This FAQ has been skillfully crafted by well informed Python fans using ancient, well-known, classical hand-tooled knowledge. It has been specially designed to sit at the back of some web sites amongst the other Python pages; to be linked to and read every so often. Any complaints about the humourous quality of the FAQ should be addressed to British Airways, Ingraham's Drive, Greenwich.
Any additional contributions and comments may be sent to:
The most recent version of this faq can be found at (in order of probability):
The most recent (however old) plain text version of this file may be found at the following sites:
Thanks are due to The Duchess, Bonni Hall, who originally converted this file to Buddhism and/or html, and once even got us to update it!
Here is a quick look at all the topics that this file covers. Click on any of the items to go directly to that part of the FAQ.
Q: What is an FAQ?
A: FAQ stands for Frequently
Asked Questions. These files are created for the purpose of reducing the amount
of redundant questions being asked. By reading this file, you should have many
of your questions answered or be able to find additional resources that can
help. For questions relating to the newsgroup, alt.fan.monty-python, click here to check out
the most recent version of their very own FAQ.
Q: Who were the members of the Monty Python
comedy troupe?
A: There were six cast members and a few others that
helped out on a number of occasions.
Cast members:
Q: Who else has received writing credits for
Python material?
A: Neil Innes and Douglas Adams (yes, the
Douglas Adams) have both helped with material in the fourth series.
Q: When did Monty Python become a comedy
troupe?
A: Most probably on 11 May, 1969. John Cleese and Graham Chapman
were introduced to Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
after a filming of Do Not Adjust Your Set. Their next meeting was 23 May,
1969 where the BBC gave them the go-ahead to begin creating 13 episodes of a
programme for the BBC.
Q: What is the real name of the Monty Python's
Flying Circus theme?
A: The music is from the Liberty Bell
March by John Philip Sousa.
Q: How many episodes of Monty Python's
Flying Circus are there?
A: There were 13 shows from each of the
first 3 series and 6 shows in the 4th series plus 2 specials made for German
television for a total of 47.
Q: When were these episodes originally shown
in the U.K.?
A: The broadcast dates for Monty Python's Flying
Circus are as follows:
Series 1: 5 October 1969 - 11 January 1970
Series 2: 15 September 1970 - 22 December 1970
Series 3: 19 October 1972 - 18 January 1973
Since John Cleese left the group after the third series, the fourth was
just called Monty Python. Series 4: 31 October 1974 - 5 December 1974
Q: What is the translation of the world's
funniest joke: Wenn ist das Nunstuck git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beiherhund das
Oder die Flipperwaldt gersput!?
A: There is no translation since it
is just gibberish. A few of the words are German but others are just made up.
The same is true for Die ist ein Kinnerhunder und zwei Mackel uber und der
bitte schön ist den Wunderhaus sprechensie. 'Nein' sprecht der Herren 'Ist
aufern borger mit zveitingen'.
Q: What is the correct pronunciation of the
name "Raymond Luxury Yacht"?
A: The name is pronounced "Throatwobbler
Mangrove".
Q: Who are Reginald Maudlin and Reginald
Bosinquat?
A: Reginald Maudlin was the English Tory home secretary under
MacMillan, Home, and Heath. Reginald Bosinquat was a newscaster on News at
Ten, also during the sixties and seventies.
Q: What is a pooftah?
A: A poofter is
slang for a (male) homosexual.
Q: How many films have Monty Python done and what
are they about?
A: They made five full-length features. A description of
each follows.
Q: What does the witch say after she has been
tried and found guilty by the logician?
A: "It's a fair cop." The phrase
is thieves cant for "you've got me dead to rights" which means that there has
been no entrapment and the person was fairly caught in the act. The line has
also been used in a few other Flying Circus sketches like Dead Bishop
on the Landing / The Church Police and Whizzo Chocolates.
Q: At the beginning of the film, the guard
speaking to Arthur says, "Pull the other one." What is the guard implying?
A:
In essence, the guard conveys his disbelief of what Arthur had just said.
The phrase might also be taken as a challenge to Arthur to tell yet another,
even more exaggerated lie. The origin of the phrase most likely comes from
"You're pulling my leg" (i.e. "You're lying to me").
Q: What is an anarcho-syndicalist commune?
A:
Anarcho: relating anarchism; the rejection of the state or any other
forms of authority for a society based upon voluntary cooperation of
individuals.
Syndicalist: relating to syndicalism; originally, a
socialist doctrine that emphasized the workers taking control of the factories
where they worked; the term has been broadened to include many other doctrines
that support worker control.
Commune: A settlement of people based
upon the common ownership of material goods which have a tradition of self
government.
Q: What do the monks chant in the film?
A:
The language they are chanting in is Latin and the phrase is Pie Iesu
Domine. Dona Eis Requiem. It means "Holy Lord Jesus. Grant them rest." The
phrases are included in many Catholic funeral masses.
Q: What do the knights who no longer say "NI!"
now call themselves?
A: They are now the knights who say "Ekki ekki ekki
ekki f'tang zoom-boing <mumble> <mumble>." This is more of a
phonetic spelling since what was actually said does not match what was printed
in the script.
Q: What is the name of Biggus Dickus' wife in
the film Monty Python's Life of Brian?
A: Incontinentia Buttocks.
If you don't understand the reference, drink a lot of Guinness, or eat a lot of
curry (of course, you could just look incontinence up in the
dictionary, but the other methods are more fun!).
