Eric Idle, Sept. 5, 1996 Celebrity Circle sponsored by Oldsmobile Transcript of 9/5/96 America Online Live Chat with Eric Idle Copyright 1996 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc. As told to Garrett Gilchrist [AmbushBug4@aol.com] Visit Monty Python's PythoNET on the Web at [http://members.aol.com/AmbushBug4/mybrainhurts.html] NOTE: A version of this transcript has also appeared at pythonline.com, but as it is a sliightly censored version I thought you'd enjoy the real thing. And now... AOLiveMC1: Hello, folks of AOL! I'm Jim JMF, your host for this evening's festivities. OnlineHost: Eric Idle has been in many films, including "The Life of Brian," "The Holy Grail," "The Meaning of Life," "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen," "National Lampoon's European Vacation," "Nuns On The Run," "Splitting Heirs" (which he also wrote and produced), and most recently "Casper the Friendly Ghost" for Amblin/Universal. Welcome! AOLiveMC1: Everybody, let's give a big welcome to Eric Idle! Welcome to AOL Live! EIdleLive: Good evening.... AOLiveMC1: Are you ready for some questions from the audience? EIdleLive: NO. Hang on....I am just fixing my make-up! AOLiveMC1: Okay, here's our first question: ThePreFab wants to know: Question: Mr. Idle- I've been hearing rumors of your death. Any idea where these came from? Have you spent a year in bed a la Barry Wom? EIdleLive: Next question please... AOLiveMC1: SLLIM B wants to know: Question: Mr. Idle, greetings for a fellow Brit descendent. I would like to know if you do any personal appearances in the USA besides the writing and other things? EIdleLive: Yes...I shall be in New York soon flogging a book...and maybe on the Tonight Show and so on. AOLiveMC1: Htencate asks: Question: Eric, please tell us about your new film "Wind in the Willows." When will it debut in the United States and what was it like filming? EIdleLive: No, it debuts in October in the UK and opens in January, maybe. It's up to Disney. It was fun filming because Terry Jones was the director and he was also Mr. Toad and its fun being directed by a large frog now that Truffaut is dead! AOLiveMC1: ChinaD442 ponders about Eric's creative juices: Question: So how did you Pythoners come up with your stuff? Any particular inspirations? EIdleLive: No. We just stole from each other. I would steal from John Cleese, he would steal from Terry Gilliam and Terry Gilliam would steal from Michael Palin, and Graham was always late. AOLiveMC1: Reechie90 has this question: Question: Question for Eric: Were you invited to participate in the Rutles reunion, and if so, why did you decline? EIdleLive: Yes, I was invited. I turned it down because I did not want to do it. Check Pythonline tomorrow! www.pythonline.com AOLiveMC1: Pjpw95 has this profound question for Eric: Question: Tell me, what is the meaning of life anyway, Eric? EIdleLive: I know the Meaning of Life but I am afraid it is a secret. It's something about being too old and bald and untalented to be in the Rutles. Or is that Neil Innes? AOLiveMC1: NanLouise has a question about a particular CD-ROM: Question: Hi. I made the brutal mistake of buying the "Complete Waste of Time" CD ROM. Please convince me why I should ruin my life further by purchasing the brilliant new release, Holy Grail. Also, Python made me want to become a writer. Manythanxforchangingmylife. EIdleLive: Don't, whatever you do, buy "The Holy Grail" CD-ROM. That's exactly what they want you to do. That's why I am chained to this radiator at 7th Level. AOLiveMC1: Htencate asks about the Python web site: Question: Eric, how is PythOnline doing so far, in your opinion? Happy with the results? Any more interesting web activities in store? EIdleLive: So far we have over 7 million hits in 7 weeks. Our highest day was a staggering 258,000 hits. We have almost 20,000 members of the Spam Club and seem to be going great. AOLiveMC1: KLokken asks about doing a weekly show: Question: Will Eric ever do a weekly show on American TV? EIdleLive: No. AOLiveMC1: Sewingbee has a question: Question: Hello Eric. You are my sister's favorite Python but Michael Palin is mine. Is there a snail mail address where I could send him a fan letter? Thanks for your help. EIdleLive: Yes. You can send him a message at Pythonline - - www.pythonline.com... Or you can always send a letter to Prominent Studios in London, but the address is a secret. AOLiveMC1: ThePreFab asks about Eric's past roles: Question: Mr. Idle- What is the role that has been the most fun for you? EIdleLive: Eric Idle. AOLiveMC1: ADoshi900 asks: Question: What was it like working with people like Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy? EIdleLive: I never have. AOLiveMC1: JR1002 wants to know: Question: What is your next movie? EIdleLive: "Wind in the Willows" is my last movie. Please God! And it might be Terry Jones'. AOLiveMC1: KSW JKN asks about Eric's projects: Question: What are your current or near future projects? EIdleLive: I have a book published by Dove in October called the "Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy Cat". And I am working on an interactive movie ride, a sort of pirate film, with Leslie Neilsen, for Busch Gardens and Seaworld. AOLiveMC1: FRSTDEJO asks about Eric's involvement with the CD-ROM: Question: Did you have input into your new CD-ROM? EIdleLive: Yes. I was the executive producer. I went to lots of meetings and I am afraid I am credited with thinking up the "Spank the Virgin" game. AOLiveMC1: Cleo 552 asks about Eric's writing: Question: How hard was it for you writing on your own in Python? EIdleLive: I prefer writing on my own. I wrote two sketches with John Cleese - "The Bruces" and the "Mountaineer" sketch - and I tried writing with Michael Palin but we both got too drunk! AOLiveMC1: MB Meadow asks about new Python fans: Question: Eric: How do you feel about a new generation of Python fans adoring you, appreciating your work for the first time through multi-media and really old, worn out video tapes? EIdleLive: I feel really good. That's why I am in this business. AOLiveMC1: JMann1730 wants to know: Question: Will Eric be flogging books in the Boston area also? EIdleLive: Alas no, but you can buy it through Pythonline. AOLiveMC1: Rupe33 asks about Eric's book: Question: Eric, I'm curious as to what other Python-related CD-ROM thingies may be in the works, and please tell us about your book! EIdleLive: My book is based on Edward Lear's poem and is largely for children. We have plans for more Python CD-ROMs but I am not allowed to tell you what they are while I am still chained to the radiator. Our current CD-ROM is the 12th best seller. AOLiveMC1: Oscuros has a curious question about Spam: Question: Is Spam a regular part of your diet, or has Python tainted the taste of it for you forever? EIdleLive: I am a veggie so I use Spam only as a form of contraception. You can never get pregnant if you sleep on a tin of Spam! AOLiveMC1: NCarbone poses this question: Question: Hello Eric! I wanted to ask you if you will be doing any more Monty Python movies and what exactly does this CD-ROM contain? Will we be able to 'play this song on the radio'? :) Thank you. EIdleLive: The CD-ROM is called the "Quest for the Holy Grail" and the game is just that with lots of little other games like Tetris played with dead bodies and drop the dead cow based on a British disease. It is extremely unlikely that there will be any more Python movies because John Cleese is a... oh I'm sorry... .... CENSORED! AOLiveMC1: BradDP186 asks about a future collaboration: Question: Eric - I have LOVED all your work. Thanks for the multitude of laughs over the years. Have you and your pal George Harrison got any future collaborations planned? EIdleLive: We are still trying to sober up from the past collaborations. And would the guy in Row 26 settle down?! Yeah you, Raymben! AOLiveMC1: PKJones is curious to find out this: Question: (just curious) Why were you not involved in the Rutles "Anthropology" album? EIdleLive: Because I thought it was dumb. AOLiveMC1: Buterscot asks about Eric's idol: Question: Who is your favorite idol or inspiration and why? EIdleLive: Bridgette Bardot, and why not?! AOLiveMC1: KWBeckers asks about a favorite fellow worker: Question: Who was your favorite fellow actor? John, Michael or Terry (I didn't care much for Graham). EIdleLive: Do you mean an actor, writer or person? John is great to work with. Michael is the most fun and Terry Jones is the best director for actors - really helpful. Also Terry G is a great movie director. AOLiveMC1: Tsunaki wonders about a favorite past episode: Question: What was your favorite Monty Python episode? EIdleLive: The last one! AOLiveMC1: Sadie3595 asks about Eric's past characters: Question: Eric, what Python character did you enjoy playing most? EIdleLive: Mrs. Hendy. Inside every tall thin male British comedian there is a short fat American woman trying to get out! AOLiveMC1: Zydryth asks about a past event: Question: Why weren't you in Comedy Central's Pythonathon with Terry, Terry, and Michael a few years back? EIdleLive: I was dead at the time. I got better! AOLiveMC1: JCurtis12 asks about Python's popularity: Question: Are you surprised that Monty Python is still being aired and still so popular? EIdleLive: Yes. I am surprised