Python in HTML files

[Em]

I'm trying to get Python commands to run from within HTML files (a la 
PHP) or at least simulate that behavior.

 From what I've found so far it looks like I need to have a lot more 
permissions than I do. Basically I have access to a /public_html 
directory with a CGI-BIN and that's it. I can't copy any files outside 
of my /public_html directory.

So my question is, do you know of any technologies like this that are 
not Servlets and do not copy files outside a locked-down user's profile?