Series synopsis
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) is an American documentary comedy television series that premiered on PBS on October 18, 2009. It ended on October 23, 2009. It stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Eric Idle.
A 2009 television documentary series in six parts that covers 40 years of the surreal comedy group Monty Python, from Flying Circus to present day projects such as the musical Spamalot. The series highlights their childhood, schooling and university life, and pre-Python work. The series featured new interviews with surviving members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, alongside archive interview footage of Graham Chapman and interviews with several associates of ...
Premise
A 2009 television documentary series in six parts that covers 40 years of the surreal comedy group Monty Python, from Flying Circus to present day projects such as the musical Spamalot. The series highlights their childhood, schooling and university life, and pre-Python work. The series featured new interviews with surviving members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, alongside archive interview footage of Graham Chapman and interviews with several associates of the Pythons, including Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes and Chapman's partner David Sherlock, along with commentary from modern comedians.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Graham Chapman as Self (archive footage)
- John Cleese as Self
- Michael Palin as Self
- Eric Idle as Self
- Terry Gilliam as Self
- Terry Jones as Self
- Carol Cleveland as Self
- Neil Innes as Self
Supporting cast
- Jerry Schilling as Self
- Elvis Presley as Self (archive footage)
- George Harrison as Self (archive footage)
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 15 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 9 | October 3, 2009 | October 3, 2009 |
| Season 1 | 6 | October 18, 2009 | October 23, 2009 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Monty Python: Almost The Truth - The BBC Lawyer's Cut To commemorate the Ruby Jubilee of Monty Python, this film takes us on a journey telling the story of the Pythons from start to finish. Starting with the very humble beginnings of how the legendary British comedy troupe emerged, we learn how the cast met, their early influences and how they went on to create ground-breaking television, and their transition into movies that would change the face of comedy forever. |
October 3, 2009 |
| 2 | The Sketches | |
| 3 | Extra - Outtakes |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Not-So-Interesting Beginnings The birth of Monty Python. Join members as they tell the tale of how their lives and careers began Post-WWII to the culmination of Monty Python's Flying Circus. |
October 18, 2009 |
| 2 |
The Much Funnier Second Episode Catch up with The Pythons as they remember Monty Python's Flying Circus' early struggles turned extreme successes with sketches influencing generations to come. |
October 19, 2009 |
| 3 |
And Now the Sordid Personal Bits Join Monty Python members as they discuss BBC censorship, unwanted celebrity status, member Graham Chapman, Python controversy and Cleese's departure. |
October 20, 2009 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | PBS |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 18, 2009 |
| Last aired | October 23, 2009 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |