Fawlty Towers

 

If you, like me enjoy British comedy, then chances are high that you have seen at least one episode of Fawlty Towers (1975).

Created by and starring John Cleese as the frustrated, irate, unlikeable and sometimes insane Basil Fawlty, the owner of the titular hotel. Also starring are; Connie Booth, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, and more.

The influence the show has had can't be overstated. It was amongst other things the inspiration for Blackadder. If you Google “best British comedy shows”, the first hit (at least for me) was “The Definitive Guide to British Comedy TV Since Fawlty Towers”. It ranks as number two on the list of best British comedy shows of all time, above Blackadder and under Only Fools and Horses.

What many don't know is the origin of Fawlty Towers. Back in 1970, the Monthy Python gang was shooting on location going from place to place with a bus. One evening, the bus broke down, stranding the crew in Torquay. With no other choice, they took rooms at the Gleneagles Hotel. Roughly an hour later, all members but Cleese booked back out and walked to the next town.

The reason for this was the owner, Donald Sinclair. Amongst other things he accused Terry Gilliam of having “too American table manners” and throwing Eric Idle's suitcase over a wall, fearing it contained a bomb. It was an alarm clock... When Graham Chapman ordered an omelet with three eggs, Sinclair brought him an omelet with three fried eggs on top.

John Cleese sat down and took notes and the rest is history. Sinclair has stated that the story is exaggerated but other guests and former staff has confirmed his mad antics and stated that they have seen worse.

Other fun facts about Fawlty Towers include the fact that Prunella Scales who plays Sybil Fawlty found it very hard to play such a harridan. Apparently she is a very sweet person.

The receptionist is played by Connie Booth who was Cleese's wife at the time.

Manuel, the Spanish waiter who is a source of constant hilarity was in fact played by a German. Some have accused the show of being racist, but everyone involved especially Andrew Sachs (Manuel) have vehemently denied this. Fawlty Towers is in essence a comedy of errors, and few errors can be as rough as language based misunderstandings. That said, the Major is pretty racist.

One of the many thorns in Fawlty's side is his car, a 1967 Austin 1100 Countryman. If you google it, you'll see a picture of Fawlty “giving it damn good trashing” a after having had enough.

After a few episodes, the hotel sign is seen rearranged into various anagrams including; Farty Tower, Flay Otters, Fatty Owls, Warty Towels, Flowery Twats and Farty Towels.

The series has been remade in the U.S. three times, each one unsuccessful.

There is more, so much more, but perhaps this is enough. Join me again next time, and until then, have a great week and stay safe!