My favourite episode, that "yes you did, you invaded Poland" cracks me every time. :) Awesome reaction as always. And yes, you did great with the German alphabet, the pronunciation was spot-on.
Many thanks for your continued reactions to this amazing series! It's funny because I would have imagined a lot of German people may not have found this particularly funny, but according to John Cleese, when he subsequently went to Germany, a lot of Germans pointed at him saying 'Don't mention the War'. Apparently it was receiuved really well over there.
I can assure you; every single German hates this. I will personally sue John Cleese and his Children and Grand Children, and if that doesn't work out, we will plan another *don't mention it* 😛
The actor who plays Manuel is German. Cleese was in Germany one time in the Hotel lobby talking to a hotel employee and behind him he hears in a thick German accent " Don't tok about zee wah", and Cleese is thinking "Oh crap", turns around and the crowded lobby burst out in laughter. I miss the Bratwurst there! Mmmmm
Andrew Sachs was born in Germany in 1930. His father was Jewish. The family moved to England in 1938, when Andrew was 8, to escape being persecuted by the Nazis.
In my humble opinion, this is the best 30 minutes of comedy ever aired. The best episode of the best sitcom. Notice at the midway point, after the fire when Basil gets knocked out... you feel like you watched an entire episode... but you're only 15 minutes in. It's a good feature length 90 minute comedy boiled down and ultra concentrated into 30 minutes.... so... so.... so much material.
That German walk is the funniest physical gag in the series. John Cleese said that Basil's reaction to the doctor was a nod to W.C. Fields' similar reaction in 'The Bank Dick.'
@@aleclewis9123 Not directly, in my opinion; Cleese's Silly Walk in 'Flying Circus' was far more complex. But I'm sure he probably drew some inspiration from it.
@@bwilliams463 I think you could be right. These walks did also inspire Phil Collins's on stage persona. When he took over vocal duties for Genesis, he introduced what ended up being known as "the tambourine dance" during each performance of a song called "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)".
This is probably my favorite episode, they are all brilliant, but this one just does it for me. I also love the irony when he says of course if there was a fire you would all be standing around the lobby, and the only time there is a fire they are all standing around in the lobby. Subtle humor that just adds to the over all hilarity. Can't wait for season 2
The Germans was my introduction to Fawlty Towers. I first saw it in Mallorca in a British pub back in 1986. Seeing a british pub on a Spanish island was as much of a cultural shock as a topless woman waiting for a Coca Cola at a McDonalds at the beach in Palma. But sitting in that pub, I don't ever remember laughing like that in public before.
I recognize that white-haired woman from the movie "Is Paris Burning?" She was the one running a café and letting the French soldiers phone ahead to tell their families they were on the way. "Hello? It's George. No, I'm not George, I'm calling FOR George. Well, he's too excited, he cannot speak! " Great movie.
My favorite moment of the episode is 7:14 when he just picks up the phone and assumes it is Sybil and yells into it and hangs up. LOL! It could've been anybody like a customer looking for a room, etc. LMAO! Too funny.
Hi, a great episode with so many memorable scenes. I think one of the best is the 'Fire Drill'. Understandably we couldn't see all of it here due to time constraints but if you've ever participated in a Fire Drill you'd appreciate it. I like how the alarm to remind Basil to do the Fire Drill sounds like a Fire Alarm, then you hear the actual Fire Alarm and 'it's a semi-tone higher' but it's plausible for either one. Then the people waiting for the actual Fire Drill all milling around in the Lobby just want to wait and get it done, but Basil wants realism, 'you all wouldn't be here at one time, some of you go into the Dining Room, some up the stairs', etc. Not to mention Manuel's (Andrew Sach's) real 'burning hands' (pre-digital)...
What great reactions! this series makes me laugh hysterically anyways. But watching you watch them for the first time, added even more humor to an already brilliant series. Thank you.
That was a really great reaction - thanks. And the German alphabet in the end was a lovely surprise. You're pronunciation is perfect, btw. Great to hear you like the German accent. Germans are often a bit self-conscious about their accent, so that's lovely to hear. The episode is hilarious, btw. And really quite poignant, in retrospect, given that it can be read as a comment on the UK joining the European Union.
