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Title details for Monty Python's Tunisian Holiday by Kim "Howard" Johnson - Available

Monty Python's Tunisian Holiday

My Life with Brian

by Kim "Howard" Johnson
Johnny Heller
Audiobook
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In 1978, Kim "Howard" Johnson ran away to join the circus—Monty Python's Flying Circus, that is. The Pythons converged on Tunisia to film their timeless classic Life of Brian, and Howard found himself in the thick of it, doubling for nearly all the Pythons, playing more roles in the film than John Cleese, and managing to ruin only one shot. He became the unit journalist, substitute still photographer, Roman soldier, peasant, near-stalker, and, ultimately, friend and confidant of the comedy legends. He also kept a detailed journal of what he saw and heard, on set and off, throughout those six weeks.


The result is a unique eyewitness account that reveals the Pythons at work and at play in a way that nothing else written about them could do. Now, for the first time ever, the inside story of the making of the film is revealed through the fly-on-the-castle-wall perspective. Even the most diehard fans will get a fresh take on the comedy greats through some never-before-revealed nuggets of Python brilliance: what John Cleese offered to exchange for suntan lotion; Terry Jones directing in drag; Michael Palin's secret to playing revolutionaries and peasants; Graham Chapman gets naked; Terry Gilliam gets filthy; Eric Idle haggles; the secret of the Thespo-Squat; Mrs. Pilate; talk of George Harrison; the cake-flinging that jeopardized the production; badminton, impromptu cricket, and erotic frescoes; and the first-ever presentation of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."


Here, uncensored, are the legendary Pythons in their prime. It was a period of comedy history that will never be duplicated, and Monty Python's Tunisian Holiday captures the wit, the genius, and the sheer silliness of the six men that comprised Python.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    December 8, 2008

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781400190430
      • File size: 193287 KB
      • Duration: 06:42:40

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      In MONTY PYTHON'S TUNISIAN HOLIDAY, author Kim "Howard" Johnson exhaustively chronicles his experiences working in various capacities, from resident journalist to Roman soldier, on the set of the Monty Python classic film THE LIFE OF BRIAN, which was filmed in the North African country of Tunisia. Narrator Johnny Heller does what he can to bring the book to life, incorporating British accents where appropriate, but the material, surprisingly devoid of humorous moments, is unlikely to appeal to anyone but the most die-hard Monty Python fans or those keenly interested in film production. Simon Vance provides the narration for the entertaining foreword written by the Monty Python cast members. S.G. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from March 2, 2009
      The farcical comedy troupe returns in this hilarious memoir by Johnson, Monty Python expert and former assistant to John Cleese. In recounting days traveling with the gang as a photographer, journalist, peasant and Roman soldier (during the filming of Life of Brian
      ), Johnny Heller’s delivery is so smooth and seamless it sounds as if he were there himself. And the prodigiously gifted Simon Vance is on hand, showcasing his remarkable impressions. The stories come to life and will enlighten even the most diehard of fans while offering newcomers an inside glimpse. Surviving Pythons John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Eric Idle provide forewords. A Thomas Dunne hardcover.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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