John Cleese to remove iconic crucifixion scene song from ‘Life of Brian’ play.
John Cleese Plans to Cut Iconic Song from “Life of Brian” Adaptation
Monty Python star John Cleese has announced his intention to remove the beloved song “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life” from his upcoming adaptation of the 1979 film “Life of Brian.” The song, which is featured in the final scene of the movie, has become a fan favorite over the years. However, Cleese, now 83, believes that the ending has become too predictable.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Cleese expressed his reasoning behind the decision, stating, “It was shocking in 1979. It was absolutely astonishing. People thought it was hilarious, they screamed with laughter. Well, nobody is going to be shocked now – the joke is 40 years old.”
“Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”
MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (1979)#EricIdle
— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) June 25, 2023
However, Cleese’s co-star Eric Idle, who actually wrote the song, is not pleased with the decision. In a tweet last month, Idle expressed his disappointment, stating, “I have nothing at all to do with this production or adaptation. Apparently Cleese has cut the song. Of course.”
I have nothing at all to do with this production or adaptation,. Apparently Cleese has cut the song. Of course. https://t.co/OS1X9b5w2k
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) May 19, 2023
Cleese believes that Idle’s objection is primarily motivated by financial reasons, stating, “Eric is very keen to use the song because of course he gets all the royalties from it, and we don’t get any. People do love the song, but do we want to end with something that’s completely predictable?”
Despite his decision to remove the iconic song, Cleese has no plans to cut a controversial scene from the stage adaptation. The scene in question involves a character named Stan declaring his desire to be a woman named Loretta and have babies. Cleese revealed that some critics have frowned upon this scene, but he remains steadfast in keeping it.
A recent example of this misreporting !
A few days ago I spoke to an audience outside London.
I told them I was adapting the Life of Brian so that we could do it as a stage show ( NOT a musical ). I said
that we’d had a table-reading of the latest draft in NYC a year ago…(tbc) https://t.co/VPWJGdUZtJ— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 25, 2023
..and that all the actors – several of them Tony winners – had advised me strongly to cut the Loretta scene.
I have, of course, no intention of doing so
So someone in the audience had called a journalist and misreported me. Amazingly none of the British media called to check
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 25, 2023
Reports had previously claimed that Cleese intended to remove the scene in which Stan expresses his desire to be Loretta. However, Cleese clarified on Twitter that this was a misreporting. He stated, “I have, of course, no intention of doing so.”
Spiked reported that during a read-through in New York, some Broadway performers advised Cleese against including the Loretta scene, claiming it would not be well-received in today’s climate. Cleese expressed his surprise at their objections, stating, “These were absolutely top-class Broadway performers and they were adamant that we would not get away with doing the scene in NYC!”
That was what was so surprising
These were absolutely top-class Broadway performers and they were adamant that we would not get away with doing the scene in NYC!
I asked them “Are Python fans not going to come because we’re doing a scene they’ve been laughing at for 40 years ?” https://t.co/EJX6pQdKWe
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 25, 2023
The scene in question is a comedic exchange in which Stan asserts his right to have babies. Cleese believes that the scene is a brilliant example of surreal comedy. He shared the dialogue on Twitter to highlight its humor and timing.
Francis: Why you always on about women, Stan?
Stan: I want to be one.
Reg: What?
Stan: I want to be a woman. From now on, I want you all to call me Loretta.
Reg: What?
Stan: It’s my right as a man.
Judith: Why do you want to be Loretta, Stan?
Stan: I want to have babies.
Reg: You want to have babies?!
Stan: It’s every man’s right to have babies if he wants them.
Reg: But you can’t have babies!
Stan: Don’t you oppress me.
Reg: I’m not oppressing you, Stan. You haven’t got a womb. Where’s the fetus going to gestate? You gonna keep it in a box?
Judith: Here, I’ve got an idea. Suppose you agree that he can’t actually have babies not having a womb, which is nobody’s fault, not even the Romans, but that he can have the right to have babies.
Francis: Good idea, Judith. We shall fight the oppressors for your right to have babies, brother — sister. Sorry.
Reg: What’s the point? What’s the point of fighting his right to have babies when he can’t have babies?
Francis: It is symbolic of our struggle against oppression.
Reg: Symbolic of his struggle against reality.
Cleese has previously expressed concerns about the limitations placed on comedians in today’s society. In an interview with the New York Post, he stated, “I think it’s particularly worrying at the moment because you can only create in an atmosphere of freedom where you’re not checking everything you say critically before you move on.”
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Joseph Curl has covered politics for 35 years, including 12 years as White House correspondent for a national newspaper. He was also the a.m. editor of the Drudge Report for four years. Send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @josephcurl.
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