John Cleese = G.O.A.T.! Americans React To "Fawlty Towers - S1E1 - A Touch Of Class"

[@johaneary7599]

The actor who plays Manuel is not Spanish nor is he from Latin America. He is actually from Germany. He came to the UK in the 30ties as a child refugee from Nazi Germany.

[@raphaelperry8159]

Fawlty Towers fulfils most of the definitions of a classic theatrical farce. Lots of characters dashing in and out of doors quickly, speaking very quickly and frequently misunderstanding each other plus an occasional dash of slapstick.

[@scipioafricanus5871]

...and the occasional casual violent outburst against -Johnny- Manuel Foreigner.

[@Steve-ys1ig]

This is easily one of the best sitcoms ever written. The episodes just get better and better. I do have one tip - try not to analyse it too much - just enjoy it.

[@Wiiggz]

This series is brilliant! Has to be only fools and horses after this lads! You won’t regret it!!!

[@kb3194]

You will love this series absolute British classic 👌

[@oldtimer7635]

Seems to me to be honest that this isn't exactly their cup of tea.

[@stephenhumphrey7935]

​@@oldtimer7635Yeah. They do look a little bit lost. 😅😅

[@Tonyblack261]

John Cleese based this series on a hotel the Python team stayed at. The landlord was terribly rude and most of the guys left. Cleese however couldn't get enough of it! Polly was Cleese's wife at the time.

[@Wabbit_Hunta]

If I recall the Hotel was in Lynton or Lynmouth?

[@ftumschk]

@@Wabbit_Hunta It was actually in Torquay itself - the Gleneagles Hotel.

[@thatsthat2612]

​@@Wabbit_Huntais it still there?

[@thomasjones6216]

I thought it was Sybil that was the wife? Have I been misinformed...?

[@kevincollins8484]

​@@thomasjones6216Sybil is the wife in the show but the actress that played Polly was Cleese's wife in real life.

[@larryfroot]

An absolute classic - and the episodes just get better and better.

[@mistofoles]

The actual translation of Danny's conversation with Manuel is "Manuel - Collect the luggage from the white sports car and take it to room seven. " "Sir speaks Spanish !" "Just a little, my brother speaks it much better than me." "No, it's good ! Very, very good ! Fantastic !" "Thank you, thank you." "I'll go and get your luggage straight away !"

[@alibennett78]

i used to love this especially love manuel im from barcelona i know nottting

[@natmanprime4295]

A GIN AND ORANGE, A LEMON SQUASH, AND A SCOTCH AND WATER!! when he comes out with that at the end 😂😂I properly laughed out loud when i first saw that many years ago

[@Purewalite]

The greatest. Still as good today.

[@ibjensen8626]

Manuel is very British. This excellent actor Andrew Sachs. R.I.P.

[@craigorr9713]

Andrew Sachs was German-born. His father was Jewish, so the family escaped to Britain in 1938.

[@jackburton2946]

This and Rising Damp never get old to me.

[@jonbolton3376]

Glad you guys enjoyed this. This might be hard to believe but as good as this episode is, im my opinion it is one of the least good. That is the high level of quality of this show.

[@tobytaylor2154]

​@@philjones45🤣

[@jonbolton3376]

@philjones453 my grammar died years ago, i sent a wreath😂 After reaching 40 i realised how pointless it is to care about punctuation and grammar.

[@andrewq159]

I regard The Anniversary as the least good FT ep.

[@ezzy600]

I agree. I love the builders with the Orelly man and who doesnt still say don't mention the war

[@gaskellr44]

Beware, the grammar police are always on the lookout.@@jonbolton3376

[@JonathanReynolds1]

Connie Booth, who played Polly the Waitress, was John Cleese’s first wife and co-wrote Fawlty Towers with him.

[@lordomacron3719]

This show is so densely packed with good writing and acting. It is hard to believe only 12 episodes were ever made.

