Cleese Encounters

by Jonathan Margolis

Adored around the world by an extroadinary spread of Generations, from early Monty Python fans to teenagers for whom Fawlty Towersis a cult and who, amazingly, know all the Python catchphrases, John Cleese is the Quintessential English eccentric. Many of his fans see him as the finest comedy writer Britain has ever produced. Others are fascinated by his ventures into pyschotherapy and psychoanalysis, even his dalliance in politics. Cleese encounters is the 1st biography of our most enigmatic star, the awkwardly tall boy from Weston-Super-Mare who nearly became a solicitor, until he discovered Cambridge and the footlights. More than this, it is funny, sympathetic and wide ranging story about one of the Greatest escapes in history.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Jonathan Margolis is a journalist for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Sunday Times (UK). He has been a contributor to Time as well as several other online magazines. He has written several celebrity biographies including ones on John Cleese, Uri Geller and the orgasm.

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monty Python: 'When you do a show like that, the kids are getting a message that there are other people out there who are a bit older and who have seen a bit more of the world who also think it's pretty damn silly, and that's why they embrace those comedy shows with that enthusiasm. It's not just the comedy, it's the world view.' John was also a fan of Bilko, George Burns, the Marx Brothers and two blacked-up American impressionists on radio and later television, Amos 'n' Andy. Today, with the exception of a few more contemporary comedians, such as Woody Allen and Steve Martin, Cleese still cites those Fifties stars as his comedy heroes.

I think any Cleese fan will enjoy this exploration of the career of the great comic from his school years to A Fish Called Wanda , even as unauthorized as it is. I am left with feeling his entry onto the stage as part of the Footlights, one of Britain's oldest student sketch comedy troupes, was rather sudden and unplanned. The comedy society is run by the students of Cambridge University and as part of packaging and touring material from that, we see the birth of Monty Python and the first meetings of the founding members. There is also important early collaboration and inspiration from Marty Feldman, David Frost, etc.

Cleese's personal life and successes in plotting a career alongside and in spite of Monty Python longevity is the most illuminating dimension here to me. This includes the story of the Fawlty Towers series I still need to see, the Monty Python films (including the controversy of Life Of Brian ), and Cleese's success in training films with Video Arts.

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[Starlight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I came away thinking how boring John Cleese is life when this should not of been the case. There was no depth to this biography. The book highlights John Cleese suffers from depression and I felt this deep sadness reading this book

[GLF (Seeing better than ever!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book over 20 years ago. It's interesting how many of the details I remembered with this re-reading of the book.

Generally the tone of the book is cut and dry, although there are a few amusing moments in it. The book gives a good background into John Cleese, tracing his early family life and schooling. The most enjoyable parts for me were the chapters on "Fawlty Towers" and "A Fish Named Wanda". It's hard to believe that anyone could (co)write one of the best comedy TV series while going through a divorce. But then again, this is John Cleese - a very complex person.

Worth reading even though it is "unauthorised" by Cleese.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have read before, a enjoyable read, very recommendable

[Roger · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, so

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much more to John Cleese than anything we've seen on screen or in print. This was a detailed account, with sometimes too much detail from particular movies, and not enough personal statements from Mr. Cleese. Or perhaps I just kept expecting to laugh and be amused. I still don't feel like I know him as well as I thought I would after 333 pages.

[Thomas Wictor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising portrait of the Monty Python star. As always seems to be the case, the funniest entertainers aren't very funny in person. A terrific object lesson for why we must always separate the artist from the art. Cleese isn't all that fun to be around. He takes himself very seriously. It leaves you wondering why this man went into comedy. A great read.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps not "great literature" but a good book, kept my interest, and I would read something else by this author.

[Joe Faust · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre biography. Should’ve gotten Cleese’s permission.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slog. An interesting character presented in a uninteresting way.

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a feeling that an in-depth biography of Cleese would be a far more voluminous affair, but this is still a nice portrait and skillfully written.

[Jason Duncan]

An interesting insight into the man behind the legend - learning & knowing how well Cleese can write a brilliant script, looking foward to John writing a complete one.

[J M Leitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you grew up with the comedy of John Cleese around you, this is a must read.