American Reacts to Fawlty Towers EP: 1!

[@rogerroberts5167]

Prunella Scales (Sybil) is sadly now afflicted with dementia. Such a fine fine actress in her day.

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

Scary.

[@andymcgill354]

Only 12 episodes but one of the greatest comedy's ever written.

[@tinamiles9328]

i read somewhere that john cleese found the part exhausting / plus he was married to the actress who played polly at the time

[@Brakdayton]

@@tinamiles9328 she also co-wrote it.

[@tinamiles9328]

@@Brakdayton yes i forgot that

[@DidrickNamtvedt]

This show had a very successful run here in Norway between 1976 and 1979 under the title "Hotell i særklasse" (Norwegian title in English is roughly translated as "A hotel in a class of its own") and it's also had countless reruns here because people find it so hilarious, we love this show here in Norway! 😂😂 The setting doesn't change, all episodes are about the hotel but they're still pure comedy gold! :)

[@daveofyorkshire301]

It's situational comedy at its best. Kinda like "Grace Brothers" (in the show "Are You Bing Served")

[@grahamhill2267]

Fawlty Towers is one of the greatest British comedy series of all time! Written by John Cleese and his then wife and Co-star Connie Booth (Polly the maid).

[@stewartcohen-jones2949]

This is quite simply the greatest sitcom ever made. Enjoy the journey.

[@Kat-mu8wq]

I mean I wouldn't say the greatest, I think Still Game is better, but I could be biased because its from Scotland like me.

[@Steppest]

“Please don’t alarm yourself it’s only my wife laughing” “She sounds like someone machine gunning a seal”

[@AlexEssex8]

I love the part where Sybil goes to remove the case from the safe… “Sybil, I forbid you to…” several times and Prunella Scales (Sybil) ignores Basil with perfect comedy timing!

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

This is basically repeated in the movie Kramer vs Kramer. Dustin Hoffman plays the dad and as his son opens and eats ice cream his dad is telling him no every step of the way.

[@J_M_E_83]

Fawlty Towers is the greatest British sitcom ever. Wait until you watch the Waldorf Salad episode!

[@MartinArscott1]

haha yes!

[@gaynor1721]

Only Fools and Horses is the greatest British sitcom ever.

[@TwpsynMawr]

@@gaynor1721 it's on par mate.. there isn't a greatest they are all great 🤙

[@philbecker4676]

@@gaynor1721 Peep Show is the best for me. All these 70s and 80s British sitcoms I think are ageing badly. Apart from Blackadder because that's historical.

[@dianacasey6002]

My favourite episode is the one with the deaf woman it’s where the famous I know nothing Mr Fawlty comes from. I still laugh every time I watch it.

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

I love the episode with the deaf old bat complaining about the view. Basil says “did you expect to see herds of wildebeest galloping majestically across the Serengeti ‘.

[@rosiedollface]

Manuel taking up 22 toilet rolls to her room as well hahaha !

[@stephenreeves-brown7219]

This made me smile when I saw you were covering this in my recommended feed this morning. Proper old school British comedy.

[@improvesheffield4824]

Glad you’re enjoying Fawlty Towers (Flowery Twats, Farty Towels etc 😆 - the sign at the beginning changes every episode). It’s certainly a British Classic! Congratulations on completing your first year at College. I hope you have a great summer!👍🏼

[@gavvo-7640]

Flowery Twats... just the funniest!

[@ftumschk]

Spoilers?

[@ItsJps]

Thank you! You too

[@emac8381]

As a kid in art class i remember we were tasked with drawing a building for homework, mine was Flowery Twats (sign and all) and got a A-. As a terrible artist it was my highest ever grade in art, think the teacher was a fan.

[@helenbailey8419]

John Cleese doing the ministry of silly walks...hilarious..

[@andyb-com]

There are a few hilarious parts of Fawlty Towers, the sign outside the hotel changes each episode (the best sign is on The Anniversary episode), Basils "spanish" and the maddest of all is that Basil Fawlty is based on a real person, a guy called Donald Sinclair who was the owner of a real hotel called The Gleneagles, which Basil mentions in an episode.

