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Monty Python and the Holy Grail

  • 1975
  • PG
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
8.2/10
594K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,294
19
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Monty Python in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Watch Trailer
Play trailer2:29
6 Videos
99+ Photos
FarceParodyQuestSatireSketch ComedySlapstickSword & SorceryAdventureComedyFantasy

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.

  • Directors
    • Terry Gilliam
    • Terry Jones
  • Writers
    • Graham Chapman
    • John Cleese
    • Eric Idle
  • Stars
    • Graham Chapman
    • John Cleese
    • Eric Idle
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.2/10
    594K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,294
    19
    • Directors
      • Terry Gilliam
      • Terry Jones
    • Writers
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • Stars
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • 903User reviews
    • 106Critic reviews
    • 91Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #160
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos6

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:29
    Trailer
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:01
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:01
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 40th Anniversary
    Trailer 2:30
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 40th Anniversary
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 3:44
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:26
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    John C. Reilly and Steven Coogan Show Us the Real 'Stan & Ollie'
    Clip 2:04
    John C. Reilly and Steven Coogan Show Us the Real 'Stan & Ollie'

    Photos147

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    + 141
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    Top cast48

    Edit
    Graham Chapman
    Graham Chapman
    • King Arthur…
    John Cleese
    John Cleese
    • Second Swallow-Savvy Guard…
    Eric Idle
    Eric Idle
    • Dead Collector…
    Terry Gilliam
    Terry Gilliam
    • Patsy…
    Terry Jones
    Terry Jones
    • Dennis's Mother…
    Michael Palin
    Michael Palin
    • First Swallow-Savvy Guard…
    Connie Booth
    Connie Booth
    • The Witch
    Carol Cleveland
    Carol Cleveland
    • Zoot…
    Neil Innes
    Neil Innes
    • First Monk…
    Bee Duffell
    • Old Crone
    John Young
    John Young
    • Dead Body…
    Rita Davies
    Rita Davies
    • Historian's Wife
    Avril Stewart
    • Dr. Piglet
    Sally Kinghorn
    • Dr. Winston
    Mark Zycon
    • Prisoner
    Elspeth Cameron
    • Girl in Castle Anthrax
    Mitsuko Forstater
    • Girl in Castle Anthrax
    Sandy Johnson
    Sandy Johnson
    • Knight of Ni…
    • Directors
      • Terry Gilliam
      • Terry Jones
    • Writers
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews903

    8.2594.1K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' is acclaimed for its absurdist humor, clever wordplay, and iconic characters. The film blends satire, surreal comedy, and historical parody, creating timeless appeal. Memorable scenes like the Black Knight and Bridge of Death contribute to its legacy. The ensemble cast, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, and Eric Idle, enhances the comedic impact. Despite some critiques on pacing and repetitive jokes, its innovative animation and self-referential humor solidify its status as a comedy classic.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    vladymirror

    the ultimate nonsense comedy

    Well, this is unquestionably one of the funniest movies ever made. The first time a saw it I laughed to tears and this is the only time that counts. The first time you get the best experience. I really envy those who haven't seen it yet.

    From the opening scene to the sudden ending this one won't let you leave the room. Especially the opening scene: "Are you trying to say that coconuts migrate" or when John Cleese trying to be Tarzan, hanging on the rope said: "Can somebody give me a push." An absolute masterpiece.

    Considering the low budget that the creators of the movie had at their disposal would probably make "The Holy Grail" the best movie in this genre-silly nonsense kind of stuff. It shows the great creativity and acting capabilities of the Monty Python crew. It comes to say that a movie can be made with a little bit of money - a great movie. 10 out of 10
    10Manthorpe

    They could grab it by the husk.....

    King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table set out on a quest to find the Holy Grail...as told to do so by a cartoon God that lives in the clouds...

    Easily the most hilarious and original comedy ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail claims it's undisputed throne through insanely ridiculous situations and characters that will very likely never be duplicated. Pure comedic genius that doesn't go stale with age or decades of competition having been released. Simply seeing the way comedy films are made today, this film will very likely have a long reign before anything can even hold a candle to it. An absolute belly-laugh fest that never lets up.

    Only the cast of Monty Python could have pulled this film off, with each actor playing many different characters...all hilarious! The genius in the actors' lines themselves are truly to be admired. The comedic style of talking in circles is one technique that most comedies do not try to do, simply because they can't compete with the genius of this film, which uses it flawlessly. Those that do try usually fall flat on their faces. Two particularly excellent examples of this can be seen in the beginning scene, in which the characters discuss the origins of coconuts.....and the other when Lancelot breaks into the swamp castle to save the "damsel in distress." This is merely one technique that the cast has perfected to conjure up laughs consistently throughout the entire film. The only way that I can imagine that someone might not like this film is if they simply do not enjoy it's type of humor. Too bad for them.

    Another hilarious technique used in the film is the use of comedy in the background. From people slamming cats against poles for no apparent reason, to people filling up baskets with mud in the fields....all very strange and hilarious at the same time. It's also simply amazing that all of the characters are played by the same group of actors, which shows the great range all of them have. Some are simply unrecognizable from one character to the other and it sometimes takes a good eye to pick them out, which makes it fun. And I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but this film takes some turns that no sane person could see coming.

    Ridiculous characters in ridiculous situations equals ridiculous laughter.

