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Henry was always a fan of television and he had seen the short BBC series “Faulty Towers” a number of times. It was a funny English program that featured John Cleese as a rude proprietor of a bed and breakfast. Unlike Cleese’s character, Basil Fawlty, Henry was amiable and went out of his way to treat his guests with respect. He made sure the meals were good and he was hospitable and friendly to all of his guests. Still, he was rarely ever filled and the “Vacancy” sign was almost always on.

Henry began using the computer a bit more often as well. His friend instructed him on how to navigate the internet and with his friend’s help, Henry began expanding his web page. He included letters from pleased guests and a message board.

Another friend was familiar with the new trend in video advertising on the internet. She thought that she could do wonders with Henry’s website and make it even more interesting. While Henry’s website certainly was professional and pleasant, it features only photos of the building and the rooms as well as the rates. There was no photo of Henry on the site.

Henry’s friend, Joan, was inventive and had a camcorder. She often filmed videos for different websites where she was paid for tutorials. She was also an active participant on YouTube. She thought it might be fun to film a video ad for Henry’s bed and breakfast. It could easily be added to the website and may even bring in more business.

When Joan approached Henry with the idea, he was a little reluctant as he didn’t want to be shown in front of the camera. He was an elderly, kind looking man with a nice grin, but didn’t feel like “movie star material” as he put it. Joan explained to him that it was better to be an average person with a pleasant demeanor and honest face in advertising.

Henry agreed that he was no “Basil Fawlty.” Joan had never seen “Fawlty Towers” but was curious. Henry loaned her a copy of one of his tapes so she could watch one of his favorite programs.

That is when Joan got a wonderful idea. Joan knew that in order to get permission for a clip from Fawlty Towers, she would have to get permission from whoever owned the rights of the show for a license to show a clip. She had an attorney friend who was able to work this out. The rates were negotiated and were within Henry’s budget.

She then came up with a brilliant idea for a video featuring Henry’s Bed and Breakfast. Henry was a bit apprehensive, because he would have to appear in the video, but Joan assured him that he would be a natural.

Joan was good with editing and filming, and she began the advertisement with a very short clip of Basil Fawlty telling off some of his guests. Then the ad for Henry’s hotel appeared on the video. The narrator says “You can settle for less in a bed and breakfast, or you can visit Willow Inn.

She then featured Henry, who was more comfortable seated than standing. He was pictured in front of a warm fireplace and several guests were sitting in the main sitting area sipping drinks. Henry said that although “Fawlty Towers” was very funny, it was not funny to be treated poorly when on vacation. He then went on to explain that his guests enjoyed clean, cozy rooms, good food and a hospitable environment.