[@Rob2k22]

flowery twats was my favourite

[@JG-fv9bv]

"Farty Towels" my favourite

[@_thefiddlestck1838]

Flay otters

[@glenn20081965]

There's an episode called Communication Problems which is frustratingly funny...best episode IMO

[@Neil_TheShiningMile]

I can absolutely vouch that you should join the Patrion group. Joel definitely delivers in terms of content - some great content - and as he said, he will always respond to messages. Well worth it.

[@gavvo-7640]

100% agree!! He is such an awesome guy

[@ItsJps]

[@were-all-human9427]

is Will is mate, brother, partner? Is Will on Joels Patrion too ?

[@Neil_TheShiningMile]

@@were-all-human9427 So far as I’m aware, he’s Joel’s mate. They may be more than that but I’m not aware of that’s the case. I’m not sure if he’s on KZbin too. It’s not something that’s ever been mentioned but he could be.

[@johnchambers5029]

Wait until the last episode "Basil the Rat" absolutely hilarious. Rolling on the floor the entire time.

[@rosiedollface]

Love to see his reaction to Basil the Rat... everything in what summed up the business and staff were like hahah !

[@gavvo-7640]

I've been loving your reactions to this classic series and enjoying watching the entire episodes along with you on Patreon Joel. Manuel is super funny!!! :)

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so happy to see the Fawlty Towers Reaction on the Channel because I’ve been hearing a lot about it.

[@olienajh]

Fawlty Towers never gets old. It’s timeless. It’s amazing that only 12 episodes were ever made.

[@lachlanmain6004]

all the best for your exam results Joel, hope they go well for you. I watched your full reaction on Patreon ( that's a great deal folks, get signed up ) and this was a great reminder sample. It's hilarious and fascinating watching each turn of the screw as Basil Fawlty's panic builds layer upon layer. Thanks again for posting, hope you have a great summer ahead, chilling out in an exam free zone. Hit the Cadburys chocolate and relax!

[@ItsJps]

Thanks Lachlan!

[@lachlanmain6004]

@@ItsJps no problem, really enjoying your take on life in the UK, your posts are one of the pegs I hang my day on. Thanks and have a great summer 👍👍

[@binkbonusgbr]

If you go back to the part with the grapefruit, you'll see a different film set through the white swing doors. It's meant to be the kitchen but it appears to be the bar area or bedroom. It's something I noticed many years ago. Useless info but anyway... 06:38

[@sianashley-tait7496]

Good luck with your exams Joel 🍀👍. Jhon Cleese who plays basil was actually married to the actress who played the maid at the time she was his first wife.

[@southendonseaarts]

John Cleese was married to Polly in real life they co wrote the show the cast is as perfect as a comedy can get. Only 12 shows were made it remains one of BBC tv comedy gems. As far as remember Gourmet Night is the only episode where we see Basil leave the hotel every episode is superb but The Germans is the one everyone loves.

[@Ozymandi_as]

Her name is Connie Booth, who is, in fact, American!

[@philbecker4676]

He leaves the hotel in quite a few episodes...

[@southendonseaarts]

@@philbecker4676 oh yes i remember now he's in hospital in The Germans.

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

I've got the original vhs video boxed set of this, had it for years. Still got the working player to watch them too. I'm an antique too 😆 🤣

[@CupidStunt0001]

I've still got the VHS box set 😁

[@Rob2k22]

@@CupidStunt0001 have a VHS player? Lol

[@swanvictor887]

this will make you feel better: I still own a Working, 1983 Ferguson Videostar VCR and have the original recordings of FT I made through the repeat broadcasts in the 80s lol. Yes, I'm Old!

