Why This Classic Monty Python Skit Was Banned

Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” is one of the most memorable and controversial comedy films of all time. Known for its sharp satire and bold humor, it has sparked debates and discussions for decades. But what made this classic skit so controversial that it got banned in some places?

Let’s look into the details:

The Origins of the Controversy

“Life of Brian” was the follow-up to Monty Python’s hugely successful “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” After their first big hit, the Pythons joked that their next film would be called “Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory.” The joke became a half-serious idea, and soon they began writing a story about Brian, a man from Nazareth who is mistakenly identified as the Messiah. Unlike Jesus, Brian is just an ordinary guy who gets caught up in a series of misadventures. The goal of the film was to poke fun at the people who blindly follow leaders without thinking for themselves, rather than directly mocking Jesus or his teachings.

A Nervous Studio Pulls the Plug

Production for “Life of Brian” was all set to go. But unfortunately, a studio head at EMI, Bernard Delfont, got cold feet after reading the script. He considered it too controversial and potentially blasphemous, so he decided to pull the plug just days before the filming began. This left the Pythons in a tight spot which led them to desperately seek a new backer just to keep their project alive. And that’s when George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, stepped in.

Harrison was a big fan of Monty Python and he loved the idea so much that he created Handmade Films. How did he fund the movie? Well, he mortgaged his home to put up $4 million. Eric Idle famously joked that it was “the most anyone’s ever paid for a movie ticket.”

Scenes That Hit the Cutting Room Floor

“Life of Brian” wasn’t just controversial for its premise—it also had scenes that pushed the envelope. Several scenes were cut, including a skit involving shepherds missing an angel’s visit because they were too busy talking about sheep, and a storyline about a Jewish zealot named Otto, whose appearance echoed Nazi symbolism. Though Otto was meant to parody extremism, the analogy felt too risky. Thus, most of his scenes were cut to avoid further controversy. Regardless of the scenes, the film’s release was enough to stir up protests.

Banned in Places Far and Wide

When “Life of Brian” was released in the U.S., it was met with widespread protests. Ironically, the uproar only boosted ticket sales, prompting more theaters to screen it. However, in the U.K., the threat of being prosecuted for blasphemy led some communities to ban the film outright. The movie was also famously banned in Norway, leading Sweden to cheekily market it as “The movie so funny it was banned in Norway.” Some bans even lasted for decades. For instance, a small town in Wales lifted its ban only after a cast member was elected mayor.

Was It Really Blasphemous?

The controversial film sparked a heated debate over whether it was blasphemous or simply a clever satire on religious fanaticism. Members of Monty Python, including John Cleese and Michael Palin, appeared in televised debates defending the film, insisting it wasn’t an attack on Jesus or Christianity. Instead, it was a satire of people who blindly follow leaders without critical thought. Cleese even remarked that many sermons he heard as a child were more offensive to his intelligence than anything in “Life of Brian.”

From Film to Stage: The Legacy Lives On

Despite all the controversy surrounding the film, “Life of Brian” somewhat still left a mark on the film industry. In 2022, John Cleese announced plans to adapt the film into a stage play, showing that even after all these years, the story of Brian of Nazareth continues to relate to audiences even though some scenes remain contentious. Cleese was asked to cut a scene involving a man named Loretta who wants to be a woman. But he refused the request, calling it “ridiculous.” Cleese and the rest of the Monty Python crew believe the film represents their peak creativity and still stand by it today.