Gumbys

Gumbys are recurring characters in Monty Python's Flying Circus, characterized by a very distinctive appearance. Gumbys are portrayed with toothbrush moustaches, wear handkerchiefs on their heads which are knotted at the corners, wire-rimmed spectacles, braces, Fair Isle knitted tank tops, a 1950s shirt rolled up to the elbows (without the detachable collar), trousers rolled up above their knees, and gumboots. The characters usually hold their arms in an ape-like position, speak loudly and slowly, and pronounce words syllable by syllable. Though created by John Cleese, the Gumbys were most often played by Michael Palin, although Graham Chapman, Terry Jones and Cleese also had noticeable solo turns as Gumbys. Palin's Gumby voice was used to announce the show title in Series 3.

Many times, a Gumby or group of Gumbys would appear in the series as a means of linking sketches, or would briefly give their views in one of the Vox pop segments. Their most notable appearance was in "The Buzz Aldrin Show" episode where they introduced sketches about architects, insurance, chemists, and the end of the show. A classic line from one of these is during a segment on taxation, where a Gumby (played by Cleese), standing knee-deep in a river, says "I would put a tax... on all people... who stand... in water." (He then shouts in alarm as he looks down at his feet, which are submerged.) They also appeared in their own sketches, such as "Flower Arranging" and "Gumby Brain Surgery".