BBC releases some historic comedy moments

The BBC is making hundreds of clips from its archive available to watch on a new website. Comics featured include Spike Milligan, Pete and Dud, Kenny Everett and Billy Connolly.

Monty Python at 50: The Self-Abasement Tapes is made up of excised sketches from the television show, presented for the first time by Python member Michael Palin. Television now is a lot swearier and shoutier than it was 50 years ago, but I bet it still wouldn't start a Python tribute with the sketch that opened this one: a report from the annual conference of the Fat Ignorant Bastards Party of the USA, whose leader has just become president. "The cult is certainly booming," Eric Idle said in classic old-style Panorama manner.

There followed a court sketch and a school sketch, both subjects dear to Python hearts, as well as the fine country parody song I'm So Worried, exquisitely performed by Terry Jones, with worries that ranged from the Middle East to Heathrow's baggage delivery system and the state of current TV. Palin's linking device, as if he were excavating the material from sewers beneath the Edgware Road while being ironic about that road, its shops and owners, was apt and ingenious.

Python at 50: Silly Talks And Holy Grails, review

A rich collage of chat show appearances, location shoots, guest slots and one-offs worked best when it caught the Pythons in serious mode.

Why the Life of Brian was so controversial

Today is the 40th anniversary of the world premiere of the film Life of Brian, the Monty Python team's very irreverent take on religion which shocked many people when it was first released but is now accepted as a classic of British cinema.

How Monty Python saved my life (maybe)

Monty Python - punk before the Sex Pistols - remains the greatest television comedy of all time, writes Aidan Smith.

Sir Michael Palin to have heart surgery

Comedian and broadcaster Sir Michael Palin is to have surgery to fix a "leaky valve" in his heart.

Michael Palin 'will probably be only knighted Python'

Michael Palin has predicted he will be the only Monty Python member to become a sir after being dubbed a knight by Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

Michael Palin review

Palin offers up a fascinating potted history of an ill-fated naval journey, then goes on an affable tour through his six-decade career.

Michael Palin: immigration has done the country good

'The idea that these people are somehow going to ruin our way of life seems to be completely wrong and misbegotten'