All language subtitles for Fawlty.Towers.A.Very.British.Comedy.2025.1080p.HDTV.H264-DARKFLiX_track4_[eng]

MOOING

MOOING

THEY LAUGH

I couldn't live without comedy.

What is the point
if you can't laugh every day,

What is the point
if you can't laugh every day,

and hopefully several times a day?

STEVEN BERKOFF: Fawlty Towers
is an all-time comedy classic...

STEVEN BERKOFF: Fawlty Towers
is an all-time comedy classic...

When I was growing up,
Fawlty Towers was up there.

When I was growing up,
Fawlty Towers was up there.

..keeping the nation in hysterics
for 50 years.

..keeping the nation in hysterics
for 50 years.

..keeping the nation in hysterics
for 50 years.

Do we think that's classic,
Fawlty Towers?

I do, I'm gonna say yes.
Yes.

One of the things
that makes Fawlty Towers brilliant

One of the things
that makes Fawlty Towers brilliant

is John Cleese.
He's the master.

It's a quintessential slice
of old world Englishness

It's a quintessential slice
of old world Englishness

at a time of immense change.

at a time of immense change.

The '70s were a funny time.

It was a time where Britain
was very much changing.

It was a time where Britain
was very much changing.

Immensely,
immensely wonderful programme.

Immensely,
immensely wonderful programme.

A great British farce that was
almost canned before it began.

A great British farce that was
almost canned before it began.

A great British farce that was
almost canned before it began.

All this terrible feedback
came back, and yet it still aired.

All this terrible feedback
came back, and yet it still aired.

That's BBC, isn't it, though?

But it's now more controversial
than ever,

But it's now more controversial
than ever,

with the BBC censoring some scenes.

with the BBC censoring some scenes.

Racism and sexism, whoo.

Racism and sexism, whoo.

It was offensive to everyone.

The bottom line is,
it's not acceptable.

The bottom line is,
it's not acceptable.

So, is it still funny?

We can't say anything these days.

We can't say anything these days.

Despite all of the head-slapping
and goose-stepping.

Despite all of the head-slapping
and goose-stepping.

would just be cutting up
a piece of classic comedy history.

would just be cutting up
a piece of classic comedy history.

We've assembled a group
of baby boomers and Gen Zs,

We've assembled a group
of baby boomers and Gen Zs,

who are joined by an expert panel

who are joined by an expert panel

to help guide us
through this British classic.

to help guide us
through this British classic.

They'll be watching it back through
the lens of today and yesteryear

They'll be watching it back through
the lens of today and yesteryear

to see if there really should be
the cancellation of Fawlty Towers.

to see if there really should be
the cancellation of Fawlty Towers.

to see if there really should be
the cancellation of Fawlty Towers.

It's 9pm on Friday,
19th of September, 1975,

It's 9pm on Friday,
19th of September, 1975,

It's 9pm on Friday,
19th of September, 1975,

and the nation is settling down
for the evening.

and the nation is settling down
for the evening.

It's an altogether simpler time.

It's an altogether simpler time.

A time when we would sit down
in unison,

A time when we would sit down
in unison,

turn on the box and soak up
what was being served to us.

turn on the box and soak up
what was being served to us.

turn on the box and soak up
what was being served to us.

TV ANNOUNCER:BBC Two, hello again.
Good evening to you.

TV ANNOUNCER:BBC Two, hello again.
Good evening to you.

Now time for a new sitcom.

Now time for a new sitcom.

Pack your bags and let's check in
to Fawlty Towers.

Pack your bags and let's check in
to Fawlty Towers.

Pack your bags and let's check in
to Fawlty Towers.

ENGINE CLICKING

ENGINE CLICKING

Come on. Come on.

Start!

SHOUTING:Start,
you vicious bastard! Come on!

SHOUTING:Start,
you vicious bastard! Come on!

SHOUTING:Start,
you vicious bastard! Come on!

THEY CHUCKLE

THEY CHUCKLE

That episode became quite famous
for his beating the car.

That episode became quite famous
for his beating the car.

It's quintessentially Basil.

Basil Fawlty is a man at odds
with the modern world,

Basil Fawlty is a man at odds
with the modern world,

getting very angry
at an Austin Countryman

getting very angry
at an Austin Countryman

on a rainy street in a country

on a rainy street in a country

where the cars never seem
to work any more.

where the cars never seem
to work any more.

ENGINE CLICKING

I'm warning you,
if you don't start...!

I'm warning you,
if you don't start...!

I'll count to three!

One... two... three! Right!
That's it!

One... two... three! Right!
That's it!

One... two... three! Right!
That's it!

I've had enough!

You've tried it on
just once too often.

You've tried it on
just once too often.

Right! Well, don't say
I haven't warned you!

Right! Well, don't say
I haven't warned you!

That is a scene that's stuck
in my head for decades.

That is a scene that's stuck
in my head for decades.

I think the beauty of Basil Fawlty
personifying the car.

I think the beauty of Basil Fawlty
personifying the car.

He basically spoke at it.

He's like, "If you don't start
in the next three seconds...

He's like, "If you don't start
in the next three seconds...

"Right, that's it, that's it."

We've all been there.

I've laid it on the line to you
time and time again!

I've laid it on the line to you
time and time again!

Right! Well, this is it!

I'm gonna give you
a damn good thrashing!

I'm gonna give you
a damn good thrashing!

THEY CHUCKLE

HE LAUGHS

HE LAUGHS

THEY CHUCKLE

Grrr. And the... "I warned you."

Grrr. And the... "I warned you."

I love this scene. I really do.

doesn't it you?

doesn't it you?

When he thrashes the car,
that, to me,

is the apex of Basil Fawlty's
character and his comedy.

is the apex of Basil Fawlty's
character and his comedy.

Do I think we can relate to that?

When we're frustrated,
I think probably, yeah.

When we're frustrated,
I think probably, yeah.

Maybe not bashing your own car.

That's a bit extreme,

but you just get a bit frustrated
and you try to, like, act out.

but you just get a bit frustrated
and you try to, like, act out.

You can see his frustration
just absolutely boils over.

You can see his frustration
just absolutely boils over.

I think he's quite funny.

at his car in the middle of,

at his car in the middle of,

like, a rainy British street.

I think that's... Yeah.
Who would have thought it?

I think that's... Yeah.
Who would have thought it?

The Gen Zs actually like it.

The Gen Zs actually like it.

But that was something that
everybody could enjoy, at any age.

But that was something that
everybody could enjoy, at any age.

HE LAUGHS

We've given both the Gen Zs
and the baby boomers

We've given both the Gen Zs
and the baby boomers

a service bell
to ring their approval,

and a kipper
if they think something stinks.

and a kipper
if they think something stinks.

So, what do they think so far?

So, what do they think so far?

I would give that a bell.

I mean, that is right up there.

I mean, that is right up there.

Definitely.
It's so funny.

Definitely.
It's so funny.

Oh, that's a bell.

Remarkably, the baby boomers
and the Gen Zs

Remarkably, the baby boomers
and the Gen Zs

actually see eye-to-eye.

For the baby boomers,

by the mid-1970s,

John Cleese's comedy was a staple
in British households.

John Cleese's comedy was a staple
in British households.

I look down on him
because I am upper class.

I look down on him
because I am upper class.

I look up to him...

there can be a big difference

there can be a big difference

between the baby boomer
and the Gen Zs.

between the baby boomer
and the Gen Zs.

I am middle class.

I'm a baby boomer.

I look down on Gen Z
and modern society,

I look down on Gen Z
and modern society,

and I think everybody
is far too sensitive these days.

and I think everybody
is far too sensitive these days.

I'm Gen Z, and I look up
at baby boomers

I'm Gen Z, and I look up
at baby boomers

and think they're all stuck
in the past.

The past is 50 years ago now,
and Britain in 1975

The past is 50 years ago now,
and Britain in 1975

is going through
a bit of a rough time.

is going through
a bit of a rough time.

There were three-day weeks,

collapsing governments,
kidnappings and bombings.

collapsing governments,
kidnappings and bombings.

Then a vote for stronger ties
with Europe meant

Then a vote for stronger ties
with Europe meant

There were plenty of people going,
"Yes, we are open to this,"

There were plenty of people going,
"Yes, we are open to this,"

and, "Welcome to our island."

And welcome to Torquay,
and a tiny part of little Britain

And welcome to Torquay,
and a tiny part of little Britain

called Fawlty Towers, a place
where nothing has really changed

called Fawlty Towers, a place
where nothing has really changed

called Fawlty Towers, a place
where nothing has really changed

and where everyone still acts
like Britain rules the waves.

and where everyone still acts
like Britain rules the waves.

The only image I have of Torquay
in the '70s is Fawlty Towers.

The only image I have of Torquay
in the '70s is Fawlty Towers.

HE CHUCKLES

I think it's become a pillar
for how British society was seen

I think it's become a pillar
for how British society was seen

I think it's become a pillar
for how British society was seen

and satirised
back in that period of time.

and satirised
back in that period of time.

You've got characters
that represent social types.

You've got characters
that represent social types.

Joining car thrashing
hotelier Basil Fawlty

Joining car thrashing
hotelier Basil Fawlty

There's a bit where the Major
walks past with a gun,

There's a bit where the Major
walks past with a gun,

and Fawlty takes a second
to clock it.

That's classic slapstick.

A huge amount of the actual laugh
is not the thing,

A huge amount of the actual laugh
is not the thing,

it's the reaction to the thing.

The Major was the voice of old.
He was the pre-war voice.

The Major was the voice of old.
He was the pre-war voice.

He was the person
that would come in and say things

to show that even 1970s Torquay
wasn't like that any more.

to show that even 1970s Torquay
wasn't like that any more.

to show that even 1970s Torquay
wasn't like that any more.

But did anybody find it weird

But did anybody find it weird

But did anybody find it weird

In the 1970s,

when there wasn't really the same
social care that there is now,

when there wasn't really the same
social care that there is now,

when there wasn't really the same
social care that there is now,

a lot of retired people
would actually just take to hotels

a lot of retired people
would actually just take to hotels

and live in hotels.

Then there are the staff
who conspire against each other.

Then there are the staff
who conspire against each other.

I've gone blank.

Bird-brain!

No, no, no, that came in third.
Er...

Fishwife!
What?! No!

Fishwife!
What?! No!

Polly gets
into a total mess about it,

Polly gets
into a total mess about it,

and they make that into
a real dramatic comic episode.

and they make that into
a real dramatic comic episode.

and they make that into
a real dramatic comic episode.

Erm, it's quite wonderful.

in the hotel.

in the hotel.

She's the most capable.

If she was in another comedy,

If she was in another comedy,

I think they would have her
in a thing with loads of cleavage.

I think they would have her
in a thing with loads of cleavage.

She'd be a dolly bird,

and she'd just be an idiot
and all that stuff.

and she'd just be an idiot
and all that stuff.

No. She's the smart one.
She's the clever one.

No. She's the smart one.
She's the clever one.

Accompanying Polly
is the hotel's waiter.

Accompanying Polly
is the hotel's waiter.

HE CLEARS THROAT

I know nothing.

What?

What?
I know nothing.

The physicality of Andrew Sachs
is great.

The physicality of Andrew Sachs
is great.

about what was reality in Britain.

about what was reality in Britain.

about what was reality in Britain.

There were a lot of people
who came to do exactly the work

There were a lot of people
who came to do exactly the work

that Manuel was doing
at Fawlty Towers.

that Manuel was doing
at Fawlty Towers.

And finally,
the hoteliers themselves.

And finally,
the hoteliers themselves.

Firstly, Basil's wife, Sybil.

Firstly, Basil's wife, Sybil.

Would you like to deal with this,
Basil?

Would you like to deal with this,
Basil?

So you see we couldn't possibly

So you see we couldn't possibly

But if you want it done
straightaway,

oh, what's his name?

oh, what's his name?

oh, what's his name?

It's, uh...
O'Reilly?

BASIL:'Bravo, Polly!
Well done, girl.

BASIL:'Bravo, Polly!
Well done, girl.

'But listen,
where are you speaking from?'

She's in here with me, Basil.

She's in here with me, Basil.

That's very,
very good physical comedy.

That's very,
very good physical comedy.

