Originally posted by clackers Yeah, but many of the most interesting British comedies like Peep Show, The League of Gentlemen, The Young Ones weren't mainstream, either! Definitely includes Monty Python, which was shown here in Australia after 10.30pm.
I reckon general audience comedies like Modern Family, The Simpsons, Seinfeld and Cheers were all very classy, BTW.
I remember the one and only time I walked through a picket line of protesters
it was to see " Life of Brian "
Life of Brian (1979) - IMDb
being picketed by a conservative church group who failed to see the humour ( spelling to make happy the forum's British members ) in the film
so Monty Python " worked " with the ban and also released a letter to the public:
"There were some countries that banned the movie altogether including Ireland & Norway, and in some of the countries, the bans lasted decades.
Since the movie was in the spotlight so much due to the ban in these countries, they decided to use this to their advantage in their marketing campaigns.
In Sweden, the posters for the movie read, “So funny, it was banned in Norway!”. "
" The comedy group wrote a letter to all religious groups that accused them of blasphemy and had never seen the movie:
Dear __________
Thank you for your letter regarding the film Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Whilst we understand your concern, we would like to correct some misconceptions you may have about the film which may be since you have not had the chance to see it before forming your views. The film is set in Biblical times, but it is not about Jesus. It is a comedy, but we would like to think that it does have serious attitudes and certain things to say about human nature. It does not ridicule Christ, nor does it show Christ in any way that could offend anyone, nor is belief in God or Christ a subject dealt with in the film.
We are aware that certain organizations have been circulating misinformation on these points and are sorry that you have been misled. We hope you will go see the film yourself and come to your own conclusions about its virtues and defects. In any case, we hope you find it funny.
Best wishes,
Monty Python "
Monty Python?s ?Life of Brian? accused of blasphemy