Monty Python's Flying Circus The Cycling Tour
If you're a fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus, then you're in for a treat with their hilarious sketch "The Cycling Tour". This particular sketch is from season three, episode six, and follows the adventures of six bicyclists as they explore the English countryside.
The Cast of Characters
The six bicyclists in this sketch are played by some of the most iconic members of Monty Python. There's Graham Chapman as "Mr. Pither", John Cleese as "The Narrator", Terry Gilliam as "The Village Idiot", Eric Idle as "The Yorkshireman", Terry Jones as "The Man with the Exciting Name", and Michael Palin as "The Man with Three Buttocks".
The Plot
The sketch begins with the six bicyclists getting ready to embark on their tour. As they set off, they encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and absurd situations. For example, they come across a man with three buttocks, a cyclist who has been stuck in a tree for three weeks, and a village where everyone speaks entirely in anagrams.
The bicyclists also have to contend with a variety of challenges along the way, such as steep hills and treacherous terrain. However, they never lose their sense of humor, and their banter and playful insults keep the mood light and entertaining throughout.
The Humor
As with all Monty Python sketches, the humor in "The Cycling Tour" is surreal, absurdist, and full of delightful wordplay. The sketch's overarching joke is the idea that the bicyclists are on a "cycling tour" even though they never actually seem to know where they're going or what they're doing. This parody of traditional British pastimes like cycling and hiking is typical of Monty Python's irreverent humor.
The sketch also features a number of classic Monty Python gags, such as the man with three buttocks, the village of anagrams, and the cyclist stuck in a tree. These kinds of absurd, almost nonsensical situations are a hallmark of Monty Python's unique brand of humor.
The Legacy
"The Cycling Tour" is just one of many classic Monty Python sketches that have gone on to become beloved cultural touchstones. Monty Python's Flying Circus was a groundbreaking television show that had a huge influence on both comedy and popular culture. Its innovative use of non-sequiturs, surrealist imagery, and wordplay paved the way for many of the comedians who came after it.
Today, Monty Python's influence can be seen in everything from The Simpsons to South Park to The Office. Its legacy lives on, and its unique brand of humor continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.
Conclusion
Monty Python's Flying Circus The Cycling Tour is a hilarious and irreverent sketch that showcases the best of Monty Python's unique brand of humor. Its playful banter, absurdist situations, and clever wordplay make it a classic example of the kind of comedy that has made Monty Python such a beloved cultural icon. Whether you're a die-hard Monty Python fan or just looking for a good laugh, "The Cycling Tour" is a sketch that is sure to entertain and delight.