Ep 12. A Book at Bedtime

Monty Python's Flying Circus Season 3 Episode 12 "A Book at Bedtime" is a hilarious and absurd journey into the world of bedtime stories. The episode is a collection of sketches that revolve around the concept of a book being read to someone before they go to sleep.

The episode begins with a sketch called "The Stolen Newsreader," which features a newsreader who is taken hostage and replaced by a group of criminals who broadcast their own bizarre news. This sketch sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as it introduces a world where anything can happen.

One of the standout sketches in "A Book at Bedtime" is "Historical Impersonations," in which the Pythons take turns impersonating historical figures, including Napoleon, Julius Caesar, and Attila the Hun. These impersonations are simultaneously accurate and ridiculous, as the Pythons inject their own brand of absurdity into each portrayal.

Another memorable sketch is "Dentist on the Job," in which a dentist attempts to extract a tooth from a patient who is not quite ready for the procedure. The sketch is a masterclass in physical comedy, as the dentist struggles to keep his patient still while she writhes and squirms in the chair.

The episode also features a recurring sketch called "Mystery Theater," in which a detective attempts to solve a murder mystery. However, each time he comes close to uncovering the culprit, he is distracted by a completely unrelated event, such as his partner sneezing or a goat walking by. This sketch is a humorous take on the classic murder mystery trope and is sure to have viewers laughing out loud.

One of the most surreal and absurd sketches in "A Book at Bedtime" is "The Man with Three Buttocks." In this sketch, a man visits a doctor to have a third buttock removed. The buttock has a personality of its own and begins to talk to the doctor, leading to a bizarre conversation that defies all logic.

Overall, Monty Python's Flying Circus Season 3 Episode 12 "A Book at Bedtime" is a hilariously absurd journey into the world of bedtime stories. With its blend of physical comedy, historical impersonations, and surreal sketches, this episode is sure to entertain and delight viewers of all ages. It's a great example of the off-the-wall humor that Monty Python is known for and is a must-watch for any fan of the comedy genre.