With PBS broadcasting the three-part "Monty Python's Personal Best" series, we thought you might enjoy seeing some exclusive video footage of the Pythons on their first promtional tour of the U.S. more than 30 years ago.

The video was made possible by intrepid reporter and commentator of All Things Awesome, Jesse Thorn of the popular The Soung of Young America podcast/public radio show (salon.com calls TSOYA and Jesse a refreshing cross between Terry Gross of NPR and Conan O'Brien). The footage is of the Pythons' visit to KERA-TV, the PBS affiliate in Dallas that "saved" Monty Python in the U.S. by being the first to broadcast it.

The Pythons were in the KERA studios the day after the LA premiere of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and you will hear Terry Jones note that they didn't even have a U.S. distributor yet for the film!  John Cleese didn't make this stop, but the rest of troupe carry on in fine form.

Click on the TSOYA graphic below and Enjoy! Thanks, Jesse!

Two recent British polls added to the long list of accolades Fawlty Towers has garnered during the past 30 years.

In September, Radio Times released the results of a survey that named Fawlty Towers as the show TV viewers would most like to see remade.

And in late December, a poll commissioned by UK interactive firm Home Media Networks ranked Fawlty Towers as the 4th most missed TV series.

What do you think?

In the interest of full disclosure, the following is a thank you note and a support message for PBS. You tell us repeatedly that you enjoy, appreciate and benefit from what we do, and we just want to remind you that we can't do it without you, and wouldn't want to! Okay, here goes:   more »

Lars Holger Holm, author of Fawlty Towers - A Worshipper's Companion, was interviewed recently by Jesse Thorn - America's Radio Sweetheart - with The Sound of Young America.

In addition to talking about his inspiration for writing the book and why Basil is his favorite role model, Holm also explains how a London pub conversation about Monty Python led to his viewing of the never-broadcast episode 13th episode of Fawlty Towers and to making a copy of the script that is included in the book.

Fawlty Towers - A Worshipper's Companion is available in the U.S. only through your local PBS station. To get a copy and find out about "The Robbers" episode, check out the link at the top of this blog to find the PBS station nearest you.

To listen to the podcast, you can use iTunes, which includes The Sound of Young America on its subscription service, or download Juice, a cross-platform Podcast receiver.

Listen to the interview.


If you're not already a fan of "The Sound of Young America," then check it out to find out more and to subscribe to its weekly podcast.

Here's an excerpt from a recent Salon.com article about TSOYA: "The Sound of Young America" is the greatest radio show you've never heard. The weekly, hourlong show comes out of Santa Cruz, Calif., where it broadcasts on KZSC, and has been picked up by KSFS in San Francisco and by WUSM at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Thankfully, it is also available by podcast, and iTunes, which offers the show on its subscription service, and bills it as 'public radio's meeting point between Conan O'Brien and Terry Gross.' Such proclamations rarely hold much truth, but in this case it's a fair description. Jesse "America's Radio Sweetheart" Thorn, the 22-year-old host of the show, interviews his guests -- authors, artists, musicians, scholars and an abundance of comedians -- with the civility and preparedness of Gross leavened with the good humor of O'Brien."

It's hard to put down Fawlty Towers - A Worshipper's Companion.  It's such an engrossing compendium of Things Fawlty That You've Always Wondered About and Those You've Never Thought Of. And of course, there is the script for the never-broadcast 13th episode that author Lars Holger Holm states that he viewed in 1999. (See related story below about book and more must-have collectibles for Fawlty Towers fans.)

When I was reading the book, questions kept popping into my head, Questions primarily about Holm's inspiration for investing the time to research and write such an insightful and thought-provoking book -- with chapters on the Fawtly Towers' connection to the occult, historical references and analysis of all of Basil's neuroses --- about a British sitcom with only 12 episodes that first aired some 30 years ago only on BBC 2?


I mean consider his curriculum vitae:
Lars Holger Holm was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Enchanted by the universal language of music, he began playing the violin at the age of seven. Early in his career he formed the Swedenborg String Quartet, which extensively toured Europe and the United States. A fervent student of world literature and philosophy, Lars has also produced a body of critical essays published in various newspapers and magazines. The writer served as a music critic to Stockholm's major newspapers Svenska Dagbladet and Expressen. For several years he was a well known and popular host of classical music on Stockholm's Classic FM.
 