[@CupidStunt0001]

​@@swanvictor887 Me too .. Love it, I use to record all "The Tube" music shows and various alternative music stuff on the telly back in the day, I probably spent hundreds of hours doing it, 30+ years later it's all on youtube , lol

[@frglee]

I've still got the VHS box set too, along with masses of other films and recordings on VHS cassette that I can't bring myself to dump. Sadly, my 1990s VHS player has long since gone to Silicon Heaven. You'd think one manufacturer would still make a simple VHS player, but apparently not.

[@rayewen3347]

My favorite episode is where Sybil is on the phone with a friend and all she keeps saying is "I know" but she says it 25 different ways. It's hilarious.

[@FlashyVic]

Basil (mumbling to himself): "If you already know then why is she bloody telling you then!"

[@were-all-human9427]

for me it is the fire drill ep

[@AlBarzUK]

That man who gets exasperated ordering his three drinks… that was Terry Connelly. He was staying with us at our house in Moreland Avenue in Croydon at the time. (My claim to fame. 🤗)

[@BobbieRockyBuster1415]

Apparently John cleese based basil Fawlty on a real life hotel owner,the Monty python team stayed at a hotel whilst on tour and the owner was as obnoxious as Basil Fawlty

[@robertjohnson-taylor100]

Only 12 episodes were made, but everyone is timeless, and to think the manager [Fawlty] and his wife were based on real life characters.

[@philbecker4676]

I think it has 4 amazing episodes and the rest are actually pretty average. I only ever rewatch Basil the Rat, The Kipper and the Corpse, Communication Problems and the Germans because the rest I don't think aged that well. Waldorf Salad, The Anniversary and The Hotel Inspectors are ruined by RUBBISH side characters who get far too much screen time.

[@madabbafan]

Sybil: people always ask how on earth we got together, black magic my mother said. Basil: we she'd know, her and that cat.

[@scifimonkey3]

Blackadder is an entirely different show but equally worth watching when you have the chance. Each series is set at a different point in British history with the main character being a direct descendent of the one in the previous series.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

ItsJps, all the best for your exams! Have a great summer reacting to more shows 👏🏽

[@ItsJps]

Thanks you too!

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

Elderly people of limited means used to live in hotels in the UK. And Manuel ( Andrew Sachs) the Spanish waiter is employed because he is paid a pittance and is being ‘trained’ by Basil.

[@debnbhuy]

Sarcasm at its very best !!! I am proud to say that I am from Torquay the Westcountry seaside town that John Cleese based the show on after staying in The Gleneagles Hotel. After all these years I have yet to see a funnier sitcom. Fantastic scripts brilliant actors but just make allowances for the wobbly scenery and 1970s fashions !!!

[@kitkat3155]

Good luck on your last exam, my last exam is next Thursday. Can’t wait for summer!! 😊

[@andreduarte8372]

Oh, man! I'm so glad and excited to see you react to this show! Please do every episode, there's only 12 and they're all classic!

[@ItsJps]

I am!

[@andreduarte8372]

@@ItsJps Awesome, you're gonna have so much fun! 😁

[@devopssimon]

You might not have noticed, but on each episode the name of the hotel shown at the start on the sign outside changes. It's always an anagram of Faulty Towers. In one episode it is Flowery Twats

[@eroldinch9405]

You really need to react to an episode of Ripping Yarns which Michael Palin wrote and starred in when Monty Python members went their own way. The best is Tompkinson's School Days which is a spoof on Tom Browns School Days. Watch the whole thing and then react to your favourite bit.

[@295868]

Totally agree with you on this.. Regards School Bully😂😂😂

[@FlashyVic]

"And on St. Chad's Day we had to fight the school bear."

[@eroldinch9405]

@@FlashyVic Chased down by the school leopard.

