1 00:00:07,755 --> 00:00:09,755 MOOING 2 00:00:09,795 --> 00:00:10,475 MOOING 3 00:00:10,515 --> 00:00:11,715 THEY LAUGH 4 00:00:11,755 --> 00:00:13,755 I couldn't live without comedy. 5 00:00:13,795 --> 00:00:15,795 What is the point if you can't laugh every day, 6 00:00:15,835 --> 00:00:16,075 What is the point if you can't laugh every day, 7 00:00:16,115 --> 00:00:17,755 and hopefully several times a day? 8 00:00:17,795 --> 00:00:19,795 STEVEN BERKOFF: Fawlty Towers is an all-time comedy classic... 9 00:00:19,835 --> 00:00:21,395 STEVEN BERKOFF: Fawlty Towers is an all-time comedy classic... 10 00:00:21,435 --> 00:00:23,435 When I was growing up, Fawlty Towers was up there. 11 00:00:23,475 --> 00:00:23,755 When I was growing up, Fawlty Towers was up there. 12 00:00:23,795 --> 00:00:25,795 ..keeping the nation in hysterics for 50 years. 13 00:00:25,835 --> 00:00:27,835 ..keeping the nation in hysterics for 50 years. 14 00:00:27,875 --> 00:00:28,155 ..keeping the nation in hysterics for 50 years. 15 00:00:28,195 --> 00:00:29,755 Do we think that's classic, 00:00:48,435 Immensely, immensely wonderful programme. 29 00:00:48,475 --> 00:00:50,475 A great British farce that was almost canned before it began. 30 00:00:50,515 --> 00:00:52,515 A great British farce that was almost canned before it began. 31 00:00:52,555 --> 00:00:52,755 A great British farce that was almost canned before it began. 32 00:00:54,075 --> 00:00:56,075 All this terrible feedback came back, and yet it still aired. 33 00:00:56,115 --> 00:00:56,675 00:01:09,355 The bottom line is, it's not acceptable. 43 00:01:09,395 --> 00:01:09,915 The bottom line is, it's not acceptable. 44 00:01:09,955 --> 00:01:11,955 So, is it still funny? 45 00:01:11,995 --> 00:01:13,995 We can't say anything these days. 46 00:01:14,035 --> 00:01:14,435 We can't say anything these days. 47 00:01:14,475 --> 00:01:16,475 Despite all of the head-slapping and goose-stepping. 48 00:01:16,515 --> 00:01:17,515 Despite all of the head-slapping and goose-stepping. 49 00:01:19,315 --> 00:01:21,315 would just be cutting up a piece of classic comedy history. 50 00:01:21,355 --> 00:01:21,795 would just be cutting up a piece of classic comedy history. 51 00:01:21,835 --> 00:01:23,835 We've assembled a group of baby boomers and Gen Zs, 52 00:01:23,875 --> 00:01:25,395 We've assembled a group of baby boomers and Gen Zs, 53 00:01:25,435 --> 00:01:27,435 who are joined by an expert panel 54 00:01:27,475 --> 00:01:27,715 who are joined by an expert panel 55 00:01:27,755 --> 00:01:29,755 to help guide us through this British classic. 56 00:01:29,795 --> 00:01:30,155 to help guide us through this British classic. 57 00:01:30,195 --> 00:01:32,195 They'll be watching it back through the lens of today and yesteryear 58 00:01:32,235 --> 00:01:33,475 They'll be watching it back through the lens of today and yesteryear 59 00:01:33,515 --> 00:01:35,515 to see if there really should be the cancellation of Fawlty Towers. 60 00:01:35,555 --> 00:01:37,555 to see if there really should be the cancellation of Fawlty Towers. 61 00:01:37,595 --> 00:01:37,795 to see if there really should be the cancellation of Fawlty Towers. 62 00:01:43,395 --> 00:01:45,395 It's 9pm on Friday, 19th of September, 1975, 63 00:01:45,435 --> 00:01:47,435 It's 9pm on Friday, 19th of September, 1975, 64 00:01:47,475 --> 00:01:48,075 It's 9pm on Friday, 19th of September, 1975, 65 00:01:48,115 --> 00:01:50,115 and the nation is settling down for the evening. 66 00:01:50,155 --> 00:01:50,875 and the nation is settling down for the evening. 67 00:01:53,435 --> 00:01:55,435 It's an altogether simpler time. 68 00:01:55,475 --> 00:01:55,795 It's an altogether simpler time. 69 00:01:57,435 --> 00:01:59,435 A time when we would sit down in unison, 70 00:01:59,475 --> 00:01:59,755 A time when we would sit down in unison, 71 00:01:59,795 --> 00:02:01,795 turn on the box and soak up what was being served to us. 72 00:02:01,835 --> 00:02:03,835 turn on the box and soak up what was being served to us. 73 00:02:03,875 --> 00:02:04,715 turn on the box and soak up what was being served to us. 74 00:02:04,755 --> 00:02:06,755 TV ANNOUNCER:BBC Two, hello again. Good evening to you. 75 00:02:06,795 --> 00:02:07,235 TV ANNOUNCER:BBC Two, hello again. Good evening to you. 76 00:02:07,275 --> 00:02:09,275 Now time for a new sitcom. 77 00:02:09,315 --> 00:02:09,555 Now time for a new sitcom. 78 00:02:09,595 --> 00:02:11,595 Pack your bags and let's check in to Fawlty Towers. 79 00:02:11,635 --> 00:02:13,635 00:02:25,515 SHOUTING:Start, you vicious bastard! Come on! 88 00:02:25,555 --> 00:02:27,555 THEY CHUCKLE 89 00:02:27,595 --> 00:02:28,115 THEY CHUCKLE 90 00:02:28,155 --> 00:02:30,155 That episode became quite famous for his beating the car. 91 00:02:30,195 --> 00:02:31,995 That episode became quite famous for his beating the car. 92 00:02:32,035 --> 00:02:33,635 It's quintessentially Basil. 93 00:02:33,675 --> 00:02:35,675 Basil Fawlty is a man at odds with the modern world, 94 00:02:35,715 --> 00:02:37,595 Basil Fawlty is a man at odds with the modern world, 95 00:02:37,635 --> 00:02:39,635 getting very angry at an Austin Countryman 96 00:02:39,675 --> 00:02:40,675 getting very angry at an Austin Countryman 97 00:02:40,715 --> 00:02:42,715 on a rainy street in a country 98 00:02:42,755 --> 00:02:42,995 on a rainy street in a country 99 00:02:43,035 --> 00:02:45,035 where the cars never seem to work any more. 100 00:02:45,075 --> 00:02:45,875 where the cars never seem to work any more. 101 00:02:45,915 --> 00:02:46,955 ENGINE CLICKING 102 00:02:46,995 --> 00:02:48,995 I'm warning you, if you don't start...! 103 00:02:49,035 --> 00:02:49,315 00:03:01,195 You've tried it on just once too often. 111 00:03:01,235 --> 00:03:03,235 Right! Well, don't say I haven't warned you! 112 00:03:03,275 --> 00:03:03,755 Right! Well, don't say I haven't warned you! 113 00:03:03,795 --> 00:03:05,795 That is a scene that's stuck 00:03:13,915 He's like, "If you don't start in the next three seconds... 120 00:03:13,955 --> 00:03:15,195 "Right, that's it, that's it." 121 00:03:15,235 --> 00:03:16,595 We've all been there. 122 00:03:16,635 --> 00:03:18,635 I've laid it on the line to you time and time again! 123 00:03:18,675 --> 00:03:19,875 00:03:39,675 00:03:51,675 Do I think we can relate to that? 140 00:03:51,715 --> 00:03:53,715 When we're frustrated, I think probably, yeah. 141 00:03:53,755 --> 00:03:54,035 When we're frustrated, I think probably, yeah. 142 00:03:54,075 --> 00:03:55,795 Maybe not bashing your own car. 143 00:03:55,835 --> 00:03:57,075 That's a bit extreme, 144 00:03:57,115 --> 00:03:59,115 00:04:07,235 at his car in the middle of, 150 00:04:07,275 --> 00:04:08,635 at his car in the middle of, 151 00:04:08,675 --> 00:04:10,515 like, a rainy British street. 152 00:04:10,555 --> 00:04:12,555 I think that's... Yeah. Who would have thought it? 153 00:04:12,595 --> 00:04:12,835 I think that's... Yeah. Who would have thought it? 154 00:04:12,875 --> 00:04:14,875 The Gen Zs actually like it. 155 00:04:14,915 --> 00:04:15,595 The Gen Zs actually like it. 156 00:04:15,635 --> 00:04:17,635 00:04:59,075 there can be a big difference 183 00:04:59,115 --> 00:05:00,395 there can be a big difference 184 00:05:00,435 --> 00:05:02,435 between the baby boomer and the Gen Zs. 185 00:05:02,475 --> 00:05:03,115 between the baby boomer and the Gen Zs. 186 00:05:03,155 --> 00:05:04,595 I am middle class. 187 00:05:04,635 --> 00:05:05,875 I'm a baby boomer. 188 00:05:05,915 --> 00:05:07,915 I look down on Gen Z and modern society, 189 00:05:07,955 --> 00:05:08,835 I look down on Gen Z and modern society, 190 00:05:08,875 --> 00:05:10,875 00:05:20,555 The past is 50 years ago now, and Britain in 1975 196 00:05:20,595 --> 00:05:22,075 The past is 50 years ago now, and Britain in 1975 197 00:05:22,115 --> 00:05:24,115 is going through a bit of a rough time. 198 00:05:24,155 --> 00:05:24,395 is going through a bit of a rough time. 199 00:05:24,435 --> 00:05:25,755 There were three-day weeks, 200 00:05:25,795 --> 00:05:27,795 collapsing governments, kidnappings and bombings. 201 00:05:27,835 --> 00:05:29,275 collapsing governments, kidnappings and bombings. 202 00:05:29,315 --> 00:05:31,315 Then a vote for stronger ties with Europe meant 203 00:05:31,355 --> 00:05:31,555 Then a vote for stronger ties with Europe meant 204 00:05:34,635 --> 00:05:36,635 00:05:37,035 There were plenty of people going, "Yes, we are open to this," 206 00:05:37,075 --> 00:05:38,435 and, "Welcome to our island." 207 00:05:38,475 --> 00:05:40,475 And welcome to Torquay, and a tiny part of little Britain 208 00:05:40,515 --> 00:05:42,155 And welcome to Torquay, and a tiny part of little Britain 209 00:05:42,195 --> 00:05:44,195 called Fawlty Towers, a place where nothing has really changed 210 00:05:44,235 --> 00:05:46,235 called Fawlty Towers, a place where nothing has really changed 211 00:05:46,275 --> 00:05:46,755 called Fawlty Towers, a place where nothing has really changed 212 00:05:46,795 --> 00:05:48,795 and where everyone still acts like Britain rules the waves. 213 00:05:48,835 --> 00:05:50,795 and where everyone still acts like Britain rules the waves. 214 00:05:50,835 --> 00:05:52,835 The only image I have of Torquay in the '70s is Fawlty Towers. 215 00:05:52,875 --> 00:05:53,635 The only image I have of Torquay 00:06:04,315 and satirised back in that period of time. 222 00:06:04,355 --> 00:06:06,355 You've got characters that represent social types. 223 00:06:06,395 --> 00:06:07,395 You've got characters that represent social types. 224 00:06:07,435 --> 00:06:09,435 Joining car thrashing hotelier Basil Fawlty 225 00:06:09,475 --> 00:06:10,835 Joining car thrashing hotelier Basil Fawlty 226 00:06:21,795 --> 00:06:23,795 00:06:30,755 it's the reaction to the thing. 233 00:06:30,795 --> 00:06:32,795 The Major was the voice of old. He was the pre-war voice. 234 00:06:32,835 --> 00:06:34,835 The Major was the voice of old. He was the pre-war voice. 235 00:06:34,875 --> 00:06:36,835 He was the person 00:06:54,395 a lot of retired people would actually just take to hotels 248 00:06:54,435 --> 00:06:55,635 and live in hotels. 249 00:06:55,675 --> 00:06:57,675 Then there are the staff who conspire against each other. 250 00:06:57,715 --> 00:06:59,395 Then there are the staff who conspire against each other. 251 00:06:59,435 --> 00:07:00,995 I've gone blank. 252 00:07:04,195 --> 00:07:05,155 Bird-brain! 253 00:07:06,675 --> 00:07:08,315 00:07:18,195 and they make that into a real dramatic comic episode. 259 00:07:18,235 --> 00:07:20,235 and they make that into a real dramatic comic episode. 260 00:07:20,275 --> 00:07:21,355 and they make that into a real dramatic comic episode. 261 00:07:21,395 --> 00:07:23,395 Erm, it's quite wonderful. 262 00:07:23,435 --> 00:07:25,435 00:07:34,915 She'd be a dolly bird, 270 00:07:34,955 --> 00:07:36,955 and she'd just be an idiot and all that stuff. 271 00:07:36,995 --> 00:07:37,355 and she'd just be an idiot and all that stuff. 272 00:07:37,395 --> 00:07:39,395 No. She's the smart one. She's the clever one. 273 00:07:39,435 --> 00:07:39,915 No. She's the smart one. 00:07:57,635 about what was reality in Britain. 