#monty python's life of brian

[arthur-two-sheds-jackson]

It's... Monty Python's Media Masterpost!

Here, my fellows, as I promised, are the links for nearly every Python content released and available on the internet (missing only the Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) complete oratorio and PDF versions of the books - including Michael Palin's diaries), for the Python-obsessed, brain-fried completist like me. If you ever need to have easy access to something, just click on the links! And if you or someone you know wants to get into the Python fandom, just refer to this post!

Enjoy!!!

[Audios are in blue, TV shows, docs and specials are in green, films are in orange, games are in red and other kinds of content are in pink. (I chose the videos based on whether they were in good quality; most of them are in HQ or close to that when possible.)]

Monty Python's Flying Circus (Internet Archive version - Google Drive version)

Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus

Another Record

Previous Record

And Now For Something Completely Different

1971 Montreux Special

Labour Party Instructional Film

Birds Eye Peas Industrial Film

Close-Up Industrial Film

Matching Tie and Handkerchief

1973 sketch for Dutch TV

1973 French TV appearance

Is This a Record? Guinness Film

Live at Drury Lane

The Holy Grail

Live at the City Center (side 1 - side 2)

Life of Brian (Internet Archive version - YouTube version - The Pythons' 1979 a.D. BBC documentary - 1979 debate on Saturday Night, Sunday Morning)

Live at the Hollywood Bowl (Internet Archive version - YouTube version)

The Meaning of Life (complete with The Crimson Permanent Assurance!)

Parrot Sketch Not Included (Life of Python)

1990 Omnibus documentary

Monty Python Sings (Again)

Python Night (Paramount Comedy Network mockumentary)

Live at Aspen

Spamalot (concert film featuring the original Broadway cast - playlist of original Broadway cast recording)

Channel 4's 2006 documentary

Almost the Truth: Lawyer's Cut (with Russian subtitles... don't worry, I have BRICS immunity, I'll cover you) (part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4 - part 5 - part 6)

Holy Flying Circus (by @anythingcanhappeninmay and complete with bonus thingies!)

A Liar's Autobiography (the movie - audiobook narrated by Graham Chapman)

Live (Mostly) (And Now For Something Rather Similar)

Monty Python at 50 radio broadcasts (by @gordonsgano)

Michael Palin: A Life on Screen

Graham Chapman's Pre-Python Home Movies

Terry Jones' Home Movies

Michael Palin's 1978 Home Movies

The Holy Grail flash game

The Holy Grail PC videogame (at the Collection Chamber blog)

The Meaning of Life PC videogame (also at the Collection Chamber blog)

Complete Waste of Time PC videogame (also also at the Collection Chamber blog)

[aunti-christ-ine]

(It was also banned in Ireland and parts of the UK)

[mon44]

Monty Python's Life of Brian(1979)

[kingofpaindemo]

ah yes i'm thinking about the roman empire

[bobauthorman]

RWBY Volume 10 should have a moment straight from Monty Python's Life of Brian where Ruby is trying desperate to get people to stop worshipping her and every word she says is (Purposely? Stupidly? Both?) misinterpreted as proof that she really is some divine savior. (Oz, meanwhile, is inwardly seething because in spite of his show of humility he really wants people to worship him. It's being asked for something in return that he can't deal with)

Ruby: I'm not the chosen one! Honestly, I'm not!

Some twit: Only the true chosen one denies her divinity!

Ruby: Well what kind of a chance does that give me? All right, I AM the chosen one!

Crowd of twits: SHE IS! HE IS THE CHOSEN ONE!

Ruby: NOW....SUCK A LEMON!

(...)

Another Twit: How should we suck lemons, Your Grace?

[hotmonkeelove]

Eric Idle - "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" - STEREO HQ

[erstwhile-punk-guerito]

[thesuetyouforgot]

Inspired by this post, I've made a compilation of Biggus Dickus in all the other countries' dubbings.

