Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)

“They’re a typical Hollywood audience: all the kids are on drugs and all the adults are on roller skates.”

Synopsis:
Monty Python’s comedy troupe performs live in front of an audience at the Hollywood Bowl.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Comedy
  • Monty Python Films

Review:
Peary lists all five Monty Python feature films in his GFTFF: And Now For Something Completely Different (1971), Life of Brian (1979), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983), and this cinematic rendering (by director Terry Gilliam) of the troupe’s four live performances at the Hollywood Bowl in September, 1980. Peary’s clearly a completist, and there’s nothing at all wrong with adding this enjoyable ensemble work to one’s viewing list (click here for a complete run-down of the many sketches on display). However, film fanatics not already enamored with the group should probably start with one of their better-known classics and work their way towards this one as desired. With that said, … Live at the Hollywood Bowl brings a unique flavor to the team’s oeuvre in terms of incorporating direct audience participation; we are given an undeniable sense of how authentically engaged and delighted fans were.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Numerous enjoyable skits, animation, and audience participation

Must See?
No, though of course Monty Python fans will want to check this one out.

Links:

One thought on “Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)

  1. Not must-see – though in general agreement with the assessment given. It does seem better suited to those who are already MP fans (some material will be familiar to them) – others would probably be better off working their way up to it.

    Though I am a fan, this isn’t particularly a favorite of mine; overall I find it mildly amusing. However – I do love the ‘Camp Judges’ skit best.

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