See a Clip From Monty Pyth—’Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition!’
The British comedy troupe Monty Python is beginning to roll out clips of sketches from its farewell run at London’s O2 this year, and first up is the group’s classic “Spanish Inquisition” bit, which dates back to 1970. Since nothing ruins a joke quite like explaining it, the clip will speak for itself – as long as the sketch’s Cardinal characters, played by Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, can remember their lines. The YouTube description for the clip suggests that it is the first in a series of sketches that the group will share from its final performance, which will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the fall.
Watch Mick Jagger Dryly Accuse Monty Python of Being ‘Wrinkly Old Men’
The surviving members of the collective reunited for a run of 10 shows in the 20,000-seat arena that they titled “Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down Five to Go,” which cheekily referenced the 1989 passing of member Graham Chapman. The quintet’s final performance – which it has said will be its last ever together – was held on July 20th and was broadcast live to movie theaters around the world. It concluded with a worldwide sing-along of their sarcastic Life of Brian song (and recent Unofficial England Football Anthem) “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” When the song was done, many of the performers from the evening, as well as superfan Mike Myers, came out to wave goodbye.
The group has already made DVD and Blu-ray videos of the performance available for pre-order in advance of their November 10th release date. Extras for the video release have yet to be determined.