Whilst filming Life of of Brian the production ran into financial difficulties, and was threatened with having to cancel the film. They were rescued by George Harrison, of the Beatles, who was such a fan that he jumped in and financed the project. We are ever-so grateful George RIP 😎
@@riffgroove I didn't know that, thanks. I feel a new game coming on, famous musicians who should have financed films. How about Prince financing the Colour Purple? The Cars and Driving Miss Daisy. Cat Stevens and The Lion King, Ringo Starr and Lord of the Rings, The Prodigy and Amadeus, The Moody Blues and Avatar.......starting to struggle now. Probably get another one in the middle of the night whilst asleep. 🤔
@@jonathanhill4892 Oh Dear God yes... Ironically, it was in a Religious Education class for me. Sat right in front of the teacher, she told off two of my mates next to me, the third time we all got sent out; I did nothing! But my goodness... erupt, she was fuming more so than a volcanic eruption; honestly! So, she was erupting and shouting so loud, none of us could keep a straight face, and we just burst out laughing in her face. The three of us got put into a corner of the next room facing the wall. The Head of Year got called to speak to us and tell us off... when he asked us what we had done... he started laughing too! Funniest moment ever!
This, The Stoning, and What Have The Romans Ever Done For Us are my favourite 3 scenes in this movie. Oh, and "I Want To Be A Woman" was great as well.
I really don't think any film made me laugh as much as this....and it is Timeless......perhaps only Airplane comes close So Glad the Woke Brigade have not noticed this yet. Love all
The Biggus Dickus scene nearly put me in hospital - and that's no exaggeration. I had my appendix removed and just come home when I decided to watch this film. I laughed so much at this scene, I started to have issues with my stitches ( enough said ) ! I still think it is the funniest scene in any film.
The film was banned in my mum’s hometown in Wales. The actress who played Judith later became mayor of that town. They held a triumphant showing at the local cinema which Michael Palin and Terry Jones attended. And the funny thing? It had never actually been banned: the person behind it forgot to file the paperwork.
I live in Bath where Cleese is from and he spoke at the local theatre(they did a "Night with John Cleese") he told a story that the pythons used to have to repeatedly rehearse to "get the laughs out", but what used to happen is, someone would throw something in improvised trying to get the set to burst out laughing! He said in the "free Brian" scene they had to stop filming because you could hear belly laughter coming from behind the camera!
The Roman soldier that was struggling to keep his mouth straight wasn't warned about anything that would be said in that sequence. It was his authentic reaction.
@@noomiolsson462 well actually it's been confirmed that the soldiers were told if they laughed they wouldn't be paid. You can read about it with the Monty Python cast and on IMDB... well that's what I've at least read about. It's just a very well done improv scene, where only 3 of the cast knew what was actually happening.
I went to the cinema to see this (as a teenager) and my God, the place erupted. I ended up on the floor absolutely howling with laughter as well as many others. Even now, I still cry with laughter even though I know what is going to happen and when. Pure comedy writing genius. 🙂
I remember seeing the film with a young lady friend who had come over from India to visit London. She was alternately shocked and laughing at most of the performance. The bit where Brian opened the shutters after losing his cherry, exposing himself to the crowd, had my friend in utter, hilarious, confusion. I wasn't sure what made me laugh more...
As an American... I loved them... Saw all the movies.. every video and show I can. There will never be another group of comedians like Monty Python... ever ... you cannot even imagine the talent.. the great comedy that they put out... nothing has ever been as good since.
Could you imagine being an extra in this scene? Uniformed, kitted and instructed: 'Do not break character, if you laugh you don't get paid!' Michael Palin: 'Hold my beer...' [then going completely off road...]
This is truly one of my favorite Python scenes of all time! These guys kept me laughing my whole life, and I'm grateful for them sharing their talents with us all! Bravo!
The true gift of the Monty Python crew, is being able to do these scenes completely deadpan. Not even a smirk. The more absurdist parts of their humour isn’t for everyone, but this type of scene can be appreciated by pretty much everyone
I think that Buster Keaton was the king of deadpan. He was hilarious in "Speak Easily (1932)). OOOOOps, my bad by getting the title wrong the first time. Sorry to all Buster Keaton fans.
I am *so* glad that you are understanding the British sense of humour! I was *so* fortunate that, as an Aussie visiting Portland OR for the first time (on a work trip), a bunch of local guys who LOVED Monty Python took me out to dinner and a gig at a local comedy club. I almost felt at home!
I lived in Portland for awhile! It's my favorite city. Still live nearby. There are some amazing comedians there! And many, many people here in the US love Monty Python and a lot of other British humor classics. I've loved it ever since I was a kid. Anyway, I'm so glad that you enjoyed your visit!
thats one thing british people seem to misunderstand. some think americans don't get sarcasm. we do Monty python is proof of that the film was ridiculously popular and still is heavily embeded in our humor to this day
As an American, I've loved them since I was a little girl. I seen everything they put out and never get tired of it. Contrary to what some people seem to think, Americans "get it", and many of us absolutely love it. ❤
Considering the controversy the film caused when it was released in the UK ( at least in some quarters), I wonder how it would have gone down in The Bible Belt, especially if and when local cinemas decided to screen it?
@@Psmith-ek5hq Yes I remember the uproar, but Jesus was only in this movie right at the start, when a fight broke out during his "Blessed are the Peacemakers" sermon. I knew at that moment this film was going to be a real giggle.
They were not extras. They were respected comic actors, together they played 12 different roles in the film, one of them Bernard McKenna the one behind Brian on the left was part of the writing team, they all knew what scene 13 was about.
I think my favourite moment in this scene is the really subtle expression right here at 4:28. "He has a wife you know..." and the look on the dude on the left of "Oh god no."
