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50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong

a moose bit my sister once

  • WWdN in Exile

"We are no longer the knights who say ‘Ni!’ We are now the knights who say ‘Ecky-ecky-ecky-ecky-pikang-zoop-boing-goodem-zoo-owli-zhiv’!’ We must give you a test."

"What is this test, oh Knights of . . . Knights who until recently said ‘Ni!’"

-Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Night before last, Ryan and I got some take out for dinner, and ended up spending about three hours sitting at our dining room table, talking about all sorts of things. Our relationship grew several levels, and while I’m keeping the details of that to myself, I will do something I rarely do: I’ll take some credit for being a good parent. I will also do something I quite often do: I’ll marvel at how wise Ryan is. Both of the kids have their pod-people days, of course, but over the last several months, those days are fewer and farther between than ever before, and I’m grateful for that.

Late on Wednesday night, while we cleaned up our dinner dishes, Ryan said, "You know, I’ve wanted to watch Monty Python for a really long time."

"I have Holy Grail in the living room," I said.

"Do you think I’ll like it?" He said.

"Well, I’m not sure. It’s a blend of absurdity and dry British humor. It’s one of those things that you either grok right away, or just don’t respond to."

"Will you watch it with me?" He said.

"Sure," I said, "we’ll watch it tomorrow after dinner."

And that’s what we did. Anne and Nolan went back into our bedroom to watch TV, and Ryan and I fired up Monty Python and the Holy Grail on our home theater.

I was unsure if he’d like it or not, because his generation has been raised on the comedic stylings of films like Anchorman and televison shows like MAD TV — not exactly the type of humor you’ll find in Flying Circus.

I dimmed the lights, and hit play.

"Why are there subtitles?" He said.

"Just watch."

Around the time "a moose bit my sister once . . . " came up on the screen, he was holding his stomach, convulsing in giggles.

"Ah, good. He gets it." I proudly thought.

He loved all the things I loved when I was his age: the French Taunter, The Black Knight, The Castle Anthrax, and the Killer Rabbit.

"I can see why you liked this so much," he said when it was over. "How many times have you seen this?"

"Between eighty and a hundred, I guess," I said.

"Will you watch it with me again?" he said, "I feel like I missed some funny stuff that I’ll catch next time."

"Of course," I said.

"Okay, I’m going to bed now," he said.

He walked back to his room singing, "Brave Sir Robin ran away . . . bravely ran away, away . . ."

He laughed to himself as he closed his bedroom door.

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17 February, 2006 Wil

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55 thoughts on “a moose bit my sister once”

  1. leon says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:20 am

    Oh man, i just have to comment on this one because i have this BIG grin on my face.
    Good one Wil !! Bwahahaha, you have a good kid there. And for you….gee…you are so like me it is scary.
    Did he get the joke on the sparow ??
    Man, the knights who say “ni”always cracks me…
    (i am realy having tears in my eyes from laughing right now)

  2. ShadowTracer says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:22 am

    That so cool! I remember watching Holy Grail when I was ten years olf with my dad. It was a different situation, he brought it to me I didn’t go to him, but the outcome was the same. Both of us laughing and rewatching it for days.
    Ever so often I’ll see a middle student walking down the halls of the school I teach at acting totally absurd, hopping on one leg or chanting and smacking their head with a book. I always smile and think, “Ah, they just watched Python.” When one of them found out I knew what they were doing they asked if they could get extra credit for finding the translation of the latin.
    Now I’m not the biggest fan of modern movie humor, but I would like to think that the scene in anchorman where baxter the dog randomly has the peace negotiations with a bear is slightly reminicient of old Python humor!

