Dallas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
This Saturday, John Cleese will be in Dallas for a live commentary during a special screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. The event, titled Not Dead Yet! John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50, promises attendees an engaging experience filled with the comedic flair that Monty Python is renowned for. Cleese will also receive the Ernie Kovacs Award on December 4 as part of the Dallas VideoFest, signifying his longstanding impact on comedy and television.
Dallas — John Cleese will appear in Dallas this Saturday to provide live commentary for a special 50th anniversary screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, an event billed as Not Dead Yet! John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50. Seats for the showing are limited and the presentation is expected to feature the film’s trademark Monty Python references and comedic style delivered live by Cleese.
What is happening and when
The primary event is a special screening of the 1974 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail with live commentary by John Cleese. The event takes place in Dallas this Saturday. In a separate appearance as part of a related cultural program, Cleese will receive the Ernie Kovacs Award on December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Texas Theatre as part of Dallas VideoFest. Organizers note that seating for the screening is limited; no further attendance details are provided here.
Immediate significance
The Dallas appearances mark a high-profile recognition of Cleese’s continuing public presence and ongoing ties to the Monty Python legacy as the film reaches its 50th anniversary. The live commentary format offers attendees an opportunity to hear remarks and explanations from one of the film’s creators and principal performers, underscoring the film’s lasting cultural influence.
Event expectations
Attendees should expect comedic commentary aligned with the tone of Monty Python’s work, including references to familiar sketches and scenes from the film. The screening and commentary are presented as part of a larger set of activities recognizing television and comedic pioneers, with the December 4 award ceremony serving as an additional institutional tribute to Cleese’s career.
Ernie Kovacs Award details
The Ernie Kovacs Award recognizes television visionaries and was first introduced at Dallas VideoFest in 1997. Past recipients have included a range of comedians and creators, such as Joel Hodgson, Terry Gilliam, and Amy Sedaris. Cleese’s award presentation is scheduled for December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Texas Theatre within the Dallas VideoFest programming.
Background on John Cleese
John Cleese is an English actor, writer, and comedian known for a wide range of work spanning television, film and publishing. Born in Weston-super-Mare, England, he initially studied science at Cambridge before switching to law. His early national profile began with work on The Frost Report in 1966, and he went on to co-create Monty Python’s Flying Circus in 1969 as part of the original Monty Python collective.
Monty Python collective and key productions
The original Monty Python collective produced four cult television series and four major films. The notable films include:
- And Now For Something Completely Different (1971)
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974)
- The Life of Brian (1979)
- The Meaning of Life (1983)
Other major works and recognitions
Cleese created the character Basil Fawlty in the television series Fawlty Towers, a 12-episode series that remains a benchmark of British sitcom writing. His film credits include A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and Fierce Creatures (1996). He has also appeared in entries of the James Bond and Harry Potter film series. In television, Cleese won an Emmy Award for a guest role on the series Cheers and received a further nomination for work on 3rd Rock From the Sun.
Other contributions
Outside acting, Cleese co-wrote two psychology bestsellers with Robin Skynner: Families and How to Survive Them and Life and How to Survive It. He also co-founded Video Arts in 1972, a company that produced management and sales training films. He has participated in charity events, including the Secret Policeman’s Ball concerts that supported Amnesty International.
Context and cultural note
The 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail represents a significant milestone for a film that has influenced comedy and popular culture internationally. Cleese’s live commentary and the award recognition in Dallas are part of broader commemorations of his career and the Monty Python group’s long-standing impact on television and film comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is John Cleese appearing in Dallas?
Cleese will appear in Dallas this Saturday for a special screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail with live commentary. The award presentation will be on December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Texas Theatre as part of Dallas VideoFest.
What is the title of the Dallas event?
The screening event is titled Not Dead Yet! John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50.
Are seats still available?
Seats are reported to be limited. This notice does not provide ticket purchase or availability specifics.
What is the Ernie Kovacs Award?
The Ernie Kovacs Award recognizes television visionaries, was first introduced at Dallas VideoFest in 1997, and has been awarded to a number of comedic creators over the years.
What are some of John Cleese’s notable works?
Key works include Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Life of Brian, The Meaning of Life, Fawlty Towers, A Fish Called Wanda, and involvement in James Bond and Harry Potter films.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Not Dead Yet! John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50 — live commentary screening |
| Primary Location | Dallas (screening this Saturday) |
| Award Presentation | Ernie Kovacs Award, December 4 at 7:00 p.m., Texas Theatre, part of Dallas VideoFest |
| Seat Availability | Limited seating reported |
| Notable Works Referenced | Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Monty Python’s Flying Circus; Fawlty Towers; A Fish Called Wanda |
| Other Contributions | Co-wrote psychology books; co-founded Video Arts; charity event participant |
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