I first saw The Life of Brian in the cinema with my girlfriend. We were about 15-16 years old. This scene really sticks with me more than the rest of the film. The cinema (in the UK this is) had those seats that flipped up when you stood up, so people could pass, (ashtrays too, we could still smoke in there then). The film was the funniest thing I ever saw, but when this scene came on I sort of got a laughing stitch, slipped off my seat which flipped up but trapped me into the seat in front. Which everyone around thought really funny too. That wasn't the bad thing though, as I had wet myself. When I got trapped by the chair I actually peed my pants laughing. Never saw that girl again.
Great review! You certainly have the narrator's voice and honestly one of the most beautiful laughs I've ever heard - even when you snorted at 2:46 sounded great LMAO!! As an Aussie, I grew up on British comedy and it really is the best.
One rumor is that the extras in this scene were not told the script and were just told laugh before the final punchline and you don't get paid for the day
@@LADYRAEUK Not only that but apparently everything, after Brian was taken away, was offscript, Michael Palin just stayed in character and toyed with the extras, but they decided to keep it in.
Only problem is, the,re not extras. The one at 4mins is a very well known comedian called Chris Langham. The other 3 are less well known but still comedic actors.
He pauses for just the right amount of time, the way he moves around the room and looks at the different soldiers. His looks when nobody can understand what he's saying -- all so perfectly done.
It's actually 'Buttox' rather than 'Buttocks', as the Pythons (some of whom studied Latin) were referring to feminine Latin nouns of the third declension. To Latin scholars, this makes the joke even funnier, in the same way that the 'Romanes eunt domus' joke (Romans go home) later in the film made reference to the incorrect use of Latin grammar.
The whole of the Monte Python team are legends and everything they do is abolute gold. i'm 52 and even after all these years and no matter how many times i watch Life of Brian is always has me in stitches
I think it's neck and neck with Holy Grail. The "She's a witch. Burn her!" scene had them totally breaking up. One of them can be seen biting down on the prop he held to keep from cracking up.
it should be noted that the ending of this scene was the best take they got, every time they did a new take the wife had a new improvised name, and that higher pitch loud lang is actually one of the crew laughing.
The Finale Song of the movie "Always look in the bright side of life" was written at the last minute because they realised they had nothing to finish the movie with. It was written in the hotel room where they were staying (In Tunisia) and recorded in the bathroom with mattresses and pillows in the room as audio foam to stop the echos.
This was my Father's favorite movie and growing up in the 90s my brother and I watched it so many times we could as I'm sure many people could quote every line from their movies and also the flying Circus. My teachers were not impressed most of the time but my father was proud of us 🤣🤣🤣
One of the very funniest British comedies? Nope - the funniest film of all time, in the whole galaxy (Galaxy Song is a rather brilliant Monty Python song as well - czcams.com/video/buqtdpuZxvk/video.html).
I'm crying from laughing so hard this time too. I don't know how many times I've seen the movie and this scene especially and I cry every time from laughing. There are many small details that make this scene the best and funniest ever made: the look in Michael Palin's eyes when he's staring at that soldier before telling them about Incontinentia Buttocks, the soldiers doing the best they can to not burst out laughing, John Cleese's laugh after hearing Naughtius Maximus, Palin smacking his lips, Graham Chapman's sound lying on the floor after being hit the last time... hilarious stuff! 😂
I am a huge fan of everything Monty Python, but this is handsdown my all time favorite! Much respect for John Cleese keeping a straight face. No one or nothing could have stopped me from laughing.
I have always loved this one. I first saw it while working in Holland with Dutch subtitles. As they ran the captions half a sentence ahead of the English dialogue, most of the punchlines were lost in the Dutch audience's howls of laughter. In a way, their reaction, like yours made it even funnier. As soon as I got back to the UK I went to find it in a cinema (no videos in those days), and hurt my stomach laughing through so hard. It still holds its power after all this time.
One of the big influences on the Monty Pythoners was a BBC Radio show from the '50's, called The Goon Show(Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secumbe)
you mean Spike 'Milligner', the well known typing error? The Goon Show had such a huge influence on Britush comedy. it was several decade before my time but i still love to hear it
Funny coincidence that Milligan happened to be in the area - Morocco I think- when then filmed Brian so they wrote him into a few scenes; he did one then disappeared - very Milligan.
What a wonderful reaction video. I have seen this scene umpteen times over the years and it’s just as funny today as it was when the film was released. Your reaction, as a young American female, suggests that the film will live on and be enjoyed by new generations of many diverse backgrounds. Python is often thought of as English schoolboy humour but your reaction indicates a much wider appeal. 🤪👍 Life of Brian is a masterpiece!
Still one of the funnies things ever written and performed, and I'm so pleased that it tickles the humour of other cultures, us Brits aren't as mad as you think ;)
So much so, that it's virtually impossible to tell whether he's being serious.... Fawlty Towers was always considered to be among the funniest series ever televised. I reckon Porridge must have run it a close second though...... Both John Cleese and Ronnie Barker are/were comedy acting royalty.....
I read years ago that during every take Michael Palin would change the silly names so they guys playing the guards never knew what he was going say. Seems about right.
Years ago I worked as stage hand on a pantomime starring Basil Brush and David Nixon. One of Basil's lines was, "No need to get your knickers in a knot". My colleague and I would dream up variations of this, such as "underpants in an uproar", which Basil used to try to corpse David Nixon. If successful, Basil would nod to us watching in the wings.
Just wanted to say that whenever I am feeling a bit down, I will watch one of your youtube videos and just like that I'm cheered up and smiling again. So Amanda a huge thank you and cyber hug from me. Fantastic videos. x
Absolutely hilarious!! I first saw this decades ago, the diction and the straight face with which the lines are delivered still makes me laugh!! Thanks for uploading this Amanda!!