    The epitome of all-star comedy that will no doubt continue to stand the test of time. Kudos to Gilliam and the rest of the Python crew. If you haven't seen it yet, make it your first priority in life!
    9mjw2305

    Monty Python at their best

    In the Realm of King Arthur, the Monty Python team set out on a quest to recruit the best Knights in the kingdom and find the Holy Grail.

    This is Classic Python Mayhem, where we encounter Killer rabbits, Knights who go Nee! and Horny Nuns who lure the unsuspecting in with there Grail Shaped Beacon.

    The Cast all give Typically Hilarious Performances, bringing another must see to the Python Loving Audience.

    If You Like Monty Python, you'll love it, if you don't then stay away.

    If you've never seen Monty Python before then give it a try, yes it's dated but its still great fun.

    9/10

    Also see, The Life Of Brian and The Meaning of Life
    8josephrygaard

    Before Watching: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

    "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975) is a genius piece of British comedy. If you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:

    This movie is absolute nuts. First some cautions, though - there is some gore and blood (although so over-the-top is comedic), a few scenes which might be classified as religiously offensive, and a longer scene which is highly sexually suggestive. All these things can be uncomfortable for people that are sensitive to the respective categories and should in that case be taken into account.

    As for the rest of the movie, it is insane. Humor is usually created when there is a plot-twist that deviates from one's expectations, and in that sense, this movie is nothing but humor. Its sole purpose is to make sure the viewer never stands steady and comfortable in what to expect, and that this the only expectation one can have. If quirky yet brilliant and genius humor like this is appreciated, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is an absolute feast, and make sure to watch the Special Editions that features the short "Dentist On the Job."

    My personal grade: a hilarious 8/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.
    jameta4all

    You'll love it or hate it

    Monty Python will always be loved or hated depending on your personality. And this is Monty Python at its typical best. If you like daft jokes, killer fluffy animals, bad accents and intelligent discussions that will most likely go over your head the first time round, then you will love The Holy Grail.

    The jokes vary from obvious visual puns (coconut halves to represent horses) and audio puns ("I am Roger the Shrubber") to more subtle and intelligent jokes ("I thought we were an autonomous collective" / the Witch-burning scene). The greatest thing about the Holy Grail is that there's something for everyone. No one is left out.

    What many don't realise is the sophisticated intelligence behind the jokes that many of later generations don't understand (back in the Life of Brian - Romani Ite Domun - which wouldn't have such impact on the youngsters who never had to suffer through Latin classes) such as the witch burning scene, where it was true that any means possible was used to warp the natural and legal laws to create the desired result i.e. one less warty woman in the village, and how the mish-mash of Celtic tribes were suddenly forced to become a diplomacy ("Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!"). It always reminds me of Blackadder - how so many great jokes were wasted by bad timing or bad judgement on the audience's vocabulary.

    And for those who can't keep up with historical jokes, there's the Black Knight, Tim, and Zoot to keep you occupied. They sure as hell make me laugh.

    So if you like daft humour, go for it! But promise to check out the subtle jokes as well. It's worth the effort, and you'll learn a little about history too.

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    Related interests

    Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Lorna Patterson in Airplane! (1980)
    Farce
    Bill Pullman, John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga, and Lorene Yarnell Jansson in Spaceballs (1987)
    Parody
    Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
    Quest
    Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
    Satire
    Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele in Key and Peele (2012)
    Sketch Comedy
    Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
    Slapstick
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sandahl Bergman, and Gerry Lopez in Conan the Barbarian (1982)
    Sword & Sorcery
    Still frame
    Adventure
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
    Fantasy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Genesis all contributed to this movie's budget.
    • Goofs
      Given the fact that this movie breaks the fourth wall constantly, many crew/equipment goofs may be deliberate. In the final scene, characters even call attention to the film crew as part of the story.
    • Quotes

      King Arthur: I am your king.

      Woman: Well, I didn't vote for you.

      King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.

      Woman: Well how'd you become king then?

      [Angelic music plays...]

      King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.

      Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

    • Crazy credits
      In the Special Edition DVD, at first a film called "Dentist On the Job" starts playing, and it goes up until the end of its opening credits. Then someone is heard saying that they put in the wrong film. The film stops, a quick reel change slide is put up, and then the real movie starts.
    • Alternate versions
      The 2001 special edition features alternative dialogue when Arthur and Bedevere meet Rodger the Shrubber.
    • Connections
      Edited into The Lord of the Rings (1978)
    • Soundtracks
      Camelot Song (Knights of the Round Table)
      (uncredited)

      Lyrics by Graham Chapman and John Cleese

      Music by Neil Innes

      Performed by Monty Python

      [22m]

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    FAQ23

    • How long is Monty Python and the Holy Grail?Powered by Alexa
    • Why does Tim the Enchanter all of a sudden disappear when Arthur and his knights charge at the killer rabbit?
    • What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
    • What are the differences between the theatrical cut and the Extended Cut?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 18, 1975 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Latin
      • Swedish
    • Also known as
      • Monty Python y el santo grial
    • Filming locations
      • Castle Stalker, Appin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK(Castle of Aaaargh)
    • Production companies
      • Python (Monty) Pictures
      • Michael White Productions
      • National Film Trustee Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • £229,575 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,562,392
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $45,487
      • Jun 17, 2001
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,934,737
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 31m(91 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono(original release)
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1(originally intended ratio)

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