A list of his published works and translations from French, German and English includes:
 
Published Works
Come Snow. Psychic thriller, Leo Publishing 2005
Fawlty Towers - A Worshipper's Companion, Leo Publishing, 2004
Dionysos - A Sinuous Essay to Divine the Universe, Leo Publishing 2002
Gothic Transformations, Leo Publishing, 2002
The Dream of Ultima Thule - And other Germanic Utopias, Leo Publishing 2002
The Antechamber of Hell, Leo Publishing, 2001
A Writer's Guide, Ordfront, 2000
Sunset over Babel, Leo Publishing, 1999
 
Translations
C. Baudelaire: Le peintre de la vie moderne. “Det moderna livets målare”. Leo Publishing 2005
F. Nietzsche: Jenseits von Gut und Böse. "Bortom gott och ont", Symposion, 2003
J. Lantz: La chute de Sophie. "Sophies fall", Leo Publishing , 2001
C. Baudelaire: Le spleen de Paris. "Den ensamme flanören". Extensive introduction by the translator. Leo Publishing , 2000
R. Noll: The Jung Cult. "Jungkulten", Ordfront, 1997

Now, aren't you curious, too?  Well then, read on. I think you will find his answers equally enlightening and entertaining.

Q: You have a diverse and esteemed career in music, literature and as an author. Most of your work has been in the classical vein. So why the detour to deconstruct and embellish a pop culture icon such as Fawlty Towers?

Stuffed as my ears and brain had been with Brahms - bloody "Brahms' third
racket!" -, realising that I had finally become an insignificant relic of a bygone era, I one day decided to leave my ivory tower to seek the cultural interface where my enthusiastic temper could still possibly make contact with a modern world of which I was still largely ignorant. However, I soon realised that the only thing in this world which had ever met with massive popularity without hurting my delicate sense of decorum, paradoxically was another moss-overgrown relic from the past. It suited me perfectly that he was not even a real person. But one thing I could never understand was why they laughed at him. "What are you laughing at?" I kept asking imaginary spectators, "The man is right. In addition, he has the audacity to express his convictions in less than uncertain terms. I like him, and for your benefit I'll make him the hero of my next book."



A: I did not see Fawlty Towers when it first came out, since in those days I was far too busy running after my own Dulcinea of Toboso to have the patience to sit down and watch TV. It must have been sometime in the latter half of the 1980s that I first came across this inimitable master piece. And yes, absolutely. It was not until I had gone through the purgatory of marriage and subsequent divorce that I fully realised what a prophet, what a cry in the wilderness, this living, larger-than-life statue of John Cleese himself actually is. He was my comfort in the Valley of Death, he anointed my wounds with the balm of perennial humour, he gave me the strength to believe in my destiny - again ...  Oh great Basil, patron saint of all married men, to you I owe my new life; it is for this very reason that my book is no secular guide to a monument in ruins, but a "worshipper's companion" to a living truth!

Q: Several times in Fawlty Towers Revisited, cast members discuss how one can find a way to feel for Basil even though he's such an awful, despicable character. Why is that?

A: As I said. I have never understood the poor sods who find Basil unsympathetic. I even find it disgraceful that his own creators indulge in such unworthy considerations - it is almost like hearing Saint-Peter deny his master. To me Basil is a genius, and like all true geniuses endowed with an extraordinary capacity for exaggeration. This capacity is not the simple result of meanness coupled with ignorance, but the natural corollary of an exceptional imagination. The problem - and this is the tragedy of Fawlty Towers - is that Basil is stuck in a domestic situation far below his station. To have him running around as a servant in a small hotel on the notoriously rain-ridden English Riviera is like dumping Leonardo da Vinci in a noisy Kindergarten - with no hope of ever getting out of there. No doubt, he too would have begun to see terrifying giants and bewitched knights where others only see - children.


Q: How did you develop the condensed biographies of Fawlty Towers' inhabitants?

A: I invented them. By extrapolating from what is known and can be known about the regulars of the hotel, I created their biographies in the image of what could have been. It is a little bit like Leibnitz' conception of God. He didn't create the best of worlds, but only the best of possible worlds.

Q: What inspired you to research and investigate the occult of Fawlty Towers?

A: This is the metaphysical dimension of their work. Already as members of the Monty Python, John Cleese and Connie Booth took a special interest in the arcane aspect of history. One only needs to recall that one of the films they participated in bears the title Monty Python and the holy Grail, the Grail being a perfectly illusive object, perhaps just an "objectified" spiritual essence.

In the film Life of Brian, after which the members of the group took farewell of one another and henceforth went separate ways, the Gnostic themes are so prevalent that any spectator with some knowledge of the alternative doctrines and interpretations of God's kingdom that were propagated in the early Christian era, simply can not disregard the fact that the script writers, including Gnostic director Terry Gilliam, constantly make references to secret doctrines and hidden messages. As an example we have the ascension of Terry Jones as the mother of Brian emerging out of an unfolding lotus-flower in the animated opening scene. Another typical thing about Gnostics is that they habitually make fun of dogma and, quite especially, all monotonotheism.

