Roald Dahl's - Tales of the Unexpected - The Landlady

Summary

The script revolves around Billy Weaver, a young man traveling from London who finds himself in a peculiar B&B run by a quirky landlady. She is eccentric, yet welcoming, and has a strange connection with her past guests, Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Temple, who are both currently staying with her. The landlady's peculiarities and the mysterious presence of the two guests create an eerie yet humorous atmosphere, hinting at a story that is both far-fetched and potentially disturbing, yet grounded in the possibility of real-life occurrences.

Takeaways

• 😄 The story is intended to be humorous but may disturb some, depending on their sense of humor.
• 🤔 The narrator suggests that the events in the story could be plausible and even happen to the listener, prompting a moment of reflection.
• 🚄 The character Billy Weaver is traveling from London, indicating a journey or a change in setting.
• 🏢 Billy is assigned to a branch office, suggesting a work-related transfer or new assignment.
• 🏠 He is looking for accommodation and finds a bed-and-breakfast, which sets the scene for interactions with the landlady.
• 👵 The landlady is portrayed as quirky and welcoming, adding a homely and somewhat eccentric atmosphere to the story.
• 💬 There is a running gag about the landlady's forgetfulness, particularly with names, which adds a comedic element.
• 📝 Billy is asked to sign the guestbook, which is a requirement and a recurring theme in the script.
• 🕊️ The landlady treats her guests like family, emphasizing the homely environment of the B&B.
• 📰 The script mentions past guests with names that seem familiar, hinting at a connection or a backstory.
• 🔍 The landlady's memory of past guests is selective and somewhat confused, adding to the humor and mystery of the story.

Q & A

What is the narrator's opinion about the story they are sharing?

The narrator finds the story funny but acknowledges that others with different senses of humor might find it disturbing.

What is the narrator's suggestion if someone thinks the story is far-fetched?

The narrator suggests that those who find the story far-fetched should consider whether such a thing could really happen and concludes that it could, even to them.

Who is Billy Weaver and what is his purpose for traveling?

Billy Weaver is a character in the script who is traveling down from London for work, as he has been assigned to a branch office.

What is the nature of Billy's work?

Billy works in the insurance industry, specifically in 'all risks' insurance.

What is the relationship between Billy and Stephanie?

There is no direct relationship mentioned between Billy and Stephanie in the script. Stephanie is mentioned as someone who might be known to the other character, but Billy denies knowing her.

What does the landlady offer Billy upon his arrival at the B&B?

The landlady offers Billy a room for three pounds, which includes an egg for breakfast, and makes him feel welcome by treating him like family.

What is the landlady's policy regarding commercial travelers?

The landlady does not take commercial travelers and always puts up the chain at night for safety.

What is the significance of the guestbook in the B&B?

The guestbook is a requirement for all guests to sign, as per the law of the land, and it serves as a record of the visitors to the B&B.

Why does the landlady mention Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Temple to Billy?

The landlady mentions Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Temple because they are current guests at the B&B, and she finds their names interesting and connected in her mind.

What is the landlady's peculiar habit regarding her deceased pets?

The landlady has a habit of keeping a record of her deceased pets in the guestbook, treating it as a memorial for them.

What is the landlady's impression of Mr. Mulholland's tea-drinking habits?

The landlady finds Mr. Mulholland's tea-drinking habits to be notable, as she mentions that she has never seen anyone drink so much tea.