FilmBuff1994
Fawlty Towers is a terrific television series with fantastically written plots and a top notch comedic cast. Of all 12 episodes, each is just as brilliant, there is never one that comes on that I am disinterested in, each takes me on a journey where I can simply sit back, relax, forget about my troubles and have a genuine laugh. There is so much cringe humour in it, which the British do so well, particularly due to Basil Fawlty, one of the most well written characters of any comedy series, who we can not help but laugh at. My only real complaint about the show is that they simply did not make enough, I know that British comedies usually do not have a long runtime, but I would love to have seen these characters grow and develop some more, their arc is very incomplete. The cast is all around terrific, John Cleese is an absolute revelation as Basil, with an amazing physicality in the part, it is impossible to imagine anyone else in this role. Prunella Scales is also magnificent as Sybil, playing a straight, but still hilarious role, Andrew Sachs often steals the show as Manuel, and Connie Booth has an excellent presence as Polly, playing the most grounded character on the show. Great fun from beginning to end. Still has me in stitches even when watching the episodes for the fiftieth time, Fawlty Towers is a must watch comedy.
Follows a hotel owner trying to keep his business in check, but often making mistakes along the way.
Best Performance: John Cleese/ Best Episode: The Germans
Paul Evans
I can only imagine what it must have been like for the millions of viewers back in 1975 and subsequently 1979 to sit down and watch an episode of Fawlty Towers for the first time. Considered by many as the greatest sitcom of all time, certainly by me. Made before I was born I connect with each character and laugh out loud at each episode, whether it's Basil's frustrations, Manuel's lack of understanding, Cybil's coarseness, or indeed the array of amusing guests.Only twelve episodes made, all concerned made every effort to ensure that what was put out was quality, a four year gap in between Series shows just what perfectionists Cleese, Booth and co. were. When I reach the sixth episode of Series 2, I often wonder 'if only there were more,' but to maintain the standard they did, they made the right decision. Twelve episodes of pure comedy gold.How do you go about picking a favourite episode, for many it's The Germans, for many it's Basil the Rat, personally I'll always have a fondness for The Kipper and The Corpse, even the title shows a level of genius.It's one of the few shows that can genuinely make you forget about a bad situation, you can check into Fawlty Towers and laugh your head off. Laughter will forever be the best medicine, and this show will forever remain Britain's best loved comedy. 10/10
Dave
This BBC sitcom deserves its reputation as one of the best sitcoms - and indeed TV shows in general. The acting, writing, direction etc. are excellent. There are many strong, entertaining and diverse characters. The interactions between them and the farcical situations created are genius.
macaronieva
... I have been 'scammed' and I really don't understand the why of this except apparently scammers hope you will be a fool and give them your credit card etc. details... it is a different world now comedy wise and only the British seem to produce good comedy but even the Brits although way ahead of American stuff lately have produced "DocMartin".. lovely understated acting from Martin Clunes and the production team. Set in Cornwall it has the beauty of the actual scenery to add to the excellence of this series.
AD
