Apart from the odd pair of flairs and a spoof on the Krays there's not much to show that Python was first broadcast in the 1960s. What do you think?
60s references in Monty Python
References to Cyril Connolly (then a leading literary critic) and Jean Paul Sartre (philosopher) rather put the show in its time. And doubtless other examples I can't immediately remember. What dates Python is the expectation that the audience will understand cultural references that would be impossible to make now.
Quote: Micheal Jacob @ 20th November 2015, 7:32 PM GMTReferences to Cyril Connolly (then a leading literary critic) and Jean Paul Sartre (philosopher) rather put the show in its time. And doubtless other examples I can't immediately remember. What dates Python is the expectation that the audience will understand cultural references that would be impossible to make now.
I remember that Derek Nimmo dubbed Michael Palin. I supposed that it looked to the Thirties/Forties and the Victorians, a bit like the spoofs in Round The Horne.
I don't think it's dated badly comedically, as the style has been copied so much over the years.
Their topical references (sensibly) were few & far between.
They won't stand the test of time as well as say the Beatles
But few comedies will, I still love Bilko, but it's from a world that I no longer relate to.
Time moves on.
That's why Fawlty Towers is no longer Britain's favurite sitcom & Only Fools & Horses holds that crown for the time being
Haven't mentioned The Bishop yet, a spoof on The Saint. Strange to think the parrot sketch was 60s.
Quote: Paul Wimsett @ 21st November 2015, 8:09 AM GMTHaven't mentioned The Bishop yet, a spoof on The Saint. Strange to think the parrot sketch was 60s.
THE BISHOP!
Were you expecting the Bishop?
Quote: Aaron @ 21st November 2015, 6:24 PM GMTTHE BISHOP!
Quote: Paul Wimsett @ 20th November 2015, 4:27 PM GMTApart from the odd pair of flairs and a spoof on the Krays there's not much to show that Python was first broadcast in the 1960s. What do you think?
When I first saw Python aged about 13, I think I understood most of the references. Two exceptions spring to mind, though:
1) The reversed Wesker type affair where the playwright wants to become a coal miner, that was completely lost on me.
2) The jokes where people driving hearses can hear clocks ticking, someone told me that was a ref to a contemporary advert about how quiet a certain motor was.
To be honest, it's surprising how few dated gags and refs there are.
I was a great fan of Python and loved them at the time but have not watched one for a few years.
However some topical reference I can think of would be:
Whicker's Island (most young people today would have no idea who Alan Whicker was)
I seem to remember a sketch where two of the old ladies (pepperpots) were treating John Cleese like a young child "whose a clever little boy then" and he says he has to go and make a speech in the house about Rhodesia (which is now Zimbabwe).
P.S. Actually a search on the web shows Rhodesia was mentioned a couple of times in Python.
And while I can't remember them all there were often reference to people alive and in the news at the time (Reginald Maudling - a politician is one but there were many others).
I will have a think......
I seem to remember a sketch where two of the old ladies (pepperpots) were treating John Cleese like a young child "whose a clever little boy then"
Great sketch. 
Quote: gappy @ 23rd November 2015, 1:31 PM GMTWhen I first saw Python aged about 13, I think I understood most of the references. Two exceptions spring to mind, though:
1) The reversed Wesker type affair where the playwright wants to become a coal miner, that was completely lost on me.
Surely that's just a reverse aspirational gag. Anyone working down a mine would rather have a job as a Playwright.
Yes, the place is alive with quills, Chaps!
Quote: Guilbert @ 7th January 2016, 8:06 PM GMTWhicker's Island (most young people today would have no idea who Alan Whicker was)
And one day Harry Enfield's Clarkson Island will mean nothing
I don't suppose you'd get away with Mrs Niggerbaiter these days.
Quote: Guilbert @ 7th January 2016, 8:06 PM GMTWhicker's Island (most young people today would have no idea who Alan Whicker was)
Not necessarily 60s though?