Ripping Yarns
A British television comedy series, written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame. Following an initial pilot episode in January 1976, it ran for two subsequent series of five and three episodes in October 1977 and October 1979 respectively. Each episode had a different setting and characters, looking at a different aspect of British culture and parodying pre-World War II literature aimed at schoolboys.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
1. Tomkinson's Schooldays
Set in the frontier days of British education, when upper lips were stiff with cold and corporal punishment was an A-level. A savage, searing indictment of something or other.
2. The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
A boy becomes a man in the harsh world of the Depression. The rough, tough story of folk who couldn't afford to go on the Jarrow March.
3. Escape From Stalag Luft 112B
A tale of courage and valour behind the lines in the Kaiser's Germany. An inspiring story of camp life and a British officer who wouldn't lie down.
4. Murder at Moorstones Manor
Hugo and Dora drive down to see Mumsie and Dadsie-pie for a long weekend in the country. But their tophole weekend turns out to be longer than they thought.
5. Across the Andes by Frog
The epic story of one man and six frogs who tried to defy the world in the greatest gamble of all.
6. The Curse of the Claw
The terrifying story of a man who dabbled in the dark mysteries of the Orient, and lived to tell the tale. Or did he?
Cast & Crew
Michael Palin
