Unearthed Gem: Watch the Long-Lost Monty Python Comedy Show from 54 Years Ago Here!

Summary

A lost pre-Monty Python comedy series called A Complete and Utter History of Britain has been recovered by ITV after being mis-catalogued for decades.

The series, consisting of seven parts, served as a satirical documentary about the British Isles. However, it is believed that only the initial two episodes have been preserved since its original airing. A Complete and Utter History of Britain provided the foundation for Monty Python's subsequent works by hilariously mocking British history, aligning with the style found in their movies and shows.

ITV has recovered a long-lost British comedy show, starring Monty Python's Michael Palin and Terry Jones, that was thought to be lost. The comedy troupe, consisting of Palin, Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle, began their career with the sketch comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus before venturing into feature films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian.

According to British Comedy Guide, ITV has found and restored a 54-year-old comedy series called A Complete and Utter History of Britain, which was made before Monty Python. The six-part spoof documentary, featuring Palin and Jones, originally aired in January and February of 1969. Initially, it was believed that only the first two episodes had survived, but further investigation revealed that the entire series had simply been "mis-catalogued." ITV has released a statement regarding the recovery.

The series had been stored in the ITV vaults for years, but due to a mis-cataloguing, it went unnoticed. However, thanks to our identification program, we made a remarkable discovery.

We immediately notified our streaming colleagues about it. The film underwent a thorough cleaning and restoration process from the 16mm telerecordings. Finally, after all these years, we have made it accessible to our viewers, providing them with the opportunity to watch it for the first time since its original broadcasts.

What Is A Complete And Utter History Of Britain?

Originally shot in seven parts, A Complete and Utter History of Britain was later condensed into a single episode for television broadcast. The mockumentary served as a parody of British history and brought together Palin and Jones, who would soon become integral members of Monty Python. Coinciding with the airing of Monty Python's Flying Circus in October 1969, the comedic duo's venture into British history set the stage for future Monty Python projects. Many of the troupe's subsequent movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian, continued the tradition of satirizing historical figures and events. With its title alone, A Complete and Utter History of Britain hints at the comedic style and themes that would come to define Monty Python's works.

Comedy fans can now enjoy this pre-Monty Python production on ITVX Premium. The anticipation leading up to this moment is significant, considering that the previous existing content of A Complete and Utter History of Britain was only made available on Blu-ray in 2014. Those who were tantalized by the pre-Monty Python episodes can finally witness the entire show, as A Complete and Utter History of Britain has been recovered.