Monty Python's Flying Circus Quotes

Context

This line is spoken by the Announcer, played by John Cleese, in the show Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974).

Quirky, surreal—really, the only good adjective to describe the original Monty Python sketch show is "Pythonesque." This weird and wonderful show made comic greats John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Terry Gillian (who later became a famous director) household names. The quote was used a lot in the show to transition from one weird thing to something even weirder. The Pythons also used the quote as the title to a movie that was a "best of" of their skits.

And now for a clip.

Where you've heard it

Well, the Pythons are getting on in years and shout-outs are waning. But you might've picked up on a sly reference in Shrek the Third, when King Harold, voiced by John Cleese, is dying and he draws out "It's..." like the beginning of Flying Circus's intro. Cleese also got a shout-out on Gilmore Girls, when Dean said, "I'd do a silly walk, but I'm not feeling very John Cleese right now."

Additional Notable References:

TV

• Trailer Park Boys
• The Simpsons
• The Muppet Show
• Atop the Fourth Wall

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Well, they are British… so that does bring them up the pretentiousness scale a smidge.