I have read that that scene was mostly adlibbed. The Roman Soldiers were extras and were told that they were not to laugh under any circumstances or they wouldn’t get paid because that slowed down production, wasted time and film.
When Terry Jones heard about it, he decided to have some fun with them and the result was more hilarious than the original script so they left it in the movie!...........
Yes! You can tell everyone is trying hard, though even Michael Palin can’t keep a straight face at times. Comedy gold.
michael palin was pontius pilate in that scene... the guards were all great gigglers.
That’s as funny as the skit!
Palin was a master.
Lord knows, I’d never make it as Centurion guard in that scene if I couldn’t laugh.
Life of Brian was a really funny movie.