  3. MFHOWLAND says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:32 am

    One of the best movies ever.. I also enjoy a good night of Army of Darkness! Gimme some sugar baby!
    – SirFWALGMan

  4. James Casey says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:38 am

    Ah, hooray. I wouldn’t dream of arguing over which Python film is the *best*, but Holy Grail is my favourite.
    She turned me into a NEWT!
    …
    …
    …
    …
    …
    igotbetter…

  5. Lanitta says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:39 am

    You know I have been considering doing the very same thing with our oldest son recently as well. Its one of those things that is a turning point when you share things like that with your kids. I can only hope the he “gets it” as well as Ryan did. 🙂
    oh and in response to SirFWALGMan above me … I think Army of Darkness is something that may come a bit later… and most definately not until they have first seen Evil Dead. which is by far one of the corniest and coolest cheesy B horror flicks of all time.

  6. Lex says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:41 am

    That is such a hilarious movie. I haven’t watched it in a long time. After reading this entry I have the urge to go rent it or even maybe buy it. None of my friends have seen it and I know they will love it if they watched it. Thanks for sharing that. I haven’t stopped laughing at all the lines that are going through my head right now. My sides are starting to hurt from it all.

  7. sparky1234 says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:44 am

    Ah, yes. You’ll have to work your way around to the Fawlty Towers episodes eventually too.
    Holy Grail is fundamentally great though – and congrats on indoctrinating a member of the younger generation.
    I love the witch/duck/wood/burn her! logic bit – I sometimes feel I’m watching that listening to people expound on poker stragedy…

  8. Flavius Bocephus says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:46 am

    I am rather curious as to his reaction to Castle Anthrax.
    I recall it turning me on tremendously at the same age. Fortunately, the theater was dark.
    Regards,
    Flavius Bocephus aka
    “The Old Man From Scene 24”

  9. Stephen says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:05 pm

    I’ve just put Holy Grail in the DVD player. After reading this post I just had to watch it again. Shame my children are only 7 – a bit to young to watch it with me yet.

  10. Eric in PA says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:11 pm

    My cousin introduced me to Holy Grail.
    I can never thank that boy enough.

  11. ShannanKA says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:13 pm

    Long time reader, but first time post.
    Talking about Holy Grail really took me back. The first time I was presented with this film I was in the 10th grade and our English teacher showed it as a class assignment. It was the first time I had ever been exposed to humor like that. I come from a long line of very ill humored ancestry. That teacher and British humor changed my life. Now I’m that weird one in the family!
    On a side note: This blog has really been inspiring, so much so that I started my own blog just a couple of months ago. Any advice you lend to us newbie bloggers is very appreciated.

  12. sorebikr says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:14 pm

    awesome.
    Fired up The Princess Bride yet?

  13. KaliAmanda says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:26 pm

    Holy Grail is one of my favorite movies ever! I worked with a guy who had it memorized from the first frame. There was a surreal and bizarre quality to it, but hilarious to work nights with him — as he came up behind me and started reciting “Armaments, chapter two, verses nine through twenty-one” about the Holy Hand Grenade of Antoich…
    A friend gave me tickets to see Spamalot and I took my Mom, it was hysterical. The audience covered quite a spectrum from the blue haired ladies, lots of baby boomers, the 30-something-still-masquerading-as-sophomoric guys and a few teenagers and smaller kids with their parents. Monty Python appears to have cut through generational gaps.

  14. JewelGeek says:
    17 February, 2006 at 12:32 pm

    Bravo, Wil!
    Brings back memories of my best viewing of Holy Grail. I was travelling around Europe and saw that a little outdoor theater was going to be showing the film in Athens. I showed up early and got a kick out of watching the greek subtitles over the original ones posted in the movie. I think I laughed harder than the Greek crowd, though…

  15. Wes F in North Adams says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:05 pm

    My 8th grade English teacher introduced me to Holy Grail.
    Later, I found out my aunt and uncle had it too.
    I can’t thank any of them enough. Good on ya, Wil.
    “Go away or I will taunt you a second time!”
    WF

  16. shauna says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:11 pm

    My husband loves Monty Python. He’s made me sit through Holy Grail so many times, it’s rediculous.. Now I laugh on principle. Anyway, Monty Python is really big deal in our house. I laughed all the way through this post.
    Shauna

  17. KeithD says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:18 pm

    If you can see the broadway show, do it. I took my wife when it first came out, and she had never seen the movie before. We had a blast. And she went out and bought the movie afterwards.