We have: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Czech & Portuguese (Brazil) (sadly I couldn't find the Japanese version online)

(Had to disregard the voice-overs bc the available ones either weren't official or said 'Biggus Dickus' at a different point so it didn't fit in w/ the flow of this video. (Sorry Polish voice-over))

[yonderghostshistories]

Imagine an interaction/conversation between these 2 (beautiful ❤️) people

[ Image 1 on the left shows Loretta, played by Eric Idle, who is a trans 🏳️‍⚧️ character and appears in the movie "Monty Python's Life of Brian" (1979) ]

[ Image 2 on the right shows Gabriella Montoya, played by Jim Howick, who is a trans 🏳️‍⚧️ character and appears in the Six Idiots' movie "Bill" (2015) ]

[theoszczepanski]

[niroke]

Happy pride to Loretta!

[mon44]

michael

[schlock-luster-video]

On July 22, 1988, Monty Python's Life of Brian debuted in Ireland.

[wheelybard]

Holy Grail was better than Life of Brian and that's a hill I would die on.

[misterivy]

Taken from FILM REVIEW, December 1979

[essential-music]

The song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," composed by Eric Idle for Monty Python's Life of Brian, is a masterclass in blending musical craftsmanship with comedic and philosophical depth.

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is a triumph of musical and comedic artistry. Its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and minimalist arrangement create an accessible yet profound piece that balances humor with existential wisdom. Eric Idle’s charismatic performance and the song’s adaptability across contexts enhance its appeal, while its cultural staying power underscores its quality.

The melody is deceptively simple yet highly effective, characterized by a catchy, singable structure that invites audience participation. It exudes optimism, with a lilting, almost vaudevillian quality that aligns with the song’s humorous tone. The melody’s repetitive phrases, particularly in the chorus ("Always look on the bright side of life"), are easy to memorize, making it instantly accessible. The inclusion of a whistled interlude adds a playful, carefree element, reinforcing the song’s lighthearted defiance of adversity. Its versatility allows it to be performed in various settings, from theatrical productions to casual sing-alongs, without losing its charm.

The lyrics are a standout feature, balancing irreverent humor with existential insight. They deliver a message of optimistic nihilism—acknowledging life’s absurdity ("Life’s a piece of shit when you look at it") while advocating resilience ("Just purse your lips and whistle, that’s the thing"). The clever rhyme scheme (e.g., "gristle/whistle") and conversational tone make the lyrics relatable, while lines like "You come from nothing, you’re going back to nothing, what have you lost? Nothing!" distill complex philosophical ideas into digestible, witty phrases. The outro, with its meta-commentary about the record being "available in the foyer," adds a layer of self-aware humor, breaking the fourth wall in true Monty Python fashion.

The arrangement is deliberately understated, prioritizing the vocals and lyrics to maintain comedic clarity. The original film version features a minimal ensemble—primarily acoustic guitar, light percussion, and a small brass section—creating a music-hall or cabaret vibe that complements the song’s theatrical origins. The whistled sections are accompanied by sparse instrumentation, ensuring the melody remains prominent. Later renditions, such as in Spamalot or live performances, expand the orchestration with fuller strings or piano, demonstrating the song’s adaptability. The arrangement’s simplicity ensures it doesn’t overshadow the humor, while subtle dynamic shifts (e.g., building to the final chorus) add emotional weight.

Eric Idle’s vocal delivery is central to the song’s charm, characterized by a cheeky, conversational style that embodies Monty Python’s irreverent spirit. His exaggerated British accent and playful phrasing enhance the comedic effect, while the ensemble’s backing vocals in the film version add a communal, sing-along quality. The whistled sections, performed with a deliberate nonchalance, reinforce the song’s message of facing adversity with a shrug. The performance avoids over-polishing, preserving a raw, authentic feel that aligns with the song’s satirical roots.

The song’s quality is amplified by its enduring cultural resonance. Its use in diverse contexts—films, theater (Spamalot), sports events, and even historical moments like the Falklands War—demonstrates its universal appeal. The melody and lyrics have been covered by artists, featured in media, and adopted as an anthem for resilience, particularly in Britain. Its ability to remain relevant across decades, from the 1979 film to modern-day performances, speaks to its timeless craftsmanship. The song’s philosophical undertones, rooted in Stoic and existential ideas, elevate it beyond mere comedy, making it a profound commentary on the human condition.

Though its simplicity and irreverence may not resonate with all, these traits are integral to its charm, making it a rare song that is both a comedic gem and a philosophical anthem. Its ability to uplift and unite listeners, even in the face of life’s absurdities, cements its status as a high-quality musical work.

Year: 1979

Composer/Lyricist: Eric Idle