August 17, 1979 –
Handmade Films released the classic religious satire film, Monty Python’s Life of Brian in the US on this date.
Originally financed by EMI, which backed out because it considered the script blasphemous. The Pythons sued EMI and settled out of court. George Harrison, a huge Monty Python fan, thought it was the last chance to have another Python movie. He created Handmade Films, and “pawned” (his words) his home in London and his office building to raise the £4 million needed. When asked why he said, “Because I want to go see it.” Eric Idle joked that it was the highest price ever paid for a cinema ticket.
The Haus of Dcaligari 