In recent years, Monty Pythoner Terry Jones has created a wonderful niche for himself on television. His historical documentaries are fantastic--highly original, fascinating and a bit funny. He's managed to re-examine and breath life into such topics as the Crusades, life for the average Roman, the Middle Ages--among others. Here with "Ancient Inventions", Jones is back with a short series (only three episodes) all about ancient technology. His purpose--to show folks of old WEREN'T stupid and their advances led to the advances of today.
Of the three shows in the series, this one is the slightly naughty one--though it's really not all that explicit. Jones explores such topics as prostitution, "The Karma Sutra", contraceptives (this is THE most interesting part of the show) and beauty--which is important in order to be able to attract a partner. All in all, pretty interesting.
By the way, it was odd that Jones didn't show footage from the "The Kiss" (1896) when he talked about the film but a different early kissing film. Considering "The Kiss" is in the public domain, its not being used is unusual.
Of the three shows in the series, this one is the slightly naughty one--though it's really not all that explicit. Jones explores such topics as prostitution, "The Karma Sutra", contraceptives (this is THE most interesting part of the show) and beauty--which is important in order to be able to attract a partner. All in all, pretty interesting.
By the way, it was odd that Jones didn't show footage from the "The Kiss" (1896) when he talked about the film but a different early kissing film. Considering "The Kiss" is in the public domain, its not being used is unusual.