[@295868]

@@FlashyVic "And St Tadgers Day when by an old tradition, boys who had been at the school for less than 2 years were allowed to be nailed to the walls by senior pupils"😂😂😂

[@julietessam2999]

If you come to the UK check out a restaurant in London called the Faulty Towers Experience. It's theatre meets eating out. You get served by all the cast who act out scenes but you too become part of the play as a real diner. 😉

[@Extra_050]

The basic premise of the series and the humour around it is that Basil Fawlty would be excellent at running a hotel if it didn't involve dealing with guests or staff. He likes the idea of owning a nice building that people of quality (as he sees it) might like to stay in, but has little interest in treating visitors as human beings: only as aristocratic, intellectual or semi-famous people who might raise his profile (which is why he's easily blinded by the conmanship of "Lord" Melbury) or as lesser beings not worthy of his notice (like the undercover policeman or in fact any other guest in this episode). His wife Sybil has a more realistic idea of salesmanship, which- compulsive lying aside- is why he constantly battles with her. Polly represents a limited confidante and occasional ally as well as a staff member, while Manuel is symptomatic of his insistence on hiring cheap labour. Finally, the Major at 5:20 is someone that Fawlty will treat with deference due to his military and colonial connections, but also deride because of his age and senility. Just take all this into account and everything else you watch in the series will fall into place. (And yes, Blackadder is an entirely different series.)

[@Heartdrive]

Blackadder is a completely different show haha Definitely worth a watch. First season is good but second, third and fourth are simply amazing.

[@sanderdeboer6034]

When Blackadder was being thought up, they wanted to avoid looking like a copy of Fawlty Towers, which at the time (and still is) considered one of the best sitcoms of all time. Therefore Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie decided to change the setting of their sitcom in completely different times. The Middle Ages and WW1 mostly. I assume this story is why Blackadder was mentioned when talked about Fawlty Towers. I highly recommend Blackadder and Yes Minister (plus Yes Prime Minister). That last show (you might have already done and/or heard of) is for me the peak of brilliance. It has so much truth about political environments in it, that it is still relevant to this day. Britain truly has some of the best comedy in the world.

[@christinestromberg4057]

If no one has pointed it out John wrote this after staying in hotel on the South Coast of England where the owner was just like this. Totally incompetent and socially inept. :) it;s Basil but not as Baysil, you'll hear the wife shouting it occasionally. The maid here was his real life wife.

[@lydiariera4953]

Your smile is like the most amazing thing in the world. When you smile I cannot help but smile

[@rosiedollface]

Fave part of that whole episode - the drink order needing to be taken haha ! You just knew as it all went on, the man was waiting for his families drinks all that time lol, it's such a great comedy show, so well written and directed... 'Polly' + 'Basil' were actually married in real life when this was filmed, so it'd made it way better !

[@emmahowells8334]

Always loved faulty towers, always made me laugh growing up. Hope your exams go really well, wish I could join, not a lot of spare cash at the moment, but who knows in the future that might change, still love your KZbin channel, but would appreciate more stuff on Wales please.❤️

[@jeffrygagnon5506]

Hi, ItsJps-- Glad to meet another FAWLTY TOWERS fan/fanatic! I remember now, after watching each episode at least 20? 30? more? times (it only gets funnier), I'm only just really starting to appreciate the absolute "one in a thousand" combination of concept, writing, casting (especially casting), set design, and chemistry that makes FAWLTY TOWERS FAWLTY TOWERS. When you've got a comedy where ANY "pause", on ANY SCENE, on ANY EPISODE (of so few!) puts you in the middle af an all-time classic LYAO comedy bit, it can only be FLAWTE TROUSY. No fill. Every-second genius funny as every other one. Perhaps a bit of ping-pong, ItsJps? Table is certainly serviceable in an emergency 'o))

[@johnatkins2665]

Treat yourself, and watch every episode if you can. An Iconic british comedy. Priceless !

[@geekexmachina]

:that was great :) so there are some minor changes from the first episode to the following ones for example what Polly is studying part time, small joke there is CID is the uks police detective agency probably like the FBI, Basil makes the comment that hes with MFI which was a UK furniture shop. Basil is a snob and this shows in most episodes he wants to cater to posh wealthy people, you will find that he changes his attitude to people when he thinks they are important when you watch the hotel inspector episode this becomes obvious. if you can find the interviews with John Cleese then they are good at explaining the background. A notable feature he said when writing is that it has twice the amount of dialogue and activity of other comedies at the time so each episode is like 2 plots some which run parallel and then crash into one another. he also said it is framed around british taboos and niceties, like fear of upsetting the wealthy, fear of death, gambling habits, fear of drs and psychiatrists and of course old attitudes to sex.

