Waldorf Salad

Not one of the series' strongest episodes, Waldorf Salad features yet another obnoxious guest, a brusque American (Bruce Boa) who insists that he and his wife (Claire Nielson) are served dinner even after the kitchen has closed, the gruff yank paying Basil £20 to keep the chef on for a while longer. But with his chef leaving on time for a date, it is up to Basil to perform kitchen duties, with the inevitable disastrous results.

Watching the loud-mouthed American bully poor Basil just didn't seem all that funny to me—one actually feels a little sorry for the hotel owner, who is simply trying his best to accommodate his guests. Of course, the deception is eventually rumbled in a hilarious scene where Basil is conducting an argument with his 'imaginary' chef only for the American to walk in and witness the debacle. A great moment, but getting there isn't quite the unforgettable comedic ride that other episodes offer.

When I first saw this episode I (being an American) wondered just what they were playing at. He may fool non-Americans but I doubt that any of us would be taken in. (In a way it's like the phoney Aussie accents on Month Python; people that weren't familiar with authentic Aussie accents were probably fooled; real Aussies weren't.

I notice from his credits that he made a career of playing Americans, which says something for British production values.

The only Brit I can recall who would have fooled me completely had I not known better was Sid James in "Orders Are Orders" in which he played a big-mouthed movie producer.

For anyone who has ever wondered how the world sees Americans, this episode should answer that question. Brilliant, biting and with writing as crisp as a well tied bow tie, this is one of the true classics of this classic series.

Perfectly captured that all-American trait of humility---no wait, I mean hubris---and the all-British trait of 'go along to get along.' The casting, as always, is immaculate and John Cleese illustrates why he is one of the true comedic geniuses of his time--combining the physicality of Chaplin with the scorching wit of Groucho.

In all honesty, I have held off my entire life from having a Waldorf Salad until such time as I visit the UK--with the express desire to see the reaction when I order it.

I am sure it will be---as Basil might say---"TYPICAL". And I will make a point to bring some extra 'Mickey Mouse money' so I don't have to bust "an ass" to get it.

Right!

I like the bit where he hit the fridge with a hat and pretended he was angry

I used to have the box set of both series and I always fast forwarded past this episode.

I cannot stand Bruce Boa in this episode. He seems to be portraying all that is wrong about foreign visitors to any country. Their insistence of having something they always have at home is irritating in the extreme.

Fawlty's guests are usually treated badly for no good reason (other than they made the mistake of staying in his hotel), the problem with this episode is that Bruce Boa's character DOESN'T get treated badly and he really, really should.

Watching it again on DVD for the first time in about 5 years, I found the episode didn't grate as much as it used to, but Bruce Boa is still extremely annoying.