283 00:07:57,675 --> 00:07:59,675 about what was reality in Britain. 284 00:07:59,715 --> 00:08:00,875 about what was reality in Britain. 285 00:08:00,915 --> 00:08:02,915 There were a lot of people who came to do exactly the work 286 00:08:02,955 --> 00:08:04,875 There were a lot of people who came to do exactly the work 287 00:08:04,915 --> 00:08:06,915 00:08:17,275 So you see we couldn't possibly 296 00:08:17,315 --> 00:08:18,995 So you see we couldn't possibly 297 00:08:19,035 --> 00:08:20,795 But if you want it done straightaway, 298 00:08:20,835 --> 00:08:22,835 oh, what's his name? 299 00:08:22,875 --> 00:08:24,875 oh, what's his name? 300 00:08:24,915 --> 00:08:25,155 oh, what's his name? 301 00:08:25,195 --> 00:08:27,155 00:08:35,515 That's very, very good physical comedy. 308 00:08:35,555 --> 00:08:36,395 That's very, very good physical comedy. 309 00:08:36,435 --> 00:08:38,435 And also with the character of Sybil, 310 00:08:38,475 --> 00:08:38,755 And also with the character of Sybil, 311 00:08:38,795 --> 00:08:40,795 00:08:49,075 But the idea that they're getting 317 00:08:49,115 --> 00:08:51,115 And of course, Basil himself. 318 00:08:51,155 --> 00:08:52,715 And of course, Basil himself. 319 00:08:57,675 --> 00:08:59,395 Land of the living, probably. 320 00:08:59,435 --> 00:09:01,435 between the two of them. 321 00:09:01,475 --> 00:09:03,115 between the two of them. 322 00:09:03,155 --> 00:09:05,155 How she's gonna tell him what to do and how to do it. 323 00:09:05,195 --> 00:09:06,235 00:09:13,955 And how, you know, "Do you remember when we had fun?" 329 00:09:13,995 --> 00:09:14,275 And how, you know, "Do you remember when we had fun?" 330 00:09:14,315 --> 00:09:16,315 It's a satire of an old-fashioned world 331 00:09:16,355 --> 00:09:17,195 It's a satire of an old-fashioned world 332 00:09:17,235 --> 00:09:19,115 in chaos and decline. 333 00:09:19,155 --> 00:09:21,155 The more you understand about history, 334 00:09:21,195 --> 00:09:21,635 00:10:04,075 you know, very conservative and all of that, 360 00:10:04,115 --> 00:10:04,555 you know, very conservative and all of that, 361 00:10:04,595 --> 00:10:06,595 you'd expect to have good service and very polite... 362 00:10:06,635 --> 00:10:07,875 you'd expect to have good service and very polite... 363 00:10:07,915 --> 00:10:09,755 00:10:27,395 and now hotelier called Donald Sinclair. 371 00:10:27,435 --> 00:10:29,075 and now hotelier called Donald Sinclair. 372 00:10:29,115 --> 00:10:31,115 Most of the Monty Python cast checked out early 373 00:10:31,155 --> 00:10:31,955 Most of the Monty Python cast checked out early 374 00:10:31,995 --> 00:10:33,995 to find somewhere with better service, 375 00:10:34,035 --> 00:10:34,595 to find somewhere with better service, 376 00:10:34,635 --> 00:10:36,635 but not Connie Booth and John Cleese. 377 00:10:36,675 --> 00:10:37,355 but not Connie Booth and John Cleese. 378 00:10:37,395 --> 00:10:39,395 They stayed on 00:10:47,875 You're a naughty boy, Fawlty! 385 00:10:47,915 --> 00:10:48,155 You're a naughty boy, Fawlty! 386 00:10:48,195 --> 00:10:49,755 Don't do it again! 387 00:10:49,795 --> 00:10:51,795 What am I gonna do?! She's gonna be back at lunchtime! 388 00:10:51,835 --> 00:10:52,915 What am I gonna do?! 00:11:01,155 particularly in that weird, ill-fitting jacket 394 00:11:01,195 --> 00:11:01,435 particularly in that weird, ill-fitting jacket 395 00:11:01,475 --> 00:11:03,355 that he's wearing at the time, 396 00:11:03,395 --> 00:11:05,355 sort of somehow heightens the comedy of that. 397 00:11:05,395 --> 00:11:07,235 We were staying 00:11:17,235 Just because the guests were a nuisance. 404 00:11:17,275 --> 00:11:17,675 Just because the guests were a nuisance. 405 00:11:17,715 --> 00:11:19,715 And when Connie and I wanted to write something 406 00:11:19,755 --> 00:11:20,035 And when Connie and I wanted to write something 407 00:11:20,075 --> 00:11:22,075 00:11:52,155 Yes, I know! 425 00:11:52,195 --> 00:11:54,195 It's not anything like as good as Fawlty Towers. 426 00:11:54,235 --> 00:11:55,995 It's not anything like as good as Fawlty Towers. 427 00:11:56,035 --> 00:11:58,035 I think one of the things is, the character in Doctor At Large 428 00:11:58,075 --> 00:11:58,955 00:12:10,275 He hasn't got the kind of affected accent that Basil has. 436 00:12:10,315 --> 00:12:12,315 So the snobbery that drives a lot of Basil's mania is not there. 437 00:12:12,355 --> 00:12:14,195 So the snobbery that drives a lot of Basil's mania is not there. 438 00:12:14,235 --> 00:12:16,235 But sprinkle a bit more comedy over the rudeness, 439 00:12:16,275 --> 00:12:16,755 But sprinkle a bit more comedy over the rudeness, 440 00:12:16,795 --> 00:12:18,795 add a little snobbery, and of course, John Cleese, and... 441 00:12:18,835 --> 00:12:20,435 add a little snobbery, and of course, John Cleese, and... 442 00:12:20,475 --> 00:12:22,475 Could you put both your names, please? 443 00:12:22,515 --> 00:12:22,755 Could you put both your names, please? 444 00:12:22,795 --> 00:12:24,035 Well, will you give me a date? 445 00:12:24,075 --> 00:12:26,075 00:12:37,355 I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. 452 00:12:37,395 --> 00:12:39,395 The phone is quite a good comic device in Fawlty Towers, 453 00:12:39,435 --> 00:12:41,275 The phone is quite a good comic device in Fawlty Towers, 454 00:12:41,315 --> 00:12:43,315 and it's used really well 00:12:52,955 And he suddenly realises he's talking to aristocracy, 461 00:12:52,995 --> 00:12:53,715 And he suddenly realises he's talking to aristocracy, 462 00:12:53,755 --> 00:12:54,955 and he's such a snob. 463 00:12:54,995 --> 00:12:56,995 A lot of the humour came from the fact 464 00:12:57,035 --> 00:12:57,595 A lot of the humour came from the fact 465 00:12:57,635 --> 00:12:59,635 that Basil kowtows to anyone with status, 466 00:12:59,675 --> 00:13:00,395 that Basil kowtows to anyone with status, 467 00:13:00,435 --> 00:13:02,435 and views everyone with regards to their class. 468 00:13:02,475 --> 00:13:03,835 and views everyone with regards to their class. 469 00:13:03,875 --> 00:13:05,875 Basil Fawlty is obviously gonna be a sycophant, isn't he, 470 00:13:05,915 --> 00:13:06,675 Basil Fawlty is obviously gonna be a sycophant, isn't he, 471 00:13:06,715 --> 00:13:08,035 to anyone who comes in? 472 00:13:08,075 --> 00:13:10,075 00:13:24,195 anything that I can do for you? 479 00:13:24,235 --> 00:13:25,355 anything that I can do for you? 480 00:13:25,395 --> 00:13:26,475 Anything. 481 00:13:26,515 --> 00:13:28,275 Yes. Well, I have filled this in. 482 00:13:28,315 --> 00:13:30,115 Oh, please don't bother with that. 483 00:13:30,155 --> 00:13:32,155 A single? A double? A suite? 484 00:13:32,195 --> 00:13:32,675 A single? A double? A suite? 485 00:13:32,715 --> 00:13:34,715 00:13:42,795 With a bath? Oh, naturally. Naturally. 492 00:13:42,835 --> 00:13:44,515 Naturally! 493 00:13:44,555 --> 00:13:46,435 BASIL LAUGHS 494 00:13:46,475 --> 00:13:48,475 I'm not too sure that there are many people 495 00:13:48,515 --> 00:13:48,875 I'm not too sure that there are many people 496 00:13:48,915 --> 00:13:50,915 00:14:16,855 STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s, Fawlty Towers was a huge hit, 504 00:14:16,895 --> 00:14:18,095 STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s, Fawlty Towers was a huge hit, 505 00:14:18,135 --> 00:14:20,135 but one episode in particular was the most controversial ever. 506 00:14:20,175 --> 00:14:22,175 but one episode in particular was the most controversial ever. 507 00:14:22,215 --> 00:14:22,455 but one episode in particular was the most controversial ever. 508 00:14:22,495 --> 00:14:24,295 It's only a bit of comedy, though. 509 00:14:24,335 --> 00:14:25,895 How bad can it be? 510 00:14:28,815 --> 00:14:30,815 Some of the language in the next scene is so offensive, 511 00:14:30,855 --> 00:14:31,495 Some of the language in the next scene is so offensive, 512 00:14:31,535 --> 00:14:33,535 it's rarely broadcast, given today's standards. 513 00:14:33,575 --> 00:14:35,575 it's rarely broadcast, given today's standards. 514 00:14:35,615 --> 00:14:35,895 it's rarely broadcast, given today's standards. 515 00:14:35,935 --> 00:14:37,935 And the strange thing was that throughout the morning, 516 00:14:37,975 --> 00:14:39,095 And the strange thing was that throughout the morning, 517 00:14:39,135 --> 00:14:41,135 00:14:45,575 ' "BLEEPare the West Indians. 00:14:51,495 ' "No, no, no," she said...' ' "No, no, no, no, no," I said.' 525 00:14:53,415 --> 00:14:55,415 That... That was a hard watch. Erm... 526 00:14:55,455 --> 00:14:56,095 00:15:00,135 The unsayable racial slurs are the "W-word" 529 00:15:00,175 --> 00:15:02,175 and what is often referred to now as the "N-word". 530 00:15:02,215 --> 00:15:03,655 and what is often referred to now as the "N-word". 531 00:15:03,695 --> 00:15:05,695 I must have been keen on her because, is 532 00:15:05,735 --> 00:15:06,375 I must have been keen on her 00:15:19,175 {\an8}India? And in fact, it was India playing cricket at The Oval. 539 00:15:19,215 --> 00:15:21,215 None of them really understands 540 00:15:21,255 --> 00:15:23,255 the true meaning of what they're saying. 541 00:15:23,295 --> 00:15:23,775 the true meaning of what they're saying. 542 00:15:23,815 --> 00:15:25,815 And that's funny. 00:15:29,135 "No, no, no, no, no," I said. 546 00:15:29,175 --> 00:15:31,175 "BLEEPare the West Indians. These people are BLEEP." 547 00:15:31,215 --> 00:15:33,215 "BLEEPare the West Indians. 00:15:35,775 You would no way be able to air that today. 550 00:15:35,815 --> 00:15:37,135 You would no way be able to air that today. 551 00:15:37,175 --> 00:15:39,175 How uncomfortable was that, watching that? 552 00:15:39,215 --> 00:15:39,455 00:15:47,535 00:15:49,215 There's a lot of words in there 559 00:15:49,255 --> 00:15:50,855 that nowadays people would go, "Oof." 560 00:15:50,895 --> 00:15:52,055 We were a little bit, I think. 561 00:15:52,095 --> 00:15:53,415 It's quite shocking, to be fair. 562 00:15:53,455 --> 00:15:55,455 For those type of derogatory terms 00:16:03,895 In those days, it was funny, and it still is funny to me. 569 00:16:03,935 --> 00:16:05,815 But, erm, you know, it just wouldn't... 570 00:16:07,855 --> 00:16:09,855 SHE CHUCKLES 571 00:16:09,895 --> 00:16:10,095 SHE CHUCKLES 572 00:16:10,135 --> 00:16:12,135 I can't say things like that. 573 00:16:12,175 --> 00:16:12,375 I can't say things like that. 574 00:16:12,415 --> 00:16:14,135 I'm gonna give that a kipper. 575 00:16:14,175 --> 00:16:15,455 00:16:22,895 Because from a comedy perspective, it makes me chuckle. 582 00:16:22,935 --> 00:16:24,935 And for me to say... to give it the kipper, 583 00:16:24,975 --> 00:16:25,255 And for me to say... to give it the kipper, 584 00:16:25,295 --> 00:16:26,975 I think I wouldn't be telling the truth. 585 00:16:29,295 --> 00:16:31,295 The Major's controversial use of the N-word 586 00:16:31,335 --> 00:16:32,335 The Major's controversial use of the N-word 587 00:16:32,375 --> 00:16:34,415 has divided the generations. 