[@ftumschk]

Basil actually refers to MI5, the "secret service" organisation.

[@geekexmachina]

@@ftumschk lol it always sounded like MFI probably because i was always too busy laughing lol

[@corrinaastley6044]

This is the best show my country has ever produced. It’s so funny and being in the hospitality industry we show it to students on how not to treat customers

[@bookwoman53]

The comedians from Monty Python once stayed at a B & B which was run by a crotchety man and his wife. He made quite an impression on the Pythons.

[@JG-fv9bv]

Another excellent classic comedy series ...Ronnie Barker's "Porridge"

[@Bezart34]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Being a Brit, in my opinion the best ever British comedy series.

[@Naylte]

FF: The whole concept stemmed from the Monty Python team's experience in another Torquay hotel while they were filming on location.

[@marklehuray1091]

they stayed at the Gleneagles as Monty Python the rest got fed up and moved to the Osbourne Hotel about 5mins down the road but john Cleese stayed there and gave him the basis for Fawlty Towers its since been converted to flats.

[@pastortom7488]

Love these British shows I used to watch them all when they were on PBS in my area & watch them now on KZbin or BBC America!

[@Walesbornandbred]

Fawlty Towers is such a hood show

[@wobber999]

John cleese wrote this show based on his experience when he stayed In hotels In the uk when he was younger

[@ceh5526]

This is genius - glad you enjoyed it

[@alansimpson596]

Great comic series. I have all 12 episodes on video tape but my wife only allows me to watch it twice a year as she thinks it's a bad influence on me. There are so many things I could quote from it but the shortest is where Basil decides to hold a gourmet evening. He puts an ad in an upmarket magazine which reads "Gourmet evening at Fawlty Towers - no riff raff".

[@anntaylor3131]

It was lovely to see you enjoying one of our best loved comedy's. John Cleese who plays Basil is a comedy genius. You have lots to look forward to...Basil beating his car when It breaks down, the wedding party, and the hotel inspector. Enjoy. Black Adder was Rowan Atkinson. Totally different series.

[@helenbailey8419]

When ever I see a bell on a counter,I always shout Basil.

[@Thisworldthisweek]

You’ll enjoy this mate.

[@leetherees]

I love Fawlty towers #amazing

[@simonfarrimond3664]

John cleese (basil) and Polly the waitress (connie booth) both wrote the series and were actually married in real life but not anymore great classic series that never ages.

[@vallee3140]

Love the one where the deaf lady stays, good to see you enjoy Fawlty Towers

[@ganymedes62]

If you're looking into old school British comedy then 'Are you being served' is the one to watch 🙂

[@atherstone55]

My favourite comedy series ever, love all 12 episodes

[@davescurry69]

Unbelievably, it only gets better.

[@pjmoseley243]

It was always a topic of conversation at work the morning each weekly show aired on UK television with people sometimes mimicking " Basil Fawlty" if the work situation called for it. I love re-watching good shows and I never tire of Fawlty Towers, Glad the humour transfers over the pond so easily. Have you ever watched " Bernard Manning"

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

Excellent reaction video. i'm sure somebody else has said before, but Blackadder series 2,3 and 4 are absolute MUSTS for brilliant British comedy. if you've done one, i'd like to watch it. Great work and regards from the UK.

[@Domak04]

Oh hell yes! This series is so good!

[@dubon9999]

I like when you make these reactions Joel 💙

[@deanfields5242]

Another great reaction video Joel

[@jassonsw]

Spoiler alert...My favourite line ever in Fawlty Towers is when the public heath inspector gets offered a tin of biscuits with a rat in it. There's a pause as everyone gasps and Basil finally says "would you care for a rat?"

