WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jan. 30, 2006--Hollywood, by way of Britain -- Bring out your dead! Bang your coconuts! Slap those fish! Those zaniest of zany, mesmerizingly funny, terrifyingly hilarious guys from Britain are featured in a new series, MONTY PYTHON`S PERSONAL BEST. The six one-hour specials air for the first time on PBS this February 22-March 8, 2006, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings).
Never-before-seen original sketches will come to your home (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and thrill Monty Python fans nationwide. It`s the first time in over 37 years that the original cast have come together to reflect on the shows that made them famous. Get the crew together and pay homage to those who were just crazy and genius enough to take risks and make fun of everything, including themselves, and create history.
The five living members of the troupe -- John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin -- have selected their favorites of the ''Monty Python Flying Circus'' skits, included in each member`s ''personal best.'' Each episode includes a special introduction in which the host provides insight into his particular picks in their usual ''special'' way. In a separate episode, the Python quintet collaborates on a special tribute to fellow Pythonite Graham Chapman, who died in 1989. They all offer reminiscences of Chapman to celebrate his crazed comic wizardry.
''As the network that originally introduced the fresh and unconventional comedy of Monty Python to America, PBS is proud to present these new specials,'' said John F. Wilson, PBS senior vice president and co-chief programming executive. ''These specials will allow Monty Python fans to learn more about the men who have made them laugh for decades, while introducing a whole new generation to these world-renowned comedians.''
The Pythons burst onto the scene in October 1969 when ''Monty Python`s Flying Circus'' debuted in Britain to a startled UK audience. The series` 45 episodes ran until December 1974. American audiences were first introduced to such phrases as ''nudge, nudge, wink, wink,'' ''naughty bits'' and ''nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!'' when PBS stations obtained broadcast rights to the series in 1974.
In addition to the television series, the group released several feature-length films, including ''Monty Python and the Holy Grail'' (1975), ''The Life of Brian'' (1979) and ''Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl'' (1982). In 2005 ''Monty Python`s Spamalot'' premiered on Broadway to critical and audience acclaim, and won the Tony Award(R) for Best Musical (2005).
Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS. Producer: Python (Monty) Pictures, Ltd. Format: CC Stereo.
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