A great fan favorite, and rightly so. Basil somehow finds an extra gear here, if that's even possible.. The Major has some of his best lines of the series. Can't wait to see what else you've got lined out for us this festive season. Keeping it under your hat, am I right?
People always mention the Germans bit but the fire alarm bit is equally as good. An often overlooked part of the episode. This is a lot of folks favourite episode. For me it stands in second spot. Top spot going to the Psychiatrist episode ( season two) which for me is perfection. Enjoying your reactions.
Probably my favourite episode of the whole series, certainly the first one I watched from start to finish.🙂 Keep in mind, when he says the moose head cost £12, this was in 1975. Adjusted for inflation, that's over £85 today.
10:25 Basil miming eating was how my family spread the word that dinner was ready. Someone playing loud music and can't hear? Dad outside cutting the grass? Just mime it like Basil Fawlty!
One of the best episodes of the series :) I remember when i saw it for the first time. Literally laughed for 10 minutes straight. Was prolly close to popping my lungs due to laughing so hard :)
I believe the actor who plays Manuel was actually burned in this episode by the chemical they put on his jacket so he would smoke. I don't recall too well, but I think he said it left marks on his body.
I read about it just the other day. If I got it right it was not chemical that burnt him but the actual fire, the protective/chemical jacket didn't work as was intended by the stunt people. He was told by the medical people that he would have to wear the scars for the rest of his life, but luckily they faded out after some years.
Manuel haha says to a builder "You are a hideous orangutan", Basil was actually based on Donald Sinclair the manager of a hotel in Torquay when Monty Python cast and crew were staying at the time. Most of them having to leave the hotel because of Donalds antics, like he genuinely thought that Eric Idles suitcase had a bomb in it and had no idea of the concept the bar should be open after dinner for guests when he wanted to go to sleep lol, he was formerly in the Navy and would rather be doing that than being a general manager of a hotel he just wasn't suited for it lol. He died as a result of a heart attack I think I remember reading, after he insulted a load of work men working at his hotel, whom in the dead of night came back to act revenge and painted all the pool furniture gun-metal grey lol (was called Glen Eagles Hotel thats no longer a hotel, might have got taken down as well I can't remember if the building even exists anymore in Torquay).
One of my favorite, if not THE favorite, of this somewhat unsung series. Great reaction, btw! I always feel nothing but admiration for John Cleese when I remember that he said he only did two seasons lest it become stale. Somehow, I think he could've managed a decent third, at least! But at least we have the Primo Pair!
This episode makes me lose it every time. By all accounts I've heard, Germans LOVED this. They understood that the point was that Basil's an idiot, and iirc they were they first to try to their own domestic adaptation. German Fawlty Towers! Don't worry about season 2 if you hear this is the best episode. Almost all of them are the best episode! My own favorite episode is in season 2.
Contrary to popular opinion, we Germans do have a sense of humour. 😁 This is by far my favourite FT episode and John Cleese's Hitler one of the highlights of Flying Circus .
@@minski76 You know how it is, these days it's hard to find people who aren't offended by something. I noticed they've got a little warning message before the episode now, how silly.
When Manuel's jacket was smoking? It was packed with chemicals to make it smoke. But they put too MUCH in, and Andrew Sachs was seriously burned. Just one of many serious injuries that he suffered while making this show!
I really enjoy your reactions, especially Fawlty Towels. If you're ever looking for a hilarious comedy that is off the radar, consider the 1981 film "Arthur". I suppose it would be pigeon-holed as romcom, but there is a lot more com than rom. I couldn't stop laughing.
Hey Dawn. I saw how much you enjoyed older classic movies and, since it is getting close to Christmas, I wanted to recommend my favorite holiday movie. You should look into "The Lemon Drop Kid" from 1951. It was originally made in B&W but there are colorized versions available. "The Lemon Drop Kid" stars Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, William Frawley and a cast that were at the top of their game in the 1940s & 1950s. As a holiday movie it has a very unusual and funny story that takes place at Christmastime. "The Lemon Drop Kid" was also the film that introduced a song in it's soundtrack that has become a Christmas staple and is in the top three of my holiday playlist (and I'm not going to tell you what it so you'll just have to watch it to find out 🕭🕭🕭🤶🏼🎅🏼🕭🕭🕭). I know you would enjoy it. Far too many people have forgotten this classic or never knew it existed. Even if you decide not to upload a reaction, it's still a holiday movie everyone should see at least once. Luv ya 😚and Happy Holidays!!! 🦌🦌🦌🦌🛷☃
Interesting...at one point John Cleese says to the Germans, "May I say how pleased we are to have some Europeans here now that we are on the continent." and, "I didn't vote for it myself quite honestly but, now that we're in, I'm determined to make it work, so I'd like to welcome you all to Britain." I guess it was not long after the UK joined the European Union. And now here we are in a post Brexit world.
