Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python

Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python
Created by Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Gilliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin
Starring Steve Martin
Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Gilliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin
Country of origin United Kingdom
Production
Running time 72 minutes
Release
Original network BBC (UK)
Showtime (US)
Original release 5 October 1989 (UK)
17 March 1990 (US)
Chronology
Preceded by Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Followed by Monty Python Live At Aspen

Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python was a tribute special to the Monty Python comedy group, produced in 1989 and originally broadcast by the BBC on 5 October of that year (the 20th anniversary of the debut of the group's television series, Monty Python's Flying Circus). It was compiled by noted British comedy producer John Lloyd.

It was hosted by actor and Monty Python fan Steve Martin, who introduced several sketches from Monty Python's Flying Circus, as well as some sketches from the German remake Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus. True to its title, the popular Dead Parrot sketch was not included.

Sketches Included

Deleted sequence

According to the autobiography The Pythons, a new piece of material written and featuring the Monty Python members and Steve Martin was to be included in the special. In the sequence, the Monty Python members, dressed as school boys, ask Martin questions and take notes. The sequence was removed at request by the Pythons because it was felt to be unfunny. However, some of the members today wish it had been included, as it had been the last time that Monty Python member Graham Chapman would perform with the group.

The Pythons gave an alternate version of their appearance, which is featured in the special, in which Steve Martin briefly reveals that they are all in a cupboard. Chapman appears very pale and sallow; at the time the throat cancer that would kill him was advancing rapidly. This would be his last appearance on television before his death, which coincidentally was one night before the premiere of the programme.

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