Q: In The Medical
Love Song, there is a reference to "NSU". What is this?
A:
Non-Specific Urethritis. That is, any inflammation of the Urethra, caused by
an organism not otherwise covered in any other disease.
Q: What are the words to The
Philosopher's Drinking Song?
A: Grab a Fosters, Bruce, and join in!
Immanuel Kant was a real pissant
who was very rarely stable.
Heidegger, Heidegger was a boozy beggar
who could think you under the table.
David Hume could out consume
Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, (Other versions: "Shoppenhauer and Hegel")
And Wittgenstein was a beery swine
who was just as sloshed as Schlegel.
There's nothing Nietzsche couldn't teach ya
'bout the raisin' of the wrist.
Socrates himself was permanently pissed.
John Stewart Mill, of his own free will,
after half a pint of shandy was particularly ill.
Plato, they say, could stick it away,
'alf a crate of whiskey every day!
Aristotle, Aristotle was a bugger for the bottle,
and Hobbes was fond of his Dram.
And Rene Descartes was a drunken fart:
"I drink, therefore I am."
Yes, Socrates himself is particularly missed;
A lovely little thinker, but a bugger when he's pissed.
Q: What is shandy?
A: Shandy is a mixed
drink of beer with ginger beer or lemonade (for the US readers, substitute
"lemonade" with "7-UP").
Q: What are the words to The Lumberjack
Song?
A: The Larch!
Lumberjack: (sings)
Oh, I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK,
I sleep all night and I work all day.
Mounties: (sing)
He's a lumberjack and he's OK,
He sleeps all night and he works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I eat my lunch,
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shopping,
And have buttered scones for tea.
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he eats his lunch,
He goes to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays he goes shopping,
And has buttered scones for tea.
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK,
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I skip and jump,
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars.
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he skips and jumps,
He likes to press wild flowers.
He puts on women's clothing
And hangs around in bars ... ?
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK,
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Lumberjack: (sings)
I cut down trees, I wear high heels,
Suspenders and a bra. (Other versions: "Suspendies and a bra.")
I wish I was a girlie (Other versions: "I wish I'd been a girlie")
Just like my dear Papa. (Other versions: "Just like my dear Mama.")
Mounties: (sing)
He cuts down trees, he wears high heels,
Suspenders ... and a bra? (Shocked, the Mounties start to mumble)
[Note: some versions end here, some include dialogue, and others continue
with the song.]
(Piano vamp)
Lumberjack/Mounties: (sing)
I'm/He's a lumberjack and I'm/he's OK ...
I/He sleep/sleeps all night and I/he work/works all day.
Q: I've heard that The Philosopher's
Drinking Song and The Lumberjack Song both have different lyrics for
a few phrases. What are the correct lyrics for these songs?
A: Actually
there is no one correct version. Usually if someone posts a transcription of a
song or sketch, it has been taken from only one source. The Pythons on many
occasions performed songs or sketches differently by changing lyrics or adding
different conclusions and transitions. An excellent example of this is The Pet Shop
Sketch (a.k.a. The Dead Parrot Sketch) that can be found on many
of the Pythons' recordings.
Q: What are the names of the Monty Python
albums and when were they released?
A: I will not buy this record. It is
scratched.
Q: What are the Monty Python books and what
years were they first published?
A: Wait! I can't read!
Q: Are there any reference books dealing
with the subject of Monty Python?
A: Yes. Quite a few, actually.
Q: What about computer-oriented stuff?
A:
There have been two CD-ROMs... three! Three CD-ROMs... and a
web site.
Q: What other projects have Python members
been involved in?
A: Lots of them. There are books, films, television
shows, computer games, and public lavatories that have involved them in one way
or another. For a complete listing of these, have a look for Hans ten Cate's
bibliography (available, most probably at the Pythonline ftp site (address to
follow)). The most notable have been the films Jabberwocky,
Yellowbeard, Erik The Viking, Brazil, A Fish Called
Wanda, and most recently Fierce Creatures.
Q: Where can I get film and television
scripts, song lyrics, sounds, pictures, and more info?
A: Look no
further! Click on the any of the following links to be transported to the
directories of one of the best Monty Python sites on the internet.
Q: Are there any World Wide Web pages that have
links to Monty Python material?
A: The best place to start is at The
Official alt.fan.monty-python Home Page. Point your Web browser at:
http://www.dcscomp.com.au/sdp/afmp/
Q: Will the Monty Python comedy troupe ever
get back together again?
A: No.
Q: What would it take to get them back
together?
A: Since Graham Chapman has already died, I'd imagine a couple
of bullets each would do the trick.
A2: Of course, there are
plans to do a series of shows in the states (and one in London) soon. Details to
follow.
Q: Why is it that the world never remembers
the name of Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern- schplenden- schlitter-
crasscrenbon- fried-digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle- burstein- von-
knacker- thrasher- apple- banger- horowitz- ticolensic- grander- knotty-
spelltinkle- grandlich- grumblemeyer- spelterwasser- kurstlich- himbleeisen-
bahnwagen- gutenabend- bitte- ein- nürnburger- bratwustle- gerspurten- mitz-
weimache- luber- hundsfut- gumberaber- shönendanker- kalbsfleisch- mittler-
aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm?
A: Good question.
Here endeth the lesson.