Monty Python's Michael Palin watches rare footage he hasn't seen for decades

Presenter: Gyles Brandreth
Director: James Brailsford

[@Brian-uy2tj]

There isn't an award big enough or prestigious enough to honor what the cast of Monty Python gave to the world.

[@jorgefiguerola1239]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Well, maybe I could, but better someone else say so. Blowing one's horn, so to speak, is, as one might say, bad form. Applause to MPFC for all they created for the world, to be enjoyed over and over. Comedy, insightful and so often brash.

[@MomentsGap]

True, I was thinking, they should be regarded as greater than the beatles, since music taste changes, their wit has proven to endure

[@dlxmarks]

4:12 Helen, Michael's wife, passed away in May 2023 from kidney disease. They had been married for 57 years.

[@i.george2321]

'im still with the girl'. that instantly warmed my heart

[@onevastanus]

No, he isn't.

[@royrowland5763]

@Laurie Smith Rob Duckerberg just came here for an argument.

[@marcuscross8051]

@@royrowland5763 No he didn't, he came here for an ARGUMENT

[@mrfr0st7]

@@onevastanus That's not an argument it's just a contradiction.

[@BoBo0807]

@@mrfr0st7 No it isn't.

[@grubbs517]

Who else is absorbing all things Python-related after the passing of Terry Jones?

[@johnsinclair1447]

Me too. Can't stop watching....

[@MrGoogster]

I had gone on a binge about 6 months ago-the Flying Circus, Grail & Brian-and I was amazed: How is it possible they’ve actually gotten BETTER? Now they just show up on my feed and I follow along. RIP Terry Jones, you brilliant man.

[@forestsoceansmusic]

His passing didn't affect me (there's always some great entertainer from our youth dying). I've always clicked on Python vids as they come up from time to time. Less and less now, because I've seen so many of them so many times.

[@iamironclaw]

Not me, there's nothing left to absorb. I've seen it all already. I'm a huge fan. Sure, I do re-see some favorites here and there every now and then.

[@forestsoceansmusic]

@@iamironclaw Same here.

[@count69]

"What are you doing in the archive, you're far too young." Comedy genius!

[@brails101]

count69 a spontaneous ad lib between them. Such instinctive comic skill

[@onevastanus]

No, it isn't.

[@beniteztheconman]

yawn

[@charlie-obrien]

​@@onevastanus 'tis

[@vetken]

Michael's impression of George Harrison..."good evening"...CLASSIC!

[@onevastanus]

It's John Lennon. I told you already.

[@waynej2608]

That was freaking amazing! It was a spot on George. Or, Stig O'Hara. 😎

[@charlie-obrien]

​@@onevastanus No, it isn't

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Bird's Lament to start. Cool. Michael Palin would never admit it, but he and his five friends changed the world for the better, and drove back the darkness. Fellow Python fans will know what I mean.

[@onevastanus]

They certainly helped put the ridiculous Christian myth to bed, but whether that has helped the world may take time to be decided.

[@waynej2608]

Indeed.

[@arthurpewtey]

@@fscarp Blessed are the cheesemakers.

[@wyliecox2010]

Exactly. The Pythons made the world a better place.

[@user-cv6lx5hs4t]

Very much so. Even 5 years later

[@brianarbenz7206]

I thought for sure he'd walk in and say, "Hello, I'd like to have an argument."

[@onevastanus]

No, you didn't.

[@Craggle88]

@@onevastanus yes he did

[@samarvora7185]

@@Craggle88 No, he didn't.

[@brianarbenz7206]

This isn't an argument!

[@borjanjordanoski2217]

@@brianarbenz7206 yes it is

[@Lucifronz]

I see the members of Monty Python in their old work so much that I honestly keep forgetting how old they've gotten, how much time has passed. It's kind of surreal.

[@charlie-obrien]

They are timeless. I can still recall seeing them for the first time in Canadian TV in the early 70's I must say though that I am a little miffed at Chapman and Jones for taking so much time off lately. Let's get the next series started already, shall we?

[@nefwaenre]

My heart sank when he talked about the Fish shot being the last day that the Pythons worked together. :'( Also, Terry Gilliam's taleent was way ahead of his time!! Awesome!!

[@onevastanus]

No, it wasn't.

[@sgoalder]

Yes it was 😉

[@unclejoeoakland]

I read a book that suggested Terry Gilliams animation was influenced by Ernie Kovacs stream of consciousness style, and that it helped to establish the surrealist flavor and attitude of MPFC. And of course in its own right, it's magnificent and playful and inventive.

