encyclopedia Salesman 43

Burying the Cat see Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion

Bus Conductor Sketch 225

Bus Stop [anim] 105, 161

Buying a Bed 49, 78

Buying an Ant 362, 365, 592

Camel Spotting 47

Camelot Song see Knights of the Round Table (Camelot Song)

Camp Army Drills 105, 161, 3181

Camp Judges see The Judges

Cannibalism see Lifeboat (Cannibalism)

Cannibalism [anim] 111

Careers Advisory Board 43

The Castle Anthrax see The Tale of Sir Galahad: The Castle Anthrax

The Castle Arrrghhh 330, 397, 422

The Castle of Guy de Loimbard see The French Taunter

Casualty Department (The Cycling Tour) 234

Caterpillar see Metamorphosis

The Cave of Caerbannog 397

Certified Stiff see Funerals at Prestatyn

Chairman of the British Well-Basically Club 236

The Champ see Boxing Match Aftermath

Changing on the Beach see Taking Your Clothes Off in Public

Changing on the Beach (Sedan Chair) 39

Chapel see School Chapel

Charades see Court Room (Charades/Spanish Inquisition)

Charles Fatless [anim] 43, 3243

Chartered Accountant see Vocational Guidance Counsellor

Charwoman [anim] 251, 3243

The Cheap-Laughs 236

Cheese Emporium see Cheese Shop

Cheese Shop [wr: Cleese-Chapman] 219, 232, 293, 478, 613, 702, 704,
755, 764, 911, 1131, 1427, 2603, 3182, 3244, 4000, 4177

The Chemist Sketch 93, 3182

The Cherry Orchard see Gumby Theatre (The Cherry Orchard)

Chicken Mines 238

Children’s Interview 38, 3181

Children’s Stories see Storytime

Chinese Communist Conspiracy/American Defense/Crelm

Toothpaste/Shrill Petrol [anim] 108, 161

Chippendale Writing Desk see Wooden Impressions [anim]

Choreographer see A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the

Conservative and Unionist Party (Choreographed)

Christmas in Heaven [song, w: Jones; m: Idle] 1012, 1025, 1723, 2909,

2911, 3324

Church Police see Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police)

The Cinema see Albatross

City Gents 108

The Classic, Silbury Hill 422

Clergyman Selling Encyclopedias [anim] 52

Climbing the Uxbridge Road 232, 2497, 3181

Clock Smuggler see The Smuggler

Clodagh Rodgers (The Cycling Tour) 234, 3248

Coal Mine (Historical Argument) 111

Coal Miner Son see Working-Class Playwright

Cocktail Bar 222, 239, 316, 321, 347, 1427

Coconuts see The Swallow

Coffins [anim] 55

Colin “Bomber” Harris see Self-Wrestling

Colin Mozart (Ratcatcher) 102

Colonel (Filthy) 347, 502, 943

Colonel (It’s a Man’s Life in the Modern Army) 39

Colonel (Silly) 49, 161, 3241

Come Back to My Place 60, 161, 3182

Comfy Chair (Spanish Inquisition) 86, 162, 1427, 3248

Commie-Hater 38

Communist Quiz see World Forum (Communist Quiz)

Communist Revolutions [anim] 226

Compere Chasing Mouth [anim] 221, 3243

Complaints 88

Complaints (Michael Ellis) 365

The Concert see Royal Festival Hall Concert

Confuse-A-Cat Ltd [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 25, 43, 3244

Conjuring Today 372

Conquistador Coffee Campaign 108

Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth [anim] 106, 130, 161, 3182, 3243

Constitutional Peasants 346, 397, 422, 613, 1427

Contradiction see Man Who Contradicts People

The Court of George III (The Golden Age of Ballooning) 363

Court Room (Charades/Spanish Inquisition) 86

Court Room (Erik Njorl/Police Constable Pan Am) 220

Court Room (Mrs. Fiona Lewis/Witness in Coffin/Cardinal Richelieu/Dim

of the Yard) 38

Court Room (Multiple Murderer) 220

Court Room (Phrase Book) 110, 161

Court Room Sketch [cut] 3318

Courtmartial (Basingstoke/Special Gaiters/Anything Goes In) 362, 368,

3248

Crackport Religions 108

Credits of the Year 251

Crelm Toothpaste [anim] 111, 3243

Cricket Match see The Batsmen of the Kalahari (Cricket Match)

Crocodile 799, 1427

Crossing the Atlantic on a Tricycle 108

The Crucifixion 710

Crunchy Frog 34, 44, 78, 494, 502, 805, 911, 943, 1131, 1665

Current Affairs 96

Custard Pie (Japes Lecture) [wr: Jones, Palin, and Robert Hewison, from
1963 revue Loitering with Intent] 254, 268, 488, 492, 494, 539, 805, 943,
1286

Customs Inspector see The Smuggler

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy [anim] 105

David and the Fig Leaf [anim] 44, 77, 130, 161, 3182

David Attenborough see The Walking Tree of Dahomey (David

Attenborough)

David Niven’s Fridge 251

David Unction 54

Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police) 219, 224, 293, 494, 502, 805,
911, 943

Dead Indian see Book-of-the-Month Club Dung

Dead Parrot see The Pet Shop (Dead Parrot)

The Death of Mary Queen of Scots 105, 162, 245, 494, 502, 911

Decision (discussion) 363

Decomposing Composers [song, w/m: Palin] 799, 1723

Déjà Vu see It’s the Mind (Déjà Vu)

Delivery Room [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 953, 1012, 1025

Dennis Moore 219, 235, 249

Dennis Moore [song] 235, 249

Dennis Moore (Stealing from the Poor) 249

Dental Appendages see Film Director (Teeth)

Department Store (Michael Ellis) 365

Derby Council vs. All Blacks 106

The Detective Sketch see Agatha Christie Sketch

Diana the Waitress [cut] 996, 1046, 2909

Different Endings see End of Show Department (Michael Ellis)

Dim of the Yard see Court Room

Dinsdale see Ethel the Frog: The Piranha Brothers

Dirty Fork see Restaurant Sketch (Dirty Fork)

Dirty Hungarian Phrase Book see Hungarian Phrase Book

The Dirty Vicar Sketch 251

Disturbing Vicar see Silly Disturbances (Rev. Arthur Belling)

Do Wot John [song, w/m: Idle] 799, 1427

Doctor 249

Doctor Breeding 180

Dr. Darling (abandoned sketch) 102

Doctor (Healing with Dynamite) 221

Dr. E. Henry Thripshaw’s Disease see Thripshaw’s Disease

Dr. Larch see Psychiatrist (Dr. Larch)

Double-Vision see Kilimanjaro Expedition (Sir George Head)

Drama Critic 422

A Duck, a Cat, and a Lizard (Discussion) 43, 3182

The Dull Life of a City Stockbroker [wr: Idle & Chapman] 44

Dung see Book-of-the-Month Club Dung

Dungeon Room (Mr. and Mrs. Hendy) 1012, 1025

Eartha Kitt/Edward Heath (The Cycling Tour) 234

Eclipse of the Sun 235

Education Tips No. 41: Choosing a Really Expensive School [wr: Palin &
Cleese] 2909

Edward Ross see It’s the Arts: Sir Edward Ross

Eggs Diamond/Book Ad [anim] 102, 3243

Election Night Special (Silly and Sensible Parties) 97, 316, 343, 347, 1427

Election ’74 see Election Night Special

Election Special see Election Night Special

Elephantoplasty 293, 478, 613, 911

Elizabethan Pornography Smugglers see The Life of Sir Philip Sidney

Embarrassment 235, 1427

Embezzled Penny see The Audit

Emigration from Surbiton to Hounslow see Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’
Ford Popular

End of Show Department (Michael Ellis) 365

The Epilogue see The Wrestling Epilogue

Eric the Half-a-Bee [song, w/m: Idle & Cleese] 223, 235, 527, 613, 1427,
1723, 2513, 2558

Erizabeth L 224

Erotic Film 43, 130, 161

Escape [anim] 96

Escape from Film 96

Escape from Sack see Sviatoslav Richter and Rita

Eskimos (Mr. Neutron) 372

Ethel the Frog: The Piranha Brothers 82, 83, 162, 1131, 3182
Everest Climbed by Hairdressers see Mount Everest (Hairdresser
Expedition)

Every Sperm Is Sacred [song, w: Palin & Jones; m: Andre Jacquemin &
Dave Howman] 949, 1012, 1025, 1048, 1114, 1723, 2498, 2512, 2558,
2909, 2911

Ewan McTeagle see The Poet McTeagle

Executive Introduction/Announcements 422, 911

Ex-Leper 703, 710, 723

Expedition to Lake Pahoe 229

Exploding Penguin see Penguin on the TV

The Exploding Version of “The Blue Danube” 111, 130, 3244

Face the Press 83, 130, 3181

A Fairy Tale (Happy Valley) [wr: Cleese & Connie Booth] 235, 238, 316,
3244

Falling from Building 59, 161

Falling Leaves [anim] 1025

Falling People/Magician/Opening Titles [anim] 59

Famous Deaths see It’s Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Famous Deaths

Famous Person Quiz see Sound Quiz

Farewell to John Denver 799, 911

Farming Club: Life of Tchaikovsky 221

Fat Song [song, cut] 3324

Father-in-Law 370

F.E.A.R. Headquarters (Mr. Neutron) 372

Ferdinand von Zeppelin/Corpses in Drawing Room (The Golden Age of

Ballooning) 363

Festival Hall see Royal Festival Hall Concert

Fighting Each Other see British Soldiers (Fighting Each Other)

Film Director (Teeth) 108

Film Trailer 368

Films of L.F. Dibley: If, Rear Window, Finian’s Rainbow 97

The Final Attack 397

Find the Fish 1025

Finland [song, w/m: Palin] 799, 801, 1427, 1723, 3144

Fire Brigade/Our Eamonn 226

Firing Squad (The Cycling Tour) 234

The First Heart Transplant see The Batley Townswomen’s Guild’s Re-
enactment of the First Heart Transplant

The First Man to Jump the Channel see Ron Obvious

First World War Noises in 4 293

The First Zulu War 1879/Tiger Hunt 951, 1012, 1025

Fish Club: How to Feed a Goldfish 111

Fish License 106, 235, 613, 1427

The Fish-Slapping Dance 128, 134, 219, 221, 2497, 3150, 3182, 3241,
3243, 3244, 3248, 4089

The Five Frog Curse [anim] 93

Flaming Star see Archaeology Today (Flaming Star)

The Flasher 49, 161

Flasher Love Story [anim] 180, 943

Flea-Buster [anim] 238

Flower Arrangement see Gumby Flower-Arranging

Flying European Monarchs/Shaving [anim] 83

Flying Fox of the Yard 224, 3319

Flying Lessons 88, 3244

Flying Sheep 26, 37, 78

Flying Sheep/Traffic Accidents [anim] 232

Foreign Secretary 97

A Foul-Tempered Rabbit see The Rabbit of Caerbannog

Four Yorkshiremen [wr: Chapman, Cleese, Marty Feldman & Tim Brooke-
Taylor; from At Last the 1948 Show, 1967] 316, 347, 494, 502, 704, 755,
764, 805, 943, 1131, 1427

Fraud Film Director Squad (Antonioni) 224

Fraud Film Director Squad (Visconti) 224

The Free Repetition of Doubtful Words 239

French Castle see The French Taunter

French Lecture on Sheep-Aircraft 37, 3182

French Subtitled Film (Le Fromage Grand) 106

The French Taunter 335, 377, 397, 422, 613, 1427, 2698

Fresh Fruit see Self-Defense (Against Fresh Fruit)

Le Fromage Grand see French Subtitled Film (Le Fromage Grand)

Frontiers of Medicine: Penguins 250

Full Frontal Nudity [anim] 49, 3243

Funerals at Prestatyn 235, 613

The Funniest Joke in the World 35, 161, 3248

Galaxy Song [song, w: Idle; m: Idle & John Du Prez] 1012, 1025, 1048,
1196, 1723, 2457, 2481, 2490, 2498, 2531, 2558, 2919, 3004, 3223, 3472,
3729, 3956

Gardening Club see Ken Russell’s “Gardening Club”

The Gas Cooker Sketch see New Cooker Sketch

Gaston the Waiter see The Meaning of Life (Gaston the Waiter)

Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr see Theatre Critic (Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr)

Gay Boys in Bondage [anim] 239, 3243

Gay Magistrates see The Judges

George I, Episode 3/Dennis Moore (Lupins) 249

George III see The Court of George III (The Golden Age of Ballooning)

George III [song, w/m: Neil Innes] 363

Gestures to Indicate Pauses see The Bols Story (Gestures to Indicate

Pauses)

Girls’ Boarding School 111

The Gits 102

The Golden Age of Ballooning see Montgolfier Brothers; Louis XIV; The
Court of George III; Barry Zeppelin; Ferdinand von Zeppelin

The Golden Age of Colonic Irrigation [anim] 363

La Gondola Restaurant see Pearls for Swine (adverts)

The Good Fairy from Program Control [anim] 232, 3243

The Good Old Days see Four Yorkshiremen

The Gorge of Eternal Peril see The Bridge of Death

Gorilla Librarian 54

Gravediggers 55

A Great Actor 293

The Great Debate: TV4 or Not TV4? 249, 3319

The Great Escape see Trim-Jeans Theatre Presents

The Grim Reaper 948, 1012, 1025

Growing Hands/Cowboy [anim] 88, 161

Gumby Brain Specialist/Surgery 229, 3244

Gumby Crooner 52

Gumby Flower-Arranging 110, 116, 268, 288, 316, 347, 494, 502

Gumby Theatre (The Cherry Orchard) 162, 613, 1427

Guy de Loimbard’s Castle see The French Taunter

Haggling 710, 723

Hairdresser Expedition see Mount Everest (Hairdresser Expedition)

Hamlet see Bogus Psychiatrists (Hamlet)

Hamlet and Ophelia 370

Hands Up [anim] 224, 3243

Happy Valley see A Fairy Tale (Happy Valley)

Hearing Aid [from At Last the 1948 Show, 1967] 238, 1131

Hearses Racing 55, 3182

Heinz the Stuttgart Rapist 180

Hell’s Grannies 49, 161, 2497

Henry Kissinger [song, w/m: Idle] 799, 1427, 1723

Here Comes Another One [song] 799

Hermits 49, 3181

He’s Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) 710, 723
Hide-and-Seek see The Olympic Hide-and-Seek Final

Highland Spokesman 88

Hijacked Plane (to Luton) 88

Hilter see Mr. Hilter

Historical Impersonations 60

History of the Joke see Custard Pie (Japes Lecture)

Hit on the Head Lessons 224

The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch 331, 397, 422

The Holzfäller Song (Lumberjack Song) 180, 1846, 3181

Homicidal Barber/Lumberjack Song 52, 78, 3127, 3248

Horoscopes see What the Stars Foretell

Horse of the Year Show 221

Hospital for Over-Acting 110

Hospital Run by RSM 111

Host on Bus 96

Hot Dogs and Knickers 293

The House-Hunters [anim] 225, 3243

The Housewives of Britain (Clean-Up Campaign) 229

Housing Project Built by Characters from 19th-Century English Literature

236, 3248

How Do You Tell a Witch? see The Test of a Witch

How Far Can a Minister Fall? (Party Political Broadcast by the Wood
Party) 59

How Not to Be Seen [wr: Palin & Jones] 108, 161

How to Do It 221, 235, 613, 3181

How to Feed a Goldfish see Fish Club: How to Feed a Goldfish

How to Put Your Budgie Down see Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion

How to Recognize a Mason 93

How to Recognize Different Parts of the Body 105

Hungarian Phrase Book 110, 161, 3182

Hunting Film 52

I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio [song, w/m: Idle] 799,
801, 802, 1427, 1846

I Confess [anim] 86

I Like Chinese [song, w/m: Idle] 799, 801, 1427, 1723, 2558

I Like Traffic Lights see Traffic Lights

Icelandic Honey Week 374

Icelandic Saga see Njorl’s Saga

Ideal Loon Exhibition 249

The Idiot in Society see Village Idiots

I’m a Lumberjack see The Lumberjack Song

I’m So Worried [song, w/m: Jones] 799, 1427, 1723, 1846, 3325, 1723

Inspector Baboon see Fraud Film Director Squad (Antonioni)

Inspector Fox see Flying Fox of the Yard

Inspector Leopard see Fraud Film Director Squad (Visconti)

Inspector Tiger see Agatha Christie Sketch (Inspector Tiger)

Insurance Sketch 93

The Insurance Sketch/Queen Tunes In 111

Interesting People 55, 78

Intermission 60

Intermission [anim] 60

International Philosophy (Football Match) 238, 943, 3181

Interview in Filing Cabinet 108

Irving C. Saltzberg see Twentieth-Century Vole

Is There?...Life After Death? 239, 3319

It All Happened on the 11:20 from Hainault to Redhill... see Agatha

Christie Sketch (Railway Timetables)

Italian Lesson 35

It’s (Chat Show with Lulu and Ringo Starr) 221

It’s a Living 97

It’s a Man’s Life in the Modern Army see Colonel (It’s a Man’s Life in the
Modern Army)
It’s a Tree (Arthur Tree) 54

It’s the Arts: Arthur “Two Sheds” Jackson 35, 78, 1131

It’s the Arts: Johann Gambolputty...of Ulm 44, 3182

It’s the Arts: Picasso-Cycling Race 35, 3244

It’s the Arts: Sir Edward Ross 35, 78, 161, 3241

It’s the Mind (Déjà Vu) 88

It’s Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Famous Deaths 35, 3244

I’ve Got Two Legs [song, w/m: Gilliam] 347, 943, 1723

Jack in the Box [anim] 234

Japes Lecture see Custard Pie (Japes Lecture)

Jewelry Heist see Non-Illegal Robbery

Jimmy Buzzard Interview 55

Job Hunter 108

Jockey Interviews 370, 3181

Johann Gambolputty...of Ulm see It’s the Arts: Johann Gambolputty...of

Ulm

The Judges 102, 162, 494, 502, 805, 943, 3181

Julius Caesar on an Aldis Lamp 86, 130, 3182

Jungle Restaurant 224

Kamikaze Scottish Regiment see McKamikaze Highlanders

Ken Clean-Air System (boxer documentary) 96

Ken Russell’s “Gardening Club” 224

Ken Shabby 59, 268, 3241

Kilimanjaro Expedition (Sir George Head) [wr: Cleese & Idle] 52, 161

The Killer Cars [anim] 105, 161, 3243

Killer Joke see The Funniest Joke in the World

Killer Rabbit see The Rabbit of Caerbannog

Killer Sheep 98

King Brian the Wild [cut] 320, 592, 2158

Knees Up, Mother Brown (Spanish Inquisition) 162, 1427

Knights of the Round Table (Camelot Song) [w: Chapman & Cleese; m:
Neil Innes] 333, 397, 422, 613, 911, 1723

The Knights Who Say “Ni” 339, 397, 422, 2603

Ladies/Open War [anim] 55

Lake Pahoe see Expedition to Lake Pahoe

Language Laboratory 226

The Larch 38

The Last Five Miles of the M2 see Programme Planners

The Last Supper 492, 539, 554, 805, 943, 1131, 1665, 1705, 2513
Leapy Lee see An Appeal on Behalf of the National Truss (Leapy Lee)

Leaving the Army 49, 3182

Lemming of the BDA 39

Let’s Talk Ant see University of the Air: Let’s Talk Ant

Letters to “Daily Mirror” 54

The Liberty Bell [1893 march, m: John Philip Sousa] 34, 347, 2558

The Life of Sir Philip Sidney (Elizabethan Pornography Smugglers) 239

Life of Tchaikovsky see Farming Club: Life of Tchaikovsky

Life or Death Struggles 225, 3244

Lifeboat 232

Lifeboat (Cannibalism) 111, 162, 1427

Lion Tamer see Vocational Guidance Counsellor

Little Red Riding Hood 180, 805, 943

Live from Epsom 370

Live from the Cardiff Rooms, Libya 39

Live from the Grill-O-Mat Snack Bar 96

Liver Donor 1012, 1025

Living Room on Pavement 93, 3248

The Llama see Llamas

Llamas 52, 268, 316, 347, 494, 502

Logician see A Professional Logician

Losing Judges 249

Lost Python see May Day in England (Lost Python)

The Lost World of Roiurama 224

Louis XIV (The Golden Age of Ballooning) 363

The Lumberjack Song [w/m: Jones & Palin, Fred Tomlinson] 34, 52, 78,
132, 161, 166, 316, 343, 347, 445, 461, 492, 494, 498, 501, 502, 527, 539,
554, 805, 835, 911, 943, 1427, 1723, 1846, 2038, 2106, 2228, 2498, 2512,
2558, 2582, 2678, 2826, 3091, 3127, 3181, 3248, 3455; see also The
Holzfäller Song (German version)

Lupins see George I, Episode 3/Dennis Moore (Lupins)

A Magnificent Festering [anim] 226

Man in the Street Interviews 43

Man-Powered Flight 86, 130

Man Turns into Scotsman see Science Fiction Sketch

Man Who Collects Bird-Watcher’s Eggs 111

Man Who Contradicts People 105, 162

The Man Who Finishes Other People’s Sentences 374

The Man Who Makes People Laugh Uncontrollably 225

The Man Who Says Things in a Roundabout Way see The Toad Elevating
Moment
Man Who Speaks in Anagrams see Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and
Horror

A Man with a Tape Recorder Up His Nose/Brother’s Nose 52, 161, 3182

A Man with Three Buttocks 26, 37, 78

A Man with Two Noses 37

Management Training Course Interview see Silly Job Interview

Manhunt [anim] 220

Marching Up and Down the Square (RSM) 1025

Marilyn Monroe 422, 1427

Marriage Guidance Counselor 37, 161

Marriage Registry Office 97

Martin Luther see The Adventures of Martin Luther

Martydom of St. Victor 799

Mary Recruitment Office 225

Masons see How to Recognize a Mason

A Massage from the Swedish Prime Minister 235

Match of the Day (Footballers Kissing) 229

May Day in England (Lost Python) 134

McKamikaze Highlanders 250

Me, Doctor 60, 78

The Meaning of Life [song, w: Idle; m: Idle & John du Prez] 1012, 1025,
1723, 2212, 2558, 2567, 2602, 3324

The Meaning of Life (Gaston the Waiter) 1025

Meat Grinder/Venus Dancing [anim] 49

Mechanical Wings see Man-Powered Flight

Medical Love Song [w/m: Idle, John Du Prez & Chapman] 799, 1723,
2558, 3325

Merchant Banker [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 225, 1131, 1286

The Merchant of Venice (The Bad Ischl Dairy Herd) 180

Metamorphosis [anim] 93, 130, 161, 3243

Meteorology [cut] 3319

Michael Ellis 365

Michelangelo and the Pope see The Last Supper

Microphone Stealing see Rival Documentaries

Milkmen see Seduced Milkmen

The Mill on the Floss (Ballooning) 363

The Minister for Not Listening to People see Today in Parliament

Minister for Overseas Development (Mrs. Niggerbaiter Explodes) 221,

293, 478, 613, 3248

Ministry of Foods: Coconut Information Division 2697

The Ministry of Silly Walks [wr: Palin & Jones] 82, 83, 130, 268, 494, 805,
943, 999, 2497, 2645, 3127, 3241
A Minute Passed 235

Miss Anne Elk see Thrust: Miss Anne Elk

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’ Ford Popular 221

Mr. and Mrs. Cheap-Laugh see The Cheap-Laughs

Mr. and Mrs. Hendy see Dungeon Room (Mr. and Mrs. Hendy)

Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Paul Sartre 220

Mr. Attila the Hun 60

Mr. Badger see Silly Interview; Bomb on Plane; Reading the Credits

Mr. Creosote [wr: Palin & Jones, Cleese & Chapman] 947, 1012, 1025,
3324

Mr. Gulliver/Clodagh Rodgers (The Cycling Tour) 234

Mr. Hilter 59

Mr. Neutron in Suburbia 372

Mr. Pither’s Bicycle Pump (The Cycling Tour) 234

Mr. Smoke-Too-Much see Travel Agent

Mollusks (Live TV Documentary) 229, 3241

The Money Programme 224, 235, 3181

Money Song [w/m: John Gould & Idle] 224, 235, 1723, 2558

Montgolfier Brothers (The Golden Age of Ballooning) 363

The Montgolfier Brothers in Love (The Golden Age of Ballooning) 363

Montgolfier Brothers Wash Each Other [anim] 363

Mortuary Visit 236, 3319

Mosquito Hunters 102, 3182

Most Awful Family in Britain 362, 374

Motor Insurance Policy see Insurance Sketch

Mount Everest (Hairdresser Expedition) 226, 3181

Mountaineering Expedition see Kilimanjaro Expedition (Sir George Head)

Mouse Organ see Musical Mice

Mouse Preserve (Frank Tutankhamun) 238

The Mouse Problem see The World Around Us: The Mouse Problem

Mouse Stampede [anim] 238

Movie Writers see Twentieth-Century Vole (Irving C. Saltzberg)

Mrs. Niggerbaiter Explodes see Minister for Overseas Development

Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion 220, 235, 268, 279, 1131, 3241

Mrs. Scum (Mr. Neutron) 372

Mrs. Thing and Mrs. Entity 102

Mrs. Zambesi see New Brain from Curry’s

Muddy Knees [song] 799

Multiple Murderer see Court Room (Multiple Murderer)

Murder Solved by Train Schedules see Agatha Christie Sketch (Railway

Timetables)

Musical Mice 37, 161

Musical Statue [anim] 37, 161, 3243

Mystico and Janet (Flats Built by Hypnosis) 236, 3248

Nationwide: Westminster Bridge/Police Helmets 370

Naughty Bits 105

Nazi Fish [anim] 221, 3243

Neurotic Announcer 225

Never Be Rude to an Arab [song, w/m: Jones] 799, 911, 943, 1723, 3181

Neville Shunt 108; see also Theatre Critic (Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr)

New Brain from Curry’s 251

New Comedy Programmes (Dad’s Doctor, Dad’s Pooves, etc.) 250

New Cooker Sketch 83, 130, 2497

The News for Parrots 98, 279, 3248

The News for Wombats 98

The News with Richard Baker (Gestures) 225

The News with Richard Baker (Storage Jars) 232

Newsflash (Peter Woods) 368

Newspaper Shop 130

Newsreader 374

Newsreader Arrested 43, 130

Nisus Wettus see One Cross Each (Nisus Wettus and Mr. Cheeky)

Njorl’s Saga 220

No Time to Lose 250

No-Time Tolouse [anim] 250, 3243

Noisy Traffic [anim] 238

Non-Illegal Robbery 44

North Malden Icelandic Saga Society 220

The North Minehead Bye-Election [wr: Cleese & Palin] 59, 78

The Not Noël Coward Song see Penis Song

Not Secret Police (The Cycling Tour) 234

Novel Writing 293, 613, 911, 1427

Novelty Salesman 86

Nude Man 93

Nude Man (Organist) 236

Nudge, Nudge [wr: Idle] 34, 38, 78, 161, 268, 288, 316, 347, 494, 502,
613, 805, 911, 922, 943, 1427, 1760, 2567, 3127, 3181

Off-License 249

Oh, Lord, Please Don’t Burn Us [song, w: Cleese & Chapman; m: Idle &
John du Prez] 1025

Old Lady Snoopers 232

Oliver Cromwell [song, w: Cleese; m: Frederic Chopin; adpt of Chopin’s
Polonaise No. 6 in A Flat Major, Op. 53] 1723

The Olympic Hide-and-Seek Final 236, 3248

Olympic Torch Runner 180

One Cross Each (Nisus Wettus and Mr. Cheeky) 710, 723

One-Man Wrestling see Self-Wrestling

Open Field Farming Songs see The Background to History

Opera Singer [anim] 374

Operating Theatre (Squatters) 60

The Oscar Wilde Sketch 251, 293, 613, 3241

Otto [cut] 752, 2320, 2493, 3323

Otto Song [song] [cut] 3323

Our Eamonn see Fire Brigade/Our Eamonn

The Pantomime Horse Is a Secret Agent 225, 3241

Pantomime Horses 225

Paratroopers [anim] 370

Parrot Sketch see The Pet Shop (Dead Parrot)

Party Hints by Veronica Smalls 226

Party Political Broadcast by the Wood Party see How Far Can a Minister
Fall?
A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Conservative and Unionist
Party (Choreographed) 250

Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Norwegian Party 363

Pasolini’s “The Third Test Match” 251

A Passing Spaceship 710

Patient Abuse 374

Patient Stabbed by Nurse see Patient Abuse

Pearls for Swine (adverts) 60

Penguin on the TV 105, 162, 245, 3241

Penguins see Frontiers of Medicine: Penguins

Penis Song (The Not Noël Coward Song) [w/m: Idle] 1012, 1025, 1723,
2554, 2558

Peoples’ Front of Judea Meeting see What Have the Romans Ever Done
for Us?

Peoples’ Front of Judea (Roman Amphitheatre) 710, 723

Pepperpots Discuss French Philosophers 37

Personal Freedom 235

Pet Conversions (Taking in the Terrier) 54, 293, 478

The Pet Shop (Dead Parrot) [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 34, 49, 70, 78, 116,
132, 161, 198, 268, 316, 347, 492, 494, 502, 539, 613, 702, 835, 882, 911,
999, 1131, 1427, 1665, 1705, 1726, 2214, 2340, 2645, 3127, 3241, 3422

Philip Jenkinson on Cheese Westerns 232

Philosophers Football Match see International Philosophy (Football
Match)

Phone-In 293, 911

Photographer/Land Eating/Intro [anim] 180

Photos of Uncle Ted/Spanish Inquisition 86

Picasso-Cycling Race see It’s the Arts: Picasso-Cycling Race

Piggy Bank Hunting [anim] 96

Pilate’s Passover Addwess 710, 723

Pilate’s Wife [cut] 752, 2320, 2493

The Piranha Brothers see Ethel the Frog: The Piranha Brothers

Piston Engine 370

Plague Village see Bring Out Your Dead

Plan 13A [anim] 249

Planet Algon see Prices on the Planet Algon

Pleasures of the Dance see Apologies (Pleasures of the Dance)

The Poet McTeagle 88, 3181

Poetic Solicitor see Off-License

Poetry Reading (Ants) see Victorian Poetry Reading (Ants)

Poets in the Home 93, 3248

Police Constable Pan-Am 93

Police Fairy Stories see Probe Around

Police Helmets see Nationwide: Westminster Bridge/Police Helmets

Police Raid 43

Police Station see Science Fiction Sketch

Police Station (Silly Voices) 59

Polite Hijacker see Hijacked Plane (to Luton)

Political Groupies 98

Political Peasants see Constitutional Peasants

Politicians: An Apology 229

Pontius Pilate (Throw Him to the Floor/Biggus Dickus) 710, 723

Poofy Judges see The Judges

The Pope and Michelangelo see The Last Supper

Pornographic Bookshop 239

Post Box Ceremony (Mr. Neutron) 372, 3182

Powder My Nose [anim] 251, 3243

Prejudice 249

Premiere of the Film (Live Broadcast from London) 422, 911

Prices on the Planet Algon 236

Prime Minister (Mr. Neutron) 372

The Prince and the Black Spot [anim] 97, 161, 3243

The Princess with Wooden Teeth see A Fairy Tale (Happy Valley)
Probe Around (Police Fairy Stories) 60

Probe: Bull-Fighting 236

A Professional Logician 422

Programme Planners 368

Prostitute Advert 83

Protection Money see Army Protection Racket

Protestantism and Sex 1012, 1025

Protestors/2001 [anim] 110

Psychiatrist (Dr. Larch) 60

Psychiatrist Milkman 88

Psychopath [cut] 3320

The Public Are Idiots 368

Purchase a Past [anim] 38, 3243

Pushing Button/Two Growing Trees/Hitler [anim] 236

Puss in Boots 221

Putting Down Budgies see Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion

Queen Victoria and Gladstone see The Wacky Queen

Queen Victoria Handicap 370, 3181

The Queen Will Be Watching 111

The Rabbit of Caerbannog 331, 397

Racing Car [anim] 105

Radio Quiz Game see What Do You...? (Radio Quiz Game)

Radio Shop [cut] 3320

RAF Banter 368, 3248

The Raid on Pilate’s Palace 710

Railway Timetables see Agatha Christie Sketch (Railway Timetables)

Ralph Melish see Adventures of Ralph Melish

Ramsay MacDonald Striptease 108, 130

Randy Businessmen 238

Rat see Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police)

Ratcatcher see Colin Mozart (Ratcatcher)

Ratcatcher (Killer Sheep) 98, 3248

Raymond Luxury-Yacht Interview 97, 3244

Raymond Luxury-Yacht (Plastic Surgery) 105, 3241

Reading Hall see Victorian Poetry Reading (Ants)

Reading the Credits (Mr. Badger) 236

Rear Stalls 422

Record Shop see First World War Noises in 4

Red Indian in Theatre 44

A Re-enactment of The Battle of Pearl Harbor see The Batley

Townswomens’ Guild’s Re-enactment of The Battle of Pearl Harbor

The Refreshment Room at Bletchley 52, 3181

Registrar of Marriages (Wife Swap) 102

Repeating Groove 108

Restaurant (Abuse/Cannibalism) 60

Restaurant in Jungle see Jungle Restaurant

Restaurant Sketch see Bavarian Restaurant Sketch

Restaurant Sketch (Dirty Fork) 34, 38, 161

The Return of the Native see Novel Writing

Richard Baker see The News with Richard Baker

Rival Documentaries 250, 3244

Rock Notes 799, 1427, 2558

Roger the Shrubber 397

Roman Amphitheatre see Peoples’ Front of Judea

Romans Go Home [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 710, 723

Romantic Movie see Erotic film

Ron Obvious (The First Man to Jump the Channel) 54

A Room in Polonius’s House 370

Royal Festival Hall Concert 162, 210, 245

Royal Navy Advert [anim] 229, 3243

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom 55

The Royal Society for Putting Things on Top of Other Things 96

RSM see Marching Up and Down the Square (RSM)

Rubbish Dump see French Subtitled Film (Le Fromage Grand)

The Rude/Polite Butcher 96

Rugby Match 945, 1025

Rustic Monologue 39

Salad Days see Sam Peckinpah’s “Salad Days”

Salvation Fuzz see Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police)

Sam Peckinpah’s “Salad Days” 219, 232

Sartre see Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Paul Sartre

Scene 24 397

School Chapel 1025, 1131

School Prize-Giving 97

Schoolboys’ Life Assurance Company 221

Science Fiction Sketch 47, 1180

A Scotsman on a Horse 44, 348, 3182

Scott of the Antarctic/Sahara 67, 106, 130

A Scottish Farewell (Here Comes Another One) 799

Seashore Interlude Film 232

Secret Service [from At Last the 1948 Show, 1967] 316, 347

Secret Service Dentists see Lemming of the BDA

Secretary of State Striptease 98

Seduced Milkmen 38, 161, 2497

Self-Defense (Against Fresh Fruit) 39, 78, 161, 3244

Self-Wrestling 238, 268, 316, 347, 494, 502, 805, 943, 3241

The Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights 86, 130, 3182

Semprini see Words Not to Be Used Again

Sermon on the Mount (Big Nose) 710, 723

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 96

Sex Lesson [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 1012, 1025

Sexual Athletes [anim] 97, 3182, 3243

Sgt. Duckie’s Song 105

Shaving [anim] 83, 161, 3243

Sheep Bank Robbers [anim] 98

Shepherds [cut] 2320, 2493

Sherry-Drinking Vicar 239

The Shoe and the Gourd see Brian, the Messiah (The Shoe and the Gourd)
Shooting Gallery [anim] 239

Show-Jumping (Musicals) 368

The Show So Far 232

The Sign That Is the Sign 2320

A Signalbox Somewhere Near Hove 59

Silly and Sensible Parties see Election Night Special

Silly Disturbances (the Rev. Arthur Belling) 239

Silly Interview (Mr. Badger) 229

Silly Job Interview 43

Silly Noises 239

Silly Noises (Quiz Show) 235, 613

Silly Olympics (Munich 1972) 180, 268, 494, 805, 943, 1533, 3181

Silly Vicar see An Appeal for Sanity (Silly Vicar)

Silly Voices see Police Station (Silly Voices)

Silly Walks see The Ministry of Silly Walks

Sir Edward Ross see It’s the Arts: Sir Edward Ross

Sir Philip Sidney see The Life of Sir Philip Sidney (Elizabethan
Pornography Smugglers)

Sit on My Face [song, w: Idle; m: Harry Parr Davies; adpt of “Sing As We

Go”] 799, 805, 911, 943, 1427, 1723, 2558, 2826, 3181

Sit Up/Dancing Soldiers/Falling Pig [anim] 35

Smoking a Pipe [anim] 59

Smolensk YMACA (The Cycling Tour) 234

The Smuggler 43

Social Legislation in the 18th Century 55

Soho Motors see Pearls for Swine (adverts)

Sound Quiz 162, 1427

Souvenir Salesman 2320

Spam 82, 110, 162, 245, 1427, 2512, 3241

Spam Song [w/m: Palin, Jones & Fred Tomlinson] 110, 162, 166 (lyrics),
210, 245, 461, 527, 1723, 2498, 2558

The Spanish Inquisition [wr: Palin & Jones] 82, 86, 162, 1427, 3127; see
also Comfy Chair; Knees Up, Mother Brown

Speaker [anim] 229

Special Gaiters see Courtmartial

Spectrum 59

The Spot see The Prince and the Black Spot

Spot the Brain Cell see Take Your Pick (The Blow on the Head)

Spot the Looney 250

Squatters see Operating Theatre (Squatters)

Stabbed Patient see Doctor Whose Patients are Stabbed by His Nurse

Stake Your Claim 162, 180, 245, 704, 764

Still No Sign of Land see Lifeboat (Cannibalism)

Stock Market Report 220

Stolen Newsreader 38

Stolen Wallet see Come Back to My Place

Stoning [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 710, 723

Storage Jars 232

The Story of EBW 343 see Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’ Ford Popular

The Story of the Film So Far 422

Storytime 38, 78, 288, 3181

Strangers in the Night 54

Strawberry Tart see Dead Bishop on the Landing (Church Police)

String [from The Frost Report, 1967] 799, 911, 1131, 1427

Submarine (Pepperpots) 111

Summarize Proust Competition see The All-England Summarize Proust

Competition

Superhero [anim] 44

Supreme Commander (Mr. Neutron) 372

Sviatoslav Richter and Rita 221, 3181

The Swallow 397

Swamp Castle see The Tale of Sir Lancelot: Swamp Castle

Sycophancy 238
Take Your Pick (The Blow on the Head) 98, 268, 347

Taking in the Terrier see Pet Conversions

Taking Your Clothes Off in Public 39

The Tale of Sir Galahad: The Castle Anthrax 334, 397

The Tale of Sir Lancelot: Swamp Castle 337, 397, 422, 1427, 2698

The Tale of Sir Robin: The Three-Headed Knight 344, 397

Tax on Thingy 86

Tchaikovsky see Farming Club: Life of Tchaikovsky

Teach Yourself Heath 233, 3319

Teddy Salad of the Yukon (Mr. Neutron) 362, 372

Teleprinter Football Results [cut] 3320

Ten Seconds of Sex 236, 238

Test Match/Epsom Furniture Race 98

The Test of a Witch 338, 397, 422, 783, 911

Thames TV Intro 251

Theatre Critic (Gavin Millarrrrrrrrr) 108, 162

The Theatre Sketch see Red Indian in Theatre

Theory on Brontosauruses see Thrust: Miss Anne Elk

There’s Been a Murder 105

The Thinker [anim] 37

Thomas Hardy see Novel Writing

The Three-Headed Knight see The Tale of Sir Robin: The Three-Headed
Knight

Three Wise Men 710, 723

Thripshaw’s Disease 239

Throw Him to the Floor see Pontius Pilate (Throw Him to the
Floor/Biggus Dickus)

Thrust: Miss Anne Elk 226, 235, 3241

Tiger and Other Pets (Michael Ellis) 365

Tiger Club 293

Tiger Hunt see The First Zulu War 1879/Tiger Hunt

Tim the Enchanter 397, 422

The Time on BBC1 97, 130

Timmy Williams’ Coffee Time 97

Tired Undertakers see Undertakers

The Toad Elevating Moment: Roundabout Speaker and

Ends/Beginnings/Middles of Words 111

Tobacconist see Hungarian Phrase Book

Today in Parliament 98

Today in Parliament (The Minister for Not Listening to People) 229

Toothy Film Director see Film Director (Teeth)

Torpedo Bay see Submarine (Pepperpots)

Tory Housewives Clean-Up Campaign see The Housewives of Britain

(Clean-Up Campaign)

Toupee Hall 365, 592

Trade Description Act see Crunchy Frog

Traffic Lights [song] 799, 1427

Travel Agent [wr: Cleese & Chapman, Idle] 219, 226, 235, 268, 316, 347,
494, 502, 805, 943, 1427, 3181

Treadmill Lager see Bishop

Trim-Jeans Theatre Presents 221

Trivializing the War 368, 3248

The Trojan Rabbit see The French Taunter

Trotsky (The Cycling Tour) 234

Trotsky/Eartha Kitt (The Cycling Tour) 234

Tudor Job Agency 239

Tudor Porn Merchants see Pornographic Bookshop

Tunnelling to Java see Ron Obvious

TV Is Bad for Your Eyes [anim] 232, 3243

Twentieth-Century Frog [anim] 161

Twentieth-Century Vole (Irving C. Saltzberg) [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 44,
3241

Two Sheds see It’s the Arts: Arthur “Two Sheds” Jackson

2001 [anim] 250, 3243

Undertaker (freelance) [cut] 3318

Undertaker Sketch [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 82, 111, 162, 1131, 1427

Undertakers 55

Underwater Productions 105

Unexploded Scotsman Disposal Squad 250

University of the Air: Let’s Talk Ant 365

University of Woolamaloo see Bruces

Up Your Pavement 368, 3248

The Upper-Class Twit of the Year [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 34, 59, 161,
3244

Urine Donor see Blood Donor

Venus Dancing [anim] 49, 161

Vera’s Lovers see Strangers in the Night

The Verrifast Plane Company 105

The Very Big Corporation of America 1025

A Very Naughty Boy see He’s Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy)

Vicar/Salesman 221

Vicious Baby Carriage [anim] 44

Victorian Poetry Reading (Ants) 365

Village Idiots 98

The Visitors 52, 78

Visitors from Coventry see Mr. Hilter

Vocational Guidance Counsellor 54, 161, 3241

The Wacky Queen 21, 37

Wainscotting see Ratcatcher (Killer Sheep)

Walk-On Part in Sketch 54

The Walking Tree of Dahomey (David Attenborough) 374

War Noises see First World War Noises in 4

Wasp Club 293

We Love the Yangtse [song, w/m: Palin & Jones] 223, 235

Wee-Wee Wine Tasting [cut] 222, 239

Westminster Bridge see Nationwide: Westminster Bridge/Police Helmets

What a Lovely Day [anim] 368, 3243

What Do You...? (Radio Quiz Game) 235

What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us? (PFJ Meeting) 710, 723, 1260

What the Stars Foretell [wr: Palin & Jones] 249

When Does a Dream Begin? [song, w/m: Neil Innes] 368

Whicker Island 220, 3181

Whicker’s World see Whicker Island

Whizzo Butter 35

Whizzo Chocolates see Crunchy Frog

The Whizzo Quality Assortment see Crunchy Frog

Who Cares? see Elephantoplasty

Wide World of Novel Writing see Novel Writing

Wife Swap see Registrar of Marriages (Wife Swap)

Wife-Swapping 251, 3182

William Tell 238

Wise Men at the Manger see Three Wise Men

Wishes (Schoolboys/Businessmen Interview) 60, 3182

Witch Burning see The Test of a Witch

Women and Children First 221

Wonderful World of Sound 235

Wooden Impressions [anim] 54

Woody and Tinny Words 362, 368

Word Association 293, 613, 1131

A Word from a Frenchman 180

Words Not to Be Used Again 93, 3182

Working-Class Playwright 37, 3248

The World Around Us: The Mouse Problem [wr: Cleese & Chapman] 37,
78

World Forum (Communist Quiz) 82, 110, 132, 162, 245, 316, 347, 494,
502, 805, 911, 943, 3181

The World of History (interruptions) 55

The World of History see Social Legislation in the Eighteenth Century;

The Battle of Trafalgar; The Batley Townswomen’s Guild Re-enactment of
The Battle of Pearl Harbor

World War Noises in 4 see First World War Noises in 4

The World’s Funniest Joke see The Funniest Joke in the World

Wrestling see Self-Wrestling

The Wrestling Epilogue (A Question of Belief) 37, 3244

Ya De Bucketty [song from “A Fairy Tale,” w/m: Jones] 235, 238

Yangtse Kiang 235

The Yangtse Song see We Love the Yangtse

You Be the Actor see Be a Great Actor

You’re No Fun Anymore 47

Ypres 1914 110

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I’ve Got Love in My Tummy [pop song

performed in packing crates] 108

Zeppelin see Barry Zeppelin; Ferdinand von Zeppelin/Corpses in Drawing

Room (The Golden Age of Ballooning)

OceanofPDF.com
 Eric Idle Solo Sketch and Song Index

References are to entry numbers in this index to Idle’s solo works, the
chief among them being Rutland Weekend Television and All You Need
Is Cash (both in collaboration with singer-songwriter Neil Innes), and
Spamalot and Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (both in
collaboration with composer John Du Prez).

