[TV] Fawlty Towers

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

…..well I can see how you’ve formed your opinion…..but we can see from other posts that their German friends havnt taken it quite that way…..not sure we need HWT to direct us ….and take us any further away from what I think is supposed to be a light hearted thread

There is no such thig as a light hearted thread.
But I'm not directing anyone.
Just prodding.
Feel free to disregard.
This isn't Nazi Germany.

 

[Weststander]

There is no such thig as a light hearted thread.
But I'm not directing anyone.
Just prodding.
Feel free to disregard.
This isn't Nazi Germany.

https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/threads/ashley-barnes-isnt-nearly-good-enough-for-us.192944/

 

[Easy 10]

"I say Fawlty, he doesn't look the ticket."
"No, no Major. He's dead, actually."
"Ah. Shot, was he ?"
"No, no, Major. Died in his sleep."
"Ah. Well, you're off your guard, yasee"

 

[London Irish]

The last time I watched an episode I was really disappointed and I think it's badly dated now and I didn't find it funny at all. I used to thoroughly enjoy re-watching it and found it hilarious for many, many years. Maybe I've been put off by John Cleese as a person in the last few years, but really I think that my tastes have changed.

What I have been enjoying lately is Rising Damp - I was never really into it back in the day, but I was watching that the other night and it really tickled me. Maybe there's something wrong with my brain.

Very difficult to think of a comedy that doesn’t date badly - it’s the one genre that for some reason seems particularly prone to this. I was even watching an early episode of The Day Today not so long ago - a show I never thought would ever be surpassed yet much of it was quite average. I wonder if there are any intelligent theories why comedy is particularly vulnerable (in the way great dramas or other genres aren’t) to sell-by dates

 

[anygivensunday]

'Basil doesn't bet anymore do you dear?'
'No, no, that particular avenue of pleasure has been closed off.'
'And we don't want it opened up again do we, Basil.'
'No, you don't dear.'

 

[Weststander]

Very difficult to think of a comedy that doesn’t date badly - it’s the one genre that for some reason seems particularly prone to this. I was even watching an early episode of The Day Today not so long ago - a show I never thought would ever be surpassed yet much of it was quite average. I wonder if there are any intelligent theories why comedy is particularly vulnerable (in the way great dramas or other genres aren’t) to sell-by dates

Comedy evolves with society and is often apt to its era? I never warmed to Hancock, Cook or Moore, but the half gen before me think of them as geniuses. The exception for me is Milligan, with Whitehouse, they have an aura where you’re almost laughing in anticipation.

Whilst a brilliantly scripted and produced thriller or drama made for the big screen, can be timeless. Most movies wouldn’t pass this test, you get fads/hype when they’re released, then 5 years later you think that was so average.

There are also some great boxsets that might stand the test of time. But more niche.

 

[sussex_guy2k2]

Right up there with Black Adder and Only Fools and Horses as the best comedies of all time for me.

 

[kevo]

I actually don't think it's dated too badly compared to some series/comedians of the same era, which seem completely unfunny now. Yeah, parts are very non-woke, but it's of its time. Certainly up there with the best UK sitcoms (wasn't there a comedy series world cup on here once?).

 

[jcdenton08]

There’s been a bit of talk about how it has or hasn’t “dated”. I have to defend the show here.

In my opinion the brilliance of the comedy is that it’s just simple farce, built around really good characters. Basil isn’t a wisecracking, classically handsome protagonist making jokes at other’s expense. Basil is the joke.

The setting, costumes and references date the piece in the sense that it is set contemporaneously in the 1970’s, but the attitudes for the time are downright progressive - especially compared to many shows at that time. We love Manuel, we see Basil as a fool.

Indeed, many of the funniest moments happen because a man of Basil’s age has things like WW2 as a reference. If it was set in the 2020’s, his behaviour (even with a concussion) would make no sense.

It’s a timeless comedy. The writing - and performances - are timeless.

 

[Professor Plum]

Some of it is cringeworthy now.
Especially the Germans episode.

You have to draw a distinction between a writer with embarrassing attitudes and a writer who is parodying people with embarrassing attitudes.