[@kukalakana]

Not anymore it ain't. (Although I suppose it might have been the last time for them as a genuine sextet, so to speak.)

[@prettyshinyspaghetti8332]

The last time was 1989. There is a piece of film at the end of a 20th anniversary special of Monty Python where the 6 are shown very briefly

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Out of all the pythons, Michael is the most human and the fact he’s the only one still faithful to his wife is beyond precious. He’s earned my respect.

[@magicmike6961]

he's a complete dick head. and so are you

[@stephen300o6]

That was his goal I guess..

[@supertramp78]

Graham Chapman stayed with his partner David Sherlock from 1966 until Chapman's death in 1989.

[@stephanberger3476]

Being faithful and being human aren't that similar. But Palin is a great guy, agreed.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

What a silly way to judge people. Marriages break up for a myriad of reasons

[@looqischmidt5581]

I love Palins work. He is so much down to Earth and genuine.

[@carolinenagel7085]

I have a feeling he is about the nicest man in the world.

[@shawnfella]

I can't imagine growing up without Python.

[@v-town1980]

Palin seems so down-to-Earth, I'd so love to meet him. And that tiny bit of Neu! music at 01:26 was nice to hear.

[@roberth.5938]

Neue Musik, oder?

[@sen5i]

Yes, Neu did it for me too

[@davidlincolnbrooks]

I got to talk with Gyles Brandreth once on LBC London radio.

[@rogerwolstenholme2710]

4min 37sec of pure stress relief... loved it.

[@matthewstetson1840]

Michael Palin spoke at the Philadelphia Free Library circa 2007 and he was very entertaining. Not side-splittingly funny but very, very enjoyable. There was a communication between speaker and audience although he didn't take questions. Cleese's yawning at Michael's travel programs used to bother me but they spent a career sending up people so why not self-deprecating humour? So sad about Terry Jones who did fine work over his lifetime and hopefully he can still enjoy the memories. The film including Michael's romance of a lifetime looks quite charming. Cheers.

[@bobsheehan6647]

I was there with my children, aged from 10 to 13, and all of them massive Python fans. Mr. Palin was so gracious, going so far as to sign my daughter's cast. Great night, great memories, classic individual.

[@kiwibob223]

He's looking back on our shared history and memories. He must know how deeply they affect us at the same time as they ARE his past. Must be a strange feeling.

[@Hiznogood]

For everyone who wonders about the saxophone music played in the begging of this video: the song is called “Bird’s Lament” and is made and performed by Moondog, aka Lois Thomas Hardin, a blind American composers. I always gets shivers down my spine when I hear it!

[@sandytrunks]

BLESS you @Hiznogood! 24 seconds into this video I paused it and immediately searched the comments for the word "music" hoping for a post like yours... and voila! You're my hero. 🏆

[@Hiznogood]

@@sandytrunks Why thank you! I had to look it up myself as I had heard that song before and it’s so powerful. I didn’t have a clue about the artist and his incredible story! Great to be at service and have a wonderful day!

[@losttango]

Thanks. Yes Moondog was great. One of his songs was on the “Big Lebowski” soundtrack also...

[@LittleB2007]

This reminded me of how I loved Michael Palin and Kevin Kline in "A Fish Called Wanda" when it first came out. A quick google search told me the movie is already 30 years old. No wonder I feel old... XD

[@onevastanus]

You feel old because you are old.

[@kukalakana]

I was honestly hoping that Fierce Creatures would be a sequel.

[@v-town1980]

@Rob, and you're still a virgin; now let's all have cake :D

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

Palin is the man...

[@onevastanus]

No, he isn't.

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

Rob Duckerberg Fuck off

[@onevastanus]

How should I fuck off, oh Lord?

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

Rob Duckerberg Oh wow... I'm really sorry -_- My little cousin wrote that. He's an asshole.... I give him the tablet to shut em up for abit sometimes.

[@onevastanus]

:-)

[@johndean4998]

One of my favourite human beings in the whole world.

[@rbus]

Gosh, I hope they've started a process of digitizing all this old stuff since data storage is cheap, compression would fit all this stuff in a small box in a closet. Look at the tragic 2008 Universal Studios fire that wiped out thousands of original masters, unreleased music by long-gone legends, outtakes and improvs that will never be heard.

[@BrianKishreviews]

i'm gonna be that guy, but the overdubbed harrison line is actually "hello"

[@piggyroo100]

Brian Kish or "hullo"

[@onevastanus]

It's the drummer.

