00:00 That first evening in New York, I sauntered down Broadway alone
00:04 as I dreamt of seeing, flashing in lights, my name, Noel Coward.
00:09 As an actor, playwright, songwriter, singer and director,
00:12 Noel Coward will become the most talented entertainer of all time.
00:17 He was a sensation.
00:19 I went on the stage when I was ten, so I didn't have any formal education,
00:25 which of course left me free to educate myself.
00:28 # I'm mad about the boy... #
00:32 By the age of 30, he was the highest-paid writer in the world.
00:36 # Button man, dogs in English one, go out to the midday,
00:39 # Out to the midday, out to the midday, out to the midday... #
00:42 Frank Sinatra said, "If you want to hear how songs should be sung,
00:46 "go see Noel Coward."
00:48 I was trained when I was very young as a show-off.
00:51 And I've continued triumphantly until this moment.
00:54 He was a rebel and a patriot who dared to be queer in a very straight world.
00:59 The criminal law in this matter is to preserve public order and decency.
01:04 When neither of us free to love each other, there's too much in the way.
01:07 # Lord knows I'm not a fool... #
01:10 The long cigarette head and the red silk dressing gown.
01:13 Noel's carpet slippers and baked beans.
01:16 To see Noel Coward come on the audience went nuts.
01:19 # In the glory of his fame... #
01:21 Noel Coward moulded the spirit of a nation.
01:24 So why did this astonishing man end his life,
01:27 exiled from the country he came to define?
01:30 He said this was strong-moving and an experience in the theatre.
01:33 I'd rather it was a good play.
01:35 This is his remarkable story.
01:37 What is the word for when one has terrific, prolific qualities?
01:43 Talent.
01:44 LAUGHTER
01:45 # About the boy... #
01:47 # About the boy... #
01:49 # About the boy... #
01:51 # About the boy... #
01:53 [BLANK_AUDIO]
Comments