  18. Erbo says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:43 pm

    HAHAHA! Love it! Back at UCSB, our dorm hall showed Holy Grail as a fundraiser once…it was a HUGE moneymaker for us. I even saw some people entering the theater who were from the Society for Creative Anachronism, dressed in full medieval regalia. That was the first time I saw the movie, too…and, if you think it’s a riot watching the DVD, it’s even better watching it in a theater with everyone else laughing their asses off around you. Another one of those hawesome moments!

  19. courtslp2006 says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:43 pm

    OK, I burst out laughing as soon as I saw the title, as I currently have my feet up on my moose footrest with my initials “carved” (well, embroidered anyway) into it… I think I’m gonna have to treat myself to the Holy Grail tonight. Thanks. :p

  20. Becky..Absent Minded Housewife says:
    17 February, 2006 at 1:44 pm

    My son told me the other day that he’d “fart in my general direction.”
    If that’s not love…

  21. David Raynes Personal says:
    17 February, 2006 at 2:38 pm

    Death awaits you all with nasty big pointy teeth

    Reading Wil Wheaton’s entry today about sharing Monty Python and the Holy Grail with his stepson just reminded me about how much I am looking forward to being a father; I cannot wait to share all of the things I…

  22. Kudra says:
    17 February, 2006 at 2:59 pm

    Wil you inspire me, literally. I was taking a break from writing this paper on Woman Herbalists and how they got labled as witches for class, and there you are with the perfect suggestion.
    The “Burn the Witch” scene from Holy Grail! We can show a clip for our presentation. Laughter is always the best way to please a crowd during presentation time. Now I can get on with the research and stop worrying about talking in front of people.
    “She turned me into a newt!…I got better.”
    Perfect.

  23. Aviatrixt says:
    17 February, 2006 at 3:41 pm

    Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?
    YES! That’s so awesome, Wil. When I taught the Salem Witch Trials this semester, my honors class and I spent nearly 5 full minutes back-and-forthing the Holy Grail script. I know I’m in charge, but I couldn’t help it. I was so happy they, at 16, could quote HG verbatim the way I could at 16! The next day, I brought in my DVD to play the “We got a witch!” scene. So worth the teachable moment.

  24. Anniesue says:
    17 February, 2006 at 4:14 pm

    My dad turned me on to the Flying Circus in the 70s when PBS started showing it–I was only 11 or 12. We used to watch it together. He just died in December and now when I catch Monty Python on BBC America, I feel him watching with me.
    You gotta read Eric Idle’s “Greedy Bastard Diary”.

  25. Marsha M says:
    17 February, 2006 at 5:40 pm

    Hi! This is So Funny! My son has just discovered Holy Grail and loves it, too! He’s a total geek in all the best ways, and at 9, comfortable with that!

  26. Mynna says:
    17 February, 2006 at 6:00 pm

    I love Monty Python. From the first time i caught a bit on late night cable as a kid i’ve been addicted. My fav joke is a Monthy Python gem, “…american beer is like having sex in a canoe, fucking close to water” /smirk Gotta love it.
    I love that you use grok, i don’t often use it outside of my own head because well it prompts people to give me odd looks… If only they knew what i don’t verbalize…

  27. Mike says:
    17 February, 2006 at 6:08 pm

    You realize you have to take him to Spamalot now, don’t you, Wil?

  28. teflonjedi says:
    17 February, 2006 at 6:29 pm

    Great story…and a great movie. I didn’t get to see it until I was in college, in our little student-run theatre. Saw it again a few years back, when it was re-released with the extra footage. And now, like you, I have it on DVD. Maybe its time to watch it again!

  29. Kirsten says:
    17 February, 2006 at 7:43 pm

    “…I told them we already had one!”

