Yellowbeard (1983 film)

With their knack for historical humor (ie Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Life Of Brian, Jabberwocky, Time Bandits and Erik The Viking) it is no wonder Graham would feel like doing a pirate period piece. But I was a little hesitate to watch this as it was so reviled by critics, but I got the chance to watch it and missing my opportunity to see Erik The Viking when I found a VHS tape of it I've regretted it ever since. I actually tried watching it but I was interrupted by family members who thought it was stupid and still to this day the parts of that film play in my head. Watching Yellowbeard I wonder what such harsh critics didn't like about the film then I remembered most of them don't get Monty Python humor. It took a couple tries to watch this film as no Monty Python film seems quite easily digested in the first watch. Nevertheless the nonchalant lunacy of Chapman, Cleese and Idle are always welcomed and that is the gift of this film. Many contemporary comic giants appeared alongside such as BBC allies Peter Cook, Marty Feldman and Spike Mulligan and pot heroes Cheech & Chong along with Peter Boyle. But it was the media friendly Pythonites that carry this film. Scenes with Graham Chapman and great comedienne Madeleine Kahn provide the most overt verbal humor along with Peter Cook to a lesser extent, whereas slapstick abounds all around from everybody as this film relies on the physical more so than a typical MP project. It's no masterpiece maybe but it's a classic one that might be buried under Time Bandits, Fierce Creatures and Labyrinth but a Python classic nonetheless worthy of being put on any comedy fans DVD collection let alone being worth the availability to find it at the local DVD stores, libraries and rental stores. Interesting to note (I hate to put this as a tag on but wouldn't fit with the review) Yellowbeard was a response to Gilliam, Palin and Jones making Jabberwocky as they were upset their movie studio promoted it as a Monty Python film. Somewhat of the same vein they would fit well as a double feature each highlighting the two groups distinct styles of comedy. I think considering which Pythons are involved in each film you know what to expect. PS there is a great scene where pirates try to smuggle women on board but the captain won't allow it, however lucky for the viewers a former Victoria's Secret model Greta Blackburn is sneaked on board as Mr. Prostitute.