[@rolybling]

Which my Dad and I binge watched on VHS back in '93 accompanied by a bottle of Whisky.

[@PaulDowling]

This why its so good, it ends on a high leaving you wanting more unlike most US sitcoms ( no offence and Seinfeld gets a pass) that start good and end up going stale and unfunny after 100's of episodes... Father Ted is the same..

[@debbieann921]

After 12 episodes everyone died of exhaustion. Ha Ha

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Omg wow after father Ted this! I'm so so happy you guys going to discover that awesome series!! Love from Chester 🇬🇧

[@itsmegordy]

Such a shame there were only 2 seasons of this! I loved it. There was a pub in sunny Slough, England that always played these. Together with 'Only Fools and Horses', 'Porridge' and 'Open All Hours' - Absolute classics

[@ianp1986]

In a way, it’s good there are only 2 series. Means it didn’t outstay its welcome. I mean, look at The Simpsons nowadays

[@arsemcscratch6908]

Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough.....

[@KeplersDream]

It isn't fit for humans now

[@itsmegordy]

@@KeplersDream there isn't grass to graze a cow

[@neale76]

A bit like Father Ted, it didn't out stay it's time on TV, and that makes it even better.

[@elizabethle221]

I am so glad you are shown this. This is my favourite show ever. Cheers, as they say in England. Elizabeth

[@garulusglandarius6126]

You guys will not be disappointed, Fawlty Towers is by far British at its finest. Please watch all episodes, you’ll be so happy you did. The copyright text is irritating but I totally understand you sadly have to do it. Love your channel guys 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@Uvray]

A few years ago I saw an American say he'd seen Fawlty Towers and thought it was a very funny British sitcom. But then he said he visited England, stayed in a hotel and realised it was actually a fly-on-the-wall documentary.😁

[@TheGermul]

One of my all time favourite shows, glad you guys are getting to enjoy it. It gets better and better

[@mosthaunted2]

The Hotel Inspector is my favourite episode, with Bernard Cribbins, he's playing a Yorkshireman but he was from Manchester in real life.

[@esteban280889]

one of the best comedies ever made. Shame there is only 12 episodes. But on the flip side you wouldn't want it to Jump the Shark or get ruined.

[@mark-nm4tc]

so glad to see you guys delving into another classic comedy after Father Ted and this one is just the GOAT. Probably the best written comedy of all time, they spent weeks writing & polishing the scripts. Its sitcom gold with many unforgettable and hilarious moments, quotable lines and its Cleese firing on all cylinders. BTW, keep an eye on the name of the hotel at the start:).

[@andrewmay1299]

‘They spent weeks writing and polishing the scripts.’ What a strange comment. How long do you think they spend on most sitcoms? Minutes?

[@mark-nm4tc]

@@andrewmay1299 Some sitcoms are written by committee, several staff writers can pop out a script in a few days. This one was written by just two people and they spent a very long time polishing the scripts. The result is comedy perfection.

[@andrewmay1299]

@@mark-nm4tc I appreciate that things are done differently in the U.S.A., if that’s what you’re referring to, but then they are normally writing in excess of 20 episodes in a series, compared to the standard six in the U.K., so that’s understandable if they require a bigger team of writers. However, many - perhaps even most - of the best British sitcoms were written by a collaboration of just two writers. Briefly, off the top of my head, Fawlty Towers, Porridge, Father Ted, The Royle Family, The Office, Peep Show, Gavin and Stacey, and The Inbetweeners, to name but a few, spanning almost 50 years. I’d assume that each of those writing teams would also spend weeks ‘writing and polishing’ each episode, particularly if they hadn’t had a successful sitcom broadcast before. I don’t see why Fawlty Towers is in any way unique here, unless you have insider information or knowledge on the subject that goes beyond most of us?

[@ClassicWorld19]

So HAPPYYYYY you're reacting to this!