And also with the character
of Sybil,

And also with the character
of Sybil,

who you know is eventually
going to find out everything,

who you know is eventually
going to find out everything,

that she always does find out
about everything.

that she always does find out
about everything.

But the idea that they're getting

But the idea that they're getting

And of course, Basil himself.

And of course, Basil himself.

Land of the living, probably.

between the two of them.

between the two of them.

How she's gonna tell him
what to do and how to do it.

How she's gonna tell him
what to do and how to do it.

He's quite a depressed character,
really.

He's quite a depressed character,
really.

He talks about
how everything's pointless.

He talks about
how everything's pointless.

And how, you know,
"Do you remember when we had fun?"

And how, you know,
"Do you remember when we had fun?"

It's a satire
of an old-fashioned world

It's a satire
of an old-fashioned world

in chaos and decline.

The more you understand
about history,

The more you understand
about history,

the better you are placed

to parody, satirise
everything that's happening.

to parody, satirise
everything that's happening.

So, what was happening
in 1970s Torquay?

So, what was happening
in 1970s Torquay?

So, what was happening
in 1970s Torquay?

The radioactive spider bite moment

The radioactive spider bite moment

The radioactive spider bite moment

and they stay in this hotel
in Torquay.

and they stay in this hotel
in Torquay.

Impressive, Doc.

Never before has Basil Fawlty
been compared to Spider-Man.

Never before has Basil Fawlty
been compared to Spider-Man.

Never before has Basil Fawlty
been compared to Spider-Man.

The establishment in question
was the Gleneagles Hotel,

The establishment in question
was the Gleneagles Hotel,

which was ideally located

which was ideally located

when Monty Python
and the Flying Circus

when Monty Python
and the Flying Circus

was filming in nearby Paignton.

was filming in nearby Paignton.

Torquay, which was very refined,

you know, very conservative
and all of that,

you know, very conservative
and all of that,

you'd expect to have good service
and very polite...

you'd expect to have good service
and very polite...

Genteel. "Genteel" is the word.

But not in this hotel.

But not in this hotel.

They get
this incredibly rude hotelier.

They get
this incredibly rude hotelier.

obviously such an unpleasant
but interesting character.

obviously such an unpleasant
but interesting character.

and now hotelier
called Donald Sinclair.

and now hotelier
called Donald Sinclair.

Most of the Monty Python cast
checked out early

Most of the Monty Python cast
checked out early

to find somewhere
with better service,

to find somewhere
with better service,

but not Connie Booth
and John Cleese.

but not Connie Booth
and John Cleese.

They stayed on
and started to study him.

They stayed on
and started to study him.

So that's where the germ
of Basil came from.

So that's where the germ
of Basil came from.

Well, I must be punished, then,
mustn't I?

Well, I must be punished, then,
mustn't I?

You're a naughty boy, Fawlty!

You're a naughty boy, Fawlty!

Don't do it again!

What am I gonna do?!
She's gonna be back at lunchtime!

What am I gonna do?!
She's gonna be back at lunchtime!

He starts hitting himself
on the bum,

He starts hitting himself
on the bum,

which, you know, to watch a man,
six-foot-five, hitting himself,

which, you know, to watch a man,
six-foot-five, hitting himself,

particularly in that weird,
ill-fitting jacket

particularly in that weird,
ill-fitting jacket

that he's wearing at the time,

sort of somehow heightens
the comedy of that.

We were staying
in this hotel in Torquay,

and this guy behind the desk,

who's now, fortunately,
gone to Canada, so...

who's now, fortunately,
gone to Canada, so...

relieved certain legal problems,
fascinated me.

relieved certain legal problems,
fascinated me.

Just because the guests
were a nuisance.

Just because the guests
were a nuisance.

And when Connie and I wanted
to write something

And when Connie and I wanted
to write something

about five years later, erm,
we sat down one morning,

about five years later, erm,
we sat down one morning,

gonna write about this hotel.

gonna write about this hotel.

Cleese wrote an episode

Cleese wrote an episode

of Doctor At Large
called No Ill Feeling,

of Doctor At Large
called No Ill Feeling,

and gave the impatient hotelier
character a trial run.

and gave the impatient hotelier
character a trial run.

Name?
Upton.

George!
What?

George!
What?

Yeah, all right. I mean...

Upton, Mr Upton.

Upton, Mr Upton.

Well, Dr Up... It doesn't matter.

Yes, I know!

It's not anything like as good
as Fawlty Towers.

It's not anything like as good
as Fawlty Towers.

I think one of the things is,
the character in Doctor At Large

I think one of the things is,
the character in Doctor At Large

is no Basil, he's just rude.

is no Basil, he's just rude.

He's not as lower middle class
as Basil.

He's not as lower middle class
as Basil.

He's more working class.

He hasn't got the kind
of affected accent that Basil has.

He hasn't got the kind
of affected accent that Basil has.

So the snobbery that drives a lot
of Basil's mania is not there.

So the snobbery that drives a lot
of Basil's mania is not there.

But sprinkle a bit more comedy
over the rudeness,

But sprinkle a bit more comedy
over the rudeness,

add a little snobbery,
and of course, John Cleese, and...

add a little snobbery,
and of course, John Cleese, and...

Could you put both your names,
please?

Could you put both your names,
please?

Well, will you give me a date?

I only use one.
You don't have a first name?

I only use one.
You don't have a first name?

No, I am Lord Melbury,
so I simply sign Melbury.

No, I am Lord Melbury,
so I simply sign Melbury.

Go away.

I'm so sorry
to have kept you waiting.

I'm so sorry
to have kept you waiting.

The phone is quite a good
comic device in Fawlty Towers,

The phone is quite a good
comic device in Fawlty Towers,

and it's used really well
in this scene.

and it's used really well
in this scene.

Fawlty Towers is one of the best,

and it is because everything
about it is so intensely comedic.

and it is because everything
about it is so intensely comedic.

and it is because everything
about it is so intensely comedic.

And he suddenly realises
he's talking to aristocracy,

And he suddenly realises
he's talking to aristocracy,

and he's such a snob.

A lot of the humour
came from the fact

A lot of the humour
came from the fact

that Basil kowtows
to anyone with status,

that Basil kowtows
to anyone with status,

and views everyone
with regards to their class.

and views everyone
with regards to their class.

Basil Fawlty is obviously gonna be
a sycophant, isn't he,

Basil Fawlty is obviously gonna be
a sycophant, isn't he,

to anyone who comes in?

was even more defined

was even more defined

back in the '70s
than it would be now.

So anybody who he considers
above him, he will fawn over.

So anybody who he considers
above him, he will fawn over.

So anybody who he considers
above him, he will fawn over.

anything that I can do for you?

anything that I can do for you?

Anything.

Yes. Well, I have filled this in.

Oh, please don't bother with that.

A single? A double? A suite?

A single? A double? A suite?

Well, we don't have any suites,

Well, we don't have any suites,

Oh, no, no, no, just a single.
Just a single, absolutely!

Oh, no, no, no, just a single.
Just a single, absolutely!

How very wise, if I may say so,
Your Honour.

With a bath?
Oh, naturally. Naturally.

With a bath?
Oh, naturally. Naturally.

Naturellement!

BASIL LAUGHS

I'm not too sure
that there are many people

I'm not too sure
that there are many people

who could deliver lines

who could deliver lines

who could deliver lines

But Cleese and Booth were about
to do the most shocking thing yet.

But Cleese and Booth were about
to do the most shocking thing yet.

You would no way be able
to air that today.

You would no way be able
to air that today.

STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s,
Fawlty Towers was a huge hit,

STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s,
Fawlty Towers was a huge hit,

but one episode in particular
was the most controversial ever.

but one episode in particular
was the most controversial ever.

but one episode in particular
was the most controversial ever.

It's only a bit of comedy, though.

How bad can it be?

Some of the language
in the next scene is so offensive,

Some of the language
in the next scene is so offensive,

it's rarely broadcast,
given today's standards.

it's rarely broadcast,
given today's standards.

it's rarely broadcast,
given today's standards.

And the strange thing was
that throughout the morning,

And the strange thing was
that throughout the morning,

she kept referring to the Indians
as ni...

she kept referring to the Indians
as ni...

'I said...

' "BLEEPare the West Indians.
These people..." '

' "BLEEPare the West Indians.
These people..." '

I was not expecting that.

' "No, no, no," she said...'
' "No, no, no, no, no," I said.'

' "No, no, no," she said...'
' "No, no, no, no, no," I said.'

That... That was a hard watch.
Erm...

That... That was a hard watch.
Erm...

The unsayable racial slurs
are the "W-word"

The unsayable racial slurs
are the "W-word"

and what is often referred to now
as the "N-word".

and what is often referred to now
as the "N-word".

I must have been keen on her
because, er,

I must have been keen on her
because, er,

because I took her to see India!

because I took her to see India!

India?
At The Oval.

India? And in fact, it was India
playing cricket at The Oval.

India? And in fact, it was India
playing cricket at The Oval.

India? And in fact, it was India
playing cricket at The Oval.

None of them really understands

the true meaning
of what they're saying.

the true meaning
of what they're saying.

And that's funny.
That's what makes it funny.

And that's funny.
That's what makes it funny.

"No, no, no, no, no," I said.

"No, no, no, no, no," I said.

"BLEEPare the West Indians.
These people are BLEEP."

"BLEEPare the West Indians.
These people are BLEEP."

"BLEEPare the West Indians.
These people are BLEEP."

You would no way be able
to air that today.

You would no way be able
to air that today.

How uncomfortable was that,
watching that?

How uncomfortable was that,
watching that?

Well, it was... It...

I was trying to understand
why it was funny.

I was trying to understand
why it was funny.

"No, no, no," she said,
"All cricketers are BLEEP."

"No, no, no," she said,
"All cricketers are BLEEP."

There's a lot of words in there

that nowadays people would go,
"Oof."

We were a little bit, I think.

It's quite shocking, to be fair.

For those type of derogatory terms
just to be used on TV like that,

For those type of derogatory terms
just to be used on TV like that,

it just makes it more acceptable.

It's a bit too much.

In those days, it was funny,
and it still is funny to me.

In those days, it was funny,
and it still is funny to me.

In those days, it was funny,
and it still is funny to me.

But, erm, you know,
it just wouldn't...

SHE CHUCKLES

SHE CHUCKLES

I can't say things like that.

I can't say things like that.

I'm gonna give that a kipper.

I would definitely say kipper.

like it was not funny at all.

like it was not funny at all.

Can I be controversial
and just give it the bell?

Can I be controversial
and just give it the bell?

Because from a comedy perspective,
it makes me chuckle.

Because from a comedy perspective,
it makes me chuckle.

And for me to say...
to give it the kipper,

And for me to say...
to give it the kipper,

I think I wouldn't be
telling the truth.

The Major's controversial use
of the N-word

The Major's controversial use
of the N-word

has divided the generations.

And it also is a reflection
of what you could get away with

And it also is a reflection
of what you could get away with

And it also is a reflection
of what you could get away with

back during the '70s,

which is a sad indictment of...
of media back then as well.

which is a sad indictment of...
of media back then as well.

I mean, it was of its time,
and I think if somebody

doesn't enjoy watching it,
they don't need to watch it.

doesn't enjoy watching it,
they don't need to watch it.

But how was it ever OK
to even say that on British TV?

But how was it ever OK
to even say that on British TV?

But how was it ever OK
to even say that on British TV?

Well, it almost never made it
past the pilot stage.

Well, it almost never made it
past the pilot stage.

Connie and John
wrote Fawlty Towers together,

Connie and John
wrote Fawlty Towers together,

which famously took them
almost six weeks for each episode

which famously took them
almost six weeks for each episode

due to them refining the plots
and maximising the comedy.

due to them refining the plots
and maximising the comedy.

But at the time,
not everyone saw the potential.

But at the time,
not everyone saw the potential.

BBC script editor Ian Main
was handed the pilot script,

BBC script editor Ian Main
was handed the pilot script,

BBC script editor Ian Main
was handed the pilot script,

and promptly sent back
a rather scathing response.

and promptly sent back
a rather scathing response.

and promptly sent back
a rather scathing response.

I think this is
another classic story, really.

Somebody sees the first episode,

Somebody sees the first episode,

it's not what they're expecting,
and so they write it off.

it's not what they're expecting,
and so they write it off.

