In a comedy, there’s nothing better than coming up with a great set piece, something the writers and actors can milk for all it’s worth — and then some. A classic example is the Black Knight scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). I suspect that countless males around the world know this scene by heart, including both of my sons who have been known to act it out line for line.

Here King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his loyal sidekick Patsy (Terry Gilliam) happen upon a bridge guarded by the cruel Black Knight (John Cleese):

  As he moves, the BLACK KNIGHT bars the way.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    None shall pass.

                            ARTHUR    What?

                            BLACK KNIGHT    None shall pass.

                            ARTHUR    I have no quarrel with you, brave Sir knight, but I must    cross this bridge.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Then you shall die.

                            ARTHUR    I command you, as King of the Britons to stand aside.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    I move for no man.

                            ARTHUR    So be it!

ARTHUR draws his sword and approaches the BLACK KNIGHT.  A furious fight now startslasting about fifteen seconds at which point ARTHUR delivers a mighty blow whichcompletely severs the BLACK KNIGHT's left arm at the shoulder.  ARTHUR steps backtriumphantly.

                            ARTHUR    Now stand aside worthy adversary.

                            BLACK KNIGHT        (Glancing at his shoulder)    'Tis but a scratch.

                            ARTHUR    A scratch?  Your arm's off.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    No, it isn't.

                            ARTHUR        (Pointing to the arm on ground)    Well, what's that then?

                            BLACK KNIGHT    I've had worse.

                            ARTHUR    You're a liar.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Come on you pansy!

Another ten seconds furious fighting till ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHTS's otherarm off, also at the shoulder.  The arm plus sword, lies on the ground.

                            ARTHUR    Victory is mine.        (sinking to his knees)    I thank thee O Lord that in thy ...

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Come on then.

                            ARTHUR    What?

He kicks ARTHUR hard on the side of the helmet.  ARTHUR gets up still holdinghis sword.  The BLACK KNIGHT comes after him kicking.

                            ARTHUR    You are indeed brave Sir knight, but the fight is mine.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Had enough?

                            ARTHUR    You stupid bastard.  You haven't got any arms left.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Course I have.

                            ARTHUR    Look!

                            BLACK KNIGHT    What!  Just a flesh wound.        (kicks ARTHUR)

                            ARTHUR    Stop that.

                            BLACK KNIGHT        (kicking him)    Had enough ... ?

                            ARTHUR    I'll have your leg.

He is kicked.

    Right!

The BLACK KNIGHT kicks him again and ARTHUR chops his leg off.

The BLACK KNIGHT keeps his balance with difficulty.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    I'll do you for that.

                            ARTHUR    You'll what ... ?

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Come Here.

                            ARTHUR    What are you going to do? Bleed on me?

                            BLACK KNIGHT    I'm invincible!

                            ARTHUR    You're a looney.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    The Black Knight always triumphs. Have at you!

ARTHUR takes his last leg off.  The BLACK KNIGHT's body lands upright.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    All right, we'll call it a draw.

                            ARTHUR    Come, Patsy.

ARTHUR and PATSY start to cross the bridge.

                            BLACK KNIGHT    Running away eh?  You yellow bastard, Come back here and take    what's coming to you.  I'll bite your legs off!

Here’s the scene in all its absurd glory:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4]