I am Polish and sometimes I am not sure some homorous misspeling subteties, but overall absurd humour of that scene is so universal and simultaneously so brillant, that I can't stand laughing every time I watch it.
This is the second time I have watched this excerpt here. I laugh every time I see it. I love your reactions - and your appreciation of our British humour. Thank you for posting this. 😄
I saw this movie in 1980 at Turnpike Lane cinema in London. This scene had me blocking my ears as I was feeling sick with stomach pain through laughing. It still makes me laugh. That's the cleverness of fantastic writing and brilliant acting. The bit that got me was the soldier who's mouth was screwed up as he tried to not laugh... thought I was going to have a hernia!
Whenever my friend and I visit Starbucks and they ask for a name I reply "Brian". He then orders his drink and replies "Biggus Dickus". When they call out my drink I shout "here", and he calls "I'm Brian and so's my wife". Then they think about calling out his, usually just saying "Biggus", and I call out "He's my gwate fwend in wome"
Half of that scene was actually improv by Michael Palin. And the reactions from the guards was genuine. Just shows you what great actors are capable of when they are in sync. 10/10 for Life of Brian
Life of Brian is very funny, But for me, The Holy Grail is the true treasure trove of hilarity. That one had me actually crying from laughter by the end of the opening credits.
@@lukedaniel7669 In the original theatrical release, when it got to the signature on the Thanks statement, the entire theater went wacko with laughter. Much more relevant then.
What I love about this sketch is that it draws it's deeper origins from post-war public school (private in the US) ragging of teachers, with a touch of National Service ranks undermining of the officer class. Very clever and very observant. It similarly appears in the sublime Romans Go Home scene.
That scene "What has Rome done" was {really} written 1,950 years ago,it happened.Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai answered that question "The Romans don't do it for us, they do it to forward their own physical agenda" Its written in the Talmud so I realized 20 years ago where it came from!!
In my humble opinion, you deserve your own television show, Amanda. You are so beautiful and have a great personality. I very much enjoy watching your reaction videos.
Amanda, you really need to see and react to John Cleese in Fawlty Towers. I had dinnere in Battersea with a few of the Pythons, such a hilarious evening. Please please see Fawlty Towers, acting is superb.
You laughed so much, I even heard the tiniest lady-like snort! It's a privilege to watch people experience the life of Brian for the first time. And now for something completely different...
Me mam was a prolific snorter, when we used to watch things like this. Especially when the BBC used to actually do proper comedy, such as Only Fools and Horses, 'Allo 'Allo, Dad's Army, Last of the Summer Wine etc...
Yes, that made me think of my sister. If she finds something terribly funny, and isn't careful, out comes a snort. Which usually leads to even more laughter. I love when she does that. Of course, being her brother, I still have to make fun of her!
Lots of comments made about your infectious laughter and of course they are right , you crack me up every time! As you seem to like Monty Python so much have you ever watched 'The Parrot Sketch' and 'Is this the right room for an argument' ? if not please treat yourself I'm sure you'll love 'em . If you do please post them on You Tube with all the others and I shall look forward to your comments and your 'snort' and laughter which in turn will crease me up and bring tears to my eyes! Bless you Amanda for bringing us 'Brits' a whole load of joy. Keep 'em coming.
You can seem him already starting to lose it at the very beginning. He's repressing a grin from the very start. The fact that he made it through is a damn miracle.
Watch closely when he's addressing the soldier at the back. (The one he asked 'Do you think it risible?') Just as he says 'Dickus', he's about to crack up.
Also, watch the very subtle change in Cleese's expression when he realizes he's just put his foot in it by saying it was a joke name. Cracks me up. He does it again a bit later in the film, when Biggus Dickus is about to read off those prisoners' names - theveral thediciouth thcribethe from Thaetharia, etc. It's priceless.
If you think filming was a challenge, imagine when they were writing the script. George Harrison financed for one reason only. He read the script and wanted to see the movie.
You do realize, I'm definitely going to have to watch the whole thing now? I love Monty Python's movies, and this is one of the very few I haven't seen yet! My fave is still The Holy Grail.. Thanks a bunch for the review.. your laugh is infectious!🤣👍
I love watching your reaction videos Amanda. It's great to see that you get the British sense of humour. If you haven't done so already, watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Bridge of Death is my favourite scene.
This is one of those movies I would love to have erased from my mind just so I could watch it again for the first time. This movie is nonstop laughter from start to finish.
"Always look on the bright side of life/death". Monty Python's "Life of Brian" taught many of us to laugh at adversity, something widely unappreciated these days!
Apparently it was all improv, the actors playing the guards weren't aware of the lines and actually giggled at the name, causing all the mayhem to unfold. He himself was obviously trying not to crack up. In the last seconds of the scene you can actually hear the entire camera crew losing their shit.
genuinely this happened, they kept laughing during the takes so michael palin told them to keep rolling and let him adlib the scene a bit. and that is how we got this glorious scene
And then set Michael Palin loose on them. Hardly fair. Absolute riot. My Latin teacher in high school used the grammar lesson scene in class and we were dying.
When you watch this again on DVD, turn on the commentary with Michael Palin and John Cleese. They explain so much about this scene. This is my favorite scene, and the funniest in the entire movie.
Whilst filming Life of of Brian the production ran into financial difficulties, and was threatened with having to cancel the film. They were rescued by George Harrison, of the Beatles, who was such a fan that he jumped in and financed the project. We are ever-so grateful George RIP 😎
When asked about financing the film, Harrison said matter of factly, "It just sounded like a film I'd like to see".
Did you know that Pink Floyd financed "The Holy Grail?"
@@riffgroove I didn't know that, thanks. I feel a new game coming on, famous musicians who should have financed films.