They can't see
the obvious value in it.

They can't see
the obvious value in it.

why it was all set in one place,

why it was all set in one place,

why it was all set in one place,

and why would he
leave Monty Python for this?

and why would he
leave Monty Python for this?

I love the fact that all

I love the fact that all

All this terrible feedback
came back, and yet it still aired.

All this terrible feedback
came back, and yet it still aired.

That's BBC, isn't it, though?

And look, 50 years later,

I guarantee, somewhere,
they're taking credit for it.

I guarantee, somewhere,
they're taking credit for it.

"Yeah, that was...
That was my idea. I put that on."

"Yeah, that was...
That was my idea. I put that on."

SHE LAUGHS

SHE LAUGHS

Nevertheless,
on 19th of September, 1975,

Nevertheless,
on 19th of September, 1975,

Fawlty Towers aired
for the first time,

and the laughter began
even before the action did

and the laughter began
even before the action did

with this iconic theme tune.

with this iconic theme tune.

MUSIC: 'Fawlty Towers'
by Dennis Wilson

MUSIC: 'Fawlty Towers'
by Dennis Wilson

ALL:# Da, da, da, da, da, da
Da, da, da, da, da, da... #

ALL:# Da, da, da, da, da, da
Da, da, da, da, da, da... #

THEY LAUGH

THEY LAUGH

The very much loved music
and the accompanying hotel sign

The very much loved music
and the accompanying hotel sign

soon became a talking point.

You used to love those anagrams,
didn't you?

I like that, to be fair.
I like that. That's...

I like that, to be fair.
I like that. That's...

I think that's, like...

I think that's, like...

And, like,
it's something fun every week.

Like, if you're watching the show
every Friday night,

Like, if you're watching the show
every Friday night,

you can be like,
"Oh, did you spot it?

"Did you see what it was?"
I think that's quite fun.

"Did you see what it was?"
I think that's quite fun.

But you always imagine
there was some vandal,

or somebody who had a thing
against Basil,

coming by the sign every week
and changing it.

coming by the sign every week
and changing it.

That kind of feeling to it.
Yeah, yes.

Some of those, I remember, like,
howling with laughter.

Some of those, I remember, like,
howling with laughter.

Some of those, I remember, like,
howling with laughter.

"Flowery twats" is one
of the few pure anagrams,

"Flowery twats" is one
of the few pure anagrams,

like, every letter used.

It's a perfect anagram.

"Flowery twats", you would never
say that in front of your parents.

"Flowery twats", you would never
say that in front of your parents.

THEY CHUCKLE

There are one or two
which sneak in there

There are one or two
which sneak in there

which are quite naughty, actually.

which are quite naughty, actually.

a British thing to say.

a British thing to say.

Like, no-one else
really says "twat".

And, I don't know, that just...
That tickled me.

People don't realise how obscene
the word "twat" is, actually.

People don't realise how obscene
the word "twat" is, actually.

It's another word for BLEEP,
basically.

It's another word for BLEEP,
basically.

Shush. Don't tell
the Gen Zs that, Prof,

Shush. Don't tell
the Gen Zs that, Prof,

they're just starting to enjoy it.

they're just starting to enjoy it.

A little bit like The Simpsons -
every opening is different.

A little bit like The Simpsons -
every opening is different.

I think they had a different sign
for every episode,

I think they had a different sign
for every episode,

which was quite fun.

It has that magical attraction,

It has that magical attraction,

and that is what's so great
about it.

and that is what's so great
about it.

And that is what made it
as famous as it is.

And that is what made it
as famous as it is.

A sitcom lives or dies

A sitcom lives or dies

A sitcom lives or dies

And if you can't sing to it,
then I'm sorry, it's...

And if you can't sing to it,
then I'm sorry, it's...

Just cancel the whole show.

Just cancel the whole show.

The question is,
do our discerning viewers agree?

The question is,
do our discerning viewers agree?

Yeah, I would give the anagrams
a bell.

Absolutely a bell for me.
What do you think?

Absolutely a bell for me.
What do you think?

Yeah.

Once into the action,

the fast-paced farce is driven
by Cleese's character, Basil.

the fast-paced farce is driven
by Cleese's character, Basil.

the fast-paced farce is driven
by Cleese's character, Basil.

Farce is a theatrical form,
originally, and it...

Farce is a theatrical form,
originally, and it...

And farces are kind of
manic comedies, really,

And farces are kind of
manic comedies, really,

where there's high stakes.

They're built on tension
and things going wrong.

They're built on tension
and things going wrong.

It wasn't just a farce,

cos we'd seen farces before
and loved them.

Just so much more
than anything we'd seen before.

Just so much more
than anything we'd seen before.

of the funniest people you'd meet.

of the funniest people you'd meet.

And the plots often centred round
Basil's fear of his wife, Sybil,

And the plots often centred round
Basil's fear of his wife, Sybil,

And the plots often centred round
Basil's fear of his wife, Sybil,

and his desire to elevate
the standing of the hotel.

and his desire to elevate
the standing of the hotel.

You really wonder how,
in calmer times,

You really wonder how,
in calmer times,

You really wonder how,
in calmer times,

the relationship between Basil
and Sybil could ever work.

the relationship between Basil
and Sybil could ever work.

He gets the last laugh,

because the idiot that he is
landed Sybil.

because the idiot that he is
landed Sybil.

because the idiot that he is
landed Sybil.

She's the idiot that married him.

Like, in that regard,
he's the genius.

Like, in that regard,
he's the genius.

He married a woman
that keeps his hotel afloat.

He married a woman
that keeps his hotel afloat.

Their encounters had the audience
in stitches.

Their encounters had the audience
in stitches.

But does the portrayal
of Basil and Sybil's relationship

But does the portrayal
of Basil and Sybil's relationship

stand the test of time,
or is it downright sexist?

stand the test of time,
or is it downright sexist?

Basil?
Yes, dear?

Are you going to hang the picture?
Yes, I am, dear. Yes. Yes.

Are you going to hang the picture?
Yes, I am, dear. Yes. Yes.

When?
Well, when I've... When I've...

Well, why don't you do it now?

I'm doing this, dear.
I'm doing the menu.

You've got all morning
to do the menu.

I like their dynamic,
like, as a couple.

I like their dynamic,
like, as a couple.

I think that it's believable.

I think that's very realistic
of a couple at the time.

I think that's very realistic
of a couple at the time.

Like, I enjoyed that.
Yeah.

Well?

Well?

to do the menu, but, no,

to do the menu, but, no,

I'll hang the picture now.

If the menus are late,
it doesn't matter,

the guests can all come and look

the guests can all come and look

Lower.

Lower.

That's a typical Basil and Sybil
exchange, isn't it?

That's a typical Basil and Sybil
exchange, isn't it?

She knows what she wants,
and he knows what he wants,

She knows what she wants,
and he knows what he wants,

but he always has to give in
the most.

That's right.
Yeah.

I do wonder, why didn't she...?
Why isn't she doing the menu?

I do wonder, why didn't she...?
Why isn't she doing the menu?

What does she do?
Like, what does she do?

What does she do?
Like, what does she do?

Maybe she is the smart one
for marrying him.

Maybe she is the smart one
for marrying him.

She gets a whole hotel
and doesn't do anything...

She gets a whole hotel
and doesn't do anything...

Oh, I'm gonna have to rewatch it.

Oh, I'm gonna have to rewatch it.

The nagging wife routine
wasn't just a one-trick pony.

The nagging wife routine
wasn't just a one-trick pony.

The nagging wife routine
wasn't just a one-trick pony.

Yes, Fawlty Towers. Hello?

Yes, Fawlty Towers. Hello?

I was just doing it,
you stupid woman.

I just put it down to come here
to be reminded by you

I just put it down to come here
to be reminded by you

to do what I'm already doing.

What is the point of reminding me
to do what I'm already doing?!

What is the point of reminding me
to do what I'm already doing?!

I mean, what is the bloody point?
I'm doing it, aren't I?!

I mean, what is the bloody point?
I'm doing it, aren't I?!

Because of their dynamic, like,

you can see through their acting
that it's, like...

you can see through their acting
that it's, like...

They still love each other.
Like, it's... Like, it's banter.

They still love each other.
Like, it's... Like, it's banter.

that the wife is so annoying.

that the wife is so annoying.

They're trying to normalise
this type of relationship.

They're trying to normalise
this type of relationship.

I just... I don't find
the humour in it at all.

I just... I don't find
the humour in it at all.

But many viewers
did find the humour,

and the moose will forever
be associated with Fawlty Towers.

and the moose will forever
be associated with Fawlty Towers.

and the moose will forever
be associated with Fawlty Towers.

Mr Moose is up.

It's done, done, done.
It's up.

It's done, done, done.
It's up.

It's down again.

Did you use a wall plug?

Give it to me. Give it to... Argh!

He went much, much further
than he needed to go.

He went much, much further
than he needed to go.

But it showed, you know,
how dedicated he was

But it showed, you know,
how dedicated he was

to making it as realistic
as possible.

to making it as realistic
as possible.

And at the same time,
as comic as possible.

And at the same time,
as comic as possible.

to stay in that relationship

to stay in that relationship

if she didn't love him -
she'd just have walked.

if she didn't love him -
she'd just have walked.

She's far too strong a woman,

which was great to have
a strong woman like that.

She'd just have walked.

But Sybil wasn't
the only female lead.

But Sybil wasn't
the only female lead.

Connie Booth played aspiring artist
and hotel maid Polly.

Connie Booth played aspiring artist
and hotel maid Polly.

Connie Booth played aspiring artist
and hotel maid Polly.

Polly's a point-of-view character.

Polly's a point-of-view character.

in the entire sitcom.

in the entire sitcom.

It was very much a comedy cliche

It was very much a comedy cliche

of the straight-laced wife
and the bit of fluff.

of the straight-laced wife
and the bit of fluff.

Women very often were portrayed
on television

Women very often were portrayed
on television

as a pair of boobs on legs,
in a way.

as a pair of boobs on legs,
in a way.

Women weren't exactly divided
between those two.

Women weren't exactly divided
between those two.

But in very broad terms, they were
very recognisable characters.

But in very broad terms, they were
very recognisable characters.

But in very broad terms, they were
very recognisable characters.

Polly's character on the whole
wasn't sexualised,

Polly's character on the whole
wasn't sexualised,

apart from perhaps in one scene.

apart from perhaps in one scene.

POLLY:I'm sorry, Mr Fawlty.

Look here, Polly.
We were just saying goodbye...

What sort of a place do you think
this is, a massage parlour?

What sort of a place do you think
this is, a massage parlour?

I mean, we are running a nice,
respectable, high...

I mean, we are running a nice,
respectable, high...

Sorry, did I say something funny?
No, I was just looking for...

Sorry, did I say something funny?
No, I was just looking for...

No, no, obviously, I said
something frightfully comic.

No, no, obviously, I said
something frightfully comic.

No, it's just the heat.

So long as I amuse the staff.
I mean, that's all I'm here for.

So long as I amuse the staff.
I mean, that's all I'm here for.

that I can remember
where you ever saw Polly

with that sort of dress code.

with that sort of dress code.

Well done, Nick,

Well done, Nick,

Viewing it in the 21st century
in the context of today,

Viewing it in the 21st century
in the context of today,

Viewing it in the 21st century
in the context of today,

there would be people who would
find that offensive and think,

there would be people who would
find that offensive and think,

"Oh, yes, you know, as a woman,
she's being objectified."

"Oh, yes, you know, as a woman,
she's being objectified."

But then I think
what they're doing is challenging

But then I think
what they're doing is challenging

the societal attitudes
that were held towards women,

the societal attitudes
that were held towards women,

and the way that women
were perceived.

One other thing, Polly.

of the topless afternoon tea.

of the topless afternoon tea.

So if you wouldn't mind changing

before you go in
where people may be trying to eat.

before you go in
where people may be trying to eat.

I was going to.

There's no objectification
of women going on here,

There's no objectification
of women going on here,

because the whole of Fawlty Towers

is about caricatures
and stereotypes.

is about caricatures
and stereotypes.

To be fair, she's putting herself
in that situation

To be fair, she's putting herself
in that situation

to be sexualised
while she's doing her job.

to be sexualised
while she's doing her job.

