And Now for Something Completely Different

Rating ***/*****, or 7/10

Monty Python's attempt to break into the American market resulted in this feature length compilation of sketches from the first two seasons of their hit show Monty Python's Flying Circus, though the picture failed to win the hearts of America (but at least it did well enough in the UK itself). However, it's still well worth a watch for both Python fans and average viewers alike, thanks to the sheer fact most of these sketches remain ever so funny. Plus, all of the classic sketch material was reshot so it's not exactly identical to the source material, though it features many of the same jokes. And of course there's a few new scenes too. Classic sketches appearing in a new form in this film include the Dead Parrot sketch, the Upper Class Twit of the Year sketch and the brilliant Lumberjack Song. Though great fun, this movie doesn't come close to the utter hilarity of the later “real” Monty Python films.

Starring: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman

Directed by Ian MacNaughton

UK: Columbia Pictures Corporation, 1971