588 00:16:34,455 --> 00:16:36,455 And it also is a reflection of what you could get away with 589 00:16:36,495 --> 00:16:38,495 And it also is a reflection of what you could get away with 590 00:16:38,535 --> 00:16:38,815 And it also is a reflection of what you could get away with 591 00:16:38,855 --> 00:16:40,535 00:16:49,495 doesn't enjoy watching it, they don't need to watch it. 597 00:16:49,535 --> 00:16:51,535 But how was it ever OK to even say that on British TV? 598 00:16:51,575 --> 00:16:53,575 But how was it ever OK to even say that on British TV? 599 00:16:53,615 --> 00:16:53,895 But how was it ever OK to even say that on British TV? 600 00:16:53,935 --> 00:16:55,935 Well, it almost never made it past the pilot stage. 601 00:16:55,975 --> 00:16:57,695 Well, it almost never made it past the pilot stage. 602 00:16:57,735 --> 00:16:59,735 Connie and John wrote Fawlty Towers together, 603 00:16:59,775 --> 00:17:00,455 Connie and John wrote Fawlty Towers together, 604 00:17:00,495 --> 00:17:02,495 which famously took them almost six weeks for each episode 605 00:17:02,535 --> 00:17:04,295 which famously took them almost six weeks for each episode 606 00:17:04,335 --> 00:17:06,335 due to them refining the plots and maximising the comedy. 607 00:17:06,375 --> 00:17:07,735 due to them refining the plots and maximising the comedy. 608 00:17:07,775 --> 00:17:09,775 But at the time, not everyone saw the potential. 609 00:17:09,815 --> 00:17:11,415 But at the time, not everyone saw the potential. 610 00:17:11,455 --> 00:17:13,455 BBC script editor Ian Main was handed the pilot script, 611 00:17:13,495 --> 00:17:15,495 BBC script editor Ian Main was handed the pilot script, 612 00:17:15,535 --> 00:17:15,815 BBC script editor Ian Main was handed the pilot script, 613 00:17:15,855 --> 00:17:17,855 and promptly sent back a rather scathing response. 614 00:17:17,895 --> 00:17:19,895 and promptly sent back a rather scathing response. 615 00:17:19,935 --> 00:17:20,215 and promptly sent back a rather scathing response. 616 00:17:20,255 --> 00:17:22,175 {\an8}I think this is another classic story, really. 617 00:17:22,215 --> 00:17:24,215 {\an8}Somebody sees the first episode, 618 00:17:24,255 --> 00:17:24,495 {\an8} 00:17:32,895 why it was all set in one place, 624 00:17:32,935 --> 00:17:34,935 why it was all set in one place, 625 00:17:34,975 --> 00:17:35,495 why it was all set in one place, 626 00:17:35,535 --> 00:17:37,535 and why would he leave Monty Python for this? 627 00:17:37,575 --> 00:17:38,335 and why would he leave Monty Python for this? 628 00:17:38,375 --> 00:17:40,375 {\an8}I love the fact that all 629 00:17:40,415 --> 00:17:42,215 {\an8}I love the fact that all 630 00:17:42,255 --> 00:17:44,255 {\an8}All this terrible feedback 00:17:53,695 "Yeah, that was... That was my idea. I put that on." 637 00:17:53,735 --> 00:17:54,135 "Yeah, that was... That was my idea. I put that on." 638 00:17:54,175 --> 00:17:56,175 SHE LAUGHS 639 00:17:56,215 --> 00:17:57,495 SHE LAUGHS 640 00:17:57,535 --> 00:17:59,535 Nevertheless, on 19th of September, 1975, 641 00:17:59,575 --> 00:18:00,855 Nevertheless, on 19th of September, 1975, 642 00:18:00,895 --> 00:18:02,895 Fawlty Towers aired for the first time, 643 00:18:02,935 --> 00:18:04,935 and the laughter began even before the action did 644 00:18:04,975 --> 00:18:06,135 and the laughter began even before the action did 645 00:18:06,175 --> 00:18:08,175 with this iconic theme tune. 646 00:18:08,215 --> 00:18:08,455 with this iconic theme tune. 647 00:18:08,495 --> 00:18:10,495 MUSIC: 'Fawlty Towers' by Dennis Wilson 648 00:18:10,535 --> 00:18:10,735 MUSIC: 'Fawlty Towers' by Dennis Wilson 649 00:18:14,015 --> 00:18:16,015 ALL: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes... 650 00:18:16,055 --> 00:18:17,495 ALL: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes... 651 00:18:24,055 --> 00:18:26,055 THEY LAUGH 652 00:18:26,095 --> 00:18:26,415 THEY LAUGH 653 00:18:26,455 --> 00:18:28,455 The very much loved music and the accompanying hotel sign 654 00:18:28,495 --> 00:18:29,335 The very much loved music and the accompanying hotel sign 655 00:18:29,375 --> 00:18:31,335 soon became a talking point. 656 00:18:31,375 --> 00:18:33,295 You used to love those anagrams, didn't you? 657 00:18:33,335 --> 00:18:35,335 I like that, to be fair. I like that. That's... 658 00:18:35,375 --> 00:18:35,615 I like that, to be fair. I like that. That's... 659 00:18:35,655 --> 00:18:37,655 I think that's, like... 660 00:18:37,695 --> 00:18:38,815 00:18:46,535 00:18:48,695 But you always imagine there was some vandal, 668 00:18:48,735 --> 00:18:50,695 or somebody who had a thing against Basil, 669 00:18:50,735 --> 00:18:52,735 coming by the sign every week 00:19:21,495 "Flowery twats" is one of the few pure anagrams, 676 00:19:21,535 --> 00:19:23,015 "Flowery twats" is one of the few pure anagrams, 677 00:19:23,055 --> 00:19:24,135 like, every letter used. 678 00:19:24,175 --> 00:19:25,735 It's a perfect anagram. 679 00:19:25,775 --> 00:19:27,775 00:19:30,215 THEY CHUCKLE 682 00:19:30,255 --> 00:19:32,255 There are one or two which sneak in there 683 00:19:32,295 --> 00:19:32,535 There are one or two which sneak in there 684 00:19:32,575 --> 00:19:34,575 00:19:41,535 And, I don't know, that just... That tickled me. 690 00:19:41,575 --> 00:19:43,575 00:19:45,135 People don't realise how obscene the word "twat" is, actually. 692 00:19:45,175 --> 00:19:47,175 It's another word for BLEEP, basically. 693 00:19:47,215 --> 00:19:47,615 It's another word for BLEEP, basically. 694 00:19:47,655 --> 00:19:49,655 Shush. Don't tell the Gen Zs that, Prof, 695 00:19:49,695 --> 00:19:50,895 Shush. Don't tell the Gen Zs that, Prof, 696 00:19:50,935 --> 00:19:52,935 they're just starting to enjoy it. 697 00:19:52,975 --> 00:19:53,215 they're just starting to enjoy it. 698 00:19:53,255 --> 00:19:55,255 A little bit like The Simpsons - every opening is different. 699 00:19:55,295 --> 00:19:56,295 A little bit like The Simpsons - every opening is different. 700 00:19:56,335 --> 00:19:58,335 I think they had a different sign for every episode, 701 00:19:58,375 --> 00:19:58,775 00:20:07,695 And that is what made it as famous as it is. 709 00:20:07,735 --> 00:20:09,735 A sitcom lives or dies 710 00:20:09,775 --> 00:20:11,775 A sitcom lives or dies 711 00:20:11,815 --> 00:20:12,095 A sitcom lives or dies 712 00:20:12,135 --> 00:20:14,135 And if you can't sing to it, then I'm sorry, it's... 713 00:20:14,175 --> 00:20:15,135 00:20:27,415 Absolutely a bell for me. What do you think? 721 00:20:27,455 --> 00:20:28,495 Yeah. 722 00:20:28,535 --> 00:20:30,535 Once into the action, 723 00:20:30,575 --> 00:20:32,575 the fast-paced farce is driven by Cleese's character, Basil. 724 00:20:32,615 --> 00:20:34,615 the fast-paced farce is driven by Cleese's character, Basil. 725 00:20:34,655 --> 00:20:34,935 the fast-paced farce is driven by Cleese's character, Basil. 726 00:20:34,975 --> 00:20:36,975 Farce is a theatrical form, 00:20:44,575 They're built on tension and things going wrong. 733 00:20:44,615 --> 00:20:46,175 It wasn't just a farce, 734 00:20:46,215 --> 00:20:48,175 cos we'd seen farces before and loved them. 735 00:20:48,215 --> 00:20:50,215 Just so much more than anything we'd seen before. 736 00:20:50,255 --> 00:20:50,495 Just so much more 00:21:11,975 He gets the last laugh, 750 00:21:12,015 --> 00:21:14,015 because the idiot that he is landed Sybil. 751 00:21:14,055 --> 00:21:16,055 because the idiot that he is landed Sybil. 752 00:21:16,095 --> 00:21:16,335 because the idiot that he is landed Sybil. 753 00:21:16,375 --> 00:21:17,975 00:21:40,015 Are you going to hang the picture? Yes, I am, dear. Yes. Yes. 767 00:21:40,055 --> 00:21:41,975 When? Well, when I've... When I've... 768 00:21:42,015 --> 00:21:43,455 Well, why don't you do it now? 769 00:21:43,495 --> 00:21:45,095 I'm doing this, dear. I'm doing the menu. 770 00:21:45,135 --> 00:21:46,535 You've got all morning 00:21:56,815 Like, I enjoyed that. Yeah. 777 00:21:56,855 --> 00:21:58,855 Well? 778 00:21:58,895 --> 00:21:59,135 Well? 779 00:21:59,175 --> 00:22:01,175 to do the menu, but, no, 780 00:22:01,215 --> 00:22:01,615 to do the menu, but, no, 781 00:22:01,655 --> 00:22:02,855 I'll hang the picture now. 782 00:22:02,895 --> 00:22:04,495 If the menus are late, it doesn't matter, 783 00:22:04,535 --> 00:22:06,535 00:22:17,295 She knows what she wants, and he knows what he wants, 791 00:22:17,335 --> 00:22:19,335 but he always has to give in the most. 792 00:22:19,375 --> 00:22:20,655 That's right. Yeah. 793 00:22:20,695 --> 00:22:22,695 I do wonder, why didn't she...? Why isn't she doing the menu? 794 00:22:22,735 --> 00:22:23,735 00:22:31,215 She gets a whole hotel and doesn't do anything... 800 00:22:31,255 --> 00:22:31,775 She gets a whole hotel and doesn't do anything... 801 00:22:31,815 --> 00:22:33,815 Oh, I'm gonna have to rewatch it. 802 00:22:33,855 --> 00:22:34,375 Oh, I'm gonna have to rewatch it. 803 00:22:34,415 --> 00:22:36,415 The nagging wife routine wasn't just a one-trick pony. 804 00:22:36,455 --> 00:22:38,455 The nagging wife routine wasn't just a one-trick pony. 805 00:22:38,495 --> 00:22:38,935 The nagging wife routine wasn't just a one-trick pony. 806 00:22:42,055 --> 00:22:44,055 Yes, Fawlty Towers. Hello? 807 00:22:44,095 --> 00:22:44,255 Yes, Fawlty Towers. Hello? 808 00:22:46,055 --> 00:22:48,055 I was just doing it, you stupid woman. 809 00:22:48,095 --> 00:22:50,095 I just put it down to come here to be reminded by you 810 00:22:50,135 --> 00:22:50,375 I just put it down to come here 00:22:59,455 Because of their dynamic, like, 817 00:22:59,495 --> 00:23:01,495 you can see through their acting that it's, like... 818 00:23:01,535 --> 00:23:01,815 you can see through their acting that it's, like... 819 00:23:01,855 --> 00:23:03,855 They still love each other. 00:23:11,895 I just... I don't find the humour in it at all. 826 00:23:11,935 --> 00:23:13,135 I just... I don't find the humour in it at all. 827 00:23:14,335 --> 00:23:15,975 But many viewers did find the humour, 828 00:23:16,015 --> 00:23:18,015 and the moose will forever be associated with Fawlty Towers. 829 00:23:18,055 --> 00:23:20,055 and the moose will forever be associated with Fawlty Towers. 830 00:23:20,095 --> 00:23:20,695 and the moose will forever be associated with Fawlty Towers. 831 00:23:22,215 --> 00:23:24,175 Mr Moose is up. 832 00:23:24,215 --> 00:23:26,215 It's done, done, done. It's up. 833 00:23:26,255 --> 00:23:26,815 It's done, done, done. It's up. 834 00:23:29,495 --> 00:23:30,815 It's down again. 835 00:23:32,455 --> 00:23:33,775 Did you use a wall plug? 836 00:23:33,815 --> 00:23:35,815 Give it to me. Give it to... Argh! 837 00:23:35,855 --> 00:23:37,855 He went much, much further 00:23:45,735 And at the same time, as comic as possible. 844 00:23:45,775 --> 00:23:46,375 And at the same time, as comic as possible. 845 00:23:46,415 --> 00:23:48,415 to stay in that relationship 846 00:23:48,455 --> 00:23:49,695 to stay in that relationship 847 00:23:49,735 --> 00:23:51,735 if she didn't love him - 00:24:15,775 of the straight-laced wife and the bit of fluff. 864 00:24:15,815 --> 00:24:16,215 of the straight-laced wife and the bit of fluff. 865 00:24:16,255 --> 00:24:18,255 Women very often were portrayed on television 866 00:24:18,295 --> 00:24:19,055 Women very often were portrayed on television 867 00:24:19,095 --> 00:24:21,095 00:24:28,415 But in very broad terms, they were very recognisable characters. 