[@wadefite]

Prunella Scales a great actress who first appeared in the classic film Hobson's Choice with Charles Haughtrey.

[@marionpetford7374]

Faulty towers was filmed in a hotel in a seaside town called Torquay the Hotel as been changed into a retirement home now . I am going on holiday to Torquay in June it’s a lovely seaside place to visit lots to see and do have a good day Joel

[@neon72]

Sorry but no part of this was filmed in Torquay. Its just a myth.

[@jo_jolambrini6775]

John Cleese got the idea to do Fawlty Towers when he actually stayed in a hotel where the Manager was exactly like that of Basil Fawlty !!!!!

[@damianleah6744]

Best ever comedy and there are only 12 episodes . It in the writing , brilliant. 🤣😎👍🏻

[@swedeman5785]

I can t believe how Mr Cleese could act like that,most of the time, without getting a headache..

[@johnbuss6926]

This is actually based on a true hotel owner that john had experienced with ..so he turned it into a sitcom..

[@wobber999]

Apparently they do a dining experience In the uk based on fawlty towers, I would love to go there

[@Alan_Hero]

Great reaction Joel. Waldorf salad my favourite episode. Good luck with your exams

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

I made a mistake and corrected my previous comment, it's a vhs video fawlty towers box set I've got, and the original player (not dvd like I first put). I've corrected it now. The heat in the 🇬🇧 is getting to me today 😆

[@mikevale3620]

There is only one season, of 12 episodes. Classic and timeless comedy.

[@BP-kx2ig]

No, there were 2 ‘seasons’ of 6 episodes each - several years apart.

[@alancooper6443]

Watery Fowls is a comedy classic. Check out Prunella Scales (Mrs. Fawlty) in Great Canal Journeys with her husband Tim West on Amazon Prime.

[@magaroo7349]

👏👏👏John Cleese is still as funny in his 80’s as he was in Fawlty Towers! Just love him! Thanks for this. Have you looked at the parrot sketch from Monty Python yet? It’s a classic! Good luck with the exams!

[@cornishmaid9138]

Manuel (the waiter) is actually a very fine English actor.

[@timjerrom7173]

All the best with your exams Doc and yes soon I probably will dude :)

[@lovemunchkin]

Your reactions are fantastic

[@leedougall2828]

A brilliant episode 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Rasperdan]

When I seen Fawlty Towers I thought... im in I am going to sub. Then you spent five minuts trying to get me to join Pateon, so then I thought... no. But with that said a great reaction to a great show. All the best and good luck.

[@donkfail1]

1. You sign up for your own Patreon. 2. Your bank flags you as suspect in a money laundering scheme. 3. SWAT and FBI comes in through your windows during filming. 4. Hilarious video. 4. Profit! That's it! No "???" stage. This is the sure way to profit.

[@myjrbs]

We wish it was this easy 😂 shame that tax exists and patreon takes some of the money so...

[@ItsJps]

hahaha

[@gordieparenteau6555]

Check out W5: The Darkest Hours, all about Canada's "October Crisis" of 1970.

[@Jeni10]

My favourite episode is the one where the hamster goes missing!

[@Problembeing]

The greatest comedy ever made.

[@gavvo-7640]

U should SOOO do Blackadder as well! Soooo funny!!!!! It would deffo appeal to your humour i think :P

[@catherinesmalley8587]

Fawlty Towers is one of the best British comedy shows ever! Only 12 episodes but they're all as funny as each other. Would love to see what you think of the American episode - Waldorf Salad - and the one with the Germans too! Enjoy! By the way, Mr Fawlty's name Basil is pronounced Bazzil, and his wife is Sybil.

[@teegramsam]

classic comedy you made a good choice viewing it

[@guyanderson2428]

Another British sit com is called Absolutely Fabulous is the most hilarious comedy show

[@marypettyfer4640]

Fabulous I loved Fawlty Towers.