Fawlty Towers - Revision history

Pankratz at 17:56, 6 July 2020

2020-07-06T17:56:20Z

Clydesdale at 13:01, 7 July 2015

2015-07-07T13:01:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:01, 7 July 2015
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	==Background and Setting ==		==Background and Setting ==

	The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the Monty Python cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC. ~~[source??]~~		The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the Monty Python cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC. (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)

	Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.		Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.		The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.

	According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)		According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)

Clydesdale at 12:57, 7 July 2015

2015-07-07T12:57:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 7 July 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" (Fawlty Towers, 7 July 2015 <~~[http://~~www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml>).		A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" (Fawlty Towers, 7 July 2015 <www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml>).
	''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from		''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from
	19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.		19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.		The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.

	According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy 7 July 2015 <~~http://~~www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)		According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)

Clydesdale at 12:56, 7 July 2015

2015-07-07T12:56:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:56, 7 July 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" [~~source??]~~.		A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" (Fawlty Towers, 7 July 2015 <[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml>).
	''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from		''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from
	19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.		19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.		The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.

	According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" ~~[exact source??]~~		According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy 7 July 2015 <http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)

Pankratz at 10:23, 16 June 2015

2015-06-16T10:23:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:23, 16 June 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown".		A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" [source??].
			''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from
			19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.


	==Background and Setting ==		==Background and Setting ==

	The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The ~~Background~~ to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the ''Monty Python'' cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC.		The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the Monty Python cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC. [source??]

	Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.		Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.

	Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the Fawltys' hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.		Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the Fawltys' hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.

	Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. Even though she shows more ~~leniance~~ when dealing with her guests, she shows a lack of understanding of Basil and his ~~escapade~~ and often fights with him. She is often displeased with his incompetence and his vainglory.		Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. Even though she shows more lenience when dealing with her guests, she shows a lack of understanding of Basil and his escapades and often fights with him. She is often displeased with his incompetence and his vainglory.
	~~The tension between Basil and Sybil provides for disorder and introduces a comic element~~.

	Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss~~, Basil~~. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.		Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.
	Manuel is one of the more sympathetic characters in the sitcom, among others because of his polite manners and his status as main victim of Basil's attacks. Nevertheless, as is revealed in the final episode, Manuel has a pet [[hamster]], which is named "Basil", in honour of his boss.		Manuel is one of the more sympathetic characters in the sitcom, among others because of his polite manners and his status as main victim of Basil's attacks. Nevertheless, as is revealed in the final episode, Manuel has a pet [[hamster]], which is named "Basil", in honour of his boss.
	Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is to proud of his "Englishness".		Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is too proud of his "Englishness".

	Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculus.		Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculus.
Line 22:		Line 24:
	== Style ==		== Style ==

	The style of ''Fawlty ~~towers~~'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous ''Monty Python''. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The ~~character~~ behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a ~~carnevalesque atmoosphere, known from works of ''Monty Python''~~		The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.
	~~(e.g. ''Monty Python's Flying Circus'' or works such as ''Monty Python and the Holy Grail'').~~

	According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands."

	~~== Cast ==~~

	~~Basil Fawlty ..........................................John Cleese~~

	~~Sybil Fawlty..................................... Prunella Scales~~

	~~Manuel ..............................................Andrew Sachs~~

	~~Polly................................................... Connie Booth~~

	~~Major Gowen ...................................Ballard Berkeley~~

	~~Miss Tibbs............................................ Gilly Flower~~

	~~Miss Gatsby .....................................~~.~~Renee Roberts~~

			According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" [exact source??]


	~~== Producers==~~

	~~John Howard Davies, Douglas Argent~~


	~~== Programming History ==~~

	~~Fawlty Towers was aired on BBC1 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from~~
	~~19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.~~

	== Further Reading==		== Further Reading==

	Cleese, John, and Connie Booth. The Complete Fawlty Towers. London: Methuen, 1988.		Cleese, John, and Connie Booth. ''The Complete Fawlty Towers''. London: Methuen, 1988.

	Skynner, Robin A. C., and John Cleese. Families and How To Survive Them. London: Methuen, 1983.		Skynner, Robin A. C., and John Cleese. ''Families and How To Survive Them''. London: Methuen, 1983.

	Wilmut, Roger. From Fringe To Flying Circus. London: Methuen, 1980.		Wilmut, Roger. ''From Fringe To Flying Circus''. London: Methuen, 1980.


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	[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml]		[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml]

	~~[[Category:Expansion]]~~

Clydesdale: /* Background and Setting */

2015-06-15T21:16:16Z

Background and Setting

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 15 June 2015
Line 13:		Line 13:

	Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss, Basil. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.		Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss, Basil. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.
	Manuel is one of the more sympathetic characters in the sitcom, among others because of his polite manners and his status as main victim of Basil's attacks. Nevertheless, as is revealed in the final episode, Manuel has a pet hamster ~~(actually a rat!)~~, which is named "Basil", in honour of his boss.		Manuel is one of the more sympathetic characters in the sitcom, among others because of his polite manners and his status as main victim of Basil's attacks. Nevertheless, as is revealed in the final episode, Manuel has a pet [[hamster]], which is named "Basil", in honour of his boss.
	Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is to proud of his "Englishness".		Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is to proud of his "Englishness".

	Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculus.		Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculus.

	The character of Polly, played by co-writer Connie Booth, is the least comic and stereotypical role in the show. She provides sanity and tempers the worst excesses of the other main characters.		The character of Polly, played by co-writer Connie Booth, is the least comic and stereotypical role in the show. She provides sanity and tempers the worst excesses of the other main characters.



	== Style ==		== Style ==

Clydesdale: /* Programming History */

2015-06-15T21:15:09Z

Programming History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 15 June 2015
Line 53:		Line 53:

	== Programming History ==		== Programming History ==


	~~12 30 minute episodes~~

	Fawlty Towers was aired on BBC1 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from		Fawlty Towers was aired on BBC1 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from
	19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.		19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.


	== Further Reading==		== Further Reading==

Clydesdale at 21:13, 15 June 2015

2015-06-15T21:13:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 15 June 2015
Line 4:		Line 4:
	==Background and Setting ==		==Background and Setting ==

	The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John ~~Clees~~) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The Background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the ''~~Monthy~~ Python'' cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC.		The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The Background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the ''Monty Python'' cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC.
	Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.		Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.

	Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the Fawltys' hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.		Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the Fawltys' hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.

	Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. ~~She often saves the day for Basil and has the role of a source of reason in her rather insane surrounding. But~~ she ~~herself is often a source of chaos within the series, as Basil often fights~~ with her ~~and as~~ she shows a lack of understanding of ~~her husband~~ and his ~~escapades~~.		Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. Even though she shows more leniance when dealing with her guests, she shows a lack of understanding of Basil and his escapade and often fights with him. She is often displeased with his incompetence and his vainglory.
	The tension ~~between the main characters introduces many comic elements into the series as the opposition~~ between Basil and Sybil provides for disorder.		The tension between Basil and Sybil provides for disorder and introduces a comic element.

			Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss, Basil. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.
			Manuel is one of the more sympathetic characters in the sitcom, among others because of his polite manners and his status as main victim of Basil's attacks. Nevertheless, as is revealed in the final episode, Manuel has a pet hamster (actually a rat!), which is named "Basil", in honour of his boss.
			Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is to proud of his "Englishness".

			Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculus.

			The character of Polly, played by co-writer Connie Booth, is the least comic and stereotypical role in the show. She provides sanity and tempers the worst excesses of the other main characters.



			== Style ==

			The style of ''Fawlty towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of the famous ''Monty Python''. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical "Monty Python-style" excess. The character behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnevalesque atmoosphere, known from works of ''Monty Python''
			(e.g. ''Monty Python's Flying Circus'' or works such as ''Monty Python and the Holy Grail'').

			According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands."

	== Cast ==		== Cast ==
Line 39:		Line 54:
	== Programming History ==		== Programming History ==

	~~12 30-minute episodes~~

	~~BBC1:~~		12 30 minute episodes

	19 September 1975-24 October 1975		Fawlty Towers was aired on BBC1 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from
	19 February 1979-26 March 1979		19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.


Line 59:		Line 73:

	[http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm		[http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm
	~~[[Category:Expansion]]~~

	[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml]		[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml]

			[[Category:Expansion]]

Clydesdale at 17:47, 15 June 2015

2015-06-15T17:47:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 15 June 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	A Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona.		A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown".


			==Background and Setting ==

			The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Clees) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The Background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the ''Monthy Python'' cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC.
			Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.

			Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the Fawltys' hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.

			Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. She often saves the day for Basil and has the role of a source of reason in her rather insane surrounding. But she herself is often a source of chaos within the series, as Basil often fights with her and as she shows a lack of understanding of her husband and his escapades.
			The tension between the main characters introduces many comic elements into the series as the opposition between Basil and Sybil provides for disorder.



	== Cast ==		== Cast ==
Line 24:		Line 37:


	== ~~PROGRAMMING HISTORY~~ ==		== Programming History ==

	12 30-minute episodes		12 30-minute episodes
Line 34:		Line 47:


	== ~~FURTHER READING~~==		== Further Reading==

	Cleese, John, and Connie Booth. The Complete Fawlty Towers. London: Methuen, 1988.		Cleese, John, and Connie Booth. The Complete Fawlty Towers. London: Methuen, 1988.
Line 45:		Line 58:
	== Sources: ==		== Sources: ==

	http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm		[http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm
	[[Category:Expansion]]		[[Category:Expansion]]

			[http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml]

Clydesdale at 17:14, 15 June 2015

2015-06-15T17:14:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 15 June 2015
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	~~1975. 1979. BBC. Written by and starring John Cleese and Conny Booth.~~ Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona.		A Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona.

