python script launches shell

[John Hunter]

I have a long script that I would like to run and then launch the
python shell so that I can access all the vars and funcs defined in
the script interactively.  Is this possible.  I know I can luanch
python and then paste in the script, but because it is long it is a
pain.

Alternatively, is there an easy way to run all the lines in a file.
Then I could launch python and run the script inside.

Thanks,
JDH