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Don't mention the war! I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.
— Fawlty Towers · 1975
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Fawlty Towers
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Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The line is Basil in miniature: a man who can see exactly what not to do and does it anyway, even as he says it. The warning is itself the first mention, and the second half of the sentence is the boast that sets up the whole disaster. It became a British catchphrase for any conversation heading toward an unavoidable gaffe, usually said with a straight face just before someone mentions it.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Fawlty TowersShow the scene
In "The Germans", the series 1 finale of Fawlty Towers (BBC2, 24 October 1975), Basil is concussed after a kitchen fire and sneaks out of hospital to greet a party of German guests. A fire alarm sends all the guests out of the hotel, and as they leave Basil mutters the warning to himself, adding that he mentioned it once and thinks he got away with it. He then goes back to the Germans' table to take their lunch order, and mentions the war constantly until he is goose-stepping.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: The Germans (Fawlty Towers)Lead and PlotReference checked
- Wikiquote: Fawlty TowersThe Germans sectionReference checked
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