  30. StacieDee says:
    17 February, 2006 at 7:51 pm

    If you both enjoyed Holy Grail so much, I highly recommend seeing Spamalot if you can possibly arrange it. I’ve seen it twice, paid through the nose both times and am grateful I had the opportunity to do so. :o)

  31. Kelly says:
    17 February, 2006 at 8:02 pm

    I second the recommendation for Spamalot – especially if you can see it with Tim Curry and the rest of the original cast. I drove from FL to Chicago to see it, and it was totally worth it.

  32. ambeart says:
    17 February, 2006 at 8:51 pm

    My 12 year old son loved Holy Grail and quotes it frequently. If I miss the reference he’ll ask, “Didn’t you get it mom? You know, Monty Python?”
    Makes a mother proud…

  33. Lorelli says:
    17 February, 2006 at 9:49 pm

    I love introducing people to the LOVE that is the Pythons. I grew up on Brit-coms. They’re great. Good to see you are educationg the next generation in the important things.

  34. Tyson says:
    17 February, 2006 at 9:50 pm

    ahh…that was a great great story wil….i remember watching those movies with my brother and my dad when i was about 14 years old, and all 3 of us on the floor laughing our heads off….The Life of Brian was an even bigger hit at our house…my dad used to crack up big-time during the pontious pilot scenes…’thwo him to the fwoor pweese….’……..man there’s just something about guys and monty python..you’re right..you either grok it or ya don’t…i feel very very fortunate that me, my brother and dad all totally did….it makes for some very nice memories….thanks a ton wil..you made my evening 🙂

  35. Clay says:
    17 February, 2006 at 11:15 pm

    THAT is freakin’ awesome, Wil.

  36. oregonchick says:
    18 February, 2006 at 1:43 am

    I’m so glad you introduced Ryan to the Holy Grail. Doesn’t there always seem to be a reason to quote it?
    I majored in Political Science, and the whole bit between King Arthur and Dennis the peasant still makes me laugh until I cry. You’d be in the middle of a serious debate, and someone would chime in with, “Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I’m being repressed!”
    I definitely need to watch it again.
    Of course, my favorite premise for a Monty Python movie is The Life of Brian… And of course, I’m partial to anything that makes correcting grammar (even in Latin) into a joke.

  37. morgan says:
    18 February, 2006 at 5:33 am

    Oh you are so lucky to have two awesome stepsons. I think he’ll like watching Monty Python again with you. Not many kids this day and age can get the british humor and jokes and he did. I’m glad to see that they are growing up well. Keep up the great work and tell Anne and the boys I said HI!

  38. Aviatrixt says:
    18 February, 2006 at 8:00 am

    PBS is going to be showing “The Best of Monty Python” beginning on February 22nd where I live; you all should check it out, too!
    http://www.pbs.org

  39. Mr. Lizard says:
    18 February, 2006 at 11:06 am

    I was introduced to Monty Python’s Flying Circus when a friend worked for a film rental compnay. This was way back in the ancient days before everyone had a VCR and music was still played from these humongous flat disks of plastic. (But we DID have color TV- though just barely). So anyways, my friend brought over a projector and two movies. The first was “…and now, for Something Completely Different,” which strung together skits from the show. I remember thinking, “What the Hell is this? I can’t even understand half of what they’re saying!” Of course, I still laughed my ass off at sly nudges and naked pianists. The other movie was Dark Star. For those who are not aware of this classic gem of bad movie making, visit imdb.com and search for it. Better yet, rent a copy. Netflix has it.

  40. Kim says:
    18 February, 2006 at 1:21 pm

    My 11 year old LOVES Python..and my 5 year old will wander through the house saying the count of the HOLY HAND GRANADE….It is wonderful that you can share this with your boy!