Accountancy Shanty [song: Idle-Innes] 542, 550

The Age of Desperation [song: Innes] 532

All for One [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Amnesia 425

L’Amour Perdu [song: Innes] 429, 550

Amourdeus [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Analogy 2865

Angel Demonstration 544

Ann Melbourne see Film Night

Announcer Auditions 532

Another Day (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Another Lonely Man (Singing Gynecologist) [song: Innes] 542

Anti-Insurance Film 542

Arrested [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Australian Love Song [song: Idle-Innes] 544

Autocue 544

Baby Let Me Be (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632

Back-Room Boys see The Entire History of the World: Episode Three, The
Creation

Bad Continuity 541

Banana Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Band Wagon [song: Innes] 425

Bathtime Theatre: Splash, Kevin Tripp 421

Beauty Queen Farm 425

Between Us (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Bingo Brothers see Once We Had a Donkey

Blue Suede Schubert (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632

Boring [song: Innes] 421, 550

Boring Competitions see Sportsbore

Boring Intro by Tony Bilbow 542

Brian’s Dream [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Camouflage Regiment 2865

Car-Swapping see Exposé: Car-Swapping

Carrot see Incident at Bromsgrove (Carrot)

Censorship 544

Chaos and Confusion! [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Cheese and Onions (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 576, 632, 635

The Children of Rock and Roll see Good Times Roll

The Chosen One Has Woken [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

The Christmas Play: Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore 471

Christmas Postscript 471

Civil War 2865

Classically Bad American Films 541

Collier Rides Again 537

Come Dancing 420

Come with Me [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Communist Cooking [sketch/song: Idle-Innes] 420, 550

Comparative Religions 421

Concrete Jungle Boy [song: Innes] 471, 550

Contraception 2865

Cramp Bottom see The Homes of the Poets: Mungo Wright (Cramp
Bottom)

Cretin Club see Intelligence Test (Cretin Club)

Crystal Balls [song: Innes] 537

Cure for Love 532

The David Frost Show Again 544

Dead Singer 425

Did Dinosaurs Build Stonehenge? 893

The Diva’s Lament (What Happened to My Part?) [song: Idle–Du Prez]

3113, 3144

Doubleback Alley (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Drama on a Saturday Night [song: Innes] 543

Eccentric Judge 543

The Entire History of the World: Episode Three, the Creation 532

The Execution of Charles I 429

Exposé: Car-Swapping 534

Exposé: The Massed Flashers of Reigate 541

Fabulous Bingo Brothers see Once We Had a Donkey

A Fair Day’s Work [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

FCC Song [song: Idle] 3083

Film Night 471

The Final Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

The Final Word with Tony Bilbow 421

Find Your Dream [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Find Your Grail [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144, 3151

Fisch Schlapping Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Fishing for Compliments [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Flag Seller 542

Flashbacks 541

Flipper Minnelli 2865

Football [song: Idle-Innes] 421, 550

Front Loader [song: Innes] 427, 550

Fuck Christmas [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2919

Fuck You Very Much see FCC Song

The Gay Animal Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865, 2870

General Gucci [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Get Up and Go (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

The Getty Song [song: Idle] 2457, 2468, 3004

Gibberish 418, 550, 576

Ging Gang Goolie [song: trad., arr. by Idle and Rikki Fataar] 647

God of the British Army 421

Godfrey Daniel [song: Innes] 534

Good Times Roll (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 421, 550, 632, 635

Goodbye from Paranoia 2865

Goose-Step Mama (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Great Wit see Talk About (Great Wit)

Hail to the Shoe [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Halsey & Roarke, British Customs 1338

Hanging 418

The Hard to Get [song: Innes] 541, 550

Harry [song: Idle] 803, 3234

He Is Not Dead Yet [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113

Here Are You [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113

Hey Rita 2865

Highwayman 543

His Name Is Lancelot [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Hold My Hand (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Holiday 75 427

The Holy Grail [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113

The Homes of the Poets: Mungo Wright (Cramp Bottom) 421

Homo Semi-Erectus 2865

How to Ski in Your Own Home 471

Husband and Wife 537

I Am Not Dead Yet see He Is Not Dead Yet

I Don’t Believe in Santa Anymore [song: Innes] 471

I Don’t Want to Fall in Love Again see Another Lonely Man

I Give Myself to You [song: Innes] 537, 550

I Like Dinosaurs [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2171

I Must Be in Love (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 515, 532, 550, 582, 632, 635,
2558

I Want to Be a Girl [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

If I Didn’t Have You [song: Carole Bayer Sager-David Foster] 2369

Ill Health Food Store 541

I’m All Alone [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

I’m the Urban Spaceman [song: Innes] 427, 943

Impersonations of Medical Equipment 420

Incident at Bromsgrove (Carrot) 429

Individuals [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Inflation 532

Inside James Burke see Tomorrows Burke

Intelligence Test (Cretin Club) 420

Intermission 2865

Isle of Wight see The Royal Rutland Fusiliers

It Could Always Be Worse [song: Al Kasha-Michael Lloyd] 2406

It’s Hard to Make It When You’re Straight [song: Idle-Innes] 544

It’s Looking Good (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Janitors’ Kids [song: Innes] 544

Johnny Cash (Live at Mrs. Fletcher’s) [song: Idle-Innes] 429, 550

Joining the AA 544

Killing for God [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865, 2919

Killing People 537

King Arthur’s Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113

The Kung and I 420

Kung Dancing 420

Kung Suey 420

Lance Corporal (announcer) 537

Let’s Be Natural (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Lie Down and Be Counted [song: Innes] 420

The Life and Legend of Michael Hall (starring Tony Bilbow) 542

Life Will Get You in the End [song: Idle] 3676

Living in Hope (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

The Lone Accountant 543

Love Life (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Love, Love, Love [song: Idle-Stephen Bishop] 834

Madame Butterfly Collector see Quite Interesting People

Madrigal [song: Idle-John Cameron] 660

The Major Who Doesn’t Understand 418

Man Alive: Suburban Prisons 429

The Man from the Off-License 420

Mandy’s Song [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Mantra Robinson 425

The Market Square [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

The Massed Flashers of Reigate see Exposé: The Massed Flashers of

Reigate

Men, Men, Men [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2558

La Mère [song: Idle-Michael Kamen] 1945

Mister Sheene [song: Idle] 647

Mrs. Fletcher’s see Johnny Cash (Live at Mrs. Fletcher’s)

Muff Diving [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Mugger’s Day [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Mungo Wright see The Homes of the Poets: Mungo Wright (Cramp
Bottom)

National Anthem (Rutland Isles) [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2861, 2865

Nelson and Hardy 429

Nevertheless (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Nixon Is Innocent 543

No Sherry/Buying People 421

Non-Voyeur 542

Normal (Arthur Sutcliffe) 420

Not the Messiah [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Number One (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

O God You Are So Big [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

The Old Gay Whistle Test 425

Once We Had a Donkey (Fabulous Bingo Brothers) [song: Idle-Innes] 425,

550

One Foot in the Grave [song: Idle] 1740, 2558

Origami 420

Ouch! (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Over-Friendly Isles 2865

Paranoid Jails 2865

Penis Fish 2865

A Penny for Your Warts 271, 425

The Peoples’ Front of Judea [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Philosophy Corner 420

Piggy in the Middle (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

The Pirate Song [song: Idle-George Harrison] 471

Plain Talk see Gibberish

Pommy see Concrete Jungle Boy

Pre-Chewed Food [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Prime Minister 427

Prisoner Requests Leave 537

Protest Song [song: Innes] 425, 502, 550

Queen of Rutland see A Right Royal Rutland Year

Quite Interesting People 534

Quiz Show (Look Out Behind You) 2865

Rain in Hendon 427

The Randi 2865

Randi Statistics 2865

The Razor Blade Four (announcers) 534

Really Nice Day [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3258

Religion Today 429

Restaurant Dress Code 537

The Return of the Pink Panzer 544

Revenge Is Sweet [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2171

The Ricochet Brothers (announcers) 541

A Right Royal Rutland Year 471

Rock Stars 2865

The Royal Rutland Fusiliers 418

Run Away [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Rutland Five-O 534

Rutland Safari Park 543

Rutland Triangle 2865

Rutland Weekend Theatre 425

The Rutles (aborted doc) 532

Safari Car Park 543

Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore see The Christmas Play: Santa Doesn’t
Live Here Anymore

Satan in Electrical Shop 427

Saucer of Rancid Milk 537

Saving Fish from Drowning 418

Say Sorry Again [song: Innes] 420, 550

Schizophrenia 421

Sex Problems 542

Sexist Sketch 543

Sheep Worrier see Quite Interesting People

Shopping [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2171, 2177, 2195, 2558

Showbiz Butchers see Yorkshire Showbiz Butchers

Singing a Song Is Easy [song: Innes] 429

The Slaves of Freedom [song: Innes] 544

The Smoke of Autumn Bonfires [song: Idle-Innes] 544

Soap Opera 544

Solihull Wife-Swapping Club 427

Someone Stole My Baby [song: Idle] 1945

The Song O’ the Continuity Announcers [song: Idle] 429, 550

The Song O’ the Insurance Men [song: Idle-Innes] 542, 550

The Song That Goes Like This [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Special Equipment for Gentlemen 542

Spiritual [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Sportsbore 544

Sprimpo 541

Star of the Sexy Movies [song: Idle-Innes] 418

Stoop Solo [song: Innes] 418, 550

Suburban Prisons see Man Alive: Suburban Prisons

Surfing Apes [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Take Us Home [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Talk About (Great Wit) 420

Television Forecast 421

Testing [song: Innes] 471, 550

That’s Death [song: Idle] 2194, 2207

That’s My Mum 532

There Shall Be Monsters [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Tirade Against Critics 541

Toad the Wet Sprocket 425

Tobacco 532

Tomorrows Burke 537

Tonight’s Drama (Lawyer and Fall-guy) 532

Topless a Go-Go [song: Innes] 534

The Torturer’s Apprentice [song: Idle-Michael Kamen] 1559

Trapped by the Writer 543

Trapped Under Clerics 418

Travel Agent/Insurance 542

TV Jobs for MPs 427

Twenty-Four Hours in Tunbridge Wells [song: Idle-Innes] 541, 550

Urban Spaceman see I’m the Urban Spaceman

Vacation in Rutland 2865

Warning Signs 421

We Love Sheep [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Weather Flash (Rain in Hendon) 427

The Week Ahead on RWT (Churchill Programmes) 418

West Pole 2865

What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us? [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

When They Grow Up [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Where Are You? [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Whoops, Look Out Behind You [song: Idle–Du Prez] 2865

Wife-Swapping Club see Solihull Wife-Swapping Club

Wife Swapping Party [song: Idle-Innes] 543

William Plastic-Bidet and the Postman 544

With a Girl Like You (The Rutles) [song: Innes] 632, 635

Woe Woe Woe! [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Worrying Sheep see Quite Interesting People

Yorkshire Showbiz Butchers 425

You Won’t Succeed on Broadway [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3113, 3144

Your Questions Answered 427

You’re the One [song: Idle–Du Prez] 3410

Yuri Geller Bending see Tomorrows Burke

OceanofPDF.com
 General Index

References are to entry numbers.

A&E Premieres (TV) 1744

A Plus (TV) 1000, 1081

AA Home Emergency Response (Faulty Showers) (ad) 3869

Aaron, Hank 921

Abad, Javier 3760

Abbado, Roberto 4063

Abbott, David 2114

Abbott, Stan 1804

Abbott, Steve 1493, 1495, 1818

The ABC Afterschool Special (TV): “William” 248

ABC News Now (TV) 3705

Abineri, Daniel 909

Abrahams, Darren 3926

Abrahams, Stephen 3395

Abrams, Aron 2664

Absolutely Anything (film) 3860, 4065

Abuzeid, Huda 2773

The Abyss (film) 1755

The Academy Awards (ceremony) 1282, 1628, 1755, 3803

Accurist (ads) 665

The Ace Awards (ceremony) 1807

Ackerman, David 2722

Ackland, Joss 596, 1675, 1724

Adam Hills in Gordon St. Tonight (TV) 4089

Adams, Bryan 2813

Adams, Douglas 374, 433, 481, 562, 661, 810, 1307, 1695, 2316, 2318,
2319, 2352, 2357, 2472, 2541, 2665, 2684, 3136, 3366, 3690, 3719, 4087,
4128

Adams, Phillip 3458, 3472

Adams, Tony 1340

Adams, Trevor 446

Adamson, Andrew 2997

Addams, Dawn 252

Addotta, Kip 1430

Adie, Kate 2786

Adler, Marc F. 3597

Adults Learning (magazine) 3917

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (book) 1600

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (film) 697, 1346, 1378, 1419, 1431,
1446, 1521, 1559, 1597, 1601–07, 1610–17, 1620–24, 1629–31, 1646,
1659, 1755, 1850, 1856, 1952, 2550, 3498, 3499, 3659, 3839

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: The Criterion Collection

(laserdisc) 1901

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: The Screenplay (book) 1598

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen: 20th Anniversary Edition

(DVD/Blu-ray) 3498

The Adventures of Pluto Nash (film) 2772

Advertising Age (magazine) 1127

Affleck, Ben 2983, 3236

AFI Life Achievement Award [38th] (ceremony) 3838

AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mike Nichols (TV) 3844

AFI Star Award Tribute to Robin Williams (stage) 2550

An Afternoon with John Cleese (event) 2670, 3925

Afternoons with Gillian O’Shaughnessy (radio) 4067

Agassi, Andre 2462

Agnew, David 729

Agutter, Jenny 886

Aherne, Caroline 2385

Ahrens, Lynn 2449, 2621

Aiken, Bill 1536

Aitken, Maria 481, 725, 1123, 1281, 1495, 1733, 3294

Ajaye, Franklyn 1430

Akinwolere, Andy 3912

Aladdin (panto) 56, 112

Aladdin (radio) 2535

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp (audiobook) 1162

Alan Moore: Portrait of an Extraordinary Gentleman (book) 2890

An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (film) 2295, 2334

The Alan Titchmarsh Show (TV) 3578, 3767, 4167

Alberto Y Lost Trios 572

The Album of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and
the Holy Grail (record) 399, 422, 613, 2238, 3321

Alda, Alan 2856

Alderson, Brian 874

Alderton, John 666

Alex Belfield (radio) 3908

Alexander, Danny 3927

Alexander, Denyse 685

Alexander, Jane 980

Alexander, Jason 2313

Alexander, John 3550

Alexander, Michael 1518, 1645

Alexander, Sam 3985

Alexander, Terence 383, 960

Alexandra, Charlotte 549

Alfie (film) 3055

Alice in Wonderland (book) 3186

Alighieri, Dante 2237

The Alimony Tour (DVD) see John Cleese Live: The Alimony Tour 2011

The Alimony Tour (stage) 3811, 3815, 3906, 3935, 3940, 3941, 4010, 4062

The Alimony Tour [South Africa, 2011] (stage) 4010

The Alimony Tour [U.K., 2011] (stage) 3906, 3940, 3941

The Alimony Tour [U.S.] see A Final Wave at the World: The Alimony
Tour, Part One

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 1: Change for the Better
(film) 1567

All Change (The Management of Change), Part 2: The Shape of Things to

Come (film) 1568

All Things Considered (radio) 3545, 3777

All You Need Is Cash (TV) 351, 582, 591, 632, 635, 636, 2133, 2643, 2644,
2647, 2906, 3105, 3495, 3583–85

Allen, Dave 2091, 2244

Allen, Steve 734, 777

Alliss, Peter 558

Alpert, Hollis 397

Altiere, Daniel 4017

Altiere, Steven 4017

Altman, Robert 1952

Alvarado, Trini 1818

Alverson, Charles 567, 624, 743, 860

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (record/CD) 1846

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life/Brian (record) 722

A.M. America (TV) 407

Amanda’s (TV) 1004, 2436

Amateau, Rod 113

The Amber Spyglass (book) 2720

America (magazine) 356

American Cinematographer (magazine) 2363

The American Comedy Awards (ceremony) 1477, 2231, 2333

American Express (ads) 997, 1802

American Film (magazine) 1602

American Friends (film) 602, 1346, 1474, 1548, 1769, 1812, 1814, 1817–
19, 1821, 1822, 1942–44, 1948–50
American Masters (TV): “Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides” 3907

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (film) 1859

Ames, Katrine 1025

Amory, Cleveland 356

Ancient Inventions (TV) 2397, 2398; “City Life” 2399; “Sex and Love”
2400; “War and Conflict” 2401

And God Blew (TV) 1880

And Now for Something Completely Different (film) 57, 94, 95, 161, 209,
397, 2830, 3427, 3588

And Now for Something Completely Different: The Films of Terry Gilliam
(screenings) 2412

Anderson, Bill 787

Anderson, Bob 4102

Anderson, Clive 661, 2060, 2091, 2535, 2684, 3695, 4044, 4087

Anderson, Donnie 3479

Anderson, Gillian 3479

Anderson, Harry 1035

Anderson, Marie 236

Anderson, Mike B. 3076

Anderson, Stanley 1023

Anderson, Stephen 3969

Andress, Ursula 2837

The Andrew Marr Show (TV) 3507, 3575, 3927

Andrews, Anthony 2404

Andrews, Eamon 266

Andrews, Julie [Dame] 2997, 3022, 3405, 3823

Angas, Richard 1304, 1442

Angel, Nick 3308

Angell, David 1363

The Angry Beavers (TV): “Open Wide for Zombies/Dumbwaiters” 2417

Animal Crackers (film) 1149

Animal Farm (book) 1149

The Animal Magic Zoo (TV) 3968

Animal Tales (book) 3914, 3926, 3932, 3960, 3973

Animation at Cambridge (TV) 1229

Animation Nation (TV): “Something to Say” 3138

Animations of Mortality (book) 652

Anna and the Moods (film) 3385

Annecy Film Festival 176

“Annie’s Song” (song) 799

Another Monty Python Record (record) 143, 162, 199, 209, 210, 245, 277,
556, 613, 3318, 3588
Ansen, David 710, 863, 943, 970, 1149, 1850

Ansorge, Peter 3291

Anstead, Mark 3154

Ant & Dec 3022

The Anti-Heroin Project: It’s a Live-In World (record) 1324

The Anti-Renaissance Show (radio) 2735, 2736

Antonsen, Atle 3988

Antrobus, John 127

Anwar, Mina 2630, 2631

A. P. Herbert’s Misleading Cases (TV): “Regina Versus Sagittarius” 159

Appel, Stanley 1853

Apple and Appleberry 288

Applebaum, Stephen 2757

Appleby, James 441

Appleyard, Bryan 1438, 3242

Apted, Michael 2516, 3202, 3388

Aquarian (magazine) 946

Aquarius (TV) 139, 169

Arau, Alfonso 160

Arcade Fire 3854

Arch, Jeff 3094

Archard, Bernard 765

Archer, Jeffrey 1349

Archer, John 816

The Archive Hour (radio) 3166; “Children’s Hour” 2656

Are You Taking the Tablets? (TV) 1202

Arena (magazine) 1824

Arena (TV) 609; “Jonathan Miller” 4091; “Magical Mystery Tour

Revisited” 4157; “Philip K. Dick: A Day in the Afterlife” 2005; “Produced
by George Martin” 3934; “Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball?” 3075,
3609, 3669

Argent, Douglas 255, 326, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685, 732

The Aristocrats (film) 3084

Arlott, John 879

Armatrading, Joan 1365

Armitstead, Claire 3718

Armstrong, Alun 1548

Armstrong, Bridget 340, 425, 607

Armstrong, Curtis 4017

Armstrong, Peter 1916

Arnheiter, Carl 3790

Arnold, Gary 891

Arnold, Robert 685

Arnold, Sydney 1026

Arnold, Tom 4017

Around India in 25 Years (lecture) 3798

Around the World in 20 Years (lecture) 3826, 3867

Around the World in 20 Years (TV) 1700, 3562, 3591, 3602

Around the World in 80 Days (book) 1683, 3591, 3666, 3843

Around the World in 80 Days (cartoon) 2447

Around the World in 80 Days (film) 2999

Around the World in 80 Days [1989] (TV series) 820, 1413, 1534, 1553,
1560, 1683, 1692, 1694–96, 1699, 1700, 1708, 1710, 1711, 1715, 1716,
1718, 1721, 1722, 1728, 1729, 1742–45, 1842, 1897, 2272, 2783, 3202,
3562

Around the World in 80 Days (TV miniseries) 1637, 1638, 1641, 1642

Around the World in 80 Days [2009] (TV series) 3724

Around the World in 80 Days: Special 20th Anniversary Edition (book)

3562, 3591, 3594, 3598, 3599

Around the World in 80 Ways (lecture) 3580, 3764

Arquette, David 3880

Arquette, Rosanna 1209, 1490

Arrowsmith, Clive 1056, 1115

The Arsenio Hall Show (TV) 1750

The Art Directors Guild Awards (ceremony) 3387

The Art Instinct (event) 3740

The Art of Football (TV) 3296

The Art of Soccer see The Art of Football

The Art of Travel (TV) 1714

Arthur, Bea 1004, 2436

Arthur, Toni 1242

Arthur Christmas (film) 4018

Artists and Legends Gala 2006 (event) 3254

Arts Forum (radio) 414

Arts Review of the Year (TV) 1099

As Good as It Gets (film) 2582

Asante, Christopher 1563

Asbury, Kelly 2997

Aschner, Michael 2406

Ash, Brian 77

Ash, Cliff 821

Ash, John 3149

Ashby, Alan 3915

Ashby, Hal 1455

Ashdown, Paddy 2243

Asher, Jane 1449, 2754

Asher, Peter 3981

The Ashes Retained (book) 706

Ashley, Lyn 20, 421, 427, 471, 479, 2025

Ask Aspel (TV) 119, 707

Askey, Arthur 140

Askey, David 23, 122, 125, 206, 207

Askwith, Mark 3336, 3346

Asner, Edward 2942

Aspel, Michael 119, 303, 325, 371, 707, 1114, 1280, 1456, 1533, 1541,
1759, 1766, 1819, 1938, 2721, 2976

Aspel and Company (TV) 371, 1280, 1533, 1541, 1759, 1766, 1819, 1938

Aspinall, Sarah 2331

Assert Yourself (TV) 1433

Astérix & Obélix Contre César (film) 2557

Astérix & Obélix Take on Caesar (film) 2557

Aston, Julian 1433

At Last the 1948 Show (TV) 8, 63, 777, 978, 1587, 2940, 2944, 3165

Atkin, Pete 622

Atkins, Chet 1365, 1409

Atkins, Martyn 4154

Atkinson, Rowan 204, 704, 737, 755, 759, 764, 804, 818, 871, 883, 930,
931, 990, 1286, 1675, 1724, 2686, 3075, 3579

Atkinson, Tom 2244, 2329, 2627, 2733

Attacks of Opinion (book) 1371, 1552, 1575

Attenborough, David [Sir] 1260, 2536, 2593, 2642, 2648, 2651, 2817,
2824, 2976, 3093, 3202, 3408, 4041

Attenborough, Richard [Lord] 50, 2754, 2828, 3488

Attwell, Michael 775

Auberjonois, Rene 957

An Audience with John Cleese (event) 3009, 3450

An Audience with Peter Ustinov (TV) 1447

Audio (magazine) 422

Audioweb 2222

August, John 2901

Aukin, David 3735

Aunbu, Knut 769

Auntie’s All-Time Greats (TV) 2196

Auntie’s TV Favourites: BBC Brings You the World (TV) 2191

Auteuil, Daniel 3295

Avedon, Richard 408, 432

Average Chap see How to Lie with Statistics, Part 2: The Average Chap

Avon, Roger 600

Away from It All (film) 740

An Awfully Big Adventure (TV): “Kenneth Grahame” 2331

Awkward Customers see Customer Relations in Practice, No. 3: Awkward

Customers

Ayer, Alfred J. [Sir] 855

Aykroyd, Dan 515, 561, 563, 576, 635, 640, 660, 671, 695, 893, 1238,
1752, 3792

Ayres, Pam 4208

The A–Z of TV (TV) 1738

Azaria, Hank 2875, 3076, 3113, 3140, 3388, 3588, 4102

Azis 3438

Baby It’s You! (musical) 3757

Bacal, Joe 1303

The Back Page see Behind the Crease

Backstage from the Millennium (TV) 2544

Bacon, Kevin 1673

Baddiel, David 2385, 2787, 2839, 3332

Badel, Sarah 813, 830

Badland, Annette 567

Baerg, Theodore 3410, 3417, 3543, 3550

The BAFTA Craft Awards [1985] (TV) 1273

The BAFTA Craft Awards 2002 (ceremony) 2894

BAFTA/Los Angeles Britannia Awards (ceremony) 2473

Bagust, Petra 4177

Bailey, Alan 235, 3771

Bailey, Bill 3579

Bailey, Joseph A. 590

Bailey, Lucy 2096

Bailey, Patrick 725

Bailey, Robin 560

Bailey, Rosalind 239

Baker, Joe 777

Baker, Kenny 863

Baker, Matt 2636, 3850, 3852, 3932, 4026, 4109

Baker, Richard 225, 232, 661

Baker, Tom 729, 3127

Bakewell, Joan 61, 975, 1040, 1215, 1374, 1382, 2922, 3355
The Balance Sheet Barrier [1977] (film) 619, 663, 683

The Balance Sheet Barrier [1993] (film) 1985

Balcon, Michael 1627

Ball, Michael 1860

Ball, Ralph 548, 621

Ball, Zoe 2178, 2223, 3206

Ballantyne, David 60, 83, 130

Balls, Ed 3800

Bamborough, Paul 828

Banas, Michala 4061

Bancroft, Anne 3597

Banderas, Antonio 2997, 3405, 3823

Banks, Iona 1475

Banzai! (TV) 2755

Barandes, Natalie 2566

Barbarians (lecture) 3264, 3268, 3288, 3306, 3314, 3344, 3662

Barbarians (TV) see Terry Jones’ Barbarians

Barber, Glynis 1191

Barber, John 704

Barbour, Hamish 1730, 1843

Barclay, Bill 292

Barclay, Humphrey 1, 10, 23, 188, 283, 562, 596, 804, 928, 990, 3587,
3608, 4104

Barclay, Ursula 152

Barker, Ronnie 14, 120, 126, 127, 129, 136, 138, 141, 183, 204, 214, 240,
285, 291, 304, 452, 514, 517, 1260, 2211, 2459, 2626, 2627, 2966, 3246,
3496

Barkin, Ellen 2376, 3114

Barkworth, Peter 1273

Barlow, Dilly 1771

Barlow, Gary 2296

Barlow, Patrick 1665

Barnes, Clive 494

Barnes, Michael 890, 1998, 3878

Barnett, Angus 2714

Barnett, Jeni 1884

Baron Munchausen (film) see The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

Barr, Adam 2977

Barraclough, Roy 313, 519

Barratt, Julian 3771

Barrell, Tony 2913

Barrett, Jenny 1806

Barrett, John 600

Barrie, David 1063

Barron, Dana 2942

Barron, John 308, 384, 928

Barron, Keith 305

Barrowman, John 2001

Barry, Gerard 2615

Barry, Hilda 280

Barrymore, Drew 2901

Barrymore, Michael 1318

Bart, Lionel 2069

Barua, Maan 3795

Baskin, John 1635, 1636, 1640

Bass, Alfie 165

Bass, Ronald 1628

Bassett, Kate 2015

Bassey, Shirley [Dame] 2754

Bassi, Leo 2252

Batalla, Rick 2436

Bate, Jonathan 2927

Bateman, Peter 1648

Bates, Alan 2813

Bates, Brian [Prof.] 2640, 2823

Bates, Kathy 3596

Bates, Michael 120

Bathany, Jean-Paul 3610

Bathurst, Robert 3587

Batman (film) 1755

Batscha, Robert M. 1584

Batteries Not Included (TV) 3568

The Battle of Brazil (book) 1395

Battley, David 340, 418, 420, 421, 425, 427, 429, 471, 532, 534, 537, 541–
44

Bayler, Terence 429, 532, 537, 543, 544, 635, 710, 915

Bayliss, Peter 305, 454

Baynham, Peter 4018

BBC Breakfast (TV) 2926, 2969, 3028, 3213, 3341, 3468, 3612, 3755,
3868, 3942, 4014, 4032, 4035, 4040, 4065

BBC Breakfast News (TV) 2470

BBC London News (TV) 2896

BBC Look East (TV) 1140

BBC Symphony Orchestra 3745

BBC Television Shakespeare (TV): “The Taming of the Shrew” 789, 812,
813, 1861; see also The Shakespeare Plays

The BBC2 Film Competition (TV) 1033

The Beach Boys 198

Beadle, Jeremy 1100

The Beatles 531, 753, 1061, 2614, 3531, 3585, 4152, 4157

The Beatles: Across the Universe (radio) 2793

The Beatles Revolution (TV) 2614

Beauman, Sally 161

Beautiful Britain (magazine) 3553

Beauty and the Beast (panto) 56, 112

Beck 2214

Beck, Jeff 411, 871, 931, 1665

Beckett, Linda 120

Beckham, David 3471

Beckinsale, Richard 200

Beckwith, Tamara 2176

Bednar, Rudy 2614

The Bee Gees 288

Beeching, Angela 1135, 1275, 1454

“Beekeeping” (sketch) 871, 883, 907, 931

Beeman, Greg 1883

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (film) 4017

Beetles, Chris 704, 755, 1983, 3876, 4000

Beevor, Anthony 3275

Before the Flying Circus: A Black and White Documentary (documentary)

3586, 3587, 3749

Begel, Cindy 834

Begley, Ed Jr. 2742

Behar, Joy 1437, 2860

Behind the Crease (radio) 1761, 1776

Behind the Headlines (TV) 1745

Being Ronnie Corbett (TV) 3898

Belbin, Susan 1866

Bell, Alan J. W. 724–26, 1982

Bell, Ann 113

Bell, Mark 2814

Bell, Martin L. 376

Bell, Steve 3085

Bell, Steven A. 2337

Bellamy, David 2789

Bellini, James 903

Bellucci, Monica 3178

Belushi, Jim (James) 1110, 2834

Belushi, John 515, 563, 576, 580, 635, 640, 660, 671, 695, 779, 893

Belzer, Richard 1183, 1823, 2860

Benben, Brian 2044

Benchley, Peter 376

Benigni, Roberto 2834

Benjamin Huntsman (film) 1877

Benmergui, Ralph 2758

Bennett, Alan 492, 539, 545, 871, 877, 883, 931, 1102, 1134, 1149, 1172,
1263, 1726, 2091, 2118, 2204, 2331, 3148

Bennett, Colin 726

Bennett, Hywel 243

Bennett, Lennie 325, 1242

Benny, Jack 1619

Benson, Elizabeth 453, 680

Bentine, Michael 140, 200, 809, 1964, 2147, 2250, 2682

Benullo, David 2999

Benz, Julie 2436, 2925

Berendsen, Daniel 2790

Berg, Natascha Illum 3811

Bergen, Candice 580, 2650, 3114

Bergeron, Aaron 3880

Bergh, Johnny 769

Berglas, David 1247

Bergman, Andrew 2547

Bergman, Brian 2761

Bergman, Mary Kay 2456

Bergmayr, Lisa 456

Berkeley, Ballard 439–41, 446, 450, 453, 456, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685, 732

Berkoff, Steven 3384

Berlin International Film Festival 587, 2129, 2722, 2729

Berlioz, Hector 3943

Berlyne, John 726

Berry, Al 1640

Berry, Chuck 288

Berry, Halle 2819, 2837

Berry, John 4100

Bert Fegg’s Nasty Book for Boys & Girls (book) 354, 438, 490, 606, 1138
Bertinelli, Valerie 745

Bertrand, Guy 1026

Besch, Drea 716

The Best House in London (film) 19

Best of British (TV): “Ronnie Corbett” 2626

The Best of Rutland Weekend Television (TV) 1981

The Best of Southwold (book) 2375

Best Sellers: The Life and Times of Peter Sellers (radio) 2682

Bestall, Alfred 861, 982

Betjeman, John [Sir] 144, 1445

Better Than Ezra 3152

Bevan, Nathan 3919

Bevan, Tim 1370

Beverly Hills Cop (film) 1150

Beyond a Joke (TV): “A Class Apart” 3647

Beyond the Fringe 492, 539, 554, 1491, 2066, 3732

Beyond the Fringe (stage) 494, 1097

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) (book) 2947

Bhaskar, Sanjeev 3735, 3745, 3770, 4066

Bhoy, Danny 3746

Bianculli, David 3778

Bickford-Smith, Imogen 677

Bicknell, Andrew 1026

Biel, Jessica 3760

The Big Breakfast (TV) 1989, 2012, 2149, 2469

The Big Byte (radio) 2040

Big City (TV) 1979

The Big Match (TV) 616

Big Mouth Billy see Managing Problem People: Big Mouth Billy

The Big Picture (film) 1673

The Big Picture (TV) 1491, 1649, 1749

The Big Read (TV) 2885

The Big Schmooze (TV) 2696

Big Screen (TV) 2414

The Big Show (TV) 776, 777

The Big Year (film) 4004

Biggins, Christopher 1144

Biggins, Jonathan 4187

Biggles see Story Time

“Biggles Goes to See Bruce Springsteen” (Palin sketch) 1286, 1665, 3217
Bilbow, Tony 61, 377, 421, 542, 1719

Billen, Stephanie 2146

Billinger, Steve 1916

Billington, Kevin 18, 99, 1876

Billington, Michael 702

Billington, Rachel 1876

Billson, Anne 1613

Billy Connolly: A BAFTA Tribute (TV) 2836

Binder, Mike 3236

Binder, Steve 777

Biography Magazine (magazine) 2530

Biolek, Alfred 149, 180, 3944

Bird, John 258, 261, 492, 539, 567, 826, 827, 871, 1156, 1250, 2773

Bird, Norman 252, 381, 476, 477, 679

Birdsall, Derek 166, 592

The Birmingham Post (newspaper) 2501, 2975, 3011

The Birth of “Brazil” (TV) 1460

The Birthday Show: 21 Years of Variety from Thames Television (TV) 1661

Bishop, Ed 928

Bishop, Joey 278, 279

Bishop, Stephen 834

Bisset, Jacqueline 1679

Bitter Jester (film) 2860

Björk 3385

Black, Cilla 8, 1225, 1816

Black, Clint 2462, 2481, 2531, 2906, 3004, 3956

Black, Jack 4004

Black, Lewis 3084, 3682

Black, Peter 289

Black and Blue (TV) 228: “Secrets” 228, 280

Black Cinderella Two Goes East (radio) 661

Blacker, Terence 1403

Blackhall, Sue 2486

Blackmail (film) 4122

Blair, Iain 1504

Blair, Les 1924

Blair, Tony [Prime Minister] 2293, 2707, 2864

Blais, Peter 1198

Blake, Darrol 340

Blake, Richard A. 356

Blakemore, Michael 991, 1018

Blanco, Jorge 3760

Blazing Dragons (TV) 2157

Blazing Dragons (video game) 2172

Bleakley, Christine 3439, 3532, 3598, 3717, 4030

Bleasdale, Alan 1833–37, 1839, 1841, 1844, 3291

Blessed, Brian 2593

Blezard, William 522

The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (film) 19

Bloomstein, Rex 1913

Blount, David 1940

Blowen, Michael 967, 972

Blue Peter (TV) 2186, 2299, 2636

Blythe, Ronald 864

Boa, Bruce 679

Bobker, Daniel 3178

Boerger, Dave 2664

Bogdanovich, Peter 2611

Boisseau, David 216

Bolam, James 1103, 1104, 1200, 1248, 1249

Bolt, Neville 1409

Bond, Christopher 159

Bond, Matthew 2272

Bond, Philip 306–08, 380

Bond, Samantha 1677, 3193, 3767

Bonham Carter, Helena 2054, 4199

Bonington, Chris [Sir] 4041

Bonneville, Hugh 2322, 2323

The Bonnie Hunt Show (TV) 3614

Bono 1882

The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band 10, 417, 3531, 3585

Book at Bedtime (radio): “Hemingway’s Chair” 2101; “The Truth” 4115

The Book Café (radio) 4124

Book of the Week (radio): “Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years” 3340;
“Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988” 3691

Book Plug (radio) 1203

The Book Programme (TV) 376

The Book Show (TV) 3960

Books and Arts Daily (radio) 4117

Bookshelf (radio) 1793

The Bookworm (TV) 2268

Boone, Debby 776

Booth, Connie 52, 59, 96, 220, 238, 306, 307, 309, 312, 345, 355, 370,
379, 386, 397, 439–41, 446, 450, 453, 456, 487, 551, 565, 579, 594, 596,
608, 622, 626, 648, 675–77, 679, 680, 685, 732, 768, 833, 1111, 1570,
1818, 1821, 1917, 3648, 3654, 3738, 4134

Booth, James 200

The Bore of the Year Awards (TV) 1937

Boretski, Peter 1198

Borge, Victor 777

“Boring” (poem) 2425

Born to Be Wild: Operation Lemur with John Cleese (TV) 2390, 2756,
3228

Bosanquet, Simon 1751, 1945

Boston, Richard 589, 628

The Boston Globe (newspaper) 967, 972, 1953

The Boston Globe: Calendar (newspaper) 1508

Boston Phoenix (newspaper) 1323

Boswell, Ruth 340

Botham, Ian 1366

Botterill, Willie 2694

Botto, Juan Diego 4144

Bottoms, Benjamin 2657

Bottone, Bonaventura 1304, 1352, 1442, 1549

Bough, Frank 857, 876, 1137, 1221, 1237, 1816

Bourne, Matthew 4040

Bourne, Mel 1850

Bowen-Jones, Rosemary 852

Bowie, David 906, 1044, 1198, 1301, 1345, 1882, 2467, 2906

Bowker, Phil 2840, 2841

Bowler, Norman 383

Bowles, Brian 1776

The Bowles Brothers 579, 594, 622

Bowman, Edith 4101

Bowman, Willy 456

Box, Betty 68, 243

The Box (film) 508, 905

Boy George 1280, 1357, 2419

Boy in Darkness (TV) 2549

The Boy Who Would Be King (TV) 2934

Boyd, Charles 2589

Boyd, Darren 4008

Boyle, Peter 1049, 1059

Braden, Bernard 187

Braden’s Week (TV) 187

Bradley, Bill 676

Bradley, Des 2201

Bradshaw, Paul 2948–50

Bradshaw, Peter 3178, 4064

Brady, Pam 2456

Brady, Wayne 2637

Bragg, Melvyn 533, 611, 1099, 1259, 1340, 1535, 1614, 1851, 1887, 1896,
1914, 1930, 2039, 2087, 2514, 3191, 3352, 3395, 3408, 3564, 3639, 4100

The Brain of Gilliam (event) 1193

Brainard, David 2722

Braithwaite’s Battle with the Banks (film) 909

Brambilla, Marco 2750

Brambles, Jackie 3555

Branagh, Kenneth 1227, 1899, 1954, 2054, 2810, 2876

Branche, Derrick 1150

Branchline Railway (video) 1445

Brand, Charles 1574, 1720

The Brand New Monty Python Bok (book) 294, 297, 299, 353, 875

The Brand New Monty Python Papperbok (book) 294, 353

Brand X 783

Brand X (TV) 4176

Brandon, Michael 1225

Brandreth, Gyles 4079, 4208

Brantley, Ben 3113

Brasher, Chris 922

Bratby, John 832

Brave New World (book) 1177

Brazil (book) 4142, 4143, 4159, 4173–75, 4178

Brazil (film) 473, 508, 743, 925, 1086, 1139, 1167, 1170, 1171, 1175–78,
1185, 1190, 1191, 1208, 1213, 1218, 1226, 1228, 1235, 1241, 1244, 1246,
1251, 1257, 1263, 1268, 1269, 1277, 1281, 1282, 1284, 1322, 1323, 1378,
1395, 1460, 1542, 1573, 1603, 2054, 2119, 2120, 2127, 2376, 2477, 2540,
2710, 3337, 3419, 3619, 3693, 3839, 3861, 4032, 4039, 4206

Brazil (lecture) 4156, 4158

Brazil: The Criterion Collection (laserdisc/Blu-ray) 2174, 4206

Brazil with Michael Palin (DVD/Blu-ray) 4200

Brazil with Michael Palin (TV) 3958, 3990, 4048, 4076, 4092, 4160, 4163,
4166–69, 4171, 4173–75, 4177, 4178, 4180, 4182, 4186, 4188, 4190, 4192,
4195, 4199–4201, 4205

Break Free! (web videos) 3939

Breakfast (radio) 2470

Breakfast (TV) 4177

Breakfast Time (TV) 1015, 1067, 1137, 1155, 1176, 1221, 1237, 1240,
1310, 1321, 1350, 1359, 1373, 1544, 1586, 1623

Brearley, Mike 704, 706, 755

Breck, Julia 221

Breckman, Andy 2686

Breen, Philip 19

Breeze, Jean Binta 3064

Bremner, Billy 166, 550

Bremner, Rory 1665, 2254, 3639

Brennan, Lee 844

Brennan, Mark 1379

Brenner, David 808, 851, 1334, 1364, 1380

Brenton, Nick 853–55, 858, 861, 862, 864

Bresslaw, Bernard 567

Brett, Laurie 3277

Brett, Peter 363, 374, 450, 710

Breuer, Jim 2214

Brewster, Jordana 2673

Bricusse, Leslie 1788

Bridges, Jeff 1849, 1850, 1855, 2728, 3186, 3619, 3907

Brief Encounter (film) 1041

Brien, Alan 567, 651, 931

Brierley, Roger 481, 731

Briers, Richard 200, 3246

Briggs, Raymond 1886

Brightness (film) 2633

Brigstocke, Dominic 2791

Brigstocke, Marcus 3824, 3827, 4045, 4131

Brill, Clive 3566

Brimstone and Treacle (film) 955

Brindley, David 4009

Briscoe, Alexandra 3601, 4179

Bristol Evening Post (newspaper) 3787

Britain’s Best Sitcom (TV): “Fawlty Towers” 2958

The British Academy [Film] Awards (ceremony) 780, 1114, 1187, 1456,
1627, 2248, 2443, 3619, 3796

The British Academy Television Awards (ceremony) 3132

The British Book Awards (ceremony) 1927, 2859, 3135, 3638

The British Comedy Awards (ceremony) 2831

British Film Forever (TV): “Magic, Murder and Monsters” 3419; “Sauce,
Satire and Silliness” 3429

The British Independent Film Awards (ceremony) 2805, 3895, 4207

British Is Best (film) 625

The British Screen Awards (ceremony) 259

Brits Go to Hollywood (TV): “Sean Connery” 2936

Britton, Fern 1137, 3620

Broadbent, Jim 1177, 1665, 4018

Broadbent, Robert 1776

The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (ceremony) 637

Brochand, Bernard 3296

Brokaw, Tom 2581

Bron, Eleanor 296, 492, 539, 704, 729, 755, 990, 1665, 2329

Bronski Beat 1276

Brook, Peter 2082

Brook, Tom 1855, 3316

Brooke-Taylor, Tim 2, 8, 13, 62, 63, 295, 302, 306, 307, 457, 487, 492,
522, 539, 565, 661, 664, 871, 929–31, 990, 1062, 1131, 1726, 1731, 2024,
2589, 2940, 3000, 3496

Brooks, Jeremy 392

Brooks, Mel 2658

Broome, Kate 3292

Brosnan, Pierce 1638, 1641, 1642, 2369, 2516, 2634, 2650, 2651, 2819,
2837, 2930, 3059, 3329
The Brothers Grimm (DVD) 3226

The Brothers Grimm (film) 2862, 2902, 3169, 3171, 3176, 3178, 3179,
3184, 3186, 3189, 3206–09, 3212–14, 3216, 3219, 3226, 3482, 4165