How about Prince financing the Colour Purple? The Cars and Driving Miss Daisy. Cat Stevens and The Lion King, Ringo Starr and Lord of the Rings, The Prodigy and Amadeus, The Moody Blues and Avatar.......starting to struggle now.
Probably get another one in the middle of the night whilst asleep. 🤔
@@andrewmclean-reid1461 Yup. They were looking for a place to invest all the profits from Dark Side of the Moon..
What? Really?
"He has a wife, you know...." You can see the soldier close his eyes tight, like 'Please, no."
I've been there - may years ago, when I was at school. I sympathise with that guy.
@@jonathanhill4892 hh h
@@jonathanhill4892 Oh Dear God yes... Ironically, it was in a Religious Education class for me. Sat right in front of the teacher, she told off two of my mates next to me, the third time we all got sent out; I did nothing! But my goodness... erupt, she was fuming more so than a volcanic eruption; honestly! So, she was erupting and shouting so loud, none of us could keep a straight face, and we just burst out laughing in her face. The three of us got put into a corner of the next room facing the wall. The Head of Year got called to speak to us and tell us off... when he asked us what we had done... he started laughing too! Funniest moment ever!
LOL
I love that bit. The way Michael Palin is looking at him before he says it too 😂
This is considered by a lot of people to be one of the funniest scenes ever filmed.
It’s hilarious! 🤣
This, The Stoning, and What Have The Romans Ever Done For Us are my favourite 3 scenes in this movie. Oh, and "I Want To Be A Woman" was great as well.
I say the whole movie is funny
I really don't think any film made me laugh as much as this....and it is Timeless......perhaps only Airplane comes close
So Glad the Woke Brigade have not noticed this yet. Love all
@@rmcguire7033 they came for this movie from day one(1979) i believe it is immune now from every BS out there :)
The Biggus Dickus scene nearly put me in hospital - and that's no exaggeration. I had my appendix removed and just come home when I decided to watch this film. I laughed so much at this scene, I started to have issues with my stitches ( enough said ) ! I still think it is the funniest scene in any film.
🤣🤣
You were "in the stitches" you could say
@@mancityfan2004 Yes, as the nurses took great delight in pointing out to me at the time. They can be so cruel......
This is the funniest sketch I have ever scene , how the hell did the actors not laugh, or did it take umpteen takes to produce a giggle free result
I bet the nurses be like.... Do you find it.... Wheezeble.... When I say the name.... XDDDDD
They are/were all stonking actors, but Michael Palin doing Caesar with the speech defect was priceless!
Pwiceless!
Not Caear but Pontius Piwate.
The film was banned in my mum’s hometown in Wales.
The actress who played Judith later became mayor of that town.
They held a triumphant showing at the local cinema which Michael Palin and Terry Jones attended.
And the funny thing?
It had never actually been banned: the person behind it forgot to file the paperwork.
It was banned in Norway for being blasphemous, following this Sweden billed the film as 'so funny that it was banned in Norway'!
Banned in UK full stop
@@LOTPOR0402 not all of the UK, definitely saw it in Gravesend Kent.
@@LOTPOR0402 Some local councils banned the screening of it but never banned nationally.
It was banned in my town ,at least for a while .We had to trail to Leeds .....worth it though ...brilliant .
The best part of this scene was that only 3 people knew what was going on and the rest were only told don't laugh
I live in Bath where Cleese is from and he spoke at the local theatre(they did a "Night with John Cleese") he told a story that the pythons used to have to repeatedly rehearse to "get the laughs out", but what used to happen is, someone would throw something in improvised trying to get the set to burst out laughing! He said in the "free Brian" scene they had to stop filming because you could hear belly laughter coming from behind the camera!
The Roman soldier that was struggling to keep his mouth straight wasn't warned about anything that would be said in that sequence. It was his authentic reaction.
That's a myth.
This is so obviously an urban myth. Look at the structure of the scene, it wouldn't work if it was improvised.
@@noomiolsson462 well actually it's been confirmed that the soldiers were told if they laughed they wouldn't be paid. You can read about it with the Monty Python cast and on IMDB... well that's what I've at least read about.
It's just a very well done improv scene, where only 3 of the cast knew what was actually happening.
I went to the cinema to see this (as a teenager) and my God, the place erupted. I ended up on the floor absolutely howling with laughter as well as many others. Even now, I still cry with laughter even though I know what is going to happen and when. Pure comedy writing genius. 🙂
Haha I've always wondered what it would've been like to be in the cinema for this scene! Thanks for sharing!
My favourite line is
He's not the massiah he's a very naughty boy
I saw it at the cinema too as a 12 year old. It is still the funniest movie I have ever seen
This movie, and this scene, are treasures! Maximus hilaritious!
I remember seeing the film with a young lady friend who had come over from India to visit London. She was alternately shocked and laughing at most of the performance. The bit where Brian opened the shutters after losing his cherry, exposing himself to the crowd, had my friend in utter, hilarious, confusion. I wasn't sure what made me laugh more...
As an American... I loved them... Saw all the movies.. every video and show I can. There will never be another group of comedians like Monty Python... ever ... you cannot even imagine the talent.. the great comedy that they put out... nothing has ever been as good since.
Yep they would be pilloried for 'misinformation' or whatever now.
Well, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry is a good duo.
How many movies were there? Most get it wrong!
Try red dwarf see what you think
Watch the black adder series !!
"He has a wife you know ..... " That pause absolutely built up the humour even more.
And when "You know what she's called?" is asked you just DON'T want to know the answer.
@@TheRealTricky Absolutely hilarious genius level humor!
The soldiers expression when Michael Palin says "he has a wife you know" is priceless.
I consider that line to be the greatest setup line in the film.
I've never seen this before, so I didn't know what to expect.