873 00:24:28,455 --> 00:24:29,615 But in very broad terms, they were very recognisable characters. 874 00:24:29,655 --> 00:24:31,655 Polly's character on the whole wasn't sexualised, 875 00:24:31,695 --> 00:24:32,735 Polly's character on the whole wasn't sexualised, 876 00:24:32,775 --> 00:24:34,775 apart from perhaps in one scene. 877 00:24:34,815 --> 00:24:35,335 apart from perhaps in one scene. 878 00:24:35,375 --> 00:24:36,895 POLLY: 00:24:43,775 I mean, we are running a nice, respectable, high... 884 00:24:44,775 --> 00:24:46,775 Sorry, did I say something funny? No, I was just looking for... 885 00:24:46,815 --> 00:24:47,535 Sorry, did I say something funny? No, I was just looking for... 886 00:24:47,575 --> 00:24:49,575 No, no, obviously, I said 00:24:59,775 with that sort of dress code. 893 00:24:59,815 --> 00:25:00,095 with that sort of dress code. 894 00:25:00,135 --> 00:25:02,135 Well done, Nick, 895 00:25:02,175 --> 00:25:04,015 Well done, Nick, 896 00:25:04,055 --> 00:25:06,055 Viewing it in the 21st century in the context of today, 897 00:25:06,095 --> 00:25:08,095 Viewing it in the 21st century in the context of today, 898 00:25:08,135 --> 00:25:08,415 00:25:13,415 00:25:15,455 But then I think what they're doing is challenging 904 00:25:15,495 --> 00:25:16,055 But then I think what they're doing is challenging 905 00:25:16,095 --> 00:25:18,095 the societal attitudes that were held towards women, 906 00:25:18,135 --> 00:25:18,735 00:25:27,895 before you go in where people may be trying to eat. 914 00:25:27,935 --> 00:25:29,335 I was going to. 915 00:25:29,375 --> 00:25:31,375 There's no objectification of women going on here, 916 00:25:31,415 --> 00:25:31,655 There's no objectification of women going on here, 917 00:25:31,695 --> 00:25:32,935 00:25:40,735 to be sexualised while she's doing her job. 924 00:25:40,775 --> 00:25:42,775 PHONE RINGS 925 00:25:42,815 --> 00:25:43,015 PHONE RINGS 926 00:25:43,055 --> 00:25:44,415 Hello, Fawlty Titties. 927 00:25:46,295 --> 00:25:48,295 "Oh, Fawlty Titties," 928 00:25:48,335 --> 00:25:49,455 "Oh, Fawlty Titties," 929 00:25:49,495 --> 00:25:51,495 erm, you realise that he, too, 930 00:25:51,535 --> 00:25:53,535 00:26:26,535 I didn't know she was there. I was trying the switch. 948 00:26:26,575 --> 00:26:28,575 It's choreographed so perfectly. 949 00:26:28,615 --> 00:26:29,255 It's choreographed so perfectly. 950 00:26:29,295 --> 00:26:31,295 I mean, it is offensive when you look at it, but in a way, 951 00:26:31,335 --> 00:26:32,455 00:26:45,135 Oh, and one word of advice - if you're going to grope a girl, 958 00:26:45,175 --> 00:26:47,175 have the gallantry to stay IN the room with her 959 00:26:47,215 --> 00:26:47,455 have the gallantry to stay IN the room with her 960 00:26:47,495 --> 00:26:48,895 00:26:55,455 "If you're going to grope a girl, at least be in the same room." 965 00:26:55,495 --> 00:26:55,735 "If you're going to grope a girl, 00:27:05,215 It wasn't as shocking then as it is now. 972 00:27:05,255 --> 00:27:06,255 It wasn't as shocking then as it is now. 973 00:27:06,295 --> 00:27:08,295 Our generational viewers will be the judge of that. 974 00:27:08,335 --> 00:27:09,495 Our generational viewers will be the judge of that. 975 00:27:11,775 --> 00:27:13,775 I would say it's a bell cos 976 00:27:13,815 --> 00:27:14,255 I would say it's a bell cos 977 00:27:14,295 --> 00:27:16,015 00:27:39,095 it's not right now, and it never will be. 993 00:27:39,135 --> 00:27:39,375 it's not right now, and it never will be. 994 00:27:47,575 --> 00:27:49,575 STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s, if you changed the channel, 995 00:27:49,615 --> 00:27:50,615 STEVEN BERKOFF: In the 1970s, if you changed the channel, 996 00:27:50,655 --> 00:27:52,655 the chances are it would be to another sitcom, 997 00:27:52,695 --> 00:27:52,975 the chances are it would be to another sitcom, 998 00:27:53,015 --> 00:27:55,015 and they were lapped up by the British audience. 999 00:27:55,055 --> 00:27:55,335 and they were lapped up by the British audience. 1000 00:27:55,375 --> 00:27:57,375 Some of the things like, obviously, Fawlty Towers, 1001 00:27:57,415 --> 00:27:57,695 Some of the things like, obviously, Fawlty Towers, 1002 00:27:57,735 --> 00:27:59,735 but then we did, like, Till Death Us Do Part and so on. 1003 00:27:59,775 --> 00:28:00,175 but then we did, like, 00:28:08,575 but I haven't seen Fawlty Towers. LAUGHTER 1009 00:28:08,615 --> 00:28:09,055 but I haven't seen Fawlty Towers. LAUGHTER 1010 00:28:09,095 --> 00:28:11,095 Only Fools And Horses was actually 1981, 1011 00:28:11,135 --> 00:28:12,175 Only Fools And Horses was actually 1981, 1012 00:28:12,215 --> 00:28:14,215 but that is still over 20 years before these Gen Zs were born. 1013 00:28:14,255 --> 00:28:16,255 but that is still over 20 years before these Gen Zs were born. 1014 00:28:16,295 --> 00:28:16,535 but that is still over 20 years before these Gen Zs were born. 1015 00:28:16,575 --> 00:28:18,135 That makes me feel very old. 1016 00:28:21,055 --> 00:28:23,055 Come on, you don't use the bus, Sir Trevor! 1017 00:28:23,095 --> 00:28:24,295 Come on, you don't use the bus, Sir Trevor! 1018 00:28:24,335 --> 00:28:26,335 The very first series of Fawlty Towers ran for six episodes, 1019 00:28:26,375 --> 00:28:27,935 The very first series of Fawlty Towers ran for six episodes, 1020 00:28:27,975 --> 00:28:29,975 but that was very nearly the end of it. 1021 00:28:30,015 --> 00:28:30,295 but that was very nearly the end of it. 1022 00:28:30,335 --> 00:28:32,335 For us, it was a release, because somehow I think, too, 1023 00:28:32,375 --> 00:28:33,775 00:28:42,095 with each other through those characters, 1029 00:28:42,135 --> 00:28:42,615 with each other through those characters, 1030 00:28:42,655 --> 00:28:44,655 and, um... it was a terrific time. 1031 00:28:44,695 --> 00:28:45,975 and, um... it was a terrific time. 1032 00:28:46,015 --> 00:28:48,015 It was really good. It was kind of like therapy. 1033 00:28:48,055 --> 00:28:48,295 00:29:26,655 When I was watching it as a kid, 1056 00:29:26,695 --> 00:29:28,695 I used to absolutely identify with Manuel. 1057 00:29:28,735 --> 00:29:29,495 I used to absolutely identify with Manuel. 1058 00:29:29,535 --> 00:29:31,535 The portrayal of that character by Andrew Sachs was brilliant. 1059 00:29:31,575 --> 00:29:33,535 00:29:42,895 AS MANUEL: "I have Manuel. 00:29:56,775 {\an8}is that he was actually born in Germany, 1075 00:29:56,815 --> 00:29:58,815 {\an8}and he came over right before the war, as a child, 1076 00:29:58,855 --> 00:29:59,495 {\an8}and he came over right before the war, as a child, 1077 00:29:59,535 --> 00:30:00,575 {\an8} 00:30:14,975 Incredibly, he wasn't being paid enough for Fawlty Towers. 1087 00:30:15,015 --> 00:30:17,015 At the time, it wasn't uncommon for the nation's biggest stars 1088 00:30:17,055 --> 00:30:17,975 At the time, it wasn't uncommon for the nation's biggest stars 1089 00:30:18,015 --> 00:30:20,015 to get paid modest sums. 1090 00:30:20,055 --> 00:30:20,415 to get paid modest sums. 1091 00:30:20,455 --> 00:30:22,455 John Cleese was paid £6,000 in 1975 for 43 weeks' work, 1092 00:30:22,495 --> 00:30:24,495 John Cleese was paid £6,000 in 1975 for 43 weeks' work, 1093 00:30:24,535 --> 00:30:25,335 John Cleese was paid £6,000 in 1975 for 43 weeks' work, 1094 00:30:25,375 --> 00:30:27,375 writing and performing in the first series of Fawlty Towers. 1095 00:30:27,415 --> 00:30:29,295 writing and performing in the first series of Fawlty Towers. 1096 00:30:29,335 --> 00:30:31,335 That's just over £63,000 in today's money. 1097 00:30:31,375 --> 00:30:33,255 That's just over £63,000 in today's money. 1098 00:30:33,295 --> 00:30:35,055 Oh, Mike, I've noticed that you are probably 1099 00:30:35,095 --> 00:30:37,095 in the early stages of a severe nervous breakdown, 1100 00:30:37,135 --> 00:30:38,175 00:30:45,655 immediately following the 1106 00:30:45,695 --> 00:30:47,695 How the films work is that you see characters being unreasonable, 1107 00:30:47,735 --> 00:30:49,455 How the films work is that you see characters being unreasonable, 1108 00:30:49,495 --> 00:30:50,735 so you can sort of see, in a way, 1109 00:30:50,775 --> 00:30:52,775 Fawlty is a bit like a twist 00:31:00,335 and play these comedic characters, would have made casting easier. 1115 00:31:00,375 --> 00:31:02,295 And I adore people with problems. 1116 00:31:02,335 --> 00:31:04,335 In fact, the worse the problem, the more I adore them. 1117 00:31:04,375 --> 00:31:04,855 In fact, the worse the problem, the more I adore them. 1118 00:31:04,895 --> 00:31:05,975 00:31:14,815 to see this array of actors and to say, 1124 00:31:14,855 --> 00:31:15,135 to see this array of actors and to say, 1125 00:31:15,175 --> 00:31:16,655 "Well, look. Oh, gosh, she's fantastic," 1126 00:31:16,695 --> 00:31:18,695 or, "He's brilliant," and be able 1127 00:31:18,735 --> 00:31:20,735 or, "He's brilliant," and be able 1128 00:31:20,775 --> 00:31:22,495 00:31:31,015 And during the making of one of those films, 1134 00:31:31,055 --> 00:31:33,055 he brought up this pilot that he'd written for the BBC, 1135 00:31:33,095 --> 00:31:34,735 he brought up this pilot that he'd written for the BBC, 1136 00:31:34,775 --> 00:31:36,455 and would I like to play 00:31:39,615 "But could you make him a German waiter? 1139 00:31:39,655 --> 00:31:41,655 "Because I'm not sure I can do a Spanish accent." 1140 00:31:41,695 --> 00:31:42,615 "Because I'm not sure I can do a Spanish accent." 1141 00:31:42,655 --> 00:31:44,655 And I come from Germany. 00:31:47,335 John Cleese said, "No, no, it has to be a Spaniard," 1145 00:31:47,375 --> 00:31:49,375 which, again, with the number 00:31:56,135 "Where did that stereotype...? 1151 00:31:56,175 --> 00:31:58,175 Ah, good question, Ria. I'm glad you asked. 1152 00:31:58,215 --> 00:31:59,215 Ah, good question, Ria. I'm glad you asked. 1153 00:31:59,255 --> 00:32:01,255 Spain experienced a huge wave of emigration in the 1970s, 1154 00:32:01,295 --> 00:32:03,295 Spain experienced a huge wave of emigration in the 1970s, 1155 00:32:03,335 --> 00:32:03,575 Spain experienced a huge wave of emigration in the 1970s, 1156 00:32:03,615 --> 00:32:05,415 particularly from Barcelona. 1157 00:32:05,455 --> 00:32:07,455 This was in part down to General Franco, 1158 00:32:07,495 --> 00:32:07,975 This was in part down to General Franco, 1159 00:32:08,015 --> 00:32:10,015 who ruled Spain as a dictator 1160 00:32:10,055 --> 00:32:12,055 who ruled Spain as a dictator 1161 00:32:12,095 --> 00:32:13,095 who ruled Spain as a dictator 1162 00:32:13,135 --> 00:32:15,135 00:32:23,255 mugged up the accent on the way to the studio, as it were, 1168 00:32:23,295 --> 00:32:24,095 mugged up the accent on the way to the studio, as it were, 1169 00:32:24,135 --> 00:32:25,695 and we got on with it. 1170 00:32:25,735 --> 00:32:27,735 John Cleese might have moaned about £6,000, 1171 00:32:27,775 --> 00:32:28,815 John Cleese might have moaned about £6,000, 1172 00:32:28,855 --> 00:32:30,855 but Andrew Sachs only got £350 for all 12 episodes. 1173 00:32:30,895 --> 00:32:32,855 but Andrew Sachs only got £350 for all 12 episodes. 