To still after all these years find Fawlty Towers funny

[whitesandstorm]

They've been showing the series on Gold I think. It's still funny, unlike lots of comedy from years ago. Just watched the one with the rat and the health inspector. So funny. Anyone not find it so?

"Happy? Yes,I remember that..."

"He's from Barcelona.."

"Chef's just opened the tin..."

"Pretentious? Moi??"

I was just about to post to say same as SorchaM. I thought it was more ridiculing sexism and racism rather than being sexist and racist.

I loved it for years and, while it has lost some of its appeal, still find several bits hilarious.

I am interested in those who find it racist - in what way exactly? Is it the depiction of Manuel, the Germans episode, Basil's attitude to Americans and the French woman, or the comments the major makes about cricketers in one episode? I think only the first is a valid point (and am not fully convinced) because in all the other examples the joke is on Basil/the major.

Do agree it seems a bit dated now, but I think it is more to do with the style of comedy than racism/sexism.

just

I was going to say the depiction of some of the characters and that it wouldn't happen so much now

And then I remembered 'Benidorm"...nothing's changed

My DD loves it, I think its great and its the first thing on when the telly is shit.

Oh, and the Psychiatrist. "There's enough material here for an entire conference" Brilliant.

Funnily enough I flicked over yesterday and found myself watching it again, and laughing a lot.
Christmas afternoon we had a marathon of some mothers do av em as well. My 17 year old DD was crying with laughter. She also loves Mork and Mindy, black adder and open all hours though so she's well raised on the good stuff.

justfoundout I was going to ask the same re sexism. The female characters are the ones who are competent, cool in a crisis, get stuff done - it's Basil and Manuel who run around like headless chickens fucking everything up. Polly in particular is depicted as bright, capable and practically running the place, as well as speaking several languages, being interested in sketching, going to evening classes etc. Unusual for a 70s sitcom, I'd say.

There's also no 'ooer missus' element with men perving over attractive women, as in the Carry On films. Even with the Australian woman, the joke's on Basil, not her. And he comes over strangely puritannical when the French lady (an antiques dealer - so again, a woman presented as havjng an interesting job) clearly fancies him.

I love Fawlty Towers, as you can probably tell.

DD and DS (6 and 8 yo) loved it. Took us into some good discussions about why sexism/racism was not good - so we kind of used it rather than anything else.

The DCs pant-wetting (not literally thank heavens) enjoyment was brilliant through.

And since....lots of "Ooo I knooowww" a la Sybil on the phone.

Most of it is still very funny, though I always found polly annoying! But the doctor in the Germans episode makes me really cringe, now.

It is much more racist and sexist than anyone would be comfortable with now, and I can't deny it, despite finding some bits still really funny.

The Waldorf Salad episode.
Mr. Hamilton: What I'm suggesting is that this place is the... the crummiest, shoddiest, worst-run hotel in the whole of Western Europe.
Major Gowen: No! No, I won't have that! There's a place in Eastbourne.

Love them all.... especially when Sybil goes in hospital to have her ingrown toenail done....

"Oh, yes. How is the old toenail? Still growing in, hmm? Still burrowing its way down to the bone? Still macheteing its way through the nerve, aye? Nasty old nail!"

"Which horse, Dragonfly or Nitwit?"
"There is no horse Nitwit! you're the nitwit!"

And where Basil tries to mime Dragonfly to Polly behind Sybil's back "Bird Brain! No, that came in third! Flying Tart! It got off to a flying start!"

And Mrs Richards of course "Didn't god give you eyes girl?" "Yes but I don't use them, it runs down the batteries" and of course the view from the Torquay hotel bedroom window...

All incidentally from the same episode, along with Basil flicking the ice into his drink.

Another classic......
Guest: "Is there anywhere they do French food?"
Basil: "Yes, France, I believe. They seem to like it there. And the swim would certainly sharpen your appetite. You'd better hurry, the tide leaves in six minutes."

"Happy? No, just my way of getting through the day. The Samaritans were engaged."

"Ever seen my wife making toast? [breathes fiery breath on imaginary slice of bread]"

Again, from the same episode Communication problems.

Extra points for anyone who can correctly name all 12 episodes without googling it.

I would much MUCH rather watch the older comedies than Miranda or Mrs Browns Boys. I once saw someone on here compare MBB to Father Ted. Theres no bloody comparison.

I enjoyed the Not Going Out special on Christmas Eve.

And i am a big fan of Dave Allen. IMO there is not a comedian around today who even comes close.

Woman guest...."The room, is it airy?
Basil...."Well there's air in it"

HelenaDove I'm the same, try as I might I just can't find them funny.

Touch of class
The builders
Communication problems
Anniversary
Basil the Rat
The Psychiatrist
Gourmet Night
The Germans

Dammit I cant think of the other 4

Gah, Waldolf salad
The wedding party
Kipper and the corpse
The Hotel Inspectors

They are the ones I couldnt bloody remember.

That was quite impressive TaliZorahVasNormandy.

I've watched them with DD on Netflix.

I've watched them alot with DD on netflix.