For a while there I thought the wife's name was Titus Vajinus.
if I remember correctly, less than a minute after this scene Brian is on a spacecraft
Yes... The Fear that he wasn't going to let up...Poor guys had no way to defend themselves from that onslaught.
I LOVE that moment - you just know he's thinking - Oh god, don't say it, please don't say it... PURE GOLD!
This scene is a masterpiece. Thank God George Harisson gave them money to make this movie.
Could you imagine being an extra in this scene? Uniformed, kitted and instructed: 'Do not break character, if you laugh you don't get paid!'
Michael Palin: 'Hold my beer...' [then going completely off road...]
HHah I wouldn’t have been able to do it 🤣
exactly that. this is one of my most favorite movie history facts
@@dominik8197 I'm sorry but it's a lie ... as much fun as it would be to be true, it's an internet legend !
just to be there in the scene I woud do it for free :-)
One of the funniest scenes ever. It hasn't aged at all. Good to see Amanda laughing so much!!
This is truly one of my favorite Python scenes of all time! These guys kept me laughing my whole life, and I'm grateful for them sharing their talents with us all! Bravo!
"I only said Jehovah..." X-D
In my family, all one has to say is "He has a wife you know?" And the whole house is roaring with laughter
The true gift of the Monty Python crew, is being able to do these scenes completely deadpan. Not even a smirk.
The more absurdist parts of their humour isn’t for everyone, but this type of scene can be appreciated by pretty much everyone
That’s some of the funniest bits, they’re completely straight faces! I don’t know how they kept it together 🤣
The extras were told they'd lose their pay if they laughed. That's how you do it 🙂
... and Spike Milligan.
I think that Buster Keaton was the king of deadpan. He was hilarious in "Speak Easily (1932)). OOOOOps, my bad by getting the title wrong the first time. Sorry to all Buster Keaton fans.
@@333Socks Leslie Nielson > POLICE SQUAD.
I am *so* glad that you are understanding the British sense of humour! I was *so* fortunate that, as an Aussie visiting Portland OR for the first time (on a work trip), a bunch of local guys who LOVED Monty Python took me out to dinner and a gig at a local comedy club. I almost felt at home!
I lived in Portland for awhile! It's my favorite city. Still live nearby. There are some amazing comedians there! And many, many people here in the US love Monty Python and a lot of other British humor classics. I've loved it ever since I was a kid. Anyway, I'm so glad that you enjoyed your visit!
thats one thing british people seem to misunderstand. some think americans don't get sarcasm. we do Monty python is proof of that the film was ridiculously popular and still is heavily embeded in our humor to this day
As an American, I've loved them since I was a little girl. I seen everything they put out and never get tired of it. Contrary to what some people seem to think, Americans "get it", and many of us absolutely love it. ❤
👍🏻
Considering the controversy the film caused when it was released in the UK ( at least in some quarters), I wonder how it would have gone down in The Bible Belt, especially if and when local cinemas decided to screen it?
@@Psmith-ek5hq Yes I remember the uproar, but Jesus was only in this movie right at the start, when a fight broke out during his "Blessed are the Peacemakers" sermon. I knew at that moment this film was going to be a real giggle.
@@ehought Cheesemakers!
The extras weren't told about the jokes and were just told to not laugh. So their reactions were genuine first time response to the lines.Genius.
They were not extras.
They were respected comic actors, together they played 12 different roles in the film, one of them Bernard McKenna the one behind Brian on the left was part of the writing team, they all knew what scene 13 was about.
I think my favourite moment in this scene is the really subtle expression right here at 4:28. "He has a wife you know..." and the look on the dude on the left of "Oh god no."
It’s brilliant!
Bernard McKenna is the name of that actor.. he's a British comedy icon.
I first saw The Life of Brian in the cinema with my girlfriend. We were about 15-16 years old. This scene really sticks with me more than the rest of the film. The cinema (in the UK this is) had those seats that flipped up when you stood up, so people could pass, (ashtrays too, we could still smoke in there then). The film was the funniest thing I ever saw, but when this scene came on I sort of got a laughing stitch, slipped off my seat which flipped up but trapped me into the seat in front. Which everyone around thought really funny too. That wasn't the bad thing though, as I had wet myself. When I got trapped by the chair I actually peed my pants laughing. Never saw that girl again.
Haha that’s brilliant! What a story! 🤣
I can watch this scene over and over again, and it still cracks me up.😂😂
Great review!
You certainly have the narrator's voice and honestly one of the most beautiful laughs I've ever heard - even when you snorted at 2:46 sounded great LMAO!! As an Aussie, I grew up on British comedy and it really is the best.
Thank you very much ! That happens occasionally 🤣😊
Amanda has such a wonderful SNORT when she laughs
One rumor is that the extras in this scene were not told the script and were just told laugh before the final punchline and you don't get paid for the day
Haha that must have been so difficult!
@@LADYRAEUK Not only that but apparently everything, after Brian was taken away, was offscript, Michael Palin just stayed in character and toyed with the extras, but they decided to keep it in.
Lol that’s brilliant!
One of the best scenes ever.
Only problem is, the,re not extras. The one at 4mins is a very well known comedian called Chris Langham. The other 3 are less well known but still comedic actors.
You have a very soothing voice. You would be great as a narrator.
Thanks very much 😊 I hope you’re well
She really would be good .
@@LADYRAEUK they where told, they don't get any money if they laugh. The scene ist mostliy improviesed
I agwee, wonderful speaking voice, warmth, personality and spiwit.
So just for some inlightnment they were kicked off set if they laughed thats why the first guy to laugh dropped his gear lol
Michael Palin's comic timing is just impeccable. The way he says, "Incontinentia...Incontinentia Buttocks" is just a master class.
