SAN JOSE, Calif. — John Cleese took a big risk when he helped release “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” back in 1975, as the idea of a series of parody sketches centered around King Arthur seemed absurd compared to comedy of the era.

But it’s the absurdity that made it such a hit.

Fifty years later, Cleese, now 85, is still meeting new people who were moved by the film, and he’s just as excited as ever to talk about what it was like to make it, and the impact it’s had on the comedy world.

Cleese is screening the film for audiences, followed by a Q&A, on his “Not Dead Yet!” tour marking the 50th anniversary of “The Holy Grail.”

Cleese sat down with the Bay Area News Group to discuss what it’s like to interact with modern comedy fans who are attracted to the 50-year-old film, and what ne

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