The first news of the latest attempt to create an American version of Fawlty Towers was heralded in February 1998, in the British media at least. Most reports consisted of only brief details as to the deal itself, but were keen to trumpet the success of the original series and the failure of earlier attempts.
John Cleese's publicist, Laurie Bellew gave brief details of the deal, "It is a format deal which means that they have the right to the script and the characters, but not the title. Basically they will remake it as they see fit, ...". [1] It was added that John Larroquette was to star, and the pilot was being written by Judd Pillot and John Peaslee.
The deal was agreed between CBS, John Cleese and Connie Booth, and although no financial details were given, it was suggested that it could be worth £120,000. However a broadcasting source added that "Only if it is a hit will John and Connie get rich from the deal." [2]
The only names on the credits that will be familiar to the British will probably be those of John Cleese and Connie Booth who are credited with creating the original Fawlty Towers upon which Payne was based.
As was mentioned earlier the partnership of Judd Pillot and John Peaslee were heavily involved in creating the series. They are also credited as executive producers along with John Larroquette, Richard Reisberg and Jerry Leider. Their involvement apparently came about by way of their association with John Larroquette, who had been invited by CBS to become involved in the American version of Fawlty Towers.[3]
The parallels between the two male lead actors are quite interesting, both are imposing in stature, but as well as taking the leading role in front of the camera, both Johns (Cleese and Larroquette) have taken a major role behind the camera as well.
Nine episodes were recorded at Studios USA (formerly Universal Studios), produced by Big Phone Productions and Port Street Films.
Payne is set on the northern California coast in a restored Victorian Inn called Whispering Pines, the proprietors of the hotel are Royal (John Larroquette) and Constance Payne (JoBeth Williams). Helping run the hotel are the bellhop Mo (Rick Batalla) and chambermaid Breeze O'Rourke (Julie Benz).
The building used for the external shoot of the hotel was a private house in Piru, California, about 40 miles north of Los Angeles and is owned by the Newhall family who rent it out for weddings, tour parties and film locations.
The transmission of the first eight episodes began on March 15th 1999, with the second episode airing on March 17th, and then subsequently every week.
There are no plans to make any further episodes or to show the final episode (Uncle Royal and Aunt Connie). One can only hope that this episode will be included in any repeat screenings the series may have.
[1] quoted in Alison Boshoff, "Americans book their stay in Fawlty Towers", Electronic Telegraph, 1998.
[2] as above.
[3] interview with Judd Pillot and John Peaslee, "The Unofficial Guide to Fawlty Towers".