|
 |
|
Fawlty Towers is a firm favourite in Germany, among other
countries |
Classic comedy Fawlty Towers has been voted the
top BBC sitcom by foreign
viewers - including those in Germany.
The show, starring John Cleese
as a hapless hotelier
, topped a poll carried out internationally by BBC Worldwide.
Germany was among the countries which voted for the 1970s sitcom
despite the famous scene in which Basil Fawlty cries: "Don't mention the
war!"
Keeping Up Appearances was second, closely followed by Blackadder Goes
Forth in third.
Absolutely Fabulous came fourth.
Viewers around the world were asked to name their favourite BBC comedy
in the poll.
Yes Minister and The Vicar of Dibley also featured prominently in the
poll.
Coupling was the most up-to-date offering in the poll, in seventh
place, although The Office failed to make the top 10.
Only Fools and Horses may have topped a recent poll of British viewers,
but international audiences are not as fond of the show, only rating it
eighth.
Some of the sitcoms are altered slightly in order to appeal to an
international audience.
For example, many have different names when broadcast abroad.
In France, Coupling is known as Sexy Six, while in Poland The Vicar of
Dibley is called The Vicar in Stilettos.
Meanwhile Absolutely Fabulous translates as Totally Hysterical in
Sweden.
In Finland Fawlty Towers is called Pitkan Jussin Majatalo.
This name translates as Tall John's Inn.
Incompetent Spanish waiter Manuel changes nationality when the show is
broadcast in Spain.
He is Manuel the Mexican in most of the country, while in the Basque
region he is an Italian called Manolo.
The sitcoms are shown in over 100 countries on the BBC Prime
entertainment channel, which is part of BBC Worldwide.
BBC Prime boss
David Weiland said: "Classic comedy is a big winner internationally and we are delighted Fawlty
Towers has
come up trumps yet
again."
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-12 14:22