			== Cast ==

			Basil Fawlty ..........................................John Cleese

			Sybil Fawlty..................................... Prunella Scales

			Manuel ..............................................Andrew Sachs

			Polly................................................... Connie Booth

			Major Gowen ...................................Ballard Berkeley

			Miss Tibbs............................................ Gilly Flower

			Miss Gatsby ......................................Renee Roberts



			== Producers==

			John Howard Davies, Douglas Argent


			== PROGRAMMING HISTORY ==

			12 30-minute episodes

			BBC1:

			19 September 1975-24 October 1975
			19 February 1979-26 March 1979


			== FURTHER READING==

			Cleese, John, and Connie Booth. The Complete Fawlty Towers. London: Methuen, 1988.

			Skynner, Robin A. C., and John Cleese. Families and How To Survive Them. London: Methuen, 1983.

			Wilmut, Roger. From Fringe To Flying Circus. London: Methuen, 1980.


			== Sources: ==

			http://www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm
	[[Category:Expansion]]		[[Category:Expansion]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 6 July 2020
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	A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" (Fawlty Towers, 7 July 2015 <www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml>).		A British Sitcom set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Featuring waiter Manuel ("Que?" "Is a [[hamster]]") from Barcelona. Even though it has only twelve episodes in two seasons, it is still seen as one of the most influencial British Sitcoms of all times. The BBC, on which it was aired, calls it "up to this day [...] a jewel in the BBC's comedy crown" (Fawlty Towers, 7 July 2015 <www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml>).
	''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975-24 October 1975 and from		''Fawlty Towers'' was aired on BBC2 from 19 September 1975 to 24 October 1975 and from
	19 February 1979-26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.		19 February 1979 to 26 March 1979. Both seasons consisted of only six episodes of 30 minutes respectively.


	==Background and Setting ==		==Background and Setting ==

	The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the Monty Python cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC. (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)		The series is set in a hotel in Torquay managed by Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales). The background to the creation of the series was an unpleasant stay of the [[Monty Python]] cast at an actual hotel in Torquay. Cleese was reportedly inspired by the rudeness of the hotel proprietor and decided to turn his experience into a sitcom when asked by the BBC. (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)

	Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.		Cleese modeled the main character Basil on the said hotel director and made him an embodiment of the frustrated, English would-be snob who shows contempt towards his guests because he deems them inferior and considers their petty demands an interference with smooth running of his business.

	Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the ~~Fawltys'~~ hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.		Aside from his guests Basil himself and his chaotic staff are constantly preventing the smooth running of the hotel. Because of his chaotic character Basil is incapable of running a hotel and constantly fights with his staff, guests and with his own wife.

	Sybil is a idiosyncratic character on her own. Even though she shows more lenience when dealing with her guests, she shows a lack of understanding of Basil and his escapades and often fights with him. She is often displeased with his incompetence and his vainglory.		Sybil is an idiosyncratic character in her own right. Even though she shows more lenience when dealing with her guests, she shows a lack of understanding of Basil and his escapades and often fights with him. She is often displeased with his incompetence and his vainglory.

	Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.		Another important character is Manuel (Andrew Sachs), the Spanish waiter (from Barcelona, which is frequently mentioned throughout the series), who finds himself repeatedly bullied by his boss. Manuel is a typical example of the comic stereotype of the "funny foreigner". He knows only little English and takes some things a bit to literal.
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	Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is too proud of his "Englishness".		Another feature of Manuel is his regular use of catch-phrases, like "Qué?" (Spanish for "what"). Manuel is used to portray the weaknesses of Basil, rather than making fun of foreigners from Spain. The clashes between Basil and Manuel serve to illustrate Basil's lack of tolerance and his incapability of dealing with people with a different cultural background simply because Basil is too proud of his "Englishness".

	Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ~~ridiculus~~.		Another (minor) stereotypical character is eccentric old colonial Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley), who serves as illustration of the old, racist veteran, whose political attitudes are at least outdated if not utterly ridiculous.

	The character of Polly, played by co-writer Connie Booth, is the least comic and stereotypical role in the show. She provides sanity and tempers the worst excesses of the other main characters.		The character of Polly, played by co-writer Connie Booth, is the least comic and stereotypical role in the show. She provides sanity and tempers the worst excesses of the other main characters.
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	== Style ==		== Style ==

	The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of ~~the famous~~ Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical ~~"Monty Python-style"~~ excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.		The style of ''Fawlty Towers'' is reminiscent of the comedy of Monty Python. It combines classical elements of sitcoms (hackneyed theme, stock shots and inexplicably rearranged name-board, fixed cast of characters) with the typical Pythonesque excess. The characters behave in an oddly exaggerated way and create a carnivalesque atmosphere.

	According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)		According to Peter Goddard, ''Fawlty Towers'' "challenged the bounds of acceptability in domestic comedy. Basil thrashing his stalled car with a tree-branch, concealing the corpse of a dead guest or breaking into Hitlerian goose-stepping before a party of Germans were incidents outside the traditional capacity of the form which could have been disastrous in lesser hands" (Peter Goddard: "Fawlty Towers: British Situation Comedy", 7 July 2015 <www.museum.tv/eotv/fawltytowers.htm>)