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Fawlty Titties.

"Oh, Fawlty Titties,"

"Oh, Fawlty Titties,"

erm, you realise that he, too,

erm, you realise that he, too,

erm, you realise that he, too,

And that's the brilliance
of the comedy there.

And that's the brilliance
of the comedy there.

But Basil doesn't just push
his staff's buttons.

But Basil doesn't just push
his staff's buttons.

He's not above grabbing
a few things either.

He's not above grabbing
a few things either.

Like in this creepy scene.

Like in this creepy scene.

Just turn left out of the gate
and straight on,

and it's on your right.

You left this downstairs.

You left this downstairs.

Sybil, Sybil, Sybil!

Sybil, Sybil, Sybil!

I didn't know she was there.
I was trying the switch.

I didn't know she was there.
I was trying the switch.

It's choreographed so perfectly.

It's choreographed so perfectly.

I mean, it is offensive
when you look at it, but in a way,

I mean, it is offensive
when you look at it, but in a way,

in those days, it didn't

in those days, it didn't

I've read about it, Basil.
The male menopause, it's called.

I've read about it, Basil.
The male menopause, it's called.

Oh, and one word of advice -
if you're going to grope a girl,

Oh, and one word of advice -
if you're going to grope a girl,

have the gallantry to stay
IN the room with her

have the gallantry to stay
IN the room with her

while you're doing it.

This is a brilliant line.

This is a brilliant line.

"If you're going to grope a girl,
at least be in the same room."

"If you're going to grope a girl,
at least be in the same room."

"If you're going to grope a girl,
at least be in the same room."

That's so, so wonderful.

Those two scenes
were absolutely typical.

Those two scenes
were absolutely typical.

The hand coming round onto...
onto the bosom.

The hand coming round onto...
onto the bosom.

It wasn't as shocking then
as it is now.

It wasn't as shocking then
as it is now.

Our generational viewers
will be the judge of that.

Our generational viewers
will be the judge of that.

I would say it's a bell cos

I would say it's a bell cos

I'll definitely give it a bell.

I thought that was probably
the funniest clip so far.

I thought that was probably
the funniest clip so far.

Who was it that said
this generation are snowflakes?

Who was it that said
this generation are snowflakes?

Who was it that said
this generation are snowflakes?

Coming up, we'll be taking
a closer look at Manuel.

Coming up, we'll be taking
a closer look at Manuel.

Coming up, we'll be taking
a closer look at Manuel.

There are elements of the way

that the character
of Manuel's handled

that are uncomfortable today.

And why did the BBC cancel
one of the episodes?

And why did the BBC cancel
one of the episodes?

I don't think it was right then,

it's not right now,
and it never will be.

it's not right now,
and it never will be.

STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s,
if you changed the channel,

STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s,
if you changed the channel,

the chances are
it would be to another sitcom,

the chances are
it would be to another sitcom,

and they were lapped up
by the British audience.

and they were lapped up
by the British audience.

Some of the things like,
obviously, Fawlty Towers,

Some of the things like,
obviously, Fawlty Towers,

but then we did, like,
Till Death Us Do Part and so on.

but then we did, like,
Till Death Us Do Part and so on.

Did you find that funny?
I thought it was... Alf Garnett.

Did you find that funny?
I thought it was... Alf Garnett.

Monty Python's really good,
Only Fools And Horses,

Monty Python's really good,
Only Fools And Horses,

but I haven't seen Fawlty Towers.
LAUGHTER

but I haven't seen Fawlty Towers.
LAUGHTER

Only Fools And Horses
was actually 1981,

Only Fools And Horses
was actually 1981,

but that is still over 20 years
before these Gen Zs were born.

but that is still over 20 years
before these Gen Zs were born.

but that is still over 20 years
before these Gen Zs were born.

That makes me feel very old.

Come on,
you don't use the bus, Sir Trevor!

Come on,
you don't use the bus, Sir Trevor!

The very first series of
Fawlty Towers ran for six episodes,

The very first series of
Fawlty Towers ran for six episodes,

but that was very nearly
the end of it.

but that was very nearly
the end of it.

For us, it was a release,
because somehow I think, too,

For us, it was a release,
because somehow I think, too,

in the relationship
of Sybil and Basil,

in the relationship
of Sybil and Basil,

we were able to get out
a lot of our frustrations

we were able to get out
a lot of our frustrations

with each other through
those characters,

with each other through
those characters,

and, um... it was a terrific time.

and, um... it was a terrific time.

It was really good.
It was kind of like therapy.

It was really good.
It was kind of like therapy.

Those frustrations never went away.

Those frustrations never went away.

In 1978, Booth and Cleese divorced,

In 1978, Booth and Cleese divorced,

and Connie later said
marriage counselling was crucial

and Connie later said
marriage counselling was crucial

to them making a second series,
which later aired in 1979.

to them making a second series,
which later aired in 1979.

to them making a second series,
which later aired in 1979.

12 perfect episodes, and you can
watch them time and time again,

12 perfect episodes, and you can
watch them time and time again,

you laugh every time.

You laugh every time
at the same place.

One character that brought a lot
of those laughs is Manuel.

One character that brought a lot
of those laughs is Manuel.

You see, I speak English well.

You see, I speak English well.

I learn it from a book.

I learn it from a book.

Manuel is lovable.
He's an adorable character.

Manuel is lovable.
He's an adorable character.

When I was watching it as a kid,

I used to absolutely identify
with Manuel.

I used to absolutely identify
with Manuel.

The portrayal of that character
by Andrew Sachs was brilliant.

The portrayal of that character
by Andrew Sachs was brilliant.

Of course, Manuel wasn't English.

Of course, Manuel wasn't English.

All together now.

He's from Barcelona.
From Barcelona.

AS MANUEL:"I am Manuel.
I am from Barcelona."

AS MANUEL:"I am Manuel.
I am from Barcelona."

He's hired the cheapest waiter
he could get,

He's hired the cheapest waiter
he could get,

somebody from Barcelona.

And Andrew Sachs, the actor,

And Andrew Sachs, the actor,

was neither Spanish
nor English-born.

was neither Spanish
nor English-born.

What's interesting
about Andrew Sachs

is that he was actually born
in Germany,

and he came over
right before the war, as a child,

and he came over
right before the war, as a child,

and lived in England.

Sachs later became an actor
in London's West End,

Sachs later became an actor
in London's West End,

but he also appeared
in corporate training videos

but he also appeared
in corporate training videos

by a company called Video Arts,
owned by John Cleese.

by a company called Video Arts,
owned by John Cleese.

by a company called Video Arts,
owned by John Cleese.

Incredibly, he wasn't being paid
enough for Fawlty Towers.

Incredibly, he wasn't being paid
enough for Fawlty Towers.

At the time, it wasn't uncommon
for the nation's biggest stars

At the time, it wasn't uncommon
for the nation's biggest stars

to get paid modest sums.

to get paid modest sums.

John Cleese was paid £6,000
in 1975 for 43 weeks' work,

John Cleese was paid £6,000
in 1975 for 43 weeks' work,

John Cleese was paid £6,000
in 1975 for 43 weeks' work,

writing and performing in
the first series of Fawlty Towers.

writing and performing in
the first series of Fawlty Towers.

That's just over £63,000
in today's money.

That's just over £63,000
in today's money.

Oh, Mike,
I've noticed that you are probably

in the early stages
of a severe nervous breakdown,

in the early stages
of a severe nervous breakdown,

so I suggest a personal crisis
meeting this Friday at 4:35,

so I suggest a personal crisis
meeting this Friday at 4:35,

so I suggest a personal crisis
meeting this Friday at 4:35,

immediately following the

immediately following the

How the films work is that you see
characters being unreasonable,

How the films work is that you see
characters being unreasonable,

so you can sort of see, in a way,

Fawlty is a bit like a twist
on that, isn't it?

Fawlty is a bit like a twist
on that, isn't it?

The fact that Cleese had
this company, Video Arts,

where he was bringing actors in
to work with him

and play these comedic characters,
would have made casting easier.

and play these comedic characters,
would have made casting easier.

And I adore people with problems.

In fact, the worse the problem,
the more I adore them.

In fact, the worse the problem,
the more I adore them.

Video Arts was brilliant

because a corporate training video
could be as dry as ditchwater.

because a corporate training video
could be as dry as ditchwater.

It must have been very useful
for John and Connie

It must have been very useful
for John and Connie

to see this array of actors
and to say,

to see this array of actors
and to say,

"Well, look.
Oh, gosh, she's fantastic,"

or, "He's brilliant," and be able

or, "He's brilliant," and be able

or, "He's brilliant," and be able

I'd been working with John Cleese
in the early '70s

I'd been working with John Cleese
in the early '70s

on some training films
for his company, Video Arts.

on some training films
for his company, Video Arts.

And during the making
of one of those films,

he brought up this pilot
that he'd written for the BBC,

he brought up this pilot
that he'd written for the BBC,

and would I like to play
the Spanish waiter?

"I love the idea. Thank you, John.

"But could you make him
a German waiter?

"Because I'm not sure
I can do a Spanish accent."

"Because I'm not sure
I can do a Spanish accent."

And I come from Germany.
German's my first language.

And I come from Germany.
German's my first language.

John Cleese said,
"No, no, it has to be a Spaniard,"

John Cleese said,
"No, no, it has to be a Spaniard,"

which, again, with the number
of digs that he makes

which, again, with the number
of digs that he makes

at Manuel being from Barcelona,
you go,

at Manuel being from Barcelona,
you go,

"Where did that stereotype...?

"Where did that stereotype...?

Ah, good question, Ria.
I'm glad you asked.

Ah, good question, Ria.
I'm glad you asked.

Spain experienced a huge wave
of emigration in the 1970s,

Spain experienced a huge wave
of emigration in the 1970s,

Spain experienced a huge wave
of emigration in the 1970s,

particularly from Barcelona.

This was in part
down to General Franco,

This was in part
down to General Franco,

who ruled Spain as a dictator

who ruled Spain as a dictator

who ruled Spain as a dictator

I think it's significant
because of the increase

I think it's significant
because of the increase

in the Spanish population
of British Isles at that time.

in the Spanish population
of British Isles at that time.

So I buckled down to it,

mugged up the accent on the way
to the studio, as it were,

mugged up the accent on the way
to the studio, as it were,

and we got on with it.

John Cleese might have moaned
about £6,000,

John Cleese might have moaned
about £6,000,

but Andrew Sachs only got £350
for all 12 episodes.

but Andrew Sachs only got £350
for all 12 episodes.

"Andrew, this is definitely
your role."

He went, "Can we make it German?"
They went, "No, it's Spanish."

He went, "Can we make it German?"
They went, "No, it's Spanish."

He goes,
"I'm not sure I can do Spanish."

They go, "That's all right.
Still your role.

"We're only gonna pay you 350 quid
for 12 episodes."

"We're only gonna pay you 350 quid
for 12 episodes."

And he still went, "OK."

And for the British audience,

the language barrier made for
some highly comedic moments.

the language barrier made for
some highly comedic moments.

the language barrier made for
some highly comedic moments.

LAUGHTER

Throw it away.
Que?

Throw it away.
Throw it away.

Throw it away.
Throw it away.

Throw it away!

Throw it away!

Now!

Now!

Throw it...

Throw it...

English isn't his first language.

That opens up the door
to loads of language gags.

That opens up the door
to loads of language gags.

Throwing away the grapefruit
is brilliant because,

Throwing away the grapefruit
is brilliant because,

yet again,

yet again,

Manuel really trying, but failing.

Manuel really trying, but failing.

because it's a non-obvious throw.

because it's a non-obvious throw.

because it's a non-obvious throw.

It's not just down onto the floor.
It's not at Basil.

It's not just down onto the floor.
It's not at Basil.

It's just sideways. Sideways!

It's just sideways. Sideways!

It's another angle to get a laugh.

It's another angle to get a laugh.

You know that "throw it away"?

You know that "throw it away"?

Bang! Hits that kid on the head.

Saying, "Throw it away,"
and he throws it at the customers.

Saying, "Throw it away,"
and he throws it at the customers.

I've waitressed before.

If someone chucks something
at a customer, that's funny.