Yes, why would an ingrown toenail removal be a 3-day hospital stay? You go in, are prepped, out goes the toenail. On your way home in 3 hours, same day.
An ingrowing toenail is very painful and it takes some time to recover from, but these days it is an in and out procedure under local anaesthetic - but 50 years ago, who knows...
Ingrowing toenails are bloody awful. It’s a simple enough procedure - sit down, local anaesthetic, stagger home an hour later - but it bleeds like a bugger and is really painful for a solid week while it heals. It’s better than leaving it unresolved, but definitely wouldn’t recommend it as a good time. Still not sure why she’d be in hospital for three days for it, though.
I'm German and I approve this message. By which i mean, when I first saw this episode, I laughed my butt off.
Oh, and your alphabet was flawless.
Me too. "Winstein" is German (Glen True Winstein).
My favourite episode, that "yes you did, you invaded Poland" cracks me every time. :)
Awesome reaction as always. And yes, you did great with the German alphabet, the pronunciation was spot-on.
Many thanks for your continued reactions to this amazing series! It's funny because I would have imagined a lot of German people may not have found this particularly funny, but according to John Cleese, when he subsequently went to Germany, a lot of Germans pointed at him saying 'Don't mention the War'. Apparently it was receiuved really well over there.
I can assure you; every single German hates this. I will personally sue John Cleese and his Children and Grand Children, and if that doesn't work out, we will plan another *don't mention it* 😛
The actor who plays Manuel is German. Cleese was in Germany one time in the Hotel lobby talking to a hotel employee and behind him he hears in a thick German accent " Don't tok about zee wah", and Cleese is thinking "Oh crap", turns around and the crowded lobby burst out in laughter. I miss the Bratwurst there! Mmmmm
Andrew Sachs was born in Germany in 1930. His father was Jewish. The family moved to England in 1938, when Andrew was 8, to escape being persecuted by the Nazis.
All these years later and I still get teary-eyed from laughter when watching "Fawlty Towers" 😂 Thanks for the reaction!
"You started it.
We did not started.
Yes you did you invaded poland" 🤣
Its what he says to the nurse kills me!!!
Oh, never realised it before. Manuel mentioning his hamster in this episode. :D
Yep. And O'Reilly was mentioned in the first episode. There's a little bit of continuity to this series.
In my humble opinion, this is the best 30 minutes of comedy ever aired. The best episode of the best sitcom.
Notice at the midway point, after the fire when Basil gets knocked out... you feel like you watched an entire episode... but you're only 15 minutes in. It's a good feature length 90 minute comedy boiled down and ultra concentrated into 30 minutes.... so... so.... so much material.
That German walk is the funniest physical gag in the series. John Cleese said that Basil's reaction to the doctor was a nod to W.C. Fields' similar reaction in 'The Bank Dick.'
Only Cleese could pull that off.
Was that from his Ministry Of Silly Walks?
@@aleclewis9123 Not directly, in my opinion; Cleese's Silly Walk in 'Flying Circus' was far more complex. But I'm sure he probably drew some inspiration from it.
@@bwilliams463 I think you could be right.
These walks did also inspire Phil Collins's on stage persona.
When he took over vocal duties for Genesis, he introduced what ended up being known as "the tambourine dance" during each performance of a song called "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)".
🎵🎶On the sixth day of Almost Christmas Marie sent to us; Four sad Germans, one burning Manuel and one talking moose head 🎶🎵
Best December ever!
And a Major fair out of his tree.
If there was ANY episode that personified the whole series , . . THIS was the one.
"didn't know Canadians were as clever as that." As a Canadian, I resemble that remark.