Browlee, Bruce 614

Brown, Adrian 1576

Brown, Allan 1682

Brown, Bill 3233

Brown, Bille 3218

Brown, Blair 1807

Brown, Dan 3135

Brown, Geoff 1818, 1945, 2221, 2376

Brown, Gordon [Prime Minister] 3575

Brown, James 2533

Brown, Jenny 4136

Brown, Mick 4110

Brown, Peter 2803

Brown, Richard 2047

Brown, Shelby [Dr.] 2565

Brown, Tim 3915

Browne, Jackson 1365, 3567, 3820, 3981

Browning, Robert 1198

Brownstone 2106

Bruce, Christopher 2936, 4095

Bruegel the Elder, Pieter 3847

Brunel, Isambard 3278

Brunel, Marc 3278

The Brunels’ Tunnel (book) 3278

Brunning, Lorraine 2714

Brunson, Michael 3974

Brush with Fame (TV): “John Cleese” 3611, 3992

Bryant, Adam 2430

Brynner, Yul 50

Bryson, Ann 1852, 2321

Bryson, Bill 1561, 3557

Bublé, Michael 4199

Buchanan’s Finest Hour (play) 508, 905

Buchner, Pamela 680

Buckley, Bryan 3183

Buckley, Keith 548

Buckley, Kristen 2619

Buckman, Robert [Dr.] 661, 704, 755, 1153, 1343, 1983, 2257, 4000, 4002,
4054, 4055
Bucks Fizz 894, 1136

Buddy Holly: Listen to Me—The Ultimate Buddy Party (TV) 4034

Budgeting (film) 1156

Bugler, Jeremy 1963

Bulcock, Philip 4140

Bullock, Susan 1304, 1352

Bullseye! (film) 1788, 2448

Bundock, Carol 3973

Buñuel, Luis 1079

Bunyan, Jay 3218

Burditt, Jack 2136

Burgess, Anthony 1612, 1896

Burgon, Geoffrey 3371, 3866, 3972

Burke, Kathy 2532, 2791

Burnett, Carol 3466

Burnett, Hugh 385, 766, 986

Burnett, Paul 585

Burningham, John 3032

Burns, George 1618

Burns, Gordon 3906

Burr, Ty 2158

Burrow, J. A. 770

Burrowes, John 749

Burrows, Clive 271, 322

Burrows, Colin 1617, 1821

Burrows, James 1363, 2932, 2953, 2977, 2981, 2989

Burstyn, Ellen 841

Burton, Humphrey 139, 169

Buscemi, Steve 2688, 3180, 3368, 3560

Busey, Gary 2376

Bush 2144

Bush, George H. W. [President] 1650

Bush, George W. [President] 2868, 3085, 3359, 3373

Bush, John 1972, 2353, 2684

Bush, Kate 660, 1286, 1365, 1409, 2754

The Business of Commercials (seminar) 2912

Business This Morning (TV) 1450

Busse, Jochen 2679

Bustin, Penny 1310

Butterfield, Ardis 4108

Butterworth, Tyler 1461

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV): “War and Peace and War” 2620

Bygraves, Max 1113

Byrne, Bridget 1632

Byrne, Gabriel 2369

Byrne, Jennifer 2311, 4196

Byrne, John 3060

Byrne, Patsy 2322

Byrnes, Sholto 3089

Bywater, Michael 1914

Cable, Michael 2546

Caddy, Ian 1712

Cadell, Francis Campbell Boileau 2606

Cadell, Simon 1567, 1568

Cady, Gary 1677

Caesar, Burt 1798

Caesar, Irving 921

Caesar, Sid 642

Caine, Michael 1465, 1574, 1788, 2425, 2480

Cairney, Phil 3303

Calabrese, Russell 2332

Calcium Made Interesting: Sketches, Letters, Essays & Gondolas (book)

3167

Calder, Simon 3576

Caldicot, Richard 453

Calendar (TV) 870, 1054, 1141, 1172, 1224, 1230, 1716, 2088, 2315, 3922

Calendar News (TV) 2604, 2775

Callan, Paul 2153

Callard & Bowser (ads) 288

Callaway, Liz 2055

Calman, Claire 2051, 2156

Calman, Mel 2009, 2051, 2155, 2156

Calman’s Savoy Sketchbook (book) 2051

Cambridge Animation Festival 1229

Cambridge Circus 2, 1587

Cambridge Footlights 1051, 1750, 3000

The Cambridge Review (magazine) 836

Cameron, David 3507

Cameron, James 256, 292, 296

Cameron, Ray 140

Campbell, Allan 4053

Campbell, David 4188

Campbell, Ken 685; see also The Ken Campbell Road Show

Can I Play with Madness? (music video) 1571, 3139

Can We Please Have That the Right Way Round?: A Guide to Slide
Presentations (film) 547

Can You Spare a Moment? [2001] (film) 2714

Can You Spare a Moment?: The Counselling Interview [1987] (film) 1443

Canada AM (TV) 276, 3406

Canby, Vincent 397, 567, 710, 863, 943, 970, 991, 1025, 1149, 1751

Candis (magazine) 3401

A Candlelight Christmas (concert) 2623

Candy, John 1811

Candyskins 2222

Canned Ham (TV) 2566

Cannes Film Festival 938, 1025, 1039, 1040, 1042, 1044, 1474, 1480,
1823, 1941, 1958, 1961, 2368, 2662, 2751, 3659, 3660, 3681, 3821, 4105

The Canterbury Tales (book) 770, 839, 2388, 2514, 2519, 2937

Cantona, Eric 2745

Capaldi, Peter 1869, 4070

Capote, Truman 639

Capotondi, Cristiana 3953

Captain Beefheart 433

Car Sick (TV) see Open Space

Carby, Fanny 382

“Card Dance” (sketch) 871, 931

Cardoso, Fernando Henrique 4192

Carey, Anita 600

Carey, John 107

Carey, Joyce 1548

Cariaga, Marvellee 1712

Carlin, George 2860, 3084

Carlin, Peter Ames 2528

Carlton, Timothy 418, 604

Carluccio, Antonio 4148

Carlyle, Robert 2516

Carmichael, Ian 165

Carnival of the Animals (concert) 2851

Carolgees, Bob 923

The Caroline Rhea Show (TV) 2873

Caron, Leslie 3688

Carpenter, John 2611

Carr, Allan 1628

Carr, Cindy 1850

Carr, J. L. 853

Carr, Janet 2311

Carr, Jimmy 2787, 2839, 3086, 3680

Carr, Katie 2750

Carradine, Keith 609

Carrick, Antony 725

Carrier, Robert 846

Carroll, Lewis 567, 578

Carrott, Jasper 572

Carson, Johnny 1619

Carson, Mary 499

Carson, Ted 3, 4

Carter, Angela 855

Carter, Betty 1535

Carter, Jim 1475

Carter, Jimmy 1525

Cartland, Barbara 1411

Cartwright, Justin 4120

Cartwright, Nancy 2875, 3076, 3388, 4102

Carvey, Dana 1338

Case, John 710

The Case of the Sulphuric Acid Plant (film) 555

Casey, Patricia 161

Cash, Johnny 4188

Casper (film) 2100, 2102, 2106, 2109

Cassavetti, Patrick 1818, 2376

Cassels, John 435

Cassidy, David 1375

Casson, Hugh [Sir] 982

Casson, Philip 590

Castell, David 1617, 1821

Castellaneta, Dan 2875, 3076, 3388, 4102

Castle, Roy 1909

Castro, Fidel 2515

Castro, Janice 1315

Cates, Phoebe 1628

Cathcart, Michael 4117

“Cavatina” (song) 2212

Cavers, Clinton 567

Cavett, Dick 411

Caylor, Cynthia see Cleese, Cynthia

The CBS Morning News (TV) 1228, 1311

CBS News Nightwatch (TV) 1487

CBS This Morning (TV) 1950, 1956

Ceci, Stephen [Prof.] 2659

Cedric the Entertainer 3152

Celebrity Choice (radio) 2153

Celebrity Hour with Roger Rose (TV) 1425

Cellnet (ads) 1973

“Cello Concerto in C Major” [Haydn] 538

Censorama: The Official Secrets Ball (stage) 1341

A Centenary Concert for the Mountain Gorillas (concert) 2813

Cervantes, Miguel de 2597, 2728, 3631

Chadbon, Tom 729

Chahidi, Paul 4008

Chain Reaction (radio) 1867, 1873

The Chairman (film) 1436

Chakrabarti, Lolita 2323, 2840, 2841

Chalmers, Robert 4133

Chambers, Andrea 1112

Chambers, Gary 136

Chambers, Munro 4017

Chan, Jackie 2999

Chandler, Kyle 3596

Chandler, Simon 813

Change for the Better see All Change (The Management of Change), Part
1: Change for the Better

Changing Transport (lecture) 1462

Channing, Carol 1181

Channing, Stockard 2547

Chantal 1510

Chaplin, Charlie 1639

Chapman, Gary 3123

Chapman, Mark 1781, 1915

Chappell, Norman 519

Charles, Howard 4049

Charles, James 604

Charles, Jeannette 471, 576, 635

Charles II 2934

Charleson, Ian 1227, 1358

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (audiobook) 2023, 2808, 3002; see also
Jackanory (TV)

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (audiobook) 2023, 2808, 3002

Charlie Rose (TV) 2082, 2126, 2227, 2281, 2367

Charlie’s Angels (film) 2901

Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (film) 2901

Charlotte’s Web (film) 3368

Charlton, Dagmar 2355

Charlton, Valerie 567

Charmoli, Tony 777

Chase, Chevy 515, 1210, 1238, 1338, 1678, 1752, 2860

Chatter of Choughs (book) 2715

Chaucer, Geoffrey 770, 839, 842, 919, 1267, 1302, 2026, 2319, 2388,
2514, 2519, 2610, 2663, 2732, 2924, 2927, 2928, 2937, 2955, 2963, 2984,
2998, 3049, 3051, 3115, 3650, 4020, 4108

Chaucer’s Knight: The Portrait of a Medieval Mercenary (book) 770, 773,

1137, 2927, 3374

Cheech and Chong 1059

Cheers (TV): “Simon Says” 1363, 1392, 1418

Cheever, Joan 3275

Chekhov, Anton 386

Chelsea Lately (TV) 3617

Cheuse, Josh 1284

Chiambretti, Piero 3736

Chiambretti Night (TV) 3736

Chicago 2166

Chicago Sun-Times (newspaper) 1177, 1850, 3178

Chicago Tribune (newspaper) 397, 428, 1370, 1504

Child, Jeremy 1984

Child, Julia 1342

Children in Need (TV) 1233

Chiles, Adrian 3439, 3532, 3598, 3904, 3963

Chilvers, Philip 707, 1123, 1219, 1291

Chisholm, Anne 91

Cholmondeley, Tom 3279

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show (radio) 3950, 4160

The Chris Moyles Show (radio) 4025

Chris Orr’s John Ruskin (book) 552

The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show (radio) 4029

The Christian Science Monitor (magazine) 913, 3019

Christie, Ian 2062, 2064, 2065, 2070, 2073, 2075, 2077, 2433

Christie, Julie 1533

Christie, Rawdon 4177

Christmas Night with the Stars (TV) 240

Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (TV) 2942

Christmas with Rutland Weekend Television (TV) 471

Christopher, James 3178

Church, Charlotte 3931

Church, Thomas Haden 2261, 2925

Churchill, Winston [Prime Minister] [Sir] 662, 2629

Churchill-Jones, Michael 3773

Cieply, Michael 3965

Cilento, Diane 2936

Cilla (TV) 8

Cineaste (magazine) 437, 1211, 2692

Cinefantastique (magazine) 1177, 1646

Cinema Sound (radio) 715

Cinque, Flaminia 1776

The Circle (TV) 4061

Circus (magazine) 738

City Lights (film) 1639

City of London Sinfonia 3972

C.K., Louis 3980

Clair, Rene 3501

Clapperboard (TV) 866, 3315

Clapton, Eric 871, 931, 1451, 2826, 2921

Clark, Beverly Lyon 1216

Clark, Candy 957

Clark, Dick 777

Clark, Eugene V. 714

Clark, Jim 200

Clark, Kenneth 3308

Clark, Pete 2746, 3332

Clarke, John S. 2114

Clarke, Roy 1982

Classic Serial (radio): “Dead Souls” 3261, 3262

Clavier, Christian 2557, 3295

Claxton, Guy 2428, 2445, 2538

Clayton, Helena 130, 380

Clayton-Gore, Phillip 725

Cleese, Alyce Faye [wife] see Eichelberger, Alyce Faye

Cleese, Camilla [daughter] 1109, 1111, 3218, 3233, 3510, 3625,

Cleese, Cynthia [daughter] 117, 1111, 1484, 1487, 1493, 1495, 1500, 1508,
2221, 2240, 3129, 3505, 3645

Cleese, Muriel [mother] 565, 739, 2601

Cleese, Reginald [father] 241, 2601

Clement, Dick 1136, 1924

Clement, John 105

Cleveland, Carol 35, 37, 39, 43, 49, 52, 55, 60, 61, 78, 86, 88, 96, 98, 102,
105, 106, 108, 111, 130, 162, 163, 175, 224–26, 234–36, 239, 249, 251,
268, 275, 293, 363, 365, 368, 370, 372, 374, 389, 397, 492–94, 500, 502,
539, 710, 805, 943, 1025, 1214, 1752, 2032, 2472, 2495, 2496, 2498, 2958,
3100, 3588, 3606, 3696, 3745, 3770, 4101, 4139, 4140

Cleveland, Patience 2722

The Clever Stupid Game (radio) 72

Clinton, Bill [President] 2166

Clive, John 381, 662

Clive Anderson All Talk (TV) 2188, 2296, 2468, 2491

Clive Anderson Talks Back (TV) 1648, 1899, 2039

Clive James: Talking in the Library (web) 2723

Clockwise (film) 1204, 1271, 1274, 1278, 1279, 1309, 1311–13, 1348

Close, Glenn 2619, 2834

Close, Marvin 3944

Close Encounters of the Herd Kind see Robbie the Reindeer in Close
Encounters of the Herd Kind

Close Up [U.K.] (TV) 2116

Close Up [New Zealand] (TV) 4172

Closing the Sale see So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 4:

Closing the Sale

“Clothes Off” (sketch) 871, 883, 907

Clott, Timothy 1329

Clunes, Martin 3815

Clyde, Jonathan 4157

Coady, Matthew 166

Coast to Coast (TV) 2353

Coburn, James 787

Coca, Imogene 642

Cocker, Joe 198, 515

Cockerell, Michael 2914

Codron, Michael 1274

Coduri, Camille 1751

Coen, Jack 1948

Coffey, Denise 10
Cohen, David 2573

Cohen, Joel H. 3076

Cohen, Steve 2789

Coia, Paul 1084, 1190

The Cold Call see Selling on the Telephone: The Cold Call

Coldplay 4081

Coldstream, Robert 3281, 3286

Cole, Lily 3659, 3713, 3725, 3785

Cole, Steven 2583

Coleman, Gary 734, 777

Coleman, John 397, 710

Colin, Margaret 2563

Colley, Kenneth 567, 600, 710

Collins, Andrew 3212

Collins, Edwyn 2277

Collins, Glenn 1588

Collins, Jackie 865, 1938

Collins, Janet 2311

Collins, Phil 871, 931

Collins, Tony 1975

Collodi, Carlo 2834

Coltrane, Robbie 1227, 1634, 1665, 1675, 1705, 1724, 1751, 1757, 2254,
2535, 2702, 2810

Columbus, Chris 2702, 2810

The Comedians’ Comedian (TV) 3086

Comedians’ Comedians (radio) 2844

Comedians Do It on Stage (TV) 1153, 1343

The Comedy Café (radio) 3831

Comedy Chief (event) 3608

Comedy Connections (TV): “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” 3100;

“Ripping Yarns” 3551; “The Goodies” 3000

Comedy Lab (TV): “Knife & Wife” 2713

The Comedy Map of Britain (TV) 3381, 3506

Comedy Playhouse (TV): “Elementary, My Dear Watson” 252, 596; “Idle

at Work” 183

A Comedy Salute to Andy Kaufman (TV) 2084

Comedy Tonight!: A Tribute to Roy Kinnear (stage) 2024

Comedy Writing with Terry Jones (seminars) 3651

Comic-Con International 3681

The Comic Genius: A Multidisciplinary Approach (seminar) 3622

Comic Relief (stage) 1286

Comic Relief: Big Red Nose Night (TV) 2649

Comic Relief: Red Nose Day 1999—The Record Breaker (TV) 2434

Comic Relief: Red Nose Night (TV) 2869

Comic Roots (TV): “Michael Palin” 1067, 1068, 3047

Coming Home (TV): “Terry Jones” 3773

Comiskey, John 3059

Commander Badman (TV) see Funny Ha Ha

Company Account (TV) 682–84

Compaq (“It Simply Works Better”) (ads) 1126

Competitive Spirit see Marketing in Practice, No. 3: The Competitive

Spirit

The Complete and Utter History of Britain (TV) 1, 3–7, 9, 1592, 2944,
3072, 3530, 3608

The Complete and Utter History of Monty Python’s Flying Circus

(screenings) 2384

The Complete Fawlty Towers (book) 1570

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: All the Words (book) 1690,
1717

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Collector’s Edition (DVD)

3586–88, 3749

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus 16-Ton Megaset (DVD) 3197

The Complete Ripping Yarns (book) 1770

The Complete Ripping Yarns (DVD) 2991, 3022, 3040, 3041, 3047, 4079,
4080, 4082

The Complete Works of Chaucer (book) 1061

The Complete Works of Shakespeare and Monty Python: Volume One—

Monty Python (book) 875

Conan, Neal 3836

Conaway, Jeff 851

The Concert for Bangladesh (film) 3204

Concert for George (concert) 2826

Concert for George (film) 2916, 2920, 2921, 2980

Condé Nast Traveller (magazine) 3106

Cone, Etta and Claribel 2889

Confessio Amantis (poem) 3540

Connelly, Chris 1491, 1749

Connelly, Jennifer 1301, 3157, 3596

Connelly, Steve 1805

Connery, Sean 863, 1419, 1446, 1643, 1660, 1662, 2936

Connolly, Billy 85, 704, 764, 871, 883, 929, 931, 1099, 1286, 2355, 2465,
2480, 2591, 2688, 2774, 2836, 2906, 3180, 3465, 3639, 3669, 4096

Connolly, Joseph 4118

Connolly, Nicolas 3953

Connolly, Ray 1748

Conoley, Terence 159, 440, 679

Conran, Shirley 992

Constantine, Learie [Lord] 101

Constantine, Martin 4130

Consuming Passions (film) 280, 1461

Conti, Tom 3509

Contos Fantásticos (play) 3481

The Control of Working Capital (film) 663, 684

Conversation Pieces: Michael Palin (event) 3704

Conway, Richard 1177, 1559

Conway, Steve 725

Coogan, Steve 2178, 2185, 2186, 2419, 2999

Cook, Brian 63

Cook, Frances 2694

Cook, Ian 1112

Cook, Lin 2181, 2329

Cook, Peter 18, 99, 492, 539, 545, 554, 579, 594, 609, 616, 622, 661, 704,
755, 759, 764, 804, 929, 990, 1003, 1049, 1051, 1059, 1455, 1493, 1665,
1705, 1876, 1969, 2066, 2071, 2091, 2181, 2329, 2618, 2773, 2787, 2838,
3058, 3086, 3108, 3217, 3669
Cook, Rachael Leigh 2751

Cook, Sue 876, 1067

Cook, Victor 2620

Cooke, Alistair 101

Cooke, Beryl 915

Cooke, Lucy 2955, 2957

Cooklin, Shirley 1219

Coolidge, Jennifer 3560

Coomes, David 1768

Cooper, Derek 1488

Cooper, Dick 3008

Cooper, Duncan 2224

Cooper, George A. 308, 381, 475, 548, 626

Cooper, John Kaye 3193

Cooper, Ray 1018

Cooper, Tommy 1661

Copeland, Stewart 3926

Coppel, Alec 113

Copus, Nick 2549

Coraci, Frank 2999

Corbett, Harry H. 165, 567

Corbett, Ronnie 81, 99, 126, 127, 129, 136, 138, 141, 168, 204, 214, 240,
255, 285, 291, 326, 514, 517, 619, 663, 683, 684, 1260, 1973, 2211, 2221,
2459, 2496, 2626, 2627, 2966, 3246, 3496, 3539, 3564, 3587, 3601, 3639,
3898, 3976

Corcoran, Tom 296

Coren, Alan 252, 327, 480, 487, 573, 760

Coren, Giles 3357

Corliss, Richard 863, 1149, 1559

Cornelius, Don 1750

Cornell Chamber Orchestra 3259

The Corrs 2533

Cortese, Valentina 1559

Cosby, Bill 1127

Cossins, James 450, 547, 765

Cost, Profit and Break-Even (film) 826

Costanzo, Paulo 2751

Costello, Elvis 1833, 2103

Costello, Elvis & The Attractions 983

Costner, Kevin 1209

Cotton, Bill [Sir] 259, 3601

Coulthart, Ross 4016

Countdown with Keith Olbermann (TV) 3570, 3726

Counterblast (TV): “The Road to Hell” 1256, 2674

Couper, Heather 1914

The Courage to Change: Hope and Help for Alcoholics and Their Families
(book) 1148

Covington, Julie 579, 594, 622, 1062

Cowan, Patrick J. 3597

Coward, Ros 2671

Cowell, Lucinda 652

Cowley, Jason 2270

Cowling, Brenda 456

Cox, Alex 2267, 2360, 2361, 2376

Cox, Brian 3180

Crabbe, Peter 2345, 2566, 2567, 2919

Crace, John 4168

Crackerbox Palace (film) 528, 535

Craddock, Kenny 1324

Cradock, Fanny 1375

Craft, Kinuko Y. 741

Craig, Laurie 2986

Craigie, Jill 1123

Cranham, Kenneth 1894

Cranston, Bryan 4102

Crathorne, James 3442

Crayden, Amanda 2814

Creasey, Richard 2352

Le Créateur (film) 2351, 2454

Creativity and the Creative Process (lecture) 3129

Creativity in Management (film) 1870

Creativity in Management (lecture) 1808

Cretch, Elizabeth 1754

Crews, Terry 3833

Cribbins, Bernard 380, 384, 450, 460, 465

Crichton, Charles 200, 626, 765, 909, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1158, 1215, 1248,
1249, 1443, 1481, 1495, 1519, 1520, 1546, 1563–65, 1579, 1580, 1593,
1609, 1627, 1628, 1733, 2474, 2485

The Cricklewood Greats (TV) 4070

The Crimson Permanent Assurance (film) 1025, 1026

Cripps, Harry 2625

Crispin, Ben 4008

Croft, David G. 1724

Croft, Elisabeth 1150

Cronin, Michael 441

Crood Awakening (script) 3227

The Croods (film) 3227

Crook and Chase (TV) 1506, 1525, 1605

Crooked Wood (play) 1548

Cropper, Steve 803

Crosbie, Annette 1740, 1866

Crosby, Stills & Nash 3820

Cross Wits (TV) 1355

Crowden, Graham 183, 386, 567, 970, 1353

Cruickshank, Andrew 381

Cruickshank, Dan 4151

Crusades (book) 2048

Crusades (TV) 2067–69, 2072, 2074, 2076, 2105

Cry of the Banshee (film) 41

Cryer, Barry 22, 27, 28, 33, 54, 81, 126, 127, 140, 165, 167, 168, 255, 303,
315, 325, 326, 378, 1355, 1777, 2244, 2459, 2594, 3735, 3876, 4139

Crystal, Billy 2462

Cue (magazine) 293

Cullin, Mitch 3186

Culp, Robert 965

The Culture Show (TV) 3452, 3743

A Culture Show Special: Michael Palin (TV) 3338

The Culture Show Uncut (TV) 3624

Cummings, Jim 3969

Cummings, Whitney 4069

Cunningham, Colin 3, 4

Cunningham, Glen 604

The Cure 1289

Curran, Paul 567

Curry, Alexander 105

Curry, Tim 473, 2989, 3113, 3123, 3140, 3353, 3389, 3465, 4096

The Curse of the Vampire’s Socks and Other Doggerel (book) 1522, 1533,
1535

Curtin, Jane 515, 563, 576, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779, 2358, 2359,
2664, 2666

Curtis, James 2881

Curtis, Jamie Lee 1490, 1493, 1495, 1498, 1506, 1514, 1578, 1609, 1795,
1990, 2095, 2121, 2221, 2475, 3485

Curtis, Richard 2083

Curtis, Tony 160

Cusack, John 3560

Cusack, Sinead 2813

Cushing, Peter 1101

Cushman, Robert 2092

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 1: In Two Minds (film) 306, 457

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 2: The Meeting of Minds (film) 307

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 3: Awkward Customers (film) 308,

459

Customer Relations in Practice, No. 4: More Awkward Customers (film)

380, 460

Cuthbert, Neil 2772

Cuthbertson, Allan 453, 731, 1353

Cuthbertson, Iain 605

Cvirko, Andrea 1402, 1410, 1420, 1428, 1435

Cyril and the Dinner Party (book) 1316

Cyril and the House of Commons (book) 1317

Dadak, Roderick 1577

Dad’s Army (TV) 2276, 4097

Dad’s Army: A Celebration (book) 2276

Dahl, Roald 916, 1275, 1411, 2023, 2808, 2946, 2947, 3002, 3227
Dahl, Sophie 2885

Daily Express (newspaper) 982

The Daily Mail (newspaper) 3720, 4208

The Daily Mirror (newspaper) 1577, 2184, 2486

The Daily Post (Liverpool) (newspaper) 2961, 3685, 3851

The Daily Show (TV) 2220, 2280, 2397

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (TV) 2552, 2864, 3098, 3860

The Daily Telegraph (newspaper) 34, 915, 3305, 3326, 3399, 3571, 3699,
3905, 4168

The Daily Telegraph Review (magazine) 4110

Daily Variety (magazine) 1218

Dainty, Billy 126

Dalai Lama 1968, 2161, 2218, 3045, 3152, 3507, 4110

Dalí, Salvador 639

Dalton, Timothy 2837

Daltrey, Roger 4053

Daly, Tyne 1337

Dalzell, Lucy 4151

Dame Edna see Humphries, Barry

The Damnation of Faust (opera) 3828, 3928, 3943, 3945, 3951, 3999,
4059, 4063, 4100, 4146
The Damnation of Faust (TV) 4003

Damon, Matt 2902, 3178, 4165

Damski, Mel 1049, 1059

Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future: The Biography (book) 3879

Dancy, Hugh 2986

Dando, Jill 2191

Dandridge, Merle 3677

D’Angelo, Beverly 1210

The Dangerous Film Club (TV) 1389, 1401, 1402, 1410, 1420, 1428, 1435

Dangerous Sports Club 1188, 1254, 1380, 1393, 1394, 1405, 1424

Dangler, Anita 1647

Danielle, Suzanne 983

Daniels, Sean 2594

Danny Baker After All (TV) 1975

The Danny Baker Show (radio) 3970

Danson, Ted 1363

Dante, Joe 1253

Danza, Tony 1192

Darabont, Frank 2054

Dardis, Tom 850

Dark Knights & Holy Fools: The Art and Films of Terry Gilliam (book)
2453, 2540, 2915, 3200

Dark Star (magazine) 821

Darwin, Charles 3707

Darwin, Lucy 2728

Dashwood, Robin 4088

Data Run (TV) 1093

Data Run’s Christmas Party (TV) 1100

Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys (film) 3094, 3095

The Dave Lee Group 664

Davenport, Claire 456

Davey, Daphne 130

David Frost on Sunday (TV) 1339

David Mellor (radio) 2356

Davidson, Andrew 1812, 2093, 2777

Davidson, Ian 10, 38, 44, 54, 55, 96, 97, 98, 111, 488

Davidson, John Paul 1968, 2801, 2804, 2809, 3054, 3057, 3061, 3065,
3434, 3438, 3441, 3454, 4168, 4171, 4192

Davidson, Justin 3723

Davidson, Ross 1026

Davidson, Tommy 2790

Davies, Andrew 1461

Davies, Geoffrey 188

Davies, Helen 3351

Davies, Hunter 565, 758

Davies, Jack 68

Davies, John Howard 17, 34, 35, 37–39, 43, 159, 440, 441, 446, 450, 453,
456, 2830, 3654, 3738, 3978, 4052

Davies, Mike 2501

Davies, Ray 3962

Davies, Richard 621, 680, 1157

Davies, Rita 49, 97, 220, 224, 397

Davies, Russell 1262

Davies, Tod 2360, 2361, 2376

Davies, Tom 237, 790

Davis, Clive 395, 693

Davis, Geena 2953

Davis, Jeff B. 3701

Davis, Michael 1055

Davis, Peter 163

Davis, Sammi 1461

Davis, Stephen 1526

Davison, Peter 1789

Davro, Bobby 1864

Dawes, Anthony 679

Dawkins, Richard 2418

Dawson, Jill 2018, 2374, 2985

Dawson, Les 140, 158, 289, 303, 313, 325, 378, 519, 1320, 1860, 2244,
4047

Dawson, Rosario 2772

Day, David 2113

Day, Nicholas 604

The Day the Earth Stood Still (film) 3596

Daybreak (TV) 3963, 4030, 4166

Daytime Green: The Green Life Guide (TV) 1771

Daytime Live (TV) 1708

Dead Souls (radio) see Classic Serial

Dean, Douglas 3953

Dean, Isabel 605

Dean, Michael 61, 1033

Dean Martin’s Comedyworld (TV) 348, 356

“Dear One” (song) 538

De’Ath, Wilfred 485

Deayton, Angus 1866, 1937, 2787, 2839, 2844

De Brus, Vincent 3295

Decisions, Decisions (film) 662

DeCordova, Fred 279

Dee, Jack 2115, 2958

Dee, Simon 68

Defoe, Willem 2930, 4079

DeGruy, Mike 1854

De Hart, Jeff 1034

DeHaven, Carter 1059

de Hooch, Pieter 3847

Delamain, Aimee 677

Delaney, Frank 1083

Delaney, Tim 629

Delany, Dana 2637, 3485

de la Tour, Frances 3601

Delfont, Bernard [Lord] 634

Del Giorno, Jody 2860

Delgo (film) 3597

Del Toro, Benicio 2376, 2849

DeLuise, Dom 1859, 2421

DeMicco, Kirk 2369, 2946, 3227

Dench, Judi [Dame] 985, 2425, 2465, 2516, 2591, 2819, 2836, 2930

Dene, Zulema 903

Deneuve, Catherine 4144

DeNiro, Robert 1177, 1228, 2054

Dennehy, Brian 1209

Dennings, Kat 2790

Dennis, Sandy 2442

Dennis, Winston 1559

Dennis Miller Live (TV) 2339, 2554

Denselow, Robin 1173, 2707

Denver, John 799

Denville, Terence 480

De Palma, Brian 2046

Depardieu, Gerard 2557, 2619

Depp, Johnny 2367, 2368, 2376, 2422, 2597, 2849, 3490, 3659, 3818

Depreciation and Inflation (film) 827

Dermot O’Leary (radio) 3670

de Rossi, Portia 2973

Derrickson, Scott 3596

Des O’Connor Tonight (TV) 2217

Desena, Tony 946

Desert Island Discs (radio) 151, 538, 735, 753, 916, 1061, 2212, 3928

Devenish, Myrtle 1026

De Vere, Alison 1464, 1466, 1469, 1470, 1473, 1475, 1479

Devillier, Ron 356, 398

Devious Devices (exhibition) 2330

Devon, Dayna 3244

Devon, Stanley 237

Devout Sceptics (radio) 1980

Dewhurst, Keith 264, 266

Dexter, Felix 4049

De Yong, Jenny 2585

Dhéry, Robert 63

Diabolo (stage) 3245

Diabolo’s Workshop (documentary) 3245

Diamond, Anne 1057, 1071, 2141, 2151

Diamond, John 1874

Diana see Princess Diana (of Wales)

Diana: A Dedication in Seven Ages: An Anthology of Poetry with Music
(audiobook) 2425

Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years (book) 15, 3330, 3332, 3338, 3340,
3360, 3363, 3420, 3422–28, 3693

Diaz, Cameron 2901, 2997, 3405, 3823, 4140

Di Battista, Laura 4055

Dick, Philip K. 2005

Dick Cavett (TV) 1942

The Dick Cavett Show (TV) 721, 843, 882, 887

Dickel, J. 3108

Dickens, Charles 2083

Dickens, Monica 376, 1732

Dickenson, Frances 1851

Dickinson, Bruce 3735

Dickinson, Sandra 1242

Dickson, Anne 1433

Dickson, Barbara 572

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (audiobook) 1967

Did You See...? (TV) 816, 849, 1194, 1219, 1261

Die Another Day (film) 2516, 2764, 2812, 2818–20, 2822, 2825, 2837,
2930, 3568
Die Hard (film) 1598

Diehl, Mike 752

Difficult Customers see So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 3:

Difficult Customers

Difford, Chris 1032

DiGiorgio, Maija 2860

Di Giovanni, Janine 1707

Dignan, Danny 2701

Dillane, Richard 3375

Dille, Flint 1859

Dilly, Noel 924

Dinner at Albert’s (concert) 1152

Dinotopia (TV) 2750

The Directors (radio) 2437

The Directors Guild of America Awards [41st Annual] (ceremony) 1609

The Directors: The Films of Terry Gilliam (documentary) 2324, 2960

The Directorspective: Terry Gilliam (screenings) 3839

DirectTV (Questions) (ad) 4112

Dirk & Stig 647

Dirty Pretty Things (film) 2852

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (film) 1465

Discovering Hammershøi (lecture) 3537

Discovering King’s Cross: A Pop-Up Book (book) 4151, 4153

Discworld (computer game) 2122, 2194

Discworld II: Mortality Bytes! (computer game) 2122, 2194, 2207

Dixon, Barbara 2856

Dixon, Donna 1238

Dixon, Malcolm 863

D’lectrified (CD) 2481, 2531

Do Not Adjust Your Set (TV) 1, 10, 16, 1587, 1592, 3165, 3608, 4104

Do They Hurt? (record) 783

Docherty, Steve 2721

Doctor at Large (TV) 22, 66, 68, 121, 122, 125, 133, 137, 142, 145, 147,
148, 150, 152–57, 188

Dr. Fegg’s Encyclopeadia of All World Knowledge (book) 354, 1137, 1138,
1140, 1141

Dr. Fegg’s Nasty Book of Knowledge (book) 354, 438, 490, 1138

Doctor in Charge (TV) 188–90, 192, 201–03, 205–08, 212, 216, 283, 284,
300

Doctor in the House (TV) 22, 23, 27, 28, 33, 68, 121, 188

Doctor in Trouble (film) 23, 68

Doctor on the Go (TV) 562, 2665

Doctor Who (TV) 729

The Doctor’s Tale (opera) 3481, 3914, 3923, 3926, 4130

Dodd, Ken 1661, 3191

Doebler, Paul 603

Doherty, Thomas 1177

The Do-It-Yourself Film Animation Show (TV) 332, 1964

Dolan, Terry 2927

Dolenz, Micky 905, 3234

Dombasle, Arielle 1638

Dominic King (radio) 4025

Don Quixote (book) 2190, 2597, 2728, 2767, 2904, 3631

Don Quixote (film) see The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

Donahue, Phil 1514

Donnelly, Sam 2839, 2966

Donny & Marie (TV) 2504, 2563, 2576

Donoghue, Carolae 54

Donohoe, Amanda 2277

Donoso, Julio 1561

Donovan 871, 3669

Donovan, Gerry 739

Donovan, Tate 2393

Don’t Fence Me In (radio) 2089, 2090

Don’t Mention the World Cup (single) 3267

The Doobie Brothers 671

Dor, Juliette 2927

Dore, Charlie 803, 1776

Dorff, Stephen 2573

Dorning, Robert 558

Dotrice, Roy 159

Douch, Lucy 1097

Douglas, Jack 303

Douglas, Mike 500

Douglas, Tim 1026

Douglas Adams: The Party (event) 4087

Douglas Adams’s Starship Titanic (book) 2313, 2314, 2316, 2319, 2352,
2357, 2665

Doust, Dudley 706

Doward, Jamie 3763

Down, Angela 548

Downes, Richard 2310, 2511

Downey, Robert Jr. 1783

Downey, Robert Sr. 1783

Downs, Clare 1150

Downs, Hugh 1030

Doyle, Julian 2596, 2698, 3506

Dragnet (TV) 515

Drake, Gabrielle 159

The Drama League Awards [71st Annual] (ceremony) 3147

Drawing Blood: Forty-Five Years of Scarfe Uncensored (book) 3215

Dream, Carl 3597

Dreamchild (film) 1262

Dreams and Nightmares: Terry Gilliam, The Brothers Grimm & Other
Cautionary Tales of Hollywood (book) 3178, 3219

The Dress (film) 1128, 1150, 1151, 1381

The Dresser (radio) see The Monday Play

Drive with Richard Glover (radio) 4198

Driver, Minnie 2953, 2977, 2981

Driving Miss Daisy (film) 1755

Drucker, Michel 482, 782

Dubois, Janet 1636

Du Chau, Frederik 2369

Duchess of Cornwall 3408, 3488, 3579

Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson) 1390, 1712

Dudley, Anne 3923, 3926, 4129, 4130

Dudley Do-Right (film) 2464

Duff, Howard 1783

Duffell, Bee 397

Dukane, Sy 1644

Duke, Robin 966, 1110

Duke of Edinburgh see Prince Philip

Duke of York see Prince Andrew

Duncan, Andrew 2089

Duncan, Lindsay 761, 762, 1833

Dunn, Clive 303

Dunn, Nora 1430

Dunning, David [Prof.] 3257

Dunton, Joe 3796

Dupontel, Albert 2351, 2454, 3256

Du Prez, John 803, 1026, 1776, 2038, 2171, 2197, 2457, 2558, 2566, 2567,
2865, 2919, 3096, 3113, 3144, 3258, 3260, 3352, 3389, 3409, 3417, 3465,
3476, 3543, 3546, 3550, 3607, 3745, 3771, 4096

Duran Duran 1365

Durrell, Gerald 2121

Durrell, Lee 2121

du Sautoy, Marcus 3199

D’Silva, Beverley 3309

Dutton, Denis [Prof.] 3740

Dutton, Gavin 2000

Duvall, Robert 580, 3818

Duvall, Shelley 863, 885, 957, 1198, 2324

Dylan, Bob 730

Dyson, Noel 126

E! True Hollywood Story (TV): “The Bond Girls” 2818

The Eagles 2166

Ear to the Ground (TV) 1063

Earle, Steve 1437

Earls, John 2279

Earnhardt, Dale Jr. 3880

Earth to America! (TV) 3222, 3223

East of Ipswich (TV) see Screen Two

East of the Moon (TV) 874, 1463, 1464, 1466, 1469, 1470, 1473, 1475,
1479

Eastaugh, Kenneth 170

“Easter Hymn, (Cavalleria Rusticana)” [Mascagni] 2212

Eastwood, Clint 386

Eat Something Sexy (event) 3486

Eaton, Wallas 3–7, 9

Eban, Ernie 699

Ebersol, Dick 940, 966, 1110

Ebert, Roger 1177, 1850, 3178

Eberts, Jake 2185

Ecker, Bob 1516, 1603

The Economist (magazine) 770, 1069, 1784

Eden, Barbara 777

The Edge 1998

Edinburgh International Film Festival 1519, 1520, 1663, 2391, 2392

Edinburgh Nights (TV) 2392

Edmonds, Mike 863

Edmonds, Noel 847, 1413

Edmondson, Adrian 1125, 1665, 1675, 1724, 2787, 2839

Edney, Beatie 2205, 2206, 2321

Edson, Evelyn 3034

Edward, Olivia 3706

Edwards, Bob 2578

Edwards, Charles 4008

Edwards, Cliff 3928

Edwards, Mark 2021

Edwards, Stephanie 407

Efter Tio (TV) 3935

Ege, Julie 165, 200

Eggers, Dave 3079

Egoyan, Atom 2611

Ehle, Jennifer 2535

Eia, Harald 3988

Eichelberger, Alyce Faye 1650, 1876, 1917, 2215, 2460, 2763, 3053, 3153,
3480, 3604, 3781, 4134

The Eiger Sanction (film) 386

8½ (film) 2116

The 8:15 from Manchester (TV) 1773

“Ein Heldenleben—final movement” [Strauss] 3928

Eisler, David 1712

Ekland, Britt 1247

Ekman, Paul [Prof.] 2642, 2650

Eldon, Kevin 2713, 3395

The Electric Revolution (TV) 849

Elena: A Life in Soho (book) 1762

Elgar, Edward [Sir] 151, 538, 753

The Eliza Stories (book) 1163

Elizondo, Hector 1183

Ella Enchanted (film) 2986

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV) 3130

Ellin, Doug 3863

Ellington, Duke 753

Elliott, Denholm 99, 596, 606, 932, 969, 1121, 1149, 1187

Elliott, Yan 3183

Ellis, June 679

Ellis, Robin 440

Ellison, David 726

Ellison, Jennifer 3963

Elmes, Simon 2514, 4108

Elphick, Michael 651, 991

Elton, Ben 877, 1125, 1286, 1318, 1665, 1705, 1781, 2459

Elwes, Cary 2057, 2369, 2986

Emergency Appeal for Rwanda (TV) 2018

Emerson, Sally 853

Emery, Dick 1365

Emery, Robert J. 2324

Emin, Tracey 3541, 4051

Emmanuel, Alphonsia 1984, 2322

The Emmy Awards (ceremony) 1418

Emperor of the North (film) 1041

Empire (magazine) 2230, 2239, 2908, 3977

Empire (TV): “Playing the Game” 4088

The Empire Awards (ceremony) 2239, 2727

Encounters with the Past (book) 854

“The End of the World” (sketch) 704, 755, 764

Enfermés dehors (film) 2454, 3256

Enfield, Harry 1765, 1798, 1894, 1916, 2787, 2791, 2839

England, Michael 3400

English, David 604

English National Opera 1304, 1352, 1441, 1442, 1549, 1712, 3943, 4003,
4063, 4100

The English Programme (TV) 1576

English Subtitles (book) 864

Eno, Brian 1882

L’entente cordiale (film) 3295

Entertainment Tonight (TV) 1494, 1611, 1637, 1666

Entertainment Weekly (magazine) 2119, 2158, 2221, 2948, 3122, 3179,

3494, 3659

Entourage (TV) 3846; “Lose Yourself” 3863

Ephron, Nora 2335

Equinox (TV): “Dr. Satan’s Robot” 2203

Ereira, Alan 1880, 2048, 2068, 2072, 2074, 2076, 2565, 2718, 2858, 2964,
3172, 3199, 3273, 3280, 3513, 3517, 3520, 3526

Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python (stage) 2457, 2567, 2577, 2581, 2582,
2919

Eric Idle Sings Monty Python: Live in Concert (CD) 2457, 2558, 2560

Eric Idle Sings Monty Python Songs (stage) 2457

Eric the Half-a-Bee/The Yangtse Song (record) 223

Erickson, Stephen [Dr.] 2670

Erik the Viking (book) see The Saga of Erik the Viking

Erik the Viking (DVD) 2587

Erik the Viking (film) 1346, 1474, 1530, 1533, 1575, 1659, 1663, 1669,
1671, 1672, 1677, 1679–81, 1702, 1703, 1709, 2426

Erik the Viking: The Book of the Film of the Book (book) 1735

Erik the Viking: The Complete Viking (DVD) 4001

Erik the Viking: The Director’s Son’s Cut (film/DVD) 1677, 2587, 3283,
3341–43, 3347, 3359, 3475, 3634

Ernst, Laura 1783

Erskine, James 2642

Esio Trot (audiobook) 2023

Esler, Gavin 3313, 3359

Esmonde, John 165

Esquire (magazine) 431, 502, 524, 1115, 1887

Essex, David 976

Estall, Peter 2224

Estefan, Gloria 1822

Eszterhas, Joe 2295

Etheridge, Melissa 2144

The European Film Awards (ceremony) 1977, 2709, 4033

European Vacation see National Lampoon’s European Vacation

Euroshow ’71 (TV) 128, 134, 2495

Evans, Barry 22, 23, 27, 28, 33, 121, 122, 125, 133, 137, 142, 145, 147,
148, 150, 152–57

Evans, Brett 2311

Evans, Chris 2222, 2234, 2408, 3887, 3999, 4079

Evans, Geraint [Sir] 992, 1276

Evans, Lissa 3310

Evans, Marc 1464, 1470, 1473, 1479

Evans, Ruth [Dr.] 2514

Evans, Sara 1479

Evans, Simon 2975

Evans, Tenniel 607

Evans, Victor Romero 1053

An Evening at Court (stage) 990

The Evening News (Edinburgh) (newspaper) 2972

The Evening Standard (newspaper) 82, 612, 2746, 2845, 2853, 3332

The Evening Standard British Film Awards (ceremony) 1263, 1348, 1448,
1579, 2726, 2852

An Evening with Graham Chapman (lecture) 1080

An Evening with John Cleese (event) 2655, 3402, 3514, 3621

An Evening with John Cleese (seminar) 2865

An Evening with John Cleese [Australia, 2012] (stage) 4062, 4093

An Evening with John Cleese [Dubai, 2012] (stage) 4106

An Evening with John Cleese [Sweden, 2011] (stage) 3933

An Evening with John Cleese—Paying My Ex-Wife, Year Two [Scandinavia,

2010] (stage) 3862
An Evening with Michael Palin (event/lecture) 2006, 2612, 3112, 3224,
3255, 3806, 3878, 4178, 4205

An Evening with Terry Jones (event) 2426

An Evening with the President (event) 3875, 3948, 4012, 4075

An Evening without Monty Python (stage) 3701, 3716, 3723

An Evening without Sir Bernard Miles (stage) 579, 594, 622, 704

Everett, Rupert 3931

Everybody Here (TV) 1124

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 1: What Is a Computer? (film)

766

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 2: What Is a Word Processor?

