© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hooligans No More: Cleese's World Cup Decorum

When the World Cup begins in Germany next month, fans from England will be faced with the task of not being too rude to the host country. Part of the problem: a lingering bitterness about World War II.

Years ago, comic actor and writer John Cleese transformed that hatred of all things German into humor on the TV show Fawlty Towers.

Now Cleese has created a song called "Don't Mention the War" -- to instruct his countrymen how to behave when in the Fatherland.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

WKAR delivers fact-based, independent journalism—free and accessible to all. No paywalls, no corporate influence—just trusted reporting that keeps our community informed. Your support makes this possible. Donate today.