1174 00:32:32,895 --> 00:32:34,535 "Andrew, this is definitely your role." 1175 00:32:34,575 --> 00:32:36,575 He went, "Can we make it German?" They went, "No, it's Spanish." 1176 00:32:36,615 --> 00:32:37,135 He went, "Can we make it German?" They went, "No, it's Spanish." 1177 00:32:37,175 --> 00:32:38,735 He goes, 00:32:42,615 "We're only gonna pay you 350 quid for 12 episodes." 1180 00:32:42,655 --> 00:32:43,615 "We're only gonna pay you 350 quid for 12 episodes." 1181 00:32:43,655 --> 00:32:45,415 And he still went, "OK." 1182 00:32:45,455 --> 00:32:47,495 And for the British audience, 1183 00:32:47,535 --> 00:32:49,535 the language barrier made for some highly comedic moments. 1184 00:32:49,575 --> 00:32:51,575 the language barrier made for some highly comedic moments. 1185 00:32:51,615 --> 00:32:51,975 the language barrier made for some highly comedic moments. 1186 00:32:52,015 --> 00:32:53,895 LAUGHTER 1187 00:32:59,975 --> 00:33:01,295 Throw it away. Que? 1188 00:33:01,335 --> 00:33:03,335 Throw it away. Throw it away. 1189 00:33:03,375 --> 00:33:04,055 Throw it away. Throw it away. 1190 00:33:04,095 --> 00:33:06,095 Throw it away! 1191 00:33:06,135 --> 00:33:07,095 00:33:21,455 Throwing away the grapefruit is brilliant because, 1201 00:33:21,495 --> 00:33:23,495 yet again, 1202 00:33:23,535 --> 00:33:24,495 yet again, 1203 00:33:24,535 --> 00:33:26,535 Manuel really trying, but failing. 1204 00:33:26,575 --> 00:33:27,175 Manuel really trying, but failing. 1205 00:33:27,215 --> 00:33:29,215 because it's a non-obvious throw. 1206 00:33:29,255 --> 00:33:31,255 00:33:41,335 It's another angle to get a laugh. 1214 00:33:41,375 --> 00:33:43,375 You know that "throw it away"? 1215 00:33:43,415 --> 00:33:43,735 You know that "throw it away"? 1216 00:33:43,775 --> 00:33:45,455 Bang! Hits that kid on the head. 1217 00:33:47,055 --> 00:33:49,055 Saying, "Throw it away," and he throws it at the customers. 1218 00:33:49,095 --> 00:33:49,335 Saying, "Throw it away," 00:34:02,135 Whilst Basil didn't seem to know Spanish, 1226 00:34:02,175 --> 00:34:02,415 Whilst Basil didn't seem to know Spanish, 1227 00:34:02,455 --> 00:34:03,815 Cleese and Booth did, 1228 00:34:03,855 --> 00:34:05,855 which helped them to write some of the best gags. 1229 00:34:05,895 --> 00:34:06,855 which helped them to write some of the best gags. 1230 00:34:06,895 --> 00:34:08,015 BELL DINGS 1231 00:34:09,095 --> 00:34:10,455 Manuel. 00:34:18,735 Que? There is too much butter on those trays. 1237 00:34:18,775 --> 00:34:20,775 No. No, no, sir. Not... Not "on those trays". 1238 00:34:20,815 --> 00:34:22,815 No. No, no, sir. Not... Not "on those trays". 1239 00:34:22,855 --> 00:34:23,095 No. No, no, sir. 00:34:36,615 What's brilliant about that is, yeah, you need to kind of get 1247 00:34:36,655 --> 00:34:38,655 that he's saying "one, two, three" in Spanish 1248 00:34:38,695 --> 00:34:39,175 that he's saying "one, two, three" in Spanish 1249 00:34:39,215 --> 00:34:40,935 00:34:49,335 So, I think the best example would be Mrs Richards and Manuel. 1255 00:34:49,375 --> 00:34:49,615 So, I think the best example would be Mrs Richards and Manuel. 1256 00:34:49,655 --> 00:34:51,655 in my written confirmation, 1257 00:34:51,695 --> 00:34:53,175 in my written confirmation, 1258 00:34:53,215 --> 00:34:54,495 so please make sure I have it. 1259 00:34:55,815 --> 00:34:57,815 00:35:09,815 "K?" "And." "CK?" 1268 00:35:09,855 --> 00:35:11,855 "What?" "No, que, 'what'." 00:35:16,255 Mrs Richards, fantastic. She was wonderful. 1271 00:35:16,295 --> 00:35:16,575 Mrs Richards, fantastic. She was wonderful. 1272 00:35:16,615 --> 00:35:18,615 She was just... 1273 00:35:18,655 --> 00:35:19,015 She was just... 1274 00:35:19,055 --> 00:35:20,455 00:35:23,335 No, no, no, no. What, "what". K Watts? 1277 00:35:23,375 --> 00:35:24,895 Yeah. What, what. 1278 00:35:24,935 --> 00:35:26,935 CK Watt? Yes! 1279 00:35:26,975 --> 00:35:27,215 CK Watt? Yes! 1280 00:35:27,255 --> 00:35:28,215 LAUGHTER 1281 00:35:28,255 --> 00:35:30,255 Who is CK Watt? 00:35:38,855 It's clever. Like, the plots are clever, 1289 00:35:38,895 --> 00:35:40,895 and the physicality's clever. 1290 00:35:40,935 --> 00:35:42,455 and the physicality's clever. 1291 00:35:42,495 --> 00:35:44,495 The wordplay is also clever. 1292 00:35:44,535 --> 00:35:46,295 He's not explaining himself correctly, 1293 00:35:46,335 --> 00:35:48,335 00:35:55,735 {\an8}Bell for me. 1300 00:35:55,775 --> 00:35:57,775 But Basil's frustrations with communicating with Manuel 1301 00:35:57,815 --> 00:35:59,695 But Basil's frustrations with communicating with Manuel 1302 00:35:59,735 --> 00:36:01,735 often led to violence. 1303 00:36:01,775 --> 00:36:01,975 often led to violence. 1304 00:36:02,015 --> 00:36:04,015 This, Basil's wife. This, Basil. 1305 00:36:04,055 --> 00:36:04,535 This, Basil's wife. This, Basil. 1306 00:36:04,575 --> 00:36:06,535 This, smack on head. 1307 00:36:08,655 --> 00:36:10,655 00:36:17,135 Agh! 1314 00:36:18,455 --> 00:36:20,455 In Laurel and Hardy, in every episode, 1315 00:36:20,495 --> 00:36:20,735 In Laurel and Hardy, in every episode, 1316 00:36:20,775 --> 00:36:22,695 there was that kind of scenario 1317 00:36:22,735 --> 00:36:24,735 It was classic. 1318 00:36:24,775 --> 00:36:25,415 It was classic. 1319 00:36:25,455 --> 00:36:27,135 ..or a poke in the eye. 00:36:38,855 but it's slapstick, they're not actually hurt, so it's OK. Yeah. 1326 00:36:38,895 --> 00:36:39,895 So, like... 1327 00:36:39,935 --> 00:36:41,935 to duvet days and working from home 1328 00:36:41,975 --> 00:36:43,655 to duvet days and working from home 1329 00:36:43,695 --> 00:36:45,255 make of this? 1330 00:36:45,295 --> 00:36:47,295 00:36:54,655 Like, I didn't enjoy that. Yeah. Yeah. 1336 00:36:54,695 --> 00:36:55,135 Like, I didn't enjoy that. Yeah. Yeah. 1337 00:36:55,175 --> 00:36:57,175 It wasn't just the violence Manuel was subjected to. 1338 00:36:57,215 --> 00:36:58,935 It wasn't just the violence Manuel was subjected to. 1339 00:36:58,975 --> 00:37:00,975 You want room 16 for him? 1340 00:37:01,015 --> 00:37:01,375 00:37:10,855 00:37:12,895 which, even in those days, was demeaning. 1348 00:37:12,935 --> 00:37:14,055 which, even in those days, was demeaning. 1349 00:37:17,015 --> 00:37:19,015 So, it's just the name Diego kind of uttered simply as "dago". 1350 00:37:19,055 --> 00:37:21,055 So, it's just the name Diego 00:37:23,815 It probably has its highest frequency of usage 1353 00:37:23,855 --> 00:37:24,415 It probably has its highest frequency of usage 1354 00:37:24,455 --> 00:37:26,415 in Fawlty Towers, actually. 1355 00:37:26,455 --> 00:37:28,455 00:37:43,175 but there was probably less of an awareness 1365 00:37:43,215 --> 00:37:45,215 of how harmful it could be to portray those stereotypes. 1366 00:37:45,255 --> 00:37:46,495 of how harmful it could be to portray those stereotypes. 1367 00:37:46,535 --> 00:37:48,535 00:37:55,455 I think he does have an exaggerated foreignness. 1373 00:37:55,495 --> 00:37:55,775 I think he does have an exaggerated foreignness. 1374 00:37:55,815 --> 00:37:57,815 I loved Manuel. I really loved Manuel. 1375 00:37:57,855 --> 00:37:58,135 I loved Manuel. I really loved Manuel. 1376 00:37:58,175 --> 00:37:59,935 00:38:09,095 The Brits would be very condescending towards the Spanish. 1383 00:38:09,135 --> 00:38:10,655 The Brits would be very condescending towards the Spanish. 1384 00:38:10,695 --> 00:38:12,695 That was a kind of arrogant way that... in general, 1385 00:38:12,735 --> 00:38:13,735 That was a kind of arrogant way 00:38:21,775 well, you know, "What's wrong with them?" sort of thing. 1391 00:38:21,815 --> 00:38:22,135 well, you know, "What's wrong with them?" sort of thing. 1392 00:38:22,175 --> 00:38:24,175 Which is completely unjustified. 1393 00:38:24,215 --> 00:38:24,855 Which is completely unjustified. 1394 00:38:24,895 --> 00:38:26,775 It's, like, belittling him, 1395 00:38:26,815 --> 00:38:28,815 00:38:29,655 just making it seem like people that are "foreigners", 1397 00:38:29,695 --> 00:38:31,615 quote unquote, just... they don't understand. 1398 00:38:31,655 --> 00:38:33,655 They don't comprehend stuff. They're slow. They just... 1399 00:38:33,695 --> 00:38:35,175 00:38:44,415 which was archaic, when you think about it, 1406 00:38:44,455 --> 00:38:44,695 which was archaic, when you think about it, 1407 00:38:44,735 --> 00:38:46,735 that somehow, just because 1408 00:38:46,775 --> 00:38:48,135 that somehow, just because 1409 00:38:51,375 --> 00:38:53,375 Well, what do our audience think? 1410 00:38:53,415 --> 00:38:53,615 Well, what do our audience think? 1411 00:38:53,655 --> 00:38:55,655 00:39:04,895 00:39:06,935 It's one of the major catchlines from Fawlty Towers. 1418 00:39:06,975 --> 00:39:07,255 It's one of the major catchlines from Fawlty Towers. 1419 00:39:07,295 --> 00:39:09,295 Definitely bell. Good for you. 1420 00:39:09,335 --> 00:39:09,615 Definitely bell. 00:39:23,295 is the whole, "You're supposed to laugh AT him." 1430 00:39:23,335 --> 00:39:23,615 is the whole, "You're supposed to laugh AT him." 1431 00:39:23,655 --> 00:39:25,655 I'm blown away that that is... brave, I suppose. 1432 00:39:25,695 --> 00:39:26,455 I'm blown away that that is... 01:19:16,915 to be good to attract the viewer. 1442 01:19:16,955 --> 01:19:18,955 And now our viewers of Gen Zs and baby boomers 1443 01:19:18,995 --> 01:19:19,795 And now our viewers of Gen Zs and baby boomers 1444 01:19:19,835 --> 01:19:21,835 are binge-watching the entire 12 episodes of Fawlty Towers. 1445 01:19:21,875 --> 01:19:23,875 are binge-watching the entire 12 episodes of Fawlty Towers. 1446 01:19:23,915 --> 01:19:24,195 are binge-watching the entire 12 episodes of Fawlty Towers. 1447 01:19:24,235 --> 01:19:26,235 And one of the standout episodes is The Builders. 1448 01:19:26,275 --> 01:19:27,635 And one of the standout episodes is The Builders. 1449 01:19:28,875 --> 01:19:30,355 When will you finish our garden wall? 1450 01:19:30,395 --> 01:19:32,395 We are tired of having that pile of bricks blocking... 1451 01:19:32,435 --> 01:19:32,675 We are tired of having that pile of bricks blocking... 1452 01:19:32,715 --> 01:19:33,875 Listen, I told you not to call. 1453 01:19:33,915 --> 01:19:35,675 My wife thinks Stubbs is 01:19:44,555 because it's gonna save him a few bob. 1460 01:19:46,715 --> 01:19:48,715 Now, that's a great little bit of fuel to drive the farce. 1461 01:19:48,755 --> 01:19:50,755 Now, that's a great little bit of fuel to drive the farce. 1462 01:19:50,795 --> 01:19:51,555 Now, that's a great little bit 01:20:00,555 whilst pretending to talk to the builder that Sybil wants. 1469 01:20:00,595 --> 01:20:01,755 Yeah, that's right. 1470 01:20:01,795 --> 01:20:03,795 Yeah. It's clever. It is clever. 1471 01:20:03,835 --> 01:20:04,555 Yeah. It's clever. It is clever. 1472 01:20:04,595 --> 01:20:06,595 That's such a comic construction which works so brilliantly well 1473 01:20:06,635 --> 01:20:08,435 01:20:21,675 "And then we remove anyone with competence 1482 01:20:21,715 --> 01:20:23,715 "that can oversee the rubbish," and then hilarity ensues. 1483 01:20:23,755 --> 01:20:25,035 "that can oversee the rubbish," 01:20:38,955 For a nap. Siesta? Little sleep? 