Terry Jones Movies
Unlike many of his fellow Monty Python-ites, who were educated at Cambridge, actor/writer/director Terry Jones attended Cambridge's arch-rival Oxford, where he worked with the Experimental Theatre Club. Upon his graduation, Jones was hired as a BBC staff writer. From 1969 to 1972, he was one of the comedy conspirators on the internationally popular Monty Python's Flying Circus, remaining with the Python crowd through several theatrical films, serving as director on Monty Python's the Life of Brian (1979) and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983). On his own, he wrote and performed in the TV series Secrets, Ripping Yarns and So This is Progress. Terry Jones' non-Python film directorial efforts include Personal Services (1987) and Erik the Viking (1989, based on his own 1984 novel); he also wrote the screenplay for Labyrinth (1986) and adapted his stage play Consuming Passions for the screen in 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
- PG
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Monty Python's And Now For Something Completely Different was first released in the US in 1973, but didn't really take off as a midnight-movie fixture until after the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series began making the PBS rounds. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam are the Pythonites in attendance, together with semiregulars Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth. The sketches presented include such classics as "The Lumberjack Song", "Hell's Grannies", "The Upperclass Twit of the Year Race", and, of course, "The Dead Parrot". Additionally, Terry Gilliam's animated-cartoon interpolations act as buffers between sketches. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Graham Chapman, John Cleese, (more)
- 1970
Neither Lady Mountbank nor Reg the Miller were expecting the Spanish Inquisition. In fact, in the words of Cardinal Ximenez, " Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" -- nor do they expect to be tortured with a dishwashing rack or the dreaded Comfy Chair. Meanwhile, Reg answers a door and welcomes in a joke salesman, only to suffer mightily for failing to provide a punch line. A huge tax is levied on "thingy," prompting Mr. Gumby to request more sketches on taxation. Twentieth Century Vole unveils its latest epic, "Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights." And a judge performs charades while sentencing a man to burn at the stake -- and he didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition, either. This landmark episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus featured Carol Cleveland and Marjorie Wilde in the supporting cast, and was first broadcast September 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
"Liberty Bell March" is replaced with "God Save the Queen" as the series' theme music, in anticipation of an expected visit from the Queen sometime during the episode. A bitter coal-mine strike is sparked by an argument over the Treaty of Utrecht and Greek Architecture. Mr. Pudifoot appears on "Toad Elevating Moment," refusing to come to the point. "Fish Club" elicits suggestions from the Board of Irresponsible People. Herbert Mental steals eggs from birdwatchers, then stages a pigeon fanciers' race through Trafalgar Square. A doctor leads a group of severely crippled patients through a military close-order drill. The men of the 14th Marine Command star in a production of "The Naughtiest Girl in School," followed by a reenactment of the Battle of Normandy by the girls of Oakdean High School. And a series of cannibalism jokes is interrupted by the disgusted studio audience. Carol Cleveland makes another of her many guest appearances in "Royal Episode 13," originally telecast December 23, 1970, as the final episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus' second season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Using archeological evidence, the titular Mr. Norris attempts to prove that the residents of Hounslow may have emigrated from Surbiton. The hosts of the kiddie show "How to Do It" demonstrate how to cure every disease known to man, and incidentally how to play the flute. "Farming Club" presents the life of Tchaikovsky, using a huge model of the composer's body. The star of Chekhov's The Seagull loses enough weight to appear in a miniature production of The Great Escape. Two men perform the traditional Fish-Slapping Dance, followed by the evacuation of the Titanic, with the crew adopting a variety of costumes -- Indians, spacemen, Flemish Merchants -- to qualify for entering the lifeboats. Two Famous People show up just in time for the closing credits, while Julia Breck also makes a fleeting appearance. "Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris' Ford Popular" first aired October 26, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