[@waccasali]

I hope they digitize the whole archive to save it for the future generations.

[@Sulkanator]

Why on earth would anyone thumb this down? If you don't like Palin or Python piss off.

[@Doggeslife]

After the fire at Universal studios, I hope this building and contents are well protected.

[@ogretattoo]

The Christmas card bit had me freaking rolling!! Watching the wise men go back and forth, the pretty bird being shot, hahahahahahaha!!

[@gaskellr44]

anarchic and silly...it's all about being anti-establishment, in idea but not in action.

[@Wickerwoman-lh3vn]

Love

[@keithf_]

I can actually remember, at about the age of 11, watching 'Do Not Adjust Your Set' back in the late 1960s. Great memories !

[@dmontes133]

This is amazing! ❤️

[@markbailey1970]

Two of my favourite people - excellent stuff

[@mikedonovan8811]

They should put 'Do Not Adjust Your Christmas Stocking' on The Life of Brian DVD.

[@onevastanus]

They already did. I already told you.

[@dsmj7389]

UK gave the world great music and great comedy.

[@faint.static]

First background track is Moondog - Lament I (Bird's Lament), as sampled by Mr Scruff for Get a Move On 🙂

[@forestsoceansmusic]

First one in my created playlist that I really like. Well done brails101.

[@brails101]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@forestsoceansmusic]

@@brails101 Not kind, you earned it.

[@TheAlmightyAss]

Jones is my favourite Python just due to his person, but Palin is surely the most naturally funny bloke on earth? It's effortless and annoying how easy it comes to him!

[@mrcydonia]

The Blu-rays of Monty Python's Flying Circus are amazing.

[@Joe1935429]

Well, if nothing else, they do seem to be putting a lot of things on top of other things

[@cesarmadero05]

Obsession with History: I love Cardinal Richelieu. lmao

[@Panlinda]

Cardinal Richelieu is also my favorite 😂😂❤

[@Ingens_Scherz]

Beautiful; so bright!

[@Argi1000]

I actually felt proud of myself that I've recognized lament in the beggining of the video

[@adammwalch]

God bless Michael Palin

[@RonPiggott]

Three Cheers to "Dad's Army" !

[@mrcydonia]

I hope they're making hi-def digital back ups of this stuff.

[@joemedley195]

BBC needs to release a pre-Python Python DVD or two.

[@craigmanning742]

Wow, opening music is 'Birds lament'. Great song by Moondog.

[@brails101]

Craig Manning You can thank my superb editor for putting that gem of a track at the start

[@winstonjohnson6850]

and Neu! later on.

[@rossalexander2255]

A fantastic selection of background music!

[@MrBannystar]

You saved me scrolling down a million comments to see if someone had asked or commented on what music that is. Thanks a lot!

[@zindi1138]

covered by mr scruff years later song keep moving~

[@SP-ny1fk]

It'd be great if the vault's contents were digitised and made publicly accessible

[@alexmarshall4331]

Love the soundtrack... NEU!!!

[@blahblahblah2699]

I love east of Ipswich, such a funny classic❤

[@ploppyploppy]

I especially like the fact that we weren't bored with any of the actual material from the 60s. It was much more fun to watch Gyles.

[@MPresheva]

They still have the quadruplex machines !

[@tsarbomba1]

Holy shit that's a lot of 1" and 2" tape.

[@christineharrelson4831]

Do I hear Moondog playing?! Freaking awesome!

[@v-town1980]

And a little Neu! @ 01:26.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

I was so sorry to hear about the passing Michael's wife Helen.

[@BradiKal61]

My favorite Python

[@Yngvarfo]

I wish I could see more "Do Not Adjust Your Set." I have one DVD box, but bits and pieces are missing, and the cover mistakenly gives the impression that there are Terry Gilliam animations on it, which there aren't. Not in any of the included episodes.

[@onevastanus]

No, you don't.

[@Yngvarfo]

This isn't an argument. It's just contradiction.

[@charlie-obrien]

Oh, I'm sorry, is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?

[@Yngvarfo]

​@@charlie-obrien- Apparently, it's a five *year* argument, so that's £2 million, please. If you want to keep on arguing for another year we can give you a half a million discount.

[@billhutchison7078]

Python is, and will always be , the leaders and never will have anything to anything to and will always be the standard.

[@jb888888888]

"The archives were actually started by my grandfather..."

