Customer Reviews

The Complete Ripping Yarns

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back in 1976 when Ripping Yarns was first airing on the BBC, Monty Python had crossed over in America from a cult Brittcom found on PBS to the hit movie "Monty Python & the Holy Grail". At the time Flying Circus was being distributed in America by Time/Life Television. T/L was just about to syndicate the final six episode season when ABC offered them money so that they could air the episodes over their network. What ABC did not realize was that the BBC was far more liberal with the material they allowed to be broadcasted over their airwaves, and the episodes they bought the rights to could never be shown in primetime. The network executives decided to edit the episodes into two 90 minute late night specials editing out what they decided could not be broadcasted, and a little more to make room for commercials. The problem was that the members of Monty Python had in thier BBC contracts that only they had the rights to edit the shows, and when they saw the mess that ABC had made of their shows, went to court to prevent them from airing. Ultimately it was decided that ABC did not have the right to edit the episodes but that it was too late to stop their broadcast. This opened the door for Python to sue ABC for damages, and ABC would in turn sue Time/Life and the BBC. To prevent this BBC made an offer to the python members that if they agreed not to sue ABC that they would get the full rights to their show and the original tapes. The Python members decided that when Time/Life's contract for syndicating the show ran out in 1980 that they would not renew.

This brings us to 1980. The Pythons decided to keep the show off the air for a few years because by then PBS stations all over the United States had overexposed the show. No wonder as Flying Circus brought in more money during pledge drives than any other show airing on PBS. This left a gaping hole in their schedule and PBS stations everywhere struggled to find a show that would replace Python. The first choice was "Fawlty Towers" which they had just added a year earlier. But John Cleese only made a dozen episodes and announced he would make no more. They would need something else. Next came "The Goodies", a Brittcom that predated Python and at the time was still producing new episodes. But Goodies had none of the Python members and although very funny, failed to catch on with Python fans. This is when Time/Life offered "Ripping Yarns" a series written and staring two Python members, Michael Palin and Terry Jones. And for the first episode it almost seemed like a continuation of the Python series.

"Tomkinson's Schooldays" was a pilot episode made for the series. Shot half in a studio in front of an audience and half outdoors on film, most of the jokes were silly as were the jokes on Python, and both Palin and Jones were in the cast playing several characters. The episode which told the story of how prep school student Tomkinson [ Palin ] spent all his time trying to escape from one of the most abusive boarding schools that any Python member had ever drempt up. [ That is until they made "...Meaning of life" ]However, this was just the pilot episode. The rest of the series was very different, as viewers would find out with the second episode.

"The testing of Eric Olthwaite" did not have a silly joke a minute as the first episode had. There were a few silly jokes here and there, but much of the humor of the episode was very subtle. The story was about the title character who was so boring that one day he wakes up to find that his family has run away. Deciding to make his life more interesting he trys to get a job at the bank, only to be told that he is way to boring to even work there. But the story takes a sudden turn when the bank is robbed and Eric ends up a hostage of the bank robber, leading to a final plot twist that I will not give away here, even though the episode builds to a joke that is not really that funny. It was nothing like a Python episode, and it like all the following Ripping Yarns episodes would be shot entierly on film. Although Terry Jones would still cowright each episode, he wold no longer appear as an actor. There were few python style jokes, and most of the episode had Michael talking on and on about shovels, black pudding, and other boring topics.

"Escape from Stalag Luft 112B", the third episode, seemed to be more of a retread of the first episode as the lead character, a Brittish officer, tries and fails at many attempts to escape from a German POW camp. Once again the show relied on subtle jokes with it's only Python style joke at the very end.

"Murder at Moorestones Manor" was a who done it mystery that once again relied on subtle humor. It was not until the fifth episode "Across the Andes by frog" that a python like plot showed up. It was based on a short story that Terry Jones and Michael Plalin had written in a book called "Bert Fegg's Nasty Book for boys & girls" only instead of riding across the Andes on the back of a frog, the explorer in this story was transporting frogs in boxes. While the set up as to why he was doing this was Pythonesque, the story once again relied on subtle humor.

