Python prop under the hammer

The 10ft polystyrene cactus, with battered paintwork, was rescued from a skip and kept in an attic of a costume shop in Torquay.

It featured briefly at the end of a 12-minute sketch called Scott Of The Antarctic, a broad parody of Hollywood film-makers’ disregard for historical accuracy that originally aired in 1970.

The sketch features Carol Cleveland – the ‘blonde bombshell’ co-star the rest of the Pythons dubbed Carol Cleavage – losing her clothing after it gets snagged on a series of cacti.

Despite its minor role in comedy history, auctioneers Bonhams estimate it will make between £500 and £800 when it goes under the hammer in London on June 20. The proceeds will go towards Torbay Hospital.

John Cleese said: ‘I am very excited to think that the cactus that ripped off Carol Cleveland's bra is now available for purchase. This is truly a collectors’ item, and I am sure you'll be able to persuade Carol to sign it.

‘I'd put in an offer myself, but I already have three of them. I can't think of a better cause, too, than raising funds for the new hospital wing.’

Here’s the sketch:

Published: 25 May 2007