Still looking on the bright side of life: Monty Python crew reunite for 40th anniversary



They weren't expecting the Spanish Inquisition - but the crew of Monty Python were more than happy to answer questions from their fans as they reunited for their 40th anniversary last night.

The five surviving members of the cast - complete with a cardboard cut-out of dead member Graham Chapman - were honoured with a BAFTA Special Award to mark the four decades since their unique brand of humour first hit TV screens.

And, as they made light-hearted jokes about each other, there was no sign of the the tensions that have reportedly existed within the group.

Reunion: The five surviving members of Monty Python get together on U.S. TV to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They also brought the late Graeme Chapman as a cardboard cut-out

As they were: A publicity picture released in 1969 shows bottom from left: Terry Jones, John Cleese and Michael Palin. Top from left: Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam

The five members - John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin - appeared relaxed in each others' company and said they were happy to be together again.

The official reason for the reunion at New York's Ziegfield Theatre was a special showing of a new documentary chronicling the life of Python.

Six hours of footage and interviews from Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) is due to be aired in six installments from October 18, coinciding with the anniversary.

Ladies in red: Carol Cleveland, a regular Python contributor, and Trudie Styler, producer and wife of Sting, attended the event in New York



After an abridged version was shown to an enthusiastic audience, the surviving members, plus the cardboard Chapman, took to the stage to answer questions.

As Cleese, Gilliam, Idle, Jones and Palin rifled through the cards handed to them, suspicions were soon raised that they were not taking proceedings entirely seriously.



Indeed, when Cleese asked a second question that called into question Michael Palin's career choices it was clear that the Pythons were determined to replace legitimate questions with good-humoured gags at each others' expense.

Outstanding contribution: The actors (L-R) Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle received a Bafta Special Award

Gilliam read a card that reportedly asked: 'Why isn't John funny anymore?' with Palin quickly chipping in: 'I was just trying out my pen.'

Aside from the new documentary, the Pythons had gathered to receive a BAFTA Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV.



As they did so, they received a stranding ovation from the audience.