(film) 985

Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 3: What Is a Computer Program?

(film) 986

Everyman (TV): “They Shoot Children, Don’t They?” 1809

Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying and Selling a Used Car But
Were Afraid to Ask (video) 1801

Evil Machines (book) 3481, 3957, 3975, 4013–15, 4046

Evil Machines (opera) 3478, 3481

Ewart-Biggs, Jane 1531

Ewing, Winifred 533

Excess Baggage (radio) 3036, 3437; “Michael Palin’s Iron Curtin” 2629
Explorers: Great Tales of Adventure and Endurance (book) 3871

Explorer’s Eye: First-Hand Accounts of Adventure & Exploration (book)

3174, 3177

Ex-S (TV): “Palin on Redpath” 2310

Eyre, Ronald 871, 931, 1472

Eyre, Wilkinson 3250

Ezrin, Bob 2027, 2158, 2317

Fable III (video game) 3877

The Fabulous Picture Show (TV) 3774

Façade Suite [Walton] 597

The Face (magazine) 1014

The Faces 198

The Facts of Life (TV) 2585

Faerie Tale Theatre (TV): “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” 1198; “The Tale of
the Frog Prince” 934, 957, 2550

The Fairly Incomplete & Rather Badly Illustrated Monty Python Song Book
(book) 2038

Fairman, Blain 662

Fairy Tales (audiobook) 2588

Fairy Tales (book) 643, 874, 876, 892, 897, 980, 981, 1069, 1216, 1463,
1889
Fairy Tales for Adults: A Terry Gilliam Retrospective (Screenings) 2127

Faith, Adam 1070

Falconer, John 3987

Falke, Stenson 363

Falkland Road (book) 855

Fallender, Deborah 567

Fallon, Jimmy 2906, 3588

Fame, Georgie 8, 2069

Fame in the Frame (TV): “Terry Gilliam” 3992

Families and How to Survive Them (book) 1078, 1081, 1083, 1132, 1160,
1168, 1433, 1932, 2595

Families and How to Survive Them (radio) 1794

Fanning, Dakota 3368

Fantastic Stories (book) 1889–93, 1929, 1931, 1936

Fantasy Empire (magazine) 1116, 1139

Fantasy World Cup (TV) 2385

Faridany, Francesca 3294

Farmer, Mark 3060

Farrell, Colin 3490, 3659

Farrell, David 998

Farrelly, Peter 2571

The Fat (TV) 2854

Fataar, Ricky (or Rikki) 632, 635, 647, 2644, 3495, 3584, 3585

Fatso 471, 534, 537, 542–44, 572

Faulconbridge, Claire 522

Faulkner, James 1376

Faust (opera) 234

Fawcett, Gregory 2633

Fawlty Exclusive: Basil’s Best Bits (TV) 3654, 3657

Fawlty Towers (book) 608, 610, 611

Fawlty Towers (DVD) 2695

Fawlty Towers (record) 767

Fawlty Towers (TV) 66, 142, 312, 345, 379, 386, 439, 484, 487, 506, 551,
586, 645, 648, 673, 675, 708, 737, 757, 780, 812, 833, 999, 1004, 1237,
1240, 1433, 1577, 1815, 2093, 2094, 2217, 2286, 2337, 2383, 2436, 2592,
2593, 2645, 2679, 2743, 2958, 3579, 3648, 3649, 3654, 3815, 3873, 3935,
3978, 4052, 4057; “A Touch of Class” (Ep. 1) 379, 440, 768, 1130; “The
Builders” (Ep. 2) 441, 608, 904, 1130; “The Wedding Party” (Ep. 3) 446,
768, 1130; “The Hotel Inspectors” (Ep. 4) 450, 608, 767, 1130; “Gourmet
Night” (Ep. 5) 453, 608, 1106; “The Germans” (Ep. 6) 456, 768, 987, 1130,
2914, 3267; “Communication Problems” (Ep. 7) 676, 767, 859; “The
Psychiatrist” (Ep. 8) 677, 1130, 2337, 3855; “Waldorf Salad” (Ep. 9) 679,
1106, 3642; “The Kipper and the Corpse” (Ep. 10) 680, 691, 987, 2337;
“The Anniversary” (Ep. 11) 685; “Basil the Rat” (Ep. 12) 678, 732, 904

Fawlty Towers (videocassettes) 1130, 1336

Fawlty Towers: A La Carte (record) 987, 1106

Fawlty Towers: At Your Service (record) 904, 987

Fawlty Towers Book 2 (book) 768

Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened (TV) 3654, 3738

Fawlty Towers: Second Sitting (record) 767, 904

Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered (DVD) 3738, 3741

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (book) 2267

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (DVD) 2849

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (film) 2267, 2360, 2363, 2365–68, 2371,
2376, 2382, 2391, 2392, 2408, 2411, 2414–16, 2422, 2597, 2862, 3839

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: NOT the Screenplay (book) 2361, 2372

Feather, Jacqueline 2369

Featherstone, Don 1099

Feirstein, Bruce 2516

Feldman, Marty 8, 13, 63, 164, 165, 315, 954, 978, 1049, 1059, 1131,
2940, 3497

Feldstein, David 2317

Fell, Ken 415

Fellini, Federico 1419, 1559, 2116

Fensom, Peter 309, 389

Fentiman, Mike 61

Fenton, George 1850

Ferdinand, Rio 2745

Ferguson, Craig 3969

Ferguson, William 3543, 3550, 3745

Fergusson, John Duncan 2606

Ferland, Jodelle 3186

Fermor, Patrick Leigh 1657

Ferrari, Nick 3767

Ferraz, Carolina 4192

Ferrell, Will 2214

Ferretti, Dante 1559

Ferrington, Danny 2197

Ferry, Bryan 2703

Ferster, Arron 3982

Festival 40 (TV) 512

Festival on Film (TV) 1154

Fettes, Miranda 2972

Fettis, Andrew 3496

Fiddy, Dick 1805

Fielding, Helen 2885

Fielding, Noel 3771, 4095

Fields, W. C. 2881, 3108

Fiennes, Ranulph [Sir] 3871

Fierce and Gentle Creatures (TV) 2121

Fierce Creatures (film) 386, 1920, 2095, 2110, 2112, 2117, 2121, 2134,
2137, 2162, 2170, 2202, 2210, 2213, 2215–28, 2232, 2233, 2245–47, 2309,
2377, 2390, 3294

The 50 Greatest Comedy Films (TV) 3231

The 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches (TV) 3127

The 50 Greatest Documentaries (TV) 3202

Fifty Years of the BFI (TV) 1082

Film 76 (TV) 536

Film 78 (TV) 654

Film 79 (TV) 747

Film 82 (TV) 984

Film 83 (TV) 994, 1003, 1011, 1044

Film 84 (TV) 1134

Film 85 (TV) 1175, 1243

Film 86 (TV) 1278

Film 88 (TV) 1482, 1543

Film 88 Special (TV) 1480

Film 89 (TV) 1621, 1672, 1680

Film 91 (TV)1814, 1855

Film 93 (TV) 1933, 1954

Film 93 Special (TV) 1961

Film 94 (TV) 2056

Film 96 (TV) 2137, 2148

Film 2001 with Jonathan Ross (TV) 2677

Film 2005 with Jonathan Ross (TV) 3208

Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross (TV) 3697, 3725

Film 2011 (TV) 4039

The Film Club (TV) 1458, 1713

Film Comment (magazine) 880, 1845, 3019

Film Education (TV) 2173

Film Night (TV) 335, 377, 2697

The Film Programme (radio) 4058

Film Review (magazine) 424

Films and Filming (magazine) 373

A Final Wave at the World: The Alimony Tour, Part One [U.S., 2009]
(stage) 3709, 3750

Financial Times (newspaper) 162, 316, 915, 1377, 1970, 2017, 2777, 3307,
3533

Finch, Hilary 1304

Fincham, Peter 1307

Fine, Dennis 911

Fine, Harry 99

Finkel, Mark 2027

Finn, Mali 2651

Finnigan, Judy 1711, 1893, 2008, 2254, 2278, 2817, 2935, 3027, 3367,
3383, 3529, 3541, 3581, 3638

The First Annual Comedy Crusade Against Diabetes (stage) 1430

First Bite (TV) 1806

The First Eleven 3267

First Impression (radio) 520

First Love (TV) 1107, 1137

First Night on Meridian (TV) 1922

The First Take (TV) 2402

First Tuesday Book Club (TV) 4196

The First 200 Years of Monty Python (book) 1684, 3573

A Fish Called Wanda (book) 1481

A Fish Called Wanda (DVD) 2438, 3362

A Fish Called Wanda (film) 200, 1346, 1398, 1482, 1484, 1486, 1487,
1489–1500, 1502, 1504–10, 1512, 1514, 1516–20, 1525–27, 1541, 1543–
47, 1578–82, 1609, 1627, 1628, 1751, 1786, 1920, 1935, 2056, 2095, 2108,
2221, 2429, 2474, 2477, 2485, 2511, 3231, 3357, 3485, 3555, 3617, 3621,
3649, 3852

A Fish Called Wanda (videocassette) 1594, 1595, 1741, 1780

Fish Tales (book) 1179

Fisher, Anne 2387

Fisher, Carrie 906, 2478, 2906

Fisher, Doug 127

Fisher, John 2244, 2250, 2329, 2627

Fisher, John Hayes 3574

Fisher, Mark 3874

Fisher, Tom 4008

The Fisher King (film) 1813, 1847–50, 1855, 1857, 1858, 1952, 2078,
2119, 2676, 3619, 3907

Fitzgerald, F. Scott 864

Five Minutes with: Michael Palin (web) 3769

“Five Salted Peanuts” (song) 1061

Fjeldmark, Stefan 2685

Flaherty, Stephen 2449, 2621

Flanagan 55, 59

Flanery, Sean Patrick 1894

Flash Harry (record) 803, 3234

Fleet, James 3294

Fleming, Fergus 3177

Fleming, Peggy 734

Fleming, Robert 327

Fletcher, Alan 2927

Fletcher, Brendan 3186

Fletcher, Dexter 1801

Fletcher, Diane 1157, 1344, 1798

Fletcher, Kelvin 3198

Fletcher, Ronald 604

Flippo, Chet 494

Flower, Gilly 439, 441, 446, 450, 453, 456, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685, 732

Flynn, Gillian 3179

Flynn, Miriam 2942

Foges, Peter 375

Folsey, George Jr. 1238

The Food Programme (radio) 1488

Food, Wine and Friends (TV) 846

Foot, Michael 1288

Foot, Moira 148

Football Days (book) 2918

Footlights!: A Hundred Years of Cambridge Comedy (book) 1050

Footlights! 100 Years of Comedy (TV) 1051

For the Roundhouse (event) 3148

Forbes (magazine) 1476

Forbes, Emma 2001

Forbes, Malcolm 1585

Ford, Anna 704, 755, 780, 999, 1263

Ford, Harrison 2899, 2936

Forde, Nigel 1793

Foreman, Michael 874, 892, 897, 1069, 1216, 1522, 1889, 2294, 2598,
2624, 3914

Foresti, Florence 3610

Forever Ealing (TV) 2828

“Forgive Me” (Jones song) 579, 622

Forrest, Elliott 1503

Forstater, Mark 397, 651, 654, 3606, 4202

Forsyth, Bruce 165, 1616, 2593, 3193, 3601, 4179

Forsyth, Janice 3831

Forsythe, Henderson 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Forte, Will 2666

Forth Fiesta (TV) 1520

Fortune (magazine) 2387

Fortune, John 296, 492, 539, 704, 871, 883, 915, 2838

The Fortune Teller (film) 549

40 Minutes (TV): “Scarfe’s Follies” 1449

47 Years in Tibet (documentary) 2327

Forty Years Without a Proper Job (lecture) 3217, 3390, 3920

Foster, David 2369

Foster, Giles 1461

Foster, Karin 1220

Foster, Marian 1096

Foster, Richard 1907

Foulgham, George 2797

Four-Mations: Aspects of Comedy (TV) 1964

Fourteenth Century England: V (book) 3524

“4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” (song) 3670

Fowlds, Derek 900, 901

Fox, Edward 780

Fox, Marilyn 1275

Fox, Sue 2256, 2258

Frame, Pete 2496

Francis, Clive 3294

Francis, Derek 183, 562

Francis, Eric 1026

Francis, Genie 1034

Francis, Jan 731

The Frank Skinner Show (TV) 2228, 3206

Frankel, David 4004

Franklin, Bob 2534

Franklin, Gretchen 280

Franklin, Jim 302, 518, 577, 600, 604, 607, 731

Franklyn, Sabina 732

Franklyn, William 212, 614

Franklyn-Robbins, John 813, 830

Franks, Alan 3327

Franks, Philip 1986

Fraser, Bill 726

Fraser, Brendan 2261, 2464, 3053

Fraser, Helen [actress] 28, 205

Fraser, Helen [producer] 1447

Fraser, Ronald 99, 165, 200

Fraser-Crook, Janet 1937

Frasier (TV) 3701; “High Crane Drifter” 2136

Frayling, Christopher 1154

Frayn, Michael 838, 1274

Freaky Fables (book) 1160

Frears, Stephen 473, 2852

The Fred Tomlinson Singers 52, 78, 105, 110, 224, 226, 235, 239, 445,
461, 799, 1726

Freedland, Jonathan 2938

Freedman, Paul 1621

Freeman, Alan 455

Freeman, Dave 165

Freer, Anne 707, 816

French and Saunders 1286, 1643

French and Saunders (radio) 4051

French, Dawn 204, 1153, 1343, 1378, 1665, 1705, 1734, 1985, 1986, 2099,
3075, 3462, 3758, 4051

French, Patrick 4142

Frere, Dorothy 679, 731

Fresh Air from WHYY (radio) 1758, 2490, 2846, 3778

Freud, Anna 2763

Freud, Clement 140, 463

Freud, Emma 2042, 4147

Freud, Sigmund 2763

Frewer, Matt 1026

Friday Night...Saturday Morning (TV) 749, 773, 778, 888, 919, 924

Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (TV) 3157

Friday People (TV) 1178

Fried, Clarence 469

Friel, Anna 1833, 3180

Frith, Andy 3396

From Brazil to the Truth (event) 4143

From Hollywood to Borehamwood (TV) 2933, 2939

From Shrewsbury to the World—A Debt to Darwin (lecture) 3707

From Spam to Sperm: Monty Python’s Greatest Hits (TV) 2495, 2498,
2556

Fromer, Liza 4060

Front, Rebecca 2323

Front Row (radio) 2769, 3330, 3369, 3618, 3822, 3828, 4037, 4046, 4129

The Front Row (radio) 3542

Frost, Cerrie 2791

Frost, David [Sir] 99, 487, 576, 990, 999, 1051, 1143, 1273, 1320, 1339,
1527, 1860, 1862, 1972, 2007, 2024, 2091, 2211, 2225, 2459, 2496, 2562,
2618, 2626, 2787, 2839, 3384, 3432, 3496, 3539, 3564, 3587, 3594, 3639,
3900

Frost, Robert 2425

Frost, Sadie 1945

Frost in the Air (TV) 1972

Frost Over the World (TV) 3594, 3900

The Frost Programme (TV) 2007

The Frost Report (TV) 16, 99, 138, 978, 1587, 1972, 3496, 3732, 3976

The Frost Report Is Back! (TV) 3496

Frost Tonight (TV) 3384

Frostrup, Mariella 3308, 3656, 3960, 3962, 4020, 4123

Froud, Brian 1301, 1306, 1345, 2043, 2152, 2193, 3195

Froud, Toby 1301

Fry, Iris 456

Fry, Stephen 204, 1286, 1290, 1365, 1409, 1438, 1563–65, 1665, 1675,
1724, 1734, 1781, 1876, 2083, 2185, 2329, 2419, 2472, 2684, 2701, 3075,
3231, 3246, 3654, 3657, 3877, 3982, 4008

Fuchs, Fredric S. 1198

Fuentes, Paul 1402, 1410, 1420, 1428, 1435

Full Circle (book) 2264

Full Circle (lecture) 2287

Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV) 2112, 2117, 2124, 2131, 2154, 2162,
2191, 2201, 2259, 2270–73, 2275, 2277–82, 2284, 2285, 2288, 2290, 2296,
2298–2301, 2303–05, 2308, 2312, 2343, 2407

Full House (TV) 227, 230, 258, 261

The Full Monty (film) 3926

Fuller, Graham 1630

Fuller, Kim 1924

Fulton, Keith 2078, 2190, 2728, 2900, 2904

Funchal International Film Festival 3810, 4019

Funny Business (TV): “A Question of Taste” 1915

Funny Game, Football... (record) 211

Funny Ha Ha (TV): “Commander Badman” 340

Funny People (TV) 515

Funny That Way (radio) 1777

Funny Women (TV): “Prunella Scales” 2383

Furse, Vanessa 607

Gabereau (radio) 1326, 1965

Gabereau, Vicki 1326, 1965

Gabor, Eva 896, 1147

Gabriel, Peter 1365, 1409, 1938

Gabrielle 2222

Gaiman, Neil 1139, 4128

Gaines, Will 1174

Gainsbourg, Charlotte 2662

Gaisford, Sue 3033

Galaxy Song/Every Sperm Is Sacred (record) 1048

Gallagher 734, 1168

Gallagher, Brita [Palin’s great-grandmother] 602, 1818, 1998

Gallagher, Jack 1394

Gallagher, Mike 2483

Gallagher, Paul 3551

Gallagher, Peter 2177

Gallardo, Camilo 2327

Galloway, George 3206

Galton, Ray 165

Gambaccini, Paul 727, 1005

Gambon, Michael 2118, 2204

Gandhi, Indira 1294

Garcia, Andy 3616

Garcia, Jerry 693

Gardam, Bob 616

Garden, Graeme 2, 8, 62, 295, 302, 492, 539, 661, 664, 990, 1156, 1158,
1250, 1567, 1568, 1731, 1734, 1798, 1983, 3000, 3789

Gardner, Caron 251

Gardner, Edward 3943, 3945

Gardner, Rulon 3131

Garfield, Andrew 3659, 3713, 3725, 3854

Garfunkel, Art 2305, 2582

Gargantua (stage) 1918

Gargantua and Pantagruel (books) 1918

Garr, Teri 934, 957, 1028, 1883

Garraway, Kate 3963

Garrett, Lesley 1304, 1442, 1549

Garrison, Greg 348

Garvey, Cyndy 1027

Garvin, Harry 3244

Garwood, Norman 1177, 1263, 1282

Gascoine, Jill 976

Gasteyer, Anna 2214

The Gay Boys Dragon Show [Japan] (TV) 489

Gay Life (TV): “Gay Parents” 775

Gay News (newspaper) 242

G.B.H. (DVD) 3291

G.B.H. (TV) 1833–37, 1839, 1841, 1844

Gebhart, Courtney 1644

Gebler, Carlo 1745

Gee Whiz Graph see How to Lie with Statistics, Part 1: The Gee Whiz
Graph

Geis, Irving 385, 627

Gelbart, Larry 164

Geldman, Mark D. 2057

Geldof, Bob 871, 1260, 1286, 1296, 1449, 1766, 2836, 3075

General Accident (ads) 623

Geng, Veronica 710, 1760

“Genghis Khan” (Chapman sketch) 481, 1307

Geographical (magazine) 3063, 3706, 3872

Geography (magazine) 1462

George Harrison: Living in the Material World (film) 3994–96

George Harrison: The Inner Light (radio) 2730

George Harrison: What Is Life (radio) 3686

George of the Jungle (film) 2260, 2261, 2442, 2925

George of the Jungle 2 (film) 2261, 2925

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (TV) 4056

Georgeson, Tom 1495, 1833

Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames 2069

Gerard, Jasper 3175

German shows see Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus

Gerrard, Alec 378

Gerrard, David 146

Gerrold, David 912

Gershwin, George 2212

Gervais, Ricky 204, 2714, 2786, 3123, 3190, 3452, 3489, 3708

Get Set for Summer (TV) 867

Get Up & Go: The Making of The Rutles (documentary) 3583, 3584

Ghir, Kulvinder 1984

Gibbins, Helen see Palin, Helen (Gibbins)

Gibbons, Leeza 1515

Gibbs, George 1177

Gibbs, Patrick 710

Gibson, Colin 1324

Gibson, Mel 2583, 2990

Gielgud, John [Sir] 248, 2369

Gifford, Kathie Lee 1728, 1910, 2080, 2216

Gilan, Yvonne 446

Gilbert, James (or Jimmy) 183, 312, 406

Gilbert, Matthew 1953

Gilbert, Michael 159

Gilbert, Val 3275

Gilbert, W. S. 1304

Gilbert & Sullivan 824, 1304, 1360, 1442, 1549, 1712

Gill, Andy 1404

Gillan, Dan 456

Gillard, David 512

Gillard, Stuart 2790

Gilliam, Amy [daughter] 529, 1459, 3309, 3659, 3713, 3953

Gilliam, Beatrice [mother] 739

Gilliam, Harry [son] 1459

Gilliam, Holly [daughter] 807, 1459, 4107

Gilliam, Maggie [wife] see Weston, Maggie

Gilliam on Gilliam (book) 2064, 2433, 2435

Gilliatt, Penelope 161, 397, 567, 1033, 1471

Gilman, Harold 3492

Gilmour, Tony 2707

Ging Gang Goolie/Mister Sheene (record) 647

Gladiators: The Brutal Truth (TV) 2565

The Glasgow Herald (newspaper) 958

Glasser, Phillip 1859

Glazier, Allen 2875

Gleiberman, Owen 1323, 2119, 2221

Glendenning, Candace 605

Glenn, Scott 1209

Glidewell, Peter 418

Glinwood, Terry 200

The Globe and Mail (newspaper) 3679

Gloria Hunniford (radio) 1001

Glouberman, Michael 2358

Glover, Crispin 2901

Glover, Danny 1209

Glover, Julian 729

Glover, Richard 4193

GMTV (TV) 2653, 3800

Gnarr, Jón 3603

Go Wild in the Country: The Making of Wind in the Willows (TV) 2187

Gobel, George 745

The Goblin Companion (book) 1306, 2141, 2152

The Goblins of Labyrinth (book) 1306, 2043, 2152

God Loves Caviar (film) 4144

Goddard, Liza 309

Goddard, Mike 325

Godfrey, Bob 309, 332, 1964, 3138

Godleman, Kaye 2703

Godunov, Alexander 734

Goelz, Dave 590

Gogol, Nikolai 3261, 3262

Going Live! (TV) 1625, 1890, 1905, 1946

Going to a Meeting, Part 1: Messing Up a Meeting (film) 2840

Going to a Meeting, Part 2: Meeting Menaces (film) 2841

Gold, Ritchie 554

Goldberg, Whoopi 2295, 2686, 3114

Goldblum, Jeff 1209

The Golden Globe Awards (ceremony) 1578, 1995, 2959

The Golden Skits of Wing Commander Muriel Volestrangler FRHS & Bar
(book) 1131

Goldman, David 2530

Goldman, William 1873, 2607, 2651

Goldmine (newspaper) 1511

Goldsmith, Anthony 1345

Goldsmith, Francisca 2086

Goldsmith, Zac 3384

Goldstein, David Andrew 2999

Goldstein, Richard 412

Goldstone, John 397, 567, 638, 669, 710, 739, 1025, 1026, 1677, 2185,
2446, 2909, 3172, 3239, 3587

Gompertz, Will 3945

Good Charlotte 2821

Good Day Live (TV) 2740

Good Morning America (TV) 694, 841, 868, 968, 1510, 1607, 1742, 2303

Good Morning Australia (TV) 3068

Good Morning Britain (TV) 999, 1010, 1020, 1057, 1071, 1108, 1143,
1264, 1892

Good Morning Canada (radio) 2917

Good Morning Monterey Bay (radio) 3119

Good Morning New York (TV) 980

Good Morning with Anne And Nick (TV) 2141, 2151

Good Stuff (TV) 2232

Gooden, Dwight 1309

The Goodies 302, 492, 2721, 3000

The Goodies (TV) 3000; “The Goodies and the Beanstalk” 302

Gooding, Cuba Jr. 2686

Goodman, Joan 2145

Goodman, John 2406

Goodman-Hill, Tom 3353

Goolden, Alastair 879

Goom, Derek 767

The Goon Show (radio) 82, 1968, 1097, 1288, 2147, 2682, 2731, 2733,
2780, 2791, 3841

The Goons 753, 2250, 2328, 2733, 3732

Gordon, Colin 3–7, 9

Gordon, Devin 3104

Gordon, Hannah 1144

Gordon, Jack 2441

Gordon, Noele 1002

Gordon, Richard 22, 23

Gordon-Levitt, Joseph 2358, 2359, 2666

Gorman, John 267, 572, 674, 772, 774, 844, 894, 923, 2721

Gorshin, Frank 2119

Goscinny, René 2557

Gosling, Andrew 418, 420, 421, 425, 427, 429, 471, 532, 534, 537, 541–
44, 872

Gottfried, Martin 494

Gottschalk, Thomas 3003

Gough, Darren 3904

Gough, Piers 849

Gould, Dave 2154

Gould, John 114

Gounod, Charles 234

Gow, Gordon 373

Gower, John 3540, 3650

Grabsky, Phil 2399, 2718, 2719, 2858

Grace, Maggie 4189

Grace, Topher 2834

Grade, Michael 3166

The Graduates (book) 1037, 1294

Graef, Roger 539, 545, 755, 1065, 1291, 2098, 2099, 2104, 3075
Graham, Caroline 2690

Graham, Dick 389

Graham, Peter 600, 726

Graham, Philip 604

Graham Chapman: A Six Pack of Lies (CD) 2327

Graham Crackers: Fuzzy Memories, Silly Bits and Outright Lies (book)
2307, 3167

The Graham Norton Show (TV) 3758, 3815, 3824, 4199

Graham, Sam 2421

Grahame, Kenneth 2111, 2118, 2160, 2185, 2187, 2204, 2209, 2331, 2420,
3632

Grammer, Kelsey 1363, 2136

Gran, Maurice 1788

The Grand Knockout Tournament (event) 1390

The Grand Knockout Tournament (TV) 1391, 1407

Grand Tour (radio): “Fez” 1879

Grandstand (TV) 667

Granger, Stewart 895

Grant, Brigit 2184

Grant, Cary 2511

Grant, Julie 1616

Grant, Russell 4030

Grant, Susannah 3368

Grant, Valerie 2027

Gravett, Paul 3993

Gray, Elspet 677

Gray, Maggie 1177, 1282

Gray, Muriel 1191, 1520, 1542, 1730

Gray, Simon 3294

Graymore, Clive [Dr.] 1397

Graymore, Kay 1397

Grayson, Larry 387

Grazebrook, Sarah 480

Grazer, Brian 1238

Grazer, Gavin 2751

Greaney, Dan 2875

The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (film) 175

The Great British Comedy Event (event) 3834

The Great Britons Awards (ceremony) 3379

The Great Gas Gala (ads) 244

Great Map Mystery see Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery

The Great Muppet Caper (film) 590, 815, 859

The Great Outdoors (TV) 2880

Great Performances (TV): “Concert for George” 2980; “The Mikado”

1442, 1549

Great Railway Journeys (book) 2060

Great Railway Journeys (TV): “Derry to Kerry” 602, 820, 1998, 2001

Great Railway Journeys of the World (book) 838

Great Railway Journeys of the World (TV): “Confessions of a Train

Spotter” 786, 820, 1440, 1998

Great Rock ’n’ Roll Swindle (book) 854

The Great Western Express Festival (stage) 198

Greatest Ever Comedy Movies (TV) 3357

Greaves, Margaret 1745

The Greedy Bastard Diary: A Comic Tour of America (book) 2919, 3097,
3098, 3117, 3120, 3121, 3131, 3133, 3137, 3260

The Greedy Bastard Tour (stage) 2567, 2917, 2919, 2929, 3097, 3131

Green, Brian L. 1644

Green, Joanna 4115

Green, Matt 4049

Green, Seth 2686

Green, Sue 2721

Green, Tom 4089

Greenall, Simon 4008

Greenaway, Peter 2132

Greenberg, Sheldon 1801

Greenberg, Susannah 932, 1016

Greene, Judith 256

Greene, Sarah 1625, 1732, 1890, 1905, 1946

Greenfield, Jeff 2338

Greenstein, Jeff 2953, 2989

Greenwood, Bruce 2899

Greenwood, Debbie 1221, 1240, 1321

Greenwood, Joan 2588

Greenwood, Lee 974

Greer, Bonnie 2843

Greer, Fergus 2488

Greer, Germaine 924

Gregory, Gillian 541

Greist, Kim 1177, 1251

Gremlins 2 (film) 1253

Grier, Pam 2772

Grierson, William 767, 904, 987, 1106

The Grierson Documentary Awards 2002 (ceremony) 2814

Grieve, John 548

Griffin, David 604, 731

Griffin, Eddie 2834

Griffin, Tom 1303

Griffith, Lt-Col. Adrian 2923

Griffith, Melanie 1490, 1578

Griffiths, Derek 2221

Griffiths, Jaye 2714

Griffiths, Martin 589

Griffiths, Richard 928, 1134, 1149

Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment (film) 1789

Grimes, William 2927

Grimm, Paul 777

Grimms 267, 572

Grint, Rupert 2702, 2810

Grisoni, Tony 2360, 2361, 2372, 2376, 2597, 3186, 3392

Grodin, Charles 859

Gross, Mary 966, 1110

Gross, Terry 1758, 2490

Grossberger, Lewis 950

Grossman, David 2925

Grossman, Lloyd 1975

Groundhog Day (film) 2189

Grounds, Tony 2321

The Group 211

Group Madness: The Making of Yellowbeard (TV) 1049

Group One (TV) 508

Grove, Valerie 1926, 2142

Gruffudd, Ioan 2619

Grylls, Bear 4041

Guanaes, Nizan 3296

The Guardian (newspaper) 1371, 1691, 2071, 2189, 2229, 2501, 2628,
2671, 2731, 2835, 2927, 3085, 3178, 3763, 3866, 4002, 4064, 4120, 4132,
4163, 4168

The Guardian Books Podcast (podcast) 3718, 4021

Guest, Christopher 1673

Guinness, Alec [Sir] 1628

Gunn, Aurora 3191

Gunson, Roy 105

Gurnee, Hal 1181

Gurney, A. J. 3466

Gurney, James 2750

Gutteridge, Tom 1051

Guttridge, Nic 3976

Guy, Jennifer 481

Gwynn, Michael 440

Gwynne, Haydn 2355

Gzowski, Peter 298

Hadden-Paton, Harry 3985

Haddrick, Greg 2625

Hadida, Samuel 3659, 3713

Hagger, Alison 1440

Hail the Conquering Hero (film) 1713

Hain, Peter 3927

Haines, Miranda 2291

Hale, Natalie 3787

Half-a-Sixpence (stage) 721

Half Hour Comedy Hour (TV) 1536

Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980–1988 (book) 15, 3332, 3671, 3691–
95, 3697–98, 3700, 3704, 3715, 3718, 3721, 3743, 3753, 3758, 3762, 3848,
3852, 3892

Hall, Brad 966, 1110

Hall, Brian 675–77, 679, 680, 685, 732, 2286

Hall, Daryl 507

Hall, Don 3969

Hall, George 1894

Hall, Jerry 630, 1643, 1660, 1662, 1675, 1724, 1969, 3198

Hall, Julie 1063

Hall, Michael 905

Hall, Peter 3191

Hall, Rich 1911

Hall, Robert 3009, 3450

Haller, Scot 1149, 1559

Halper, Andy 1584

Halsall, Ollie 632, 3495

Halsey, John 532, 550, 632, 635, 3495, 3584

Halsey, Michael 441

Ham, Anthony 1833

Hamilton, Jocelyn 2157

Hamilton, Scott 3552

Hamilton, Tim 3603

Hamm, Mia 3296

Hammershøi, Vilhelm 1298, 3118, 3163, 3537

Hammond, Darrell 2214

Hammond, Peter 3825

Hampshire, Allardyce 387

Hampshire, Susan 1096, 1686

Hamshere, Keith 2209

The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys (film) 2078, 2190

Hancock, Nick 2302, 2905

Hancock, Sheila 1923

Hancock, Tony 3108

Handelsman, J. B. (Bud) 1078, 1160, 1916, 1932

Handl, Irene 68

Handler, Chelsea 3617

HandMade Films 710, 863, 933, 943, 970, 991, 1149, 1173, 1263, 1532,
1574, 1634, 1751, 2341, 2706, 2712, 2805, 3700

Hands: A Journey Around the World (book) 3358

Hanks, Tom 1578, 2166, 2335, 2826, 2906, 3223, 3640

Hanly, Francis 3934, 4157, 4169, 4182

Hannity & Colmes (TV) 3484

Hanomansing, Ian 3302

Hansen, Lisa M. 1783

Happy Holidays: The Golden Age of Railway Posters (book) 1400

Harcourt, Nic 2643

Hardcastle, Victoria 1370

Hardcastle, William 375

Hardie, Sean 737, 818, 1733, 1798, 1869, 2322, 2630, 2631, 2714, 4049

Hardiman, Terrence 382

Hardin, Kris 3987

HARDtalk (TV) 3779

HARDtalk Extra (TV) 3313, 3359

Hardwicke, Edward 651, 725

Hardy, Frances 3720

Hardy, George [Brig.] 1008

Hardy, Jeremy 1732, 2535

Hardy, Robert 1984, 2059

Hare, Doris 1751

Hare, Norman 34

Hare, Tony 136

Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind (book) 2428, 2538

Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind (lecture) 2429, 2445

Hargreaves, David 332, 522

Hark at Barker (TV) 14

Harman, Nigel 3157

Harmony Hairspray (film) 310

Harrelson, Woody 1363, 2751

Harris, Bob 425, 507, 2730

Harris, Naomie 2714

Harris, Owen 4008

Harris, Richard 2702, 2810

Harris, Rolf 2377

Harris, Samantha 2567

Harris, Sandra 658

Harrison, Dhani 2826, 2916, 2921, 4154

Harrison, George 445, 461, 471, 498, 501, 527, 528, 530, 535, 538, 591,
635, 638, 656, 669, 697, 710, 863, 922, 970, 991, 1149, 1173, 1263, 1307,
1532, 1538, 1574, 1751, 2341, 2543, 2678, 2706, 2707, 2711, 2712, 2730,
2762, 2786, 2805, 2826, 2827, 2864, 2916, 2920, 2921, 2980, 3204, 3355,
3516, 3640, 3686, 3700, 3996

Harrison, Olivia 2916, 2921, 3686

Harrison, Rex 3162

Harry, Deborah 1490

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) 2702, 2810–12

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (book) 2409

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (film) 2638, 2702, 2705, 2810

Harryhausen, Ray 2583, 3845

Hart, Miranda 3898, 3976

Hart, Tony 385, 555, 620, 621, 627

Harter, Maureen 1433

Hartford Courant (newspaper) 2808

Hartley, Mariette 777, 1199, 1424

Hartman, David 968

Hartnett, Josh 2899

Hartz, Jim 499

Harvey, Georgina 3600

Harvey, Lawrence 50

Harvey, Richard 1833

Harwood, Ronald 1940

Harwood, Stewart 651

Hass, Lucie 3303

Hastings, Harry 144

Hatch, David 2, 62, 295, 661, 664, 1731

Hatch, Robert 567, 710

Hatch, Tony 2185

Hathaway, Anne 2986

Hatley, Tim 3113

Have a Nice Stay see Welcome Customer, Part 1: Have a Nice Stay

Havergal, Giles 112

Havers, Nigel 1225, 1643, 1662, 2933, 2939

Havey, Allan 1489

Hawk, Tony 3185

Hawking, Stephen 2293

Hawkins, Carol 985

Hawn, Goldie 2442

Hawthorne, Nigel [Sir] 662, 900, 901, 991

Haycock, Gordon 1874

Haydn, Joseph 538

Hayes, Brian 1095, 1113

Hayes, Isaac 2456

Hayes, Michael 729

Hayes, Patricia 1495

Hayes, Sean 2932, 2953, 2977, 2981, 2989, 3560

Hayman, David 112

Haynie, Jim 1783

Hays, Robert 3048

Hayward, Stan 1964

Haywood, Jo 2944

HBO First Look (TV): “The Making of Shrek the Third” 3404

Head for Business (film) 960

Headey, Lena 2057, 2902, 3178

Healey, Mike 1288

Health Education Authority (Anti-Smoking) (ads) 1907

Heap, Mark 3262

Hearing, Trevor 1714

“Heartbreak Hotel” (song) 3928

Hearton, George 869

Heath, Edward [Prime Minister] [Sir] 233

Heath, Jennifer 2986

Heaton, Louis 2383

Heaven (film) 1458

The Heaven and Earth Show (TV) 2460, 2487

Heavy Metal (magazine) 1087

Heavy Rain (videogame) 3794

Hecht, Abraham B. [Rabbi] 712

Heckerling, Amy 1210

Hedden, Rob 1251

Hedges, Lucas 4165

Heeger, Alan 3211

Heertje, Raoul 2252

Hegner, Michael 2685

Heidi, Gloria 1034

Heiney, Paul 1436, 3883

Helford, Ross 3048

Heller, Zoe 1896

Hellman, Ira 1274

Hello Sailor (book) 392, 2467

Hello! (magazine) 4134, 4137

Helmond, Katherine 863, 885, 1177, 1251

Help! (magazine) 16

Help! I’m a Fish (film) 2685

The Helping Hand: Coaching Skills for Managers (film) 1797

Hemingway Adventure see Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure

Hemingway, Ernest 2086, 2461, 2500, 2501, 2505, 2509, 2515, 2526,
2555, 2569, 3458, 3782, 3819

Hemingway, Margeaux 500

Hemingway, Mariel 1089

Hemingway’s Chair (book) 2086, 2088, 2101, 2140, 2142, 2362, 2379–81,
2501, 4120

Hemmings, David 19

Henderson, Don 606

Henderson, Maggie 481, 543, 661

Henry, Buck 563

Henry, Lenny 923, 1318, 1452, 1665, 1675, 1705, 1724, 4108

Henry, Thierry 2745, 3296

Henry Cleans Up (film) 389

Henry V (film) 1755

Henson, Basil 137, 192, 677

Henson, Jim 590, 859, 1195, 1295, 1301, 1345

Henson, Nicky 243, 677, 763

Hepburn, Kate 659, 806

Herbie Rides Again (film) 391

Hercules (TV) 2393

Here and Now Toronto (radio) 4055

“Here Comes the Sun” (song) 515

Here’s Your Obituary (TV) 3172

Herman, Dave 505, 716

Heroes and Villains (book) 855

Heroes and Villains (radio): “Alexander the Great and Attila the Hun” 2843

Heroes for the Planet—A Tribute to National Geographic (TV) 2634

Heroes of Comedy (TV): “The Goons” 2250; “Les Dawson” 2244; “Peter
Cook” 2329; “Ronnie Barker” 2627; “Spike Milligan” 2733

Herring, Richard 3568

Herschlag, Alex 2981

Hersey, Dana 1516, 1603

Hersey’s Hollywood (TV) 1516, 1603

Hershey, Barbara 1945

Hertzberg, Hendrik 491

He’s Not the Messiah, He’s a Very Naughty Boy (radio) 3770

He’s Not the Messiah He’s...Terry Jones! (event) 4066

“He’s So Fine” (song) 530

Hessler, Gordon 41

Hewison, Robert 908, 1050, 1051, 1068, 3172, 3381, 3587

Hewitt, Jennifer Love 3597

Hewitt, Kevin 2289

Hewitt, Martin 1059

Hewson, Sherrie 3555

Heywood, Pat 1353

Hicks, Barbara 1177

Hicks, Bill 3108

Hicks, Simon 2659

Hidden History of Egypt (TV) 2718, 2850

Hidden History of Sex and Love (TV) 2719, 2850, 2858

Hidden History of the Roman Empire (TV) 2719, 2850

The Hidden Mind (film) 2428, 2538

Hidden Treasure (film) 903

Higgins, Steve 2214

Higson, Charlie 2411

Hill, Benny 1661

Hill, Bernard 2185

Hill, Charlie 777

Hill, Damon 2039

Hill, Dana 1210

Hill, Dave 1150

Hill, Debra 1813, 1850

Hill, Faith 2653

Hill, Jimmy 139, 370

Hill, Katy 2299

Hill, Rosemary 473

Hill, Susan 1889

Hiller, Arthur 2295

Hillerstrom, Oscar 4093

Hills, Dick 558

Hills, Jonathan 810

Hiltbrand, David 2067

Himalaya (audiobook) 3014

Himalaya (book) 3025, 3029, 3030, 3050, 3052, 3073, 3135, 3155

Himalaya (DVD) 3164

Himalaya (lecture) 3029, 3052, 3066, 3069, 3073, 3087, 3826; see also An
Evening with Michael Palin

Himalaya with Michael Palin (TV) 1968, 2895, 2923, 3011, 3022, 3023,
3027–29, 3033, 3035–37, 3039, 3040, 3043, 3045, 3052, 3054, 3057, 3061–
63, 3065–69, 3071, 3073, 3087, 3152, 3156, 3160, 3192, 3795, 3947

Hinchley, Pippa 1353

Hindle, Charlotte 1773

Hines, Gregory 893

Hinkley, Don 590

Hinson, Hal 1512

Hinton, David 1259

Hinton, Douglas 731

Hip Hip Hooray (film) 765

Hird, Thora 1461

Hislop, Ian 2773

A History of the World in 100 Objects (radio): “Clovis Spear Point” 3791

History Today (magazine) 2963

Hitchcock, Alfred 4122

Hitchcock, Bill 168

Hitchens, Christopher 3751

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (film) 3136

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (radio/book/TV) 1098, 2318, 2352,

2665, 2684, 3690, 4087

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show...Live! (stage) 4128

H.M.O. (TV) 2639

Hoare, Ken 315

Hoare, Peter 3943, 4003

Hobbs, Jack 596, 601

Hoberman, J. 710, 1559, 3186

Hobson, Dorothy 1194

Hochman, Larry 3113

Hodgkinson, Tom 3266

Hodgson, Brian 550

Hoffman, Dustin 1101

Hoffmann, E.T.A. 3048

Hogan, Lisa 3667

Hogg, Ian 1984

Hogg, James 930

Hoggart, Paul 2501, 2797, 3037

Hoin, Ken 1832

Holden, Amanda 2370, 3931

Holden, Caroline 959, 1316, 1317

Holden, Stephen 2376

Holder, Judith 1705

Holgate, Mike 1705

Holland, Jools 1053, 1174, 1191, 1643, 3022, 3372

Hollings, Steven 1290

Hollingsworth, Tony 1409

Holloway, Julian 560, 618, 900, 901, 903, 1157, 1158, 1563, 1984, 2059

Holly, Lauren 2992

Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame 2678, 2762

Hollywood Greats (TV): “Cary Grant” 2511

Hollywood Homicide (film) 2898, 2899

The Hollywood Reporter (magazine) 4184

Hollywood Squares (TV) 745

Holm, Ian 863, 1102, 1177, 1460

Holman-Hunt, Diana 1262

Holmes, Eamonn 1620, 1722, 3702, 4203

Holmes, Jonathan 2311

Holmes, Mark 1025

Holmes, Martha 1854

Holmes, Rick 3701

Holmquist, Ward 1712

Holt, Madeleine 2470, 3338

Holy Flying Circus (TV) 4008

Hom, Ken 2134

Home and Away (TV) 2131, 2154, 2300

Home Movie Roadshow (TV) 3857

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (film) 2052, 2484

Honeysett, Martin 354

Hoon, Will 3918

Hooper, Tom 3895

Hootkins, William 1894

Hoover, Ralph see Spike, Paul

Hooves of Fire (TV) 3479

Hopkins, Anthony 1340

Hopkins, Keith [Prof.] 2565

Hopkins, Trevor 1662, 1724

Hopkinson, Simon 2625

Hopper, Dennis 3296

Hordern Michael [Sir] 970, 1003, 1059, 1260, 1738, 1916, 2588

Horn, Caroline 2524

Horn, David 1549

Hornby, Gill 1544, 1623

Horne, Eleanor 4053

Horne, Marilyn 2678

Horrocks, Jane 3479

Horvitz, Louis J. 3844

Horwood, William 2204

Hoskins, Bob 1177, 1574, 2448, 2588

Hot Air and Fantasy: The Adventures of Terry Gilliam (TV) 1617

Hot Properties (TV) 1183

Hot Pursuits (TV) 2534

Hough, Julian 604

The Hour (TV) 3775, 4056

Housego, Mike 1676

Houseman, John 1127

Houston, Kent 1559

Houston, Whitney 1239

Hoving, Tom 1030

How Am I Doing?: The Appraisal Interview (film) 618

How Do They Do That? (TV) 2226

“How Do You Do It?” (sketch) 704, 764, 2787, 2839

How Far Can You Go? (radio) 1768

How Fear Came (audiobook) 1161

How Not to Exhibit Yourself see Selling in Practice, No. 2: How Not to
Exhibit Yourself

