Ripping Yarns

Watch Ripping Yarns

  • TV-PG
  • 1976
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.8  (1,734)

Ripping Yarns is a British television comedy series that aired on BBC from 1976 to 1979. The show was created and written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, both of whom were members of the famous comedy group Monty Python. The series consists of nine episodes, each of which tells a different story that spoofs the adventure and melodrama genres that were popular in the early 20th century. Palin played the lead character in every episode, displaying his great talent for comedy and his ability to portray a wide variety of characters.

The episodes are set in a number of different locations, including the mountains of Switzerland, the deserts of Africa, and the wilds of the Amazon jungle. Each episode features a different story, but all of them are linked by their shared sense of absurdity and exaggerated silliness.

One of the standout episodes of Ripping Yarns is "Tomkinson's Schooldays", which is a parody of the classic British school story. Palin plays the titular character, who is sent to a boarding school where the teachers are all incredibly strict and the pupils are all unruly troublemakers. In this episode, Palin pokes fun at the outdated and rigid practices that were still prevalent in British boarding schools at the time, while also highlighting the absurdity of the whole system.

Another memorable episode is "Escape from Stalag Luft 112B", which chronicles the attempts of a group of British prisoners of war to escape from a German prison camp during World War II. Palin plays Squadron Leader Crichton, who devises a number of increasingly bizarre plans to escape from the camp, all of which ultimately fail. This episode uses a war setting to parody the theme of loyalty and heroism that was common in adventure stories of the time.

Ripping Yarns is a unique and highly entertaining show that stands out among the vast array of British comedies that were produced in the 1970s. Its blend of satire, absurdity, and pure silliness has resonated with audiences for decades, and the show remains a beloved classic of British television. Whether you're a fan of Monty Python or just enjoy a good laugh, Ripping Yarns is definitely worth a watch.

Ripping Yarns is a series that ran for 2 seasons (9 episodes) between January 7, 1976 and on BBC

Ripping Yarns
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Seasons
Roger of the Raj
3. Roger of the Raj
October 24, 1979
Roger and the Miranda yearn to run away together and open a chemist's shop, but an Indian uprising interrupts their planned elopement.With Richard Vernon, Joan Sanderson, John LeMesurier and Jan Francis.
Golden Gordon
2. Golden Gordon
October 17, 1979
Gordon Ottershaw is a fanatical supporter of Barnstoneworth United. But the football team is being sold. In desperation, Gordon goes in search of former team members to help save his beloved club.With Gwen Taylor, Bill Fraser, and John Cleese.
Whinfrey's Last Case
1. Whinfrey's Last Case
October 10, 1979
British hero Gerald Whinfrey takes a welldeserved holiday in Cornwall, where the Germans have started World War I, a year ahead of schedule.With Maria Aitken and a cameo by Eric Idle.
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Where to Watch Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ripping Yarns on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    January 7, 1976
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,734)
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