[@exicunowlibra4238]

love it

[@CynthiaLK]

Would somebody please tell me what the music at the beginning is? I know I've heard it, but the name escapes me. Thank you. 🙂

[@stevedotwood]

my favorite python - always was

[@MartinManscher]

Was the father driving the car John Nettleton, who played Sir Arnold in Yes Minister?

[@lpsp442]

I would kill for copies of those fish photographs

[@CSavageSr]

Michael Palin is a handsome man.

[@gennettor8915]

If only this lasted an hour...

[@electricdumpling6069]

Really hope BBC had done a better job to preserve its legacy.

[@jameshudson169]

ipswitch?! i've always DREAMED of seeing ipswitch! isn't there a trainstation there or something?

[@jb888888888]

Fun fact, "Ipswitch" is the palindrome of "Bolton."

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

Terry your missed I’ve will be watching life of Brian fab film

[@BillPeschel]

And God bless the BBC which ordered the wiping of thousands of hours of shows so they could reuse the videotape.

[@PradyumnaNadig]

Sir Arnold Robinson!

[@aaeonkarma3717]

"... Anything worth watching in there?"

[@rothr]

Waiting for Rob Duckerberg to chime in...

[@royfearn4345]

I assume that's irony?!!

[@thefrankonion]

Music at 1:13 is Neu!

[@tomitstube]

love python, but this archive makes me think of all the "not only... but also" episodes the bbc destroyed or let vanish. criminal.

[@MrKaywyn]

Please show me more of this.

[@brails101]

MrKaywyn sadly this is all their is

[@MrKaywyn]

That is sad.

[@ricarleite]

Heeey. it's Bird's Lament by Moondog...

[@johnleach7879]

It is so sad to see Mr. Palin age, as we do Anyhow, I do hope that "The Ladykillers", etc., will be upon us shortly. We need another Sir Alec, measuring his cucumber, to bolster the rest of us in this time of trial. Call it a little blitz. Affectionately, JL // PS: The photography is outstanding.

[@jenniferkonstant5920]

He's aged very well, though!

[@AnkeB82]

To be fair Michael has aged remarkably well, he still keeps this youngish nature about him.

[@andyhinds542]

Michael Palin is the only Python member I'd love to meet and chat to. Eric Idle's work is hilarious but I have suspicions that he'd be very standoffish if you're not a superstar. John Cleese might be interesting these days, who knows.

[@haroldsmith3607]

Nice use of Moondogs music.

[@micha0001]

Let´s hope, they digitize this stuff soon. Magnetic tape fades, as even NASA had seen.

[@stephenwright8824]

This was too short.

[@brails101]

I wish I could have made it longer, I really do

[@okitasan]

The archivist looks likes a Wallace and Gromit character lol

[@dominicaustin6016]

best python

[@Kkidzz]

1:26 La Dusseldorf ;)

[@SuperTreemendus]

That walker!!

[@SuperTreemendus]

Wanker!

[@batchint]

I'm awaiting GBH to come to blu ray let alone all that dust

[@lefunk22]

Where's the rest of this doco? And what is the doco called? Thanks.

[@brails101]

Toby Richmond this is the entire piece. I would have loved the opportunity to make a longer documentary

[@onevastanus]

I told you already.

[@aaronchapman5094]

This is from the BBC One Show, that Gyles Brandreth does some regular segments for.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

East of Ipswich is brilliant.

[@onevastanus]

No, it isn't.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

😝

[@jammer3618]

Sadly Palin lost his wife recently. She died of Kidney failure i believe.

[@Janaparnikova]

best monty python along with gilliam

[@brinsonharris9816]

Look, let me go back in there and face the peril.

[@Chrisbajs]

Starts at 2:39

[@Kris.G]

George Harrison as Otto! Blimey!

[@onevastanus]

No, it isn't.

[@Kris.G]

@@onevastanus what the fuck is wrong with you? 2:17

[@perrin6]

love the gilliam cartoon

[@onevastanus]

No, you don't.

[@perrin6]

no, you're right, it's dressing up as a hampster which I really love (squeak squeak !).

[@oxiigen]

hmm, maybe are lost NASA tapes in that archive!?:P

[@errorcode202notfound5]

We are the Knights that say NEE!

[@BeezerWashingbeard]

What, is this the most English TV program ever?

[@lukessummerguitar]

Dad's Army.

[@onevastanus]

No, they aren't.

[@ianporter3259]

Sebastian Lund Nielsen the

[@coentertainer]

video starts at 2:00

[@LenaK-J]

His wife! 💞

[@flaggerify]

It’s!