8.734 minSeason 2 • Episode 6
LatestThe health inspector is coming and Basil tells Manuel to get rid of his pet rat, which he later finds out is named Basil.
Owner Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil, a chambermaid Polly, and Spanish waiter Manuel attempt to run their hotel amidst farcical situations and an array of demanding guests.
Acting
Cleese's Basil — a masterpiece of snobbery and panic.
Writing
Booth & Cleese: 12 perfect episodes, then quit while ahead.
Production
Real hotel exterior, fake interior, total magic.
Creators
John Cleese, Connie Booth
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Cleese based Basil on a real hotel manager he met with the Monty Python crew — a man who threw a bus timetable at a guest for asking the time.
The 'Don't mention the war' episode was pulled by UKTV in 2020, then reinstated with a warning — proving the show still has the power to make everyone uncomfortable 45 years later.
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