Black Knight (Monty Python)

Black Knight (Monty Python)

In the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, King Arthur (Graham Chapman), accompanied by his trusty serf/steed Patsy (Terry Gilliam), is travelling through a forest when he enters a clearing and observes a terrific fight taking place between a Black Knight (John Cleese) and a Green Knight by a bridge over a small stream. Before long the Green Knight is bloodily slain, and Arthur and Patsy ride up to the Black Knight to congratulate him and invite him to join the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot. Unfortunately the Black Knight is totally impassive and does not acknowledge their presence. Arthur regrets this, and makes to continue his journey over the bridge, which the Black Knight then prevents ("None shall pass!").

Another terrific sword fight takes place between the Knight and Arthur, which is interrupted when Arthur chops off one of the Knight's arms. The Knight protests that "'tis but a scratch" and resumes the attack. In turn, the Knight loses his other arm and both legs all the while refusing to stop fighting. At this point, Arthur and Patsy resume their journey, while the Knight complains "Running away eh? You yellow bastard, I'll bite your legs off!"

According to Cleese, the scene would seem heartless and sadistic except for the fact that the Black Knight shows no pain and just keeps on fighting, or trying to, however badly he is wounded.

Also as the scene progresses and Arthur becomes increasingly annoyed his dialogue lapses from medieval ("You fight bravely, Sir Knight") to modern ("Look, you stupid bastard, you've got no arms left!")

See also