Talk Show with Harper Simon
Episode 55
A Gentleman’s Rules for Comedy with Monty Python Co-Founder Eric Idle
Eric Idle talks Monty Python, the Rutles, Spamalot, and the brilliant & strange circumstances that create comedy genius, in this uncensored interview. How Python worked together, played with the Beatles and Keith Moon, and the ongoing strange business of writing and working in Hollywood is all laid out in a conversation that highlights the absurd brilliance of a true comedy legend. Graham Chapman, Robin Williams, and the exhilarating nightmare of shooting THE ADVENTURES OF BARON VON MUNCHAUSEN are just a few of the unexpected topics shared with Harper Simon on TALK SHOW.
Episode Breakdown
00:01 Welcoming Eric Idle to Talk Show.
02:34 approaching new mediums and executives.
04:51The Goons and Beyond the Fringe.
05:29 Cold openings, cross dressing and Terry Gilliam.
10:48 British classicism, satire and Lenny Bruce.
13:00 Monty Python’s writing and filming style.
15:16 London in the 60’s and THE LIFE OF BRIAN.
18:04 THE FLYING CIRCUS, American television and Lorne Michaels.
19:57 PBS and THE HOLY GRAIL.
22:18 THE RUTLES.
27:01 Ratings, THE MEANING OF LIFE and Keith Moon.
31:41 Terry Gilliam and THE ADVENTURES OF BARON VON MUNCHAUSEN.
34:08 SPAMALOT and Mike Nichols.
35:40 THE WRITER’S CUT and SUDDENLY SUSAN.
39:30 How Eric first heard of Harper.
41:03 Thank you and goodbye.
Guest Bio
Eric Idle is one of the founding members of landmark comedy group, Monty Python. In addition to his screen work which spans decades, he is a published author, musician, and the creative force behind SPAMALOT.
Hosts
Comments