“How Sweet to Be an Idiot” (Neil Innes song) 347, 943

How to Irritate People (TV) 16

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 1: The Gee Whiz Graph (film) 385

How to Lie with Statistics, Part 2: The Average Chap (film) 627

How to Lose Customers without Really Trying (film) 1734

How to Make Up Your Mind About the Bomb (book) 858

How to Win Holes by Influencing People (film) 558

How Well Do We Know Ourselves? (lecture) 3257

Howard, Ann 1352, 1776, 1860

Howard, Arthur 165

Howard, Ron 2480

Howard, Russell 3980

Howard, Trevor 970

Howard, Vanessa 99

Howe, Gary 1924

Howell, Georgina 2215

Howerd, Frankie 916

Howlett, Kevin 3686

Howman, Dave 293, 422, 600, 2185, 3771

Howorth, Nicki 232

Hubbell, Chris 2421

Huckerby, Mark 3479

Hudd, Roy 165, 1340

Hudson, Oliver 2442

Huff, Darrell 385, 627

Huffington, Ariana 2338

Hughes, Caroline 3770

Hughes, Cherry 2694

Hughes, David 991, 1025

Hughes, John 1210

Hughes, Nerys 475

Hughes, Terry 127, 136, 138, 141, 214, 291, 406, 480, 517, 518, 577, 598,
605, 606, 943, 2358, 2359, 2664, 2666

Hughman, John 3, 4, 83, 130, 365

Hui, Raman 3405

Hulme, Lachy 4089

The Human Face (book) 2640

The Human Face (TV) 2641, 2642, 2648, 2650, 2651, 2689, 3568

The Human Face of Business (seminar) 2823

The Humblebums 85

Hume, Roger 662, 685

Humour Is Not a Luxury (film) 1478, 1566

Humphries, Andy 3898

Humphries, Barry (aka Dame Edna) 292, 492, 539, 1643, 1662, 2091, 2754

Humphrys, John 2680

Hunky Chunks (ads) 246

Hunniford, Gloria 976, 983, 1002, 1095, 1113, 1144, 1225, 1340, 1626,
1686, 2069, 3578

Hunt, Antonia 1122

Hunt, Linda 1209

Hunt, Richard 590

Hunter, Allan 1857

Hunter, George Leslie 2606

Hunting People (book) 565

Huntington, Tom 2915

Huntley-Wright, Betty 453

Huntsman, Benjamin 1877

Hurley, Elizabeth 2641, 2642, 2650, 2651

Hurll, Michael 8

Hurndull, Richard 725

Hurst, Andy 3048

Hurst, John 2038

Hurt, John 1133, 1417, 2702, 4071

Huss, Judson 2163

Hutchinson, Diana 607

Hutchison, Geoff 3456

Hutton, Lauren 893, 1585, 1823, 3114

Huxley, Aldous 1996

Hyde-White, Wilfrid 50

Hyks, Veronika 2944

Hyman, Bruce 2535

Hysteria 2 (stage) 1675

Hysteria 2 (TV) 1724

Hywel, Dafydd 1470

I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio (record) 802

I Don’t Believe It! The “One Foot in the Grave” Story (TV) 2615

I Like Chinese/I Bet You They Won’t Play This Song on the Radio/Finland
(record) 801

Ibrahim, Musa 3664, 3759, 3763, 3795, 3805

Icons of England (book) 3557

I’d Like a Word with You: The Discipline Interview (film) 763

Ide, Wendy 3186, 3304

“Idiot Song” see “How Sweet to Be an Idiot”

Idle, Carey [son] 260, 1772, 2025

Idle, Ernest [father] 2200

Idle, Lily [daughter] 1772, 2061, 2389, 2906, 3204

Idle, Mrs. [wife] see Ashley, Lyn

Idle, Norah [mother] 739, 2025, 2192, 2200

Idle, Tania [2nd wife] see Kosevich, Tania

The Idler (magazine) 3266

Igbon, Alan 1833

Iglesias, Julio 1541

Igor (film) 3560

Ilkley Literature Festival 1129

Illich, Ivan 853

An Illustrated History of Bristol Zoo Gardens (book) 3915

The Illustrated London News (magazine) 1325

Ilyina, Tatiana 3048

I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again (radio) 2, 62, 295, 661, 1731

I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again (record) 664

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (DVD/Blu-ray) 3816

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (film) 3473, 3482, 3490, 3503,

3659, 3660, 3681, 3710, 3713, 3714, 3717, 3725, 3730, 3733, 3752, 3772,
3774–78, 3780, 3785, 3786, 3839, 4165

“Imagine” (song) 1061

Iman 1882

Imbruglia, Natalie 2533

The Importance of Creativity (lecture) 3641

The Importance of Mistakes (film) 1444

The Importance of Mistakes (lecture) 1434, 1476, 1767

“The Impossible Dream” (song) 590

Imrie, Marilyn 869

In Conversation (TV): “Terry Gilliam” 3864

In Search of John Gower: Glosses, Recensions, Politics (discussion) 3650

In Style (magazine) 2959

In the Beginning (TV) 1916

In the Name of Love (book) 855

In the Wild: Lemurs with John Cleese (TV) see Born to Be Wild:
Operation Lemur with John Cleese

In Two Minds see Customer Relations in Practice, No. 1: In Two Minds

In Vision (TV) 375

Inar Gahined (film) 1699

The IN-Complete History of Monty Python (screenings) 3126

The Independent (newspaper) 2016, 2020, 2093, 2273, 2357, 2494, 2711,
2781, 3033, 3085, 3089, 3274, 3371, 3923, 4186

Independent Focus (TV) 2816, 2857

The Independent on Sunday (newspaper) 3007, 3356

Independently Animated: Bill Plympton (book) 3916

Ineson, Ralph 2841

The Inferno of Dante (audiobook) 2237

The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote: Words and Music from the Time of
Cervantes (concert) 3631

Ingraham, Laura 2313

Innes, George 651

Innes, Neil 10, 211, 267, 268, 275, 278, 293, 316, 324, 347, 363, 368, 373,
374, 397, 416–18, 420, 421, 425, 427, 429, 471, 481, 482, 492, 494, 497,
502, 513, 515, 532, 534, 535, 537, 539, 541–44, 550, 567, 572, 576, 582,
632, 635, 704, 710, 805, 871, 872, 874, 943, 970, 1032, 1153, 1289, 1343,
1463, 1464, 1466, 1469, 1470, 1473, 1475, 1479, 1677, 2032, 2472, 2644,
2787, 2826, 2839, 2906, 3354, 3493, 3495, 3531, 3584, 3585, 3600, 3606,
3696, 3745, 3771, 4157

Innes, Yvonne 3516

The Innes Book of Records (TV) 872

Innocent, Harold 605

Inside Himalaya (book) 3026

Inside Joke with Monty Python’s Terry Jones (event) 3790

Inside Sahara (book) 2785

Inside Shabby Road: The Music of The Rutles (documentary) 3583, 3585

Inside the Labyrinth (TV) 1345

Inspirations at NLS: Michael Palin (event) 3938

The Instant Monty Python CD Collection (CD) 2028

Intel Centrino (“Entertainment in Your Lap”) (ad) 3185

“Interesting Facts” (sketch) 704, 755, 764

Interlude (film) 19

The Interview (radio) 3364

An Intimate Evening with John Cleese (event) 3232

The Invention of Lying (film) 3708

Ireland, Kathy 1883

The Irish Film and Television Awards [2nd] (ceremony) 3059

Iron Maiden 1571, 3139

Iron Maiden: From There to Eternity (video) 1571

Irons, Jeremy 2083, 2423, 2813, 3354, 3616

Irving, Amy 1335, 1859

Irwin, Randy 1640

Is This a Record? (film) 309

Ischia Global Film & Music Fest 3161, 3535

Isle of Wight County Press (newspaper) 1971, 1987

Isn’t She Great (film) 2547

It’s a 2'6" Above the Ground World (film) 243

It’s a Wacky World (TV) 160

It’s Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein (TV) 2047

It’s All Right, It’s Only a Customer see Marketing in Practice, No. 2: It’s
All Right, It’s Only a Customer

It’s Cliff Richard (TV) 350

It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (TV) 1807

It’s Marty Feldman (TV) 13

It’s My Story (radio): “White Chief Humphrey” 4104

It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (CD) 2532, 2533

It’s: The Monty Python Story (TV) 2495, 2496, 2556, 2710

It’s Your Choice: Selection Skills for Managers (film) 1986

Iuorio, Antonino 3953

Izzard, Bryan 562

Izzard, Eddie 2024, 2229, 2250, 2252, 2471, 2495, 2496, 2556, 2653,
2735, 2791, 2836, 2844, 2958, 3180, 3352, 3354, 3465, 3560, 4081, 4095,
4096, 4179

OceanofPDF.com
Jabberwocky (book) 624

Jabberwocky (DVD) 2699

Jabberwocky (film) 511, 536, 566–68, 570, 574, 578, 587, 595, 863, 1322,
2540, 4097

Jack and the Beanstalk see We All Have Tales

The Jack Docherty Show (TV) 2277, 2302

Jack the Giant Killer/Scrapefoot (audiobook) 1161

Jackanory (TV): “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” 1275, 2808;

“Fantastic Stories: The Slow Ogre” 1929; “Fantastic Stories: The Star of the
Farmyard” 1931; “Fantastic Stories: The Ship of Fools” 1936;
“Nicobobinus” 1454; “Small Harry and the Toothache Pills” 959, 1135,
1275

Jackson, Alan 2737

Jackson, Anna 332

Jackson, Glenda 1062, 4053

Jackson, James 3035

Jackson, Janet 3824

Jackson, Joe 772, 966

Jackson, Judy 1809

Jackson, Latoya 2002

Jackson, Paul 1125, 1365

Jackson, Peter 2962

Jacob, Rahul 3533

Jacobs, Lawrence 2157

Jacoby, Bobby 1647

Jacquemin, Andre 235, 293, 422, 600, 723, 803, 1012, 1427, 1723, 1846,
2185, 3771

Jacques, Hattie 148

Jadoff, Kenneth [Rev.] 714

Jagger, Bianca 635, 639

Jagger, Mick 580, 630, 635, 906, 1969, 2533

Jago, June 159

Jahan, Hiddy 614

Jake’s Journey (TV) 1455, 1485, 1501, 1554, 1558, 2541

James, Anne 1720

James, Clive 266, 292, 296, 704, 1413, 1747, 2002, 2723

James, Jasper 3199

James, Linda 546

James, Nick 2139

James, Sally 674, 772, 774, 844, 894, 2173, 3413

James, Wendy 1819

James Bond: A BAFTA Tribute (TV) 2837

James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (video game) 2930

James-Moore, Jonathan 1794

Janes, Hugh 604

Jarvis, Howard 694

Jarvis Cocker’s Sunday Service (radio) 3819

Jason, David 10, 651, 2196, 2211, 2627, 2966, 3193, 3246

Jay, Antony 204, 215, 304–08, 383, 385, 449, 452, 454, 457, 459, 476, 477,
487, 546, 548, 619, 663, 683, 684, 692, 696, 826, 827, 899, 903, 909, 960,
1158, 1443, 1667, 1734, 1868, 1984–86, 2059, 2630, 2631, 2714, 2840,
2841, 3166, 4049

Jeans, Luke 1018, 1800

Jeavons, Colin 1157

Jebb, Julian 852

Jeffrey, Peter 1559

Jeffries, Stuart 4132

Jenkins, Clive 704, 755

Jenkins, Simon 612

Jenkinson, Philip 377, 427

Jennings, Alex 1868, 4115

Jensen, Ashley 3606, 4018

Jensen, David 2201

Jensen, Kid 585

Jeopardy! (TV) 2637

Jerome, Jerome K. 473

Jerry Springer: The Opera (opera) 3395

Jersey Boys (musical) 3510

“Jerusalem” (song) 1726

Jessop, Peter 1833

Jesting Pilate: The Diary of a Journey (book) 1996

La Jetée (film) 2119

Jeter, Michael 1850

Jewel 2906

Jex, Lindsay 3654

Jillette, Penn 3084

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (TV) 3141, 3613

JLS 3698

Johansen, Bard Tufte 3988

John, Billy 1026

John, Elton 116, 616, 2239, 2328, 3397

John Cleese Forever (TV) 2739, 2743

John Cleese—His Life, Times and Current Medical Problems [New

Zealand, 2005] (stage) 3218, 3233

John Cleese in Conversation with Chris Serle (events) 3544

John Cleese Live!: The Alimony Tour 2011 (DVD) 4024–26, 4029, 4030,
4035–37

The John Cleese Sketchbook (radio) 435

John Cleese’s Comedy Heroes (TV) 3108

John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance (TV) 1546, 1547, 3362

John Cleese’s Life and Times (events) 2971

John Cleese’s Wine for the Confused (TV) 3053

The John Davidson Show (TV) 895

John Dunn Show (radio) 993

John Gould One-Man Show (stage) 114

John Howard Davies: A Life in Comedy (TV) 4052

John Le Mesurier: It’s All Been Rather Lovely (TV) 4097

John Peel’s Record Box (TV) 3221

John-Jules, Danny 2059

Johns, Stratford 596

Johnson, April 766, 986

Johnson, Craig 2716

Johnson, Dwayne 3760

Johnson, Kim “Howard” 1066, 1180, 1185, 1196, 1205, 1257, 1295, 1629,
1659, 1684, 3060, 3573, 3651

Johnson, Michael 3048

Johnson, Rebecca 4049

Johnston, Brian 1300, 1775

Johnston, Kristen 2358, 2359, 2664, 2666

Johnstone, Iain 487, 494, 700, 705, 749, 984, 1018, 1044, 1243, 1301,
1546, 1547, 1559, 1693, 1751, 1817, 1920, 1947, 2117, 2221, 2309

Jokers Wild (TV) 140, 325

Jokers Wild Christmas Special (TV) 303

Jolin, Dan 3977

Jolliffe, Ann 1964

Joly, Dom 2545, 3568

Jonathan Ross (radio) 3043, 3437

Jones, Alan 1646

Jones, Aled 4166

Jones, Alex 3887, 3932, 3999, 4026, 4079, 4109

Jones, Angus T. 2925

Jones, Bill [son] 553, 810, 982, 1069, 1112, 1677, 2587, 2646, 3343, 3475,
3687, 3731, 3825, 3858, 4054, 4140, 4162

Jones, Catherine Zeta 1933, 1945, 1955

Jones, Cherry 3147

Jones, David 1833

Jones, Desmond 384, 386

Jones, Dilys Louisa [mother] 217

Jones, Enid 3377

Jones, Freddie 386, 1247, 1461, 1677, 1940

Jones, Gethin 3717

Jones, Griff Rhys 818, 871, 1153, 1343, 1452, 1665, 2091, 2268, 2331,
2489, 2684, 2787, 2839

Jones, Ian Michael 3172

Jones, James Cellan 280

Jones, Jeffrey 1883

Jones, Jennifer A. 3597

Jones, Jerene 898, 1112

Jones, Michael 1142

Jones, Nick 1460

Jones, Nigel [brother] 220, 3371

Jones, Norah 2786

Jones, Paul 248

Jones, Peter 463, 915, 928

Jones, Philip 1661

Jones, Rebecca 4143

Jones, Robert Trent Jr. 2716

Jones, Rufus 4008

Jones, Sally [daughter] 317, 643, 874, 982, 1112, 3687

Jones, Shirley 777

Jones, Simon 481, 1025, 1055, 1098, 1818, 2119, 4128

Jones, Siri [daughter] 3687

Jones, Sonia 710, 722

Jones, Toby 2841

Jones, Tom 1390, 1816, 3022, 3081

Jones, Trevor see Du Prez, John

Jones-Davies, Sue 710, 3635, 3655

Jools’s Annual Hootenanny (TV) 3372

Jordan, William 321

Joseph, Joe 1897, 2948

Joseph, K. 370

Journey Into Your Imagination (film) 2052, 2484

Joy, David 2716

J. R. R. Tolkien: Pearl and Sir Orfeo (audiobook) 2266

J. R. R. Tolkien: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (audiobook) 2265

Judi (TV) 1122

Judi Spiers Show (radio) 4025

Juhl, Jerry 590

Julian, Jennifer 2919

Julyan, Caius 2933, 2939

Jump, Gordon 745

Junge, Walter 659

The Jungle Book (film) 2057

Junkin, John 13, 63

Jupitus, Phill 2682, 3735, 4005, 4128

Jurowski, Dmitri 4146

Just a Minute (radio) 444, 463

Just for Laughs [Australia] (festival) 3979, 3980

Just for Laughs [Montreal] (festival) 1399, 3302, 3682

Just for Laughs [Toronto] (festival) 3678–80, 3683

Just for Laughs (TV) 3339, 3746

Kael, Pauline 1177

Kahn, Madeline 1049, 1059

Kalbacker, Warren 2569

Kaleidoscope (radio) 746, 1615, 1892, 2175

Kaleidoscope at 21 (radio) 2013

Kalem, T. E. 494
Kamen, Michael 1559, 1945

Kane, Madleen 896

Kane, Nick 456

Kane, Susie 4049

Kaplan, Gabe 500

Kaplinsky, Natasha 3028, 3408

Karan, Donna 2169

Karlsson, Gunnar 3385

Kasdan, Lawrence 1166, 1209

Kasdan, Mark 1209

Katakis, Michael 3782, 3987, 4074

Kattan, Chris 2214

Katz, Eileen 1536

Katz, James C. 2909

Katz, Jordan 3123

Katzenberg, Jeffrey 2677

Kauffmann, Stanley 161, 710, 1025

Kaufman, Andy 730, 734

Kaufman, Michael T. 409

Kaupthing Bank (“Thinking Beyond”) (ads) 3603

Kavner, Julie 2875, 3076, 3388, 4102

Kay, Dominic Scott 3368

Kay-Gee-Bee Music Ltd. 388

Kaye, Lila 1751

Kazurinsky, Tim 966, 1110

Keagan, Carrie 3785

Keal, Graham 2961

Keane, Molly 1998

Kearney, Martha 3927, 3951

Kearns, Burt 3531

Keaton, Buster 850, 3279, 3292

Keaton, Michael 776, 966

Keaton: The Man Who Wouldn’t Lie Down (book) 850

Kee, Robert 850, 852, 864, 999

Keen, Albie 140

Keen, Pat 685

Keepnews, Peter 3332

Keeton, Joe 854

Keill, Ian 256, 264, 296, 417, 471, 531, 872

Keitel, Harvey 2046

Keith, Penelope 381, 477, 696, 2535, 2754, 4052

Kellaway, Lucy 1970

Kelleher, Terry 2742

Kellogg, David 2716

Kelly, Chris 866

Kelly, David 441

Kelly, Gene 777

Kelly, Henry 1008

Kelly, Lorraine 1892, 3902, 4166

Kelly, Richard 1454

Kelman, Elaine 2694, 4126

Kemp, Margaret 2657

Kemp, Martin 2491

Kempson, Rachel 1358

The Ken Campbell Road Show 704, 755

Ken Hom’s Hot Wok (TV) 2134

Ken Russell: A Bit of a Devil (TV) 4053

Kendal, Felicity 2448, 3516

Kendall, Jo 2, 62, 295, 661, 664, 1731

Kennard, David 3053, 3211

Kennedy, Gordon 1979

Kennedy, Ludovic 816, 838, 849, 1194, 1219

Kennedy, Mimi 777

Kennedy, Nigel 1759

Kennerley, Kerri-Anne 3455

Kenny, Pat 3071

Kenny, Tom 3969

The Kenny Everett Video Cassette (TV) 849

Kensit, Patsy 2115

Kent, Leticia 578

Kent, Nicolas 1813

Kentley, Eric 3278

Kenwright, Lucy 2838, 4097

Keoghan, Phil 3111

Kerby, Kip 1506

Kermode, Mark 2391, 2437, 2661, 3338, 3615, 3624, 3700, 3710, 3743

Kern, Geof 1551

Kerr, Graham 2303

Kerri-Anne (TV) 3455

Kershaw, Clifford 600

Kershaw, Justine 2390

Keston, Samantha 541

Kewley, Vanya 2749

Key, Philip 3851

Khan, Mahjabeen 3065, 3947

Khan, Mohibullah 614

Khan, Riz 3644

Kidd, Neville 3163

Kidder, Margot 1490

The Kid’s Speech (TV) 4009

Kielty, Patrick 3361

Kiernan, Anna 2708

Kilborn, Craig 2220, 2280, 2397, 3013

Kilmer, Val 3597

Kilmister, Russell 1026

Kilner, Clare 2571

Kinane, Trish 1288

Kincaid, David 813

King, B. B. 2533

King, Claire 3342

King, Diana 446

King, Ross 1773

King Biscuit Flower Hour (radio) 505

King Crimson 288

King Guillaume (film) 3610

Kinghorn, Sally 397

The King’s Speech (film) 3895, 3896, 3900, 3905

Kingsley, Ben 2448, 3877

Kington, Miles 838, 862, 1413, 3109, 3487, 3565, 3566, 3628

Kington’s Anatomy of Comedy (radio) 3109

Kinmonth, Margy 3075

Kinnally, Jon 2932

Kinnear, Roy 142, 200, 604, 644, 666, 2024

Kinninmont, Kate 2134

Kinnock, Neil 1923

Kipen, David 2971

Kipling, Rudyard 731, 1161, 2057

Kirk, Justin 3880

Kirkpatrick, Karey 3368

Kirsch, Oona 1353

Kirschner, Elliot 3140

Kirwan, Steve 3696

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (TV) 2411

Kiss Me Kate (TV): “Calendar” 2370

Kisses on the Bottom (CD) 4072

Kissinger, Henry 3296

Kite, Lesa 834

Kitman, Marvin 1668

Kitson, Ken 726

Kitt, Eartha 1677

Klane, Robert 1210

Klawans, Stuart 2412

Klein, Calvin 1919

Klein, Robert 693, 2340, 2345, 3588

Kleiser, Randal 2052

Kline, Kevin 824, 1209, 1495, 1498, 1514, 1628, 2095, 2117, 2121, 2221,
2496

Knife & Wife see Comedy Lab

The Knight and the Squire (book) 2294, 2598

Knightly, Keira 3479

Knights, Robert 1567, 1568, 2099, 2205, 2206, 2323

Knights, Python, Adventures (event) 3952

Knopfler, Mark 1365, 1409

Koch, Sebastian 4144

Koenig, Rhoda 1120

Kohn, Walter 3211

Kolve, V. A. 2663

Kombat Opera Presents (TV): “The South Bragg Show” 3328, 3395, 3396

Konkle, Tom 3296

Korman, Harvey 645, 2421, 2436

Kosevich, Tania [wife of Idle] 561, 630, 635, 906, 2025, 2061, 3505

Kowalchuk, William R. Jr. 2406

The KPFK Hero Awards and Tribute [2nd Annual] (ceremony) 4103

Krall, Diana 4072

Krasny, Michael 2971

Krasny, Paul 1376

Krige, Alice 2750

Kroeger, Gary 966, 1110

Kroft, Steve 1384

Kroll, Jack 1559

Kronenbourg (ads) 1159

Kruger, Ehren 3178

Kruger, Sonia 4188

Kucharova, Tatana 3454

Kuechle, Jeff 1272

Kulerich, Karsten 2685

Kulik, Buzz 1638, 1641, 1642

Kumar, Sujay 4181

Kuntz, Tom 4112

Kurtz, Irma 416

Kuttner, Richard 1018

Labèque, Katia & Marielle 1006

Labyrinth (film) 1195, 1295, 1301, 1306, 1325, 1327, 1328, 1345

Lacey, Hester 2273

Ladd, Keith 901

Lady, Steph 2054

The Lady and the Squire (book) 2294, 2598, 2599, 2720

Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book (book) 1306, 2043, 2044, 2050,
2058, 2193, 3195

Lady Diana see Princess Diana (of Wales)

The Lady Eve (film) 1713

Laffan, Kevin 243

La Frenais, Ian 1136, 1924

LaGravenese, Richard 1850

Lahr, John 3113

Laine, Cleo [Dame] 1062, 2791

Lakshmi, Padma 2987, 4145

Lamarr, Mark 2392, 3109

Lamb, Dave 3647

Lambert, Annie 915

Lambert, Emily 4155

Lambert, Eugene 1276

Lambert, Jay 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Lancaster, Ann 13

Lanchester Arts Festival 116, 3696

Landau, Martin 1628

Landen, Dinsdale 761, 762

Lander, David L. 834

Landis, John 1238

Landone, Avice 159

Lane, John 1754

Lane, Nathan 2547

Lang, Kirsty 3618, 3828, 4129

Lang, Melody 732

Langdon, John 2535

Langford, Bonnie 4131

Langham, Chris 626, 710, 737, 765, 871, 1153, 1343, 1665, 1734, 1797,
2099, 2104, 2323, 2370, 3296

Langley, Bob 1223, 1245

Langley, William 3940

Langsford, Ruth 2508, 3436, 3702, 4203

Langton, Simon 2321

Lankesheer, Robert 676

Lanning, Greg 1576

La Plante, Lynda 1843

Larbey, Bob 165

Larroquette, John 2436

Larry King Live (TV) 1486

The Larry Sanders Show (TV) 2742

Larsson, Babben 2252

Laryea, Tony 1068

Lasker, Morris E. 469

Last, Richard 34

Last Call with Carson Daly (TV) 2821

The Last Day of World War One see Timewatch

The Last Machine (TV) 2064, 2065, 2070, 2073, 2075, 2077

The Last Machine: Early Cinema and the Birth of the Modern World
(book) 2062

Last of the Summer Wine (TV): “Welcome to Earth” 1982

The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross (TV) 1375, 1378, 1417, 1439, 1537

The Late Jonathan Ross (TV) 2176

The Late Late Show (TV) 3071, 3754

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV) 3131, 3412, 3431, 3548,
3676, 3833, 4077, 4185

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV) 2673, 2741, 2812, 2867,
2973, 2992, 3013

The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder (TV) 2218, 2305, 2381

Late Night Esther (radio) 297

Late Night Line Up (TV) 61

Late Night Live (radio) 3458, 3472

Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV) 2044, 2177, 2213, 2282, 2314, 2482,
2551, 2564, 2883, 3152

Late Night with David Letterman (TV) 921, 942, 969, 981, 1021, 1023,
1028, 1035, 1117, 1147, 1181, 1265, 1312, 1342, 1489, 1499, 1597, 1838,
1911, 1944, 1951
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (TV) 3727

The Late Show [U.S.] (TV) 1337

The Late Show [U.K.] (TV) 1994

Late Show with David Letterman (TV) 2097, 2120, 2202, 2581

Lateline (TV) 2311

Latenight America (TV) 1092

Later with Jools Holland (TV) 2827

Lathigra, Kalpesh 3038

Lattisaw, Stacey 1364

Laugh-In (TV) 160

Laughton, Roger 820

Lauper, Cyndi 2282

Laurel & Hardy 3108

Laurie, Hugh 204, 1365, 1409, 1665, 1675, 1724, 1734, 1869, 1986, 2091,
2104, 2322, 2419, 2701, 3123, 4018

The Lavender Hill Mob (film) 200, 1580, 2474

Laverne & Shirley (TV): “I Do, I Do” 834

Law, Jude 3490, 3659, 4207

Lawley, Sue 2212

Lawrence, John 456

Lawrence, Marc 2442

Lawrence, Marjie 481

Lawrence, Stephanie 1247

Lawrence, Steve 777, 851

Lawrence, Vernon 8, 230, 258, 261, 289, 378, 519

Lawson, Leigh 1626

Lawson, Margot 726

Lawson, Mark 2501, 2769, 3192, 3303, 3369, 4037

Lawson, Nigella 3071

Layton, George 188

Lazenby, George 2837

Lazer, David 859

Leach, Rosemary 81, 255, 620, 621, 763, 1158

Leaf, David 2562

Leapman, Michael 2020

Lear, Edward 2171, 2425, 4130

Leary, Timothy 1746

The Least Bizarre of Monty Python’s Comedy Album (record) 245

Lebowitz, Fran 2551

Led Zeppelin 328

Lederer, Helen 1665

Ledger, Heath 3178, 3473, 3482, 3490, 3619, 3659, 3783

Le Douarec, Thomas 3091

Lee, Alan 1305

Lee, Chai 480

Lee, Christopher 50, 2837

Lee, George 441, 676

Lee, Jason Scott 2057

Lee, Ralph 2497

Lee, Robert E. A. 715

Leeming, Jan 1357

Leeves, Jane 2911, 3465, 3701, 4096

Lefevre, Robin 2017

The Legend of Dick and Dom (TV) 3605, 3802, 3910

The Legend of Hallowdega (film) 3880

Legend of the Lost Tribe (TV) 3479

Legends [BBC4, 2008] (TV): “Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation”

3497

Legends [ITV, 2002] (TV): “Peter Cook” 2773

Lehrer, Tom 315

Leifer, Sam 3082

Leigh, Janet 1493

Leigh, Jennifer Jason 1673

Leister, Bryan 1760

Leith, Alan 606

Leith, Brian 2824

Leith, William 2435

Leitso, Tyron 2750

Leland, David 508, 726, 1370, 1374, 2920, 2980

Lemar 3355

Le Mesurier, John 156, 567, 731, 4097

Lemmon, Jack 2442

Lenahan, John 2234

Lennon, John 823, 1061

Lennon, Sean 3342

Lennox, Annie 2533, 3432

Leno, Jay 1335, 1497

Leon, Valerie 99

Leonard, John 1638

Leonard, Joseph 2751

The Leonard Lopate Show (radio) 2882, 3124, 3422, 3673

Leondis, Tony 3560

Lerman, Leo 432

Lerner, Sharon 1967

Les Dawson’s Christmas Box (TV) 378

Leslie, John 2508

Lester, Frank 363

Lester, Richard 2562, 4095

Let’s Hear It for the King of Judea (radio) 3078

Let’s Parler Franglais! (book) 862

Lette, Kathy 1745

Le Vaillant, Nigel 2069

Level 42 1854

Levi, Jonathan 3564

Levin, David Burton 2860

Levin, Gail 3907

Levinson, Al 1179

Levinson, Barry 1609, 1628

Levinson, Charles [Dr.] 858

Levy, David B. 3916

Levy, Maury Z. 1362

Levy, Neil Alan 1647

Lewens, Alan 1813, 2147

Lewis, C. S. 1569

Lewis, Donna 2217

Lewis, Martin 622, 764, 883, 931, 1065, 1746, 2032, 3495, 3669, 3673

Lewis, Martyn 2325

Lewis, Nancy 502, 1098, 3588

Lewis, Paul 3773

Lewis, Richard 2574

Lewis, Stephen 165

Lexus (“The Road Is Calling”) (ad) 2423

A Liar’s Autobiography—The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham

Chapman (film) 4140, 4141, 4162

A Liar’s Autobiography Vol. VI (book) 810, 822, 831, 841, 873, 878

Library Journal (magazine) 2086, 2915

License to Kill (film) 1741

Licorish, Vicky 1776

Lieberson, Sandy 567

Liesbeth (TV) 254

Life (magazine) 1524

Life and How to Survive It (book) 1078, 1160, 1932, 1934, 1965, 2063,
2079–82, 2085, 2595
Life of Brian see Monty Python’s Life of Brian

The Life of Graham: The Authorised Biography of Graham Chapman

(book) 3200

The Life of Palin: From Monty Python to Brazil (event) 4187

Life of Python (book) 1056, 1097

Life of Python [1990] (TV) 1726, 1752; see also Omnibus

Life of Python [2000] (TV) 2495, 2556

Life on Air (TV) 2824

Lifeline (TV): “FARM-Africa” 2748; “Motivation” 2985; “Sudan Appeal”

2374

Lima, Kevin 2619

Limb, Sue 1732

Limericks (book) 1220–24, 1245, 1258, 1290

Lincoln, Andrew 3294

Lindberg, Chad 2633

Lindsay, Lord 3629

Lindsay, Nigel 2205, 2206, 2321

Lindsay, Norman 2625

Lindsay, Robert 204, 1797, 1833–37, 1839, 1841, 1844, 1868, 2221, 2793,
3291

The Line That Refused to Die (book) 1804

Lineker, Gary 2593

Ling, Bai 3236

Link (TV) 1581

Lipman, Maureen 137, 1095, 1225, 1819, 3565

Lisi, Virna 113

List, Liesbeth 254

Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (CD) 3981, 4034

The Listener (magazine) 107, 485, 705, 710, 1206, 1274

Lithgow, John 2231, 2358, 2359, 2664, 2666

Little, Mark 2149

A Little Light Worrying: The Best of Mel Calman (book) 2155, 2156

Littman, Julian 1776

Liu, Lucy 2901, 3185

Live and Kicking (TV) 2001, 2178, 2223

Live at Five (TV) 1089, 1184

Live from the Lighthouse (TV) 2419

Live from the Mardi Gras, It’s Saturday Night on Sunday (TV) 563

Live from Two (TV) 814, 856, 877

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (TV) 1728, 1910, 2080, 2216

Live with Regis and Kelly (TV) 3110, 3728

Lively, Jason 1210

Liver Birds (TV) 178

Liverpool Echo (newspaper) 2797

Lizer, Kari 2989

Ljungberg, Freddie 2745

Llewelyn, Desmond 2516, 2819

Lloyd, Harold 2166, 3292

Lloyd, Innes 1353, 1548

Lloyd, John 463, 661, 737, 767, 818, 1752, 1781, 3982, 4128

Lloyd-Pack, Roger 900

Lloyd Webber, Andrew 773, 927, 2618, 3639

Lo + plus (TV) 2247

Lo Schiavo, Francesca 1559

The Lobes 1063

Los Lobos 2177

Lochte, Dick 1551

Locked Out see Enfermés dehors

Lodge, Andrew 905

Lodge, David 1194

Lodge, Sally A. 686

Lodynski’s Flohmarkt Company (TV) 135

Loe, Judy 607, 1025

L’Officier, Randy 1116

Lofthouse, Marjorie 1043

Loftus, Bryan 1872

Loftus, Mick 291

Logan, Phyllis 1150

Loggins, Kenny 2576

Loizou, Chris 2493

Lom, Herbert 983

Loncraine, Richard 970

London Bridge (TV) 400

London Film Festival 539, 545, 755, 759, 793, 977, 1146, 1151, 1154,
1319, 2053, 2198, 3209, 3212, 3329, 3743, 3991, 4162

London Tonight (TV) 3040

Long, Justin 3760

Long, Shelley 1363, 1597

Long Live the Dead Parrot (radio) 2472

Longden, Robert 804

Longstreth, Emily 1673

Look at the State We’re In! (TV) 2098; “Secrecy” 2099; “The Status Quo”
2104

Look North (TV) 273

Look Who’s Talking with Mariella Frostrup (TV) 2115

Loose Ends (radio) 2271, 3261, 3695, 4044

Loose Talk (TV) 1053, 1075

Loose Women (TV) 3555

Loot (play) 915

Lopez, George 3111

Lopez, Jennifer 2989

Lord, Jon 2854

Lord’s Taverners 644, 666

Loren, Sophia 1136

Lorraine (TV) 3902

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet 3631

Los Angeles Philharmonic 3550

The Los Angeles Times (newspaper) 2031, 2119, 2167, 2988, 3394, 3659

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2444, 2568, 3137

Los Lobos 2177

Losing the Light: Terry Gilliam and the Munchausen Saga (book) 1856

Lost in La Mancha (DVD) 2776, 2816, 2857, 2900

Lost in La Mancha (film) 2190, 2597, 2728, 2729, 2767–71, 2776, 2816,
2846, 2847, 2852, 2857, 3818, 4059; see also Storyville

The Lost World (documentary) 3986

Louis-Dreyfus, Julia 966, 1110

Love (stage) 3297

Love, Patti 112

The Love Ban (film) see It’s a 2'6" Above the Ground World

Love Letters (play) 3466

Lovitz, Jon 1883, 2195, 2686

Lowe, Arthur 99, 596

Lowe, Chad 2475

Lowe, George 2130

Lowe, Kathryn [Dr.] 2514

Lowe, Nick 1028

Lowell, Carey 2221

Lowenstein, Celia 2121

Lownes, Victor 57, 161, 3588

Lucas, George 1301

Lucas, Matt 3898, 3976

A Ludicrous Evening with John Cleese...or How to Finance Your Divorce

[Norway, 2009] (stage) 3709, 3750
Luff, Peter 492

Luhrmann, Baz 2241, 2571

Lulu 160, 221, 1375, 2806

The Lumberjack Song (record) 461

Lumberjacks OK! (TV) 2201

Lumley, Joanna 1263, 1695, 1973, 2293, 2448, 2754, 2885, 2986, 3565

Lunchtime Show (radio) 2042

Lunden, Joan 1742

Lune, Amy 659

Lusher, Don 1240

Lustig, Jo 2147

Lutz, Karen McCullah 2986

Luuk, Kristian 2246

Lydecker, Beatrice 1181

Lye, Reg 600

Lyman, Rick 1268

Lynch, David 3792

Lyndhurst, Nicholas 960

Lynn, Jonathan 114, 215, 304, 305, 386, 449, 475–77, 492, 539, 546, 549,
554, 618, 625, 662, 692, 696, 763, 915, 1103, 1104, 1751, 2205, 2206

Lynne, Jeff 2730, 2826, 3792, 3981, 4154

Lyons, Darryn 3342

M. Hulot’s Holiday (film) 2660

Mabey, Richard 888

Mac, Bernie 2901

Macaulay, Alastair 2017

MacAulay, Fred 3930

MacAulay and Co. (radio) 3930

MacCabe, Colin 888, 919

Macchio, Ralph 1783, 2421

MacCormack, Mike 2000, 2674

MacDonald, Aimi 8, 835

MacDonald, Alistair 1771

Macdonald, Finlay 4173

MacGregor, Neil 3791

MacGregor, Sue 1203, 1356

Machete, Steve 1053

Machiavelli (book) 864

Machin, David 604

MacInnes, Hamish 2698

Mack, Lee 3815

MacKay, Fulton 626, 670

MacKenzie, Philip Charles 2136

Mackichan, Doon 3100, 3551

Mackinnon, Lachlan 1305

MacLachlan, Andrew 710, 1025, 1157

MacLaine, Shirley 2562, 2682

Maclean’s (magazine) 1025, 2520, 2761

Macleod, Donny 615

MacLeod, Gavin 777

MacLeod, Roland 340

MacLeod, Tracey 1994

MacMahon, David 1343

MacMillan, Alasdair 1447, 1662, 1862

MacNaughton, Ian 17, 34, 35, 37–39, 43, 44, 49, 52, 54, 55, 59, 60, 78, 83,
86, 88, 93, 96–98, 102, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 130, 161, 180, 220–22,
224–26, 229, 232, 234, 236, 238, 239, 248–51, 363, 365, 368, 370, 372,
374, 494, 805, 943, 2830, 2832, 2835

Macy, William H. 2421

Mad Dogs and Cricketers (film) 644, 666

Madden, Paul 1964

Maddox, Brenda 1930

Made in New York (TV) 1333

Madeley, Richard 1711, 1893, 2008, 2254, 2278, 2817, 2935, 3027, 3367,
3383, 3529, 3541, 3581, 3638

Madness 1032, 1100

The Madness and Misadventures of Munchausen (documentary) 3498,

3499

Madonna 1408

MADtv (TV) 2523, 2705, 2870

Maggs, Dirk 4128

The Magic Christian (film) 12, 50

The Magic Pudding (film) 2625

Magical Mystery Tour (TV) 3585, 4152, 4157

Magical Mystery Tour Revisited see Arena

Magnavox (“Magnavox. Smart. Very Smart”) (ads) 1872

The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (film) 165

Magnusson, Magnus 1279

Magnusson, Sally 1359

Maguire, Tobey 2376

Maher, Bill 4194

Maher, Corona 309

Mahoney, Louis 456

Mahoney, Marian 694

Maiden, Sharon 1274

The Mail on Sunday (newspaper) 2458, 2609, 2624, 2690

Makarova, Natalia 1854, 2060

Making Hay (TV) 1963

The Making of Erik the Viking (documentary) 3343, 3475, 4001

The Making of Kombat Opera (TV) 3396

The Making of the Prefident 1789: The Unauthorized Campaign Biography

(book) 1668

Malan, Rian 2060

Malcolm, Derek 3864

Malicki-Sanchez, Keram 1198

Malik, Art 1344, 1443

Mallett, David 158, 313

Mallett, Nick 1734, 1789, 1797

The Man (audiobook) 1886

Man About Town (film) 3236

Man Hunt: The Selection Interview (film) 383

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (film) 2597, 2680, 2728, 2757, 2900,
3644, 3783, 3818, 3828
The Man Who Made Eric and Ernie (TV) 3601

Managing Problem People: Big Mouth Billy (film) 1565

Managing Problem People: Moaning Minnie (film) 1564

Managing Problem People: Rulebound Reggie (film) 1563

Mancini, Ray “Boom, Boom” 1023

Mankowitz, Gered 1674

Mann, Leslie 2261

Mann, Tommy 389

Man’s Hour (radio) 1285

Mansi, Louis 606

Mantle, Peter 1026

The Many Faces of Les Dawson (TV) 4047

Maranne, Andre 453

Marceau, Sophie 2516

Marcelle, Charles 726

Marchinko, Jhoni 2989

Marck, Nick 2942

Margolis, Jonathan 2274, 2309

Margolyes, Miriam 1133, 2254, 3376

“Marie” (song) 538

Marin, Cheech 2834

Mark, Mary Ellen 855

Mark Lawson Talks to... (TV): “Michael Palin” 3192; “Terry Gilliam” 3303

The Mark Twain Prize [8th Annual] (ceremony) 3205

Marker, Chris 2119

Marketing in Practice, No. 1: Who Sold You This, Then? (film) 215, 449

Marketing in Practice, No. 2: It’s All Right, It’s Only a Customer (film)
304, 452

Marketing in Practice, No. 3: The Competitive Spirit (film) 305, 454

Marketing in Practice, No. 4: Prescription for Complaints (film) 381

Markham, Petra 600

Markham, Phillipa 133

Markosky, Cheryl 2675

Marks, Alfred 303

Marks, Johnny 2406

Marks, Laurence 1788

Marling, Susan 3856

Marlow, Tim 3492, 3689, 3847

Marlow Meets... (TV): “Michael Palin” 3492, 3689; “Terry Jones” 3847

Marquardt, Stephen R. [Dr.] 2650

Marr, Andrew 3275

Marsh, Donovan 3884

Marsh, Gary 2038

Marsh, Jean 895, 1095

Marshall, Andrew 928, 1248, 1249

Marshall, Carolyn 1979

Marshall, Garth 422

Marshall, Penny 563, 834, 1585

Marshall, Peter 745

Marten, Len 680, 1026

Martin, Alex 810

Martin, Andrea 1783

Martin, Dean 777

Martin, Dick 642

Martin, George [Sir] 3516, 3934

Martin, John Scott 1026

Martin, Millicent 2024

Martin, Phil 1202

Martin, Steve 893, 1338, 1465, 1619, 1670, 1720, 1752, 2045, 2442, 2465,
2480, 2498, 2591, 2654, 2906, 3108, 3114, 3205, 3223, 3616, 4004

Martin, Vivienne 476, 549

The Martin Short Show (TV) 2475

Martine, Ray 140

Martinelli, Gabriella 3186

Martinez, Marcos 3760

Martin-Laval, Pierre-François 3610

Marty Amok (TV) 63

Marty Back Together Again (TV) 315

The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine (TV) 164, 176

Martyn, Larry 252

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (film) 2047, 2053, 2054

Masaro, Anastasia 3659

Mascagni, Pietro 2212

Maslin, Janet 1370, 2119

Mason, Barbara 288

Mason, Hilary 607

Mason, Jackie 1860

Mason, James 1059

Mason, Raymond 680

Mason, Stanley 83, 93, 130

Massey, Anna 3566

Massey, Daniel 1833

Massey, Kyle 4017

A Masterclass with Michael Palin (event) 3576

Masters of Fantasy (TV): “Douglas Adams” 2318

Masterson, Fay 2573, 2633

Matheson, Chris 1883

Mathews, Jack 1284, 1395, 1602, 2174

Mathewson, Andrew 3278

Matisse, Henri 3611

A Matter of Life and Death (film) 1458

Matthews, Tony 682

Mauceri, John 2678

Maude-Roxby, Roddy 3–7, 9

Maugham, W. Somerset 2657

Maurer, Jason 3597

Maxwell, Robert 1577

Maxwell, Roberta 957

May, Brian 2813, 3354, 3516

May, Bunny 532, 534, 544

May, Elaine 1301

May, Jack 725

May, Melinda 3–7, 9

May, Robert 2406

Mayall, Rik 1032, 1125, 1153, 1318, 1565, 2118, 2204, 2787, 2839, 3108

Mayer, Lise 1125

Maynard, Bill 252, 382, 435

Mayo, Simon 3615, 3743

Mayoh, Royston 1247

McAvoy, James 4018

McBain, Robert 680

McCabe, Bob 2382, 2453, 2540, 2915, 2941, 3200, 3219

McCain, John [Sen.] 3570

McCall, Davina 2232

McCall, Phil 112

McCarthy, Beth 2214

McCartney, Paul [Sir] 982, 1795, 2707, 2826, 2916, 2921, 3297, 3640,
4072, 4090, 4152, 4154, 4157

