When Fawlty Towers first aired on September 19, 1975, I was only a mere child & thus, wasn’t allowed to watch it.
Not only that. I never wanted to watch it back then. I was more into my kid’s shows; not some silly comedy programme.
It would probably be 10 years until I got to see what all the fuss was about & even then, I do remember not being all that impressed with it.
Sure, there were a few funny bits that I did chuckle at (Mainly, when Manuel got slapped), but I still wasn’t overly eager to see every episode. I was happy enough watching my Sci-Fi shows & anything else didn’t matter.
It was during my 20’s when I watched it properly on VHS recordings.
This time round, I laughed hysterically at the goings on at a modest Torquay hotel run by Basil & Sybil Fawlty, along with Manuel (A waiter from Barcelona) & Polly, the chambermaid.
Even the opening credits were funny; as you waited to see which letters had been removed or re-arranged on the hotel sign to spell out something else (Farty Towels & Flowery Twats were two of my favourites).
It is hard to believe that only 12 episodes were ever made over 2 seasons (6 in each), but it is a great credit to the writers (John Cleese & Connie Booth) that so many classic scenes from the show are now fond memories that will never grow old.
From dead bodies, Germans, waldorf salads & hotel inspector’s, Fawlty Towers is an absolute classic British sit-com that still gets laughs today from people of all ages.
The show has been transmitted worldwide & is still today getting viewing figures that some newer shows would bite your arm off for.
Some countries have tried to make their own versions of the series, but never even get close to replicating the original.
For those not familiar with the show, here’s a brief summary…
Fawlty Towers was a BBC situation comedy that first aired in 1975 in the UK.
The hotel the show is named after was run by Basil & Sybil Fawlty (John Cleese & Prunella Scales). They have a waiter called Manuel (Played by Andrew Sachs) & a chambermaid called Polly (Played by Connie Booth).
Each episode would see Basil get himself into all sorts of comedic predicaments that he would then try to fix without his wife finding out, often with hilarious consequences.
Obviously, I’m not going into too much detail about the show because, believe it or not, there are people out there that will not have seen it. Yes, really!
Did you watch it? Did you love or hate it? What was your favourite episode or scene? Do you now want to watch it? Are you going to watch it again?
Please, share your views and comments below.
I look forward to reading them :)
Written by TonyMayhew on Mar 14, 2016
I used to teach British English, and would make my students (over 18) watch an episode each week :) They really liked it! :)
I consider this series one of the best comedies ever produced! Outstanding humor, exquisite physical comedy. It doesn't get any better than this!
IMHO this is THE greatest comedy series ever. I've watched it dozens of times and still do a run through once or twice a year ... and still laugh my ass off. If I had to pick one scene that still kills I'd have trouble but I guess I'd settle on when his car dies in the road and he gives it a good thrashing. If you like comedies, especially BritComs, you need to give this series a shot.
And to think the hotel that inspired this show is being demolished. (The Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay)
I have no idea why I didn't watch this show until a few years ago. I was a Python- and Cleese-Fan long before that. But now I have watched most episodes many times since then. One of the best comedy shows of all time. Pure gold.
Just Hilarious, a must see show.
Oh, and don't mention the w.....
The best comedy show ever! A must see if you like British comedy. John Cleese at his best
Never heard about this show to be honest, but if it's a classic British comedy, it's definitely worth checking up on it :)
I could never get into that kind of british humor, but nice article :)
Love this show. Every second is pure genius.