Monty Python's Life of Brian to begin, long-time Monty Python fan and former member of the Beatles, George Harrison, arranged financing for "Life of Brian" through the formation of his company HandMade Films. The film contains themes of religious satire that were controversial at the time of its release, drawing accusations of blasphemy, and protests from some religious groups. Thirty-nine local authorities in the United Kingdom either imposed an outright ban, or imposed an X (18 years) certificate, effectively preventing the film from being shown, since the distributors said it could not be shown unless it was unedited and carried the original AA (14) certificate.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail as a jaunty assault on the well-made revue sketch and an ingenious misuse of television's fragmented style of presentation, threatens to become as unyielding and unfruitful as the conventions it originally attacked." The film's reputation grew over time. In 2000, readers of "Total Film" magazine voted "Holy Grail" the fifth greatest comedy film of all time. The next Python film, "Life of Brian", was ranked first. A similar poll of Channel 4 viewers in 2005 placed "Holy Grail" in sixth (with "Life of Brian" again topping the list). In 2005, the film spawned a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical smash hit