Guide Note

Monty Python's Life of Brian is a comedy film written and performed by the Monty Python comedy troupe. The story is about Brian Cohen (played by Graham Chapman), a young man born on the same street and on the same night as Jesus Christ. After Brian joins the People's Front of Judea (not to be confused with the rival Judean People's Front or Popular Front of Judea), a group determined to drive out Roman occupation, he is mistakenly branded a messiah by passers by on the street while trying to blend in and avoid being caught by Roman guards. Despite his insistence that he is no savior, his crowd of followers grows.

Because of its satirical view of religion, the film stirred some controversy when it was released in 1979. One famous scene involves a group of men singing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" while being crucified. Despite criticism, Life of Brian was a box office success and received positive reviews.

Fast Facts

1. Monty Python members: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin
2. Opened: August 17, 1979
3. Voted best comedy of all time by "Total Film" readers
4. Preceeded by Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
5. Followed by Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)