If someone chucks something
at a customer, that's funny.

We're gonna laugh about it, but...

"I know nothing," he said.
"I know nothing." Yeah.

"I know nothing," he said.
"I know nothing." Yeah.

Whilst Basil
didn't seem to know Spanish,

Whilst Basil
didn't seem to know Spanish,

Cleese and Booth did,

which helped them to write
some of the best gags.

which helped them to write
some of the best gags.

BELL DINGS

Manuel.
Si, senor?

There is too much butter
on those trays.

There is too much butter
on those trays.

Que? There is too much butter
on those trays.

Que? There is too much butter
on those trays.

Que? There is too much butter
on those trays.

No. No, no, senor.
Not... Not "on those trays".

No. No, no, senor.
Not... Not "on those trays".

No. No, no, senor.
Not... Not "on those trays".

No, sir. Uno, dos, tres.

No, sir. Uno, dos, tres.

How they worked that out,
I don't know,

but it comes so fast,
and so it's pure joy.

but it comes so fast,
and so it's pure joy.

What's brilliant about that is,
yeah, you need to kind of get

What's brilliant about that is,
yeah, you need to kind of get

that he's saying "one, two, three"
in Spanish

that he's saying "one, two, three"
in Spanish

to kind of get the point
of that gag.

I mean, I think Cleese and Booth
are really, really good

I mean, I think Cleese and Booth
are really, really good

at writing language gags.

So, I think the best example
would be Mrs Richards and Manuel.

So, I think the best example
would be Mrs Richards and Manuel.

So, I think the best example
would be Mrs Richards and Manuel.

in my written confirmation,

in my written confirmation,

so please make sure I have it.

Que?

Que?

What?
Que?

K?
Si.

C?

KC?

KC? What are you trying to say?

"K?" "Si." "CK?"

"K?" "Si." "CK?"

"What?" "No, que, 'what'."
"CK Watt? Is that the owner?"

"What?" "No, que, 'what'."
"CK Watt? Is that the owner?"

Mrs Richards, fantastic.
She was wonderful.

Mrs Richards, fantastic.
She was wonderful.

She was just...

She was just...

She was just fantastic.

No, no, no, no. Que, "what".
K Watt?

No, no, no, no. Que, "what".
K Watt?

Si. Que, what.

CK Watt?
Yes!

CK Watt?
Yes!

LAUGHTER

Who is CK Watt?
Que?

Who is CK Watt?
Que?

Is it the manager, Mr Watt?
Oh, manager!

Is it the manager, Mr Watt?
Oh, manager!

He is?
Ah, Mr Fawlty.

What?
Fawlty.

It's clever.
Like, the plots are clever,

It's clever.
Like, the plots are clever,

and the physicality's clever.

and the physicality's clever.

The wordplay is also clever.

He's not explaining himself
correctly,

and he's misunderstanding
what he's saying anyway.

and he's misunderstanding
what he's saying anyway.

So I think the joke's on both
of them, so I'll give it a bell.

So I think the joke's on both
of them, so I'll give it a bell.

BELL DINGS

Yeah, it's a bell.
Bell, bell.

Bell for me.

But Basil's frustrations
with communicating with Manuel

But Basil's frustrations
with communicating with Manuel

often led to violence.

often led to violence.

This, Basil's wife. This, Basil.

This, Basil's wife. This, Basil.

This, smack on head.

It's comedy violence.
It's like cartoon violence.

It's comedy violence.
It's like cartoon violence.

It's like Tom and Jerry.
People don't get hurt.

It's like Tom and Jerry.
People don't get hurt.

Manuel, let me explain.

Manuel, let me explain.

Agh!

In Laurel and Hardy,
in every episode,

In Laurel and Hardy,
in every episode,

there was that kind of scenario

It was classic.

It was classic.

..or a poke in the eye.
Yeah.

And it made me laugh,
and I viewed that there

And it made me laugh,
and I viewed that there

But the joke comes across,
his frustration, what he's doing,

But the joke comes across,
his frustration, what he's doing,

but it's slapstick, they're not
actually hurt, so it's OK. Yeah.

but it's slapstick, they're not
actually hurt, so it's OK. Yeah.

So, like...

to duvet days and working from home

to duvet days and working from home

make of this?

And it's just, like, internalising
that that kind of violence is OK.

And it's just, like, internalising
that that kind of violence is OK.

Like, I love a bit of slapstick,
but that's just...

Like, I love a bit of slapstick,
but that's just...

That feels really harmful.

Like, I didn't enjoy that.
Yeah. Yeah.

Like, I didn't enjoy that.
Yeah. Yeah.

It wasn't just the violence
Manuel was subjected to.

It wasn't just the violence
Manuel was subjected to.

You want room 16 for him?

You want room 16 for him?

Yeah, with a bath, you dago twit.

Yeah, with a bath, you dago twit.

You mad? You mad?
You pay for room first.

You mad? You mad?
You pay for room first.

There's a lot of use
of the word "dago",

There's a lot of use
of the word "dago",

which, even in those days,
was demeaning.

which, even in those days,
was demeaning.

So, it's just the name Diego
kind of uttered simply as "dago".

So, it's just the name Diego
kind of uttered simply as "dago".

So, it's just the name Diego
kind of uttered simply as "dago".

It probably has
its highest frequency of usage

It probably has
its highest frequency of usage

in Fawlty Towers, actually.

actually use the term very much.

actually use the term very much.

actually use the term very much.

I think it's really unfortunate.

And why was Manuel so...
well, Spanish?

And why was Manuel so...
well, Spanish?

And why was Manuel so...
well, Spanish?

The awareness of stereotypes
was always going to be there,

The awareness of stereotypes
was always going to be there,

but there was probably less
of an awareness

of how harmful it could be
to portray those stereotypes.

of how harmful it could be
to portray those stereotypes.

This one, the joke is,
like, purely on him.

This one, the joke is,
like, purely on him.

You're supposed to laugh at him

for being a Spanish immigrant
who doesn't speak the language.

for being a Spanish immigrant
who doesn't speak the language.

I think he does have
an exaggerated foreignness.

I think he does have
an exaggerated foreignness.

I loved Manuel.
I really loved Manuel.

I loved Manuel.
I really loved Manuel.

I can't stress that enough.

But I do think
that there are elements

But I do think
that there are elements

of the way that the character
of Manuel was handled

of the way that the character
of Manuel was handled

that are uncomfortable today.

The Brits would be very
condescending towards the Spanish.

The Brits would be very
condescending towards the Spanish.

That was a kind of arrogant way
that... in general,

That was a kind of arrogant way
that... in general,

that the British felt
towards foreigners.

that the British felt
towards foreigners.

Because we speak English, and
if they don't understand English,

Because we speak English, and
if they don't understand English,

well, you know, "What's wrong
with them?" sort of thing.

well, you know, "What's wrong
with them?" sort of thing.

Which is completely unjustified.

Which is completely unjustified.

It's, like, belittling him,

just making it seem like
people that are "foreigners",

just making it seem like
people that are "foreigners",

quote unquote, just...
they don't understand.

They don't comprehend stuff.
They're slow. They just...

They don't comprehend stuff.
They're slow. They just...

Yeah, they're just there,

and the English people are,
like, kind of superior.

and the English people are,
like, kind of superior.

the British attitude,

the British attitude,

which was archaic,
when you think about it,

which was archaic,
when you think about it,

that somehow, just because

that somehow, just because

Well, what do our audience think?

Well, what do our audience think?

I'd definitely give it a kipper.

I'd definitely give it a kipper.

If somebody says something
and it's funny

If somebody says something
and it's funny

And people still, when they
misunderstand things, say, "Que?"

And people still, when they
misunderstand things, say, "Que?"

It's one of the major catchlines
from Fawlty Towers.

It's one of the major catchlines
from Fawlty Towers.

Definitely bell.
Good for you.

Definitely bell.
Good for you.

Coming up,
it wasn't just the Spanish

getting it from both barrels.

Here we go again.
It's Pick On Ireland Week again.

Here we go again.
It's Pick On Ireland Week again.

And Cleese goes on the defensive.

And Cleese goes on the defensive.

Where I would disagree with Cleese

Where I would disagree with Cleese

is the whole,
"You're supposed to laugh AT him."

is the whole,
"You're supposed to laugh AT him."

I'm blown away that that is...
brave, I suppose.

I'm blown away that that is...
brave, I suppose.

STEVEN BERKOFF: By the 1970s,
television sets were commonplace,

STEVEN BERKOFF: By the 1970s,
television sets were commonplace,

with over 90% of UK households
owning one.

with over 90% of UK households
owning one.

there was only three channels.

there was only three channels.

Three channels, yeah.

to be good to attract the viewer.

to be good to attract the viewer.

And now our viewers of Gen Zs
and baby boomers

And now our viewers of Gen Zs
and baby boomers

are binge-watching the entire
12 episodes of Fawlty Towers.

are binge-watching the entire
12 episodes of Fawlty Towers.

are binge-watching the entire
12 episodes of Fawlty Towers.

And one of the standout episodes
is The Builders.

And one of the standout episodes
is The Builders.

When will you finish
our garden wall?

We are tired of having
that pile of bricks blocking...

We are tired of having
that pile of bricks blocking...

Listen, I told you not to call.

My wife thinks Stubbs is
doing the doors.

Basil has yet again
made a poor decision.

Basil has yet again
made a poor decision.

The poor decision is
to bring in builders

The poor decision is
to bring in builders

that he knows to be incompetent

because it's gonna save him
a few bob.

Now, that's a great little bit
of fuel to drive the farce.

Now, that's a great little bit
of fuel to drive the farce.

Now, that's a great little bit
of fuel to drive the farce.

The phone's used many times
in the series.

In this case,
this is an interesting one

because he's having
a double conversation.

He's talking to O'Reilly

whilst pretending to talk
to the builder that Sybil wants.

whilst pretending to talk
to the builder that Sybil wants.

Yeah, that's right.

Yeah. It's clever. It is clever.

Yeah. It's clever. It is clever.

That's such a comic construction
which works so brilliantly well

That's such a comic construction
which works so brilliantly well

because Basil sets it up,

much to Sybil's, er, disagreement.

much to Sybil's, er, disagreement.

If you study comedy,

If you study comedy,

"We're gonna hire in
someone who's rubbish.

"What's gonna happen?
They're gonna screw it up.

"And then we remove
anyone with competence

"that can oversee the rubbish,"
and then hilarity ensues.

"that can oversee the rubbish,"
and then hilarity ensues.

And who is the most incompetent
character in Fawlty Towers?

And who is the most incompetent
character in Fawlty Towers?

And who is the most incompetent
character in Fawlty Towers?

Sin ofender, Manuel.

I go upstairs...

Ah, si, is easy.

..for a little sleep.
Is difficult.

..for a little sleep.
Is difficult.

For siesta.
Siesta? Little sleep?

For siesta.
Siesta? Little sleep?

Yes.
Ah, same in Spanish!

Yes.
Ah, same in Spanish!

When O'Reilly's men come,
you must wake me.

When O'Reilly's men come,
you must wake me.

What I thought
was interesting here is,

a very difficult situation.

a very difficult situation.

So, they've set it up.
So, he's there on his own.

So, they've set it up.
So, he's there on his own.

There's no Sybil,

There's no Sybil,

You are man with "Orally".
What?

You Orally man.
What does that mean?

You Orally!
You watch it.

Where Orally?!
What's he going on about?

Where Orally?!
What's he going on about?

He means O'Reilly.
Wh...? Oh!

He means O'Reilly.
Wh...? Oh!

GIGGLES

GIGGLES

We are Orally men.

We are Orally men.

Thick as a plank.

We still say "Orally men".
"Should we get the Orally men in?"

We still say "Orally men".
"Should we get the Orally men in?"

I mean, whatever's...

You know, a plumber or a builder,
"Should we get the Orally men in?"

You know, a plumber or a builder,
"Should we get the Orally men in?"

I like the scripting there
because, erm...

I like the scripting there
because, erm...

it means there's no way Manuel's
gonna know what needs doing,

it means there's no way Manuel's
gonna know what needs doing,

so it absolutely ensures that, er,
later on in the episode,

so it absolutely ensures that, er,
later on in the episode,

that things have been
completely set up.

that things have been
completely set up.

