And Now for Something Completely Different

And Now for Something Completely Different is a 1971 movie that features a compilation of sketches from the first two series of Monty Python's Flying Circus. It is directed by Ian MacNaughton and stars the famous Monty Python comedians, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam.

The film starts with a pre-recorded introduction by the members of Monty Python. This introduction sets the tone for the film and prepares the viewers for the unconventional style of humor that they will encounter throughout the movie. The sketches are linked by a series of animations created by Terry Gilliam, which are bizarre and nonsensical, adding to the overall surreal atmosphere of the film.

One of the most memorable sketches in the movie is the "Dead Parrot" sketch, which has become an iconic sketch in television history. In this sketch, John Cleese plays a disgruntled customer who has purchased a parrot from a pet shop. However, the parrot turns out to be dead and the owner of the pet shop played by Michael Palin, refuses to admit it is dead, insisting that it is only "resting". The sketch is a masterclass in absurdist humor, and John Cleese's performance is particularly noteworthy.

Another memorable sketch is "The Lumberjack Song", in which Michael Palin plays a lumberjack who is tired of cutting down trees and decides that he wants to be a "lumberjack". The sketch features the famous line, "I cut down trees, I wear high heels, suspenders, and a bra!". Palin's performance is hilarious and the sketch has become a beloved classic of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Throughout the film, the Pythons touch on a wide variety of topics, including politics, religion, and social norms. One particularly memorable sketch is "The Ministry of Silly Walks", in which John Cleese plays a government employee who works in a department that promotes silly walks. The sketch features a hilarious display of Cleese's exaggerated and ridiculous walk, which has become an iconic moment in the world of comedy.

Other sketches in the movie include "Nudge Nudge", in which Eric Idle plays a dirty-minded man who engages in suggestive conversation with Terry Jones, and "Self-Defense Against Fresh Fruit", in which Michael Palin provides a demonstration of how to protect oneself against different types of fruit, including a banana.

And Now for Something Completely Different is a landmark film in the world of comedy. It showcases the unique style and humor of Monty Python's Flying Circus, and has become a beloved classic that continues to entertain audiences decades after its release. The film is a must-see for fans of the Pythons and for anyone who appreciates absurd, surreal, and irreverent humor.