[@shermanhatch2716]

“START YOU VICIOUS BASTARD!”- basil when he’s trying to start his car

[@aidiess]

again ! one of the old classics of British comedy ! and it gets much better and decidedly much more mental ! Then again, John Cleese is a comic genius straight out of the mould of Spike Milligan ! enjoy because it wont last long - it is quite a short series from end to end .

[@muninraven3327]

Really pleased you are checking this out. New series. I have tried my best (without becoming annoying) to drop hints in your/our favorite Boomer King to check out Green Wing. So far he has eluded my advances. I think the show is just perfect for him, but it is a superbly good fit for you guys also. It's only two seasons (quality vs quantity) and is such a gem of British humor/quirky style/creative absurdism that somehow manages to still speak and connect to a much larger audience, given to chance. ALL of the show has been up here on YT for years, only a single few reactions by one American guy years ago... It's untapped gold for reaction comedy. I will keep banging on my little drum until GREEN WING get's the reaction views it so honestly deserves. C'mon, Boys, embrace the WING!!! 🙏

[@carlosdeferrer3585]

can´t say more, 2 thumbs up for green wing!

[@grahamstubbs4962]

Gents, you've found the best written sitcom of all time. Savour these episodes, there aren't very many 🙂

[@gar6446]

Andrew Sachs moved to England age 8. His character was from Barcelona in catalonia.

[@merlin5476]

Proper British humour.

[@benstewart7970]

I'm gonna go out on a huge limb here n bet it's an automatic two thumbs up at the end 😂

[@nigelshaler8067]

I look forward to your reaction to the American 'Wadorf salad' guy!!😆

[@scifimonkey3]

YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO NEED A NEEDLE AND LOADS OF THREAD TO STITCH YOUR SIDES BACK TOGETHER IN EVERY EPISODE (oh and keep an eye on the Fawlty Towers sign at the beginning of each episode)

[@robinchesterfield42]

Yes! They change it every single episode! Kinda the OG of the Simpsons blackboard/Futurama sign gag.

[@bagpiper2k_]

YES!! so happy you guys are watching this classic! .. .. You really need to do Bottom..with Rick and Ade Pleeeeeease 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@filipohman7277]

Awesome Work Guys Thanks 👍👍👍👍 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮

[@jamieosborn]

I wish I could watch these for the first time again. One of the best series ever.

[@Rosiepooh75]

Yes!!! John Cleese is a living legend ❤

[@daveworrall1151]

Keep it coming lads and we'll keep on watching.

[@number1discodave]

Look out for the sign in the opening scenes that changes every time

[@gosccc]

You are in for such a treat, and so are we watching your reactions.

[@mattking5936]

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of British sitcoms. Enjoy the rest of the series.

[@KotRFFXIV]

Was not expecting this!

[@Drew_-bx9sc]

The exterior was a place called Wooburn Grange. Used to go there when it was a nightclub unfortunately it burnt down in 1991

[@hamilton9479]

Online! We are talking 1970’s you know guys! 😊

[@kevinty7]

Brilliant fellas👍🏽😂seen it so many times but still as funny if not funnier❤️

[@davidclarke7122]

Glad you're enjoying this, I suggest you give "Porridge" a try as well, the late great Ronnie Barker at his best.

[@gar6446]

If your going to watch them all, pay attention to the house name board at the start of every episode.

[@thatsthat2612]

This is my comfort show, i reminds me of being cosy at home with my mum and dad. I mean, im 41 but i like remembering it. 😊 This, allo allo, dinnerladies and the vicar of Dibley

[@Dreyno]

This was just an introduction. It gets better and better.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Look out for the Sign outside the hotel at the start of every episode, the paper boy swaps the letters about to read something funny....a subtle hidden Easter egg

[@thehelmetsrideagainmtbchan7942]

Top show, looking forward to this 😊

[@christopherrmcarter1809]

About bloody time 😊😊it gets better every episode.

