Halfway to Hollywood

More about the book

The second volume of Michael Palin’s diaries spans the 1980s, a decade marked by the loosening ties of the Pythons after their last film, Monty Python’s Meaning of Life, in 1983. During this period, writing and acting dominated Palin's life, highlighted by his role as the stuttering Ken in A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. This volume chronicles his journey through seven films, culminating in his preparations for the transformative documentary, Around the World in 80 Days. Palin co-wrote and acted in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits and starred in Brazil, while also co-producing and leading in The Missionary alongside Maggie Smith. His television work included East of Ipswich, reflecting his connections to Suffolk, and he was drawn into hosting the popular Saturday Night Live in the US. Additionally, he filmed a segment for the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys and became chairman of the pressure group Transport 2000. Throughout these years, his life with Helen and their growing children remains a constant, and his joy in writing shines through as he expresses his wonder at the world of screens, both large and small.