The Complete And Utter History Of Britain. Image shows from L to R: Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Copyright: London Weekend Television
The Complete And Utter History Of Britain

The Complete And Utter History Of Britain

  • TV sketch show
  • ITV1
  • 1969
  • 6 episodes (1 series)

Terry Jones and Michael Palin's first TV show alone. Sketch series telling the 'complete and utter' history of Britain. Also features Colin Gordon, Roddy Maude-Roxby, Wallas Eaton, Melinda May, Diana Quick and more.

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The Complete And Utter History Of Britain. Image shows from L to R: Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Copyright: London Weekend Television

Key details

Genre
Sketch Show
Broadcast
1969
Channel
ITV1
Episodes
6 (1 series)
Stars
Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Colin Gordon, Roddy Maude-Roxby, Wallas Eaton, Melinda May, Diana Quick, Ted Carson and more
Writers
Terry Jones and Michael Palin
Director
Maurice Murphy
Producer
Humphrey Barclay
Company

Serious students of British history; scholars and academicians are strongly advised to watch this series of programmes. They are not likely to feel the same about their subject afterwards. The Complete And Utter... takes, shall we say, a slightly idiosyncratic view of our noble heritage.

The writers of this unauthentic version of Albion in all perfidity are Michael Palin and Terry Jones, who also star in each episode. The series also features Wallas Eaton in a multitude of roles.

Across six weeks these three actors and a 'barmy army of all shapes and sizes' appear in hundreds of different guises ranging from all the Roman Army or prehistoric men to King Canute - remember his eventful visit to the seaside? - and Julius Caesar.

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Additional details

Also known as
  • The (In)Complete And Utter History Of Britain (DVD release)
  • The Entire History Of England (Working title)
Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Multi-camera
Picture
Black and white

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Sunday 12th January 1969 at 10:45pm on ITV1

Recording details

  • Wembley Studios