The occult reality is always there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The only thing I have done is to point out where the heavenly and mundane worlds interact in Fawlty Towers. The old Jewish arcane science par excellence is numerology, translating numerical combinations into spiritual messages. In medieval Europe alchemy and astrology were prominent sciences engaging even perfectly incorruptible scientists such as Copernicus and Newton.

It is my belief that the alchemical quest for the Philosopher's Stone, implied in the series, has met with success in my work, since I have unearthed for the reader the Holy Grail, that is, the illusive 13th episode, symbol of Master J.C. himself. Seek, and thou shalt find!

Q: How long did it take you to research and write Fawlty Towers - The Worshipper's Companion?

A: As soon as the decision had been made to give Basil satisfaction in this sublunary world, I applied myself to the task with the same dedication as chroniclers of historically important people do when confronted with an unusually talented individual. Only in this case I had the additional advantage of operating in a hermetically sealed universe - or so I believed.

With twelve unalterable episodes, each one a disciple of the Master, and a few apocryphal commentaries collected from the net and various publications, I realised that all I needed to do was to study every scene of the shows with the same attention as a chess master scrutinises every new position on the chess-board. I then applied my analyses and commentaries to every new significant position, and it turned out that practically every move in these games are worth commenting upon. Besides, I only consider my modest contribution to the Towers as a pioneering work to be continued, expanded and completed by other researchers in the field.
 
As for the practical side of this task, I took my time (at least a year or so) to collect the material and make notes of everything I could come to think of in relation to the theme. Most of the actual writing of the book was then made during the summer of 2003, when I isolated myself in a little cottage in Provence, sat down in the shade of oaks and instead of observing nature in her loveliness and beauty, observed the rules of an hermetic game taking place inside a box with a screen. It should be added that I did not at that time have access to the actual episodes, let alone to a TV. Most of the material was written from memory and only later checked against the script and the shows themselves. The script of the book was edited for publication in the fall of that same year and released in March 2004.

Q: Is the 13th episode, "The Robbers", for real? If so, why do you think it was never broadcast, even in later years as a TV special?

A: I have absolutely no idea why the 13th episode, called The Robbers, has never been aired. I only know that I saw it once in Bill Morton's flat not far from Piccadilly Circus on a particularly wet evening. Hadn't it been for this, I might myself have doubted the otherwise striking authenticity of the script, reproduced in the book.

As things stand, I can only assure the reader that the show, as far as I remember, was amazing. Rarely have I seen John Cleese and his crew reach such continuous heights of sublime entertainment, and the only reason I can see for not wanting this episode to reach the fans, is that it would perhaps create the false impression that there was so much more to wring out of the material, whereas, in fact, the 13th episode represents the ultimate solution to the problem of how to carry this tormented universe to a happy end.

As concerns the reason for never admitting its existence, let alone airing it, I must refer the reader to the BBC. They should know why. And poor Bill. The last time I tried to call him he had a parrot recorded on his answering machine, exclaiming: P-off!

Q: Given all of the time and research you have dedicated to Fawlty Towers, and writing Fawlty Towers - The Worshipper's Companion, what one element do you think was key to its enduring appeal and popularity throughout the past 30 years?

A: Sadly, I think it is the line "Don't mention the war!" in connection with Cleese's Hitler-impression. Actually, this clown routine is a straight loan from the Monty Python sketch "The Department of Silly-Walk". I would have omitted it as irrelevant in the context, but it is absolutely true that Cleese here scored sky-high in general popularity and probably will go down in history with it. Well, we all have our cross to bear.

Q: How would Nietzsche describe/summarize Fawlty Towers?

A: Man is something that rather not be. His sole justification lies in surpassing himself, in sacrificing himself for a greater being, for Super Man as my formula has it. Basil Fawlty, by virtue of being an English Pig-Dog, a miserable utilitarian, in short, a mediocre philosopher, is also, alas, the protagonist of a lamentable travesty of tragedy.

To this unprecedented low level of decadence has our civilisation reached, that contemporary drama does not even present us with real persons any longer, but with buffoons and riff-raff pulled out from the
 nearest Spanish taverna.


– But Mr. Nietzsche, maybe you are mistaking the half-wit Spanish waiter Manuel for Basil Fawlty?
– What? I need my glasses to hear what you are saying. That, that is Basel, nicht wahr?
– No, no, that is Manuel, he is supposed to be funny.
– Aha, and who is zis crazy woman then, his sister?
– No, that's Sybil, Basil's wife.
– Well, she does look a bit like a sister, mine at least ... ha, ha, ha!  Look, the little guy just fell down the stairs and then he placed a cake in the face of another little ridiculous man. That was really funny. I think I begin to like zis, what did you call it, Fawltry Cowers. But what is zis? "Don't mention the war?" Why? I greet every sign that a new heroic age of war is approaching. That's wrong. It should be, "Stop talking about war - just do it!". By the way, I believe I just gave mankind another immortal slogan to live by. I shall no longer listen to zis crap of Faulty Powers.
   

