The Cultured Python Trivia Quiz

Answer: One Christ, twelve Disciples, no kangaroos.

Thanks to Monty Python, we now know that Michelangelo's original "The Last Supper" featured 28 Disciples, a kangaroo and three Christs (with a fat one balancing two skinny ones). He wanted "to give the impression of a real mother of a blow-out". The Pope wasn't too pleased with this version of artistic license, which resulted in Michelangelo's retort, "You don't want an artist...you want a bloody photographer".

Answer: Wuthering Heights

The Pythons understood the importance of alternate forms of communication, and they captured the pain and torment of Catherine and Heathcliff brilliantly with naval flags. Emily Bronte would certainly have approved if she weren't dead. Besides the version of "Wuthering Heights", the Pythons also shared with us "Julius Caesar on an Aldis Lamp" and "The Gunfight at OK Corral in Morse Code" (the latter taking place in the great state of Arizona).

Answer: William Shakespeare

Yes, it was William Shakespeare who gave us "Da da da dum"; Beethoven in return suggested that Shakespeare call a particular Danish prince "Hamlet" (Shakespeare had been using David). Without the Pythons we would never have known that such artistic cooperation had existed.

Answer: I drink, therefore I am.

The Pythons taught us the importance of alcohol in the development of philosophy in "The Philosophers' Song": "There's nothing Nietzsche couldn't teach ya' 'bout the raising of the wrist. Socrates himself was permanently pissed..."

Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots

The Pythons actually had a rare audio recording of this historic event:
"You are Mary, Queen of Scots?"
"I am." (followed by thumps, bangs, drilling, sawing, shooting and screams)
"I think she's dead."
"No I'm not!" (and the killing continues...)

Answer: A witch!

Monty Python shared with us this medieval formula for rooting out witches because warts and brooms weren't reliable indicators. It isn't as effective today because of the widespread use of lighter composite wood and because PETA frowns on the complicity of the ducks.

Answer: Fish Slapping Dance

Men in pith helmets slapping each other with fish - a bit of history we wouldn't have without the Pythons. Apparently, the senior explorer would finish the dance by knocking his subordinate into the water. Fascinating!

Answer: Sam Peckinpah

Yes, the director of "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia", "The Wild Bunch" and "Straw Dogs" apparently directed a light-hearted musical. But Bloody Sam, as he was known, resorted to his usual formula, and the actors were soon losing body parts with blood squirting out all over the place. Apparently, this film never made it to theatres, but luckily, Monty Python was able to obtain a copy to share with us.

Answer: Pearl Harbor

The Pythons presented this little-known fact: A group of middle-aged women launched a ferocious battle with their handbags during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Somehow this scene was omitted from the Ben Affleck film.

Answer: He couldn't pronounce "r"

"People of Jewusalem! Wome is your fwiend!" The Pythons also introduced us to Pilate's friend, Biggus (last name omitted in the interest of good taste -- but go look it up...), who has sadly been lost to history.

The sources: "Monty Python's Flying Circus" TV show, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", "Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl" and "Monty Python's Life of Brian".