In May 1970, the cast of Monty Python's Flying Circus met the Sinclairs while staying at the Gleneagles Hotel (Torquay); they were filming in nearby Paignton. Sinclair was reluctant to let them stay, but his wife argued in favour of them as their three-week stay in the hotel represented a considerable amount of business during the hotel's off-season.[12] Sinclair's actions included criticising American Terry Gilliam's table etiquette and throwing Eric Idle's briefcase out of a window because he thought it contained a bomb. The cast, with the exception of John Cleese and his wife Connie Booth, left the hotel for other accommodation.[13] Cleese later used Sinclair's mannerisms as an inspiration for Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers.[14] The Gleneagles Hotel is referenced in the show's second episode, "The Builders".
Thanks. I remember it and that was what made me wonder. These co-incidences do happen on occasion. This guy was utterly obnoxious, red-faced, bombastic and belligerent as soon as we stood at the door. I thought he was going to blow a fuse as he blurted "I was expecting older people"! I know for a fact he was in our room while we were out because I left a trip so as I would know. He actually burst into our room on some pretence or other when we were in, blustering and totally non-plussed when instead of punching his lights oot - or attempting to so he could cry foul - I simply asked him politely to leave. There was so much else too. Minor, childish, deliberate irritation. I couldn;t quite fathom it at the time as we were well behaved and came and went by the rules etc. It got so bad that as a protest, instead of leaving the bedding, blankets etc; loose we made the beds as tightly tucked in as possible, just to cause him a measure of the irritation and inconvenience he had caused us. Certainly not etiquette but then his conduct had been anything but! Honestly, we were barely seated-belted in the car but he was out and rushed to my drivers window remonstrating and frothing at the mouth in exasperated rage. So he hadn't wasted a second in going into the room to find fault if possible. I just looked him in the eye, smiled and did a wheelie. He was a picture as I drove away!
Thanks. I remember it and that was what made me wonder. These co-incidences do happen on occasion.This guy was utterly obnoxious, red-faced, bombastic and belligerent as soon as we stood at the door. I thought he was going to blow a fuse as he blu
I really can't remember. It could have been because I am Scottish and the name might have been the attraction. Still very much enjoyed ourselves. Torbay is not at all over-rated - it is fabulous.
I really can't remember. It could have been because I am Scottish and the name might have been the attraction.Still very much enjoyed ourselves. Torbay is not at all over-rated - it is fabulous.