So did the final episode "Curse of the Claw" where palin played a man who inherits a cursed claw that he must return to the island it was stolen from.

Python fans did not like this series. It started out with an episode very much like Flying Circus, but then changed into something else. Palin himself would continue to star in films with subtle comedy like "The Missionary", "A private function" and "American Friends". While Jones and Palin would make three more Ripping Yarn's episodes for the BBC, the poor response that they got from Python fans was enough that they were never syndicated. It was not until years later that BBC video would release them on VHS. PBS would abandon Ripping Yarns and go on to their next attempt to replace Python; "Not the Nine O'Clock News" which also failed with Python fans. In New York, Channel 13, PBS's flagship station gave up and began airing "Meeting of the minds", a show where Steve Allen interviewed historic characters. As for the rest of the PBS stations, many discovered that Dr Who was another great cult show that generated pledge dollars. And as Time/Life had originally only syndicated episodes where Tom Baker stared as the Doctor, now Lionheart Television was syndicating all the existing episodes which are in the hundreds.

Ripping Yarns came back on the BBC as a four episode series with one episode being the rebroadcast of the pilot episode. "Whinfreys last case" had a turn of the century spy uncovering a plot by the Germans to start WWI a year earlier. "Golden Gordon" was about an English Football fan trying to deal with the fact that the local team, who had not won a game in years, was disbanding. The episode has an uncredited cameo by John Cleese. "Roger of the Raj" had Palin's character yearning to leave India and open his own Pharmacy. All subtle comedies.

Years later American Python fans began to appreciate Ripping Yarns for what it was, a parody of classic English stories that were read in schools. The shows title was even a parody of the name Rudyard Kipling who had authored many of these types of stories, most notably "The Jungle Book" and the poem "Gunga Din". Once you stop looking for the Python jokes and get into the spirit of the stories they turn out to be quite funny. One only wishes that this show had been more successful and more episodes were made.

...comes this brilliant collection of (nine) half-hour episodes. The team of Michael Palin & Terry Jones predates Monty Python so their collaboration on these yarns showcases their comedy writing and acting talents - particularly their gift for physical humor.

Each yarn is built on a premise of what should be a young boy's adventure story but instead becomes a farcical tale. But the different episodes tend to vary in style. Some yarns are outlandishly hilarious: the absolute standout of the series being "Tomkinson's Schooldays" and "Escape from Stalag Luft 112B" - which could easily be compared to the best sketches from the Monty Python series. Others yarns deliver more subtle humor, like "Winfrey's Last Case" and "The Testing of Eric Olthwaite" (comparable to the "Jeeves & Wooster" series). Still others like "Curse of the Claw" tend to be dark in nature - yet still brilliantly funny! Read other reviews for plot details - but then it kinda ruins the jokes and surprises!

Perhaps the best aspect of this series is the way Jones and (mostly) Palin effectively perform several roles in some of the yarns. Their standout comedic abilities (plus excellent costuming and make-up) really give distinction to the hilarious personas of each character.

Some of these yarns will need to be watched a few times to really appreciate the humor - this is no "Fawlty Towers!"
But, to the seasoned lover of British comedy, this collection will entertain for years to come.

This review refers to the VHS versions.

This is completely different from Monty Python. Two of the MP veterans have written a series of half hour programs in the vein of classical British boy's adventure stories. The cast are drama actors who do not ham it up or exaggerate their characters (except for the two MP veterans).

What makes the stories funny is the twists that are thrown in at frequent intervals. You have to have an intimate knowledge of British culture and social institutions prior to 1930 to spot these twists and appreciate them. You will smile and mildly chuckle instead of rolling on the floor laughing as you did for Monty Python.

In some ways these remind me of the early Carry On movies with their low key humor.

