He was the epitome of the effete Englishman - all surface polish - silk dressing gown, cigarette holder and clipped diction. But his recently published correspondence reveals more: Noel Coward was a British spy during the Second World War. The fact that much of the world viewed him as a bon vivant playboy-entertainer allowed him access to high places and highly-placed people who often talked freely in front of him.
But primarily he was an entertainer who self-deprecatingly said his only skill was "A Talent to Amuse." But it was one of the most brilliant talents of the 20th century - song writer, playwright, stage director, screenplay writer, film director, actor, singer, dancer and raconteur. There is a good reason he was called "The Master."
This clip is taken from a live 90 minutes special he and Mary Martin did on CBS back in 1955 - he said it was the most nerve-wracking 90 minutes of his life.
21 aprile - Sant'Anselmo
4 comments:
Thanks, Will. I do wonder if the younger generation has any appreciation for this style and wit. Coward, sophisticated as he was, was a performer that could be appreciated by all.
The Master indeed- Everything Tony said ;)
Oh that was great, I wonder how many times they had to practice that. Great talent
"Englishmen detest'a siesta" Brilliant!
pft, not nearly enough raconteurs around these days. (granted, I had to look up the word before I knew that)
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