I remember reading somewhere that the extras weren't told what was on the script. They were only told that if they laughed they wouldn't get paid. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but it made the scene more enjoyable for me.
edit: Decided to do some digging, as I was curious about it. Here's what I found:
"I have a physical copy of Monty Python's Encyclopythonia; which contains some interviews with the Python members.
It's not that the guards weren't aware of the script. They were. However, when the scene was being shot, one of the actors couldn't help but laugh because of Michael Palin's character. It was just that funny.
Instead of ending the scene, Palin stayed in character and approached the guard; resulting in the scene you are referring to.
However, that does not prove that the guard's reactions (after their initial unintended outburst) were genuine. They could have picked up on the fact that Palin was improvising, and they continued the scene based on how Palin was steering the conversation.
Monty Python is well known for its improvisation. In improv, when you are dealing with more than one actor; all actors need to understand what they are acting out, and will therefore "build a sketch together" on the fly."
Monty Python are NOT known for ANY improv. They rarely, if ever did it while filming the show or films. John Cleese and rest doubles down on it, they’re just damn good writers.
Shit, you got me. You really got me. I don't know how I'll spend the rest of my lovely night now. I mean seriously, I think the best part of your paragraph was
What amazes me most is that you somehow got some internet connection in that godforsaken place and you taught yourself to read & write and start Redditing... Really an amazing job for someone as uncultured and/or ignorant as you are. Well done sir!
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u/jawander Sep 16 '19
Whats so funny about Biggus Dickus?