The only thing that sucks about "Ripping Yarns" is that only 9 episodes were made. The show itself is extremely well made, and well done. Each episode tells a different story, that parodies "serial" novels/shows. The stories range from tales of war, horror, suspense, coming of age, adventure, action, exploration, romance, and it's all parodied by Michael Palin. It's a great show for lovers of British comedy, and those who are new to British comedy. It's a bit pricey, for only 9 episodes, but it's worth it

These are quite frankly the funniest spoofs of the old "Boy's Own" stories I have ever seen. I grew up in Scotland and so was introduced to the original series as a young boy and find that I laugh at them just as heartily over 30 years later.
When I return to the old country for a visit, my brother and I still have 'Ripping Yarn nights':)
If your a Monty Python fan these are most definately for you.
Micheal Palen at his comic best!!!!!!!!!!

I saw Ripping Yarns when originally broadcast in the States and yet I enjoy them even more now. Any Python fan will recognize the style of "humour". RYs take a different direction from the original MP show mainly due to the half-hour story format and the specific talents of Palin and Jones. The show succeeds because the strengths of the two writers mesh very well to create some brilliant comedy. In other Python work Jones was adept with keeping themes and plots moving along while Palin's strengths were the odd characters and bits of sheer silliness (eg. fish slapping dance).

One probably has to be an anglophile or a fairly intense Python fan to really enjoy these. The humor targets British social and political conventions. While most everyone can appreciate that, those who are not familiar with British society and history will miss out on some of the richness of the humor. I believe this show is a bit less accessible to the average Yank than MP or Fawlty Towers. (But I actually prefer Ripping Yarns to Fawlty Towers.)

Palin plays one or two leading roles wonderfully in each show and he is backed by some outstanding talent. I've always loved Palin's portrayal of northern characters and his Olthwaite role is "spot on". For support, Joan Sanderson and Richard Vernon not only play their roles well (Raj), but their characters counterpoint each other hilariously. Ken Colley in Olthwaite is also wonderful to watch. I could go on and on... One of the big treats of the series are the many excellent and familiar British actors popping up in the oddest roles. Kate Beckinsale's mother, Judy Loe, shows up in a small but nicely done role.

I enjoy British literature, TV and film frequently due to the language. Ripping Yarns reminds me of why I also like work from others such as authors P. G. Wodehouse or even non-humor authors like John Le Carre. The language is wonderful even if I don't always understand the full context. Joan Sanderson's role uses many wonderful expressions. And then on a sillier note there is a scene in "Tomkinson's" when the ceremonial Gundy gives palfreys to the hoppers. This confuses me but I love the scene anyway. I've got no idea if "Gundy" and "palfrey" are made-up words used to stand in for this silly scene or if they actually refer to something. (BTW: palfrey is a word but not in the episode's sense of the term.)

The extra features add good value. The 1983 show on Palin is wonderful. It features him in an open, casual way and introduces us to many important people in his life outside of the Pythons. The episode commentaries are enjoyable but a little sparse because they are done 25+ years after the show which puts the memories of Jones and Palin to the test. The capability to omit the laugh track while playing the shows is not to be minimized. It's much better without the laughtrack.

As a long time Python fan and lover of British humor, I am delighted to have this on my shelf. There are 2-3 episodes that have major problems with them, but the good material is outstanding and pulls this up to a 5 star rating in my view. For the right viewer, Ripping Yarns is highly recommended.

Ripping Yarns is a fine collection of very funny stories from Michael Palin and Terry Jones. This is not the sort of floating consciousness sketch writing that was so prevalent in the Monty Python days, but we did see some hints of this type of whole show sketch writing with the Python episode "The Cycling Tour" where the entire episode had a central theme if not to say plot.
I personally wish there had been a bit more Terry Jones in front of the camera instead of always behind it. Palin is a very gifted comic actor with a great range of character types.
These shows are not the same caliber or quality as "Monty Pythons Flying Circus". They certainly aren't in the same league as Cleese's "Fawlty Towers" but they are very funny and quite worth having in your home library of British comedy.

