Fawlty Towers was originally broadcast without individual episode titles. Some episodes were given names in TV listings, only. However, they were not named as we know them today. Waldorf Salad was originally called "U.S.A." in the listings. It wasn't until the show was marketed as a VHS set in the 1980's when all episodes received proper titles, such as Waldorf Salad, that have lasted since.
In an interview shortly before his death in 2004, Bruce Boa discussed how confident he was John Cleese and Connie Booth would offer him the role. Says Boa, "When I went to the audition and read the script I told them right away there was no one else in England who could play the part. I handed the script back to them with the letters NAR written all over it - 'No Acting Required'. Mr. Hamilton was me."
New character back story information is revealed:
Basil and Sybil have been married for 15 years, i.e., since 1964. The hotel was opened 15 years ago as well. Manuel's trip from Barcelona was paid for by Basil. The Major has been living at Fawlty Towers for 7 years, i.e., since 1972. Terry has been the chef for six months, i.e., since 1978.
Basil and Sybil have been married for 15 years, i.e., since 1964. The hotel was opened 15 years ago as well. Manuel's trip from Barcelona was paid for by Basil. The Major has been living at Fawlty Towers for 7 years, i.e., since 1972. Terry has been the chef for six months, i.e., since 1978.
Canadian actor Bruce Boa (Harry Hamilton) spent the bulk of his acting career in England, having moved there permanently by the mid-1960s. His North American accent and imposing presence yielded him work playing stereotyped, bossy American characters such as military officers, politicians, business leaders, or otherwise pushy, rude, and demanding American men. He and John Cleese were good friends by the early 1970s and Cleese asked him to audition for the part of Harry when the second series was green-lighted in 1978.
John Cleese said that he based Fawlty Towers on a real hotel that he and his fellow Pythons once stayed at. The owner Donald Sinclair said that Terry Gilliam was "too American" because he ate with his fork in the wrong hand. This may have inspired Basil's treatment of Harry Hamilton.