This is one of the Python skits from the early 70s. Your reaction to it will speak volumes about you, yourself. The skit itself
(Fade in - TV interview set. Interviewer sitting with man with large polystyrene nose.)
Interviewer (Michael Palin): Good evening. I have with me in the studio tonight one of the country's leading skin specialists - Raymond Luxury Yacht.
Raymond (Graham Chapman): That's not my name.
Interviewer: I'm sorry - Raymond Luxury Yachet.
Raymond: No, no, no - it's spelt Raymond Luxury Yachet, but it's pronounced 'Throatwarbler Mangrove'.
Interviewer: You're a very silly man and I'm not going to interview you.
Raymond: Ah, anti-Semitism!
Interviewer: Not at all. It's not even a proper nose. (takes it off him) It's polystyrene.
Raymond: Give me my nose back.
Interviewer: You can collect it at reception. Now go away.
Raymond: I want to be on television.
Interviewer: Well you can't.
Possible reactions
Rational libertarian [chuckling]: Python were classic, weren't they? Mind you, you'd better be careful who you show that to these days …
Left liberal [stiffly]: Dated, aren't they? I would have thought we'd moved on from this kind of cheap, racial stereotyping by 2007. Seems not.
PC devotee: This is the sort of crass, philistine pig-ignorance we've tried to eliminate from rational debate these days. You think it's very funny, don't you? Well, let me tell you you're nothing but an unreconstructed racist, a throwback to a former, darker time and I wish to have nothing further to do with you. Dear oh dear. Good day!
Russian or American [possibly]: Was there something funny just then?
Russians
I've just been running through the Dead Parrot Sketch with a lady friend and once she understood the words, she found the humour understandable and would like a copy of as much Python as I can give her.
Americans
I'd be interested to read in the comments section from my friends.
'as much Python as I can give her'
ReplyDeleteSaturday night in Bangor, this is the single most popular request from my fans.
However, regarting the skit, of course it's funny. That's not to say that Python were occasionally poor, but they had a love of words which comedians these days have generally lost. Vic Reeves at his best had it. 'Throatwarbler Mangrove' is just beautiful.
:-))))
ReplyDeleteI'd not even mind who I show that to.
And now for something completely different: Although prefering Ale, would you mind a pint of Guiness on this very occasion?
Wooaaah, Guinness, of course.
ReplyDeleteA golden age, in more than one way.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the whole point of comedy to take a jab at the pompous, pious and self-regarding?
We live in an era that reveres what used to be regarded character flaws.
Someof the sketches make you smile even though you think they are stupid. I still watch the films every now and again.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is 'old' humour now and it seems that our younger generations just dont get it. Fawlty Towers, Carry On. Brilliant but outlawed by the PC police. Laugh and you are labelled.
Phew - nice to get some reactions back like this. The thing is, we've had some bad knocks this week, financially ovr here and today had to renegotiate the partment and then the computer dropout - time for some good news.
ReplyDeleteGreat to know people still have not lost their sense of humour, even if it is risque or a bit in bad taste, sexist or even racist. I'm running one tomorrow which is a dig at men so we'll have to see if we guys can take it on the chin.
I find Python rather dated now but it still has the spark of genius on occasions. It was of its time, although the Terry Gilliam animations still look fresh.
ReplyDeleteI remember a Smith & Jones show where Smith did a Eric Morecambe routine and although identical in mannerisms and word perfect, it wasn't funny (nor meant to be)
I take the first respinse, I like this sketch.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, if you watch carefully, they used it twice...
Never personally met anyone that didn't think Python was the 'it' thing in comedy back in the day :)
ReplyDeleteOf course, there are quite a few people that would hate it now... I'm just saying
Of course this is just one small skit from what would be a whole show and some you would obviously like better than others. I thought they did some brilliant things but I can see how they do seem a bit dated now.
ReplyDeleteA lot of their cleverness came from continuity too, some characters appearing over and over .
I think this particular skit shows one facet of their style but I don't think it stands well on its own as just words. But with the actors and as part of the show it would be fine.
Maybe that sketch appeals more to the male - I preferred Spam and the Ministry of Silly Walks. I don't think seventies humour goes unappreciated amongst the young - my kids and their friends, all young adults, enjoy Python and Fawlty Towers and I think it's the non PC aspects they find most enjoyable. I have loved their shocked expressions the first time they have heard something outrageously non PC and which could never now be said. They call it 'educational' humour because 'that's what it was like in the old days' - but Python always was just off the wall.
ReplyDeleteMonty Python kicks ass!
ReplyDeleteUnquestionably the UK's greatest contribution to humor (other than your silly little cars with the steering wheels on the wrong side).
All comments noted here and smiled at. Like the last Americanism too.
ReplyDeleteI'm being repressed!!
ReplyDeleteOne more vote from the colonies for more Monty Python. Always.
Thanks Michael, thanks all - too good.
ReplyDelete