"It's not that the guards weren't aware of the script. They were. However, when the scene was being shot, one of the actors couldn't help but laugh because of Michael Palin's character. It was just that funny.
Instead of ending the scene, Palin stayed in character and approached the guard; resulting in the scene you are referring to" (excerpt from skeptics(dot)stackexchange(dot)com)
Can't find any source about extras not getting paid
Instead of ending the scene, Palin stayed in character and approached the guard; resulting in the scene you are referring to" (excerpt from skeptics(dot)stackexchange(dot)com)
Can't find any source about extras not getting paid