After an absence of nearly two years, Monty Python's Flying Circus returned to the BBC on October 19, 1972. The first episode of the new season, "Whicker's World," begins with part one of "Njorl's Saga," a thrilling Icelandic saga that, for various reasons, never seems to get off the ground. Interruptions include the trial of a man accused of killing 20 people "on or about the morning of December 19, 1971," a nonsensical stock market report, and Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion's visit to Mr. Jean-Paul and Mrs. Betty-Muriel Sartre. Also seen is a remote island inhabited by former TV interviewers who pass the time by jockeying for camera position. Featured in the cast of "Whicker's World" are Mrs. Idle, Connie Booth, Rita Davies, Nigel Jones, and Frank Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Several cineastes report from the set of Scott of the Antarctic, where inebriated director James McRettin holds court over actors who can't remember their lines and who stand on flimsy boxes. After numerous setbacks, the film's title is changed to Scott of the Sahara. At long last, the opening Monty Python credits are shown, followed by Eric Praline's attempt to secure a license for his pet fish. A soccer match is held between the Bournemouth Gynecologists and the Watford Long John Silver Impersonators. And in answer to numerous requests, perennial guest star Carol Cleveland appears topless. "Scott of the Antarctic" originally aired December 2, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Among the body parts identified are the Foot, the Other Foot, the Shoulder, Just Above the Elbow, Margaret Thatcher's Brain, and several Naughty Bits (including those of Reginald Maulding). The faculty members of the University of Woolamaloo perform "The Philosophers' Song." Sir Adrian Furrows is revealed to have a polystyrene nose. The menace of the Killer Cats is thwarted by the invasion of the Gigantic Killer Cats. The death of Mary Queen of Scots is broadcast to a nationwide audience, resulting in an exploding radio (the TV also explodes thanks to a booby-trapped penguin). And while investigating a burglary (or is it a murder?), Chief Inspector Zatapatique performs the contest-winning song "Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong." First telecast November 25, 1970, "How to Recognize Different Parts of the Body" features an honor roll of Python supporting players, including Carol Cleveland and The Fred Tomlinson Singers (of "The Lumberjack Song" fame). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Yes, this is the episode which features the rousing production number "The Spam Song," performed by a chorus of Vikings. But wait, there's more. A Hungarian tourist, armed with such helpful English phrases as "My hovercraft is full of eels" and "Drop your panties, Sir William, I cannot wait until lunchtime" pays a visit to a London tobacconist. The publisher of the tourist's highly unreliable English-Hungarian phrasebook is put on trial, with testimony provided by a topless girl. Karl Marx, Che Guevara, and Mao Tse-Tung are quizzed on their football knowledge. Production on a WWI film is held up until all the unnecessary actors are removed. Two art critics discuss important matters with figures from famous paintings. A clergyman is interred in the Royal Hospital for Overacting. And D.P. Gumby arranges flowers. An episode with everything but the kitchen sink, "Spam" was originally broadcast December 16, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
An advertising executive comes up with the sure-fire slogan "Conquistador Coffee brings a new meaning to the word 'vomit.'" British prime minister Ramsey MacDonald strips down to bra and panties. Mr. Bee trades everything he owns, including his secretary, for a job -- or at least a biscuit. The self-same secretary is saved from International Communism by Uncle Sam and a toothpaste commercial. An excerpt from the play It All Happened on the 11:20 From Hainault is performed, while in another theatrical event, the entire cast sports foot-long front teeth (and let us not forget the works of Gavin Millarrrr). Several archbishops demonstrate the modern methods of conversion, segueing into an endorsement of Cartoon Religions. And a screening of the Government service film "How Not to Be Seen" concludes with a performance by Jackie Charleton and the Tonettes. First telecast December 9, 1970, "How Not to be Seen" features the ineluctable Carol Cleveland. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The School Prize Awards are interrupted by two men, both claiming to be the Bishop of East Anglia. The director of the 30-second version of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the 10-second version of Rear Window is interviewed. The president of the Board of Trade is tossed in a lake, while Dame Irene Stoat is skewered by a samurai sword during a poetry recitation. The Book of the Month Club delivers a free dead Indian and the M-4 Motorway. TV host Timmy Williams cheerily goads Nigel Watt into suicide. A marriage-license registrar sets his cap for three male clients. And election night results are posted for the Silly Party, the Slightly Silly Party, the Very Silly Party, and the Sensible Party, as candidates Jethroe Q. Walrustitty and Tarquin Fintimlinbinwhinbimlimbus-stop F'Tang-F'Tang-Ole-Biscuit Barrel await the final returns. Originally telecast November 3, 1970, "School Prizes" features Rita Davies and Ian Davidson in the supporting cast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Telecast live from the Grill-o-Mat Snack Bar in Paignton, this episode begins with another round of the Blackmail Quiz Show, culminating with the lucrative (for the host) "Stop the Film" segment. Sir William Gore Fisk tries vainly to escape after delivering the annual financial report for the Society of Putting Things on Top of Other Things. Mr. Praline hosts a discussion on the Population Explosion which ends with a group of POW escapees (including, presumably, Sir William Gore Fisk) burrowing through a painting of "The Last Supper." A butler refuses to believe that a mirror, a china cabinet, and a Brazilian dagger can fall by themselves. And Ken Clean-Air System rubs gravel in his hair before his championship bout with Petulia Wilcox. With all this happening, there's no time for the host's funny walk; maybe next week. Carol Cleveland, Ian Davidson, Connie Booth and "Mrs. Idle" make guest appearances on "Live From the Grill-o-Mat," which originally aired October 27, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
After a preview of comic BBC attractions (stay tuned for "Snooker My Way"), the host of "Archeology Today" quizzes his guests on the disparity of their heights. Professor Lucien Kastner swears to avenge his honor, and succeeds during a 1920 Egyptian expedition. A testimonial for the National Truss comes to an end when an absent-minded woman is beaten up by a boxer. Two sketches are abandoned in mid-joke, while a third routine details the animated exploits of Eggs Diamond and his gang. Two versions of a sketch featuring Mr. and Mrs. Sniveling Little Rat-Faced Git are prepared to mollify the censor. Australians Roy and Hank Spim use atomic missiles to hunt moths. And Beethoven tries to complete his Fifth Symphony despite interruptions from a mynah bird, a carpet sweeper, and an unsolicited visit from Colin "Chopper" Mozart. Guest star Carol Cleveland's mother appears in the "Git" sketch. "Archaeology Today" first aired November 18, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Mr. and Mrs. Attila the Hun star in a sitcom with their kids Robin and Jennie, and Uncle Tom the butler. Later, Attila visits Charles Crompton, the stripping doctor, whose "peeling" skills are matched by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs. Leslie Ames, the Council Ratcatcher, matches wits with an army of killer sheep, who subsequently rob the Westminster Bank. In "News for Parrots," a parrot performs part three of A Tale of Two Cities, followed by Village Idiot Arthur Figgis explaining the rigors of his job. A green Chesterfield sofa takes on the Icelandic cricket team, just before the opening gun of the Epsom furniture race. And Mrs. Scum is a contestant on "Spot the Brain Cell." Carol Cleveland (as Mrs. Attila the Hun) and Ian Davidson are guest-stars in this November 11, 1970, episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Season two of Monty Python's Flying Circus was launched September 15, 1970, with the episode titled "Dinsdale" (for lack of a better name, no doubt). The Minister of Home Affairs, a small patch of gooey brown liquid, and cross-dressing Air Chief Marshall Sir Vincent "Kill the Japs" Foster appear on "Face the Press," as Mrs. G. Pinnet watches at home -- only to be informed by two gas men that she's in the wrong house. After a customer with a nasty wink tries to rent a white pussycat, a chest of drawers and a bit of pram, we are introduced to Mr. Teabags and Mr. Putey of the Ministry of Silly Walks (stay tuned for the French version, "La Marche Futile"). While investigating the criminal activities of Doug and Dinsdale Piranha, Inspector Harry "Snapper" Organs interrupts a performance of Man of La Mancha. And a huge animated spiny norman stalks the streets of London, shouting "Dinsdale!" (for lack of a better name, no doubt). Also appearing in this thrilling episode are David Ballantyne, John Hughman, and Stanley Mason. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The five Gumbies tortuously announced "The Architect Sketch," wherein Mr. Wiggin designs a lethal apartment house. The BBC apologizes not only for this sketch, but also for the "Insurance Sketch," featuring Mr. Devious, the Straight Man, the Vicar, and an unseen Nude Lady. An episode of the thrilling espionage series "The Bishop" finds the hero vainly attempting to prevent an exploding baptism. Mr. and Mrs. Potter refuse to participate in a documentary, lest the cameramen discover who is hiding in Mr. Potter's bathtub. Door-to-door poetry reader Wombat Harness hits sexual pay dirt when he quotes from Wordsworth. And a chemist looks on while a customer is arrested for telling an after-shave joke. Sandra "Buzz" Richards and Stanley "Buzz" Mason appear on "The Buzz Aldrin Show," which first aired October Buzz Twentieth, Nineteen Buzz Seventy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The Dummy Princess Margaret presents the British Show Biz Awards, with first prize going to the remains of the late Sir Alan Waddle. At a salon party in 1895, Oscar Wilde trades dirty epigrams with George Bernard Shaw and the Prince of Wales. Back at the awards ceremony, David Niven's Refrigerator announces that Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Third Test Match has won sixth prize. The Kamikaze Scotsman returns from the previous episode "A Book at Bedtime" to top off a sketch about brain salesmen. The Northwest squares off against the Southwest in the International Wife-Swapping Tournament, which segues into a rugby match on "Grandstand." And the awards ceremony ends with the writers of the "Dirty Vicar" sketch winning the Mountbatten Trophy. Carol Cleveland makes a brief appearance. With the January 18, 1973 telecast of "Grandstand," the third season of Monty Python's Flying Circus came to a close. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
In this episode, 18th Century highwayman Dennis Moore steals lupins from the rich to give to the poor. He later changes his M.O., stealing from the poor to give to the rich. In other developments, boxer Jack Bodell squares off against Sir Kenneth Clarke for the heavyweight championship; astrologers Mrs. Once Off and Irene Trepidacius foretell the future with audio-visual aids; and a doctor robs his patients, only to lose the cash to a man-headed frog. Also featured are an episode of "Victoria Regina," anachronistically invaded by Dennis Moore; the 15th Annual Ideal Loon Exposition; and "Prejudice," in which the host runs out of ethnic epithets and stages a "Shoot the Poof" contest. First seen on January 4, 1973, "Dennis Moore" features Carol Cleveland, Nosher Powell, and a cast of dozens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
In this episode, dyslexic Sir Jeremy Toogood struggles to read Sir Walter Scott's The Red Gauntlet. The Queen's Own Kamikaze Highlanders go into training, with only one candidate surviving. A man from the No Time to Lose Advice Center tries to sell a used phrase. Terry Gilliam offers a 60-second animated remake of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Part II of "Frontiers of Medicine" reveals that penguins are more intelligent than BBC program planners. The sole surviving Scottish Kamikaze fails to explode upon hitting the Kremlin, resulting in a nail-biting visit from the Unexploded Scotsman Disposal Squad. The viewer is invited to "Spot the Looney" during an adaptation of Ivanhoe. And two documentary narrators duke it out over claiming rights to a discussion of Sir Walter Scott. The show ends (almost) with coming attractions of such BBC series as "Dad's Poovies" and "Limestone, Dear Limestone." "A Book at Bedtime" was originally telecast January 11, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
A Scotsman threatens to blow up an airliner, only to be ejected from the sketch by the show's director. A discussion of the significance of the Nude Organ Player is set aside in favor of "New Housing Developments," which depicts a British housing project populated entirely by literary characters from Dickens, Bronte, Milton, Hardy, and Samuel Butler -- most of whom end up working on a new highway system. Ken Very Big Liar and Clement Onan hire the Amazing Mystico to hypnotize people into thinking that they're living in a new building. Superintendent Harry "Boot In" Swalk discusses the recent wave of unauthorized hangings. A pair of morticians conduct a guided tour of their digs, during which the Lord Mayor's brain comes loose. Paraguay's Francisco Huron and Britain's Don Roberts compete in the Men's Hide and Seek Olympic Finals. The Cheap Laughs invade the home of Roger and Beatrice Robinson. And Prof. Herman Khan, director of the Institute for Split-Crotch Panties, investigates the financial structure of the planet Algon. Carol Cleveland, Marie Anderson, and Mrs. Idle made brief appearances in "The Nude Man," which first aired December 14, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The owner of the Tudor Job Agency is unable to locate a travelling companion for Sir Walter Raleigh, but he does a land-office business in dirty books. Inspector Henry Gaskell raids the agency, only to be transformed into Sir Philip Sydney, whereupon the viewer is treated to Sidney's life story. A cartoon segment brings Shakespeare's lost classic "Gay Boys in Bondage" to life. "The Free Repetition of Doubtful Words, Skits, Spoofs, Japes and Vignettes by a Very Underrated Writer" focuses on the misadventures of Mr. Peepee. Roger Last discusses the possibility of life after death with