Basil DVD

Advantages: Hilarious episodes; Superb acting by Cleese et al
Disadvantages: Not many extras

...that is as funny today as it was when first aired. The six episodes on this DVD are: A Touch Of Class - Basil is delighted that a Lord (Melbury) has decided to stay at his hotel. Basil goes out of his way to accomodate his Lordship, but then faces a nasty surprise when he realises Melbury is not all that he initially seemed. The Builders - Sybil decides that some building work needs doing in the hotel lobby, and Basil agrees to sort it out. However, in going for the the cheapest builders, the work is substandard to say the least, and Sybil is not happy. The Wedding Party - Basil is appalled by the seemingly promiscuous nature of some of his guests, but a series of misunderstandings lead to him getting into some embarrassing positions with Manuel. The Hotel Inspectors - Basil learns that there are some hotel inspectors in the area. His stereotyped... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great scripts, superb acting, hilarious!!
Disadvantages: Are there any?

.... However, this time it seems that a bit more emphasis is placed on the supporting characters, such as the Major, rather than just solely focusing on Basil, as seemed to happen more in the previous series. I think this works well overall, as all of the cast seem well able to make us laugh, and most of the characters play their roles to perfection. The six episodes on this DVD from the second series are: Communication Problems - Basil's sanity appears to be under threat as a deaf lady stays at the hotel. The Psychiatrist - Basil's obsession with a young couple leads to a visiting psychiatrist believing the hotelier is rather odd. Waldorf Salad - A demanding American guest is not impressed by Basil's make-shift cooking. The Kipper And The Corpse - Basil panics when a guest dies at the hotel, seemingly moments after eating an out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Well written
Disadvantages: rather dated

...Although this is rather dated it still remains one of the best British comedies made. Also as only a small number of episodes were made it never really got to the point where it started to go downhill. Basil Fawlty (John Clease) is hen pecked all the way by his wife Cybil. This along with health inspectors and guests dying in the hotel it is little wonder that Basil feels the whole world is aginst him. Polly is forever saving Basil's skin with the hotel health inspector and the guests. As for Manuel well he never seems to get things right. Best epioded is probably 'The Germans'. Where Basil has to run the hotel himself, with some guests who don't speek English, whilst Cybil is in hospital. As expected it doesn't go quite as well as Basil want's it to, (This epsd also includes the well known 'Moose' scene) Unfortunately... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful