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The Complete Fawlty Towers [1975] [DVD]
![The Complete Fawlty Towers [1975] [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512VE9BM6dL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £29.99
Our Price: £11.95 (subject to change)
Editorial
Product Description
John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, Bernard Cribbins Directors: Bob Spiers, John Howard-Davies
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Often hailed as the greatest ever British sitcom, Fawlty Towers is closer to the more elaborate tradition of farce. Comprising two series made in 1975 and 1979, the total of just 12 episodes were painstakingly constructed by writers John Cleese and Connie Booth. Unlike most British farces, however, Fawlty Towers deals with the big themes--death, psychology, xenophobia and even sex-o-phobia (Basil's marriage to Sybil is the most sterile ever depicted in a sitcom). Basil's contempt for his guests is, of course, legendary. It takes little from patrons to unleash his sledgehammer sarcasm: "Rosewood, mahogany, teak? Sorry, I was wondering what you'd like your breakfast tray made out of," he sneers at a guest who dares request breakfast in bed. Like every Englishman, he wants to be king of his own castle and resents having to take in lodgers to maintain the place, especially the open-necked younger generation, whom he regards as sub-human. Mostly, though, Fawlty Towers is comedy of exasperation--who can forget the "damn good thrashing" Basil gives his clapped-out car, or the nervous breakdowns he almost suffers trying to make himself understood to Manuel? It's also comedy of embarrassment. The very fear of losing his dignity generally leads Basil into the most spectacularly undignified of predicaments. His inevitable misery is our sheer delight.--David Stubbs
A Reminder of True Quality
Review date: 2010-02-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
I purchased this set of DVDs to remind myself of the outstanding quality of comedy produced by the BBC at this time. Sadly, it is now not often the case that we can experience not only good comedy writing but also the top quality acting from all those who took part.
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Reviews
Review Fawlty towers
Review date: 2010-02-20 Rating: 8 out of 10
I am very pleased with the DVD's, but they arrived some days later than expected. But the quality and service is great, and i have continued purchasing items from Amazon.
Buy It
Review date: 2010-01-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
As something I have always loved watching when repeated on TV I had to buy this when I saw it on offer a while back.
I hadn't seen it for a few years so some episodes had parts that I had forgotten about.
Each episode is brilliantly written and acted.
My only shock came with the inclusion of a scene that I can only assume had been edited out for later repeats on TV during the 1990s and 2000s. The scene in question involves the Major and Basil discussing ethnic minorities and during this a few words that would no longer be considered appropriate are used. Luckily I have enough of a brain to be able to watch it and know that it is not meant in a racist way, also back then it is how alot of people spoke. It is of it's time. So if you are easily offended then be prepared. Though this is the only scene like this in the whole series.
But that aside it has stood up very well over the years. The picture quality of outside scenes can be a little fuzzy, especially a scene in the very first episode when Polly is shown getting into a car, it looks like it's fading away.
A good buy.
Mr Fawlty!
Review date: 2010-01-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is simply classic comedy! I love every episode and if you like John Cleese you will love this DVD. Good price as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fawltless
Review date: 2010-01-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
Absolutely brilliant, another must for the classic DVD collection, will go on and on and on for years to come.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Bernard Cribbins
Andrew Sachs
Connie Booth
John Cleese
Prunella Scales
Creators:
John Cleese (Primary Contributor)
Prunella Scales (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503486228
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-10-03
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 360 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Dutch (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: German (Subtitled)
Brand: DVD Boxsets