 |
 |
 |
 |
Series 1, Episode 10: Pet Conversions
The cast:
MAN John Cleese
SHOPKEEPER Michael Palin
HARRY Garaham Chapman
The sketch:
(Caption: A PET SHOP SOMEWHERE NEAR MELTON MOWBRAY)
Man: Good morning, I’d like to buy a cat.
Shopkeeper: Certainly sir. I’ve got a lovely terrier. (indicates a box on the counter)
Man: no, I want a cat really.
Shopkeeper: (taking box off counter and then putting it back on counter as if it is a different box) Oh yeah, how about that?
Man: (looking in box) No, that’s the terrier.
Shopkeeper: Well, it’s as near as dammit.
Man: Well what do you mean? I want a cat.
Shopkeeper: Listen, tell you what. I’ll file its legs down a bit, take its snout out, stick a few wires through its cheeks. There you are, a lovely pussy cat.
Man: Its not a proper cat.
Shopkeeper: What do you mean?
Man: Well it wouldn’t miaow.
Shopkeeper: Well it would howl a bit.
Man: No, no, no, no. Er, have you got a parrot?
Shopkeeper: No, It’s afraid not actually guv, we’re fresh out of parrots. I’ll tell you what though … I’ll lop its back legs off, make good, strip the fur, stick a couple of wings on and staple on a beak of your own choice. (taking small box and rattling it) No problem. Lovely parrot.
Man: how long would that take?
Shopkeeper: Oh, let me see … er, stripping the fur off, no legs … (calling) Harry … can you do a parrot job on this terrier straight away?
Harry (off screen): No, I’m still putting a tuck in the Airedale, and then I got the frogs to let out.
Shopkeeper: Friday?
Man: No I need it for tomorrow. It’s a present.
Shopkeeper: Oh dear, it’s a long job. You see parrot conversion … Tell you what though, for free, terriers make lovely fish. I mean I could do that for you straight away. Legs off, fins on, stick a little pipe through the back of its neck so it can breathe, bit of gold paint, make good …
Man: You’d need a very big tank.
Shopkeeper: It’s a great conversation piece.
Man: Yes, all right, all right … but, er, only if I can watch.