[@stoneoutdooradventures2286]

Yay my home town..😂 welcome to Torquay Spencer and Daniel 👍👍bienvenido a Torquay mi ciudad natal

[@TheMeerkat2323]

One of the greatest sitcoms of all time, and it was loosely based on a real life hotelier. The story goes that the Monty Python team were away shooting either one of their films or sketches for the tv program, John Cleese didn't like the hotel they were booked into so stayed at a different one from the rest f the team, and the hotelier at the one he stayed in was pretty much a real life Basil Fawlty, that's where he got the inspiration from. John and his wife Connie Booth wrote all 12 of the episodes and she also played the part of Polly, the waitress. In the years between the 2 series, John and Connie got divorced but came together to write and star in the second series. There are rumours about John writing a third series, this time with his real life daughter playing the hotel owner and John is just an employee helping/hindering her in running it

[@Robbie3004]

Parts of the lunch scene were re-shot during recording of a later episode (this episode was shots months before the rest of the series). Originally, Polly was going to be studying psychology but they decided that making her an artist was more relatable. Robin Ellis and one of the extras were brought back for the new lines to be shot.

[@ianp1986]

I did the conversion and the advert that Sybil complained about would have cost almost £300 in today’s money and the £200 cheque would be worth almost £1,500!

[@enzoluciano3490]

A classic British comedy mostly written by an American 😂. The actress playing Polly (Jhon Cleese's American wife) wrote most of the episodes without her husbands participation, he only co wrote a few episodes with her.

[@bamboozla9977]

Though it was before my time a bit, I grew up on Fawlty Towers and Lee Evans, I was obsessed. Mimicking their physical style of comedy and jokes got me out of trouble plenty in school. Make the bullies laugh and they won't hurt you lol I dread the day they try and remake or reboot this show. It was perfect as it was and no more.

[@cs8106c]

Watch out in future episodes. In the opening credits the Faulty Towers sign letters are rearranged! 😄😄😄

[@johnhendy803]

The most classic comedy ever. 😅

[@valkyriegremory]

I would love to see embrace the suck 21 watch Bottom with rik mayall and Eddie. With all 5 live videos.

[@chrisparti]

I like to say 'mucho' around my Spanish friends, it means a lot to them... 😂

[@toolatehello3345]

This is exactly how many hotels were in Devon UK in the 70s .

[@alanfoster6589]

The best sitcom to come out of Britain, and one of the best, period. This episode is just a warm-up.

[@janicecostall5897]

Look out for the Faulty Towers sign at the beginning of each show 👍🏻

[@jenifferschmitz8618]

polly is actually connie booth from texas

[@VisionalHD]

Will not find any better than this.

[@izabelasiczek3547]

At the very beginning of Every new episode there is a new writing on the post sign they are hilarious! Look out for them!

[@DavidDArcy1975]

Barcelona is in the region of Catalyuna and they speak a different spanish to the rest of Spain Respect & Peace ☘

[@JonathanReynolds1]

Catalan Spanish. The language is similar to Occitan and Provinçal (spoken in southern France 🇫🇷).

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

Fawlty Towers is Comedy's FIREFLY. A dozen perfect episodes.

[@Forestfalcon1]

Great reaction.. If you've worked in customer Service then you must watch the hilariously funny comedy series "The Brittas Empire" which lasted seven seasons and fifty two episodes in total..

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

If you don't mind me saying, that's one random recommendation right there. Brittas Empire was a solid 6 out of 10 for me.

[@Forestfalcon1]

@@KevPage-Witkicker There is nothing random about it.. It did not run for seven series simply because it was a 6 out of ten... It was very popular.. In my eyes it was at least as funny as Fawlty Towers..

