SUNDAY REVIEW / 50 YEARS OF INSPIRED MADNESS / PLUS TOP INSULTS

THANK YOU, MONTY PYTHON 

GUEST BLOG / By F. Stop Fitzgerald, Film, photography and book reviewer exclusive to PillartoPost.org daily online magazine. 

It’s hard to believe it’s been fifty years since Monty Python and the Holy Grail galloped into theaters — on the backs of imaginary horses, no less — and permanently changed the face of comedy. 

Released in 1975, the film took the legend of King Arthur, tossed it into a blender of absurdity, and served it up with coconuts, killer rabbits, and knights who say "Ni!" 

What makes Holy Grail endure is its fearless commitment to the ridiculous. Every scene is packed with wit, anarchy, and a deep affection for both history and its complete destruction. It’s a comedy boot camp that taught generations how to appreciate the art of being utterly silly while remaining razor-sharp. 

Half a century later, the low-budget charm, quotable lines, and sheer audacity of Holy Grail feel as fresh — and necessary — as ever. 

Long live the Python spirit. And remember always your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of Elderberries. 

Staring up at the ramparts of the French castle

Top 10 Monty Python Insults from Holy Grail 

"Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!" 

    — The classic French taunt hurled from the battlements. It’s surreal, ridiculous, and unforgettable. One of the most quoted zingers in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, hurled by a gleefully obnoxious French soldier. For those unaware: hamsters have a ton of kids, so the first part of the insult suggests that your mother was promiscuous. Elderberries are often used to flavor gin, so the second half implies your father was a drunk. Together, it’s a masterclass in silly medieval trash talk.

"I fart in your general direction." 

    — Another gem from the taunting French guard, delivered with gleeful contempt.

"Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of a silly person." 

    — It’s the kind of mockery that sounds almost regal until you realize it’s pure absurdity.

***

"You empty-headed animal food trough wiper!" 

    — A masterpiece of medieval creative insult construction. 

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"You tiny-brained wipers of other people’s bottoms!" 

— Somehow manages to be both childish and linguistically devastating. 

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"You are the silly English knnnnnnnnnniggits." 

    — The French guard’s mispronunciation of "knights" into "kniggits" is weaponized sarcasm. 

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"You sniveling lot of second-hand electric donkey-bottom biters!" 

    — An inspired piece of nonsense hurled at King Arthur’s court. 

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"She turned me into a newt! ... I got better." 

— Not technically an insult, but the accusation itself (and its limp backpedal) is a dagger of medieval courtroom slander. 

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"Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time." 

    — It’s the follow-up that somehow sounds even more menacing in its absurdity. 

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"Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government." 

    — Sir Dennis’s withering political takedown of Arthur’s claim to the throne. A highbrow insult hidden in a peasant revolt. 

The Three-Headed Giant

The Cast

Here’s the original cast of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) along with the main roles each actor played — remembering that most of the Python troupe played multiple characters: 

 Graham Chapman-- King Arthur (above); The Voice of God and the Middle Head of the Three-headed giant. 

 John Cleese--Sir Lancelot the Brave;  The Black Knight (above);  French Taunter (at the castle walls); and Tim the Enchanter.   

Terry Gilliam--Patsy (Arthur's servant);  Green Knight Bridgekeeper (keeper of the Bridge of Death) and Animator (he also directed the animated sequences).

 Eric Idle--Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot; Dead Collector ("Bring out yer dead!");  The Guard who doesn’t understand orders;  Concorde (Lancelot's servant) and Roger the Shrubber.

 Terry Jones--Sir Bedevere the Wise; far right head of Three-headed giant; Prince Herbert (the singing son trapped in the castle);  Dennis’s mother (the shrill peasant woman arguing about government).

 Michael Palin--Sir Galahad the Pure Leader of the Knights who say "Ni!" and Brother Maynard (monk with the Holy Hand Grenade).  Plus Dennis (the peasant) King of Swamp Castle and far left head of the Three-headed giant.