Manuel from Fawlty Towers in Halifax advert

Here's an unexpected gem I unearthed from a VHS tape recorded in 1990 - an advert for Halifax insurance featuring Andrew Sachs in character as hapless Spanish waiter Manuel. Granted, it's not exactly comedy gold, but nevertheless it's a fascinating curio for fans of Fawlty Towers everywhere.
(Please remember that this is an off-air VHS recording, so don't go expecting 1080p HD quality. I'm fairly certain that this video isn't commercially available, and I've uploaded it for its historic interest only. That said, if you are a copyright holder and object, please don't hesitate to contact me.)

[@frankgarrett9500]

I see Manuel has moved on to better employment. Not being beaten by Mr. Fawlty anymore!

[@Guilty-Gearer-Does-Things]

Por favour

[@VideotapeFTW]

He makes the world a better place, doesn't he? :-)

[@41ex]

@@mrdudukenny he did

[@pow1983]

Still had all the manorisms even after 12 years of filming Fawlty - brilliant actor - Nice find!

[@VideotapeFTW]

And one of the most recognisable comedy characters, too. I was surprised to say the least when I stumbled across this!

[@snowangel223]

Oh, this IS a gem. Awesome! Thanks!

[@BillyBronco73]

Fawlty "Manuel. What's the 11th letter of the English alphabet?" Manuel "K!".

[@RooneyAldo]

Billy Bronco we are most amused

[@VideotapeFTW]

You're very welcome! I had no idea this even existed, and then there it was on an ancient tape in the cupboard. :-)

[@VideotapeFTW]

Well, it definitely wasn't only shown in cinemas, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to record it off the telly. But I have to admit that I had absolutely no memory of it either!

[@lanfordripley7780]

I'll take Manuel in any way, shape, or form.

[@Dane_Youssef]

See, Manuel's not so thick. He's got some good advice for us here.

[@pytheale2642]

I've never seen Manuel as a idiot. He didn't speak English well and therefore he couldn't do his job as well due to poor training by Basil himself

[@VideotapeFTW]

+Makhia Foster Yeah, Manuel was definitely trying his best, and most of the things that went wrong weren't his fault. I suppose he was a little bit of an idiot, but he was also a lot more 'normal' than Basil.

[@anarchistatheist1917]

By the later episodes, manuel had a better knowledge of the English language like the episode the anniversary. In that episode he returned from purchasing some paintbrushes for Polly, and giving her the change. Then he told her he was going to cook paella.

[@RooneyAldo]

Si señor!

[@Mwdobelix]

QUE?!

[@AlexOjideagu2]

It must have been very early 80's then! We had a Betamax recorder (still have it) and at least 100 tapes of recordings, I have every famous advert but not this!!! I'm 33 so this was probably 1980-1984 cannot have been later.

[@paulhayes5724]

Sachs doing the VO as well, isn't it?

[@VideotapeFTW]

Paul Hayes You could well be right - well spotted. The way he pronounces "Halifax" right at the end with a mock-Spanish "H" suggests so. :-)

[@tjfSIM]

@@VideotapeFTW Definitely

[@willyvlyminck201]

He probably could use the money at that time, I guess😐

[@nightowl8477]

Halifax have yet to create an original gimic in one of their adverts. They just steal from memorable, funny icons and write "BANK" on them in big, inconspicuous letters.