Original artwork, not a still
Is a special kind of hamster. Is filigree Siberian hamster.
— Fawlty Towers · 1975
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
An impressive label cannot change what is in front of you. Manuel trusts the seller’s elaborate description because he wants to keep his pet, while everyone else sees a rat. The fancy wording turns wishful thinking into something that sounds almost official.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Fawlty TowersShow the scene
In “Basil the Rat” (series 2, episode 6), Manuel insists that his pet is a hamster, repeating the description given by the man who sold it to him. Basil recognises a rat, which is especially unwelcome with the health inspector due. Manuel has named the animal Basil; its escape turns the disagreement over its identity into a search through the hotel.
Sources (2)
- Fawlty Towers — Basil the Rat transcriptBasil the Rat; Basil the Rat, series 2 episode 6; Manuel explains what the pet-shop man told himReference checked
- Fawlty Towers — independent written referenceBasil the Rat; Basil the Rat, series 2 episode 6; Manuel explains what the pet-shop man told himReference checked
Context reviewed