Holiday shoppers, Fawlty Towers fans and collectors take note! A book with the script to the never-broadcast 13th episode of Fawlty Towers and a Corgi 30th anniversary limited edition of the Austin 1100 estate car that bedeviled Basil Fawlty in the popular “Gourmet Night” episode, are just two of the exclusive, highly collectible pledge thank-you gifts PBS stations will offer this month as part of the celebration of Fawlty Towers 30th anniversary and the premiere of the definitive retrospective special, Fawlty Towers Revisited.

Looking for the perfect gift for the Fawlty Towers fans on your list, then turn to a local PBS station for a selection of must-have, highly collectible gifts that keep giving and are a collector's dream! Just imagine, you can salute and support PBS' efforts to keep bringing you more hours of laughter and enjoyment from the best of British Comedies and select an exclusive thank-you gift to help spread the holiday spirit!

Remember, PBS station KERA-TV in Dallas, first brought British Comedies to the United States in 1974, and local stations across the country now air more hours of these intelligent, incredibly well-written and hilarious comedies to your home each week than airs on the BBC.

Use the link at the top of this blog to find when the PBS station nearest you will broadcast Fawlty Towers Revisited and offer these must-have anniversary thank-you gifts.

Fawlty Towers – A Worshipper’s Companion
Script to the 13th episode of Fawlty Towers and much more. Limited quantities available only in U.S. through PBS stations.




Perhaps the most intriguing part of the book is the chapter about the never-broadcast 13th episode that the author states he saw six years ago in 1999. A copy of the script to the mystery episode, “The Robbers”, is included in the Fawlty Towers - A Worshipper’s Companion. This hard-to-put-down book is a must-read for any true Fawlty Towers fan!

Fawlty Towers – A Worshipper’s Companion currently is only available in the United States in limited quantities through PBS stations as a pledge thank-you gift.

Corgi Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Fawlty Towers Austin 1100 Estate Car
Only 4,000 produced! Exclusive to PBS stations.

PBS commissioned Corgi to reproduce a limited edition of 4,000 sets of the Austin 1100 Estate Car that bedeviled Basil Fawlty in the very popular “Gourmet Night” episode of Fawlty Towers. Collectors should note that this exclusive set has been updated to reflect the “1100” model, which is the same model of car used in the show.



In addition to the highly detailed car, the set includes a figurine of Basil hefting a branch and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Corgi, the leading name in die-cast scale models and one of Britain's best known brands, has been producing models for almost 50 years. For more information about Corgi and this special, updated, limited edition Fawlty Towers anniversary set  look here.



Director’s Cut Edition - Fawlty Towers Revisited DVD
Exclusive to PBS stations.

The Director’s Cut Edition DVD of Fawlty Towers Revisited features the 80-minute, 30th anniversary retrospective TV special on one of the world’s funniest and best-loved comedies, as well as an additional 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes stories and recollections from recent interviews with Fawlty Towers’ cast and crew.


Remember, to find out when this month PBS stations will broadcast Fawlty Towers Revisited and offer the exclusive, Fawlty Towers 30th anniversary collectible pledge thank-you gifts, check out the PBS station finder link at the top of this blog.

We were very excited and honored to learn that Fawlty Towers Revisited received a wonderful write-up from the highly respected and revered Python's Online Daily Llama! We bow in your general direction!  Check it out by clicking on the image below.

Because Fawlty Towers Revisited will premiere on PBS stations throughout the U.S. beginning the first weekend in December --- be sure to check the time and date for the station nearest you using the link above --- we just know that Fawtly Towers is certain to be a very popular topic of conversation at upcoming holiday soirees. So, to ensure you are well prepared, we are compiling a list of Fawlty Facts to know from each of the 12 episodes:   more »

Food certainly played a key supporting role in Fawlty Towers. So we thought it would be fun to provide you with the "menu" for each episode, as well as links to recipes for such. In addition to picking up some ideas for your holiday entertaining, we also hope you will find plenty of inspiration for that perfect menu to share with your guests at your very own Fawlty Towers Revisited watching party.    more »

Is it the scriptwriting? John Cleese and Connie Booth would not write a single word of dialogue until each plot was meticulously worked out. "Some people try to write comedy by starting at scene one and writing the dialogue," Cleese explained in "Fawlty Towers -- Fully Booked." "The chances of   more »

In 2000, the British Film Institute selected Fawlty Towers as the best British television show. After a year-long poll looking ...   more »

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fawlty Towers, PBS stations across the country will check back in to the loony English hotel for an exclusive, definitive retrospective on what many consider to be one of the world’s funniest and most enduring situation comedies of all time.   more »