The cheap O'Reilly builders
from Ireland

The cheap O'Reilly builders
from Ireland

do indeed make a mess of it,

which sends Basil into a panic,
knowing Sybil is on her way home.

which sends Basil into a panic,
knowing Sybil is on her way home.

which sends Basil into a panic,
knowing Sybil is on her way home.

Rather you than me, Basil.

There's a lot of physicality
in Fawlty Towers.

There's a lot of physicality
in Fawlty Towers.

There's a lot of hitting in it,
which I didn't like.

There's a lot of hitting in it,
which I didn't like.

But there's one scene

But there's one scene

HE SOBS AND MOANS

HE SOBS AND MOANS

Come on!

LAUGHTER

LAUGHTER

Initially, you go,
"Whoa, where are you taking this?"

Initially, you go,
"Whoa, where are you taking this?"

because it's believable,
and it's believable

because he's been hitting
everybody else up to this point,

because he's been hitting
everybody else up to this point,

and he's been beating up Manuel
every other episode.

and he's been beating up Manuel
every other episode.

That's quite weird, right?

Cos he's a big guy
going to hit a woman.

Cos he's a big guy
going to hit a woman.

And, you know,
it's not an OK thing to do.

So, when he got slapped by Polly,

So, when he got slapped by Polly,

I think that seemed
perfectly acceptable

I think that seemed
perfectly acceptable

because that was a woman
fighting back.

And I think we all thought that
then, "Oh, good."

And I think we all thought that
then, "Oh, good."

Again!

Harder!

Right, I'll call O'Reilly.

LAUGHTER

She slaps him another three

She slaps him another three

choreographed scene.

choreographed scene.

choreographed scene.

We need that. We need her to slap
him back after he went for her,

We need that. We need her to slap
him back after he went for her,

because even in 1975,
that was a step too far.

because even in 1975,
that was a step too far.

Really, really interesting scene.

Cleese and Booth's scripts
are often a portal

Cleese and Booth's scripts
are often a portal

into the life of the 1970s
and its wider society.

into the life of the 1970s
and its wider society.

So, why were the builders Irish?

The Irish construction industry
in Britain in the '70s,

The Irish construction industry
in Britain in the '70s,

and every second builder
probably was Irish.

and every second builder
probably was Irish.

They'd come over
from the '30s onwards,

and they were helping
rebuild Britain after the war.

and they were helping
rebuild Britain after the war.

And, you know, 12% of nurses
in the NHS were Irish in the '70s.

And, you know, 12% of nurses
in the NHS were Irish in the '70s.

And, you know, 12% of nurses
in the NHS were Irish in the '70s.

Ireland in the '70s was
quite miserable, to be honest.

Ireland in the '70s was
quite miserable, to be honest.

like, for a long time.

like, for a long time.

That's probably why
a lot of Irish people up to then

That's probably why
a lot of Irish people up to then

had emigrated to England.

had emigrated to England.

But rather than welcome them
with open arms,

But rather than welcome them
with open arms,

the Irish immigrants received
a hostile reception.

the Irish immigrants received
a hostile reception.

In general,
we were terribly disrespectful

In general,
we were terribly disrespectful

to people from Ireland,

who were a part of the backbone

who were a part of the backbone

of some of the services
that we all needed.

of some of the services
that we all needed.

Two stereotypes
around Irish people -

be involved in the building trade.

be involved in the building trade.

There are also lots of jokes
about Irish people being stupid,

There are also lots of jokes
about Irish people being stupid,

There are also lots of jokes
about Irish people being stupid,

and that was incredibly prevalent
in '70s comedy.

and that was incredibly prevalent
in '70s comedy.

and that was incredibly prevalent
in '70s comedy.

IRISH ACCENT:
This is Air Fungus speaking now.

IRISH ACCENT:
This is Air Fungus speaking now.

LAUGHTER

LAUGHTER

And a special mention for my mum,
who's at the tea kiosk

And a special mention for my mum,
who's at the tea kiosk

round the corner,
by the cigarette shop.

round the corner,
by the cigarette shop.

We're announcing the departure
of flight number double-oh zero-oh

We're announcing the departure
of flight number double-oh zero-oh

to Belfast...

to Belfast...

..I think.

I do remember programmes
in the '70s,

I do remember programmes
in the '70s,

like Jim Davidson on British TV,
and he'd... Irish jokes.

like Jim Davidson on British TV,
and he'd... Irish jokes.

like Jim Davidson on British TV,
and he'd... Irish jokes.

I was quite offended by them,
you know?

Back in the day, they had those -

Back in the day, they had those -

which I would consider
really offensive -

which I would consider
really offensive -

the Paddy Englishman,
Paddy Scotsman,

the Paddy Englishman,
Paddy Scotsman,

Paddy Irishman jokes,
which you never hear any more.

Paddy Irishman jokes,
which you never hear any more.

The Englishman is always
the default, the norm,

The Englishman is always
the default, the norm,

the acceptable way
of doing something,

the acceptable way
of doing something,

and the Irishman is always stupid.

and the Irishman is always stupid.

The unwarranted prejudice
may have originated

The unwarranted prejudice
may have originated

because many
of the young Irish immigrants

because many
of the young Irish immigrants

were young
and only had primary education.

were young
and only had primary education.

As for now...

Most Irish people
are in well-paid jobs,

Most Irish people
are in well-paid jobs,

and they're pretty much, you know,
on a par with people in Britain,

and they're pretty much, you know,
on a par with people in Britain,

if not even better educated.

Do you know that they have
three different sets of numbers

Do you know that they have
three different sets of numbers

according to what you're counting?

We only have one.

Ireland is the country
that produced Oscar Wilde.

Ireland is the country
that produced Oscar Wilde.

Clearly, the idea that

Clearly, the idea that

is ridiculous.

But the 1970s IRA bombing campaign

But the 1970s IRA bombing campaign

added an extra layer of prejudice
for Irish immigrants.

added an extra layer of prejudice
for Irish immigrants.

added an extra layer of prejudice
for Irish immigrants.

in 1972, I first came.

in 1972, I first came.

would get a lot more attention.

would get a lot more attention.

You'd have to be careful
where you parked it.

It immediately drew suspicion.

It's easy to forget, actually,

It's easy to forget, actually,

how fraught a time it was
because of the Troubles.

how fraught a time it was
because of the Troubles.

how fraught a time it was
because of the Troubles.

Between the Troubles
and the economy,

Between the Troubles
and the economy,

it was quite dark
and quite desolate.

it was quite dark
and quite desolate.

So, luckily, we had comedy
to humour us up a bit, I suppose,

So, luckily, we had comedy
to humour us up a bit, I suppose,

So, luckily, we had comedy
to humour us up a bit, I suppose,

given the difficult times.

He belongs in a zoo!

Oh, Sybil, you never give anyone
the benefit of the doubt.

Oh, Sybil, you never give anyone
the benefit of the doubt.

He's shoddy, he doesn't care.

He's a liar, he's incompetent,
he's lazy.

He's nothing but a half-witted,
thick, Irish joke!

He's nothing but a half-witted,
thick, Irish joke!

Oh, hello, O'Reilly. How funny.
We were just talking about you.

Oh, hello, O'Reilly. How funny.
We were just talking about you.

And then we got onto another
Irish builder we used to know.

And then we got onto another
Irish builder we used to know.

Oh, God, he was awful!

Oh, God, he was awful!

Here we go again.
It's Pick On Ireland Week again.

Here we go again.
It's Pick On Ireland Week again.

It very much perpetuated
the stereotypes that existed,

It very much perpetuated
the stereotypes that existed,

and it played into them.

Unlike when Basil's talking
to the Major,

Unlike when Basil's talking
to the Major,

and the Major uses inappropriate
words about the cricketers,

and the Major uses inappropriate
words about the cricketers,

and Basil goes,

and Basil goes,

Sybil lets loose,
and there's nobody there to say,

Sybil lets loose,
and there's nobody there to say,

"Uh, that's not OK."

Now, Sybil, that's enough.

Now, Sybil, that's enough.

Come on, mate, give us a smile.

That's it.
Agh!

O'Reilly, I have seen

O'Reilly, I have seen

lying on their backs
at the bottom of ponds.

I have seen better organised
creatures than you

I have seen better organised
creatures than you

running round farmyards
with their heads cut off.

Now, collect your things
and get out. Agh!

Now, collect your things
and get out. Agh!

The British people watching
would have watched that and gone,

The British people watching
would have watched that and gone,

"Oh, yeah, so funny.

"These are the tropes
that we have about the Irish."

"These are the tropes
that we have about the Irish."

I think that that's something

we definitely wouldn't be allowed
to get away with now.

we definitely wouldn't be allowed
to get away with now.

He has this incompetent builder
who's Irish.

He has this incompetent builder
who's Irish.

I think that's unfortunate.

But the context of when
it was written has now moved on.

But the context of when
it was written has now moved on.

But the context of when
it was written has now moved on.

I was just looking at it
as in they were just bad builders,

I was just looking at it
as in they were just bad builders,

and I wasn't really thinking about
the historical context and stuff.

and I wasn't really thinking about
the historical context and stuff.

The bit that did make me laugh
was when she was ranting,

The bit that did make me laugh
was when she was ranting,

and then the guy walked in,
cos that's, like, a funny concept.

and then the guy walked in,
cos that's, like, a funny concept.

But I didn't get any of the...
I didn't realise

that that was, like...
against Irish people, though.

that that was, like...
against Irish people, though.

Even the idea of, like,
Basil being a cheapskate

Even the idea of, like,
Basil being a cheapskate

and hiring cheap people,
that could be funny as just, like,

and hiring cheap people,
that could be funny as just, like,

he pretends to be this posh guy,
but he's hiring,

he pretends to be this posh guy,
but he's hiring,

like, the cheapest he can find.

But then they're intertwining
the idea of being cheap

But then they're intertwining
the idea of being cheap

with being foreign or being Irish
or being Spanish or whatever.

with being foreign or being Irish
or being Spanish or whatever.

Which is degrading.
Yeah.

Did you feel
that it was out of order?

I felt it was about the character
of that particular builder,

I felt it was about the character
of that particular builder,

not Irish builders in general.

not Irish builders in general.

I felt it was
just that particular builder.

I think, at that time,

there were a lot of Irish workers
that came over.

there were a lot of Irish workers
that came over.

There were, yeah.

And I think that's where
that comes from, a bit.

And I think that's where
that comes from, a bit.

So, did Booth and Cleese make
a botched job of the builders?

So, did Booth and Cleese make
a botched job of the builders?

I thought that,
before I knew the context,

I sort of thought, like...
thought it was a bit humorous.

I sort of thought, like...
thought it was a bit humorous.

But now that I know the context...

from what you guys said,
I'd probably go kipper.

from what you guys said,
I'd probably go kipper.

Do you know what?
It was funny before that,

Do you know what?
It was funny before that,

but I'm gonna give this one
a kipper,

just that bit where she loses
the plot, cos I wish she hadn't.

just that bit where she loses
the plot, cos I wish she hadn't.

Coming up, it's just not cricket.

Coming up, it's just not cricket.

The first time
I heard the word "racism"

The first time
I heard the word "racism"

is when I arrived in the UK.

is when I arrived in the UK.

And things go from bad to worse.
CHANTING:"I can't breathe."

And things go from bad to worse.
CHANTING:"I can't breathe."

It was one of the most disgusting
things we've seen in our time.

It was one of the most disgusting
things we've seen in our time.

STEVEN BERKOFF: For many Gen Zs,

the Brexit referendum

the Brexit referendum

But if you are a baby boomer,
you might be saying...

But if you are a baby boomer,
you might be saying...

You're joking? Not another one?!

You're joking? Not another one?!

The UK joined the EEC in 1973,

The UK joined the EEC in 1973,

and in '75, a referendum asked

and in '75, a referendum asked

whether we should remain
in the European Economic Community,

whether we should remain
in the European Economic Community,

which later became the EU.

which later became the EU.

Basically, the opposite of Brexit
and without the catchy title.

Basically, the opposite of Brexit
and without the catchy title.

cos he refers to it

cos he refers to it

in one of the episodes -
"I didn't vote for it."

Course he didn't vote for it, cos,
you know, he's a Little Englander.