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

Well, you're entitled to that opinion of course, but plenty of shows have had several seasons despite being mediocre. I'm not saying it wasn't a funny show but it's hardly Fawlty Towers/Fools & Horses/Blackadder league, is it? Be honest.@@Forestfalcon1

[@paulrnaylor]

First 5 series a good. Last 2 not so. And we all worked for boss like Brittas or fawlty

[@am74343]

One of the best sitcoms *EVER* ! ! ! !

[@lenahedberg9055]

A couple of decades ago, the only foreign tv show in the US was Benny Hill (my experience) so i'm glad you appreciates F T.

[@DreadnoughtMetal2006]

Manuel is from Barcelona - where they speak Catalan.

[@WMH-MUSIC]

Excellent reaction🔥 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏🏻 1:11

[@martinmayhew145]

The actor playing Manuel is of German descent

[@PaulDowling]

lol wait until you get up to the kipper and the corpse, the psychiatrists or the one with the deaf woman... P.S. have you done the I.T. Crowd Yet? You'll lose it....

[@stuarthancock571]

What make British comedy good is they don't keep writing and writing and writing scripts until there's nothing left. Fawlty Towers only made 12 episodes. That's it. And that's why its one of the best.

[@tonytutone2003]

This version seems to have cut a bit out. Here in Aus this series is used as a tool in hospitality training. As a how not to do your job. How not to treat people etc! John Cleese is so good

[@apegg34]

They get better and better and better

[@gaskellr44]

Smartphones? It's 1975. The inventor of the said phone/s was probably still a twinkle in the eye of his day lol.

[@OperationBlueprint]

HERE WE GO!

[@jkpole]

Just FANTABULOUS

[@aharon59]

This is probably the best British comedy show ever made, full of wonderful actors giving iconic performances, even in sometimes tiny roles. Manuel, by the way, was played by the wonderful Andrew Sachs who was in no way Spanish. Born in Berlin to a family who escaped Hitler to the U.K, he became one of Britain`s leading actors .

[@Myviewoftheworldful]

…also great friends with Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand.

[@Dreyno]

@@MyviewoftheworldfulIt was an early indicator that Bramd wasn’t just annoying, he was also a c**t.

[@worthalook4870]

Absolute classic

[@michaelnolan6951]

This was actually inspired by a real (and insane) hotel keeper that some of the Monty Python lads stayed with on the South Coast. The guy ended up throwing one of their suitcases off a cliff, having somehow become convinced that it contained a bomb.

[@russcattell955i]

Yes, it was Torquay. Later there was a hotel on the outskirts called Fawlty Towers, I wonder who would have stayed there ?

[@highpath4776]

I have stayed in a couple of wierd guest houses. One in Winchester. the other Moffat (Scottish Lowlands)

[@tobytaylor2154]

In the 70s when this was on air i was a child and we always went on holiday to a town called Broadstairs, the owner was a spit of faulty and impersonated him at meal times for entertainment. It was there in 77 when it came on the radio elvis had died, that coz it was one of them moments you never forget where you were etc when you heard big news stories.

[@tonygrinney7115]

The key point about Manuel is that as he is from Barcelona so he probably speaks Catalan rather than Spanish.

[@davidedwards4569]

Oh brilliant 👏 great choice 👍

[@carolinefletcher7999]

Ever stayed at a Mantra hotel in Australia? The comedy will not be lost on you.

[@follow_the_money_trail]

I had to look up what GOAT means (I'm 55). Thought it must be Good Old Antiquated Twit. Imagine my suprise when it actually means, Greatest Of All Time. 😂

[@robertburroughs8856]

Watch the fire alarm sketch. My favourite.

[@theblackwidowchronicles]

Little Britain is a must watch....But looking forward to this series

[@terrycostello6487]

Don't forget how old this is , no mobile phones , no internet

[@JohnOConnell]

Manuel is from Barcelona, a Catalan City that has it's own dialect and culture, and is still pushing to break away from Spain itself. It's as if California wanted Independence.

[@paulrodgers6371]

Cheers guys,fantastic

[@cb361]

One of the few television series that gets better each time you watch it