The estranged Python has won a pay day.
Mark Forstater - the producer of the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail has – has triumphed over the Monty Python team in a battle over royalties. According to Forstater, he was entitled to more than £200,000 since a stage show version of the film kicked off in 2005.
The musical is still going strong
Python stars Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones all gave evidence in the trial, which surrounded the multi Tony Award-winning musical. For "financial purposes" Forstater argued that he should be treated as "the seventh Python" – as per an agreement in 1975, the seventh Python is entitled to 50% of merchandise revenues and spin-off income. And considering the musical was described as "lovingly ripped off" from the 1975 film Holy Grail, it certainly falls under the latter category.
Following Judge Mr Justice Norris's ruling on Friday (July 5), Mr Forstater said, according to The BBC: "I have always been adamant I was correct. I have been proved right - justice has prevailed. There is a sadness, though, about having to face people who were my friends in court," he said. We have been friends for a long time. Monty Python are an institution. I like the fact that they have apparently joked about the litigation. I still think they are very funny."
Palin gave evidence at the trial
The show, which is still running, took over $1m in its opening weekend back in 2005, and such is the popularity of Monty Python, it remains popular today. Forstater’s final figure is set to be announced, but it’s thought it will remain close to his £200k forcast.
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