Great to read this again Simon. I’ve always struggled with Lindsay’s films (other than ‘If’ which was saved by a great plot idea and McDowells menacing performance). I’ve tried Britannia’s Hospital three times and always given up in boredom. In the 70’s I played opposite Arthur Lowe for several years in a comedy series called ‘Bless Me Father’. Arthur appeared in every film Lindsay made I think. He was a true blue Tory and had many a political row with Lindsay. He also told me that it made him laugh that film students would intellectualise about the hidden meaning of the colour to black and white scenes in ‘If’. Apparently the budget was so low that Lindsay had done a deal on a pile of old film stock half of which turned out to be black and white. It was completely arbitrary. Arthur thought this was very funny…
Ouch! Acerbic, pithy and wry. More excellent prose from a pro!
Whoever thought It was a good idea for Lindsay Anderson to make a film about Wham?!
Thank you again Simon, for a stunning little tale
This is precisely the sort of insight you *don't* get when people appear on talk shows to promote their film/book/album/artist
I just love your writing. Even though I have read this book, these snippets make me want to read it again!
God I loved this. So funny and so wise about people's lack of ability to see themselves as they are. Hilarious!
👏🏻
Great to read this again Simon. I’ve always struggled with Lindsay’s films (other than ‘If’ which was saved by a great plot idea and McDowells menacing performance). I’ve tried Britannia’s Hospital three times and always given up in boredom. In the 70’s I played opposite Arthur Lowe for several years in a comedy series called ‘Bless Me Father’. Arthur appeared in every film Lindsay made I think. He was a true blue Tory and had many a political row with Lindsay. He also told me that it made him laugh that film students would intellectualise about the hidden meaning of the colour to black and white scenes in ‘If’. Apparently the budget was so low that Lindsay had done a deal on a pile of old film stock half of which turned out to be black and white. It was completely arbitrary. Arthur thought this was very funny…
An enjoyable tale. Makes you wonder if LA was sacked during any other project he was involved with?