He pauses for just the right amount of time, the way he moves around the room and looks at the different soldiers. His looks when nobody can understand what he's saying -- all so perfectly done.
It's actually 'Buttox' rather than 'Buttocks', as the Pythons (some of whom studied Latin) were referring to feminine Latin nouns of the third declension. To Latin scholars, this makes the joke even funnier, in the same way that the 'Romanes eunt domus' joke (Romans go home) later in the film made reference to the incorrect use of Latin grammar.
@@andypandy3635 I did Latin at school, so I hang my head in shame. People called me they should go the house.
Seriously who names their daughter incontenentia buttocks?
@@joannestealey4482 They only named her Incontinentia 😀
these guys have me laugh for almost 50 years now, class act
The whole of the Monte Python team are legends and everything they do is abolute gold. i'm 52 and even after all these years and no matter how many times i watch Life of Brian is always has me in stitches
The life of Brian is the funniest film ever made
I think it's neck and neck with Holy Grail. The "She's a witch. Burn her!" scene had them totally breaking up. One of them can be seen biting down on the prop he held to keep from cracking up.
No surprise that someone named Bruce would say so.
Holy Grail is funnier.
"Boys dressed up as girls pretending to be boys, genius!"
Shakespeare: You hear that? Take that Ben Elton, calling my comedy tropes "not funny"
Ben elton just was never funny the schemer Elton was one of the talentless idiots who ended decent English comedy
@@Marcus538 I'd hardly call Blackadder or The Young Ones 'ending' comedy.
But yeah, hes massively overrated now and should just go away.
As opposed to Victor/Victoria where a girl dresses up as a boy pretending to be a girl.
it should be noted that the ending of this scene was the best take they got, every time they did a new take the wife had a new improvised name, and that higher pitch loud lang is actually one of the crew laughing.
The Finale Song of the movie "Always look in the bright side of life" was written at the last minute because they realised they had nothing to finish the movie with.
It was written in the hotel room where they were staying (In Tunisia) and recorded in the bathroom with mattresses and pillows in the room as audio foam to stop the echos.
It is very popular at funerals in the UK. I particularly like the outstanding line "Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it". Very true...
I just love that you're laughing so much at our twisted British humour Amanda 👍😁 It's brilliant 🤣
😂😂😂
You Brits are funny af!
This was my Father's favorite movie and growing up in the 90s my brother and I watched it so many times we could as I'm sure many people could quote every line from their movies and also the flying Circus. My teachers were not impressed most of the time but my father was proud of us 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for showing this , even Michael Palin was almost cracking under the strain . One of the very funniest British comedies .
I don’t know how they kept it together for so long! 🤣 I never would have been able to ! Haha
One of the very funniest British comedies? Nope - the funniest film of all time, in the whole galaxy (Galaxy Song is a rather brilliant Monty Python song as well - czcams.com/video/buqtdpuZxvk/video.html).
@@davidwallin7518 ok David , i agree , THE funniest film of all time . So many graet sequences . what a pity they no longer make such funny movies .
@@namesake-mx9nl These days being funny is illegal.
@@keithscott1957 it certainly seems so , nobody will take a risk
Palin's comic timing is sheer perfection in this scene
Indeed. I was just thinking about that.
I've seen this sketch comedy thousands of times and I can still laugh every now and then. 😊
Look, there's 2 types of laugh i find absolutely hilarious, wheezing and snorting, and she snorted as she laughed, i can't keep it together, at all.
🤣🤣
I'm crying from laughing so hard this time too. I don't know how many times I've seen the movie and this scene especially and I cry every time from laughing. There are many small details that make this scene the best and funniest ever made: the look in Michael Palin's eyes when he's staring at that soldier before telling them about Incontinentia Buttocks, the soldiers doing the best they can to not burst out laughing, John Cleese's laugh after hearing Naughtius Maximus, Palin smacking his lips, Graham Chapman's sound lying on the floor after being hit the last time... hilarious stuff! 😂
It’s brilliant isn’t it?! 🤣
Greatest of all sketches... From the first laugh it went completely unscripted that you can hear the crew laughing behind the camera
He is not the messiah! He's a very naughty boy.
I am a huge fan of everything Monty Python, but this is handsdown my all time favorite! Much respect for John Cleese keeping a straight face. No one or nothing could have stopped me from laughing.
I have always loved this one.
I first saw it while working in Holland with Dutch subtitles.
As they ran the captions half a sentence ahead of the English dialogue, most of the punchlines were lost in the Dutch audience's howls of laughter.
In a way, their reaction, like yours made it even funnier.
As soon as I got back to the UK I went to find it in a cinema (no videos in those days), and hurt my stomach laughing through so hard.
It still holds its power after all this time.
One of the big influences on the Monty Pythoners was a BBC Radio show from the '50's, called The Goon Show(Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secumbe)
How do I open the door? You turn the knob on your side. I haven't got a knob on my side.
The Goon Show is amazing. So wonderfully surreal! Definitely listen to it
you mean Spike 'Milligner', the well known typing error?
The Goon Show had such a huge influence on Britush comedy. it was several decade before my time but i still love to hear it
Funny coincidence that Milligan happened to be in the area - Morocco I think- when then filmed Brian so they wrote him into a few scenes; he did one then disappeared - very Milligan.
Sorry Gary, but I read the last name on your list as Harry Seacucumber, instead
What a wonderful reaction video. I have seen this scene umpteen times over the years and it’s just as funny today as it was when the film was released. Your reaction, as a young American female, suggests that the film will live on and be enjoyed by new generations of many diverse backgrounds. Python is often thought of as English schoolboy humour but your reaction indicates a much wider appeal. 🤪👍
Life of Brian is a masterpiece!
