None shall pass…up seeing Monty Python in theatres

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the pinnacle of British comedy and possibly all comedy if you’re a fan of more nonsensical humor, is returning to cinemas in celebration of its 50th anniversary. There’s even a brand new introduction from original members of the Monty Python troupe, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and the legend that is John Cleese.

When it was released back in 1975, Monty Python and the Holy Grail quickly became the highest-grossing British film in the US. It’s a cult classic at this point, and it will be back in theaters between May 4 and May 7. This will give old fans the chance to relive the excitement while offering new fans a chance to discover the brilliance of Monty Python.

If you were born at any point after 1975, there’s a chance that you’ve never had the opportunity to see the absolutely genius movie on the big screen. If you were born after 2000, then there’s a chance you have no idea what I’m talking about. If the latter is the case, then, well, your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries.  

The film follows dim-witted Arthur and his band of knights, who happen to carry more swords than they do brains, as they go on a quest to find the Holy Grail. It’s filled with meme-famous moments and the epitome of British humor. Even today, fifty years later, no British movie has ever managed to capture the humor of the country and its people better than the Monty Python movies.

And yes, I’m allowed to say that, I hold a British passport. I’m the expert.

One particularly humorous moment comes as Arthur and his Squire, Patsy, travel the land on ‘horseback’. Sadly, the Monty Python troupe did not have a very big budget for the creation of The Holy Grail, and struggled to find the funds to hire actual horses. But they could afford coconuts, which, as any child knows, make a very believable ‘clip clop’ noise when you hit the two halves together. They didn’t even try to hide it, showing Patsy hitting the coconut halves together, and it’s a brilliant comedy moment. 

Although the film is turning 50 this year, it has been referenced in many more recent movies, stage plays, and even games. The Tony award-winning musical Spamalot is based on the movie, and Final Fantasy XIV took a certain evil rabbit as inspiration for a dungeon boss in one of Dawntrail’s post-patch dungeons. It’s even gone on to inspire a board game of the same name, bringing the lovable comedy stylings to the tabletop..  

Monty Python and the Holy Grail will be showing in theaters in the US and the UK on May 4, 6, and 7, with multiple showings each day, so there’s no excuse not to. You can purchase tickets via Fathom Entertainment, which instantly provides showings for your closest theaters.