Course he didn't vote for it, cos,
you know, he's a Little Englander.

You'd had people
going on foreign holidays.

You'd had people
going on foreign holidays.

That had started to happen
because, basically,

That had started to happen
because, basically,

it became affordable
for ordinary people

to go on holiday,
for example, to Spain.

And in return, it meant Europeans
came on holiday to Old Blighty,

And in return, it meant Europeans
came on holiday to Old Blighty,

And in return, it meant Europeans
came on holiday to Old Blighty,

perhaps to a seaside hotel
in Torquay.

perhaps to a seaside hotel
in Torquay.

Europeans such as the Germans.

Europeans such as the Germans.

Although it was 30-odd years
since the end of the war,

Although it was 30-odd years
since the end of the war,

there were still people
within living memory.

there were still people
within living memory.

I wasn't part of it,
but my parents were.

I wasn't part of it,
but my parents were.

What we live by today
had been determined

What we live by today
had been determined

by what happened in our history.

You can't forget the war.

There was a generation
that was... maybe one,

There was a generation
that was... maybe one,

maybe almost two generations
divorced from the war.

maybe almost two generations
divorced from the war.

You're talking
about the Silent Generation

You're talking
about the Silent Generation

and the Greatest Generation,

and the Greatest Generation,

who had fought in the war
and were getting on a little bit.

who had fought in the war
and were getting on a little bit.

How did people not talk
about the war more?

How did people not talk
about the war more?

The war was closer to people
in the 1970s

The war was closer to people
in the 1970s

than things I remember as being...

than things I remember as being...

you know, Margaret Thatcher was
to us now.

you know, Margaret Thatcher was
to us now.

My father's German.
He grew up post-war.

My father's German.
He grew up post-war.

I think that most German people
were incredibly embarrassed

I think that most German people
were incredibly embarrassed

I think that most German people
were incredibly embarrassed

and reticent and,
to a certain amount, ashamed.

and reticent and,
to a certain amount, ashamed.

and reticent and,
to a certain amount, ashamed.

My father wasn't born
until after the war.

My father wasn't born
until after the war.

But in school,
he was made to feel guilty

But in school,
he was made to feel guilty

for something
that he wasn't even a part of.

for something
that he wasn't even a part of.

But clinging to the idea that
the British holiday is still alive,

But clinging to the idea that
the British holiday is still alive,

Basil wouldn't turn them away.

Basil wouldn't turn them away.

May I say how pleased we are
to have some Europeans here

May I say how pleased we are
to have some Europeans here

now that we are on the continent?

now that we are on the continent?

Can I speak to Dr Finn, please?

I didn't vote for it myself,
honestly.

But now that we're in,
I'm determined to make it work.

But now that we're in,
I'm determined to make it work.

The whole scene
is beautifully choreographed.

The whole scene
is beautifully choreographed.

Not just physically,

Not just physically,

Not just physically,

the words of it,
and how he gets to that point.

the words of it,
and how he gets to that point.

We start seeing
this freedom of movement,

and that's what we see
in this episode,

is these Germans have come
to Torquay on holiday.

is these Germans have come
to Torquay on holiday.

And if there's one thing

And if there's one thing

But us Brits are famously awkward.

But us Brits are famously awkward.

There's always an element of,

There's always an element of,

"Oh, God, the elephant

"Oh, God, the elephant

"Oh, Christ, it's an elephant,"
and you blurt it out.

"Oh, Christ, it's an elephant,"
and you blurt it out.

Because everybody's,
you know, "Ooh."

Because everybody's,
you know, "Ooh."

There would have been awkwardness.

How do we handle them?
What do we say? What do we do?

It's kind of awkward
to look someone in the face

when you've beaten them
at a world war.

Allow me to introduce myself.
I am the owner of Fawlty Towers.

Allow me to introduce myself.
I am the owner of Fawlty Towers.

Allow me to introduce myself.
I am the owner of Fawlty Towers.

And may I welcome your war...

your war... you war... you war...

your war... you war... you war...

you ALL, and hope that your stay
will be a happy one.

you ALL, and hope that your stay
will be a happy one.

I think that the writing
in the whole German bit

I think that the writing
in the whole German bit

is all very complex.

You know, the bit where he goes,

You know, the bit where he goes,

"The war... I mean, your war...
you war... you war... you all,"

"The war... I mean, your war...
you war... you war... you all,"

that bit was beautifully done.

And again,
he is the butt of that joke.

And again,
he is the butt of that joke.

You know, he's concussed.

You know, he's concussed.

Earlier in the episode,
Basil had taken multiple blows

Earlier in the episode,
Basil had taken multiple blows

from different objects,
including the moose.

from different objects,
including the moose.

Listen, don't mention the war.

I mentioned it once, but I think
I got away with it all right.

I mentioned it once, but I think
I got away with it all right.

So, it's all forgotten now,
and let's hear no more about it.

So, it's all forgotten now,
and let's hear no more about it.

So, that's two egg mayonnaise,

a prawn Goebbels, a Hermann Goring
and four Colditz salads.

a prawn Goebbels, a Hermann Goring
and four Colditz salads.

a prawn Goebbels, a Hermann Goring
and four Colditz salads.

No, wait a minute.
I got a bit confused here.

Sorry, I got a bit confused cos

Sorry, I got a bit confused cos

When you mention Fawlty Towers,

first thing
that they talk about is...

"They said don't mention the war."
That's right, yeah.

"They said don't mention the war."
That's right, yeah.

Playing on the idea
that this was a taboo

Playing on the idea
that this was a taboo

I think, was quite clever.

I think, was quite clever.

The wordplay is exquisite
in that scene.

The wordplay is exquisite
in that scene.

The fact that he manages to put
the name of prominent Nazis

The fact that he manages to put
the name of prominent Nazis

into popular foodstuffs -

into popular foodstuffs -

prawn Goebbels -
that's really funny.

prawn Goebbels -
that's really funny.

I think it's a very British thing
to do that awkward, like,

I think it's a very British thing
to do that awkward, like,

you mention something
you're not supposed to mention,

you mention something
you're not supposed to mention,

and then you end up doing it
50 times over.

Perhaps the most iconic scene
of Fawlty Towers

Perhaps the most iconic scene
of Fawlty Towers

is the climax
of the Germans episode.

is the climax
of the Germans episode.

Here, watch. Who's this, then?

Here, watch. Who's this, then?

IMITATES HITLER,
SHE SOBS

IMITATES HITLER,
SHE SOBS

I'll do the funny walk!

I'll do the funny walk!

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

The crowning glory of that scene,

The crowning glory of that scene,

which is meant to be
really so offensive,

which is meant to be
really so offensive,

is Basil doing the goose-stepping.

is Basil doing the goose-stepping.

You know why he's doing it
and what he's referring to.

You know why he's doing it
and what he's referring to.

But yet it's funny
seeing John Cleese do it.

But yet it's funny
seeing John Cleese do it.

He does an incredible goose-step.

I mean, it's an amazing movement
of his legs.

I mean, it's an amazing movement
of his legs.

I'm trying to cheer her up,
you stupid Kraut!

I'm trying to cheer her up,
you stupid Kraut!

LAUGHTER

LAUGHTER

Funny?! Not funny? You're joking!

Funny?! Not funny? You're joking!

not for any German people.

not for any German people.

You have absolutely
no sense of humour, do you?

You have absolutely
no sense of humour, do you?

This is not funny!

Who won the bloody war anyway?!

Who won the bloody war anyway?!

But was making light of the war
and our attitudes to Germans funny,

But was making light of the war
and our attitudes to Germans funny,

But was making light of the war
and our attitudes to Germans funny,

or big, or clever?

or big, or clever?

I don't know if people know this.

Germans love that episode.

My father's favourite episode
of Fawlty Towers

My father's favourite episode
of Fawlty Towers

is the Germans episode.

That was an important part
of the healing and the bonding.

That was an important part
of the healing and the bonding.

My father was working in very

My father was working in very

My father was working in very

you know,
he was their favourite Nazi.

In my opinion,
I thought it maybe reflected

the time of when it was filmed,

the time of when it was filmed,

that, collectively,
everyone was trying to process

that, collectively,
everyone was trying to process

the huge trauma of World War II.

I'd give that a bell.
Bell!

The epitome of Fawlty Towers,
so two bells for me.

The epitome of Fawlty Towers,
so two bells for me.

BELL DINGS,
SHE CHUCKLES

Cleese's mocking of British
awkwardness towards the Germans

Cleese's mocking of British
awkwardness towards the Germans

may have been given
the seal of approval,

may have been given
the seal of approval,

but in 2013, when repeating
The Germans pre-watershed,

but in 2013, when repeating
The Germans pre-watershed,

the BBC decides
to censor racial slurs

the BBC decides
to censor racial slurs

from the Major's cricket anecdote.

Remember the notorious scene
from earlier?

Remember the notorious scene
from earlier?

I don't personally think
we should censor.

I don't personally think
we should censor.

and that what stood then,
however flawed, should remain.

and that what stood then,
however flawed, should remain.

and that what stood then,
however flawed, should remain.

But for some, the Major has tainted
the legacy of Fawlty Towers.

But for some, the Major has tainted
the legacy of Fawlty Towers.

But for some, the Major has tainted
the legacy of Fawlty Towers.

I always call her Winnie...

I always call her Winnie...

She's not Black.

Black? Churchill wasn't Black.
LAUGHTER

Black? Churchill wasn't Black.
LAUGHTER

I think the Major was well acted.

I mean, in what he says
and his attitude to things.

I mean, in what he says
and his attitude to things.

The Major
is totally round the twist.

The Major
is totally round the twist.

He's obviously... Had been
badly affected by the war.

He's obviously... Had been
badly affected by the war.

It was thought that there were
people like that at the time.

It was thought that there were
people like that at the time.

The '70s were a funny time.

It was a time where Britain
was very much changing.

It was a time where Britain
was very much changing.

And the Major is a man out of
his time in this changing country.

And the Major is a man out of
his time in this changing country.

And the Major is a man out of
his time in this changing country.

MANUEL:I can speak English.

MANUEL:I can speak English.

I learn it from a book.

I learn it from a book.

Did you? Did you really?

Did you? Did you really?

you know, perplexed by this.

you know, perplexed by this.

you know, perplexed by this.

"What is that...? Why...

"What is that...? Why...

And, you know,
it's terribly effectively done.

And, you know,
it's terribly effectively done.

But there are some who felt

that the Major's ramblings
shouldn't have even made it

that the Major's ramblings
shouldn't have even made it

onto the British prime-time TV
in the first place.

onto the British prime-time TV
in the first place.

The first time I heard
the word "racism"

The first time I heard
the word "racism"

is when I arrived in the UK.

is when I arrived in the UK.

Tony Bowry left the West Indies
in a boat headed for the UK

Tony Bowry left the West Indies
in a boat headed for the UK

Tony Bowry left the West Indies
in a boat headed for the UK

in 1965.

in 1965.

in 1965.

Once in the UK,
Tony settled in Leeds.

Once in the UK,
Tony settled in Leeds.

My first experience of racism
was in a church,

My first experience of racism
was in a church,

in the Leeds Cathedral.

At the end of one service,
the local priest came and told me

At the end of one service,
the local priest came and told me

At the end of one service,
the local priest came and told me

"where my friends are".

"where my friends are".

Tony became part of what is now
known as the Windrush generation.

Tony became part of what is now
known as the Windrush generation.

Tony became part of what is now
known as the Windrush generation.

The Windrush generation
were invited over to the country

The Windrush generation
were invited over to the country

to help rebuild the country
from World War II.

to help rebuild the country
from World War II.

And for Tony, it was also
an opportunity to get involved

And for Tony, it was also
an opportunity to get involved

in a shared love of cricket.
All right.

in a shared love of cricket.
All right.

for them to create a new life

for them to create a new life

in a place where they were going
to be accepted and welcomed.

in a place where they were going
to be accepted and welcomed.

The West Indies cricket team
were a formidable force.

The West Indies cricket team
were a formidable force.

They won the inaugural World Cup
in 1975,

They won the inaugural World Cup
in 1975,

handed to them by Prince Philip.

and I think that's what makes...

you know, the whole 40 episodes
so interesting.

you know, the whole 40 episodes
so interesting.