It’s absolutely brilliant! 🤣
There is NO way I could keep from laughing! The first time I saw this I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe.
It’s so funny, their straight faces alone crack me up! 🤣
Still one of the funnies things ever written and performed, and I'm so pleased that it tickles the humour of other cultures, us Brits aren't as mad as you think ;)
Speak for yourself.... 🇬🇧
Yes we are! As the boy who got caught with his dick in the biscuit tin said... We are f*cking crackers!
@Bob Quickenden We're all individuals.
@@MegaWeebles Ya'v lowered the tone with that, it's a boring statement.
@@MegaWeebles er I'm not.
Welease Wodger is a pun on the Emperor Claudius having a speech impediment, and pontius Pilate asking the crowd who they should release
Imagine seeing this scene for the very first time. Oh.. . You lucky bastard!
I totaly read the last line with the high-pitched voice in my mind. XD
"the yorkshiremen" 10 on us used to live in a shoebox inn't middle ot road.Absolute Monty genius!!!
John Cleese is amazing at the deadpan expression.
Yes he is, he’s brilliant!
So much so, that it's virtually impossible to tell whether he's being serious.... Fawlty Towers was always considered to be among the funniest series ever televised. I reckon Porridge must have run it a close second though...... Both John Cleese and Ronnie Barker are/were comedy acting royalty.....
@@Brian-om2hh Don't mention the war! The absolute funniest thing every put to film if you ask me. My sides hurt the first time I saw that episode.
There is nobody better at the deadpan face, John Cleese is the undisputed master.....
I read years ago that during every take Michael Palin would change the silly names so they guys playing the guards never knew what he was going say. Seems about right.
It must have been so hard to hold their laughter 🤣
Years ago I worked as stage hand on a pantomime starring Basil Brush and David Nixon. One of Basil's lines was, "No need to get your knickers in a knot". My colleague and I would dream up variations of this, such as "underpants in an uproar", which Basil used to try to corpse David Nixon. If successful, Basil would nod to us watching in the wings.
I would LOVE to hear some of the names he used in the other takes
Just wanted to say that whenever I am feeling a bit down, I will watch one of your youtube videos and just like that I'm cheered up and smiling again. So Amanda a huge thank you and cyber hug from me. Fantastic videos. x
PS, Would love to see you react to Armstrong & Millers World War Airline Pilots scetches.
I’m so glad, that’s what it’s all about 😊
Absolutely hilarious!! I first saw this decades ago, the diction and the straight face with which the lines are delivered still makes me laugh!! Thanks for uploading this Amanda!!
This sketch is one of many that show the comic genius of Monty Python. Their comedic skills are unparalled......................
@@brendamello2202 Their acting skills too.
I am Polish and sometimes I am not sure some homorous misspeling subteties, but overall absurd humour of that scene is so universal and simultaneously so brillant, that I can't stand laughing every time I watch it.
You know your laughing for real when you snort 🤣🤣 great Vid as always
Haha thanks so much🤣 unfortunately that happens occasionally 😂
In high school Latin class we had to choose roman names to be used in class. My friend's roman name was Testaclese.
Your friend was a genius! That comment made me explode laughing! XD
This is the second time I have watched this excerpt here. I laugh every time I see it.
I love your reactions - and your appreciation of our British humour.
Thank you for posting this. 😄
😊👍🏻
I saw this movie in 1980 at Turnpike Lane cinema in London. This scene had me blocking my ears as I was feeling sick with stomach pain through laughing. It still makes me laugh. That's the cleverness of fantastic writing and brilliant acting. The bit that got me was the soldier who's mouth was screwed up as he tried to not laugh... thought I was going to have a hernia!
He was a well known comedy actor called Lance Percival.
Whenever my friend and I visit Starbucks and they ask for a name I reply "Brian". He then orders his drink and replies "Biggus Dickus".
When they call out my drink I shout "here", and he calls "I'm Brian and so's my wife". Then they think about calling out his, usually just saying "Biggus", and I call out "He's my gwate fwend in wome"
Half of that scene was actually improv by Michael Palin. And the reactions from the guards was genuine. Just shows you what great actors are capable of when they are in sync. 10/10 for Life of Brian
The laughter in the background was actually very real. The cast were under strict orders not to laugh.....Well it didnt end too well
Always a classic 🤣 and Michael Palin almost loses it and can`t quite control his smirk lol
They wouldn't be allowed to make 'Life of Brian' these days - our culture has deteriorated too much.
You wait till Biggus shows up. Cleeses face when he first speaks to him.... put any drink down before you watch it
OR said drink will hit the wall as its coming out of your nose. Drinking and watching Monty python is a very bad idea.
Life of Brian is very funny, But for me, The Holy Grail is the true treasure trove of hilarity. That one had me actually crying from laughter by the end of the opening credits.
Possibly the greatest opening credits of any film, ever. You know exactly what's coming but it's still hilarious.
@@lukedaniel7669 In the original theatrical release, when it got to the signature on the Thanks statement, the entire theater went wacko with laughter. Much more relevant then.
"Run away! Run away!" --Killer rabbit scene😂
The extra's couldn't keep their faces straight so Palin, the guy who's playing Pilate, just went full improvising and dared them to laugh.
Those extras included the late great Mary Feldman
Amanda, first, I love your sense of humor, and second, your voice is AMAZING! You might consider a career in broadcasting. Just awesome!
This has been one of my favorite of all scenes. I have watched it many times.
What I love about this sketch is that it draws it's deeper origins from post-war public school (private in the US) ragging of teachers, with a touch of National Service ranks undermining of the officer class. Very clever and very observant. It similarly appears in the sublime Romans Go Home scene.
"F-ing Judean People's Front? Splitters!"
"What has Rome ever done for us?!" "Um, the Aqua-Duct?"
''People called Romanes, they go house?''
