Monty Python's Flying Circus - by Darl Larsen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Known for its outrageous humor, occasionally controversial content, and often silly spirit, Monty Python's Flying Circus poked fun at nearly everything. Indeed, many of the allusions and references in the program were routinely obscure, and therefore, not always understood or even noticed.

This exhaustive reference identifies and explains the plethora of cultural, historical, and topical allusions of this landmark series. In this resource, virtually every allusion and reference that appeared in an episode is identified and explained. Organized chronologically by episode, each entry is listed alphabetically, indicates what sketch it appeared in, and is cross-referenced between episodes. Scholars and fans who already appreciate the silliness of the Pythons can also enjoy the acculturated know-it-all-ness of their heroes.

Book Synopsis

In 1969, the BBC aired the first episode of a new comedy series titled Monty Python's Flying Circus, and the rest, as they say, is history. An instant success, the show ran until 1974, producing a total of 45 episodes. Despite the show's very English humor and allusions to many things British, the series developed a cult following outside the U.K., particularly in the United States. Known for its outrageous humor, occasionally controversial content, and often silly spirit, Monty Python's Flying Circus poked fun at nearly all institutions--domestic or foreign, grand or intimate, sacred or not. Indeed, many of the allusions and references in the program were uniquely British and routinely obscure, and therefore, not always understood or even noticed outside the British Isles.

This exhaustive reference identifies and explains the plethora of cultural, historical, and topical allusions of this landmark series. In this resource, virtually every allusion and reference that appeared in an episode--whether stated by a character, depicted in the mise-en-scene, or mentioned in the printed scripts--is identified and explained. Organized chronologically by episode, each entry is listed alphabetically, indicates what sketch it appeared in, and is cross-referenced between episodes. Entries cover literary and metaphoric allusions, symbolisms, names, peoples, and places; as well as the myriad social, cultural, and historical elements (photos, songs, slogans, caricatures) that populate and inform these episodes.

Entries Include:
-"Arabella Plunkett"
-Group of famous characters from famous paintings
-Hell's Grannies
-HRH The Dummy Princess Margaret
-"Kandinsky"
-"On the Dad's Liver Bachelors at Large"
-Raymond Baxter type
-Scun
-"Spanish Inquisition"
-"Third Parachute Brigade Amateur Dramatic Society"
-"total cashectomy"
-"Two-Sheds"
-"Umbonga's hostile opening"
-Vicar sitting thin and unhappy in a pot
-"What's all this then?"

Review Quotes

By assembling his massive guide to every TV episode of the seminal British cult favorite Monty Python's Flying Circus, Professor Darl Larsen gives casual admirers who only know the Pythons from the musical Spamalot or more famous sketches a much larger perspective....Blessed with an academic's attention to detail and a fan's enthusiasm for the troupe's comic achievements, Larsen hopes his comprehensive study will delight fans new and old.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Darl Larsen is well versed in his material.... Well documented and comprehensive, if not exhaustive, this is an informative and entertaining deconstruction of all things Flying Circus.-- "Salem Press"

Larsen is a devoted fan who exhaustively analyzes the series without ever obscuring its unique brand of humor....This one-of-a-kind homage to Monty Python, meticulously researched and well written throughout, deserves a place in all popular culture collections.-- "Library Journal, Starred Review"

Monty Python enthusiasts will appreciate this companion to Monty Python's Flying Circus....Casual fans will enjoy browsing through the book.-- "Booklist"

This book provides not just a simple explanation of who the frequently referenced Reginald Maulding was, but also what made him such an attractive target for the show's humor....This book likely will interest libraries supporting television and popular culture studies. Recommended.
-- "Choice Reviews"

About the Author

Darl Larsen is professor of theatre and media arts at Brigham Young University, where he teaches film and popular culture studies. He is the author of Monty Python, Shakespeare and English Renaissance Drama.