Yes, I think the Major would be
nicely prejudiced

Yes, I think the Major would be
nicely prejudiced

and playing it so well
when it had a very English root.

and playing it so well
when it had a very English root.

Brothers Adnan and Aman,

Brothers Adnan and Aman,

whose parents migrated from India,
had similar experiences.

whose parents migrated from India,
had similar experiences.

I think they called us the P-word
and they told us to,

I think they called us the P-word
and they told us to,

you know, "F off back to where

you know, "F off back to where

It is historically recorded

It is historically recorded

that people went around
seeing signs saying,

that people went around
seeing signs saying,

"No Irish, no Blacks, no dogs."

"No Irish, no Blacks, no dogs."

That was the degree
of the prejudice.

So when Basil and the Major
have these conversations,

So when Basil and the Major
have these conversations,

and when there are
odd references to this,

and when there are
odd references to this,

it immediately strikes a chord.

it immediately strikes a chord.

So, why did John Cleese
and Connie Booth put this on TV?

So, why did John Cleese
and Connie Booth put this on TV?

Well, in Cleese's audio commentary
on the Fawlty Towers Blu-Ray,

Well, in Cleese's audio commentary
on the Fawlty Towers Blu-Ray,

he gives us an insight.

'There's a lot in this speech.
Listen carefully.'

'There's a lot in this speech.
Listen carefully.'

HE BABBLES
INCOHERENTLY

HE BABBLES
INCOHERENTLY

HE BABBLES
INCOHERENTLY

Never came back.
What a shame.

Never came back.
What a shame.

And the strange thing...

'There's a punch line to that
in a moment.'

She kept referring
to the Indians as... BLEEP.

She kept referring
to the Indians as... BLEEP.

No, no, no, no, no...

'Now, would one get away with that
these days?

'Now, would one get away with that
these days?

'I don't think so.
I don't think so.'

I don't think comedy's the medium
to try and do that. Absolutely.

I don't think comedy's the medium
to try and do that. Absolutely.

In some ways,
it's educated the racists

because it said, "These are

because it said, "These are

Cleese goes on to explain

Cleese goes on to explain

that the Major was supposed to be
a figure of fun,

that the Major was supposed to be
a figure of fun,

and therefore you could make fun
of racial attitudes.

and therefore you could make fun
of racial attitudes.

'If you were worried about it and

'If you were worried about it and

'then a whole range
of satirical humour

'then a whole range
of satirical humour

'would disappear from our culture.

'would disappear from our culture.

'So I don't think
that you can edit humour

'So I don't think
that you can edit humour

'because it may be misunderstood
by idiots.'

'because it may be misunderstood
by idiots.'

Where I would disagree with Cleese

Where I would disagree with Cleese

is the whole,
"You're supposed to laugh AT him."

is the whole,
"You're supposed to laugh AT him."

I think nowadays we would say, no,
you're supposed to tell him off.

I think nowadays we would say, no,
you're supposed to tell him off.

You're not supposed
to laugh at him and go,

"Isn't he silly
for using the wrong word?"

"Why can't you have a bit of fun?"

"Why can't you have a bit of fun?"

Well, it's not funny.

because they've been lampooned,
and Asians, over t'years,

because they've been lampooned,
and Asians, over t'years,

because they've been lampooned,
and Asians, over t'years,

so it's no different.

I'm blown away that that is...
brave, I suppose.

I'm blown away that that is...
brave, I suppose.

Cos he's not really doing
anything overly clever.

Cos he's not really doing
anything overly clever.

He's just saying, "Racism is bad,"
very, like, subtly,

He's just saying, "Racism is bad,"
very, like, subtly,

which is, like... not that crazy
of a thing to say. Yeah.

which is, like... not that crazy
of a thing to say. Yeah.

No matter how old you are,
it's upsetting, and it hurts.

No matter how old you are,
it's upsetting, and it hurts.

Start using the N-word,

and it were much worse, I thought,
Keith, than taking a punch.

and it were much worse, I thought,
Keith, than taking a punch.

and it were much worse, I thought,
Keith, than taking a punch.

I don't think it was right then,

it's not right now,
and it never will be.

it's not right now,
and it never will be.

Coming up, is Fawlty Towers
about to be consigned

Coming up, is Fawlty Towers
about to be consigned

to the dustbin of history?

It was one of the most
appalling things I've ever seen.

It was one of the most
appalling things I've ever seen.

STEVEN BERKOFF: The year is 1975.

STEVEN BERKOFF: The year is 1975.

Labour are in power,

Liverpool are embarking
on a title-winning season,

Liverpool are embarking
on a title-winning season,

Rod Stewart is on a world tour,

and Fawlty Towers hits our screens
for the first time.

and Fawlty Towers hits our screens
for the first time.

Well, may I ask
what you were expecting to see

Well, may I ask
what you were expecting to see

out of a Torquay
hotel bedroom window?

out of a Torquay
hotel bedroom window?

Sydney Opera House, perhaps?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon?

Sydney Opera House, perhaps?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon?

Herds of wildebeest
sweeping majestically?

Herds of wildebeest
sweeping majestically?

Don't be silly.

Don't be silly.

You can see the sea.

It's over there,
between the land and the sky.

It's over there,
between the land and the sky.

LAUGHTER

She says there's no view,

and we can see in the cheap set
that there is a view there.

and we can see in the cheap set
that there is a view there.

CHUCKLES

"It's over there,
between the land and the sky."

"It's over there,
between the land and the sky."

It was also quite erudite, right?
"What would you expect to see?

It was also quite erudite, right?
"What would you expect to see?

It was also quite erudite, right?
"What would you expect to see?

"The Hanging Gardens of Babylon,
perhaps?"

"The Hanging Gardens of Babylon,
perhaps?"

That's because Cleese was,
you know, university-educated,

That's because Cleese was,
you know, university-educated,

so he had all that in his armoury.

so he had all that in his armoury.

Fast forward 50 years,
Labour are in power,

Fast forward 50 years,
Labour are in power,

Liverpool top the league,

Liverpool top the league,

Rod Stewart's
a little bit less sexy,

Rod Stewart's
a little bit less sexy,

and British comedy fans are treated

and British comedy fans are treated

to a West End reboot
of Fawlty Towers.

to a West End reboot
of Fawlty Towers.

I saw the stage play

I saw the stage play

It was hilarious.

all together on stage,

all together on stage,

and it worked perfectly.

But rewind five years,
and a global news story would go on

But rewind five years,
and a global news story would go on

to prompt the BBC to review
some of its back catalogue,

to prompt the BBC to review
some of its back catalogue,

including Fawlty Towers.

including Fawlty Towers.

So, in 2020,
George Floyd got murdered,

So, in 2020,
George Floyd got murdered,

and that triggered a review
at the BBC

and that triggered a review
at the BBC

because of what the Major said.

because of what the Major said.

With the horrendous tragedy
of the George Floyd murder,

With the horrendous tragedy
of the George Floyd murder,

With the horrendous tragedy
of the George Floyd murder,

that did jolt people
into reassessing

that did jolt people
into reassessing

that did jolt people
into reassessing

how we were portraying
different races on television.

how we were portraying
different races on television.

incident got us talking.

incident got us talking.

as one of our best-loved sitcoms.

as one of our best-loved sitcoms.

as one of our best-loved sitcoms.

'Tonight, UKTV,
a channel controlled by the BBC,

'Tonight, UKTV,
a channel controlled by the BBC,

'has confirmed to Newsnight

'that it's removed the
"don't mention the war" episode.'

'that it's removed the
"don't mention the war" episode.'

'that it's removed the
"don't mention the war" episode.'

"My God, did we say that?"

Or, "Was that allowed to happen?"

And, "Should we do that?"
and, "Oh, does that make it...?"

And, "Should we do that?"
and, "Oh, does that make it...?"

"Oh, God,
that's not funny any more."

So that was
a kind of watershed moment.

So that was
a kind of watershed moment.

John Cleese, though,
stood by his work.

John Cleese, though,
stood by his work.

I think that the BBC
is a slightly special case.

I think that the BBC
is a slightly special case.

They do have a little bit more
of a responsibility

to make sure that all people
in the country

to make sure that all people
in the country

are feeling serviced
by that service.

A month later,
and UKTV reinstated the episode.

A month later,
and UKTV reinstated the episode.

A month later,
and UKTV reinstated the episode.

REPORTER:UKTV is to bring back the
Fawlty Towers episode The Germans,

REPORTER:UKTV is to bring back the
Fawlty Towers episode The Germans,

saying viewers will be warned
about its content.

saying viewers will be warned
about its content.

Fair enough to say, "There is
language that you won't like

Fair enough to say, "There is
language that you won't like

"and attitudes to race

"and attitudes to race

"or... other cultural aspects."

"or... other cultural aspects."

You can't rewrite history,
and you shouldn't.

You can't rewrite history,
and you shouldn't.

Oh, you can't rewrite history,
but you can rewrite the future.

Oh, you can't rewrite history,
but you can rewrite the future.

Oh, you can't rewrite history,
but you can rewrite the future.

The Fawlty Towers stage play

The Fawlty Towers stage play

is an amalgamation of three
classic Fawlty Towers episodes,

is an amalgamation of three
classic Fawlty Towers episodes,

including The Germans,

of the N-word in the reversion.

of the N-word in the reversion.

of the N-word in the reversion.

I'd say don't use it.

I'd say don't use it.

I don't think there's any case
for that in the stage play now.

I don't think there's any case
for that in the stage play now.

Cleese was challenged
on using the N-word

Cleese was challenged
on using the N-word

at the press launch
for the stage play.

at the press launch
for the stage play.

for modern sensibility?

for modern sensibility?

for modern sensibility?

A couple of things, and I wouldn't
have done it in a perfect world.

A couple of things, and I wouldn't
have done it in a perfect world.

But you know
what social media's like.

People get so excited,
it's not worth the candle.

People get so excited,
it's not worth the candle.

So we changed a couple of

So we changed a couple of

Yeah.
Anything else?

I don't agree with
policing of language.

I don't agree with
policing of language.

But at the same time,

I also don't agree with
upsetting people unnecessarily.

I also don't agree with
upsetting people unnecessarily.

So I think he made the right call.

They got it right in not using it.

They got it right in not using it.

I think today, where there is

I think today, where there is

I think today, where there is

I think today, where there is

the people who did the play

the people who did the play

are quite responsible
not to use it in that way.

are quite responsible
not to use it in that way.

So, where does this leave
the legacy of Fawlty Towers?

So, where does this leave
the legacy of Fawlty Towers?

is that it will go down

is that it will go down

as one of the most famous comedies
ever on television.

as one of the most famous comedies
ever on television.

You got the iconic elements,

like Basil Fawlty beating the car
with the tree branch.

like Basil Fawlty beating the car
with the tree branch.

That's always gonna be, I think,
one of the top moments

That's always gonna be, I think,
one of the top moments

in British history
in terms of comedy.

in British history
in terms of comedy.

Our generational viewers
awarded 12 bells and four kippers,

Our generational viewers
awarded 12 bells and four kippers,

so I guess
it's not completely cancelled.

so I guess
it's not completely cancelled.

And the Gen Zs liked it much more
than we thought they would,

And the Gen Zs liked it much more
than we thought they would,

which goes to show you,

you shouldn't stereotype people
for comic purposes,

you shouldn't stereotype people
for comic purposes,

even if it is really, really funny.

even if it is really, really funny.

I think that we can all
look back on Fawlty Towers

I think that we can all
look back on Fawlty Towers

with 80%, 90% degree
of fondness and pride

with 80%, 90% degree
of fondness and pride

with 80%, 90% degree
of fondness and pride

for it being a wonderful
British product of British comedy.

for it being a wonderful
British product of British comedy.

But the Major, that scene today
is incredibly problematic.

But the Major, that scene today
is incredibly problematic.

But the Major, that scene today
is incredibly problematic.

I hope you've enjoyed your stay
here at Fawlty Towers.

I hope you've enjoyed your stay
here at Fawlty Towers.

And if we notice so much as
a facecloth missing from your room,

And if we notice so much as
a facecloth missing from your room,

we will be issuing a warrant
for your immediate arrest.

we will be issuing a warrant
for your immediate arrest.

Good night.