Holy Flying Circus (2011): Cast & Plot
Holy Flying Circus is a 2011 comedy drama directed by Owen Harris, starring Darren Boyd as John Cleese, Charles Edwards and Rufus Jones. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 29m (89 min)
- Director
- Owen Harris
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Talkback Thames
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Holy Flying Circus About?
The premise of Holy Flying Circus without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Presented as a wildly imaginative take on 1979, when Monty Python released Life of Brian and sparked fierce debate over comedy limits, the film mixes satire with absurdist humor, re‑examining the controversy through a fantastical, tongue‑in‑cheek lens. It probes censorship, artistic freedom and humor’s power to challenge social norms.
Holy Flying Circus Cast & Characters
Darren Boyd leads the cast as John Cleese, with Charles Edwards as Michael Palin and Rufus Jones as Terry Jones. Directed by Owen Harris; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Owen Harris
- Darren Boyd as John Cleese
- Charles Edwards as Michael Palin
-
Rufus Jones as Terry Jones - Phil Nichol as Terry Gilliam
Also Starring in Holy Flying Circus
· 12 more- Michael Cochrane Malcolm Muggeridge
- Roy Marsden Mervyn Stockwood
- Tom Fisher Graham Chapman / Tramp
- Stephen Fry God
- Alex MacQueen BBC Head of Rude Words
- Mark Heap Andrew Thorogood
- James Laurenson Archbishop of York
- Rupert Vansittart Bernard Barnard QC
- Geoffrey McGivern Dog Walker /Petitioner /Man Whose Wife Malcolm Muggeridge Said Made a Lovely Breakfast
- Robin Sebastian US News Reporter - BBFC Representative- Montage Man
- Steve Punt Eric Idle
- David Birrell Gareth Nice - Angry Viewer
More from Owen Harris
More films directed by Owen Harris, best-rated first: Kill Your Friends and Black Mirror: San Junipero.
Holy Flying Circus Plot Summary
What happens in Holy Flying Circus from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
At the offices of their film distributor, the Monty Python troupe weighs a provocative strategy: releasing Life of Brian in America first to take advantage of America’s First Amendment protections. Darren Boyd as John Cleese voices his support for the idea, joking that he loves Americans and hinting at how a bold release could stir conversation and controversy in equal measure.
We then cut to a screening in the United States, where American reporters cover a response that teeters on the edge of chaos. A near riot unfolds as protesters condemn the film as “blasphemous,” framing the movie as a direct challenge to sacred ground. The atmosphere is charged, and the crowd’s reaction underscores how deeply charged the material is in the eyes of the audience.
Full summary
The whole story of Holy Flying Circus, scene by scene
Holy Flying Circus Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Holy Flying Circus.
How Well Do You Know Holy Flying Circus?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which legendary British comedy troupe is Holy Flying Circus centered on?
Cars in Holy Flying Circus
3 cars on screen, including the 1973 Opel Manta A and the 1968 Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible.
-
1973 Opel Manta A Background role -
1968 Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible Background role -
1969 Volvo 121 Background role
Holy Flying Circus Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Holy Flying Circus - Voll Verscherzt (2011)” and “Odleciany cyrk Monty Pythona”.
- Also known as
-
- Holy Flying Circus - Voll Verscherzt (2011)
- Odleciany cyrk Monty Pythona
- Свещеният летящ цирк
- 神圣的飞翔马戏团
Seen Holy Flying Circus?
Holy Flying Circus FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Holy Flying Circus, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Holy Flying Circus?
Holy Flying Circus runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).
When was Holy Flying Circus released?
Holy Flying Circus was released on October 19, 2011.
Who directed Holy Flying Circus?
Holy Flying Circus was directed by Owen Harris.
More films by Owen Harris Who is in the cast of Holy Flying Circus?
Holy Flying Circus stars Darren Boyd as John Cleese, Charles Edwards as Michael Palin and Rufus Jones as Terry Jones, among 16 credited actors.
Does Holy Flying Circus have a post-credit scene?
No. Holy Flying Circus has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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