Celebrate Python 50th Anniversary With Pythonic Double-Bill!
Cleese & Palin Fly Solo In Acclaimed Films!
Also See Several Python Rarities!

Friday October 11, 2019 - 7:00 pm
Fine Arts Theatre, Beverly Hills

PRIVATES ON PARADE

(1982, 100 mins, HandMade, Directed by Michael Blakemore)

This kooky 1982 British comedy chronicles the zany and occasionally dramatic exploits of the Song and Dance Unit, Southeast Asia assigned to entertain troops stationed in the Malayan jungle during WW II. It is based on the play by Peter Nichols. The entertainers are led by the rigid Major Giles Flack - played by Monty Python's John Cleese. Much to Flack's discomfit, most of his unit is outrageously gay and enjoys dressing up in drag. The film also contains a serious subplot about a treacherous cad in the group who gets the only real woman in the troupe pregnant and then abuses her. He also steals ammo and information to give to the enemy. In the end, a terrible battle ensues at his hands. But John Cleese - in proto-Basil Fawlty mode - steals the show. And look out for a young Julian Sands as a sailor!

THE MISSIONARY

(1982, 83 mins, HandMade, Directed by Richard Loncraine)

Monty Python's Michael Palin wrote and stars in this "Ripping Yarns" style comedy as an unassuming missionary called back to England after spending ten years in Africa teaching children in a native village. Upon arriving in London, he finds that his new assignment is to take charge of a slum mission for prostitutes! He obtains money for the running of the mission from a wealthy woman (played by the pre-Downton Abbey Maggie Smith), whom he meets on the boat sailing to England from Africa. She guarantees the Missionary the money he needs on the condition that he take it upon himself to add a little spice to her dormant sex life! Great supporting cast including Trevor Howard, Denholm Elliott, Michael Hordern, Graham Crowden, Timothy Spall and Neil Innes.

Today's Stars!

Musicians:

Neil Innes

On-Screen Participants:

John Cleese • Graham Crowden • Denholm Elliott • Michael Elphick • Michael Hordern • Trevor Howard • Simon Jones • Michael Palin • Denis Quilley • Julian Sands • Maggie Smith • Timothy Spall