Michael Palin

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Monty Python at 50

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Monty Python at 50: The Self-Abasement Tapes is made up of excised sketches from the television show, presented for the first time by Python member Michael Palin. Television now is a lot swearier and shoutier than it was 50 years ago, but I bet it still wouldn't start a Python tribute with the sketch that opened this one: a report from the annual conference of the Fat Ignorant Bastards Party of the USA, whose leader has just become president. "The cult is certainly booming," Eric Idle said in classic old-style Panorama manner.

There followed a court sketch and a school sketch, both subjects dear to Python hearts, as well as the fine country parody song I'm So Worried, exquisitely performed by Terry Jones, with worries that ranged from the Middle East to Heathrow's baggage delivery system and the state of current TV. Palin's linking device, as if he were excavating the material from sewers beneath the Edgware Road while being ironic about that road, its shops and owners, was apt and ingenious.