In glorious 3D

Graham Chapman’s memoirs are to be made into an animated film – with most of the remaining Pythons providing voices.

A Liar’s Autobiography: Volume VI, which will be shot in 3D, will be made by 15 animation companies – each responsible for a chapter three to 12 minutes long, and each in a different style.

Chapman, who died in 1989, will narrate the film from beyond the grave, using a recording of him reading his memoirs that he made in 1982.

In one scene John Cleese engages in a conversation while bicycling with his former writing partner. He has recorded new lines, to be mixed with Chapman’s tapes. Michael Palin and Terry Jones will appear as Chapman’s father and mother respectively, while Terry Gilliam plays various roles. The only Python not signed up so far is Eric Idle.

Jones said: ‘I had no idea until recently that Graham Chapman is in fact dead—I thought he was just being lazy. However, I am now delighted to find myself working with him again on this exciting project.

Jones’s son Bill is producing the film with Ben Timlett and Jeff Simpson, the same team who created the documentary series Monty Python Almost The Truth: The Lawyers Cut.

Co-director Jeff Simpson added: ‘We’ve been working closely with the Chapman estate and the Pythons to make sure we get this exactly right. Graham would be delighted that his work is being re-imagined in glorious 3D.  He always loved wearing silly glasses.’

A Liar’s Autobiography, published in 1980, tells of Chapman’s progress through medical school, alcoholism and sexuality, as well as his comedy work. However, it also contains several passages of pure fiction, and contributions from co-writers including Douglas Adams casting doubt o the veracity of the story.

The film will air on America’s Epix channel early next year, and is also expected to be distributed in Britain.

Published: 28 Jun 2011