and delighted, stunned and shocked! AOLiveMC1: Markfinn asks about Eric's favorite: Question: What was your favorite role, and why? EIdleLive: I liked the guard in "The Holy Grail" and I also liked the Jailer in "Life of Brian"... buh buh buh buh ... because ... oh dammit! AOLiveMC1: DAltFan wonders about Eric's favorite movie: Question: Which movie did you like better - "Life of Brian," "Holy Grail," or the "Meaning of Life?" EIdleLive: "The Hollywood Bowl." AOLiveMC1: Rupe33 asks: Question: Eric, hi! Heard friends of yours, the Rutles, are releasing a new disc. Will there possibly be a new film or perhaps reunion tour ... double bill with Spinal Tap? - Kevin in Pittsburgh EIdleLive: In Mick Jagger's words ... God I hope not! AOLiveMC1: RikerJay asks about Eric as a director: Question: Are you interested in directing if you haven't already? EIdleLive: I co-directed the Rutles with Gary Weiss and did Robin Williams in "A Fairy Tale - The Frog Prince." But I prefer writing. Directing movies is about as interesting as terminal diarrhea. There is always another ***hole beside you... AOLiveMC1: Rat Tart asks Eric to reflect on his career: Question: Eric, have there been any movies in your career you wish you'd never made? EIdleLive: Hundreds. Yes, but in particular, my favorite one I should never have made was "Missing Pieces" which I can recommend that you miss... Row 26, Shut up! AOLiveMC1: CybLennon has this comparison question: Question: What do you prefer to work on, British movies or American movies? EIdleLive: I prefer to work on no movies at all. AOLiveMC1: Buterscot has a question about reincarnation: Question: Mr. Idle, if you were reincarnated, what or who would you come back as? EIdleLive: Cindy Crawford! AOLiveMC1: Ketra Saj asks, with a smile: Question: Mr. Idle, do you know how kewl you are? EIdleLive: I'm cruel not kewl, but you have to be cruel to be funny! AOLiveMC1: Red Mantl wants to know: Question: Did you enjoy providing the voice of "Rincewind" in "Discworld?" EIdleLive: Yes, I did and it paid very nicely too. Also, they let me write and record a song called "That's Death" which I recorded with Tom Scott. AOLiveMC1: SLLIM B wants some hints from Eric: Question: Mr. Idle, in the credits, it stated that you had a large part in the computer games("Waste of Time," "Holy Grail"). I have been completely stumped by them. Bloody good job! Any hints? EIdleLive: I don't understand them at all. My job was to sit in the meetings, drink ice mochas, and make them all laugh... ... Yes, I can see when you talk like that, Row 26! AOLiveMC1: ERothmaye has this question: Question: What did you think of working on "Yellowbeard?" EIdleLive: It was the best fun I have ever had on a movie. AOLiveMC1: Raunchgir asks about this: Question: What characters were you in "Life of Brian"? EIdleLive: Oh, about 12. AOLiveMC1: Eric played Mr. Cheeky, Stan called Loretta, Harry the Haggler, Culprit woman who casts the first stone, Intensely Dull Youth, Otto, Jailer's Assistant, and Mrs. Frisbee the 111rd. AOLiveMC1: PenguinIA has this to ask Eric: Question: Are you still friendly with the other remaining Pythons? EIdleLive: Yes. And I have managed to get them all involved in Pythonline... ... www.Pythonline.com ... Gilliam has done new art, Jones and Palin have been writing some rude stuff, we seized some stuff from John, and we are prepared to auction off bits of Graham's ashes which his boyfriend has offered in support. AOLiveMC1: F4evrambr poses this for Eric: Question: How many of the original "Goon Show" are still alive and working? Please - as a transplanted "Brit" I love to go back and listen to the recordings my Dad has. EIdleLive: Spike is alive and was also in "Brian." Harry Secomb is alive and singing hymns on TV for a living. I hope to follow him soon. The late great Peter Sellers is still dead. AOLiveMC1: WLB009 asks about a past gig: Question: I go way back, how did you get to guest host "Saturday Night Live" back in the 70's? EIdleLive: I did it 4 times. The secret was learning how not to. AOLiveMC1: Lone Katz asks about the days of the Python group: Question: Would you say your days of being in the Python group were embarrassing or fun? EIdleLive: Fun, painful and instructive... and Row 26 will be with Graham in a minute. AOLiveMC1: FractalMo asks about your impact on children: Question: Do you really realize the impact you have had on several generations of children? EIdleLive: I deny it, m'lud. She promised me she was over 15! AOLiveMC1: Sagi12 poses this reflective question: Question: Don't you think Monty lost some of his humor near the end? EIdleLive: The end of the episode or the movie? AOLiveMC1: