Monty Python and the Holy Grave

Two things:

A) The above title has little to do with the actual content of this post. I just thought the allusion and the double entendre were too cheesy to leave out. (Holy Grail <- Holy Grave -> Holey Grave) Heh heh heh. The Pythons never did any sketches related to graves...

B) The above point is invalid; observe the "Undertaker Sketch"

I digress.

As anyone who has ever asked me about comedy knows, I adore Monty Python. I love the subtleties and word play of their sketches, the allusions and the incongruities and the cross dressing. Most people are familiar with "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", but are not familiar with the true masterwork of the troupe: Monty Pythons's Flying Circus.

One of my favorite things about comedy is that it offers a level playing field for debate. Sometime issues are so big and scary that no one can ever have a proper conversation about them. Comedy breaks down those barriers. If you can laugh about something, it isn't so scary any more. 

Monty Python mastered the art of satirizing current events in their sketches. Most people familiar with the show know of classics like "The Parrot Sketch" or "The Lumberjack Song." These sketches are humorous based on their incongruities, clever scripts, and caricatures. They are hilarious, but not deep.

Other sketches, less familiar, are poignant. I submit two such sketches for your consideration.

"The Mouse Problem"

"Dennis Moore"

Oh, good, you're back! Did you catch the satire? Let's discuss.

"The Mouse Problem" was in the second episode of the show, and aired in 1969. Anyone living in the UK would have known that it was a parody of the attitude toward homosexuals in the UK. The format of the sketch mimes real interview techniques that news shows had implemented to learn more about the "secret life of gay men." I picked up on the parody without having to look it up - this sketch is still relevant in the present day United States. Being the comedians that they were, this sketch also managed to poke fun at police officers, and naturally, chartered accountants.

"Dennis Moore" is a rather obvious mockery of socialism. Socialism was a key issue at the time - the Soviet Union had recently invaded Czechoslovakia and the proponents of socialism and communism were in the midst of a heated debate. I particularly love the line "Blimey, this redistribution of wealth is trickier than I thought!" In typical Python fashion, this sketch also manages to poke fun at Robin Hood and the aristocracy.

I shall reiterate my love for this show. Not only did Monty Python invent a brand of comedy so unique that it could only be described as Pythonesque, they managed to make biting social statements as well. They showed little mercy - British politician Reginald Maudling is better known for his constant humiliation on the show than any policy he actually implemented. I think this show was one of the greatest convergences of intelligence and humor to ever grace a television screen. Thank God for the internet and BBC reruns!

For next week's episode of Archaic British Comedy, I have a cunning plan! Blackadder.