New York, New York – The British comedy troupe known as Monty Python turned 40 this year. This makes them a cougar and, by the transitive property, allows them a TV show with Courtney Cox on ABC. The Independent Film Channel would have none of this and stepped up to the plate, airing next week a special documentary, Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut) to coincide with their reunion in New York and acceptance of a BAFTA Achievement Award.

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of the film, and I even planned ahead six months ago and bought Michael Palin’s book, Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years. I read at least ten pages of it, enjoyed it, and thought, “Can’t wait to interview Michael Palin on the red carpet.” This particular event was as packed as your usual big-name movie premiere would be. It wasn’t quite The Day The Earth Stood Still frenzy, but it certainly had more energy than Michael Moore’s film, which is impressive because it was bloody cold out (add to that wet and rainy). I stood next to my friends from LAist.com and NY Examiner, and got ready for the onslaught of celebrities. The tip sheet included such luminaries as Whoopie Goldberg, Steve Coogan, and Graham Chapman. Funny story about Graham Chapman, to quote a Python line: “He has ceased to be, he is no more.” He passed away in 1988. So one out of three ain’t bad.

The first pseudo interview was with the guy from Iron Maiden. You know him — that guy. Anyway, I didn’t — someone told me who he was — so when he got close enough, I stuck out my microphone and listened to what he had to say. I didn’t ask any questions; instead, I politely nodded and waved.

Next up was the guy from Mad Men. You know — that guy. Actually, I sort of did know who he was, even though I don’t watch the show. He is Rich Sommer, who plays Harry Crane, and this is what he had to say:

Adam Ullian: Do you have any upcoming side projects you want to promote?

Rich Sommer:  I’m actually also here shooting Law and Order: The Mothership, which I think will be on in January or February, something like that. Besides that, no.

AU: Do you have a favorite Python cast member?

RS:  Yes, Michael Palin. I’m a big fan of his work, inside and outside the show. But you’re asking me this six feet from Terry Jones. That’s a scary thing to do.

I’m all about putting my interviewees in awkward situations. What can I say? It’s a habit. Then there was a pause…not a long pause, but one of those the-people-we-want-to-talk-to-are-busy-with-bigger-media-outlets pauses. But then, the lovely Carol Cleveland showed up, and by lovely I mean she looks good for someone in her mid-somethings. Carol is known as the female python, i.e. the sexy blond bosomy woman whom served as the comic foil to the troupe itself. She was in the Arthur Pewty sketch and the milkman sketch, and a few others. Needless to say, she was wearing a very thin skirt. Good for us; not so good for her.

Carol Cleveland (Getty Images)

AU:  How does it feel to be part of female comedy history?

Carol Cleveland:  Oh, wonderful. I was a very lucky girl, and it was all down to them. I was only supposed to be in four episodes, but by the time we did the second episode, they decided they really liked me, that I wasn’t just sort of pretty girlish but I was also silly, prepared to make a fool of myself, and they said to the producer, “No, we don’t want anyone else. We want Carol.” So I owe it all to them. I’m very fortunate, indeed, to be here, 40 years on with them.

By this time, the rest of the Pythons not named, John Cleese and Eric Idle, were lining up nearby. First we had Terry Jones, who played a pivotal role in the famous Spam sketch. My friend at LAist.com stole my question about his favorite television shows, and he said he didn’t watch any television, so that killed that topic. Here’s the rest of what he said:

AU: Do you have a favorite sketch that you were a part of?

Terry Jones:  Well, um…Eric’s “Galaxy Song,” I’ll say tonight. I usually say something different.

AU: When you started this, many many years ago, did you think you’d be here today, in the cold, celebrating the 40th anniversary?

TJ:  No, I thought it would be a lovely warm, sunny evening and we’d be basking in sunshine instead of freezing our asses off here.

AU: Any side projects you’d like to promote?

TJ:  Not at the moment really. I’ve got some things in the pipeline that will come through any moment now, but it’s a bit too early. Oh Carol must be frozen…

His friend Terry Gilliam was up next. Terry is best known as the American member chief illustrator of the group. He is the one who came up with the giant foot often used to end Monty Python sketches. He appeared to be cold — chilly, if you will — and most of his answers invoked exactly how cold he was.

Terry Gilliam: I’m going home. I’ve had enough of this.

AU: How does it feel to be here?

The Monty Python (Getty Images)

TG: It feels cold, and it means I have to wear so many layers of clothing to stand out here and talk to you in your warm jacket!

AU: Do you have a favorite Python sketch you were a part of?

TG:  Ones with lots of heavy, warm clothing. Those are the ones I’m thinking about at the moment.

Terry headed inside and then the Michael showed up nearby. My original plan was to whip out my book and get him to sign it, but due to contractual agreements and my hands being too cold to do anything but hold a mic and a recorder, I didn’t take the bait. My friend at LAist.com again began the questioning, and I think at one point there were the three of us jockeying for a soundbite and a confused Michael looking a bit like his cousin Sarah when asked what books she’s read. Sadly, he had time for one question, one question only, and it wasn’t from me.

Following Michael Palin, Eric Idle and John Cleese rushed by us. It’s never very nice to grab the stars of the show and rush them by the little people in the press-line, but this is just what happened. The event staff said they would return, and they did…sort of. In the interim, Steve Coogan, known for his roles in Tropic Thunder and Night at the Museum, came by the carpet. It was whispered that Mr. Coogan, despite being a rising British comedy star, is not a fan of the press-line. Could this be true? Yep, he’s not. But here’s what he had to say:

AU: What’s your favorite drink?

Steve Coogan: Vodka Tonic.

He was even nice enough to partially slow down as he answered my pressing question. The last sound bite of the night comes from one John Cleese. Mr. Cleese was nice enough to come out and chat with a well-dressed man at the end of the carpet, and then he came over to the rest of us. I had a bunch of questions for him, but this is what I ended up asking him:

AU: Who is the most annoying Python member?

John Cleese: Eric Idle.

Eric Idle could not be reached for comment.

Go to IFC.com for more on the Monty Python 40^th Anniversary Reunion.