The beloved wacky comedy troupe from across the pond,Monty Python, was a staple in the realm of entertainment in the ’70s. Alongside the rising disco hits androckanthems of the decade, Monty Python was popularizing silly walks.
Although the troupe was popular,they struggled to source mainstream funding for their projects.Monty Python’s Flying Circusproved that the comedians were able to make hilarious sketch comedy, but producers were more hesitant when reading their zany narrative movie pitches.
When Hollywood failed the group,they found support from rock musicians. Within the genre, rock stars are always rallying against the status quo and rooting for the underdog; Monty Python was no exception.
Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, & Jethro Tull Pitched In For The Holy Grail
The Iconic Movie Couldn’t Exist Without Them
Despite putting out a fairly successful movie,And Now For Something Completely Different,their re-imagining of the tale of King Arthur was not enticing to studios. Maybe it was because the film wasn’t a sketch comedy, or maybe they took issue with the ridiculous script.
Whatever the reason,no one wanted to take a chance on it. Perhaps having coconuts in the place of horses doesn’t read as well on paper as it does on screen.
Rock bands were the saving grace of the project, andtheir contributions were not chump change. According toRolling Stone, Led Zeppelin contributed the most at £31,500. Pink Floyd also contributed a large sum at £21,000.
Some artists took a personal interest in the project, separate from their dealings with their band.Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull put in his own personal funds to support the project, totaling £6,300.
Although this sum seems small, it is more than any singular member of Pink Floyd contributed and only slightly less than any individual member of Led Zeppelin when you divvy up their larger donations. Speaking toThe Guardian, Terry Gilliam, the film’s director, claims that the bands contributed because their donations could be a tax write-off.
George Harrison Funded The Movie “Life Of Brian”
No One Wanted “Life Of Brian,” Besides Harrison
The comedy troupe’s 1975 movie proved to be a success among fans and is still widely quoted today. After this success, you would think that funding their next movie,Life Of Brian, would be an easier process. However,the next film saw significantly less support.
George Harrison put his personal financial security on the line for the movie, and it was not in vain.
The project’s sole hero was the former Beatle, George Harrison (viaLouder Sound). The movie was originally backed by EMI Films, but they walked out on the comedians at the very last second after deciding the material was blasphemous and offensive. Desperate for help, Eric Idle called George Harrison, who proved to be the film’s guardian angel.
As a big fan of the group and a close friend of Eric Idle’s, Harrison was happy to help. Idle said thatHarrison mortgaged his house to secure the money for Monty Python’s movie. George Harrison put his personal financial security on the line for the movie, and it was not in vain.Life Of Brianwas celebrated by audiences and critics across the board.
Did Elton John Fund The Holy Grail?
Beyond the aforementioned rock bands,many other names have been thrown out as potential financiersofMonty Python and The Holy Grail. According toThe Guardian, Gilliam claimed that Elton John contributed to the film, but the exact amount he contributed is not mentioned.
Andrew Lloyd Webber is spoofed in the musical adaptation of Monty Python’s film,Spamalot.Years before the musical was ever written,his writing partner, Tim Rice, contributed to the original moviethrough this cricket team.
Many record labels contributed to the film, although the sum of their money is unknown. The record labels Island Records, Chrysalis, and Charisma Records provided funds for the film. At the end of the day, though, it was the aforementionedrockbands who truly saved the day.
