Reviews

The Complete Fawlty Towers by John Cleese, Connie Booth

__lv__'s review against another edition

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5.0

I enjoyed reading the scripts just as much as I did watching the series. I was thrilled to learn that this book even existed (thanks, Patrick)and just had to add to my collection. I especially loved reading the script to my favorite episode, The Germans. How Cleese managed to pack in so much activity and humor in about a 22 min show is beyond me - pure genius!

jennierigg's review against another edition

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5.0

When you watch Fawlty Towers you think it's anarchic and crazy; reading the scripts shows you just how closely controlled the anarchy was (assuming the scripts aren't edited post facto of course). Every nuance of facial expression is there on the page, and that makes it as sure and certain a reliving of the show as watching the DVD.

I've been reading it in the bath, one episode per bath, and I think that's the way to enjoy it. I can imagine it would get wearing if you tried to read it all at once.

Very enjoyable and laugh out loud funny.

90sirishgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is the script of the episodes. I’ve seen the episodes many times. Reading the lines I can see the episodes play out in my head as I read.

courageousciarano's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’ve watched Fawlty Towers, I’ve listened to it, now I can say that I’ve read it! This book is the well written script from the Classic British TV Sitcom. Readers following along with the Audible audiobook should know that the TV script was not adapted in its entirety for BBC Radio. You may find yourself hitting pause at some points, but it’s worth it.

labunnywtf's review against another edition

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4.0

From reading the Monty Python book, I know that John Cleese was actually a rather conservative man. But I'd still hoped there would be some funnies between the dialogue in the scripts.

I think I spotted two.

That is not to say this wasn't fun to read. I enjoyed watching the show on DVD immensely, and reading it in written form is just as enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend anyone read this rather than see the show, though. It's a wonderful companion to the series, but if you haven't seen or heard Basil Fawlty himself, reading him isn't going to do him justice.

adamz24's review against another edition

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4.0

"Basil: Don't mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it. So it's all forgotten now and let's hear no more about it. So that's two egg mayonnaise, a prawn Goebbels, a Herman Goering and four Colditz salads....no, wait a minute...I got confused because everyone keeps mentioning the war.
German: Will you stop mentioning the war?
Basil: You started it.
German: We did not start it.
Basil: Yes you did, you invaded Poland!"

"Sybil: If I find out the money on that horse was yours, you know what I'll do, Basil.
Basil: You'll have to sew 'em back on first."

the_young_bookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

Pure genius. 🤗