Ep 5. The All-England Summarize Proust Competition
- January 1, 1971
- 30 min
-
(822)
In season 3 episode 5 of the classic comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus, the hilarity ensues with a competition like no other. Named "The All-England Summarize Proust Competition," the episode is a satirical take on Marcel Proust's seven-volume masterpiece "In Search of Lost Time."
The episode begins with a group of contestants arriving at the venue for the competition. The contestants, ranging from a housewife to a butcher, are all vying for the coveted title of the best summarizer of Proust. As the competition starts, each contestant takes the stage and has to summarize Proust's lengthy work in fifteen seconds or less. The winner will be the one who can summarize the most volumes of the work in the least amount of time.
As the competition progresses, viewers are treated to a series of hilarious performances by the contestants. Each summary is more absurd than the last, with one contestant even attempting to summarize the entire work in a single word. Another contestant chooses to sing the summary of each volume, much to the amusement of the audience.
Interspersed with the competition are a series of traditional Python sketches, including a visit from a Victorian-era doctor and the famous "Dead Parrot Sketch." However, the highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the Proust competition. The absurdity and sheer silliness of the concept, combined with the comic performances of the contestants, make for a truly hilarious segment.
As the competition draws to a close, tensions rise and emotions run high. The final contestants are revealed, and it becomes clear that the competition is going to be a close one. In the end, the winner is crowned and the crowd goes wild with delight.
Overall, "The All-England Summarize Proust Competition" is a classic episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus. It showcases the unique blend of satire, silliness, and absurdity that the show is known for. If you're a fan of British comedy or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is definitely worth checking out.