McCauley, James 2742

McClements, Gillian 726

McClurg, Edie 777

McConnell, Heather 2860

McCormack, Eric 2932, 2953, 2977, 2981, 2989

McCormack, Mark 558

McCourt, Richard 3605, 3802, 3910

McCowen, Alec 1370

McCrory, Helen 3895

McDonald, Philip 1738

McDonald, Stuart 2837

McDowall, Roddy 1638

McEntire, Reba 3368

McErlane, Maria 1852

McEuen, John 3141

McFarlane, Stuart 3671

McG 2901

McGiffin, Carol 3555

McGill, Ken 2561

McGinn, Clare 2090

McGough, Roger 267, 351, 635, 4128

McGowan, Alistair 2894

McGrady, Mike 1370

McGrath, Joseph 50, 596, 601

McGrath, Michael 3113

McGrath, Rory 661

McGraw, Melinda 2742

McGregor, Ewan 2688, 3123, 3818

McGuigan, Arabella 2837

McGuigan, Cathleen 1517

McGuinness, Martin 3927

McInnerny, Tim 1677, 2322

McIntyre, Angus 3000, 3100

McKean, Michael 834

McKellar, David 136

McKellen, Ian [Sir] 1449, 2425

McKenna, Bernard 121, 122, 125, 133, 145, 150, 153–55, 157, 183, 188–
90, 192, 201–03, 205–08, 212, 215, 216, 283, 449, 481, 651, 710, 1059,
3840

McKenna, Chris 3560

McKeown, Charles 508, 606, 680, 710, 725, 726, 731, 905, 1177, 1241,
1251, 1282, 1460, 1559, 1598–1600, 1617, 1677, 1818, 1894, 1901, 3498,
3499, 3659

McKinney, Mark 2442

McLaren, Malcolm 2404

McManus, Rove 2872, 3067, 3459, 4189

McNab, David 3289

McNeill, Mhairi 2889, 3163

McNicholl, BT 3701

McPhee, Rod 3909

McPherson, Ben 3462

McRee, Lisa 2303

McShane, Ian 2511

McTeer, Janet 1916, 3186

McVey, Esther 2487

McWilliams, Caroline 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Mead, Nick 2448

Meakin, Nigel 2797, 2894

The Meaning of Life see Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Making The Meaning of Life (documentary) 2909, 2910

Meat Loaf 1390, 2495, 2498, 2556

Mechanic, Michael 3783

Medak, Peter 651, 654

The Media Show (TV) 1542

The Medieval Ball (radio) 2622

Medieval Lives (lecture) 3017, 3808, 3809

Medieval Lives (TV & book) see Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives
Medieval Mercenaries: The Business of War (book) 3374

Medieval Misconceptions (lecture) 3235, 3997

The Medieval Python: The Purposive and Provocative Work of Terry Jones
(book) 4098

Medieval Views of the Cosmos (book) 3034

Meehan, Thomas 495

Meek, Joe 3944

Meeting Menaces see Going to a Meeting, Part 2: Meeting Menaces

Meeting of Minds see Customer Relations in Practice, No. 2: The Meeting

of Minds

Meetings, Bloody Meetings [1976] (film) 521, 548, 1158

Meetings, Bloody Meetings [1993] (film) 1984, 2059

Meetings, Bloody Meetings [2012] (film) 4049

Mehta, Selina 2498

Melia, Ed 3917

Melia, Joe 230, 258, 261, 651, 991

Mellor, David 1899

Melly, George 1535

Melody Maker (newspaper) 301, 751, 1682

The Melody Maker Pop Poll Awards (ceremony) 756

Melrod, George 3123

Melton, Keith 2251

Melua, Katie 3081

Men in Black (film) 2240

Mendoza, Debby 1833

Mendoza, Linda 4069

Men’s Health (magazine) 3125

Mercer, Shannon 3410, 3417, 3543, 3550, 3745

Merchant, Stephen 3898, 3976

Merkerson, S. Epatha 3412

The Mermaid Frolics (record) 622

The Mermaid Frolics (TV) 579, 594, 3669

Merrall, Mary 183

Merrill, Lee 1712

Merrill, Peter 1026

The Merry Wives of Windsor (play) 3946

Mersh, Dan 2841

Merton, Paul 2791, 3279, 3292

Merullo, Annabel 3177

The Merv Griffin Show (TV) 776, 851, 896, 964, 974, 1034, 1168, 1192

Messara, Suz 4198

Messegee, Todd 2633

Messiah (oratorio) 3410

Messiah Pictures 2596

Messing, Debra 2932, 2953, 2977, 2981, 2989

Messing Up a Meeting see Going to a Meeting, Part 1: Messing Up a

Meeting

Metaxas, Eric 1832

Metherall, John 1714

Metropolis (film) 1177

Meyer, Breckin 2686, 2834

Meyer, Nicholas 1198

Meyerson, Charlie 2319

Michael, Dennis 1505, 1633

Michael Meets... (event): “Dervla Murphy” 4099; “Maan Barua” 3795;

“Mahjabeen Khan” 3947; “Michael Katakis” 4074; “Musa Ibrahim” 3664,
3759; “Raja Shehadeh” 3882

Michael Palin: A Life in Pictures (event) 3700

Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse (TV) 2889, 3538

Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershøi (TV) 1298, 3118, 3163,
3537, 3538

Michael Palin: In Conversation with Michael Brunson (event) 3974

Michael Palin on...The Colourists (TV) 2606, 3538

Michael Palin: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (lecture) 3983

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (book) 2499

Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure (TV) 2461, 2486, 2491, 2494,

2501, 2503, 2505, 2506, 2509, 2515, 2521, 2564, 2568, 2572, 3782

Michael Palin’s Iron Curtain see Excess Baggage

Michael Palin’s New Europe (TV) 3006, 3272, 3298, 3432–34, 3436–41,
3443, 3445–47, 3449, 3453–56, 3458, 3459, 3463, 3483, 3549, 4168

Michaels, Lee 288

Michaels, Lorne 515, 540, 563, 576, 582, 635, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730,
779, 893, 906, 1338, 1678, 2906, 3425, 4181

Michell, Helena 1548

Michelmore, Guy 1373

Michels, Wim 910

Mickey MouseWorks (TV) 2447

Mickey’s Mechanical House (cartoon) 2447

Micronpc.com (“Labyrinth”) (ad) 2483

Midday (radio) 4190

Middlemass, Frank 605

Midler, Bette 2547, 3598

Midnight Express (film) 1260

The Midnight Special (TV) 277, 278, 288, 356

Midori 1405

Midsummer Night’s Dream (cartoon) 2447

Midweek (radio) 1008, 1472, 1874, 2789

The Mighty Boosh 3771

A Mighty Wind (film) 2888

The Mikado (operetta) 1304, 1310, 1352, 1357, 1441, 1712, 1861, 3543,
4091

The Mikado (record) 1314, 1360

The Mikado (TV) 1442; see also Great Performances

Mike Douglas: People Now (TV) 965

The Mike Douglas Show (TV) 493, 500, 787

Milchan, Arnon 1177

Mileham, Michael 1049

Miles, Rupert 3724

Miles, Sarah 1417

Miles, Stuart 2299

Miliband, David 3507

Millar, Gavin 710, 744

Millard, David 303

Miller, Barry X. 2915

Miller, Cameron 1026

Miller, Chris 3405

Miller, Dennis 1312, 2338

Miller, Janice 1251

Miller, John 2375

Miller, Jonathan [Sir] [Dr.] 492, 539, 545, 579, 594, 622, 789, 812, 813,
830, 916, 922, 1051, 1304, 1310, 1314, 1352, 1360, 1441, 1442, 1549,
1712, 1726, 1861, 2329, 2838, 3543, 4091

Miller, Mary 13, 63

Miller, Nigel 2951, 2952, 2954, 2956

Miller, Paul 1338, 2345

Miller, Robin 541

Miller, Russell 361

Miller, Walter C. 777

Miller, Wentworth 2750

Milligan, Spike 50, 165, 200, 655, 710, 1002, 1068, 1174, 1288, 1289,
2091, 2147, 2250, 2355, 2562, 2589, 2731, 2733–35, 2780, 2791, 3108,
4095

Le Million (film) 3501

Mills, Bart 708, 1139

Mills, Gill 2534

Mills, Hayley 1108, 1227

Mills, John [Sir] 259

Mills, Michael 17, 63, 573

Mills, Roger 1696, 1710, 1718, 1721, 1898, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1988,
1991, 1993, 1997, 2275, 2290, 2300, 2301, 2312, 2797, 2799, 3039, 3045,
3065, 3446, 3449, 3453, 3522, 3602

Milne, A. A. 3969

Milne, Gareth 1026

Minchin, Louise 3850, 3852

The Mind of David Berglas (TV) 1247

The Ministry of Silly Games (videogame) 3894

Minnelli, Liza 1490

Minogue, Dannii 1864

Miracle of Flight (film) 176

The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (film) 1713

Mirren, Helen [Dame] 888, 2588, 2618

The Mirror see The Daily Mirror

The Mirrorstone (book) 1305, 1326

Mirzoeff, Edward 146

Missing Pieces (film) 1782, 1823

The Missionary (book) 998

The Missionary (film) 837, 926, 932, 961, 963, 965, 967–72, 974, 975,
977, 984, 989, 1006, 1007, 1010, 1011, 1015–17, 1019, 1022, 1043, 1054,
1064, 1149, 1574, 1881, 1904, 2706, 3693
Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO (TV) 4154

Mr. Strangelove: A Biography of Peter Sellers (book) 2792

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride [video release of The Wind in the Willows] (film)
2185, 2306, 2420

Mitchell, Adrian 3064

Mitchell, David 3976

Mitchell, Elvis 2681, 2816, 2857, 2900, 3120

Mitchell, Mike 3823

Mitchell, Norman 600

Mitchell, Warren 19, 280, 567

Mival, Eric 670

Moaning Minnie see Managing Problem People: Moaning Minnie

Moby 3157

Modine, Matthew 3329

Moffat, Alistair 3671, 3704, 3938

Moffatt, John 386

Moffet, Jordan 2925

Moffitt, John 348

Moggach, Deborah 1822

Mohr, Jay 2772

Moiseiwitsch, Pamela 828

Molina, Alfred 1818, 1821, 2464

Molloy, Dearbhla 1833

Mom and Dave Save the World (film) 1883

Mon Oncle (film) 2660

Mona Lisa (film) 1574

The Monday Play (radio): “The Dresser” 1928, 1940

Money, Zoot 550

The Money Programme (TV) 1118

Monie, Jon 2544

Monkhouse, Bob 2459, 2589

The Monster of Nix (film) 3959

Montagu, Felicity 2840, 2841

Montague, Bruce 928

Montgomery, David 565

Montgomery, Poppy 2871

Montreux Special Programme (TV) 130

Monty Python see Monty Python’s Flying Circus

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (DVD) 3748

Monty Python: Almost the Truth—The Lawyer’s Cut (TV) 3726–29, 3731,
3732, 3735, 3737, 3739, 3742, 3744, 3825, 3858, 4140
Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail (CD-ROM) 2027, 2158,
2159, 2317

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Blu-ray) 4083

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Film) 318, 320, 328–31, 333–39, 341,
342, 344, 346, 349, 357, 365, 373, 377, 393, 396, 397, 399, 400, 403, 410,
412, 414, 424, 426, 523, 564, 567, 710, 783, 943, 1148, 1326, 2340, 2426,
2493, 2586, 2608, 2672, 2673, 2710, 3080, 3113, 3231, 3326, 3400, 3410,
3444, 3506, 3514, 3531, 3606, 3636, 3652, 3739, 3790, 3842, 4005, 4084,
4202

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (record) see The Album of the
Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (trailer) 391

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (videodisc) 1105

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (book) (book) 592, 603

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Extraordinarily Deluxe Edition (DVD)
3333

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Special Edition (DVD) 2697

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: The Criterion Collection (laserdisc)
1921

Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl (stage) 805

Monty Python Channel [YouTube] 3572

Monty Python: Complete and Utter Theory of the Grotesque (book) 937

Monty Python Conquers America (documentary) 3586, 3588, 3749

Monty Python Encyclopedia (book) 2364

Monty Python Examines the Life of Brian (record) 716

Monty Python: How Big Is My IMAX Film? (film) 2446

Monty Python in Aberystwyth: A Mayor and Two Pythons (TV) 3635, 3655

The Monty Python Instant Record Collection [U.K.] (record) 613

The Monty Python Instant Record Collection [U.S.] (record) 911

Monty Python Live! (book) 3696

Monty Python Live! [City Center] (stage) 494, 498–501

Monty Python Live at City Center (record) 431, 502–05, 911, 2238

Monty Python Live at Drury Lane (record) 343, 347, 527, 613, 3322

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (film) 238, 518, 938, 942, 943,
946, 2678, 3197, 3586

Monty Python: Lust for Glory! (screenings) 3032

The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief (record/CD) 282, 293,
301, 395, 402, 478, 613, 911, 2238, 3320

Monty Python Meets Beyond the Fringe (film) 539, 593

The Monty Python Newscaster of the Year Awards (ceremony) 167, 169

The Monty Python Reunion Special (TV) 2431

Monty Python Sings (record/CD) 1723

Monty Python Speaks! (book) 2450, 2451

Monty Python: The Case Against (book) 908

Monty Python: The Final Rip Off (record) 1427

Monty Python: The Holy Book of Days (app) 4084

Monty Python: The Other British Invasion (DVD) 3749

Monty Python v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (court case) 469,

491, 510

Monty Python’s Big Red Book (book) 166, 167, 294, 875, 3319

Monty Python’s Complete Waste of Time (CD-ROM) 2027, 2040, 2041,

2158, 2317

Monty Python’s Contractual Obligation Album (record) 799–802, 817, 911,

2238, 3318, 3325

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour [Britain] (stage) 268

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour [Canada] (stage) 275, 277

Monty Python’s First Farewell Tour [Drury Lane] (stage) 239, 316, 321

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus [German shows] (TV) 180, 238, 287,
1590, 2410, 3197, 3586

Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus! (radio) 3944

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (record) 65, 78, 162

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV) 17, 20, 21, 24–26, 34, 57, 64, 65, 69,
77, 79, 82, 91, 107, 118, 119, 123, 130, 135, 161, 171, 197, 213, 219, 222,
235, 247, 259, 274, 323, 348, 352, 356, 358, 362, 367, 375, 393, 398, 404,
419, 423, 442, 489, 512, 726, 873, 908, 1214, 1329, 1393, 1421, 1591,
1596, 1618, 1689, 1690, 1720, 1727, 2014, 2027, 2032, 2349, 2384, 2402,
2495, 2497, 2540, 2592, 2743, 2744, 2824, 2830, 3100, 3138, 3145, 3150,
3519, 3531, 3551, 3586, 3735, 3978, 4052; “Whither Canada?” (ep. 1) 29,
35, 1652; “Sex and Violence” (ep. 2) 26, 37, 1655; “How to Recognise
Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away” (ep. 3) 30, 38,
1828; “Owl Stretching Time” (ep. 4) 31, 39, 1827; “Man’s Crisis of Identity
in the Latter Half of the 20th Century” (ep. 5) 32, 43, 1653; “It’s the Arts”
(ep. 6) 42, 44, 1653; “You’re No Fun Any More” (ep. 7) 36, 47, 1654; “Full
Frontal Nudity” (ep. 8) 45, 49, 1654; “The Ant, an Introduction” (ep. 9) 8,
52, 1652; “Untitled” (ep. 10) 46, 54, 1829; “The Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom” (ep. 11) 51, 55, 1655; “The Naked Ant”
(ep. 12) 53, 59, 1656; “Intermission” (ep. 13) 58, 60, 1656; “Face the Press”
(ep. 14) 73, 83, 1330; “The Spanish Inquisition” (ep. 15) 71, 86, 1331; Déjà
Vu” (ep. 16) 74, 88, 1555; “The Buzz Aldrin Show” (ep. 17) 84, 93, 1330;
“Live from the Grill-O-Mat” (ep. 18) 80, 96, 1416; “It’s a Living” (ep. 19)
80, 97, 1468; “The Attila the Hun Show” (ep. 20) 89, 98, 1332;
“Archaeology Today” (ep. 21) 90, 102, 1556; “How to Recognize Different
Parts of the Body” (ep. 22) 87, 105, 1385; “Scott of the Antarctic” (ep. 23)
67, 71, 106, 1830; “How Not to Be Seen” (ep. 24) 75, 108, 1415; “Spam”
(ep. 25) 69, 110, 1386; “Royal Episode 13” (ep. 26) 92, 111, 1467;
“Whicker’s World” (ep. 27) 182, 220, 1468; “Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris’
Ford Popular” (ep. 28) 128, 134, 185, 221, 1385; “The Money Programme”
(ep. 29) 171, 224, 1331; “Blood, Devastation, Death, War, and Horror” (ep.
30) 172, 225, 1555; “The All-England Summarize Proust Competition” (ep.
31) 193, 226, 1332; “The War Against Pornography” (ep. 32) 184, 229,
1386; “Salad Days” (ep. 33) 181, 232, 1415; “The Cycling Tour” (ep. 34)
194, 234, 1440, 1831; “The Nude Organist” (ep. 35) 195, 236, 1416; “E.
Henry Thripshaw’s Disease” (ep. 36) 197, 239, 1467; “Dennis Moore” (ep.
37) 191, 249, 1557; “A Book at Bedtime” (ep. 38) 173, 250, 1557;
“Grandstand” (ep. 39) 196, 251, 1556; “The Golden Age of Ballooning”
(ep. 40) 358, 363, 447, 1831; “Michael Ellis” (ep. 41) 359, 365, 472, 1829;
“Light Entertainment War” (ep. 42) 360, 368, 472, 1830; “Hamlet” (ep. 43)
364, 370, 472, 1828; “Mr. Neutron” (ep. 44) 361, 366, 372, 447, 1180,
1831; “Party Political Broadcast” (ep. 45) 369, 374, 447, 1827

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (videocassette) 1214, 1329–32, 1385, 1386,

1415, 1416, 1467, 1468, 1555–57, 1652–56, 1827–31, 2014

Monty Python’s Flying Circus...At Last, In French (stage) 3091

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Eric Idle’s Personal Best (DVD/TV) 3181

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Just the Words (book) 1690

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Michael Palin’s Personal Best (DVD/TV)
3182

Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Python Bytes (app) 4101

Monty Python’s Flying Football Circus v Grimms (event) 267

Monty Python’s Graham Chapman: Looks Like a Brown Trouser Job

(DVD) 3139

Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale 2542

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (book) 752

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (film) 508, 523, 588, 600, 631, 634, 638, 649,
650, 655, 656, 657, 668, 669, 672, 675, 698, 700, 703, 709–21, 727, 728,
734, 736, 738–42, 744, 746–49, 751, 771, 776, 797, 798, 908, 943, 1006,
1169, 1240, 1260, 1263, 1361, 1532, 1574, 1750, 1760, 1871, 2236, 2341,
2373, 2477, 2492, 2493, 2495, 2607, 2645, 2706, 2712, 2805, 2809, 2988,
2990, 3113, 3231, 3332, 3357, 3371, 3375, 3402, 3410, 3458, 3472, 3573,
3635, 3649, 3655, 3742, 3745, 3766, 3770, 3790, 3808, 3834, 3866, 3925,
3972, 4006, 4008, 4037, 4066

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (radio ads) 739, 812

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (record/CD) 722, 723, 750, 3323

Monty Python’s Life of Brian: The Criterion Collection (laserdisc/DVD)

2320, 2522

Monty Python’s Life of Brian: The Immaculate Edition (DVD) 2522, 3460

Monty Python’s Personal Best (TV) 3150, 3239, 3586; “Graham

Chapman’s Personal Best” 3241; “John Cleese’s Personal Best” 3244;
“Terry Gilliam’s Personal Best” 3243; “Eric Idle’s Personal Best” 3181,
3240; “Terry Jones’ Personal Best” 3248; “Michael Palin’s Personal Best”
3182, 3249
Monty Python’s Previous Record (record/CD) 218, 223, 231, 235, 237, 293,
527, 556, 613, 3319

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (book) 1046

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (CD-ROM) 2158, 2317, 3894

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (DVD) 2909, 2996

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (film) 796, 914, 944, 945, 947–49,
951–53, 956, 958, 981, 984, 996, 1006, 1013, 1021, 1023, 1025–30, 1034–
36, 1039, 1040, 1042, 1044, 1052, 1053, 1056, 1058, 1060, 1066, 1098,
1114, 1116, 1139, 1267, 1361, 2481, 2655, 2911, 2994, 3744, 3768

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (radio ads) 1047

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (record/CD) 1012, 1048, 3324

Monty Python’s Tiny Black Round Thing (record) 342, 343, 347

Monty Python’s Tunisian Holiday: My Life with Brian (book) 3573

Monty Python’s Wonderful World of Sound (radio) 3771

MONTYPYTHONSCRAPBOOK (book) 752

Monzani, Sarah 3659

Moody, Ron 596, 2083

Moon, Keith 267, 470, 630, 649, 651, 809, 896, 1393

Mooney, Bel 1980

Moorcock, Michael 854

Moore, Alan 1598, 2890

Moore, Brian 616

Moore, Charlotte 1055

Moore, Demi 2901

Moore, Dudley 492, 539, 1294, 1493, 1665, 1705, 2066, 2091

Moore, Paul [Bishop] 499

Moore, Ray 1354

Moore, Roger [Sir] 1320, 1788, 2047, 2511, 2837, 3193, 3639, 4040

Moore, Simon 2750

Moore, Stephen 473, 1274

Moore, Steven Dean 2875

Morahan, Christopher 1274

Moran, Kevin 606

Moran, Nancy 950

Moranis, Rick 1945, 2052

More Awkward Customers see Customer Relations in Practice, No. 4:

More Awkward Customers

More Bloody Meetings [1984] (film) 1158

More Bloody Meetings [1994] (film) 2059

More Boys Who Do Comedy (TV) 3462

More Ripping Yarns (book) 806, 822, 1770

More Than 35 Minutes with Michael Palin (stage) 1091

Morecambe, Eric 666

Morecambe & Wise 3601

Morgan, David 1521, 2450, 2451

Morgan, Fidelis 853

Morgan, Piers 2176

Morgan, Robert 1751

Morgan, Tracy 2214

Moriarty, Cathy 2102

Morley, Paul 2289

Morley, Robert 68, 859, 1127, 1531, 1638

Morley, Sheridan 61, 399, 610

Morning Becomes Eclectic (radio) 2643

Morning Edition (radio) 2578

The Morning Program (TV) 1424

The Morning Show [Can.] (TV) 4060

The Morning Show [U.S.] (TV) 1027

Mornings (TV) 4188, 4198

Mornings with Margaret Throsby (radio) 2521, 3470

Morris, Aubrey 607

Morris, Garrett 515, 563, 576, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779

Morris, Geoffrey 450

Morris, Jan 3166

Morris, Johnny 1002

Morris, Julia 4089

Morris, Mike 1892

Morris, Redmond 1945

Morrish, John 1528

Morrison, Shelley 2977, 2981

Morrow, Barry 1628

Morrow, Philip 1765

Morse, Barry 928

Morse, Charlotte C. 2663

Morse, David 2119

Mortimer, Bob 2289

Mortimer, Emily 3465, 3616

Mortimer, John 63, 2585

Morton, Bill 2377

Morton, John 2370

Morton, Samantha 2902

Moss, Denise 1644

Mosse, Kate 2760

Most, Donny 776

The Motels 1110

Moten, Wendy 1948

Mother Jones (magazine) 3783

Motörhead 1412

Mould, Marion 368

A Moveable Feast (book) 3819

Movie Connections (TV): “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” 3606

The Movie Life of George (TV) 1532, 1574

Movies for Grownups (ceremony) 3485

The Moving Image (TV) 1529

Moving Pictures (TV) 2143

Mowbray, Malcolm 1149, 1263

Mowgli’s Brothers (audiobook) 1161

Moyet, Alison 1174

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus 1061

MTV Halloween Costume Party (TV) 1426

The Much Loved Friend?: A Portrait of the National Gallery (TV) 1840

Mudd, Roger 2105

Muggeridge, Malcolm 749

Muir, Frank 252, 309

Mull, Martin 2654

Mullally, Megan 2932, 2953, 2977, 2981, 2989

Mullard, Arthur 211

Mullen, John 4020

Mullins, Spike 127, 136, 138, 141, 291, 517

Mulrine, Anna 2347

Mulville, Jimmy 1665, 1833

Mumford & Sons 4081

Muniz, Vik 4182

The Muppet Show (TV) 590, 859

Murdoch, Iris [Dame] 862, 1294, 2404

Murdoch, Richard 661

Murdoch, Rupert 2144

Murnaghan, Dermot 3028, 3341, 3468

Murphy, Brian 2713

Murphy, Brittany 3130

Murphy, Dervla 4099

Murphy, Eddie 966, 1110, 2772, 2997, 3405, 3823

Murphy, Maurice 3–7, 9, 27, 28, 120, 284

Murphy, Nick 3199

Murphy, Sean 2425

Murray, Al 3904

Murray, Bill 563, 576, 635, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779, 893

Murray, Chic 252

Murray, Jan 849

Murray, John 3952

Murray, Peter 405

Musto, Michael 2878

My Adventures in Television see Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)

My Life (TV): “Stammer School” 3912

“My Sweet Lord” (song) 530

Myatt, John 3611, 3992

Myers, Kathy 1843

Myers, Mike 2997, 3405, 3823

Myers, Stanley 309

Myerson, Jonathan 2927

MyHealthTips.com (web videos) 4000, 4054, 4056, 4060

Mzimba, Lizo 3612

Nabulsi, Laila 2376, 2849

Nader, Ralph 779

Naha, Ed 1087

Naidoo, Indira 4061

Najimy, Kathy 2790

Naked Hollywood (TV): “Good Cop, Bad Cop” 1813

Names and Games (TV) 1242

“The Name’s the Game” (sketch) 704, 755, 764

Nash, Ogden 2851

Nash, Paul 2262

Nashawaty, Chris 3122

Nasr, Constantine 3499

Nastase, Ilie 3441

Nathanson, Paul 1076, 1271

The Nation (magazine) 567, 710

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (film) 2942

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (film) 1210, 2942

The National Lottery Live (TV) 2224

National Symphony Orchestra 3546

The National Television Awards (ceremony) 2407

The Nation’s Favourite Children’s Book (TV) 2269

Nationwide (TV) 77, 701, 857, 876, 929, 930, 932, 1016

“Naughty Atom Bomb” (song) 1324

Neale, Greg 3784

Nealon, Kevin 2531, 2906, 3004, 3141

Nearly Departed (TV) 1635, 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Nedwell, Robin 188, 284, 300, 763, 1102

Needleman, Jacob 2891

Neeson, Liam 3639

Neil, Andrew 2868

Neild, Robert [Prof.] 858

Neill, Jay 446

Neill, Sam 2057, 2625

Nelson, Jerry 590

Nelson, Judd 1303, 2476

Nelson, Zed 2646

Nelson Mandela: 70th Birthday Tribute (concert/TV) 1483

Nemeth, Stephen 2376

Nemone 3221

Nesbitt, James 3059

Nettleton, John 1353

Neustadter, Scott 3616

Neville, David 732

Neville, John 70, 1559, 1617, 1629, 1659, 3499

The Neville Brothers 2166

Neville-Jones, Pauline [Dame] 2938

New, Barbara 600

New Europe (book) 3430, 3435, 3440, 3443, 3445, 3447, 3467, 3532

New Europe (lecture) 3440, 3445, 3447, 3463, 3527

New Europe (TV) see Michael Palin’s New Europe

New Hero of Comedy (TV): “Ricky Gervais” 3489

New Musical Express (newspaper) 314, 342, 343, 347

New Order 3141

The New Paul O’Grady Show (TV) 3277

The New Republic (magazine) 161, 710, 1025, 1760

The New Review (The Independent) (magazine) 4133

New Statesman (magazine) 166, 397, 710, 3683

A New Year at Kew (TV) 3378

New York (magazine) 161, 760, 970, 1025, 1120, 1177, 1370, 1495, 1638,
3723

New York & Company (radio) 2058, 2079

The New York Film Critics Circle Awards [61st] (ceremony) 2128

The New York Post (newspaper) 494

The New York Times (newspaper) 161, 367, 397, 409, 494, 567, 578, 689,
710, 754, 845, 863, 943, 970, 991, 1025, 1059, 1148, 1149, 1370, 1496,
1588, 1751, 1791, 2086, 2119, 2185, 2365, 2376, 2430, 2739, 2927, 3113,
3186, 3332, 3593, 3965

The New York Times Book Review (newspaper) 874, 1069, 1216, 1305,
2792

The New York Times Magazine (magazine) 495, 1561

The New Yorker (magazine) 161, 397, 419, 491, 567, 710, 1177, 1471,
1495, 1618, 1760, 2378, 3079, 3113, 4027, 4161

Newark, Tim 1581

Newell, Mike 2087

Newhart, Bob 2406

Newlyn, Lucy 2715

Newman, Laraine 515, 563, 576, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779, 893

Newman, Nanette 243

Newman, Nick 267

Newman, Randy 538, 563, 3234, 3829

The News Is the News (TV) 1055

Newsday (newspaper) 1370

Newsnight (TV) 975, 1040, 1173, 1215, 1374, 2707, 2771, 3945
NewsNight with Aaron Brown (TV) 3102

Newsweek (magazine) 161, 397, 401, 635, 710, 863, 943, 970, 1025, 1149,
1517, 1559, 1850, 3104, 4181

Newton, Bert 3068

Newton-John, Olivia 580, 940, 1531

Ngodrup, Nyarongsha Jampa [Dr.] 1913

Nibbelink, Phil 1859

Nicastro, Michelle 2055

Niccol, Andrew 2443

Nichol, Phil 4008

Nicholaw, Casey 3113

Nicholls, Phoebe 970

Nichols, Mike 2906, 3104, 3113, 3114, 3140, 3147, 3151, 3838

Nichols, Peter 773, 933, 991, 1018

Nicholson, Jack 3838

Nicholson, Mavis 1000, 1081

Nicks, Stevie 3981

Nickson, Julia 1638, 1641, 1642

Nicobobinus (book) 1216, 1454

Nielsen, Leslie 2251, 3048

Nielson, Claire 679

A Night at the Net (event) 2462

A Night of Comic Relief (TV) 1452, 2083

Night of 1,000 Shows (TV) 2593

A Night with Michael Palin: 20 Years of Travelling, 40 Years of Jokes

(lecture) 3674

Nightingale, Benedict 1496, 2017

Nightingale, Lesley 1984

Nightlife (TV) 1334, 1364, 1380

Nighy, Bill 4018

Nike (“The Secret Tournament”) (ad) 2745

Nilsson, Harry 501, 803, 1746, 3234

Nimmo, Derek 976

Nimoy, Leonard 1013, 1303

“Nimrod (Enigma Variations)” [Elgar] 151, 538, 753

1984 (book) 1177

Nissen, Brian 2055

Niven, David 113

Nixon, David 140, 303, 325

Nixon, Richard [President] 576

No Naughty Bits (play) 3985

No, That’s Me Over Here (TV) 81

Nobbs, David 127, 136, 138, 141, 291, 378, 761, 762, 900, 901, 985, 1102,
1157

Nobetsu, Mayumi 2279, 2284

Noble, Larry 1026

Nobody’s Fools (or Rock with Laughter) (stage) 572

Nohra, Anis 113

Nolan, Brian 606

Nolan, Coleen 3555

The Nolans 4167

Noone, Peter 834

Norden, Denis 19, 113, 381, 384, 465, 547, 1288, 3191

Norman, Barry 219, 654, 747, 994, 1003, 1011, 1134, 1175, 1243, 1263,
1278, 1480, 1482, 1533, 1543, 1621, 1672, 1680, 1768, 1814, 1855, 1933,
1954, 1961, 2137, 2148

Norman, Neil 3176, 3356

Normington, John 1149

North West Tonight (TV) 3906

Norton, Graham 2419, 3132, 3479

Norwich Union Direct (ad) 2123

Not About Nightingales (play) 2432

Not Only...But Also (TV) 2066

Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (DVD) 3833, 3835

Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (oratorio) 2678, 3409, 3410,
3416, 3417, 3470, 3472, 3476, 3542, 3543, 3545, 3546, 3548, 3550, 3676,
3699, 3745, 3822, 3831, 3836

Not the Nine O’Clock News (TV) 737, 749, 818

La Notte (film) 391

Novak, Kim 3459

Novak, Ralph 1301, 1677, 1850, 1945

Novick, Julius 494

Now! (TV) 3819

Now Look Here... (TV) 168, 255

Nugent, Ted 942

Number 27 (TV) see Sunday Premiere

Nuns on the Run (film) 1634, 1649, 1749–51, 1757, 1764

Nussknacker und Mausekönig (film) 3048

The Nutcracker (ballet) 4050

The Nutcracker (cartoon) 2447

The Nutcracker and the Mouseking (film) 3048

Nutini, Paolo 3361

Nutkins, Terry 3968

Nutter, David 3863

O Happy Day! (play) 2594

01-for London (TV) 1622

Oates, John 507

O’Briain, Dara 3310

O’Brien, Conan 2906

O’Brien, Denis 710, 717, 848, 863, 970, 991, 1149, 1574, 1751

O’Brien, Edna 1774

The Observer (newspaper) 34, 790, 2435, 2712, 2967, 3085, 3722, 4120

Obst, Lynda 1813, 1850

O’Casey, Matt 2958

O’Connell, John 3360

O’Connor, Derrick 1177

O’Connor, Des 630, 2965, 3092

O’Connor, Hazel 778, 1032

O’Connor, John J. 367

The Odd Job (film) 633, 651, 654

Oddie, Bill 2, 62, 295, 302, 486, 492, 539, 661, 664, 990, 1324, 1731,
2721, 3000, 3600, 3735

O’Dea, Danny 726

O’Dell, Nancy 2563

O’Donoghue, Heather 1216

O’Donovan, Gerard 4168

O’Donovan, Patrick 144

O’farrell, Maggie 2357

The Office Line (TV) 687, 688, 690, 692, 696

An Officer and a Gentleman (film) 1114

Ogilby, John 3512, 3513

Ogilvy, Ian 381, 383, 480

O’Gorman, Rochelle 2808

O’Hanlon, Ardal 3479

O’Hanlon, Redmond 2311

O’Hara, Catherine 2906

O’Haver, Tommy 2986

O’Hurley, John 3398, 3677

Oh Hampstead (stage) 70

OJRIL: The Completely Incomplete Graham Chapman (book) 2541, 3167

Olbermann, Keith 3726

The Old Grey Whistle Test (TV) 507

Oldfield, Mike 589, 1289, 2897

Oldman, Gary 2369, 3760

Olin, Lena 2899

Oliver! (film) 511

Oliver, Deanna 2102

Oliver, John 3860

Oliver Twist (film) 3978

Oliver 2: Let’s Twist Again (TV) 2083

Olsen, Dana 2261

Olsen, John Stefan 2685

Olympic Games [2012] 4135

Omnibus (TV): “Comic Relief” 1286, 1291; “Douglas Adams: The Man
Who Blew Up the World” 2684; “The Film of Reeves and Mortimer” 2289;
“Laughter in the House: The Story of the British Sitcom” 2439; “Laughter
—Why We Laugh” 289; “Life of Python” 1752; “Pleasure at Her
Majesty’s” 492, 539, 545; “Quentin Tarantino: Hollywood’s Boy Wonder”
2046; “Spike” 2147; “Steve Martin: Seriously Funny” 2480; “Wallace and
Gromit Go Chicken” 2583

On Location (TV) 3362

On the Ropes (radio) 2680

One Foot in the Grave (TV) 1740, 1866, 2017, 2615

The 100 Greatest Kids TV Shows (TV) 2691

101 Dalmatians (film) 2619

102 Dalmatians (film) 2619

One on One (TV) 3644

The One Show (TV) 3439, 3532, 3598, 3717, 3850, 3852, 3887, 3932,
3999, 4026, 4079, 4109

1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die (book) 3993

1001 Nights of TV (TV) 1805

O’Neal, Ryan 2295

One-Eyed Jacks (film) 1845

O’Neill, Ken 1409

O’Neill, Lord 1998

Ono, Yoko 1280, 1309, 1882, 2916, 3297

Ooms, Amanda 1894

Open Air (TV) 1620, 1722

Open Book (radio) 2524, 3656, 4020, 4123

Open House (radio) 405

Open House with Gloria Hunniford (TV) 2806

Open Space (TV): “Car Sick” 1256, 2000, 2674

Opinions (TV) 1142

Options (radio): “Victorian Values” 1207

The Orange British Academy Film Awards (ceremony) see The British
Academy [Film] Awards

Orange “Gold Spot” (ad) 3183

Orbison, Roy 3792

Orchard, Julian 519

The Oregonian (newspaper) 1272

O’Reilly, Bill 3570

Orenstein, Andrew 2358

Oricchio, Gabriele 3953

Orissa: Temples and Tribes (lecture) 3881, 3929

Ormond, Julia 2662

O’Rourke, P.J. 397

Orpen, Michael 2527

Orton, Joe 651

Orton, Les 2713

Orton, Peter 1992, 3395

Osbourne, Ozzy 3479

O’Shaughnessy, Gillian 4067

O’Shea, Milo 243

Osmond, Donny 2504, 2563, 2576

Osmond, Marie 777, 2504, 2563, 2576

Osterberg, Robert 469

Ostler, Nick 3479

O’Sullivan, Richard 205

O’Sullivan, Tim 2258

The Other Awards (ceremony) 929, 930

The Other Boleyn Girl (film) 3488

The Other Side of Midnight (TV) 1612

O’Toole, Lawrence 1025

O’Toole, Peter 2024, 3488

OTT (TV) 923

Otte, Charles 2158

Ottey, Oral Norrie 1833

Oundjian, Peter 3410, 3417

Out (magazine) 2878

Out of Africa (film) 1282

Out of the Trees (stage) 2594

Out of the Trees (TV) 443, 481, 1307, 2665, 3366

Outlook (radio) 3805

The Out-of-Towners (film) 2442

Outside Magazine (magazine) 3160

Outta Space see Road to Mars

Owen, Ben 861

Owen, Bill 384, 386, 1982

Owen, Cliff 651

Owen, David [Dr.] 1283

Owen, Nick 1057, 1071, 2141, 2151

“The Owl and the Pussycat” (poem) 2171, 2425

The Owl and the Pussycat (opera) 4127, 4129, 4130, 4132

Oxenberg, Catherine 1376

Oxford Today (film) 3521, 3522

Oxford Today (magazine) 3784

OxTravels: Meetings with Remarkable Travel Writers (book) 3949, 3954

Oz, Frank 590, 859, 1465, 2333

Page, Louise 1262

Page, Robert 1801

Page, Tony 453

Pagett, Nicola 991

Pain, Barry 1163

Palance, Holly 558, 596

Palance, Jack 2055

Palermo, Tony 3465

Palin, Archie [grandson] 3251

Palin, Edward [father] 575, 1737

Palin, Edward [great-grandfather] 602, 1769, 1818

Palin, Harry [great-uncle] 3571, 3755

Palin, Helen (Gibbins) [wife] 1107, 1353, 2124, 2375

Palin, Mary [mother] 1068, 1110, 1737

Palin, Rachel [daughter] 390, 1150

Palin, Sarah [Gov.] 3594

Palin, Thomas [son] 867, 2258

Palin, Wilbur [grandson] 3684

Palin, William [son] 103, 867

Palin Herbert, Angela [sister] 1388, 2089, 3702

Palin on Art (DVD) 3538

Palin’s Column (TV) 1922, 1971, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2020,
2022

Palin’s Travels (website) 2783

The Palm Beach Story (film) 1713

Palmer, Amanda 3774

Palmer, Felicity 1304, 1442

Palmer, Geoffrey 680, 901, 928, 1495, 1563, 1567, 1568

Pankin, Stuart 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Pao, Basil 632, 752, 1715, 1718, 2264, 2499, 2784, 2785, 3025, 3026,
3203, 3358, 3430, 4159, 1888

Paperbacks (TV) 850, 852–55, 858, 861, 862, 864, 982

Paranoias 572

Parents (magazine) 1216

Park, Nick 2583, 2677, 3968

Parker, Alan 1260, 1954

Parker, Barbara 670

Parker, Sarah Jessica 2464

Parker, Trey 2456, 2496, 2669

Parkinson (TV) 809, 812, 922, 927, 2328, 2645, 2786, 2931, 3022, 3355,
3361, 3432

Parkinson, Mary 1010, 1108

Parkinson, Michael [Sir] 163, 259, 809, 812, 916, 922, 927, 1010, 1108,
2196, 2259, 2328, 2536, 2544, 2593, 2645, 2703, 2786, 2836, 2837, 2931,
3022, 3166, 3355, 3361, 3432, 3561, 3601

Parkinson’s Sunday Supplement (radio) 2259

Parks, Tom 1430

Parr, John 1337

Parris, Matthew 2843

Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (TV) 1670,
1688, 1720, 1752, 1753, 2429, 3197, 3586
Parry, Louisa [Jones’ great-grandmother] 3773

Parry, Nigel 2145

Parsons, Alan 3012

Parsons, Nicholas 463, 644, 666

Parting Shots (film) 2448

Parton, Dolly 580

A Party Election Broadcast: SDP/Liberal Alliance (TV) 1045

A Party Political Broadcast: Liberal Democrat Party (TV) 2235, 2396

A Party Political Broadcast: Social Democratic Party (TV) 1236, 1283,

1372

Pasco, Mervyn 676

Pass the Butler (book) 917

Pass the Butler (play) 884, 886, 915, 922

The Passion of the Christ (film) 2990

Past People of Potsdamer Platz (art) 3269

Pastor, Tony 1061

Patel, Mash 2546

Paterson, Bill 651, 1149, 1559

Patinkin, Mandy 2120

Patten, Brian 3064

Patterson, Robert 1751

Paul O’Grady Live (TV) 3931

The Paul O’Grady Show (TV) 3198, 3649, 3698

Paul W. Smith and Company (radio) 1502

Pauley, Jane 1507

Paulson, Sarah 4077

Paulsson, Robin 3873

Pavarotti, Luciano 2931

Pavlo, Chris 2840, 2841

Paxman, Jeremy 1350, 4088

Payne (TV) 2436

Payne, Cynthia 1234, 1297, 1319, 1347, 1368, 1370, 1373, 1374, 1382

Payne, Sally 1353

Peachment, Chris 1019

Peacock, Michael 204, 1667

Peake, Mervyn 2549

Peake-Jones, Tessa 2059

Pearson, Allison 2087

Pearson, Durk 974

Pearson, Malachi 2102

Pearson, Patrick 991

Pebble Mill (TV) 1854, 2069

Pebble Mill at One (TV) 615, 886, 1005, 1043, 1083, 1084, 1096, 1190,
1223, 1245, 1279

Pecorini, Nicola 2363, 2902

Pedley, Anthony 813

Peel, John 267, 585, 3221

The Pee-Wee Herman Show (stage) 3788

Pegram, Steve 4018

Peisner, David 2879

Pelé 3296

Pena, Paco 2232

Pengilly, Kirk 2854

Penhaligon, Susan 813

Penn & Teller 1992, 2440

Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular (TV) 2440

“Penny Lane” (song) 1061

Penrhos Brewery 589, 599

The People (newspaper) 2279

People (Weekly) (magazine) 736, 898, 950, 1025, 1059, 1074, 1112, 1149,
1177, 1274, 1277, 1301, 1495, 1518, 1559, 1638, 1645, 1677, 1707, 1850,
1945, 2067, 2528, 2742
Peoples, David 2119

Peoples, Janet 2119

Pepe, Louis 2078, 2190, 2728, 2900, 2904

Peploe, Samuel John 2606

Percival, Daniel 2400, 2401

Percival, Michael 1868, 1984

Perez, Phil 834

Performance Matters: The Importance of Praise (film) 2630

Performance Matters: The Need for Constructive Criticism (film) 2631

Perkin, Deborah 3378

Perkins, Jack 1744

Perlin, John 3211

Permutt, Stewart 2535

Perri, Valerie 2442

Perry, George 566, 982, 1056, 1097, 1170, 1325, 1460, 1495, 1610, 1786,
1850

Perry, Tyler 3824

Personal Services (film) 1234, 1287, 1297, 1319, 1325, 1347, 1361, 1364,
1366, 1368, 1370, 1373, 1374, 1379, 1382, 1387

