Michael Palin as Sir Galahad By Sideshow Toy

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As you may already know, if you're a frequent reader of this blog, I love Monty Python in all their incarnations and especially Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

I have also written about two other toys from this film; The Dead Collector played by Eric Idle and Ye Olde Deluxe Cow Catapult which you can read about by clicking their respective links above.

Well now it's time to add a third in the form of Michael Palin as Sir Galahad The Pure - like The Dead Collector, he was also made by Sideshow Toys.

This version is from The Dirty Knights Series, which the back of the box states is "Not to be confused with the premium collector's set". 

By which I assume they are referring to the first series of 12 inch figures, released by Sideshow in 2001 and limited to 10,000 pieces. 

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These figures, released a year later in 2002, are pretty much identical to the "Muddy Versions" but their packaging is different with no viewing pane box and also have an accessory which is not included with the "Dirty Knights", in the case of Sir Galahad it is a "Grail-Shaped Beacon", which is used by the inhabitants of Castle Anthrax to lure passing Knights.

The weird thing with these non-premium collector's figures is that they had a limited run of 5,000 pieces only and as I mentioned, apart from the lack of a Grail-Shaped Beacon which has been replaced by a book bearing the chapter in which the Story of Sir Galahad appears everything else is identical. 

Inside the box is written:

"Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture of such vision and insight that it changes the standard of how films are to be made. So immense in scope and rich in texture, it defies comparison. A film unparalleled and so celebrated that it captivates the world.

And then there's a film like "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." At best, a silly film, abundant with absurd characters, fatuous animation, and gross historical inaccuracies, blah, blah, blah. Look, I don't even need to get into it.

You know the film, you've seen the characters. Why do I have to go on about Monty Python again? Have you been living in a cave?!

The only reason I'm even writing this text is because you failed to buy Series One Holy Grail Figures in the first place.

Writing this text is a complete waste of my time.

I could be off at a real movie, if not for the fact the producers of this particular collectable managed to underestimate the Monty Python fans and have subsequently had to cheapen themselves and the Python franchise by issuing a thinly-disguised refresh of the original 12 inch product.

Shame on Sideshow Toy, and shame on you, too, for buying it. Any self-respecting copywriter wouldn't touch this text. 

I never even wanted to be a product text writer. What I really wanted to be is a .....

lumberjack.

There is also a close up picture of the figure, there is also another small image in the bottom left of the cover, this one depicts "God" - a Terry Gilliam animation which is shown in The Holy Grail when he gives the quest for the Holy Grail to King Arthur and his Knights.

Behind the figure, is a Grail, taken from the part in the film, animated by Terry Gilliam, where God bestows the quest onto King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, informing them they must "seek the Grail" and showing them an image of it in the sky above them. 

As I mentioned earlier, the figure comes with a small replica of the book, seen in the film between certain scenes, open to reveal the chapter heading and accompanying photograph of Sir Galahad The Pure.

The back of the box contains more silliness. On the top left is a small white area, resembling a sticker, on which is written...

The Dirty Knights (Not to be confused with the premium collector's set).

On the bottom right, in the same place the disclaimer is written on the back of The Dead Collector's box, is this friendly nugget of information ...

Congratulations to all that purchased the premium collector set of Monty Python and The Holy Grail poseable figures. Those foresighted and fortuitous few have truly made a wise investment, not only having selected the edition that is most certainly maade from the finest extruded plastics from the far east and fabrics from only superior clothing mills, but are assured of magnificent joy in the years ahead.

To those that selected that set we at Sideshow Toy salute you!

THIS UNFORTUNATELY IS NOT THAT SET.

What you now hold in your grubby little hands is the lower class collective set of Not-so-Limited-Edition of Monty Python and The Holy Grail semi-poseable figures. Made from lesser quality materials, this edition was slapped together for that band wagon jumping l;ate comer collector. You will notice that this mediocre set comes incomplete, sorely lacking in exciting accessories. They are dirtier and somehow the paint jobs just don't compare to the realism as the first and more finer collection does.

It is truly a purchase you have made as you didn't have the wisdom that your enlightened collector brethren have had. So, there, languish in your own foot dragging silliness.

Enjoy your little toy.

And we hope the ink from this cheesy box gets off on your fingers you malodorous git.

 There is also a small note just below this which reads:

The Dirty Knights Portraits sculpted by Olaf W. Hartvigson.

Figure and accessories designed for the Sideshow Toy Figure Team.

Designer mud applique by Yutte Hermsgervordenbortborda.

Heavy sighing and general angst provided by Horst Prost lll.

Emotional counseling by Bjorn Irkestrom-Slater Walker.

We apologise for the fault in the box credits. Those responsible have been sacked.

The bottom of the box has the same silly caution as The Dead Collector has on his box...

Caution: Thou shalt exercise extreme caution whilst removing the contents herein. If you doubt your courage or your strength cease entry to this package, for severe flesh-wounds await you all with nasty, tiny, sharp, pointy edges!

There is another cautionary note, regarding posing, this one differs greatly from the one on The Dead Collector's box, it reads as follows... 

Figure may require hand support when posing. This, however, is as far as it should be taken. Unwanted hand support advances will not be tolerated. This is a professional figure, and it takes it's job seriously. Remember; no means no!

While this figure, only vaguely resembles Michael Palin, and even though the box insulted my choice of purchase, i cannot help enjoying the fact he's now a part of my collection!

Laters,

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