Michael Palin

writer, creator
Feature Film

Time Bandits

A boy’s bedroom is invaded by six dwarves who have stolen The Supreme Being’s map, which naturally leads both boy and dwarves on adventures through time. —Michael Main
Is it all ready? Right. Come on then. Back to creation. We mustn’t waste any more time. They’ll think I’ve lost control again and put it all down to evolution.
Head shots of the film
  • Fantasy
  • Definite Time Travel
TV Episode

Time Bandits, s01e01

Kevin Haddock

After stealing the Map of the Universe from the Supreme Being, a band of dissatisfied new bandits pops through the time portal in Kevin’s bedroom—and the adventures begin! —Michael Main
Dad was right. It is just a pile of stones with a gift shop.
A pirate ship, bits of earth torn from the ground, and the cast of Time Bandits float in front of colorful clouds.
  • Fantasy
  • Comedy
  • Audience: Families
  • Definite Time Travel
TV Episode

Time Bandits, s01e02

Mayan

Even though Kevin seems (mostly) helpful to the bandits, Penelope still tries to dump him in the Ice Age and Maya times. —Michael Main
I’m not cut out to be a time traveling bandit.
Young Kal-El Tuk (as Kevin) stands boldly, wearing his glasses, knight tunic, and translation helmet.
  • Fantasy
  • Audience: Families
  • Definite Time Travel
TV Episode

Time Bandits, s01e03

Medieval

With the aid of a triceritops skull that Kevin nabbed in the Cretaceous, the gang tries to pass itself off as dragon slayers in medieval Nottingham. And then, just when you’re starting to think this story might be too slim for an entire series, we get sister Saffron coming after Kevin. —Michael Main
We don’t know if we can change time or effect it at all.”
Lisa Kudrow (as Penelope) sits on a log in a forest, addressing a group of people offscreen.
  • Undetermined
  • Audience: Families
  • Definite Time Travel