Happy birthday, Eric Idle!

Eric Idle, born March 29, 1943 in Tyne and Wear, England, is best known for his work in the comedy troop Monty Python.  He appeared in Monty Python's Flying Circus and the movie spin-offs. He appeared with Robbie Coltrane in one of my favorites, Nuns on the Run.  

I didn't realize this, that he has been nominated for six Grammys for Best Comedy Recording and Best Spoken Word Album for Children.  He won Best Musical Show Album for Monty Python's Spamalot in 1981.

Monty Python's Flying Circus episode "Scott of the Antarctic" airs 1970

The 10th episode of the second season of Monty Python's Flying Circus, which featured "Scott of the Antarctic" aired December 1, 1970.  Of course, we all were shocked to find out there are no lions in the Antarctic. 

Final Episode of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" airs 1974

The end of an era:  The last episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus aired December 5, 1974.  John Cleese had left the show before the fourth (and last) season, saying the show had become repititious and had run out of ideas.  He did collaborate with the other members and even appeared in one episode in the last season.

TV Guide has ranked it the 5th in the Top 25 Cult Shows Ever! and imdb.com has it ranked as #35 of the Top 250 TV shows.

Graham Chapman passed away in 1989, but the rest are still alive and kicking!

Happy birthday, Carol Cleveland, the female Monty Python!

Carol Cleveland, the beautiful buxom blond who often appeared as a real girl on Monty Python's Flying Circus, was born January 13, 1942.  She seemed to be just as crazy as they were.  I especially liked her as Zoot in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, or her twin sister.  Whichever.  Her biography on imdb.com doesn't contain much information except she was born in England, went to school in Texas and California before returning to England in 1960 to start acting.

Monty Python's Flying Circus premiered 1969!

The first episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus aired October 5, 1969 but Americans had to wait until July 1974 for the first broadcast.  The original cast starred: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.  The series ran for four seasons, but John Cleese left the show after the third season and only returned for a cameo in the fourth.

Here is a clip from the first episode:

Monty Python's Flying Circus: Agatha Christie Sketch

Nothing was sacred to Monty Python's Flying Circus!  Not even Agatha Christie!