Personal Services: The Making of a Celebrity (TV) 1382

Perspectives (TV): “Sergeant on Spike” 4095

Pertwee, Jon 2122

Pesci, Joe 2423

Pescucci, Gabriella 1559

Peter and the Wolf (concert) 3259

Peter Cook: A Post-Humourous Tribute (stage) 2787

Peter Cook: A Post-Humourous Tribute (TV) 2838, 2839

Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe (TV) 2838

Peter Cook & Co. (TV) 804, 2066

Peter Cook in His Own Words (radio) 3058

Peters, Andi 2001

Peters, Luan 677

Pethig, Hazel 2472

Pettet, Joanna 19

Pettifer, Julian 146

Petty, Tom 2826, 3640

Pevere, Geoff 3345

Phil Donahue (TV) 1498, 1514

Philadelphia Enquirer (newspaper) 1268

Philbin, Regis 1027, 1728, 1910, 2080, 2216, 3110, 3728

Philip Pullman and Enid Jones (radio) 3377

Phillips, Arlene 1025, 2911

Phillips, Conrad 446, 662

Phillips, Glen 2130

Phillips, John 604

Phillips, John Michael 1441, 1442, 1549

Phillips, Kate 2593

Phillips, Leslie 68, 165

Phillips, Mark 298

Phillips, Michael 1883

Phillips, Sally 4047

Phillips, Tony 2514

Photographs & Words (book) 3987

Photoplay (magazine) 1270

The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (film) 3170

Piazza, Mike 2106

Picardo, Robert 4017

Picasso at the Lapin Agile (play) 2045

Pick, Caroline 522

Pick of Punch (book) 311

Picture Palace (book) 862

Piddock, Jim 2906, 3465, 3701, 4096

The Pied Piper of Hamelin see Faerie Tale Theatre

Pienkowski, Jan 861

The Pier on Film (TV) 2180

Pierce, David Hyde 2547, 3113, 3140, 3588

Pike, Rosamund 2819

Pile, Stephen 794, 842

Pilkington, Karl 3452

Pink Floyd 328, 433

The Pink Panther (film) 3841

The Pink Panther 2 (film) 3613, 3614, 3616, 3617

Pinky and the Brain (TV): “The Family That Poits Together, Narfs
Together” 2332

Pinocchio [1940] (film) 1845

Pinocchio [2002] (film) 2834

Pinsky, Robert 2237

Pinter, Harold 99

Piper, Billie 3367

Pirates (film) 2251

The Pirates of Penzance (film) 824

Piscopo, Joe 966, 1110

Pitt, Brad 2078, 2119, 2148, 2324

Pizzello, Stephen 2363

A Place in History (TV): “University of St. Andrews” 327

Planer, Nigel 1125, 1548, 1665, 2185, 3497

Planet 51 (film) 3760

The Play What I Wrote (play) 2876

Playboy (magazine) 57, 161, 436, 526, 741, 943, 1025, 1274, 1551, 1559,
2569

Playtime (film) 2660

Pleasure at Her Majesty’s (film) 492, 539, 593, 3609, 3669; see also
Omnibus

Plomley, Roy 151, 538, 753, 916, 1061

Plosky, Eric J. 3741

Plowright, Rosalind 3745

Plummer, Amanda 1850, 2324

Plummer, Christopher 2119, 3473, 3659

Plummer, Michael 612

Plympton, Bill 437, 3916

Plytas, Steve 453

PM Magazine (TV) 1523

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Eric Idle (book) 2815

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by John Cleese (book) 2513

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Michael Palin (book) 2603

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Terry Gilliam (book) 2602

A Pocketful of Python: Picked by Terry Jones (book) 2512

Poems on the Box (TV) 1974

Poetry Please! (radio) 2026

Poets for Peace (event) 3064

Pogson, Kathryn 1177

Point of View (radio) 2319

Poison 1960

A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) (record) 554

A Poke in the Eye (with a Sharp Stick) (stage) 492, 539, 579, 704

Polanski, Roman 50

Pole to Pole (book) 1888, 1927

Pole to Pole (lecture) 1999

Pole to Pole (TV) 1825, 1895–1900, 1902–06, 1908–12, 1925, 1942, 1948,
2272, 3446

Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (TV) 2313, 2338

Pollack, Kevin 3084

Pollack, Sydney 2611

Pollard, Su 1113
Polley, Sarah 1559, 1617, 3499

Polo, Bertrand 659, 806

Polunin, Slava 3245

Pomfret, Emma 3011

Pond, Steve 817

Ponti, Carlo 1252

Poole, David 3309

Pop, Iggy 2533

Porizkova, Paulina 1960

Portas, Mary 3529

Porter, Cole 528

Porter, Peter 864, 3064

Posner, Geoff 1291, 2419

Posner, Michael 3679

Posta, Adrienne 620, 621, 688, 690, 1355

Postgiro (“Do You Use Giroblauw?”) (ads) 910

Potterton, Reg 741

Potton, Ed 2982, 2994, 3365

Poulton, Mike 4108

Poust, Tracy 2932

Powell, Aubrey 3745

Powell, Enoch 1679

Powell, Michael 1082

Powell, Nosher 249

Powell, Peter 867

Powell, Robert 1854, 3362

Powell, Tristram 1353, 1548, 1818, 1821

The Power of the Sun (documentary) 3211

Prady, Bill 2052

Pratchett, Terry 2122, 2760, 2885

Pravda, George 159

Preddy, Richard 1924

Preece, Tim 481

Premiere (magazine) 1631

Prenger, Jodie 3827, 4030, 4045

Prescription for Complaints see Marketing in Practice, No. 4:

Prescription for Complaints

A Present from the Past: The Making of American Friends (TV) 1821

Presley, Elvis 2228, 2745, 3928

Preston, Billy 2826

Preto, Dinho Ouro 4171

Previn, André 116

Prevue (magazine) 1060, 1066, 1709

Price, Alan 151, 572, 576, 585, 630, 809

Price, Andy 1188

Price, Jeffrey 3405

Price, Vincent 41, 745

Priestland, Gerald 742

The Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (ceremony) 2779, 3020, 3858

Prince, Harold 1896

Prince Andrew (Duke of York) 1390

Prince Charles (of Wales) 660, 730, 845, 1082, 1789, 1840, 2581, 3006,
3408, 3488, 3579, 3801

Prince Edward 1390, 1671, 2455

Prince Harry 3579

Prince of Denmark (TV) 326

Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) 1860, 3813, 4041

The Prince’s Trust: A Rock and Royal Gala (TV) 1643, 1660

OceanofPDF.com
Princess Anne 259, 298, 1114, 1145, 1390, 1456, 1759

Princess Diana (of Wales) 845, 1174, 1327, 1639, 1643, 2425

Princess Margaret 1022, 1411

Princess Stephanie of Monaco 1766

Pringle, Bryan 211, 1177, 1818

Prinze, Freddie Jr. 3597

Prisoners of Conscience (TV) 1913

Pritchard, John 2797

A Private Function (film) 1121, 1134, 1137, 1144–46, 1149, 1172, 1179,
1181–84, 1186, 1187, 1189, 1192, 1197, 1199, 1263, 1276, 1348, 2002,
2706, 3148, 3693

Private Lives (TV) 1123

Privates on Parade (film) 933, 984, 991–94, 1001, 1018, 1117, 1119

The Pro-Celebrity Squash Challenge (event) 612, 614

The Proclaimers 2001

The Producers (musical) 2658

A Profile of Jonathan Miller (book) 1861

The Project (TV) 4057, 4086

Prokofiev, Sergey 3259

Prominent Features 1346, 1359, 1495, 1559, 1677, 1818, 1945

Proops, Greg 2787, 2839

Proops, Marjorie 144

The Proposal (film) 475

Protz, Roger 2782

Proust, Fred 3610

Provenza, Paul 3084

The Province (B.C.) (newspaper) 4149

Prudhomme, Monique 3659

Pryce, Jonathan 1177, 1227, 1251, 1461, 1559, 3064, 3178, 3209, 3619

Pryor, Richard 293

Psycho (film) 3186

Publishers Weekly (magazine) 603, 686, 2086, 2808, 3097, 3273

Puck, Wolfgang 2871

Pugh, Mavis 680

Pullin, Jim 1734

Pullman, Bill 2102

Pullman, Philip 2524, 2720, 3377

Pulp Fiction (film) 2046

Punch (magazine) 311, 1160, 1453

The Punch Review (TV) 560

Punt, Steve 4008

Purcell, Sarah 777

Purnell, Tony 2796

Purves, Christopher 3745, 3943, 4003

Purves, Libby 2789, 3632

Purvis, Jack 863, 1559

Purvis, Neal 2516, 2819

Put in a Potterton (film) 387

Putch, John 4017

Putner, Paul 2713

Puttnam, David 1419

Puttock, William 1886

Python Night (TV) 134, 2466, 2495

Python on Song (record) 527

Python Periphery (screenings) 2037

The Python Years see Diaries 1969–1979: The Python Years

Pythonland (TV) 2495, 2497, 2556, 2710

PythOnline (website) 2159, 2177, 3592, 3593

The Pythons (TV) 699, 700, 705, 1589, 2320, 2522, 3460

The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons (book) 2913, 2915, 3200,

3478
The Pythons: Autobiography by The Pythons: The Interviews That Made the
Book (audiobook) 2941

Q (magazine) 1404

Q (radio) 3975

Q (TV) 2791

QI (TV) 3982

QI Genesis (TV) 3982

Quaid, Randy 2772, 2942

Quantick, David 3109

Quantum Project (film) 2573

Quarmby, John 732

Quartermaine’s Terms see Saturday Play

Quatro, Suzi 1242

Quay, Stephen 3170

Quay, Timothy 3170

Queen 3018, 3939

Queen Elizabeth II 576, 788, 1860, 1960, 2754, 2820, 3756, 3813, 4041,
4086

Queen Mother 569

Quenqua, Douglas 3593

Quentin, Caroline 2059, 2370

Quest for Camelot (film) 2369, 2946, 3227

The Quest for King Arthur (book) 2113

The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations (doc) 2586, 2697, 2698, 3321

Quick, Diana 3–7, 9, 651, 1102, 1158, 2331

Quilley, Denis 991, 1018

Quinn, Aidan 2688, 2774

Quinn, Michael 1239

Quinn, Patricia 1025

Quinn, Stephen 3975

The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat (book)
2171, 2177, 2195, 2197, 4130

Rabbit Ears Radio (radio): “Tom Thumb” 2103

Rabelais, François 1918

Race, Roger 13, 63, 560

Radcliffe, Daniel 2702, 2810

Radcliffe, Mark 4011

The Radio 2 Arts Programme (radio): “The Life of Python” 2033; “The
Once and Future King” 2164

The Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman (radio) 4125

Radio 4 Appeal (radio) 2452, 3299, 3370, 3675

Radio 5 (radio) 271, 322

Radio Times (magazine) 91, 361, 416, 673, 699, 1692, 1719, 1895, 2089

Radner, Gilda 515, 563, 576, 635, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779

Rae, John [Dr.] 982

Rafferty, Gerry 85

Rafferty, Sean 1233

Rafferty, Terence 1495, 2739

Rail for the Future: A Development Strategy for the Railways (book) 1799

Raine, Gillian 308, 459

Rainman (film) 1609, 1628

Raitt, Bonnie 2678

Raitt, John 2678

Rakoff, David 3160

Ramirez, Sara 3113, 3131, 3140, 3151

Ramis, Harold 2189

Rampton, James 2494

Rampton, Richard 3172

Ramsay, Gordon 3367

Ramsey, Alf [Sir] 139

Randall, Tony 777

Rankin 4170

Rantzen, Esther 297, 484, 2579

Rao, Anjali 3837

Rappaport, David 863, 871

Rashad, Ahmad 1494

Rat Race (film) 2686

Ratcliffe, Michael 813

Rattee, Donald [Justice] 2373

Rattray, Eric 1301

Ravens, Jan 1797

Rawle-Hicks, Edward 1353

Ray, Ted 140

Raymond, Bob E. 363, 368, 370, 372, 374

Raynor, Henry 34

Raz, Guy 3777

Rea, Chris 2448

Read All About It (TV) 533, 611

Readers and Writers Roadshow (TV) 2760

Reading, Donna 47
Real Time (TV) 253

Real Time with Bill Maher (TV) 2861, 4194

Reardon, John 928

Rebellato, Dan 3262

Recess (TV): “That Stinking Feeling” 2518; “The Girl Was Trouble” 2413

Rechler, Glenn 1396

A Recipe for Life (book) 4148

Record Breakers (TV) 1909

The Rectorial Address of John Cleese (book) 179

Re-Cycled Vinyl Blues (record) 324

Redford, Rachel 4120

Redford, Robert 3368

Redgrave, Lynn 248, 380, 460, 893

Redgrave, Vanessa 1461, 2118, 2204

Redhead, Brian 522, 1934

Redhead, Mark 1752, 1781

Redon, Odilon 3992

Redpath, Anne 2310

Reed, Oliver 1559, 2083, 2448

Reel Ocean: Tribute to Sir David Attenborough (documentary) 3093

Rees, Angharad 243, 300, 306–08, 380

Rees, Nigel 983, 1002

Reeves, Keanu 3596

Reeves, Vic 2289

Reflections on Success (book) 2325

Regan, Brian 2619

Reggae Sunsplash 1838

Reid, Beryl 804, 1738

Reid, Robert 385, 555, 626, 627, 763, 765, 766, 985, 986, 1667

Reid, Sheila 1177

Reid, Susanna 4014, 4035, 4065

Reilly, Sue 736

Reiner, Carl 1021, 3588

Relph, Simon 991

Relton, William 1002

Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball? see Arena

Remick, Lee 1638

Rendall, Mark 2790

Les Rendez-Vous du Dimanche (TV) 482, 782

Reno, Jamie 3494

Reno, Jean 3616

Renoux, Rémy 3091

Rentadick (film) 200

Renwick, David 928, 1248, 1249, 1866

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (book) 3690

Restless Heart 1729

Restoring Balance: Removing the Black Rat from Anacapa Island

(documentary) 2945

Rettig, Roger 550

Return on Investment (film) 1250

The Review Show (TV) 3951

Reynolds, Burt 3597

Reynolds, Debbie 2406

Reynolds, Shirley 1930

Reynolds, Stanley 82, 109

“Rhapsody in Blue” [Gershwin] 2212

Rhind, Gillian 541

Rhind-Tutt, Julian 4097

The Rhinestone as Big as the Ritz (book) 760

Rhodes, Lucille 2692, 3019

Rhodes, Nigel 607

Rhodes, Zandra 778

Rhys Jones, Griff see Jones, Griff Rhys

Rhys-Jones, Sophie 2455

Ricci, Christina 2102, 2376

Rice, Christine 3943

Rice, Tim 749, 2588, 3639

Rich, Frank 635

Rich, John 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Rich, Richard 2055

Richard & Judy (TV) 2817, 2935, 3027, 3383, 3529, 3541

Richard & Judy’s Christmas Book Special (TV) 3367

Richard & Judy’s New Position (TV) 3581

Richard and Judy Exclusive (TV) 2254

Richard, Cliff 350, 894, 1320, 1390, 2217, 2232, 2536

Richard, Pierre 3610

Richard, Wendy 2402, 3361

Richard Bacon (radio) 4025

Richard II 2927, 3444, 3448, 3451, 3464, 3511, 3524, 3525, 3528, 3563,
3565, 3633, 3650

Richards, Clare 1865

Richards, Dave 550

Richards, Denise 2516

Richards, Keith 1969, 2533

Richards, Michael 957

Richards, Sandra 93

Richardson, Anna 2414

Richardson, Ian 1177

Richardson, Mark 1304, 1442

Richardson, Miranda 1344, 1798

Richardson, Ralph [Sir] 248, 863

Richie, Shane 2001

Richmond, Tim 2010

Rickards, Mark 2622, 3078

Rickles, Don 777, 2369

Rickman, Alan 2685

Rieschel, Claudia 2679

Rigby, Daniel 4009

Rigby, Jean 1304

Rigg, Diana [Dame] 573, 859, 2083, 2448, 3432

Right Royal Company (TV) 849

Rights & Revels: A Benefit for the National Council for Civic Liberties
(stage) 1133
Riley, Jon 3376

Ringside 3130

Ripa, Kelly 3110, 3728

Ripley, Fay 3070

Ripping Yarns (book) 659, 686, 1770

Ripping Yarns (DVD) see The Complete Ripping Yarns

Ripping Yarns (TV) 406, 597, 637, 641, 653, 701, 724, 780, 1362, 2991,
3041, 3047, 3100, 3192, 3551, 4097; “Tomkinson’s Schooldays” (Ep. 1)
406, 480, 516, 598, 659, 4080; “The Testing of Eric Olthwaite” (Ep. 2) 577,
600, 659; “Escape from Stalag Luft 112B” (Ep. 3) 581, 604, 659; “Murder
at Moorstones Manor” (Ep. 4) 518, 605, 659, 3047; “Across the Andes by
Frog” (Ep. 5) 516, 606, 659; “The Curse of the Claw” (Ep. 6) 584, 607,
659; “Whinfrey’s Last Case” (Ep. 7) 678, 725, 806; “Golden Gordon” (Ep.
8) 681, 726, 806; “Roger of the Raj” (Ep. 9) 646, 731, 806, 1593, 4088

Ripping Yarns (videocassette) 1333–37, 1342

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (film) 18, 99, 100, 2066

Risk to Innovate (lecture) 3128

Ritchie, Jean 1676

Ritchie, Lionel 2533

Ritchie, Vivienne 1150

The Ritz Brothers 642

River of Mirrors: The Fantastic Art of Judson Huss (book) 2163

Rivers, Joan 1337, 3579

Rivron, Rowland 2232

“The Road Not Taken” (poem) 2425

The Road to Hell see Counterblast

The Road to Mars: A Post Modem Novel (book) 392, 2467, 2468, 2479,
2490, 2525

Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind (TV) 3479

Robbins, Tim 1672, 1677

The Robert Klein Hour (radio) 693

Roberts, Andy 267, 421, 425, 550

Roberts, Julia 3368

Roberts, Nicola 2005

Roberts, Renee 439, 441, 446, 450, 453, 456, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685, 732

Roberts, Steve 256

Robertson, K. Angus 1142

Robertson, Mick 3912

Robin, Dany 19

Robin Williams: Acting Funny (TV) 1952

Robins (TV) 3873

Robins, John 164

Robinson, David 970, 1059, 1149, 1274, 1495, 1677

Robinson, Ethna 1442

Robinson, Ken [Dr.] 2823

Robinson, Peter [conductor] 1304

Robinson, Peter [photographer] 2918

Robinson, Peter [producer-director] 204, 215, 304–08, 380–85, 449, 452,

454, 457, 459, 460, 462, 465, 475–77, 546–49, 558, 618–21, 625, 627, 662,
663, 683, 684, 688, 690, 692, 696, 761–63, 825–27, 899–902, 985, 1156,
1157, 1250, 1344, 1566, 1667, 1798, 1868, 1984, 1985, 2059

Robinson, Robert 376

Robinson, Smokey 3567

Robinson, Tom 704, 755

Robinson, Tony 207, 383, 1454, 2122

Robson, Eric 838, 1007

Robson, Hannah 4052

Robyn 3811

Roche, Tony 4008, 4070

Rochefort, Jean 482, 2597, 3818

Rock ’n’ Roll (record) 1412

Rock ’n’ Roll in the Making (TV) 2532

Rockwell, Robert 1644

Rodd, Michael 571

Rodley, Chris 1952

Roeffen, Tineke 254

Rogers, C. W. 1832

Rogers, Kenny 1910

Rogerson, Barnaby 4150

Rogerson, Mark 1118

Rohde, Shelley 856, 877, 1288

Rolfe, Michael 1433

Rolf’s Amazing World of Animals (TV) 2377

Rolling Stone (magazine) 397, 413, 494, 727, 817, 943, 1079, 1554, 3741

The Rolling Stones 1697, 2533

Romain, Michael 1861

Romance with a Double Bass (film) 355, 386, 2221

Romano, Nel 1135

Romeo and Juliet (film) 2241

Romijn, Rebecca 3236

Romney, Jonathan 2198

The Ronnie Barker Yearbook (TV) 126

Ronnie Barker: A BAFTA Tribute (TV) 2966

Ronnie Barker: A Life in Comedy (TV) 2211

Ronnie Corbett in Bed (TV) 127

Ronnie Corbett’s Comedy Britain (TV) 3976

Ronstadt, Linda 824, 3981

Rooney, David 3113

Rooney, Mickey 1677

Rose, Alexander 2927

Rose, Charlie 2081, 3140

Rose, Paul 2713

Roseanne 2144

Rosenthal, Jack 825

Roslin, Gaby 1989, 2970

Ross, Ben 4186

Ross, David 1833

Ross, Diana 1619, 1860

Ross, Jonathan 1452, 2492, 2493, 2703, 2787, 2831, 2839, 3619, 3796,
3877

Ross, Nick 1155

Ross, Paul 1989

Ross, Robert 2364

Ross, Tiny 863

Ross, Tony 1221, 1222

Rossellini, Isabella 2482

Rossi, Leo 1783

Rossington, Norman 522

Rossiter, Leonard 614

Rossiter, Nicholas (or Nick) 1840, 2934

Rosto 3959

The Routes of English (radio) 2514

Routledge, Patricia 147, 380, 460, 2966

Rove (TV) 3459

Rove LA (TV) 4189

Rove Live (TV) 2872, 3067

Roven, Charles 2119, 3178

Rowan, Dan 642

Rowlands, Patsy 125, 1344

Rowling, J. K. 2409, 2702, 2810

Roy, Will 1712

Roy Wood’s Army 2833

Royal Gala Concert (concert) 1174

A Royal Gala in Aid of the Prince’s Trust (stage) 1643

A Royal Gala in Aid of the Prince’s Trust (TV) 1662

Royal Shakespeare Company 991

The Royal Television Society Programme Awards (ceremony) 506

The Royal Variety Performance (stage) 1860, 1960

The Royal Variety Performance (TV) 1862

Royle, Carol 1567, 1568

Royle, Derek 680

Rubenstein, Lenny 437, 1211

Rubinstein, John 1376

Ruby (TV) 2252, 2471

Rudge, Peter 630

Rudner, Rita 1515, 1643, 1660

Rudnick, Paul 2547

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (film) 2406

Ruehl, Mercedes 1850, 1855, 2324, 2676

Rulebound Reggie see Managing Problem People: Rulebound Reggie

Rules of Effective Communication see Telephone Behaviour: The Rules of

Effective Communication

Rupert Bear and Me (radio) 4011

The Rupert Bear Story—A Tribute to Alfred Bestall (TV) 982

Rupert Bear 982, 3198, 4011, 4043

Rush, Geoffrey 2625

Rush Hour (radio) 865

Rushdie, Salman 2776, 2906, 2987, 4145

Rushin, Pat 4165

Rushton, William (or Willie) 19, 252, 256, 264, 266, 292, 296, 309, 488,
644, 666, 915, 1665, 2091

Russell, Ken 1219, 4053

Russell, Willy 1695

Russell Harty (TV) 835

Russo, Bryan 1514

Rustin, Lena 2694

The Rutland Dirty Weekend Book (book) 513, 526

The Rutland Isles (CD) 2861, 2864, 2865, 2870, 2878, 2919

The Rutland Weekend Songbook (record) 550

Rutland Weekend Television (TV) 20, 319, 340, 417, 418, 420, 421, 425,
427, 429, 507, 513, 515, 531, 532, 534, 537, 541–44, 550, 582, 635, 1463,
1593, 1981

Rutlemania (concert) 3493

The Rutles 351, 515, 531, 532, 550, 576, 582, 591, 632, 635, 647, 1511,
1750, 1956, 2558, 2543, 2644, 2906, 3493–95, 3531, 3584

The Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch (DVD) 3105, 3133

The Rutles 2: Can’t Buy Me Lunch (film) 635, 2906, 2907

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (DVD) 2647

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (record) 632

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (videocassette) 2133

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (30th Anniversary Edition) (DVD) 3583–
85

Ryan, Christopher 1125

Ryan, Madge 168, 215, 449, 915, 2025

Ryan, Mark 2566, 2567

Ryan, Meg 2103, 2335

Ryan, Paddy 1026

Ryder, Jack 2549

Ryder, Shaun 3904

Sabbagh, Karl 2121

Sach, Laurence 1069

Sachs, Andrew 383, 384, 386, 439–41, 446, 450, 453, 456, 476, 477, 484,
546, 626, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685, 732, 765, 900, 901, 987, 1106, 1157,
1289, 1433, 2383, 2695, 2958, 3579, 3648, 3654, 3738, 4128

Sacks, Oliver 4091

Saga Magazine (magazine) 3940

The Saga of Erik the Viking (book) 1069, 1084, 1085, 1088–90, 1092,
1155, 1216, 1677

The Saga of Erik the Viking (videogame) 1155, 1165

Sager, Carole Bayer 2369

Saget, Bob 3084

Sahara (book) 2778, 2784, 2785, 2794, 2827, 2859, 2877

Sahara (lecture) 2788, 2795, 2807, 2887

Sahara with Michael Palin (TV) 2635, 2693, 2724, 2778, 2785, 2786,
2796, 2797, 2799, 2801, 2804, 2806, 2807, 2809, 2848, 2854, 2866, 2882,
2883, 2886, 2894

Said, SF 3305

Sainsbury, Mark 4172

Sainsbury’s (ad) 2114

Sainsbury’s (“Value to Shout About”) (ads) 2114, 2394

Saint, Eva Marie 1335

St. Andrews University 101, 131, 132, 179, 265, 327

St. Aubin de Teran, Lisa 2060

Saint-Saëns, Camille 2851

Salem, Rob 3678

Salewicz, Chris 1041

Sallis, Peter 1982

The Salmon of Doubt (book) 2665

Salter, Sandra 1754

Saltzman, Percy 276

A Salute to Monty Python (screening) 1820

Salvoni, Elena 1762

Samett, Marcelle 600

Sampras, Pete 2462

Sampson, Roy 725

San Francisco International Film Festival 1182, 1604

Sanborn, David 779

Sancton, Julian 3776, 3803

Sand, Barry 1181

Sand, Bjørn 769

Sanders, Chris 3227

Sanders, George 19

Sanderson, Joan 676, 731, 815, 859, 900, 901, 1353

Sandler, Adam 2468

Sanoff, Alvin P. 1698

Santa Barbara Symphony 3631

Sarducci, Father Guido 671, 695, 730

Sargent, Herb 1055

Sarony, Leslie 813, 1026

Sarris, Andrew 412

Saturday Extra (radio) 3762

Saturday Matters with Sue Lawley (TV) 1679

Saturday Night at the Movies (TV) 1706

Saturday Night Clive (TV) 1747

Saturday Night Live (TV) 515, 531, 535, 561, 563, 576, 582, 635, 640, 660,
671, 686, 695, 730, 779, 935, 940, 963, 966, 1110, 1338, 1678, 1737, 2214,
3754

Saturday Night Special (TV) 2144

The Saturday Play (radio): “Quartermaine’s Terms” 3294

Saturday Review (magazine) 397

Saturday Review (TV) 1262

The Saturday Show (TV) 1085

Saturday Superstore (TV) 1220

Saul, Nigel 3524

Saunders, Des 1345

Saunders, Jennifer 204, 1153, 1343, 1665, 1705, 1734, 1869, 3295, 4051

Saunders, John 915

Savage-Smith, Emilie 3034

“Save the Plankton” (Palin sketch) 795, 1110, 1483, 2813

Savile, Jimmy 927

Saville, Philip 19

Sawalha, Julia 2185, 3000

Sayce, Paul 2228

Sayle, Alexei 871, 883, 931, 1125, 1153

Scaffold 572

Scales, Prunella 439–41, 446, 450, 453, 456, 662, 676, 677, 679, 680, 685,
732, 1438, 1443, 1461, 1733, 2383, 2650, 2695, 2958, 3648, 3654, 3738

Scanlon, Larry 2632

Scarfe, Gerald 1449, 1552, 3138, 3215

Scarfe’s Follies see 40 Minutes

Scarpa, David 3596

Scarry, Richard 38

Scene Today (TV) 1822

Schaal, Wendy 1636, 1640, 1644, 1647

Schaefer, Stephen 931, 943

Schauer, Mitch 2417

Scheer, Andrew 2566

Scheinfeld, John 2562, 3234, 3841

Schell, Catherine 729

Schepisi, Fred 2162, 2221

Scherer, Barrymore Laurence 3416

Schickel, Richard 397, 567, 710, 1025, 1495, 2611

Schiffman, Bonnie 817

Schifrin, William 2369

Schiller, Danny 1370

Schindehette, Susan 1645, 1707

Schlatter, George 160, 1477, 1515, 2333, 3588

Schofield, Andrew 1833

Schofield, Phillip 1625, 1890, 1905, 1946, 3436, 3620, 4036, 4119

Schuhly, Thomas 1559

Schuman, Howard 2143

Schuman, Phil 1049

Schwalm, Thomas 755

Schwartz, Al 1783

Schwartz, Rob 2423

Schwarzbaum, Lisa 3659

Schweppes (A Very Public Service Message from John Cleese) (ad) 1594,
1595

Schweppes (ads) 1741, 1919

Schweppes (“Straight Schweppes”) (ads) 1803

Schwitzer, Christoph 3915

Scorched (film) 2667, 2751

Scorsese, Martin 1768, 2828, 3821, 3996, 4157

The Scotsman (newspaper) 2613, 2757, 3874

Scott, A. O. 3186

Scott, Caroline 2488, 2646

Scott, Danny 3038

Scott, Donovan 957

Scott, Gavin 1894, 2157

Scott, Peter [Sir] 809

Scott, Ridley 2132

Scott, Sebastian 1806

Scott, Selina 1237

Scott, Tom 2207

Scoular, Angela 68

The Scream Team (TV) 2790

Screen Two (TV): “East of Ipswich” 1107, 1292, 1349–51, 1353, 1456,
1548, 2017, 2752, 3508

The Screwtape Letters (audiobook) 1569

Scurfield, Matthew 726

The Sea, The Sea (book) 862

Seal 3185

Seaman, Peter S. 3405

Searching for Truth (event) 4147

Searle, Ronald 1559

Sebast, Dick 2421

Secombe, Harry 68, 165, 1288, 2147, 2250, 2355, 2472, 2682

The Secret Life of Brian (TV) 3375, 3460

The Secret of NIMH II: Timmy to the Rescue (film) 2421

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (film) 755, 793, 931, 939, 3609, 3669, 4000

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (record) 764

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (stage) 492, 701, 702, 704, 706, 871, 4081

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (TV) 759

The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 (stage) 4081, 4085

The Secret Policeman’s Balls (DVD) 3075, 3609

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (stage) 1665

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (TV) 1705

The Secret Policeman’s Film Festival (screenings) 3075, 3669, 3673

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (ad) 935, 940

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (book) 907

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (film) 929–31, 939, 3669

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (record) 883

The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (stage) 871

The Secret Policeman’s Private Parts (film) 1065

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (book) 1403

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (film) 1409

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (stage) 1365

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 1: Try to See It My Way (film) 620, 688

The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 2: We Can Work It Out (film) 621, 690

Secrets (TV) see Black and Blue

Seda, Jon 2119

Sedaka, Neil 500, 1679

See You Again Soon see Welcome Customer, Part 2: See You Again Soon

Segal, Jeffrey 453

Seidler, David 2369

Seifert, Jack 1635

Seisser, Tod 1159

Sekine, Tsutomu 1677

Self-Consciousness (book) 1657

Sellers, Peter 50, 2250, 2562, 2682, 2792, 3614, 3616, 3841

Selling in Practice, No. 2: How Not to Exhibit Yourself (film) 384, 465

The Selling Line (TV) 448, 449, 452, 454, 457, 459, 460, 462, 465

Selling on the Telephone: The Cold Call (film) 546

Selling on the Telephone: When I’m Calling You (film) 476, 692

Selling on the Telephone: Will You Answer True? (film) 477, 696
Sen kväll med Luuk (TV) 2246

Senkveld with Thomas and Harald (TV) 3865

“Serenade No. 10 in B Flat Major” [Mozart] 1061

Sereny, Eva 1150

Sergeant, John 2791, 4095

Sergeant on Spike (TV) see Perspectives

Sergei, Ivan 2742

Serl, Jon 1729

Serle, Chris 1051, 1440, 1754, 3544

Sessions, John 1686

Setzer, Brian 1499

Seuss, Dr. 1967, 2621

Seussical (musical) 2449, 2621

Seven Chances (film) 3279

720 Morning (radio) 3456

Seven Ways to Skin an Ocelot [U.S., 2006] (stage) 3233

The Seventh Python (film) 3531

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (record) 1571

Severinson, Doc 1148

Sewell, Bill 309

Sewell, George 382

Sex in History (book) 855

Seymour, Carolyn 651

Seymour, Jane 2369

Seymour, Richard 1305

Sez Les (TV) 158, 313, 378, 519, 4047

Sforza, Fabrizio 1559, 1755

Shadow Work (book) 853

Shaffer, Paul 779

Shakespeare, Nicholas 1003

Shakespeare, William 248, 789, 813, 2319, 4027

The Shakespeare Plays (TV): “The Taming of the Shrew” 830

Shalit, Gene 394

Shamas, Sandra 2863

Shamberg, Michael 1493, 1495, 1500, 1508, 2221

Shames, Laurence 1115

Shandling, Garry 2906

Shane, Paul 1281

Shane, Stephen 486

Shankar, Ravi 2730, 2826, 3686

Shannon, Johnny 676

Shannon, Molly 2214, 3560

The Shape of Things to Come see All Change (The Management of

Change), Part 2: The Shape of Things to Come

Sharif, Omar 1095

The Sharon Osbourne Show (TV) 3342

Sharp, Margaret 377

Sharvell-Martin, Michael 725

Shaun Keaveny (radio) 4029

Shaw, Beatrice 679

Shaw, Bella 1703

Shaw, Christine 685

Shaw, Martin 152, 1144

Shaw, Sandy 974

Shawcross, Helen 3968

Shawn, Wallace 1883

Shea, Mary Frances 1402, 1410

Sheard, Michael 763

Shearer, Harry 779, 2875, 3076, 3112, 3290, 3388, 4102

Sheetz, Chuck 3388

The Sheffield Children’s Book Awards (ceremony) 2409

Shehadeh, Raja 3882

Sheinberg, Sid 1208, 1218, 1226, 1228, 1395

Shelton, Ron 2899

Shepherd, Chris 3329

Shepherd, Elaine 2402, 2496, 3221

Shepherd, Sherri 2742

Shepherd, Simon 1986

Sher, Antony 1677, 2185

Sherlock, David 283, 284, 300, 810, 1252, 1455, 1485, 1726, 1746, 2915,
3200

Sherlock Jr. (film) 3279

Sherrin, Ned 200, 773, 2271

Sherrye Henry (radio) 503

Sherwin, Stuart 732

Shields, Brooke 639, 1490, 2476

Shilling, Eric 1352

Shillue, Tom 2482

Shin, Nelson 1303

Shinner, Jo 2626

Shivas, Mark 280, 1134, 1149, 1273

Shoard, Catherine 3201, 3271

Shone, Tom 2376

Short, Martin 1338, 1678, 2654, 3980

“Short Blues” (song) 502

Shorter, Ken 731

The Show Business: How to Demonstrate a Product (film) 382

Showbiz Today (TV) 1492, 1505, 1605, 1633, 1678, 1703, 1785

Showerman, Christopher 2925

Shrek & Fiona’s Honeymoon Storybook (CD-ROM) 2903

Shrek Forever After (film) 3405, 3823

Shrek the Third (film) 2997, 3403–05

Shrek: Totally Tangled Tales (DVD game) 3229

Shrek 2 (film) 2903, 2993, 2995, 2997, 3001, 3005, 3405, 3823

Shriver, Maria 1228

Shulan, Michael 1631

Shulman, Milton 82

Shulman, Roger 1635, 1636, 1640

Shuman, Mort 482

Sibley, Adrian 2422, 2480

Sickert, Walter 3492

Sieber, Christopher 3113, 3410, 3417

Siegel, Joel 3171

Siegel, Robert 3545

Sigal, Clancy 1274

Sight & Sound (magazine) 1521, 2139, 2382, 2571

Signals: Anything for a Quiet Life (TV) 1739

Signford Ltd. 552, 1179

Sikov, Ed 2792

Silberling, Brad 2102

Silence Is Golden (film) 3329

Silent Clowns (TV): “Buster Keaton” 3279; “Harold Lloyd” 3292

Silver, Joel 1598

Silver Streak (film) 569

Silverado (film) 1166, 1209, 1239, 1243

Silverman, Melvin [Dr.] 1034

Silverstone, Alicia 2751

Silverton, Kate 3341, 3468

Sim, Alastair 159, 3108

Sim, Gerald 725

Simeon, David 440, 620

Simmons, Kenny 2860

Simmons, Matty 1210, 2942

Simmons, Richard 2406

Simmons, Sue 1184

Simon, Carly 3114

Simon, Josette 1868

Simon, Neil 2442

Simon, Paul 535, 540, 635, 779, 823, 906

Simon, Ron 2644

Simon Mayo (radio) 3207, 3276, 3311, 3615, 3692

Simon Mayo Drivetime (radio) 3849, 4116

“Simon Smith & His Amazing Dancing Bear” (song) 151

Simply Absurd (radio) 3856

Simply Shakespeare (event) 3946

Simpson, Alan 165

Simpson, David 492

Simpson, Jeff 3497, 4140, 4162

Simpson, Junior 2585

Simpson, N. F. 252

The Simpsons (TV): “Fat Man and Little Boy” 3076; “Scuse Me While I
Miss the Sky” 2875; “Springfield Up” 3388; “The Spy Who Learned Me”
4102
Sims, Joan 165

Sinclair, Donald 66

Sinclair, John Gordon 1677

Sinden, Donald 200, 927, 3246

The Single (record) 478

Siskel, Gene 397

Sissons, Peter 2495, 2544

Sivan, Troye 3884

Six Dates with Barker (TV): “1971: Come In and Lie Down” 120

6 O’Clock Live (TV) 1816, 1884

6 O’Clock Show (TV) 1188

Sixthirtysomething (TV) 1852

60 Minutes (TV) 3140

Skapinker, Michael 1377

Skavlan (TV) 3768, 3811, 3812

Skavlan, Fredrik 3768, 3811

Skingley, Lorna 4011

Skinner, Frank 2176, 2188, 2385

Skinner, Quentin 864

Sky 992
Skynner, Robin [Dr.] 474, 1078, 1081, 1083, 1132, 1168, 1433, 1540,
1794, 1795, 1930, 1932, 1934, 2063, 2595

Slade 198

Slade, Adrian 990

Slater, Ashley 3267

Slater, Christian 3560

Slatterey, Tony 1706

A Slice of Cleese—John Cleese In Conversation with James Crathorne

(event) 3442

Slices of Cleese: An Evening with John Cleese (event) 3457

Sloman, Larry 413

Sloman, Roger 726

Sloopy 372

Slung, Michele 1094

Small Harry and the Toothache Pills (book) 959, 973, 1135, 1258, 1275

Smaragdis, Yannis 4144

Smart, Amy 2686

Smee, Anthony 600

Smillie, Carol 2703

Smith, Aidan 2613

Smith, Anna Nicole 2871

Smith, Arthur 1923, 3041

Smith, Caroline 3659

Smith, Delia 1239

Smith, Giles 2378

Smith, Jaden 3596

Smith, Keith 607

Smith, Kirsten 2986

Smith, Liz 600, 1149, 1187

Smith, Madeline 292

Smith, Maggie 970, 1015, 1121, 1149, 1187, 2702

Smith, Martin 2147

Smith, Mel 737, 818, 1153, 1343, 1665, 2091, 2709

Smith, Mike 1176, 1240, 1608

Smith, Paul 804, 1343

Smith, Richard Curson 2065, 2070, 2073, 2075, 2077

Smith, Robert 1150

Smith, Sarah 4018

Smith, Steve 2703

Smith, Terry 898, 1227

Smith, Tony 268, 3588

Smith, Will 4049

Smith, Yeardley 2875, 3076, 3388, 4102

Snavely (TV) 645, 2436

Snell, Andrew 2828

SNL see Saturday Night Live

Snoad, Harold 183, 252

Snoddy, Raymond 1261

Snogging Ken (play) 2559

Snow Show (stage) 3245

The Snowman (TV) 2118

Snyder, Tom 718

So This Is Progress? (TV) 1865

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 1: The Preparation (film)

900

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 2: The Presentation (film)

901

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 3: Difficult Customers

(film) 1102

So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?, Part 4: Closing the Sale (film)

1157

Søby, Erik 769

Söderström, Anna 3015, 3687

Solli, Sergio 3953

Solly, Bill 136

Solomon, Arthur 1345

Solomon, Ed 1883, 2240, 3129

Solomon, Evan Daniel [Cleese’s grandson] 2240

Solomon, Jonathan 1944

Something ALMOST Completely Different (event) 3789

Something Completely Different (radio) 2489

Something Fishy (documentary) 3362

Something Like Fire: Peter Cook Remembered (book) 2181, 2182

Sommers, Stephen 2057

Song and Dance (documentary) 2909, 2911

Sony (ads) 629

Soper, Donald 1349

Sorel, Edward 1305, 1832

Souden, David 1865, 2398–2401

Soul, David 500

Sound Waves for Greenpeace (stage) 1289

A Source of Innocent Merriment (TV) 1441

The South Bank Show (TV) 3395; “Eric Sykes” 3191; “John Cleese” 1259;
“Monty Python’s Spamalot” 3352; “The One Ronnie” 3564; “Terry
Gilliam” 1851

The South Bank Sky Arts Awards (ceremony) 4100

The South Bank Tapes (radio): “Early Days of Hollywood” 2802

The South Bragg Show see Kombat Opera Presents

South Pacific (musical) 3830

South Park (TV) 2495, 2669

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (film) 2456

Southern, Terry 50

Souza, Robert 2899

Space Ghost Coast to Coast (TV) 2130

Spacey, Kevin 2214, 4091

Spall, Timothy 1894, 1924

Spam Song/The Concert (record) 210

Spamalot (CD) 3144, 3225, 3260, 3333

Spamalot (musical) 3120, 3131, 3133, 3201, 3242, 3359, 3822, 3833,
3850, 4202; [awards] 3146, 3147, 3151, 3389, 3838; [Australia] 3469,
3470, 3472, 3474; [Broadway] 3096, 3098, 3104, 3110, 3111, 3113–16,
3122, 3140, 3253, 3410, 3607; [Edinburgh] 3874; [Las Vegas] 3380, 3393,
3394, 3398, 3399, 3412; [London] 3238, 3326, 3327, 3352–55, 3400, 4109,
4131; [Los Angeles] 3676, 3677, 4078; [premiere] 3079, 3080; [Spain]
3577; [Toronto] 3300; [U.K. tour] 3824, 3827, 3851, 4044, 4045; [U.S.
tour] 3247, 3734

Span, Paula 2085

Spanswick, George 2201

Speaking Images: Essays in Honor of V. A. Kolve (book) 2663

Spear, Roger Ruskin 266

Spearman, Richard 4202

Spears, Annie 1833

The Spectator (magazine) 3626

Speight, Johnny 315

Speight, Philip 376

Spellbound: Art and Film (exhibition) 2132

Spence, Peter 1344, 1789

Spencer, John L. 2836, 2839, 2966

Spencer, Lady Diana see Princess Diana (of Wales)

Spencer, Terence 1074

Spend an Hour with Michael Palin (event) 4173

The Spice Girls 2533

Spiegel, Steve 2052

Spiegel Online (website) 3658

Spiers, Bob 675–77, 679, 680, 685, 732, 3738

Spiers, Judi 1122, 1708, 1822

Spies Like Us (film) 1238

Spike (TV) 1288

Spike, Paul 624

Spike Milligan: A Loose Cannon (TV) 2355

Spike Milligan: I Told You I Was Ill...A Live Tribute (TV) 2780, 2791

Spin (magazine) 1284, 1396, 1630, 2879

Spitting Image 1365, 1665

Spitznagel, Eric 3761

Spivak, Helayne 1595

Splitting Heirs (film) 386, 1881, 1933, 1938, 1941, 1945, 1947, 1951,
1953, 1955–58, 1960, 1961, 2221

