The Pythons before they became Monty Python

[Ron Obvious]

Last edited Tue Feb 17, 2015, 08:23 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm currently reading John Cleese's autobiography So Anyway (recommended), and was inspired to look for some clips referred to in the book. There are definitely hints here on what was to come later.

Do Not Adjust Your Set, starring Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Denise Coffey, and as a special treat for fans of inspector Frost (Touch of Frost), David Jason.

At Last the 1948 Show, with John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-taylor, Marty Feldman, Aimi MacDonald and David Frost

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John Cleese playing straight man to Mr. Pest (Marty Feldman)

Lastly, here's Eric Idle interviewing John Cleese on said autobiography.

On Edit: misspelled Chapman as Clapman....

[hifiguy]

1. Thanks for this, Ron!

Bookmarked for later watching.

[Ron Obvious]

4. You're welcome!

Be sure to watch the interview too. It's what got me to buy the book.

[hollysmom]

2. and the after show - Faulty Towers

it took me a while to catch how they changed the name on the sign every show. ha ha.
from wikipedia

The sign changes as follows*:

Episode 1: "Fawlty Towers" (the letter "S" is askew)
Episode 2: "Fawlty Tower" (the letter "L" is askew)
Episode 3: "Fawty Tower" (the letter "W" is askew)
Episode 4: "Fawty Toer"
Episode 5: "Warty Towels"
Episode 7: "Fawlty Tower" (the letter "L" is askew)
Episode 8: "Watery Fowls"
Episode 9: "Flay Otters"
Episode 10: "Fatty Owls"
Episode 11: "Flowery Twats"
Episode 12: "Farty Towels"

[Ron Obvious]

5. Great show!

Unfortunately, Cleese doesn't cover that period in his book, but he assures us that there will be a sequel.

[hollysmom]

6. thank you - I didn't not know about the book. I am going to have to look for it.

[trof]

3. What fun! Thanks.

[mackerel]

7. The interview is great. They both think Rupert Murdoch is an asshat!

[SwissTony]

8. David Jason is also well known (at least in the UK)

for his roles in Only Fools and Horses (as Derek Trotter, aka Del Boy, a somewhat dubious market trader) and Open All Hours (as Granville, the downtrodden assistant to his uncle, played by Ronnie Barker). If you're a fan of British comedy, both are worth checking out.

Great clips, Ron. But that is Obvious.

I'm sorry I won't do it again.

[Ron Obvious]

9. I loved Fools and Horses

But I'm pretty sure it's never been on TV here in the US. I've tried some Del Boy-isms on people over the years (e.g. "No way, Pedro!&quot , but never got any sign of recognition. I suppose it's not hard to see why it wasn't. I know people who say they can't understand Inspector Frost, let alone Del Boy.

True story: at a restaurant I overheard some old ladies talking about TV shows they enjoyed. One of them suggested Mr. Bean. One of the others replied she never watched that show because she "couldn't understand their accents".

I haven't seen Open All Hours, thanks for the tip!

[SwissTony]

11. i think everyone's favourite snippet from Only Fools and Horses

[Ron Obvious]

14. I knew what that was going to be before clicking on it!

RIP Trigger.

Rodney: "He's called Trigger?! What is he, some sort of hitman?"
Del Boy: "No no no, he's called Trigger because he's as dumb as a horse."

[SwissTony]

16. Trigger was brilliant.

He was also great in The Vicar of Dibley.

[zeemike]

10. Thanks for sharing this Ron.

It is wonderful to see Monty Python being developed.
It is great that these bits of history are being saved and we can now watch them.

[unionthug777]

12. can't get enough of them!!

comic geniuses....my brother and I will quote them extensively when we argue.

[bvf]

13. Thanks, Ron!

Definitely going to check out So Anyway...

[Nitram]

15. These are hilarious, thanks for sharing.

Always loved Marty Feldman.

[SwissTony]

17. At Last the 1948 Show featured "The Lovely" Aimi MacDonald

and she was lovely.

I can still sing this song nearly 50 years later (mind you, it's not difficult). Second half of the clip

Edit: she's a Mac, not a Mc. Not a major difference, but we Mc's like to distinguish ourselves.

[longship]

18. Not to derail this great thread, but there's also the Goon Show.

Which was an inspiration for the Pythons.

Spike Milligan, Harry Seacomb, and Peter Sellers.

And here's Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers in a classic bit of Goon lunacy as the standard Goon characters Eccles and Bluebottle (respectfully), entitled, "What time is it, Eccles?"

The Goons and Monty Python were both brilliant.

[Ron Obvious]

19. Yes, absolutely

I should have included them, thanks!

[SwissTony]

21. Spike Milligan made the best kilt joke ever

The ladies like to know if there's anything worn under the kilt. Let me assure you, ladies. There's nothing worn under the kilt. It's all in perfect, working order.

[longship]

22. Perfect. Thanks. nt

[Kaleva]

20. They are in their 70's now. Makes me feel dated.

[Ron Obvious]

23. I know...

Look at those fresh faces in those B&W clips. Where did the time go?

[Kaleva]

24. At least those fresh faces in those B&W clips will entertain future generations.