In 1969, a comedy program made its debut on British television that turned the traditional sketch show format on its head. Absurd, idiosyncratic, and at times dangerously risqué, 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' tore convention up and threw it out. The six members of the troupe were all highly educated, and perhaps should have known better. Fortunately for us, they decided to earn a living by being incredibly silly.
Browse this gallery and celebrate over half a century of silly walks, fish-slapping dances, and dead parrots.