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It wasn't removed because of "The Germans".
following the publication of this article they confirmed it was under
review because the episode “contains racial slurs”.The original broadcast included a scene in which Major Gowen, a
regular guest at the hotel, uses very strong racist language in
relation to an anecdote about the West Indies cricket teamThe Fawlty Towers episode in question, first shown in 1975, also
features Cleese’s bigoted character apparently shocked at being
treated in hospital by a black doctor
Sumo-
I think context is important here. Fawlty towers revolves around poking fun at a horrible, small minded bigot who is constantly out of his depth.
For a slightly less offensive example of this look at Basil's insistence that he can speak Spanish but is incapable of communicating with Manuel because he is seemingly unaware that there is more than one Spanish dialect.
The scene with the major is (in my recollection anyway - it's been a while since I've seen it) actually quite funny because Basil is torn between recognising that the major is being highly offensive and calling him out on it or risking offending one of his most loyal customers. It wouldn't be made today and the language is to put it mildly highly offensive but it does effectively highlight and make fun of attitudes that were prevalent at the time and are still about today.
The bit in the hospital is also an attempt to poke fun at Basil's bigoted attitude.
TLDR John Cleese is the original hipster and was taking the piss out of brexiteers before brexit was even a thing. Ironically the man seems to have morphed into his own character.
Bobbo
Today’s TV news - Fawlty Towers has been taken off some tv channels. The news report mentioned ‘The Germans’.
If this crap continues, a huge amount of tv and films will be removed.
I totally understand that some shows may not be suitable for viewing - The Black and White Minstrel Show springs to mind. There was a mad episode where the white actors with black faces were then changed to Hawaiians or similar. Probably on YouTube somewhere. But as an example of how society has moved on, it’s great. More educational now than entertainment.
Does Inspector Clouseau patronise French people?
Do Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce patronise females in Sherlock Holmes ( the best pairing)?
Where will the madness stop? If people recognise that it is inappropriate now, surely that is a win - removal seems like harsh censorship to me. It’s unlikely that there will be an underground Fawlty Towers fan club - but who knows, it could happen.
Rant over!