Monty Python's She-R Witch: A Subversive Take on Traditional Fairy Tales

Monty Python's She R-Witch is a comedy sketch that parodies the historical persecution of supposed witches, particularly during the witch trials of the 15th to 18th centuries. The sketch was first introduced in the Monty Python's Flying Circus television series in 1969 and has since become one of the iconic and memorable moments of the show. In the sketch, a group of villagers brings a woman, played by Terry Jones, before a court to accuse her of being a witch. The villagers come up with absurd and ridiculous reasons to label her as a witch, such as her ability to float on water and her possession of a broomstick. Despite the lack of real evidence, the villagers wholeheartedly believe in the woman's guilt. The absurdity of the situation is highlighted through the comically exaggerated reactions of the villagers and their willingness to accept the most trivial reasons as proof of her witchcraft.

Careys are nice, but for me the problem is the stem. It just feels like cheap plastic, because it is. I had one Carey that I really liked and considered converting it to a standard pipe with a custom vulcanite or acrylic stem, but eventually just sold it. The Magic Inch system itself I could take or leave, but the plastic stem was a deal breaker.

I had one Carey that I really liked and considered converting it to a standard pipe with a custom vulcanite or acrylic stem, but eventually just sold it. The stem is oversized and fits on the larger cylinder below the filter to create the open space for the Magic Inch filter which draws in some air with each puff supposedly to give you a cooler, dryer smoker.

The absurdity of the situation is highlighted through the comically exaggerated reactions of the villagers and their willingness to accept the most trivial reasons as proof of her witchcraft. Throughout the sketch, the woman defends herself with logic and reason, refuting the villagers' claims with humor and wit. She questions their beliefs and challenges the absurdity of their accusations.

This was my Grandpa’s pipe old Carey!

That's a real beauty. That piece doesn't come out, you slip the cylindrical EA Carey papyrus filter over the tenon and it will sit under the vents.

Samhainpiper

Well-known member

Yakster

Well-known member

Here's a photo of one of my Carey "Magic Inch" pipes showing the papyrus filter in use.

Yakster

Well-known member

It's not really a tenon since it floats free instead of attaching the stem to the stummel. The stem is oversized and fits on the larger cylinder below the filter to create the open space for the "Magic Inch" filter which draws in some air with each puff supposedly to give you a cooler, dryer smoker. Some believe that this will result in less flavor and some block the vents to disable the "Magic Inch" system.

Archerdx

Well-known member

Nate

Well-known member

Not yet, I just found it in a box in the back of the closet. Thought it was lost when I moved 5 years ago !

Nate

Well-known member

It's not really a tenon since it floats free instead of attaching the stem to the stummel. The stem is oversized and fits on the larger cylinder below the filter to create the open space for the "Magic Inch" filter which draws in some air with each puff supposedly to give you a cooler, dryer smoker. Some believe that this will result in less flavor and some block the vents to disable the "Magic Inch" system.

Yakster

Well-known member

The filters don't block the airflow through the tube and only absorb moisture and let through outside air, they smoke better with the filters, unless you block the vents, but it's rare I reach for my two Carey's. The filters are still available.

TimBuck

Well-known member

Nice looking pipe. Wish my grandfather’s pipes did get tossed. You’re lucky to have that as a keepsake. I like the banding on yours.

Jim T

Well-known member

Russ H.

Mr. Fruity Pebbles

Those E.A. Carey pipes were a huge hit in my area years back. My Father loved them. He went through tons of those little sleeves. My Father smoked them to the point the cake was so thick, and stems chewed through so I know he liked them.

Big Beat

Active member

Careys are nice, but for me the problem is the stem. It just feels like cheap plastic, because it is. I had one Carey that I really liked and considered converting it to a standard pipe with a custom vulcanite or acrylic stem, but eventually just sold it. The Magic Inch system itself I could take or leave, but the plastic stem was a deal breaker.

Nate

Well-known member

Careys are nice, but for me the problem is the stem. It just feels like cheap plastic, because it is. I had one Carey that I really liked and considered converting it to a standard pipe with a custom vulcanite or acrylic stem, but eventually just sold it. The Magic Inch system itself I could take or leave, but the plastic stem was a deal breaker.

Big Beat

Active member

There are several well known repairmen that make replacement stems if you send the pipe in. I'll let someone else recommend one. I've never used any myself because I am lucky enough to have L J Peretti for a local B&M. They don't really advertise that they do repairs too, but they are a great full-service pipe shop and will repair pipes for regular customers. I had them replace a few stems for me over the years. As far as the Carey pipe goes, that would be a more complex job because the Magic Inch system needs to be removed before a new push stem could be made. I decided it wasn't worth the investment.

However, her arguments fall on deaf ears as the villagers remain steadfast in their conviction of her guilt. The humor in the sketch arises from the stark contrast between the rationality of the accused woman and the irrationality of the villagers. It satirizes the blind adherence to superstitions and the willingness of people to believe in unfounded accusations. Monty Python's She R-Witch is a prime example of the absurd and surreal humor for which the group became famous. It not only entertains with its comedic performances but also serves as a critique of societal gullibility and the dangers of collective hysteria. Overall, Monty Python's She R-Witch remains a timeless sketch, resonating with audiences even decades after its original airing. Its clever and witty critique of witch-hunting and mob mentality continues to speak to us about the dangers of blindly accepting popular beliefs without critical thinking..

Reviews for "The Witch as a Powerful and Empowering Character in Monty Python's Works"

1. John - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" but I was sorely disappointed. The humor was too juvenile and the jokes fell flat for me. I understand that it's meant to be a satire of Arthurian legends, but it just didn't work for me. The random and absurd nature of the film felt more chaotic than clever. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time.

2. Sarah - 1/5 - "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I couldn't even make it through the whole thing. The humor was crude and offensive, relying heavily on cheap gags and nonsensical dialogue. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters and the plot seemed to jump around aimlessly. It's a shame because I usually enjoy British humor, but this film missed the mark completely for me.

3. Michael - 2/5 - I tried to appreciate the comedic genius of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" as many others do, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The humor felt too silly and repetitive for my taste. The constant use of exaggerated physical comedy and outrageous characters grew tiresome after a while. I can see why some people find it hilarious, but it's just not my type of comedy. I prefer more clever and witty humor that challenges my intellect.

4. Emily - 1/5 - I couldn't understand why "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is considered a classic comedy. The jokes were so absurd and nonsensical that it was hard to find any humor in them. The film lacked a cohesive storyline and the pacing was all over the place. I felt like I wasted my time watching it, as it failed to elicit any laughter or entertainment from me. Overall, I found it to be a far cry from true comedy gold.

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Monty Python's Self-Aware Witch Sketches