1493 01:20:38,995 --> 01:20:39,955 For a nap. Siesta? Little sleep? 1494 01:20:39,995 --> 01:20:41,995 Yes. Ah, same in Spanish! 1495 01:20:42,035 --> 01:20:42,315 Yes. Ah, same in Spanish! 1496 01:20:42,355 --> 01:20:44,355 01:20:52,795 So, they've set it up. So, he's there on his own. 1503 01:20:52,835 --> 01:20:54,835 There's no Sybil, 1504 01:20:54,875 --> 01:20:56,275 There's no Sybil, 1505 01:20:56,315 --> 01:20:57,835 You are man with "Orally". What? 1506 01:20:57,875 --> 01:20:59,715 You Orally man. What does that mean? 1507 01:20:59,755 --> 01:21:01,555 You Orally! 01:21:13,595 Thick as a plank. 1517 01:21:13,635 --> 01:21:15,635 We still say "Orally men". "Should we get the Orally men in?" 1518 01:21:15,675 --> 01:21:16,115 We still say "Orally men". "Should we get the Orally men in?" 1519 01:21:16,155 --> 01:21:17,235 I mean, whatever's... 1520 01:21:17,275 --> 01:21:19,275 You know, a plumber or a builder, 01:21:22,115 I like the scripting there because, erm... 1523 01:21:22,155 --> 01:21:22,555 I like the scripting there because, erm... 1524 01:21:22,595 --> 01:21:24,595 it means there's no way Manuel's 01:21:32,875 that things have been completely set up. 1530 01:21:32,915 --> 01:21:34,915 The cheap O'Reilly builders from Ireland 1531 01:21:34,955 --> 01:21:35,195 The cheap O'Reilly builders from Ireland 1532 01:21:35,235 --> 01:21:36,915 do indeed make a mess of it, 1533 01:21:36,955 --> 01:21:38,955 which sends Basil into a panic, knowing Sybil is on her way home. 1534 01:21:38,995 --> 01:21:40,995 which sends Basil into a panic, knowing Sybil is on her way home. 1535 01:21:41,035 --> 01:21:41,275 which sends Basil into a panic, knowing Sybil is on her way home. 1536 01:21:41,315 --> 01:21:43,115 Rather you than me, Basil. 1537 01:21:43,155 --> 01:21:45,155 01:21:54,075 HE SOBS AND MOANS 1544 01:21:54,115 --> 01:21:54,835 HE SOBS AND MOANS 1545 01:21:54,875 --> 01:21:56,275 Come on! 1546 01:21:57,475 --> 01:21:59,475 LAUGHTER 1547 01:21:59,515 --> 01:21:59,915 LAUGHTER 1548 01:21:59,955 --> 01:22:01,955 Initially, you go, "Whoa, where are you taking this?" 1549 01:22:01,995 --> 01:22:02,315 Initially, you go, "Whoa, where are you taking this?" 1550 01:22:02,355 --> 01:22:04,195 because it's believable, and it's believable 1551 01:22:04,235 --> 01:22:06,235 01:22:12,315 Cos he's a big guy going to hit a woman. 1557 01:22:12,355 --> 01:22:12,635 Cos he's a big guy going to hit a woman. 1558 01:22:12,675 --> 01:22:14,475 And, you know, it's not an OK thing to do. 1559 01:22:14,515 --> 01:22:16,515 So, when he got slapped by Polly, 1560 01:22:16,555 --> 01:22:17,555 So, when he got slapped by Polly, 1561 01:22:17,595 --> 01:22:19,595 01:22:25,995 And I think we all thought that 01:22:47,235 We need that. We need her to slap him back after he went for her, 1577 01:22:47,275 --> 01:22:49,275 because even in 1975, that was a step too far. 1578 01:22:49,315 --> 01:22:50,195 because even in 1975, that was a step too far. 1579 01:22:51,395 --> 01:22:53,195 01:23:09,795 {\an8}and every second builder probably was Irish. 1588 01:23:09,835 --> 01:23:10,115 {\an8}and every second builder probably was Irish. 1589 01:23:10,155 --> 01:23:11,995 They'd come over from the '30s onwards, 1590 01:23:12,035 --> 01:23:14,035 and they were helping rebuild Britain after the war. 1591 01:23:14,075 --> 01:23:14,355 01:23:22,675 Ireland in the '70s was quite miserable, to be honest. 1597 01:23:22,715 --> 01:23:24,715 like, for a long time. 1598 01:23:24,755 --> 01:23:25,835 like, for a long time. 1599 01:23:25,875 --> 01:23:27,875 That's probably why a lot of Irish people up to then 1600 01:23:27,915 --> 01:23:29,155 That's probably why 01:23:43,075 to people from Ireland, 1610 01:23:43,115 --> 01:23:45,115 who were a part of the backbone 1611 01:23:45,155 --> 01:23:46,595 who were a part of the backbone 1612 01:23:46,635 --> 01:23:48,635 of some of the services that we all needed. 1613 01:23:48,675 --> 01:23:49,635 of some of the services that we all needed. 1614 01:23:49,675 --> 01:23:51,115 01:24:02,795 and that was incredibly prevalent in '70s comedy. 1621 01:24:02,835 --> 01:24:04,835 and that was incredibly prevalent in '70s comedy. 1622 01:24:04,875 --> 01:24:05,155 and that was incredibly prevalent in '70s comedy. 1623 01:24:05,195 --> 01:24:07,195 IRISH ACCENT: 01:24:17,395 We're announcing the departure of flight number double-oh zero-oh 1632 01:24:17,435 --> 01:24:19,315 We're announcing the departure of flight number double-oh zero-oh 1633 01:24:19,355 --> 01:24:21,355 to Belfast... 1634 01:24:21,395 --> 01:24:21,595 to Belfast... 1635 01:24:21,635 --> 01:24:22,475 ..I think. 1636 01:24:22,515 --> 01:24:24,515 01:24:30,875 I was quite offended by them, you know? 1642 01:24:30,915 --> 01:24:32,915 Back in the day, they had those - 1643 01:24:32,955 --> 01:24:33,875 Back in the day, they had those - 1644 01:24:33,915 --> 01:24:35,915 which I would consider really offensive - 1645 01:24:35,955 --> 01:24:36,315 which I would consider really offensive - 1646 01:24:36,355 --> 01:24:38,355 01:24:45,075 The Englishman is always the default, the norm, 1652 01:24:45,115 --> 01:24:47,115 the acceptable way of doing something, 1653 01:24:47,155 --> 01:24:47,835 the acceptable way of doing something, 1654 01:24:47,875 --> 01:24:49,875 and the Irishman is always stupid. 1655 01:24:49,915 --> 01:24:51,475 and the Irishman is always stupid. 1656 01:24:53,115 --> 01:24:55,115 The unwarranted prejudice may have originated 1657 01:24:55,155 --> 01:24:55,755 The unwarranted prejudice may have originated 1658 01:24:55,795 --> 01:24:57,795 because many of the young Irish immigrants 1659 01:24:57,835 --> 01:24:58,115 because many of the young Irish immigrants 1660 01:24:58,155 --> 01:25:00,155 were young and only had primary education. 1661 01:25:00,195 --> 01:25:01,395 were young and only had primary education. 1662 01:25:01,435 --> 01:25:02,515 As for now... 1663 01:25:02,555 --> 01:25:04,555 Most Irish people are in well-paid jobs, 1664 01:25:04,595 --> 01:25:05,315 Most Irish people are in well-paid jobs, 1665 01:25:05,355 --> 01:25:07,355 01:25:18,195 according to what you're counting? 1671 01:25:18,235 --> 01:25:19,275 We only have one. 1672 01:25:19,315 --> 01:25:21,315 Ireland is the country that produced Oscar Wilde. 1673 01:25:21,355 --> 01:25:22,435 Ireland is the country that produced Oscar Wilde. 1674 01:25:22,475 --> 01:25:24,475 Clearly, the idea that 1675 01:25:24,515 --> 01:25:26,075 01:25:42,475 would get a lot more attention. 1686 01:25:42,515 --> 01:25:44,475 You'd have to be careful where you parked it. 1687 01:25:44,515 --> 01:25:46,075 It immediately drew suspicion. 1688 01:25:46,115 --> 01:25:48,115 It's easy to forget, actually, 1689 01:25:48,155 --> 01:25:48,395 It's easy to forget, actually, 1690 01:25:48,435 --> 01:25:50,435 how fraught a time it was 01:25:59,555 it was quite dark and quite desolate. 1697 01:25:59,595 --> 01:26:01,595 So, luckily, we had comedy to humour us up a bit, I suppose, 1698 01:26:01,635 --> 01:26:03,635 So, luckily, we had comedy to humour us up a bit, I suppose, 1699 01:26:03,675 --> 01:26:04,355 So, luckily, we had comedy 01:26:18,955 He's nothing but a half-witted, thick, Irish joke! 1707 01:26:18,995 --> 01:26:19,275 He's nothing but a half-witted, thick, Irish joke! 1708 01:26:19,315 --> 01:26:21,315 Oh, hello, O'Reilly. How funny. We were just talking about you. 1709 01:26:21,355 --> 01:26:21,635 01:26:29,715 Here we go again. It's Pick On Ireland Week again. 1716 01:26:29,755 --> 01:26:31,755 It very much perpetuated the stereotypes that existed, 1717 01:26:31,795 --> 01:26:32,555 It very much perpetuated the stereotypes that existed, 1718 01:26:32,595 --> 01:26:33,755 01:26:41,995 and Basil goes, 1724 01:26:42,035 --> 01:26:43,195 and Basil goes, 1725 01:26:45,955 --> 01:26:47,955 Sybil lets loose, and there's nobody there to say, 1726 01:26:47,995 --> 01:26:48,675 Sybil lets loose, and there's nobody there to say, 1727 01:26:48,715 --> 01:26:50,355 "Uh, that's not OK." 1728 01:26:50,395 --> 01:26:52,395 Now, Sybil, that's enough. 1729 01:26:52,435 --> 01:26:53,755 01:27:05,515 I have seen better organised creatures than you 1737 01:27:05,555 --> 01:27:07,355 running round farmyards with their heads cut off. 1738 01:27:07,395 --> 01:27:09,395 Now, collect your things and get out. Agh! 1739 01:27:09,435 --> 01:27:10,315 Now, collect your things 01:27:16,035 "These are the tropes that we have about the Irish." 1744 01:27:16,075 --> 01:27:16,315 01:27:17,395 I think that that's something 1746 01:27:17,435 --> 01:27:19,435 we definitely wouldn't be allowed to get away with now. 1747 01:27:19,475 --> 01:27:19,755 we definitely wouldn't be allowed to get away with now. 1748 01:27:19,795 --> 01:27:21,795 He has this incompetent builder 01:27:30,915 I was just looking at it as in they were just bad builders, 1756 01:27:30,955 --> 01:27:32,955 and I wasn't really thinking about the historical context and stuff. 1757 01:27:32,995 --> 01:27:34,195 and I wasn't really thinking about the historical context and stuff. 1758 01:27:34,235 --> 01:27:36,235 01:27:44,395 that that was, like... against Irish people, though. 1764 01:27:44,435 --> 01:27:44,915 that that was, like... against Irish people, though. 1765 01:27:44,955 --> 01:27:46,955 Even the idea of, like, Basil being a cheapskate 1766 01:27:46,995 --> 01:27:47,275 Even the idea of, like, 01:27:54,875 like, the cheapest he can find. 1772 01:27:54,915 --> 01:27:56,915 But then they're intertwining the idea of being cheap 1773 01:27:56,955 --> 01:27:57,235 But then they're intertwining the idea of being cheap 1774 01:27:57,275 --> 01:27:59,275 with being foreign or being Irish or being Spanish or whatever. 1775 01:27:59,315 --> 01:28:00,835 01:28:10,075 not Irish builders in general. 1781 01:28:10,115 --> 01:28:10,355 not Irish builders in general. 1782 01:28:10,395 --> 01:28:11,955 I felt it was just that particular builder. 1783 01:28:11,995 --> 01:28:13,395 I think, at that time, 1784 01:28:13,435 --> 01:28:15,435 there were a lot of Irish workers that came over. 1785 01:28:15,475 --> 01:28:16,675 01:28:33,595 from what you guys said, I'd probably go kipper. 1797 01:28:33,635 --> 01:28:35,635 Do you know what? It was funny before that, 1798 01:28:35,675 --> 01:28:36,235 Do you know what? It was funny before that, 1799 01:28:36,275 --> 01:28:37,715 but I'm gonna give this one a kipper, 1800 01:28:37,755 --> 01:28:39,755 01:28:46,715 The first time 01:28:51,435 And things go from bad to worse. CHANTING:"I can't breathe." 1810 01:28:51,475 --> 01:28:53,475 It was one of the most disgusting things we've seen in our time. 1811 01:28:53,515 --> 01:28:54,755 01:29:33,355 in one of the episodes - "I didn't vote for it." 1832 01:29:33,395 --> 01:29:35,395 {\an8}Course he didn't vote for it, cos, you know, he's a Little Englander. 1833 01:29:35,435 --> 01:29:36,515 {\an8}Course he didn't vote for it, cos, you know, he's a Little Englander. 1834 01:29:36,555 --> 01:29:38,555 You'd had people 01:29:47,595 And in return, it meant Europeans came on holiday to Old Blighty, 1841 01:29:47,635 --> 01:29:49,635 And in return, it meant Europeans came on holiday to Old Blighty, 1842 01:29:49,675 --> 01:29:50,635 And in return, it meant Europeans came on holiday to Old Blighty, 1843 01:29:50,675 --> 01:29:52,675 perhaps to a seaside hotel in Torquay. 