Sporting Relations (book) 351

Sport Aid (event) 1296

Springfield, Dusty 8

Springsteen, Bruce 464, 3670, 3819

Spud (film) 3799, 3884, 3885, 4093

Spud 2 (film) 4114

Spurlock, Morgan 3202

Spycatcher (book) 1406

Spyres, Michael 4146

Squibb, Vince 3500

Squires, Tony 2854

Sragow, Michael 943

Stack, Robert 1303

Stadlen, Matthew 3769

Staff, Kathy 519

Stainton, Michael 607, 731

Staller, Ilona 1537

Stallone, Sylvester 2295

Stammering: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Other Professionals

(book) 2694

Stamp, Robbie 2352

Stamp, Terence 2813, 4011

Standby...Lights! Camera! Action! (TV) 1013

Stander, Lionel 1301

Standing, John 384

Standing Room Only (TV): “Double Bananas” 642

Stansfield, Lisa 1796

Stanshall, Vivian 10, 256, 264, 266, 2897

Stapleton, John 4030

Star Sound Extra (radio) 1009, 1101

Stark, Graham 165

Stark, John 1638

Starkie, Martin 2514

Starlog (magazine) 912, 1180, 1185, 1196, 1205, 1257, 1295, 1629, 1659

Starr, Ringo 50, 221, 1320, 1324, 2541, 2826, 2916, 2921, 3234, 3297,
3516, 3686, 3793, 3981, 4154, 4157

Stars on Sunday II: The Stage Show (stage) 1153, 1343

Starship Titanic (book) see Douglas Adams’s Starship Titanic

Starship Titanic (CD-ROM) 2318, 2319, 2352, 2357, 2665

Start the Week (radio) 1535, 1614, 1896, 1914, 1930, 2087, 3275

Start the Week with Richard Baker (radio) 658

The Statue (film) 113

Status Quo 844

Staunton, Imelda 3329, 4018

Stayt, Charlie 4014, 4035, 4065

Steadman, Alison 985

Steadman, Ralph 1867, 2365

Steel, Mark 2844

Steele, Tommy 585, 614

Steeples, Joe 211

Stefano, Joseph 2318

Steinman, Jim 4050

Steinmetz, Johanna 1370

Stelfox, Shirley 1370

Step Up to Wordpower (TV) 1754

Stephens, John 1712

Stephens, Lynne 1659

Stephens, Toby 2819

Stephenson, Pamela 737, 818, 871, 883, 929, 931, 1032, 1289, 1340, 2774,
2836, 3904

Stephinson, Ken 820, 1998

Stern, Leonard 1823

Sterritt, David 913, 2692, 3019

Steve Martin’s Best Show Ever (TV) 893

The Steve Miller Band 433

Steve Wright in the Afternoon (radio) 4029

Stevens, Michael Fenton 1984

Stevens, Toby 3000

Stevenson, Bob 3542

Stevenson, Jessica 2713, 3419

Steward, William 387

Stewart, Alastair 3040

Stewart, Avril 397

Stewart, Dave (or David) 1832, 3296

Stewart, David 2651

Stewart, Ed 585

Stewart, French 2358, 2359, 2664, 2666

Stewart, James 1859

Stewart, Jon 2551, 4081

Stewart, Maria 3551

Stewart, Rod 2931, 3758

Sticky Wicket see Behind the Crease

Stiles, Lynn 988

Still Crazy Like a Fox (TV) 1376

Stillman, Joe 3760

Stilwell, Jean 3410, 3417, 3543, 3550

Sting 871, 931, 1559, 2289, 3075, 3669

Stock, Francine 4058

Stockbridge, Sara 2104

Stockwood, Mervyn (Bishop of Southwark) [Dr.] 749

Stoddart, Patrick 1694, 2035

Stoker, Claire 2797

Stone, Matt 2456, 2496, 2669

Stone, Oliver 2376

Stoner, Sherri 2102

Stonham, Kay 985

Stoppard, Miriam 1132

Stoppard, Tom 473, 925, 1177, 1241, 1251, 1282, 2540

Stormare, Peter 3178

The Story of 1 (TV) 3016, 3198, 3199

Story Time [“Biggles”] (radio) 869

Storyville (TV): “Lost in La Mancha” 2904

Stovell, Eric 1026

Stowe, Madeleine 2078, 2119, 2324

Straight Talking: The Art of Assertiveness (film) 1869

Strain, Hugh 422

The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as We Know It (book) 601

The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as We Know It (TV) 252, 559,
596

Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells: Quentin Cottington’s Journal of

Faery Research (book) 2043, 2193

Stratton-Smith, Tony 1383

Strauss, Richard 3928

Street-Porter, Janet 1439, 2353

Streiber, Art 2979

Streisand, Barbra 2166

Streithorst, Tom 3588

Strick, Philip 1177

Strictly Private (TV) 1018

Strong, Colin 1320

Strong, James 3655

Stroud, John 2370

Stroud, Les 3431

Stroumboulopoulos, George 3775, 4056

Strummer, Joe 2813

Stuart, Caz 3611

Stuart, Charlie 4047

Stubbs, Imogen 1677

Stubbs, Una 381, 382, 685

Studies in the Age of Chaucer, Volume 22 (book) 2632

Sturgeon, Tim 1777

Sturges, Preston 1713, 2571, 3134, 3162

Sturridge, Charles 1358

Stynes, Yumi 4061

Suarez, Fabien 3295

Suchet, David 970, 2834

Suddenly Susan (TV) 2476

Sullivan, Arthur [Sir] 1304

Sullivan, David 924

Sullivan, Owen 777

Sullivan’s Travels (DVD) 3134

Sullivan’s Travels (film) 1713

Summers, Sue 1674, 2179

Sumner, Alex 2402

Sumpter, Donald 828

The Sun (newspaper) 34, 170, 952, 1036, 1046, 1347, 1676, 1885

Sunday Brunch (radio) 1891

Sunday Night [Aus.] (TV) 4016

Sunday Night [U.K.] (TV) 1007

Sunday Night Clive (TV) 2002

Sunday Premiere (TV): “Number 27” 1548

Sunday Spectacular (TV) 734

Sunday, Sunday (TV) 976, 983, 1002, 1095, 1113, 1144, 1225, 1340, 1626,
1686

The Sunday Telegraph (newspaper) 1674, 2734, 2927, 3201, 3271

The Sunday Times (London) (newspaper) 237, 340, 392, 417, 491, 565,
567, 651, 758, 794, 842, 931, 991, 1025, 1041, 1056, 1109, 1170, 1301,
1353, 1379, 1495, 1526, 1546, 1559, 1610, 1657, 1693, 1694, 1751, 1817,
1850, 1863, 1878, 1889, 1947, 1999, 2021, 2215, 2274, 2309, 2376, 2502,
2519, 2590, 2605, 2675, 2735, 2749, 2798, 3023, 3154, 3175, 3176, 3230,
3242, 3270, 3351

The Sunday Times Magazine (London) (magazine) 566, 2010, 2145, 2258,
2488, 2646, 2913, 3038, 3309, 3886

Sundin, Mats 3768

Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (TV) 3042

Super Size Me (film) 4102

Superman: True Brit (comic book) 3060

Superspike (record) 486

The Superspike Squad 486

Susann, Jacqueline 2547

Sussex, Elizabeth 1529

Sutherland, Alex 1526

Suzman, Janet 1751

Swallow, Roger 550

The Swan Princess (film) 2055

Swap Shop Star Awards (TV) 847

Sweet, Matthew 3338

Swinton, Tilda 4165

Swit, Loretta 777

Syal, Meera 1986

Syed-Tollan, Max 3364

Sykes, Eric 1661, 2250, 2791, 2831, 2966, 3191, 4179

Sykes, Melanie 2965, 3092

Symons, Nick 2370

Tafler, Sydney 159

Takamiya, Toshiyuki 4098

Taking the Wheel (film) 2722

The Tale of the Frog Prince see Faerie Tale Theatre

Tales from the Arabian Nights (book) 2269, 3656

Talk Asia (TV) 3837

Talk of the Nation (radio) 3423, 3836

The Talk Show (TV) 2938

Talking Movies (TV) 3316

Talking Pages (ads) 1736

Talking Pictures (TV) 744

Talking Poetry (radio) 1792

Talking Tate (TV) 2262

Tamahori, Lee 2819

Tamarkin, Jeff 1511

The Taming of the Shrew (TV) see BBC Television Shakespeare

Tandy, Adam 4070

Tannahill, Reay 855

Tanner, Stella 679

Taormina Film Festival 4111

Taplin, Jonathan 957

Tarantino, Quentin 2046

Tarnas, Richard [Prof.] 3461, 3622

Tarrant, Chris 674, 772, 774, 844, 894, 923, 3081, 3193, 3413

Tarrant’s 2004 (radio) 3081

Tatarsky, Daniel 3879

Tate, Catherine 3898

Tati, Jacques 160, 2660

Tatum, Channing 3649

Taub, Jay 1159

Taviani, Paolo 4113

Taviani, Vittorio 4113

Tavis Smiley (TV) 3133

Taylforth, Gillian 2149

Taylor, Andy 2630, 2631, 2840, 2841

Taylor, Clare 740

Taylor, Dennis 2965

Taylor, DJ 4120

Taylor, Gwen 420, 471, 532, 534, 537, 541–44, 635, 710, 726

Taylor, James [actor] 732

Taylor, James [musician] 695, 779, 2906

Taylor, Richard 309

Taylor, Steve 1053, 1075

Taylor-Mead, Elizabeth 982

Te Kanawa, Kiri 1643, 1660

Teach Yourself Heath (record) 233

The Teaching Awards 2001 (TV) 2703

Tears for Fears 1191

Tebbit, Norman 1339, 1535, 1541

The Telegraph see The Daily Telegraph

Telegraph Magazine (magazine) 4043

The Telegraph Travel Awards (ceremony) 3046

Telephone Behaviour: The Power and the Perils (film) 1344

Telephone Behaviour: The Rules of Effective Communication [1997] (film)
2323

The Television and Radio Industries Club Awards (ceremony) 2343, 2866

Telfer, Alison 11, 1533, 3015

The Tell-Tale Heart (opera) 3926

Templar, Dale 2377

Temple, Julien 931, 1065

Tennant, David 3655

Tenniel, John 567

Terranova, Gianluca 4063

Terry, Bridget 1198

The Terry and Gaby Show (TV) 2970

Terry Gilliam: A Life in Pictures (event) 3710

The Terry Gilliam Guardian Interview (event) 2198

Terry Gilliam Interviews (book) 3019

Terry Gilliam’s Desert Island Flicks (event) 2661

Terry Jones: Animal Tales (event) 3973

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (book) 3263, 3273, 3274, 3287, 3766

Terry Jones’ Barbarians (TV) 3273–77, 3280, 3281, 3283, 3284, 3286,
3289, 3293, 3308
Terry Jones’ Great Map Mystery (TV) 3418, 3512, 3513, 3517, 3520, 3526,
3635

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (book) 2964, 2974, 2975

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives (TV) 2948, 2961, 2965, 2967–70, 2975; “The
Damsel” 2952; “The King” 2951; “The Knight” 2949; “The Minstrel”
2955; “The Monk” 2950; “The Outlaw” 2956; “The Peasant” 2957; “The
Philosopher” 2954

Terry Jones’s War on the War on Terror (book) 2708, 3085, 3124

Terry Wogan’s Friday Night (TV) 1923

Tewson, Josephine 252

TFI Friday (TV) 2222, 2234, 2408

Thackeray, William Makepeace 753

That Sunday Night Show (TV) 3904

Thatcher, Denis 1650

Thatcher, Margaret [Prime Minister] [Baroness] 151, 695, 1650, 2343,

2381

That’s Death (CD) 2207

That’s Esther (TV) 2579

That’s Television Entertainment (TV) 1320

Theakston, Jamie 2178, 2223, 2691

Théâtre de Complicité 1739

Their Finest Hours (plays) 508

TheJohnCleese.Com 3013, 3031

Theopold, Hans-Bernhard 134

Theroux, Paul 853, 862, 4120

Thewlis, David 2750, 4165

Thierry, Mélanie 4165

“Things Ain’t What They Used to Be” (song) 753

“Things We Said Today” (song) 753

Think or Sink (film) 1868

Third Ear (radio) 1857

3rd Rock from the Sun (TV) 2231; “Dick and the Other Guy” 2359; “Just
Your Average Dick” 2358; “Mary Loves Scoochie: Part 1” 2664; “Mary
Loves Scoochie: Part 2” 2666

Thirty Three & 1/3 (record) 528, 530, 535

30 Years of Python (TV) 2493

This Country in the Morning (radio) 298

This Is Going to Hurt Me More Than It Hurts You: The Bad News Interview
(film) 1733

This Is Your Life (TV) 266, 2721

This Morning (TV) 1711, 1893, 2008, 2183, 2278, 2508, 3436, 3620, 3702,
4036, 4119, 4203

This Song/Learning How to Love You (record) 530

This Week (TV) 2868

This Week’s Good Cause (radio) 2283

Thomas, Andrew 3192

Thomas, Betsy 4069

Thomas, Ellen 2840, 2841

Thomas, Hugh 1475

Thomas, Jeremy 3186

Thomas, Leslie 1122, 1340

Thomas, Polly 3262

Thomas, Ralph 68, 243

Thomas, Richard 3395

Thomas, Rowlant 1479

Thomas, Vicky 3647

Thomas, Wally 1026

Thompson, Anne 880

Thompson, Bernard 481

Thompson, Brian 838

Thompson, David 2046, 4091

Thompson, E. P. 858

Thompson, Emma 204, 1564, 2931

Thompson, Gregory 2664

Thompson, Harry 1776

Thompson, Howard 161

Thompson, Hunter S. 2267, 2361, 2376, 2849

Thompson, John 4011

Thompson, John O. 937

Thompson, Mark 3575

Thompson, Neville C. 970

Thompson, Steve 3985

Thornborrow, Bridget 1798

Thorne, Angela 990, 2017

Three Men in a Boat (TV) 430, 473, 1440

Three Piece Suite (TV): “Every Day in Every Way” 573

Throsby, Margaret 2521, 4190

Thurman, Uma 1559, 1585, 1601

Thurmond, Strom [Sen.] 728

Tideland (DVD) 3392

Tideland (film) 3024, 3178, 3186, 3187, 3194, 3301, 3304, 3305, 3312,
3313, 3316, 3331, 3334, 3335, 3345, 3346, 3348, 3349, 3384, 3907

Tidy, Bill 211

Tilbrook, Glen 1032

Tillis, Mel 808

Tilly, Jennifer 3186

Tilting at Windmills: The Fantastical Worlds of Terry Gilliam (event) 2816,

2857

Tilzey, Paul 2439

Tim Rice (TV) 1006

Time (magazine) 397, 494, 567, 635, 710, 863, 1025, 1149, 1315, 1495,
1559

Time and the Soul (book) 2891

Time Bandits (book) 860

Time Bandits (comic book) 918

Time Bandits (DVD/Blu-ray) 3711, 3712, 3859

Time Bandits (film) 743, 784, 785, 791, 835, 857, 863, 866, 870, 880, 882,
885, 889, 891, 898, 912, 913, 921, 936, 1031, 1064, 1532, 1574, 2120,
2336, 2376, 2540, 2706, 2743, 2805, 2936

Time Bandits: A Screenplay (book) 881

Time Bandits: Special Edition (DVD) 2324, 2960

Time Bandits: The Criterion Collection (laserdisc) 2336

Time Bandits: 25th Anniversary Edition (DVD) 3315

A Time of Gifts (book) 1657

Time Out (magazine) 267, 269, 1528, 1664

Time Out London (magazine) 3360

Time Shift (TV): “The Comic Songbook” 3600; “Missing Believed Wiped”
2940, 2944

A Time to Live (book) 2842

Time to Talk (video) 1800

Time Troopers (DVD game) 3008

The Times (London) (newspaper) 34, 82, 109, 219, 280, 281, 399, 480,
494, 610, 704, 710, 813, 874, 970, 1019, 1052, 1059, 1076, 1149, 1177,
1271, 1274, 1304, 1351, 1438, 1495, 1613, 1677, 1748, 1812, 1818, 1897,
1926, 1932, 1934, 1945, 2015, 2017, 2035, 2067, 2096, 2142, 2146, 2155,
2158, 2179, 2221, 2272, 2287, 2342, 2376, 2485, 2501, 2546, 2797, 2803,
2807, 2943, 2948, 2982, 2994, 3029, 3035, 3037, 3142, 3174, 3178, 3186,
3203, 3304, 3332, 3563, 3719, 4127, 4156

The Times Literary Supplement (London) (newspaper) 770, 1069, 1216,

1305, 2927

The Times Magazine (London) (magazine) 1976, 2256, 2737, 3327, 4164

The Times: Play (London) (newspaper) 2855

The Times Screen Talk (event) 3212

The Times: The Directory (London) (newspaper) 2270

The Times: The Knowledge (London) (newspaper) 3365

Timewatch (TV): “The Last Day of World War One” 3507, 3571, 3574,
3575

Timlett, Ben 3731, 3825, 3858, 4140, 4162

Timmons, Stan 1709

Tinoco, Luis 3481, 4013

Tiswas (TV) 674, 772, 774, 844, 894, 3413

Tiswas Reunited (TV) 3413

Titcher, David 2999

Titchmarsh, Alan 1854, 3378

The Titfield Thunderbolt (film) 2474

Titleist (ads) 2716

Tiven, Jon 422

To Norway—Home of Giants! (TV) 769

Today (radio) 2687

Today (TV) 499, 1309, 1507, 1527, 1575, 1757, 1943, 2079, 2210, 2379,
3116

Today with Des and Mel (TV) 2965, 3092

Togas on TV: Visions of Rome (TV) 3308

Toksvig, Sandi 3036, 3437

Tolan, Peter 2639, 2742

Tolkien, J. R. R. 2265, 2266

The Tom Machine (film) 828

Tom Snyder (TV) 2050

Tom Thumb see Rabbit Ears Radio

Tomalin, Claire 533

Tomiczek, John 177, 775

Tomkinson, Stephen 2328

Tomkinson’s Schooldays (TV) see Ripping Yarns

Tomlin, Karen 2059

Tomlinson, Fred 461

Tomorrow (TV) 718

Tomorrow’s World (TV) 571

Tong, Jacqueline 476

Tonight (TV) 487

Tonight in Town (TV) 702

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV) 277–79, 356, 808, 922,
1199, 1335, 1405, 1497, 1729, 3824

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV) 1948, 1960, 2106, 2195

Tonight with Jonathan Ross (TV) 1796

Tonkin, Boyd 3274

The Tony Awards [59th Annual] (ceremony) 3151, 3389

The Tony Danza Show (TV) 3111

Too Hot to Handle (stage) 1032

Too Much Sun (film) 1756, 1783

Took, Barry 13, 17, 63, 252, 289, 309, 522, 990, 1411, 1752, 2033, 2472,
2744, 2765

“Top of the Form” (sketch) 8, 871, 883, 907, 931, 1131

Top of the Pops (TV) 811, 1853

Top Ten (TV): “Comedy Records” 2561

Toronto Star (newspaper) 3409, 3678

Toronto International Film Festival 1848, 1850, 3187, 4141, 4144

Toronto Symphony Orchestra 3410

Torrance, Ewan 3606

Town and Country Planning (magazine) 1299

Townshend, Pete 704, 755, 1148

Toy Story 3 (film) 3853

Toynbee, Polly 1932

Tracey, Stan 1174

Tracey Ullman: A Class Act (TV) 1922, 1924

Training (magazine) 2441

The Transformers: The Movie (film) 1303

Translating Richard II see Was Richard II a Tyrant?

Transport 2000 1256, 1276, 1436, 1462, 1608, 2000, 2674, 3580

Travanti, Daniel J. 1774

Travel Addiction: Is There a Cure? (lecture) 2348

Travel, Comedy and a Little Bit of Fish (lecture) 3569

The Traveling Wilburys 1811

Traveling Wilburys: Volume One (record) 1538

Traveling Wilburys: Vol. 3 (record) 1811

Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile (book) 3782

The Traveller’s Handbook (book) 2291

Travelling on Television (lecture) 3826

Travers, Peter 1177, 1495, 3705

Travis 2673

Travolta, John 1390

The Treatment (radio) 2681, 3120

Trebek, Alex 2637

Tree, Margaret 2099, 2104

Trentham, Barbara 833, 903, 960, 1111, 1429, 1763, 1917, 4134

Trevor McDonald Meets... (TV) 2548

Trigger Happy TV (TV) 2545

Trillin, Calvin 1944

Trouble on the Heath (book) 3917–19

Troubles (TV) 1358

Troyer, Verne 3659, 3681, 3713, 3725, 3785

“True Love” (song) 528, 535

True Love (film) 528, 535

The Truman Show (film) 2443

Truss, Lynne 2067

The Truth (book) 4110, 4115–21, 4123–25, 4136, 4142, 4143, 4147, 4150,
4173

Truth and Logic (film) 626

Try to See It My Way see The Secretary and Her Boss, Part1: Try to See It
My Way

Tsao, Andrew 2633

The Tube (TV) 1191

Tubridy, Ryan 3754

Tubular Bells 2003 (CD) 2897

Tucker, Jessi 3063

Tudyk, Alan 3701

Tuesday’s Documentary (TV): “That Well-Known Store in Knightsbridge”

144; “The Great 20th-Century Love Affair” 146

Tully, Mark 2060, 3553

Turan, Kenneth 2119, 3659

Turlington, Christy 1911

Turn Back Time (TV) 3310

Turnbull, Bill 3213, 3612, 3755, 3868, 3942, 4032

Turnbull, David F. 2503, 2505, 2509, 2515

Turnbull, Malcolm 1366

Turner, Bill 33, 133, 145, 148, 152, 155, 212

Turner, Bonnie 2359

Turner, Graham 144

Turner, J. M. W. 3689, 3847

Turner, Jane 3815

Turner, Kathleen 1117

Turner, Teddy 726

Turner, Terry 2359

Turner, Tina 1675, 1724

Turns of the Century (radio) 2092

Turpin, Digby 309, 389

Turtle, Tommy 2483

TV Guide (magazine) 356

TV Guide Online (website) 2560

TV Lite (TV) 1394

TV Times (magazine) 626, 765, 1704

Twain, Mark 1455

“’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (poem) 2623

Tweedie, Jill 855

12 Monkeys (film) 2078, 2119, 2120, 2125–27, 2129, 2132, 2135, 2139,
2143, 2145, 2146, 2148–51, 2190, 2239

The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala (stage) 3888

20/20 (TV) 1030

Twenty Years of Monty Python (seminar & screenings) 1582, 1583, 1586,
1588–92, 1595

Twenty Years on the Road (lecture) 3629

Twice a Fortnight (TV) 1591

Twiggy 1411, 1625, 2389, 2404, 4053

Twiggy’s People (TV) 2389

Twilight Zone (magazine) 936, 1177

The Twits (book) 2946, 3227

The Two Ronnies (TV) 129, 136, 138, 141, 214, 240, 285, 291, 514, 517,
2211, 2627, 2966, 3246, 3898, 3976

Two Ronnies Night (TV) 2459

2000 Today (TV) 2536

Tyler, Aisha 3746

Tyler, Andrew 342

Tyler, Bonnie 1006

Tzudiker, Bob 2619

UB40 1032

Uderzo, Albert 2557

Ullman, Tracey 1100, 1922, 1924, 3465, 4096

Ullmann, Liv 2662

The Ultimate Film (TV) 3070

The Ultimate Monty Python Rip Off (CD) 2036

The Uncle Floyd Show (TV) 941

Under the Sun (TV): “The Cat and the Mouse” 1968

Understanding Stammering or Stuttering (book) 4126

Underwood, Ron 2772

Underwood’s Finest Hour (play) 508, 879

Unfaithfully Yours (DVD) 3162

Unger, Kurt 19

U.S. Comedy Arts Festival 2340, 2345, 2550, 2863

U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Tribute to Monty Python (event) 2340

U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Tribute to Monty Python (TV) 2345

The Unknown Peter Sellers (TV) 2562, 3234, 3841

The Unorganised Manager (film series) 1200

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation [1983] (film) 1103

The Unorganised Manager, Part 1: Damnation [1996] (film) 2205

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation [1983] (film) 1104

The Unorganised Manager, Part 2: Salvation [1996] (film) 2206

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Divine Intervention [1997] (film) 2321

The Unorganised Manager, Part 3: Lamentations [1985] (film) 1248

The Unorganised Manager, Part 4: Revelations [1985] (film) 1249

The Unorganised Salesperson, Part 2: Valuing Yourself (film) 1798

The Unpleasant World of Penn & Teller (TV) 1992

Unstaged (web) 3854

“The Unsteady Chough” (poem) 2715

The Unsteady Chough (film) 3082

Unwin, Dave 2118, 2204

Up Close with Carrie Keagan (TV) 3785

Up Sunday (TV) 256, 264, 266, 292, 296

“Up Where We Belong” (song) 1114

Updike, John 1657

Urban, William 3374

Ure, Midge 1220, 1286, 1439

Us (magazine) 1632

U.S. News & World Report (magazine) 1698, 2347

The USCAF Awards Gala and Comedy Film Honors (ceremony) 2863
Ustinov, Peter [Sir] 579, 594, 622, 859, 1447, 1638, 1641, 1642, 2024

The Utterly Utterly Merry Comic Relief Christmas Book (book) 1307

V Graham Norton (TV) 2833

Vadukul, Max 1572

Vague, Tom 1235, 1267

Valente, Renée 1638, 1641, 1642

Valenti, Jack 709

Valiant (film) 2946, 3123

A Valid Path (CD) 3012

Vallance, Clem 1694, 1699, 1700, 1715, 1718, 1897, 1898, 1902–04, 1906,
1912, 2272, 2284, 2288, 2298, 2304, 2308

Valley of the Dolls (book) 2547

Valuing Yourself see Unorganised Salesperson, Part 2: Valuing Yourself

Van Allan, Richard 1304, 1352, 1442

Van Ark, Joan 787

Van Bridge, Tony 1198

Van De Ruit, John 3884

Van Dyke, Barry 776

Van Gelder, Lawrence 1059, 2185

Van Strum, Carol 874, 1069

Van Tulleken, Jonathan 3082

VanCamp, Emily 4185

Vanity Fair (book) 753

Vanity Fair (magazine) 2138, 2346, 2450, 2553, 2570, 2652, 2738, 2978,
2979, 3103, 3391, 3625, 3751, 3804, 3821, 3913, 3924

Vanity Fair.com (website) 3761, 3776, 3803

Vanoff, Nick 777

Vanstone, Hugh 3113

Varhol, Michael 1673

Variety (magazine) 971, 1029, 3113

The Variety Club Awards (ceremony) 484, 1354, 1582

Varley, Isobel 2228

Vaske, Hermann 3296

Vaughan, Norman 303

Vaughan, Peter 863, 1177

Vaughn, Robert 113

Ventham, Wanda 421, 427

Ventura, Viviane 924

Vereen, Ben 500

Verne, Jules 1413, 1534, 1638, 1683, 1694, 2999

Vernierre, James 936

Vernon, Conrad 2997

Vernon, Richard 731, 905

VH1 Goes Inside (TV): “Shrek” 2995

Victoria Wood’s Sketch Show Story (TV) 2701

Victorian Values see Options

Video Review (magazine) 1362

Video Video (TV) 1070

Videos for Patients see What You Really Need to Know About...

The View (TV) 2574

A View from the Boundary (radio) 1300, 1775

The View in Winter (book) 864

Vilanch, Bruce 428

The Village Voice (newspaper) 412, 494, 710, 1558, 3186

Villechaize, Herve 777

Vince, William 3659

Vincent, David 4088

Vincent, Peter 136, 138, 141, 291

Vincent, Sally 2010

Vincent, Tim 2186

Viner, Brian 4180

Virginia Woolf Diaries (book) 3656

Vitaliev, Vitali 1747

Viz: The Documentary (TV) 1765

Vodka-Cola (book) 858

Vogue (magazine) 408, 432, 1572

Voices for Peace (book) 2708, 3085

Vole (magazine) 589, 628

Von Sivers, Malou 3935

Voos, John 1052

Vosburgh, Dick 39, 126, 127, 136, 141

The Voyages of Sinbad (I to III) (audiobook) 1162

The Voyages of Sinbad (IV to VI) (audiobook) 1162

Vyvyan, Johnny 3, 4

Waddingham, Hannah 3353, 3389

Wade, Jennifer 3781, 3876, 3937, 3998, 4022, 4134, 4137

Wade, Robert 2516, 2819

Wadsworth, Andrew C. 915

Wagland, John 1353

Wagreich, David 2423

Wailes, Martha 2501

Waits, Tom 3659, 3959

Waldham, Gary 621

Wale, Michael 162, 211, 400

Walesa, Lech 3453

Walker, Alexander 2682

Walker, April 446, 477, 620, 900, 901

Walker, Jane 380

Walker, Nancy 777

Walker, Peter 931

Walker, Ted 2118, 2204

Walker, Tim 3751

Walkie Talkie (TV) 1730

Walks on the Wild Side (event) 3883

Wall, Max 567

The Wall Street Journal (newspaper) 1513, 3416

Wallace, Danny 3568

Wallace, David 2068, 2072, 2074, 2076

Wallace, Julie T. 1745

Wallace-Hadrill, Andrew [Dr.] 2565

Wallach, Eli 2047

Wallis, Alan 137, 142, 147, 150, 153, 154, 156, 157, 189, 190, 192, 201–
03, 205, 208, 300

Wallstrom, Margot 3768

Walmsley, Jane 778

Walsh, J. T. 1673

Walsh, Kate 4189

Walter, Harriet 3294

Walters, Barbara 499

Walters, Guy 1976

Walters, Julie 1002, 1043, 1044, 1133, 1370, 1373, 1374, 1833, 2439

Walters, Thorley 159

Walton, William [Sir] 597

Waltrip, Darrell 3880

Waltz, Christoph 4165

Wanamaker, Zoë 3202

Wander, Suzannah 3352

Wannabe (TV) 2297

Wapshott, Tim 2158

Warburton, Matt 3388

Warburton, Patrick 2620

Ward, Elizabeth 1216

Ward, Lalia 729

Ward, Simon 248

Ward, Tom 8

Warden, Jack 859, 1376

Ware, Derek 471

Warfield, Sonja 2989

Warhol, Andy 411, 639

Wark, Kirsty 2684, 3857

Warner, Aron 3405

Warner, David 863, 2324, 2336

Warnock, Craig 863, 2336

Warren, David 3659

Warrington, Don 1157, 1984

Warwick, David 731

Was Richard II a Tyrant? (lecture) 3444, 3448, 3451, 3464, 3511, 3525,
3633

Was Richard II Mad? (lecture) 3528

Washington, Cheryl 1492

Washington, George [President] 1668

Washington, Isaiah 2899

The Washington Post (newspaper) 415, 708, 891, 1094, 1512, 2085, 2221

Washington Post Book World (newspaper) 1216

Watching (TV) 2611

Watchmen (comic) 1598, 2890

Waters, Harry F. 401, 635

Waters, John 2422

Watford, Gwen 480

Watling, Dilys 476, 692

Watson, Albert 1524

Watson, Emma 2702, 2810

Watson, Mark 3680, 3683

Watson, Moray 517

Wattis, Nigel 775

Watts, Charlie 1969

Watts, Michael 751, 1052

Watts, Reggie 4081

Watts, Tim 2648

Wavell, Stuart 2735

Wawn, Andrew 1069

Wax, Ruby 1409, 2002, 2252, 2471

Way, Ann 453, 725

Way, Eileen 606

Way Off Broadway (TV) 1437

The Way We Travelled (TV) 2905

Waymark, Peter 1351

The Wayne Brady Show (TV) 2871

W. C. Fields: A Biography (book) 2881

W. C. Fields: A Comedian for Politically Incorrect Times (lecture) 2881

We All Have Tales (TV): “Jack and the Beanstalk” 1832

We Are Most Amused (stage) (TV) 3579, 3582

We Can Work It Out see The Secretary and Her Boss, Part 2: We Can
Work It Out

We Will Rock You (musical) 3018

Wearing, Gillian 2402

Wearn, Deborah 1913

Weaver, Dennis 777

Weaving, Hugo 2625

Webb, Marti 773, 927

Webb, Steve 2905

Webber, Richard 2276

Weber, Bruce 2086

Weber, Michael H. 3616

Webster, Gary 1938

Webster, George 3123

Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) (TV) 2741, 2742

The Weekend (book) 2019

The Weekend (play) 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010–13, 2015–17

Weekend Live (TV) 1608

Weekend Wogan (radio) 4195

Wehn, Henning 3944

Weiland, Paul 1919

Wein, Joe 2751

Weinstein, Bob 2862, 2902, 3178

Weinstein, Harvey 2902

Weis, Gary 635, 2644, 3584

Weisman, Sam 2261, 2442

Weiss, Julie 2119

Welch, Chris 301

Welch, Raquel 50

Welcome Customer, Part 1: Have a Nice Stay (film) 761

Welcome Customer, Part 2: See You Again Soon (film) 762

Welcome to South Park (event) 2669

Weldon, Fay 1768, 1930

Wellensian Consort 3972

Weller, Wesla 2171

Welles, Orson 1082, 1303, 2501

Wells, Audrey 2261

Wells, Dominic 2855

Wells, H. G. 1567, 1568

Wells, John 252, 256, 264, 266, 292, 296, 871, 931

Wells, Simon 1859

Wences, Senor 642

Wenner, Adrian 4069

Wentworth, John 480, 618

Wesker, Arnold 1768

West, Carinthia 471, 532, 537, 542, 544

West, Dottie 745

West, Samuel 3390

West, Timothy 548

West, W. J. 1914

West 57th Street (TV) 1384

Westbrook, John 1150

Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales) (newspaper) 3919, 4155

Westheimer, Ruth [Dr.] 1378

Westlife 4030

Weston, Diana 1984

Weston, Maggie 286, 1558, 1755, 3351

Whalley-Kilmer, Joanne 1443

What a Performance! (TV) 2589

What About Dick? (play) 3465, 4077, 4096, 4176, 4185, 4189, 4191, 4198,
4203

What Did ITV Do for Me? (TV) 3193

What Do People Do All Day? (book) 38

What Have They Given Us? (TV) 1260, 1261

What I Heard About Iraq (event) 3252

What Is a Computer? see Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 1: What

Is a Computer?

What Is a Computer Program? see Everybody’s Guide to the Computer,

No. 3: What Is a Computer Program?

What Is a Word Processor? see Everybody’s Guide to the Computer, No. 2:

What Is a Word Processor?

What Is Brazil? (TV) 1251, 2174

What Is Religion?: Musings on The Life of Brian (lecture) 3056

What on Earth Is Going On? (TV) 1436

What the Butler Saw (play) 915

What the Pythons Did Next (TV) 3375, 3376

What You Really Need to Know About... (videos) 1983, 2257

What’s Eating Johnny Depp? (TV) 2422

What’s So Funny? (lecture) 1826

What’s So Great About...? (radio) 4108

Wheeler, Lionel 440

Wheeler, Mortimer 3308

When I’m Calling You see Selling on the Telephone: When I’m Calling You

When We Were Young: A Compendium of Childhood (book) 3032

When We Were Young: Memories of Childhood (book) 1411

When Will They Realise We’re Living in the 20th Century? (film) 825

“When You Wish Upon a Star” (song) 3928

Where There’s Life (TV) 1132

Whicker, Alan 175, 1260, 1413, 1937, 3166, 3381, 3506

Whipple, Shonda 1640

Whitaker, Ben 70

Whitaker, Frances 749, 1123

Whitbread, Dean 3267

The Whitbread Book Awards (ceremony) 2720

Whitby, Joy 1463

Whitchurch, Philip 1833

White, Andrew Dickson 2386

White, Betty 645

White, E. B. 3368

White, John 606

White, Kevin 2945

White, Michael 397, 1751

White, Noni 2619

White, Peter 3814

Whitehall, Jack 4199

Whitehouse, Alan 1804

Whitehouse, Brian 350

Whitehouse, Mary 924, 1768

Whitehouse, Paul 2561

Whitfield, June 306–08, 626, 899, 909

Whitley, Edward 1037, 1294

Whitmore, Ken 281

Whitney (TV): “Mind Games” 4069

Whittaker, Roger 895

Whittell, Giles 2342

Whittington, Valerie 970, 1025

Whitworth, John 2425

The Who 470, 649

Who Is Harry Nilsson (and Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?) (film)
3234

Who Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery (book) 770, 2388, 2926,

2927, 2938, 2955, 2984, 2998, 3049, 3074, 3115, 3515

Who Murdered Chaucer?: A Medieval Mystery (lecture) 2924, 2928, 2984,

2998, 3049, 3051, 3115, 3515

Who Sold You This, Then? [1972] (film) see Marketing in Practice, No. 1:
Who Sold You This, Then?

Who Sold You This Then? [1997] (film) 2322

Wholey, Dennis 1092, 1148

The Wholly Family (film) 3899, 3953, 3989, 3991, 3999, 4033, 4058, 4064,
4094, 4107

Whoops Apocalypse (TV) 928

Who’s That Girl (concert) 1408

Who’s There? (film) 163

Why Do People Work? (film) 902

Whyte, Alison 4126

Wibberley, Cormac 2901

Wibberley, Marianne 2901

Wickham, Saskia 1864

Wicks, Dennis 1352

Wide World of Entertainment [“The Monty Python Show”] (TV) 423, 447,
466, 469, 472

Wieland, Bob 2871

Wiig, Kristen 4081

Wilbur, Todd 3529

Wilbury Twist (music video) 1811

Wilcox, Larry 787

Wilcox, Paula 804

The Wild (film) 3258

Wild, Jeannette 88

Wilde, Brian 280, 1982

Wilde, Marjorie 86

Wilkes, Jonathan 3555

Wilkie, Amanda 2398

Will & Grace (TV): “The Accidental Tsuris” 2953; “Flip-Flop: Part 1”
2977; “Flip-Flop: Part 2” 2981; “Heart Like a Wheelchair” 2932; “I Do,
Oh, No, You Di-in’t: Part 1 & 2” 2989
Will You Answer True? see Selling on the Telephone: Will You Answer
True?

Willard, Fred 2942, 3048

Williams, Cindy 563, 834

Williams, Frank 220

Williams, Hywel 3172

Williams, JoBeth 2436

Williams, John [guitarist] 85, 579, 594, 622, 704, 755, 1665, 2212

Williams, John [writer] 1824

Williams, Kenneth 463, 1290

Williams, Martin 3685

Williams, Michael 4183

Williams, Phil 3311

Williams, Robin 934, 957, 1446, 1559, 1619, 1849, 1850, 1855, 1952,
2462, 2465, 2467, 2533, 2540, 2550, 2591, 2678, 2688, 2836, 2906, 3234,
3411, 3499, 3579, 3582

Williams, Sarah 1915, 2390

Williams, Sian 3213, 3612, 3755, 3868, 3942, 4032

Williams, Simon 651

Williams, Tennessee 2432

Williamson, Bruce 161, 943, 1025, 1274, 1559

Williamson, Nicol 2185

Willis, Bruce 2078, 2119, 2148

Willoughby, Holly 4036, 4119

The Willows in Winter (TV) 2118, 2204

Wilmore, Marc 4102

Wilmot, Gary 1776

Wilson, Andy 1739

Wilson, Anthony 1612

Wilson, Bill 737, 818

Wilson, Brian 3981

Wilson, Dave 515, 563, 576, 640, 660, 671, 695, 730, 779, 893, 940, 966,
1110

Wilson, David 3293

Wilson, Dennis Main 13, 315

Wilson, Flip 777

Wilson, Gahan 1177

Wilson, Hugh 2464

Wilson, Iain 958

Wilson, John 3822

Wilson, Owen 4004

Wilson, Richard 1733, 1740, 1866, 2012, 2017

Wilson, Stuart 2750

Wilson, Trey 1055

Wilton, Kate 2228

Wilton, Penelope 1274, 4091

Wimbledon (film) 3021

The Wind in the Willows (audiobook) 2160

The Wind in the Willows (book) 2185, 2187, 2204, 2209, 2331, 3632

The Wind in the Willows (film) 2111, 2173, 2175, 2178–80, 2183–88, 2209,
2306, 2331, 2405, 2420, 2426, 3044, 3632; see also Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
(video)

The Wind in the Willows (TV) 2118

The Wind in the Willows: A Centenary Celebration (event) 3632

The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Illustrated Screenplay (book) 2209

Windmill (TV) 1440

Windsor, Barbara 1290

Windsor, Joe 382, 475

Wine for the Confused see John Cleese’s Wine for the Confused

Winfrey, Oprah 3368, 3838

Wing-Davey, Mark 481, 548

Winick, Gary 3368

Winkleman, Claudia 4039, 4125

Winkleman, Sophie 4096

Winkler, Henry 563

Winner, Michael 1033, 1788, 2225, 2448, 2460, 3555, 3688, 3876

Winston, Robert [Prof.] 2402

Winstone, Ray 3355

Winterburn, Denise 1714

Wintle, Angela 4043

Winton, Dale 2224

Wise, Ernie 1320

With Friends Like These (TV): “Don’t Mention the War” 2914

Without Walls: Film Talk (TV) 1843

Witness (film) 1282

Witt, Alicia 2313

Wogan (TV) 992, 1136, 1239, 1260, 1276, 1281, 1290, 1349, 1357, 1366,
1397, 1531, 1616, 1695, 1774, 1795, 1864

Wogan, Terry 484, 992, 1136, 1239, 1276, 1281, 1290, 1349, 1354, 1357,
1366, 1397, 1531, 1582, 1616, 1695, 1774, 1795, 1864, 1923, 2091, 2459,
2593, 2970, 3246, 3284, 4195

Wogan Now and Then (TV) 3284

Woitkewitsch, Thomas 238, 287, 3944

Wolf, Martin 3658

Wolfberg, Dennis 1437

Wolfe, Tim 2745

Wolfe, Tom 896

Wolff, Michele J. 2986

Wolk, Josh 2948

Woman’s Hour (radio) 124, 1077, 1285, 1356, 1732

Woman’s Hour Drama (radio): “How Shall I Tell the Dog?” 3566

Wonder, Stevie 2678

Wong, Vincent 105

Wood, Dominic 3605, 3802, 3910

Wood, Duncan 222

Wood, Michael 838

Wood, Ralph 105

Wood, Ron 635, 1969, 2618

Wood, Victoria 871, 1153, 1343, 2185, 2701

Woodrow, Stephen Taylor 3857

Woodruff, Anthony 725

Woods, Aubrey 340

Woods, Eli 313

Woods, James 1807

Woods, Peter 368

Woods, Sheryl 1712

Woods, Vicki 1572

Woodward, Edward 1661

Wooldridge, Susan 1924

Wooler, Mike 163

Woolf, Henry 230, 340, 418, 420, 421, 425, 427, 429, 471, 537, 541–43,
635

Working Girl (film) 1578

The World Is Not Enough (film) 2510, 2516, 2517, 2819

The World of Interiors (magazine) 1266

The World Stunt Awards [2nd Annual] (ceremony) 2753

The Worst of Monty Python (record) 556

Wright, Jo 1924

Wright, Joseph 3689

Wright, Matthew 3282

Wright, Peter 1406

Wright, Robert 2082

Wright, Steven 1643, 1660, 2055

The Wright Stuff (TV) 3282

Writing and Travelling (event) 4142

Written and Directed by Preston Sturges (DVD set) 3134

WTTW Channel 11 (ads) 2349

Wuhl, Robert 1782, 1823

Wunderkamera: Terry Gilliam’s Cinema (book) 3971

WXRT-Chicago (ads) 1201

Wyeth, Katya 39, 49

Wyldeck, Martin 440

Wylder, Jonathan 3937

Wylie, Adam 2251

Wyman, Bill 1113, 1969, 2618, 2921, 3539

X-Play (TV) 2983

X the Unknown (film) 2830

Yallop, David 810

Yang, Edward 2662

Yanover, Ronald 2057

Yapp, Will 3375, 3587, 3588

Yarbrough, Jeff 1277

Yarwood, Mike 1397

Yashere, Gina 3680

Yates, Paula 1191

Yates, Peter 1033

Yeager, Robert F. 2663, 2927, 4098

Yelland, David 3294

Yellowbeard (film) 954, 978, 984, 1003, 1049, 1059, 1073, 1087, 2066

Yentob, Alan 4053

Yoakum, Jim 1554, 2307, 2541, 2594, 3167

Yohn, Erica 1859

York, David 974

York, Michael 1579

York, Phyllis 974

York, Susannah 1062

Yorke, Rachel 1794

Yorkshire Evening Post (newspaper) 3909

You and Me (TV) 670

You and Yours (radio) 3814

You’ll Soon Get the Hang of It (film) 899

Young, B. A. 316

Young, Chris 1455, 1501

Young, John 397, 710

Young, Kirsty 3928

Young, Paul 1417

Young Frankenstein (film) 397, 978

Young Guardian (newspaper) 1371, 1552, 1576

The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (TV): “Barcelona, May 1917” 1894

The Young Ones 1286

The Young Ones (TV): “Nasty” 1125

You’ve Got Mail 2335

Zanetti, Eugenio 2573

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