This is probably my favorite episode, they are all brilliant, but this one just does it for me. I also love the irony when he says of course if there was a fire you would all be standing around the lobby, and the only time there is a fire they are all standing around in the lobby. Subtle humor that just adds to the over all hilarity. Can't wait for season 2
The Germans was my introduction to Fawlty Towers. I first saw it in Mallorca in a British pub back in 1986. Seeing a british pub on a Spanish island was as much of a cultural shock as a topless woman waiting for a Coca Cola at a McDonalds at the beach in Palma.
But sitting in that pub, I don't ever remember laughing like that in public before.
Ah Fawlty Towers. The best documentary about the British hotel service industry ever made.
@Dawn Marie Your German alphabet spelling was indeed pretty impressive for a non native speaker. You pretty much nailed it. 👍
Generally accepted as the best episode - certainly my favourite.
Hard to pick a favorite episode, but this is definitely one.
I recognize that white-haired woman from the movie "Is Paris Burning?" She was the one running a café and letting the French soldiers phone ahead to tell their families they were on the way. "Hello? It's George. No, I'm not George, I'm calling FOR George. Well, he's too excited, he cannot speak! " Great movie.
My favorite moment of the episode is 7:14 when he just picks up the phone and assumes it is Sybil and yells into it and hangs up. LOL! It could've been anybody like a customer looking for a room, etc. LMAO! Too funny.
It's brilliant. Just reading your post made me laugh!
Hi, a great episode with so many memorable scenes. I think one of the best is the 'Fire Drill'. Understandably we couldn't see all of it here due to time constraints but if you've ever participated in a Fire Drill you'd appreciate it. I like how the alarm to remind Basil to do the Fire Drill sounds like a Fire Alarm, then you hear the actual Fire Alarm and 'it's a semi-tone higher' but it's plausible for either one. Then the people waiting for the actual Fire Drill all milling around in the Lobby just want to wait and get it done, but Basil wants realism, 'you all wouldn't be here at one time, some of you go into the Dining Room, some up the stairs', etc. Not to mention Manuel's (Andrew Sach's) real 'burning hands' (pre-digital)...
What great reactions! this series makes me laugh hysterically anyways. But watching you watch them for the first time, added even more humor to an already brilliant series. Thank you.
Ah... Ballard Berkeley was so funny as the Major.
You're one of the only youtubers reacting to this, love it.
Fawlty Towers humour just hits different. MANUELLLL!
Coming up, "Communication Problems"! Definitely one of my top 12 episodes! 😆
The worst episode of Fawlty Towers is the 12th best sitcom episode in history.
@@voodoochild1975az Haha. Touche!
Love this episode Dawn, it's got Cleese's great silly walk in it lol.
This episode is one of my favorites. You are spoiling us this December - NOT a complaint 😄
That was a really great reaction - thanks. And the German alphabet in the end was a lovely surprise. You're pronunciation is perfect, btw. Great to hear you like the German accent. Germans are often a bit self-conscious about their accent, so that's lovely to hear. The episode is hilarious, btw. And really quite poignant, in retrospect, given that it can be read as a comment on the UK joining the European Union.
This episode was so funny and crazy at the same time. I love John Cleese so much and his craziness.
Ein perfektes Alphabet, gut gemacht. ;)
Season 2 LETS GOOO!
A great fan favorite, and rightly so. Basil somehow finds an extra gear here, if that's even possible.. The Major has some of his best lines of the series. Can't wait to see what else you've got lined out for us this festive season. Keeping it under your hat, am I right?
Dawn
Why don’t I laugh as much at this show except when I see you watching it oh my God Dawn…
People always mention the Germans bit but the fire alarm bit is equally as good. An often overlooked part of the episode. This is a lot of folks favourite episode. For me it stands in second spot. Top spot going to the Psychiatrist episode ( season two) which for me is perfection. Enjoying your reactions.
How often do you manage it?
To me... this is tied for top spot with the "Mrs. Richards" episode. They're all great, actually.
@@johnmavroudis2054 Is this a piece of your brain?
Yes, the Psychiatrist episode has always been one of my favourites.
@@safeashouses211 Is that the one with the Aussie woman? I think so... HILARIOUS.
This is my favorite episode. It's got the fire drill, the talking moose head, and the silly walk in it.
