Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers (1975)

5 mistakes in The Anniversary

(6 votes)

The Anniversary - S2-E5

Continuity mistake: Near the beginning, when Sybil goes into the office after speaking to Basil about the date, the lights are obviously on in the office, but when she walks out, it can just be seen on the right that the office is in complete darkness, and then when the shot changes back to the regular one in the lobby, the office is lit up again, without anyone going in there in the meantime.

The Anniversary - S2-E5

Plot hole: Sybil leaves the hotel at 05:29 and returns with Audrey at 24:39. 19 minutes have elapsed in real time during which Basil has been 'entertaining' Sybil's friends. So Sybil had just enough time to visit Audrey, talk to her and return. There wasn't enough time to visit the homes of Alice, Kitty or Virginia. Sybil went straight to Audrey who must therefore be her closest friend. Also Audrey was free and knew nothing about the party. Would not Basil have invited Audrey to the party? Is not Audrey's presence just to allow Sybil to explain to the audience when it makes no sense she is not at the party? (00:05:30 - 00:24:40)

DVDpedant

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Suggested correction: In 'The Wedding Party' the Major comments about Basil not liking Audrey, so maybe he didn't invite her. Or maybe she was in the uncomfortable position of keeping the secret for Basil despite seeing how upset Sybil was.

The Anniversary - S2-E5

Other mistake: Dinner is said to be at 9:00 pm, with guests arriving at 8:00-ish for cocktails. But the 2 old ladies come downstairs, and say "good morning." Then, the Major goes out to play golf. Finally, Basil's wife and Audrey go out for golf. Is it morning, afternoon, or night?

Communication Problems (a.k.a. Theft) - S2-E1

Mrs Richards: And another thing. I expect to be able to see the sea.
Basil: [whispering to Manuel.] Deaf, Mad and Blind. [To Mrs Richards.] Yes, this is the view as far as I can remember... Yes, yes it is.
Mrs Richards: When I pay for a view, I expect something more interesting than that.
Basil: But that is Torquay, madam.
Mrs Richards: Well it's not good enough.
Basil: Well may I ask what you expected to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plain...
Mrs Richards: [interrupting.] Don't be silly. I expect to be able to see the sea.
Basil: You CAN see the sea! It's over there between the land and the sky!
Mrs Richards: I'd need a telescope to see that.
Basil: Well might I suggest you move to a hotel closer to the sea. Or preferably in it.
Mrs Richards: Now listen to me. I'm not satisified but I've decided to stay. HOWEVER, I shall expect a deduction.
Basil: Why, because Krakatoa isn't erupting at the moment?
Mrs Richards: Because the room is cold, the bath is too small, the view is invisible and the radio doesn't work.
Basil: No, the radio works. You don't.

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The Anniversary - S2-E5

Question: When Polly is laying in bed disguised as Mrs Fawlty, was that really Prunella scales playing that part? I was wondering as Polly as a more thinner face than Sybil and could never have really got away with it.

Gavin Jackson

Chosen answer: Indeed it is Polly. She has stuffings in her mouth to pretend she is swollen.

Mortug

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