X-Nico

2 unusual facts about Basil Fawlty


BMC ADO16

The Austin 1100 Countryman appeared in the legendary "Gourmet Night" episode of Fawlty Towers, in which short tempered owner of Fawlty Towers Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) gave it a "damn good thrashing".

Not the Nine O'Clock News

As the show was originally scheduled to air after Fawlty Towers, John Cleese was to have introduced the first episode in a sketch referring to a technicians' strike then in progress, explaining (in character as Basil Fawlty) that there was no show that week so a "tatty revue" would be broadcast instead.


Basil the Rat

After discovering that Manuel is keeping a pet rat, Basil insists that it be removed, but it escapes back into the hotel as the inspector returns.

The Admirable Crichton

In The Germans, an episode of British sitcom Fawlty Towers, Basil Fawlty sarcastically says "Oh, it's the Admirable Crichton" on Manuel's belated arrival.


see also

Goose step

In the British sitcom Fawlty Towers, the main character Basil Fawlty infamously imitates the goose step in front of some German guests.