Probably my favourite episode of the whole series, certainly the first one I watched from start to finish.🙂
Keep in mind, when he says the moose head cost £12, this was in 1975. Adjusted for inflation, that's over £85 today.
Really enjoying this Dawn. “I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.”
Fawlty losing his mind will always be funny, but poor Manuel manages to steal scenes from him!
This is my favorite episode. had me rollin on the floor when i was a kid.
This episode and the next one are my two favorites of the series.
10:25 Basil miming eating was how my family spread the word that dinner was ready. Someone playing loud music and can't hear? Dad outside cutting the grass? Just mime it like Basil Fawlty!
One of the best episodes of the series :)
I remember when i saw it for the first time. Literally laughed for 10 minutes straight. Was prolly close to popping my lungs due to laughing so hard :)
Definitely my favourite episode! And I'm not German but did get a GCSE in it and you remembered very well.
Thanks for doing the series! I read Manuel actually suffered burns doing this episode!
Yes, his hands were quite badly burned.
I believe the actor who plays Manuel was actually burned in this episode by the chemical they put on his jacket so he would smoke. I don't recall too well, but I think he said it left marks on his body.
I read about it just the other day. If I got it right it was not chemical that burnt him but the actual fire, the protective/chemical jacket didn't work as was intended by the stunt people. He was told by the medical people that he would have to wear the scars for the rest of his life, but luckily they faded out after some years.
The best episode of the Fawlty Towers series!
Manuel haha says to a builder "You are a hideous orangutan", Basil was actually based on Donald Sinclair the manager of a hotel in Torquay when Monty Python cast and crew were staying at the time. Most of them having to leave the hotel because of Donalds antics, like he genuinely thought that Eric Idles suitcase had a bomb in it and had no idea of the concept the bar should be open after dinner for guests when he wanted to go to sleep lol, he was formerly in the Navy and would rather be doing that than being a general manager of a hotel he just wasn't suited for it lol.
He died as a result of a heart attack I think I remember reading, after he insulted a load of work men working at his hotel, whom in the dead of night came back to act revenge and painted all the pool furniture gun-metal grey lol (was called Glen Eagles Hotel thats no longer a hotel, might have got taken down as well I can't remember if the building even exists anymore in Torquay).
The scene were Andrew is on fire,Andrew got seriously burned for real
"Fire.... Fire... Ffffire.... FIRE! FIRE!"
Probably my fav episode :D
Love the reaction. And you didn’t mention the war 😂
One of my favorite, if not THE favorite, of this somewhat unsung series. Great reaction, btw! I always feel nothing but admiration for John Cleese when I remember that he said he only did two seasons lest it become stale. Somehow, I think he could've managed a decent third, at least! But at least we have the Primo Pair!
Forget the Chef, I think you are in love with Manuel. Lol
Love that you're watching this ❤😂,,amazing show, love your laugh btw❤
My all time favorite episode of this show!
7:49 No, no !- -Yes, yes !😂
Pure laugher and British Comedy and very talented John Cleese 🤣👍
Das ABC wunderbar aufgesagt, Note 1 dafür!
Grüße aus Deutschland und frohe Weihnachten! 😘
WELL DONE DAWN very impressed
Michael Palin's Ripping Yarns
...I think I may have mentioned the war but they didn't notice 😉
The funniest British sitcom of all time
The fall to the floor Cleese did is pretty impressive.
This episode makes me lose it every time.
By all accounts I've heard, Germans LOVED this. They understood that the point was that Basil's an idiot, and iirc they were they first to try to their own domestic adaptation. German Fawlty Towers!
Don't worry about season 2 if you hear this is the best episode. Almost all of them are the best episode! My own favorite episode is in season 2.
Contrary to popular opinion, we Germans do have a sense of humour. 😁
This is by far my favourite FT episode and John Cleese's Hitler one of the highlights of Flying Circus .
@@minski76 You know how it is, these days it's hard to find people who aren't offended by something. I noticed they've got a little warning message before the episode now, how silly.
@saeger8439 I think the warning is more about the use of the N-word when the Major is talking to Basil.
My second favorite episode is up next.
@@johnsensebe3153 Oh yeah, forgot about that.
