The first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus aired 40 years ago this month on the BBC.
Taped first but according to some sources aired third was the original premiere episode titled “Whither Canada?”
It seems appropriate.
Curiously enough, this was also the title of the final major assignment at the National Defence College. Maybe there was some thus far undiscovered connection.
The first episode aired October 5, 1969.
Graham Chapman died one day shy of 20 years later, on October 4, 1989.
John Cleese delivered what has become a legendary eulogy for his old writing partner at a memorial service held in December that year.
He very quickly manages to change the tone of the event, as can be seen by the crowd shots as he begins speaking and then hits the jokes.
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