Drizzt197 asks: Question: How did you become involved with Discworld and Rincewind? What can you tell us about Discworld 2? EIdleLive: I sing a song and they asked me to become involved. AOLiveMC1: Friar Mon asks about Eric's whereabouts: Question: I was wondering if you were in the States right now or in Great Britain? EIdleLive: I forget. Ooops! Is that a hurricane out there? AOLiveMC1: LionessRN has an interesting follow-up: Question: If the meaning of life is a secret, how do you know it? EIdleLive: I was told not to tell you. AOLiveMC1: Iceshadow asks this interesting question: Question: How do we really know you're Eric Eldle? EIdleLive: I'm not Eric Eldle, I am Eric Idle! Eric Eldle will be on next week with John Close, Michael Plain, and Gray-ham Champ. AOLiveMC1: KSW JKN wonders about a video release: Question: Do you know if the letterbox version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with the theatrical trailers, will be released on video? EIdleLive: It is. "The Holy Grail" is on Criterion. AOLiveMC1: BrianHarg has this comment and question: Question: Saw a special on PBS about the cast/writers of Monty Python - very good show - made me realize how much I miss it - wanted to know if you would be working on any projects/movies with any of those original writers/members in the near future? EIdleLive: Row 11, Pythonline is the best interactive site on the net. It is the misinformation highway and what are you wearing, Emily? EIdleLive: They are all in "The Wind in the Willows" with the exception of Terry Gilliam. EIdleLive: Emily, during! AOLiveMC1: Zenmeiste asks about new software: Question: Are you working on any new software with 7th Level? EIdleLive: I'm not, but some of the Pythons are going to if Bob Ezrin, the Deepak Chopra of the interactive world, manages to talk them into it. AOLiveMC1: McEel asks about Eric's role: Question: What part did you play in The Search for the Holy Grail? EIdleLive: I played 14 parts. It's been about two months, Kbillingsl. AOLiveMC1: Right, okay... Eric played the Dead Collector, Mr. Blint (a village ne'er do well very keen on burning witches), Sir Robin, the Guard who doesn't hiccough but tries to get things straight, Concorde (Launcelot's trusty steed), Roger the Shrubber and Brother Maynard. AOLiveMC1: MNickell4 asks about how fun it is to do a show: Question: Was it as much fun to do the show as it is for us to watch it? EIdleLive: No. AOLiveMC1: PythonMo5 asks this: EIdleLive: Hurry up.... EIdleLive: He must be shy. Question: Will there be another Python film fest like two years ago in Hollywood for the "Lust for Glory?" EIdleLive: No. EIdleLive: Sadly, Martin Lewis who organized this event is still alive and until he dies we won't come out in public again. AOLiveMC1: GaViNLvR7 has a profound question: Question: Do you often think about the wonders of the universe, if so is it creation or evolution? EIdleLive: It's both, mate. Check my galaxy song. Thanks for the intelligent question. AOLiveMC1: Blattm asks about future plans: EIdleLive: I am staying home a lot writing. Question: Do you have any plans for a CD-ROM based on "Life of Brian?" The others, "Complete Waist of Thyme" etc. were very good. EIdleLive: I have a six year old daughter and it's fun watching her grow up. Much more fun then being stuck in a trailer for 18 hours a day. EIdleLive: BrockNY, Glad to be of service! EIdleLive: At the moment, we are suing the people who distribute "The Life of Brian." Unfortunately last year George Harrison ran out of money and sold us off to some ****ing Canadian company who have since been hiding all the profits! Thieving bastards - you know who you are! Pay up now or I will release your names on the web. EIdleLive: Emily, OK! AOLiveMC1: The show is drawing to a close, my friends. But there is enough time for one final question. AOLiveMC1: H gargoyl wants to know this: Question: Has anyone told you that "The Holy Grail" makes a great history film? I used it to teach the Middle/Dark ages. Humor always helps the memory. EIdleLive: Yes. Terry Jones has written a book on medieval history with a reference to Chaucer's Knight and we always did research. EIdleLive: For example, they did drop cows and pigs on people. Emily, go ahead and send the naked GIF! EIdleLive: I would just like to thank 7th Level for doing such a great job on "The Grail" CD-ROM and Pythonline. They really are a very silly company to work with and we have a lot of laughs. AOLiveMC1: Eric, it's been a real pleasure and honor having you here on the show with us tonight. EIdleLive: Piss off! OnlineHost: Copyright 1996 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.