  41. rach says:
    19 February, 2006 at 1:13 pm

    Hi Wil! That is so cool. The monty python team is just hilarious! it doesn’t get more british than that! The Meaning of Life should be the next one you watch…it’s just absolutely incredible! being a fan, you must know already! I’m glad Ryan liked it too….and the fact you watched it together is something he’ll treasure forever!
    take care
    Rach

  42. the unknown says:
    19 February, 2006 at 5:03 pm

    What a great story. Not many folks would be wise enough to equate good parenting with Monty Python! Nice work! I love the story.
    love

  43. Banzai says:
    20 February, 2006 at 8:15 am

    “Burma!”
    “Why did you say ‘Burma’?”
    “I don’t know, I panicked!”

  44. adena bailey says:
    20 February, 2006 at 8:30 am

    I started watching Monty Python when I was around 5 years old.
    My parents would watch “The Flying Circus” on PBS, and they’d let me stay up to watch it.
    I soon after watched “The Holy Grail”, maybe around 6 years old.
    I have to say that British humour greatly influenced how I see the world, and how my sense of humour is.
    Love it!
    “Faulty Towers” is great, too…they just had a retrospective show about it on PBS a while back.

  45. Kim the fangirl says:
    20 February, 2006 at 10:46 am

    It’s great that he loves Holy Grail. My kids and I get it out at least once a month. It’s such a classic. I started them on Python early. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard one of my sons say to the other “I fart in your general direction! Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.” By far though the most classic moment came one day while doing grocery shopping and my younger son saw his third grade teacher.
    J: Oh no. It’s my teacher. She’s a witch
    Me: You don’t like your teacher?
    J: She turned me into a newt….I got better.
    We spent the rest of the shopping trip alternately cackling with laughter and crying out “A Witch!”
    Kids are so much fun when they start getting the jokes.

  46. Steve-o says:
    20 February, 2006 at 11:59 am

    On the count of three:
    one…
    two…
    five!
    Wil, it’s just as true (or more so) about Monty Python as it is about baseball that you never forget your first, especially reading all these comments.
    I had just started grade nine 15 years ago when I heard MP for the first time, and my best friend and I totally geeked -out on this stuff. We’d do prank calls to our mayor and high school teachers and play Cleese’s insane reaction in the bookshop skit over the phone.
    Ah, the memories….

  47. Shafa says:
    20 February, 2006 at 10:09 pm

    You are spreading a tradition as old and rich as last years Oreo cake that got left in the cupboard somehow.
    “Feche le vache!”
    “It’s just a flesh wound!”
    “It could grip it by the husk!”
    “I feel happy! I feel…” *grunt*
    “Help! Help! I’m being repressed!”
    I really do more than just sit around and memorize lines from this movie. I swear.
    – this comment brought to you by 10,000 dancing llamas

  48. kaijim says:
    21 February, 2006 at 1:57 am

    Oh… I do love my pythons :).
    My all time favorite is the dead parrot skit.
    “HELLO POLLY!” – Now that’s what I call a dead parrot….

  49. Ed Hintz says:
    21 February, 2006 at 3:10 am

    Oooh, that’s awesome…
    I’m so bummed, Cleese was in town and wifey and I went, but we didn’t take our 8 year old ’cause we didn’t know if it would be cool for him (Eric Idle was very much a PG13 kinda show, with a few R18 moments in there as well). But he’d be gutted if he realised it was an ok show and we were too scared. Ahh well. At least he knows the original flying circus material, that’s worth something. I’m not a complete waste of Dad material. 🙂

  50. Charlie says:
    21 February, 2006 at 8:25 am

    I just had the same kind of experience with my 2 1/5 year old, Harrison. We sat down on Sunday and watched his first Godzilla movie(Godzilla vs. Megalon) together. He loved it. To make the experience even better, we went to Incredibly Strange Video(a genre video store here in Pittsburgh that is out of site and we are lucky to have)to rent more Godzilla and King Kong. Now that’s all he will talk about. Right now his absolute favorite movie is the original Mighty Joe Young(“Mighty Joe Young. He let the lions out. They go RARRRRR”)

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