One of my favorite shows and episodes. There were only 12 episodes made…two seasons with six episodes each. Instead of milking it dry they stopped at 12 because John Cleese and wife Connie Booth didn’t think they could write anymore up to the standards they set. This is the episode most mentioned when the show comes up.
I have watched this episode countless times and it never gets old.
Listen, don’t mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it all right.
I was just doing it, you stupid woman. I just put it down, to come here and be reminded by you to do what I’m already doin’. I mean, what is the point in reminding me to do what I’m already doing? I mean, what is the bloody point? I’m doing it, aren’t I?
Ah, wonderful! WUNDERBAR! Ahh! Please allow me to introduce myself, I am the owner of Fawlty Towers. And may I welcome your war… your war… you wall… you all… you all, and hope that your stay will be a happy one. Now, would you like to eat first, or would you like a drink before the war… AHH! Er… trespassers will be tied up with piano wire… SORRY, SORRY!
Fawlty Towers: The Germans
The Characters: Basil Fawlty, Sybil Fawlty, Manuel, Polly Sherman, Major Gowen, Mrs. Wilson, Miss Agatha Tibbs, Miss Ursula Gatsby, Doctor, and Mr. and Mrs. Sharp
With Sybil in hospital for a few days to have an operation for an ingrown toenail, Basil is left on his own at the hotel to cope with a group of German tourists and the need for the regular semi-annual fire drill. He’s not having much success with either. The guests confuse the burglar alarm with the fire alarm and when Manuel does start a fire in the kitchen, no one pays attention. Basil suffers a rather severe blow to the head leading him to insult his German guests by making constant references to the war.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0578590/
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When it’s on, there is nothing quite like British humor. Love it Max. Thank you for sharing some great memories.
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I had two of your messages in my spam including this one…makes NO sense. Sorry I didn’t reply promptly but I didn’t find it until now….this one and the ABBA Waterloo one.
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LUV that series. It probably makes me actually laugh more times per half hour than any other show. This was one of the better episodes, which was really a compliment given how high the bar was raised. I haven’t seen it for awhile – this is the one where Basil gets that hit on the head from the moose, right?
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I hate using the word perfect but it’s about as perfect as you can get for a sitcom. They were smart not to drag it on and lose quality… it this would have been American odds are they would have.
Yes the moose falls on his head…and Sybil is driving him crazy…I can watch this over and over
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I remember a US network trying to remake it & it fell flat. This was classic…& like you said, Cleese was brilliant knowing when to walk away.
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We love this! Especially the part where Basil is goose-stepping around the hotel.
“Stop talking about ze var!”
“Well, you started it!”
“Ve started it?”
“Yes, you invaded Poland!”
Gets me every time…
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I know… this episode is my favorite of the 12 but they are all quality.
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Didn’t realize there were only 12 episodes total! I love John Cleese. One of the funniest people to ever live. He’s given me a lot of laughs over the years. I’m sure his saying this stuff on TV back in the day caused a stir…
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You know it had to. It was incredibly funny I will say. The Germans actually come off very well… Basil has no sense and it shows.
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It’s a hilarious show. Have you seen “A Fish Called Wanda” and “Fierce Creatures”? Two excellent movies with him and Jamie Lee Curtis (and Kevin Kline and Michael Palin.)
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No I haven’t see A Fish Called Wanda… I remember it when it came out but never saw it….don’t remember Fierce Creatures. Love all of those actors and Jamie Lee Curtis…I’ll have to check them out.
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The best show ever! Wow how much I enjoy John Cleese in this!
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Just a brilliant show that I have seen countless times like you. I think ‘The Rat’ is my favourite. But this one is right up there. Great post Max!
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