1844 01:29:52,715 --> 01:29:54,475 perhaps to a seaside hotel in Torquay. 1845 01:29:54,515 --> 01:29:56,515 Europeans such as the Germans. 1846 01:29:56,555 --> 01:29:57,075 Europeans such as the Germans. 1847 01:29:58,275 --> 01:30:00,275 01:30:06,755 I wasn't part of it, but my parents were. 1853 01:30:06,795 --> 01:30:08,795 What we live by today had been determined 1854 01:30:08,835 --> 01:30:09,155 What we live by today had been determined 1855 01:30:09,195 --> 01:30:10,755 by what happened in our history. 1856 01:30:13,755 --> 01:30:15,435 {\an8}You can't forget the war. 1857 01:30:15,475 --> 01:30:17,475 {\an8} 01:30:23,835 You're talking about the Silent Generation 1863 01:30:23,875 --> 01:30:25,875 and the Greatest Generation, 1864 01:30:25,915 --> 01:30:26,155 and the Greatest Generation, 1865 01:30:26,195 --> 01:30:28,195 who had fought in the war and were getting on a little bit. 1866 01:30:28,235 --> 01:30:28,755 01:30:38,195 than things I remember as being... 1872 01:30:38,235 --> 01:30:38,475 than things I remember as being... 1873 01:30:38,515 --> 01:30:40,515 you know, Margaret Thatcher was to us now. 1874 01:30:40,555 --> 01:30:40,835 you know, Margaret Thatcher was to us now. 1875 01:30:40,875 --> 01:30:42,875 My father's German. He grew up post-war. 1876 01:30:42,915 --> 01:30:43,835 01:30:52,955 and reticent and, to a certain amount, ashamed. 1882 01:30:52,995 --> 01:30:53,475 and reticent and, to a certain amount, ashamed. 1883 01:30:53,515 --> 01:30:55,515 My father wasn't born until after the war. 1884 01:30:55,555 --> 01:30:55,835 My father wasn't born 01:31:14,195 Can I speak to Dr Finn, please? 1898 01:31:14,235 --> 01:31:15,795 I didn't vote for it myself, honestly. 1899 01:31:15,835 --> 01:31:17,835 But now that we're in, I'm determined to make it work. 1900 01:31:17,875 --> 01:31:18,155 But now that we're in, I'm determined to make it work. 1901 01:31:18,195 --> 01:31:20,195 01:31:29,955 We start seeing this freedom of movement, 1909 01:31:29,995 --> 01:31:31,515 and that's what we see in this episode, 1910 01:31:31,555 --> 01:31:33,555 is these Germans have come to Torquay on holiday. 1911 01:31:33,595 --> 01:31:33,835 is these Germans have come 01:31:43,315 "Oh, God, the elephant 1920 01:31:43,355 --> 01:31:45,355 01:31:47,715 Because everybody's, you know, "Ooh." 1923 01:31:47,755 --> 01:31:47,955 Because everybody's, you know, "Ooh." 1924 01:31:49,835 --> 01:31:51,315 There would have been awkwardness. 1925 01:31:51,355 --> 01:31:53,315 01:32:01,555 Allow me to introduce myself. I am the owner of Fawlty Towers. 1931 01:32:01,595 --> 01:32:03,395 And may I welcome your war... 1932 01:32:03,435 --> 01:32:05,435 your war... you war... you war... 1933 01:32:05,475 --> 01:32:05,795 your war... you war... you war... 1934 01:32:05,835 --> 01:32:07,835 you ALL, and hope that your stay 01:32:18,155 "The war... I mean, your war... you war... you war... you all," 1942 01:32:18,195 --> 01:32:19,035 "The war... I mean, your war... you war... you war... you all," 1943 01:32:19,075 --> 01:32:20,915 that bit was beautifully done. 1944 01:32:20,955 --> 01:32:22,955 And again, he is the butt of that joke. 1945 01:32:22,995 --> 01:32:23,235 01:32:37,155 I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it all right. 1955 01:32:37,195 --> 01:32:39,195 So, it's all forgotten now, and let's hear no more about it. 1956 01:32:39,235 --> 01:32:40,475 So, it's all forgotten now, and let's hear no more about it. 1957 01:32:40,515 --> 01:32:42,195 01:32:50,275 Sorry, I got a bit confused cos 1963 01:32:50,315 --> 01:32:50,955 Sorry, I got a bit confused cos 1964 01:32:50,995 --> 01:32:52,555 When you mention Fawlty Towers, 1965 01:32:52,595 --> 01:32:54,315 first thing that they talk about is... 1966 01:32:54,355 --> 01:32:56,355 "They said don't mention the war." That's right, yeah. 1967 01:32:56,395 --> 01:32:56,955 01:33:05,915 The wordplay is exquisite in that scene. 1974 01:33:05,955 --> 01:33:07,955 The fact that he manages to put the name of prominent Nazis 1975 01:33:07,995 --> 01:33:09,475 The fact that he manages to put the name of prominent Nazis 1976 01:33:09,515 --> 01:33:11,515 into popular foodstuffs - 1977 01:33:11,555 --> 01:33:12,835 into popular foodstuffs - 1978 01:33:12,875 --> 01:33:14,875 01:33:21,755 you mention something you're not supposed to mention, 1984 01:33:21,795 --> 01:33:23,635 and then you end up doing it 50 times over. 1985 01:33:25,355 --> 01:33:27,355 Perhaps the most iconic scene of Fawlty Towers 1986 01:33:27,395 --> 01:33:28,395 Perhaps the most iconic scene of Fawlty Towers 1987 01:33:28,435 --> 01:33:30,435 is the climax of the Germans episode. 1988 01:33:30,475 --> 01:33:31,475 is the climax of the Germans episode. 1989 01:33:31,515 --> 01:33:33,515 01:33:52,755 which is meant to be really so offensive, 2001 01:33:52,795 --> 01:33:54,795 is Basil doing the goose-stepping. 2002 01:33:54,835 --> 01:33:55,755 is Basil doing the goose-stepping. 2003 01:33:55,795 --> 01:33:57,795 You know why he's doing it and what he's referring to. 2004 01:33:57,835 --> 01:33:58,915 01:34:08,795 I'm trying to cheer her up, you stupid Kraut! 2011 01:34:08,835 --> 01:34:09,675 I'm trying to cheer her up, you stupid Kraut! 2012 01:34:09,715 --> 01:34:11,715 LAUGHTER 2013 01:34:11,755 --> 01:34:11,955 LAUGHTER 2014 01:34:11,995 --> 01:34:13,995 Funny?! Not funny? You're joking! 2015 01:34:14,035 --> 01:34:15,315 Funny?! Not funny? You're joking! 2016 01:34:15,355 --> 01:34:17,355 01:34:28,435 But was making light of the war and our attitudes to Germans funny, 2024 01:34:28,475 --> 01:34:30,475 But was making light of the war and our attitudes to Germans funny, 2025 01:34:30,515 --> 01:34:31,195 But was making light of the war and our attitudes to Germans funny, 2026 01:34:31,235 --> 01:34:33,235 or big, or clever? 2027 01:34:33,275 --> 01:34:33,995 or big, or clever? 2028 01:34:34,035 --> 01:34:35,395 I don't know if people know this. 2029 01:34:35,435 --> 01:34:37,395 Germans love that episode. 2030 01:34:37,435 --> 01:34:39,435 My father's favourite episode 01:34:48,595 My father was working in very 2037 01:34:48,635 --> 01:34:49,475 My father was working in very 2038 01:34:51,315 --> 01:34:53,075 you know, he was their favourite Nazi. 2039 01:34:53,115 --> 01:34:54,795 In my opinion, I thought it maybe reflected 2040 01:34:54,835 --> 01:34:56,835 the time of when it was filmed, 2041 01:34:56,875 --> 01:34:57,315 01:35:06,875 The epitome of Fawlty Towers, so two bells for me. 2048 01:35:06,915 --> 01:35:08,755 {\an8}BELL DINGS, SHE CHUCKLES 2049 01:35:08,795 --> 01:35:10,795 Cleese's mocking of British awkwardness towards the Germans 2050 01:35:10,835 --> 01:35:11,995 Cleese's mocking of British awkwardness towards the Germans 2051 01:35:12,035 --> 01:35:14,035 may have been given the seal of approval, 2052 01:35:14,075 --> 01:35:15,035 may have been given the seal of approval, 2053 01:35:15,075 --> 01:35:17,075 but in 2013, when repeating The Germans pre-watershed, 2054 01:35:17,115 --> 01:35:18,715 but in 2013, when repeating The Germans pre-watershed, 2055 01:35:18,755 --> 01:35:20,755 the BBC decides to censor racial slurs 2056 01:35:20,795 --> 01:35:22,435 the BBC decides to censor racial slurs 2057 01:35:22,475 --> 01:35:24,235 from the Major's cricket anecdote. 2058 01:35:24,275 --> 01:35:26,275 Remember the notorious scene from earlier? 2059 01:35:26,315 --> 01:35:27,515 Remember the notorious scene from earlier? 2060 01:35:27,555 --> 01:35:29,555 I don't personally think we should censor. 2061 01:35:29,595 --> 01:35:29,795 I don't personally think we should censor. 2062 01:35:32,155 --> 01:35:34,155 and that what stood then, 01:35:45,955 I always call her Winnie... 2070 01:35:45,995 --> 01:35:47,235 She's not Black. 2071 01:35:47,275 --> 01:35:49,275 Black? Churchill wasn't Black. LAUGHTER 2072 01:35:49,315 --> 01:35:51,195 Black? Churchill wasn't Black. LAUGHTER 2073 01:35:51,235 --> 01:35:52,875 I think the Major was well acted. 2074 01:35:52,915 --> 01:35:54,915 I mean, in what he says and his attitude to things. 2075 01:35:54,955 --> 01:35:56,595 01:36:04,355 It was thought that there were people like that at the time. 2081 01:36:04,395 --> 01:36:04,755 It was thought that there were people like that at the time. 2082 01:36:04,795 --> 01:36:06,675 The '70s were a funny time. 2083 01:36:06,715 --> 01:36:08,715 It was a time where Britain was very much changing. 2084 01:36:08,755 --> 01:36:09,795 01:36:22,075 Did you? Did you really? 2093 01:36:22,115 --> 01:36:22,395 Did you? Did you really? 2094 01:36:22,435 --> 01:36:24,435 you know, perplexed by this. 2095 01:36:24,475 --> 01:36:26,475 you know, perplexed by this. 2096 01:36:26,515 --> 01:36:26,795 you know, perplexed by this. 2097 01:36:28,715 --> 01:36:30,715 "What is that...? Why... 2098 01:36:30,755 --> 01:36:32,355 "What is that...? Why... 2099 01:36:32,395 --> 01:36:34,395 And, you know, 01:36:49,755 The first time I heard the word "racism" 2108 01:36:49,795 --> 01:36:51,795 is when I arrived in the UK. 2109 01:36:51,835 --> 01:36:52,595 is when I arrived in the UK. 2110 01:36:52,635 --> 01:36:54,635 Tony Bowry left the West Indies in a boat headed for the UK 2111 01:36:54,675 --> 01:36:56,675 Tony Bowry left the West Indies in a boat headed for the UK 2112 01:36:56,715 --> 01:36:57,075 Tony Bowry left the West Indies in a boat headed for the UK 2113 01:36:57,115 --> 01:36:59,115 in 1965. 2114 01:36:59,155 --> 01:37:01,155 in 1965. 2115 01:37:01,195 --> 01:37:01,355 in 1965. 2116 01:37:02,995 --> 01:37:04,995 Once in the UK, Tony settled in Leeds. 2117 01:37:05,035 --> 01:37:06,235 Once in the UK, Tony settled in Leeds. 2118 01:37:06,275 --> 01:37:08,275 My first experience of racism was in a church, 2119 01:37:08,315 --> 01:37:09,835 My first experience of racism was in a church, 2120 01:37:09,875 --> 01:37:11,555 in the Leeds Cathedral. 2121 01:37:11,595 --> 01:37:13,595 At the end of one service, the local priest came and told me 2122 01:37:13,635 --> 01:37:15,635 01:37:21,235 "where my friends are". 2126 01:37:23,355 --> 01:37:25,355 Tony became part of what is now known as the Windrush generation. 2127 01:37:25,395 --> 01:37:27,395 Tony became part of what is now known as the Windrush generation. 2128 01:37:27,435 --> 01:37:27,835 Tony became part of what is now known as the Windrush generation. 2129 01:37:27,875 --> 01:37:29,875 The Windrush generation were invited over to the country 2130 01:37:29,915 --> 01:37:30,195 The Windrush generation were invited over to the country 2131 01:37:30,235 --> 01:37:32,235 to help rebuild the country from World War II. 2132 01:37:32,275 --> 01:37:33,475 to help rebuild the country 01:37:46,035 in a place where they were going to be accepted and welcomed. 2141 01:37:46,075 --> 01:37:48,075 The West Indies cricket team were a formidable force. 2142 01:37:48,115 --> 01:37:49,355 The West Indies cricket team were a formidable force. 2143 01:37:49,395 --> 01:37:51,395 They won the inaugural World Cup in 1975, 2144 01:37:51,435 --> 01:37:52,675 They won the inaugural World Cup in 1975, 2145 01:37:52,715 --> 01:37:54,675 handed to them by Prince Philip. 