That scene "What has Rome done" was {really} written 1,950 years ago,it happened.Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai answered that question "The Romans don't do it for us, they do it to forward their own physical agenda" Its written in the Talmud so I realized 20 years ago where it came from!!
"Brought Peace?"
Sanitation
Aqueduct.
You have the most incredible voice. Monty python is legendary in Europe, we love them here in Holland as well.
In the Netherlands too!
Monty Python is so funny, I never get bored of scenes like this
:))
In my humble opinion, you deserve your own television show, Amanda. You are so beautiful and have a great personality. I very much enjoy watching your reaction videos.
Amanda, you really need to see and react to John Cleese in Fawlty Towers. I had dinnere in Battersea with a few of the Pythons, such a hilarious evening. Please please see Fawlty Towers, acting is superb.
I bet that was a great night! I definitely will!
I may have mentioned the war once or twice but I think I got away with it
my favorite scene is when Cleese gives him a lesson in Latin and then commands him to write it out one hundred times by dawn.
You laughed so much, I even heard the tiniest lady-like snort! It's a privilege to watch people experience the life of Brian for the first time. And now for something completely different...
Hahah yes I do that occasionally 🤣
Its such a great scene !
@@LADYRAEUK I caught that snort! 😅
HAhah 🤣
Me mam was a prolific snorter, when we used to watch things like this.
Especially when the BBC used to actually do proper comedy, such as Only Fools and Horses, 'Allo 'Allo, Dad's Army, Last of the Summer Wine etc...
Yes, that made me think of my sister. If she finds something terribly funny, and isn't careful, out comes a snort. Which usually leads to even more laughter. I love when she does that. Of course, being her brother, I still have to make fun of her!
Hi Manda, another John Cleese flick that is amazing is , "Clockwise " especially the scene with the tractor!!!!!😀
Lots of comments made about your infectious laughter and of course they are right , you crack me up every time! As you seem to like Monty Python so much have you ever watched 'The Parrot Sketch' and 'Is this the right room for an argument' ? if not please treat yourself I'm sure you'll love 'em . If you do please post them on You Tube with all the others and I shall look forward to your comments and your 'snort' and laughter which in turn will crease me up and bring tears to my eyes! Bless you Amanda for bringing us 'Brits' a whole load of joy. Keep 'em coming.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying them 😊 they’re on my list !
Good Girl I cant wait to see your comments, best wishes.@@LADYRAEUK
The funniest bit here is watching Michael Palin on the verge of total collapse before it cuts away.
It must have been so hard to film! 😂
You can seem him already starting to lose it at the very beginning. He's repressing a grin from the very start. The fact that he made it through is a damn miracle.
Watch closely when he's addressing the soldier at the back. (The one he asked 'Do you think it risible?') Just as he says 'Dickus', he's about to crack up.
Also, watch the very subtle change in Cleese's expression when he realizes he's just put his foot in it by saying it was a joke name. Cracks me up. He does it again a bit later in the film, when Biggus Dickus is about to read off those prisoners' names - theveral thediciouth thcribethe from Thaetharia, etc. It's priceless.
If you think filming was a challenge, imagine when they were writing the script. George Harrison financed for one reason only. He read the script and wanted to see the movie.
Monty Python is not for everyone. They are, and always have been, for me.
You are a perfect mixture of American openness and British elegance, wrapped up in a Lovely laughter filled Shroud of Humour.
Thank you 😊
We should make Amanda an honoury Brit
@@Willsey 100% correct 😆
You do realize, I'm definitely going to have to watch the whole thing now? I love Monty Python's movies, and this is one of the very few I haven't seen yet! My fave is still The Holy Grail.. Thanks a bunch for the review.. your laugh is infectious!🤣👍
"...imagine how hard that was"
especially for Biggus... Dickus...
Without doubt the funniest thing I've ever seen
It’s hilarious! I don’t know how the actors kept straight faces for as long as they did 🤣🤣
@@LADYRAEUK apparently they had to do a lot of takes
I bet they did !
I love watching your reaction videos Amanda. It's great to see that you get the British sense of humour.
If you haven't done so already, watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Bridge of Death is my favourite scene.
Hahaha. You snorted with laughter! I think I'm in love. 🤣
This is one of those movies I would love to have erased from my mind just so I could watch it again for the first time. This movie is nonstop laughter from start to finish.
"Always look on the bright side of life/death". Monty Python's "Life of Brian" taught many of us to laugh at adversity, something widely unappreciated these days!
this...^^^^
Yes, songwriter Eric Idle.
It's never too late to appreciate Monty Python.
you cant beat british humour after all we put boris in charge lol
I see your Boris and raise you a Trump.
Apparently it was all improv, the actors playing the guards weren't aware of the lines and actually giggled at the name, causing all the mayhem to unfold. He himself was obviously trying not to crack up. In the last seconds of the scene you can actually hear the entire camera crew losing their shit.
Loved the little snort when you were laughing :)
genuinely this happened, they kept laughing during the takes so michael palin told them to keep rolling and let him adlib the scene a bit. and that is how we got this glorious scene
Love it!
they were also paid Not to laugh!keep a straight face for as long as you can must have been torture not to crack up as the first to go!
The best part of this scene was that they lied to the extras and told them that if they laughed they wouldn’t get paid.
That’s great!🤣
And then set Michael Palin loose on them. Hardly fair. Absolute riot. My Latin teacher in high school used the grammar lesson scene in class and we were dying.
When you watch this again on DVD, turn on the commentary with Michael Palin and John Cleese. They explain so much about this scene. This is my favorite scene, and the funniest in the entire movie.
“Always look on the bright side of life “ what an ending to a film brilliant
This is the best scene in the movie. Hillarious!!! Thanks for posting.