The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Oh, what sad times are these when passing ruffians can say ‘Ni!’ at will to old ladies. There is a pestilence upon this land, nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history.”

After the immense success of Monty Python’s Flying Circus on television, the Python troupe set out to take their unique brand of absurd (møose) comedy to the big screen. Securing funding from rock stars and record companies, they scraped together a modest budget and set out to create a silly sendup of the legend of King Arthur. Shooting on location at a couple of castles, they used low-budget tricks like smoke machines and clever framing to build an entirely new medieval world. Armed with coconuts and a killer rabbit, Monty Python unleashed their wit upon the Round Table and llamas everywhere, spawning an instant cult classic. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1976 Hugo Awards Best Dramatic Presentation Nominees series with a conversation about Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Here's a hint at what we talk about:
We gush over the brilliant comedic writing, discussing how each joke builds upon the last to create a fully formed world of nonsense. The clever framing allows the limited locations to represent far more of Arthur's moose than actually existed. We praise the meta elements like the voice of god and the police abruptly ending the quest. The French taunting scene stands out as a highlight. While Pete finds some scenes drag, the overall effect remains potent even after countless viewings.

Here are a few other points in our discussion:
  • Appreciating the extensive history satire
  • Debating our favorite Python troupe members
  • The legend of how rock stars financed the film
  • Eric Idle's later Broadway adaptation Spamalot
  • Quoting every line despite ourselves
Monty Python crafted an endlessly quotable masterpiece that lampoons British legends and remains uproariously funny decades later. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the moose ends, our llama begins!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.