2146 01:37:56,955 --> 01:37:58,835 and I think that's what makes... 2147 01:37:58,875 --> 01:38:00,875 01:38:11,755 and playing it so well when it had a very English root. 2153 01:38:14,635 --> 01:38:16,635 Brothers Adnan and Aman, 2154 01:38:16,675 --> 01:38:16,995 Brothers Adnan and Aman, 2155 01:38:17,035 --> 01:38:19,035 whose parents migrated from India, had similar experiences. 2156 01:38:19,075 --> 01:38:21,035 whose parents migrated from India, had similar experiences. 2157 01:38:21,075 --> 01:38:23,075 I think they called us the P-word and they told us to, 2158 01:38:23,115 --> 01:38:23,915 01:38:27,595 you know, "F off back to where 2161 01:38:27,635 --> 01:38:29,635 {\an8}It is historically recorded 2162 01:38:29,675 --> 01:38:29,955 {\an8}It is historically recorded 2163 01:38:29,995 --> 01:38:31,995 {\an8}that people went around seeing signs saying, 2164 01:38:32,035 --> 01:38:32,875 {\an8} 01:38:35,795 {\an8}"No Irish, no Blacks, no dogs." 2167 01:38:35,835 --> 01:38:37,595 {\an8}That was the degree of the prejudice. 2168 01:38:37,635 --> 01:38:39,635 So when Basil and the Major have these conversations, 2169 01:38:39,675 --> 01:38:41,275 01:39:10,955 She kept referring to the Indians as... BLEEP. 2190 01:39:10,995 --> 01:39:12,115 No, no, no, no, no... 2191 01:39:12,155 --> 01:39:14,155 'Now, would one get away with that these days? 2192 01:39:14,195 --> 01:39:14,475 'Now, would one get away with that these days? 2193 01:39:14,515 --> 01:39:16,275 'I don't think so. 01:39:26,235 because it said, "These are 2199 01:39:26,275 --> 01:39:28,275 Cleese goes on to explain 2200 01:39:28,315 --> 01:39:28,555 Cleese goes on to explain 2201 01:39:28,595 --> 01:39:30,595 that the Major was supposed to be a figure of fun, 2202 01:39:30,635 --> 01:39:31,475 that the Major was supposed to be a figure of fun, 2203 01:39:31,515 --> 01:39:33,515 and therefore you could make fun of racial attitudes. 2204 01:39:33,555 --> 01:39:34,795 and therefore you could make fun of racial attitudes. 2205 01:39:34,835 --> 01:39:36,835 'If you were worried about it and 2206 01:39:36,875 --> 01:39:37,955 01:39:50,275 'because it may be misunderstood by idiots.' 2214 01:39:50,315 --> 01:39:51,755 'because it may be misunderstood by idiots.' 2215 01:39:51,795 --> 01:39:53,795 Where I would disagree with Cleese 2216 01:39:53,835 --> 01:39:55,395 Where I would disagree with Cleese 2217 01:39:55,435 --> 01:39:57,435 is the whole, 01:39:59,795 I think nowadays we would say, no, you're supposed to tell him off. 2220 01:39:59,835 --> 01:40:00,795 I think nowadays we would say, no, you're supposed to tell him off. 2221 01:40:00,835 --> 01:40:02,515 You're not supposed 01:40:06,235 "Why can't you have a bit of fun?" 2224 01:40:06,275 --> 01:40:06,475 "Why can't you have a bit of fun?" 2225 01:40:06,515 --> 01:40:08,275 Well, it's not funny. 2226 01:40:10,995 --> 01:40:12,995 because they've been lampooned, and Asians, over t'years, 2227 01:40:13,035 --> 01:40:15,035 01:40:22,795 Cos he's not really doing anything overly clever. 2233 01:40:22,835 --> 01:40:23,115 Cos he's not really doing anything overly clever. 2234 01:40:23,155 --> 01:40:25,155 He's just saying, "Racism is bad," very, like, subtly, 2235 01:40:25,195 --> 01:40:25,995 He's just saying, "Racism is bad," very, like, subtly, 2236 01:40:26,035 --> 01:40:28,035 01:40:34,875 Start using the N-word, 2241 01:40:34,915 --> 01:40:36,915 and it were much worse, I thought, Keith, than taking a punch. 2242 01:40:36,955 --> 01:40:38,955 and it were much worse, I thought, Keith, than taking a punch. 2243 01:40:38,995 --> 01:40:39,355 and it were much worse, I thought, Keith, than taking a punch. 2244 01:40:39,395 --> 01:40:40,835 01:40:51,515 It was one of the most appalling things I've ever seen. 2252 01:41:00,230 --> 01:41:02,230 STEVEN BERKOFF: The year is 1975. 2253 01:41:02,270 --> 01:41:02,590 STEVEN BERKOFF: The year is 1975. 2254 01:41:02,630 --> 01:41:03,830 Labour are in power, 2255 01:41:03,870 --> 01:41:05,870 Liverpool are embarking on a title-winning season, 2256 01:41:05,910 --> 01:41:07,030 Liverpool are embarking on a title-winning season, 2257 01:41:07,070 --> 01:41:08,830 Rod Stewart is on a world tour, 2258 01:41:08,870 --> 01:41:10,870 and Fawlty Towers hits our screens for the first time. 2259 01:41:10,910 --> 01:41:12,150 and Fawlty Towers hits our screens for the first time. 2260 01:41:13,350 --> 01:41:15,350 Well, may I ask what you were expecting to see 2261 01:41:15,390 --> 01:41:15,670 Well, may I ask what you were expecting to see 2262 01:41:15,710 --> 01:41:17,710 out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? 2263 01:41:17,750 --> 01:41:18,870 out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? 2264 01:41:18,910 --> 01:41:20,910 01:41:29,670 You can see the sea. 2271 01:41:29,710 --> 01:41:31,710 It's over there, between the land and the sky. 2272 01:41:31,750 --> 01:41:31,990 It's over there, between the land and the sky. 2273 01:41:32,030 --> 01:41:32,990 LAUGHTER 2274 01:41:33,030 --> 01:41:34,190 {\an8}She says there's no view, 2275 01:41:34,230 --> 01:41:36,230 {\an8}and we can see in the cheap set 01:41:41,310 {\an8}"It's over there, between the land and the sky." 2280 01:41:41,350 --> 01:41:43,350 It was also quite erudite, right? 01:41:45,710 It was also quite erudite, right? "What would you expect to see? 2283 01:41:45,750 --> 01:41:47,750 "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, perhaps?" 2284 01:41:47,790 --> 01:41:48,070 "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, 01:42:15,230 and it worked perfectly. 2305 01:42:16,430 --> 01:42:18,430 But rewind five years, and a global news story would go on 2306 01:42:18,470 --> 01:42:19,550 But rewind five years, and a global news story would go on 2307 01:42:19,590 --> 01:42:21,590 to prompt the BBC to review some of its back catalogue, 2308 01:42:21,630 --> 01:42:23,030 to prompt the BBC to review some of its back catalogue, 2309 01:42:23,070 --> 01:42:25,070 including Fawlty Towers. 2310 01:42:25,110 --> 01:42:25,430 including Fawlty Towers. 2311 01:42:25,470 --> 01:42:27,470 {\an8}So, in 2020, 01:42:37,030 With the horrendous tragedy of the George Floyd murder, 2318 01:42:37,070 --> 01:42:39,070 With the horrendous tragedy of the George Floyd murder, 2319 01:42:39,110 --> 01:42:39,870 With the horrendous tragedy of the George Floyd murder, 2320 01:42:39,910 --> 01:42:41,910 that did jolt people 01:42:51,350 incident got us talking. 2327 01:42:53,630 --> 01:42:55,630 {\an8}as one of our best-loved sitcoms. 2328 01:42:55,670 --> 01:42:57,670 {\an8}as one of our best-loved sitcoms. 2329 01:42:57,710 --> 01:42:58,830 {\an8}as one of our best-loved sitcoms. 2330 01:42:58,870 --> 01:43:00,870 'Tonight, UKTV, a channel controlled by the BBC, 2331 01:43:00,910 --> 01:43:02,790 'Tonight, UKTV, 01:43:08,710 'that it's removed the "don't mention the war" episode.' 2335 01:43:08,750 --> 01:43:08,990 'that it's removed the "don't mention the war" episode.' 2336 01:43:09,030 --> 01:43:09,870 01:43:13,990 And, "Should we do that?" and, "Oh, does that make it...?" 2339 01:43:14,030 --> 01:43:14,510 And, "Should we do that?" and, "Oh, does that make it...?" 2340 01:43:14,550 --> 01:43:16,390 "Oh, God, that's not funny any more." 2341 01:43:16,430 --> 01:43:18,430 So that was 01:43:33,070 to make sure that all people in the country 2349 01:43:33,110 --> 01:43:33,630 to make sure that all people in the country 2350 01:43:33,670 --> 01:43:35,430 are feeling serviced by that service. 2351 01:43:35,470 --> 01:43:37,470 A month later, and UKTV reinstated the episode. 2352 01:43:37,510 --> 01:43:39,510 A month later, and UKTV reinstated the episode. 2353 01:43:39,550 --> 01:43:40,150 A month later, and UKTV reinstated the episode. 2354 01:43:40,190 --> 01:43:42,190 REPORTER:UKTV is to bring back the Fawlty Towers episode The Germans, 2355 01:43:42,230 --> 01:43:43,590 REPORTER:UKTV is to bring back the Fawlty Towers episode The Germans, 2356 01:43:43,630 --> 01:43:45,630 saying viewers will be warned about its content. 2357 01:43:45,670 --> 01:43:46,390 01:43:50,070 Fair enough to say, "There is language that you won't like 2360 01:43:50,110 --> 01:43:52,110 "and attitudes to race 2361 01:43:52,150 --> 01:43:53,350 "and attitudes to race 2362 01:43:53,390 --> 01:43:55,390 01:43:59,270 You can't rewrite history, and you shouldn't. 2365 01:43:59,310 --> 01:43:59,990 You can't rewrite history, and you shouldn't. 2366 01:44:00,030 --> 01:44:02,030 Oh, you can't rewrite history, but you can rewrite the future. 2367 01:44:02,070 --> 01:44:04,070 Oh, you can't rewrite history, but you can rewrite the future. 2368 01:44:04,110 --> 01:44:04,350 Oh, you can't rewrite history, but you can rewrite the future. 2369 01:44:04,390 --> 01:44:06,390 The Fawlty Towers stage play 2370 01:44:06,430 --> 01:44:06,870 The Fawlty Towers stage play 2371 01:44:06,910 --> 01:44:08,910 is an amalgamation of three classic Fawlty Towers episodes, 2372 01:44:08,950 --> 01:44:10,750 is an amalgamation of three classic Fawlty Towers episodes, 2373 01:44:10,790 --> 01:44:12,350 including The Germans, 2374 01:44:12,390 --> 01:44:14,390 of the N-word in the reversion. 2375 01:44:14,430 --> 01:44:16,430 of the N-word in the reversion. 2376 01:44:16,470 --> 01:44:16,710 of the N-word in the reversion. 2377 01:44:16,750 --> 01:44:18,750 I'd say don't use it. 2378 01:44:18,790 --> 01:44:19,030 I'd say don't use it. 2379 01:44:19,070 --> 01:44:21,070 01:44:31,950 for modern sensibility? 2388 01:44:31,990 --> 01:44:33,990 A couple of things, and I wouldn't have done it in a perfect world. 2389 01:44:34,030 --> 01:44:35,790 A couple of things, and I wouldn't have done it in a perfect world. 2390 01:44:35,830 --> 01:44:37,790 But you know what social media's like. 2391 01:44:37,830 --> 01:44:39,830 01:44:48,070 I don't agree with policing of language. 2398 01:44:48,110 --> 01:44:49,230 But at the same time, 2399 01:44:49,270 --> 01:44:51,270 I also don't agree with upsetting people unnecessarily. 2400 01:44:51,310 --> 01:44:52,350 I also don't agree with upsetting people unnecessarily. 2401 01:44:52,390 --> 01:44:54,110 01:45:07,350 are quite responsible not to use it in that way. 2411 01:45:07,390 --> 01:45:07,990 are quite responsible not to use it in that way. 2412 01:45:09,070 --> 01:45:11,070 So, where does this leave the legacy of Fawlty Towers? 2413 01:45:11,110 --> 01:45:12,230 So, where does this leave the legacy of Fawlty Towers? 2414 01:45:12,270 --> 01:45:14,270 is that it will go down 2415 01:45:14,310 --> 01:45:15,550 is that it will go down 2416 01:45:15,590 --> 01:45:17,590 01:45:25,670 {\an8}That's always gonna be, I think, one of the top moments 2422 01:45:25,710 --> 01:45:27,030 {\an8}That's always gonna be, I think, one of the top moments 2423 01:45:27,070 --> 01:45:29,070 {\an8}in British history in terms of comedy. 2424 01:45:29,110 --> 01:45:29,550 {\an8}in British history 01:45:54,950 with 80%, 90% degree of fondness and pride 2441 01:45:54,990 --> 01:45:56,990 for it being a wonderful British product of British comedy. 2442 01:45:57,030 --> 01:45:58,470 for it being a wonderful British product of British comedy. 2443 01:45:58,510 --> 01:46:00,510