three corpses. And Dr. E. Henry Thripshaw names a disease after himself, then sells the stage, movie and T-shirt rights. Featured in the cast are Carol "Four Revealing Poses" Cleveland, Rosalind Bailey, and The Fred Tomlinson Singers. "E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease" was originally telecast December 21, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The centerpiece of this November 30, 1972, episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus is a grisly slow-motion sequence from Sam Peckinpah's production of the musical comedy Salad Days, replete with tennis-racket impalements and blood-soaked pianos. Also on the docket is "The Adventures of Biggles," in which the aviator hero tries to dictate a letter to King Haakon of Norway and Princess Margaret during a WWI dogfight (or, in this case, a sheep fight). Bert Tagg leads a mountain-climbing expedition along the north face of the Uxbridge Road. The resident of 24 Parker Street insists that her house is not a lifeboat. A Good Fairy from BBC program control turns into a frog. And, in the episode's other "money scene," Mr. Mousebender tries to make a purchase at Mr. Wensleydale's cheese shop. Nicki Howorth was featured in the unusually large cast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
In this episode, Reg Pither's bicycle trip through the countryside is fraught with peril. He ends up in a hospital, convinced that he's really pop star Clodagh Rogers. Resuming his journey in the company of Mr. Gulliver, Pither embarks upon a search for Lenin and Trotsky, culminating in a visit to the USSR 42nd International Clambake. Only a "scene missing" card saves our heroes from the wrath of that internationally popular ventriloquist Marshal Bulganin. One of the few episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus with an actual storyline -- not to mention a genuine beginning, middle, and end -- "The Cycling Tour" was written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, and features Carol Cleveland. The episode was first broadcast December 7, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The titular event includes a swimsuit and evening-gown competition, and a 15-second summary of Remembrances of Things Past, performed as a madrigal by The Fred Tomlinson Singers. Col. Sir John Teasy Weasy Butler describes the International Hairdresser's Expedition of Mt. Everest. After coming attractions for "A Magnificent Festering," the fire brigade waits until Friday to answer a call from Mrs. Little and her headhunter son Eamon. Veronica Smalls offers advice as to throwing a party during a Communist uprising. Mrs. Tick takes a tour of a language laboratory, which ends with a performance of Sandy Wilson's musical version of The Devils. Mr. Smoketoomuch tries to book a world tour from Mr. Bounder. And a discussion of the Brontosaurus by Anne Elk (Miss) is interrupted with a reprise of the Proust Madrigal, even though the Competition has already been won by the Girl With the Biggest Tits. First telecast November 16, 1972, this Monty Python's Flying Circus episode was graced with another prominent appearance by Carol Cleveland. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
In this episode, Mr. T.F. Gumby's brain is removed by a Harley Street surgeon. A special telecast of the All-Essex Badminton Championship Finals forces the BBC to stage the Nine O'clock News on a cardboard TV screen. An exploration of Lake Pahoe yields a hallucinogenic Royal Navy recruiting film, an outbreak of necrophilia, and an announcer who turns into Long John Silver. Mr. Badger offers his theories on the Magna Carta in mime, which is adjudged the silliest sketch ever performed on this series. As for the war on pornography. . .well, you should have been watching the show before the opening credits. This episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus first aired November 23, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The programme begins with Episode Thlee of Erizabeth L, featuring Sir Flancis Dlake and the Spanish Almada. The Fraud Film Squad arrests a man for impersonating Lucino Visconti, and the Salvation Fuzz likewise swings into action. An old lady prepares a dead-rat dessert for her husband, while her son reports the presence of a dead bishop. This leads to an impromptu jungle expedition, where a deadly battle with a gorilla is replaced by a scene from "Ken Russell's Garden Club -- 1958." Once the identity of the phony Visconti is established, police remain baffled by a man who claims to be Michelangelo Antonioni. And after the closing credits roll, it's off to The Argument Clinic (no, it isn't!) and a surprise appearance by Inspector Fox of the Light Entertainment Police (Comedy Division, Spec. Flying Squad). Also featuring Rita Davies, Carol Cleveland and The Fred Tomlinson Singers (who perform "The Money Song"), "The Money Programme" was originally broadcast November 2, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