When Manuel's jacket was smoking? It was packed with chemicals to make it smoke. But they put too MUCH in, and Andrew Sachs was seriously burned. Just one of many serious injuries that he suffered while making this show!
Yes, like getting concussion in 'The wedding party', when John Cleese hit him over the head with a frying pan.
£12 would be about £120 in today's money.
Humour can save the world.
Don't mention the war....
i mentioned it once but I think I got away with it!
You started it.
my favourite episode, by far
They missed the chance for jokes about German cheese. Ingrown toenail operations are minor surgery with local anesthetic in Canada.
Loving your East coast accent.
Ah, yes the talking moose episode. My favorite.
I'll take this opportunity to again remind you that there are TWO Flying Circus German episodes. Check em out.
This episode was weely weely good
Vealy vealy good. 😉
From what i remember the alphabet was fine. Just kidding...it was perfect!
Cheers from Dortmund, Germany!
One of the most hillarious, and controversial, episodes.
I really enjoy your reactions, especially Fawlty Towels. If you're ever looking for a hilarious comedy that is off the radar, consider the 1981 film "Arthur". I suppose it would be pigeon-holed as romcom, but there is a lot more com than rom. I couldn't stop laughing.
Where was the bit about the Major taking a girl ‘to see India’?
Hey Dawn. I saw how much you enjoyed older classic movies and, since it is getting close to Christmas, I wanted to recommend my favorite holiday movie. You should look into "The Lemon Drop Kid" from 1951. It was originally made in B&W but there are colorized versions available.
"The Lemon Drop Kid" stars Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, William Frawley and a cast that were at the top of their game in the 1940s & 1950s. As a holiday movie it has a very unusual and funny story that takes place at Christmastime.
"The Lemon Drop Kid" was also the film that introduced a song in it's soundtrack that has become a Christmas staple and is in the top three of my holiday playlist (and I'm not going to tell you what it so you'll just have to watch it to find out 🕭🕭🕭🤶🏼🎅🏼🕭🕭🕭).
I know you would enjoy it. Far too many people have forgotten this classic or never knew it existed. Even if you decide not to upload a reaction, it's still a holiday movie everyone should see at least once.
Luv ya 😚and Happy Holidays!!! 🦌🦌🦌🦌🛷☃
God damn it! The Die Hard reaction has been struck down!!
Interesting...at one point John Cleese says to the Germans, "May I say how pleased we are to have some Europeans here now that we are on the continent." and, "I didn't vote for it myself quite honestly but, now that we're in, I'm determined to make it work, so I'd like to welcome you all to Britain." I guess it was not long after the UK joined the European Union. And now here we are in a post Brexit world.
This has been so much fun!
Now over to the second series. Just as funny as the first, trust me!
"You naughty moose!"
Yes, why would an ingrown toenail removal be a 3-day hospital stay? You go in, are prepped, out goes the toenail. On your way home in 3 hours, same day.
Things were different in 1975.
Das is gut! 😂👍
An ingrowing toenail is very painful and it takes some time to recover from, but these days it is an in and out procedure under local anaesthetic - but 50 years ago, who knows...
......50 years ago?!
@@scottandrewbrass closer to 47 but who is counting anyway.
Don't lets be beastly to the Germans!
Your joy watching is good
Brilliant reaction Dawn
This is my favorite episode!
How you pronounced tha alphabet was actually really good!
Ha, your German pronunciation was actually more convincing than some of the German phrases in this episode, well done!
WONDERFUL!
Basil Fawlty is one of the great hilarious idiots of all entertainment.
‘Didn’t think Canadians were that clever’. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦. The Major is right unfortunately
Just a recommendation for a reaction band of brothers or The Percific both are very good mini series of ww2 both 10 episodes long
Ingrowing toenails are bloody awful. It’s a simple enough procedure - sit down, local anaesthetic, stagger home an hour later - but it bleeds like a bugger and is really painful for a solid week while it heals.
It’s better than leaving it unresolved, but definitely wouldn’t recommend it as a good time.
Still not sure why she’d be in hospital for three days for it, though.
Maybe to watch the bleeding.
That was Martin Scorsese's favourite episode of FT. (Seriously!)
how about some Christmas type movies -- like "Die Hard" ....
“That’s what you get for 12 pounds”