I have acquired a number of VHS tapes covering the various series of MP and am working my way through them, episode by episode, having started from 1 of 1. I have very fond memories of first watching Python on BBC2 back in the 1980's and this, episode 3 was a standout. The repetitive Lark scene is hilarious, the nudge nudge scene is a classic but it was Bicycle Repair Man that, upon first viewing, literally made me cry with laughter. If you are only ever going to watch a single episode of MP then I would recommend it be this one.
Monty Python's Flying Circus (TV Series)
How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away (1969)
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REVIEW: --- "Monty Python" ( Episode 1.3 )
Hernal0323 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Though the 3rd episode to air in season one, this was actually the earliest Python episode to be filmed (on 8/14/69). This episode contains many good sketches, and is consistently funny from beginning to end, which is something that cannot be said of some of the Python troupe's more classic episodes featuring signature sketches.
Among the best sketches are:
COURTROOM SKETCH: This is an entertaining sketch featuring among other things, the questioning of a dead man in a coffin and a personal appearance by character witness Cardinal Richelieu. ( "Sorry I'm late mi-lord --- I couldn't find a Kosher Car Park." )
BICYCLE REPAIRMAN: In which the average Superman costume wearing citizen, S.G. SUPERMAN becomes BICYCLE REPAIRMAN whenever a bike is in dire need of repair. ( "See how he uses a spanner to tighten that nut!" )
RESTAURANT SKETCH: In which a couple who rather innocently bring a dirty fork to the attention of a waiter set in motion a series of psychotic and chaotic events. Very funny indeed. ( "It's a good thing we didn't mention the dirty knife!" ).
CHILDREN'S STORIES: In which the host of the show encounters (much to his dismay), various pornographic scenarios while reading aloud Children's bed-time stories. ( "With a Melon?" ).
SEDUCING THE MILKMAN: This is a very short sketch, but a classic. An unsuspecting milkman meets a strange fate after being led to the bedroom of a very comely and scantily clad blonde.
KNUDGE, KNUDGE: As close to a signature sketch as you're going to get in this episode, and a very good one. A Seedy, but sharply dressed man makes apparent sexual insinuations and asks rather personal questions concerning the wife of an upper class Englishman. ( " Purley? Purley! --- Saaaaay no MWOOAAH!" )
OVERALL RATING: 9/10.
Among the best sketches are:
COURTROOM SKETCH: This is an entertaining sketch featuring among other things, the questioning of a dead man in a coffin and a personal appearance by character witness Cardinal Richelieu. ( "Sorry I'm late mi-lord --- I couldn't find a Kosher Car Park." )
BICYCLE REPAIRMAN: In which the average Superman costume wearing citizen, S.G. SUPERMAN becomes BICYCLE REPAIRMAN whenever a bike is in dire need of repair. ( "See how he uses a spanner to tighten that nut!" )
RESTAURANT SKETCH: In which a couple who rather innocently bring a dirty fork to the attention of a waiter set in motion a series of psychotic and chaotic events. Very funny indeed. ( "It's a good thing we didn't mention the dirty knife!" ).
CHILDREN'S STORIES: In which the host of the show encounters (much to his dismay), various pornographic scenarios while reading aloud Children's bed-time stories. ( "With a Melon?" ).
SEDUCING THE MILKMAN: This is a very short sketch, but a classic. An unsuspecting milkman meets a strange fate after being led to the bedroom of a very comely and scantily clad blonde.
KNUDGE, KNUDGE: As close to a signature sketch as you're going to get in this episode, and a very good one. A Seedy, but sharply dressed man makes apparent sexual insinuations and asks rather personal questions concerning the wife of an upper class Englishman. ( " Purley? Purley! --- Saaaaay no MWOOAAH!" )
OVERALL RATING: 9/10.
No 1. The larch....the larch....The Larch
schlagzeugplayer10 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is full of what is now MPFC classics. The Larch court room sketch, full of puns and absurdist humor. Bicycle repairman in the alternative Superman world" see how he uses a spanner to turn that nut " lol. Storytime: children's stories turn raw ..crazy animations...the imortal restaurant sketch where " a bowel of puss " filthy fork has caused over the top apologies and mayhem. The milkman sketch a sort of karma gets you all the time. Love the John Cleese transportable abducted news caster . Then the piece de resistance Nudge Nudge the not so subtle man w the irritating question of the upstanding man's wife...BRILLIANT!!!!!
Oh no stay away from me all silvery shinny Knight w the lethal rubber chicken I'm just writing a review ...ok yes your are also funny, yes yes the best one of all . He looks at me and says
....and now the Larch.
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