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Michael Palin Detained at Gunpoint, Escapes with Humor

9/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Michael Palin, 82, was detained by armed guards in Venezuela while filming a travelogue.
SEBIN, the intelligence service, held him at gunpoint for several hours.
Palin secured his release by showing the guards a clip from his Monty Python skit.
Amused, the guards decided to let him go.
Despite the alarming experience, he intends to continue his travels.
The travelogue, "Michael Palin In Venezuela," airs on September 16.

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Story summary

Michael Palin, 82, was detained by armed guards in Venezuela while filming a travelogue.
SEBIN, the intelligence service, held him at gunpoint for several hours.
Palin secured his release by showing the guards a clip from his Monty Python skit.
Amused, the guards decided to let him go.
Despite the alarming experience, he intends to continue his travels.
The travelogue, "Michael Palin In Venezuela," airs on September 16.