Original artwork, not a still
Is this a piece of your brain?
— Fawlty Towers • 1975
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The form sounds like a concerned question, but the content is a savage insult. Basil briefly performs the role of a helpful manager while suggesting that his guest has lost part of her mind. Politeness becomes another instrument of his hostility.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Fawlty TowersShow the scene
In “Communication Problems” (series 2, episode 1), Mrs Richards says that money has vanished from her room and demands to speak to the manager. Basil responds with exaggerated concern and this insulting question before trying to lead her away. It is part of their argument about the missing money, separate from his earlier bedroom-window rant.
Sources (2)
- Fawlty Towers — Communication Problems transcriptCommunication Problems; Communication Problems, series 2 episode 1; Basil to Mrs Richards after her row about her missing moneyReference checked
- Fawlty Towers — independent written referenceCommunication Problems; Communication Problems, series 2 episode 1; Basil to Mrs Richards after her row about her missing moneyReference checked
Context reviewed
