Original artwork, not a still
The customer (Michael Palin), the Argument Clinic sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus, 'The Money Programme' (1972)
Is this the right room for an argument?
— Monty Python's Flying Circus · 1969
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The question is a perfect first line, because it is the only sincere thing anyone says in the sketch. Everything after it is a lesson that contradiction is not the same as argument, which is why philosophers and internet commenters keep quoting it. Fans use the opening to start a fight about nothing, and the reply is always "I told you once."
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Monty Python's Flying CircusShow the scene
The Argument Clinic sketch first aired in "The Money Programme" (series three, episode three, 2 November 1972), written by John Cleese and Graham Chapman. A man (Michael Palin) comes to the clinic to pay for an argument. Mr. Barnard (Chapman) in Room 12 gives him abuse instead and politely redirects him to Room 12A. There he finds Mr. Vibrating (Cleese) at a desk and asks if it is the right room for an argument. Vibrating says he has already told him once, and the argument begins, over whether he did.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: Argument ClinicIntro and synopsisReference checked
- Wikiquote: Monty Python's Flying Circus'The Money Programme' [3.03], The Argument ClinicReference checked
Context reviewed