Wonderfully evocative of times past; even if they were only in the imagination!

Palin is quite brilliant in his portrayals and we can easily understand what it was that made Britain great!!!! Roger of the Raj deserves special mention; a truly masterly depiction of life in the British Army of the time. Were there really such 'firm buttocked young Amazons'?

Great.

The work by the former members of Monty Python tends to be uneven at best, and the good news is that this is one of the really great things to have come out from two-pythons. Michael Palin and Terry Jones wrote some fantastic scripts, and were able to find very talented actors to work in these shows.

They have been restored as well, improving the video and film quality and making these shows very fresh. While I don't think that sterling quality is absolutely necessary for enjoying this kind of program, it certainly is nice to not be distracted by scratches, poor focus, or poor sound quality.

Perhaps my favorite moment is the introduction to one show by Michael Palin as an Orson Welles type character. The entire introduction is interrupted by a massive traffic scene, and is perhaps the highlight of any of the shows.

There are some nice touches here, where you can eliminate the audience from the soundtrack, and there are some decent, though rather rambling commentaries here to. The nicest thing about commentaries on dvds such as these is that you don't have to listen to them unless you want to. I mean, do Jones and Palin really have 4.5 hours of anecdotes about this series to tell? Not really.

Great comedy. Highly recommended.

Ripping Yarns is one of my favorite series, however it's a very specific kind of gentle parody of a very specific genre of Edwardian era boys adventure literature, though it does wander from that premise occasionally. The series will for most be an acquired taste, the humor often subtle, only slightly absurd or surreal, but for the fan of Palin and Jones or someone familiar with the turn of the century boys adventure genre it's a treasure, a slightly flawed gem to be watched repeatedly and shared.

The source material may be unknown to some viewers, probably the closest things most familiar to Americans would be Robert Louis Stephenson's work especially Treasure Island, and Rudyard Kipling, especially the Jungle Book, though the aesthetic mocked so lovingly in the series is very similar to that of early 20th century American movie serials and later full length films... there's a bit of Fu Manchu here and hint of Sherlock Holmes there, a touch of Tarzan perhaps, would get one in the mood, and there is enough for an American to relate to if they give the series some time.

It does require patience, and this may be affected by an unusual choice: the producers having kindly included the option to watch with or without the original broadcast laugh track (created in the contemporary standard method: showing the finished films to a live studio audience and recording their reactions) For the seasoned fan like myself, the laugh track is best left off so one can catch every word and nuance and decide for oneself which lines to laugh out loud at, and which to merely chuckle or smile with amusement.

But for the beginner, especially in the episodes after the wonderful and very entertaining madcap pilot episode, it might be better to use the laugh track to help one get in the groove with this unique flavor of humor.

Fans of python should find much to enjoy here, but don't expect the hectic madness of python, it's much more focused and low key, with a much more specific and consistent flavor, somewhat reminiscent of the few episodes of python which followed a single storyline from start to finish, particularly the Bicycle Tour episode, starring Michael Palin in a spirit similar to many of his characters here, and it is this friendly relatable appeal of Palin that makes this series work even when the narratives become momentarily boring, one can always feel the love with which they were crafted, and the spirit of joy that emanates from everything Jones and Palin touch, in contrast to the often very dark and angry Cleese or the dark and eerie mystery of Gilliam, or the relentlessly obscene and bizarre brilliance of Graham Chapman. If you were particularly fond of Palin's and Jones' work in python you should find this similarly agreeable.

However, for the totally uninitiated who is not a steampunk or victoriana/edwardian era fan/geek, not a football hooligan (one of my favorite episodes to show the uninitiated, as overenthusiastic sports fan families are a universal phenomenon), not familiar with turn of the century imperialist adventure literature, and who seeks a blast of screaming humor without rest or mercy, enjoy the first pilot episode and then turn back to python... for those willing to be patient with it and let it grow on you, you will be richly rewarded.