In recent days, Eric Idle, one of the founding members of Monty Python, has taken to social media to address certain matters concerning the legendary British comedy troupe. With their iconic catalog consisting of four seasons of Monty Python's Flying Circus and five feature films, including the classics Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python's Life of Brian, Monty Python has secured their place as the Beatles of comedy.
Idle, who is also known for his work on the 1978 Beatles parody The Rutles, has made several claims that have stirred debate among fans, causing some to question their cherished Python memories. One such claim involves Holly Gilliam, daughter of Terry Gilliam (Python member and director of Brazil), who has been managing Monty Python's finances for the past decade. Idle, who recently listed his Hollywood Hills home for sale at $6.5 million, has expressed his concerns regarding Gilliam's management but did not offer any specific details.
Although Terry Gilliam did not respond to a request for comment, John Cleese, Idle's former co-Python, came to the defense of Holly Gilliam on social media. Cleese stated that he had worked with Holly for ten years and found her to be efficient, clear-minded, hardworking, and pleasant to deal with. Michael Palin, another Python member, supports this opinion as well. Unfortunately, neither Cleese nor Palin were available for further comments.
Idle's tumultuous relationship with Cleese has also come into the spotlight. Cleese, who has faced financial challenges of his own, including the costly divorce that led him to undertake an 'Alimony Tour' in 2010, stated through social media that he and Idle always held animosity towards each other. Cleese's comment suggests that their relationship has grown even more strained over time.
Furthermore, Idle reveals that he faced costly legal battles that led him to exhaust his savings. He mentions a seven-year court case brought by Mark Forstater, a producer on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, who claimed to be the '7th Python' and sued Idle for a portion of the profits from the Broadway musical Spamalot, which Idle wrote. In 2013, the court ruled in favor of Forstater, ordering Idle to pay over $1 million in compensation.
As for the possibility of a Monty Python reunion, Idle makes it clear that he has no intention of returning to the group in any form. While he acknowledges the uniqueness of their collaboration and still holds pride in their collective work, he emphasizes that they were never a supportive or emotional group. Despite this, Idle is currently working on a new musical, shifting his focus to new creative endeavors.
In the realm of streaming, Monty Python's Flying Circus and their collection of beloved sketches, such as the Dead Parrot, Ministry of Silly Walks, and The Lumberjack Song, have been available on Netflix since 2018. The films Holy Grail, Life of Brian, and their 2014 concert reunion, The Meaning of Live, are also accessible. However, Idle expresses dissatisfaction with the revenue generated through streaming and clarifies that he doesn't mind not being wealthy as long as he can continue making people laugh. He differentiates between being assumed to be wealthy and actually being funny, emphasizing his preference for the latter.
In conclusion, Eric Idle's recent revelations have sparked discussions among Monty Python fans while shedding light on certain aspects of the group's dynamics and history. Despite the controversies and personal differences, the influence and legacy of Monty Python's comedic brilliance continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
