With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
TV Junkie: Video of Monty Python Reunion at The Premiere of IFC's New Documentary
Red Carpet at Monty Python Documentary Premiere and Reunion from Thomas Attila Lewis on Vimeo.
At the premiere of IFC's "Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)" at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City on October 15th LAist's TV Junkie met all the remaining Pythons other than Eric Idle: Terry Jones, Carol Cleveland, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and John Cleese. They keep saying that the friendliest Python is Michael Palin but that was impossible to tell as they were all so very kind and patient standing outside in the rain in 40 degree weather (poor Carol Cleveland!).
Also on the red carpet were Bruce Dickinson (from Iron Maiden), and Rich Sommer (aka Harry Crane from AMC's "Mad Men"). Sommer was in NYC to shoot an episode of "Law & Order" which will broadcast in January sometime. We learned from John Cleese that he is about to embark on a 3 week stint of solo shows starting with a comprehensive tour of the West coast. We also saw Steve Coogan and Jeremy Piven but they didn't have time to chat.
IFC's epic 6-hour documentary begins broadcast this Sunday at 9:00pm and is worth every minute of your time. You learn not only about the history of Monty Python but about influential British programs like David Frost's "The Frost Report" and "The Goon Show" whose cast included Peter Sellers, as well as the censorship that Python ran into in both Britain and the United States.
Support for LAist comes from
Over 40 years later, "Monty Python's Flying Circus" continues to have an impact on television, film, and comedy, and this series provides more insight than anything we've seen so far. A huge section of IFC's programming for the remainder of the month is taken up by episodes of Monty Python's television episodes as well as their films. Be sure to check IFC's schedule.
After the screening of a 2 hour theatrical version of the documentary, the Pythons took questions from the crowd and closed with a beautiful rendition of "The Universe Song" by Eric Idle (see video below) after which they received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
Eric Idle, backed by Monty Python, sings "The Universe Song" from Thomas Attila Lewis on Vimeo.
()
John Cleese on the red carpet at the premiere of "Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)" at the Ziegfeld Theater, NYC, October 15th, 2009. (Photo by Thomas Lewis)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist