What has been an excellent week of recovery ends with he decision not to go for an Early morning swim, although I am up at 5 after an overall sleep of 8 hours and feeling that I could make the effort. I need to undertake one good piece of writing to embrace a number of experiences before commencing the 1000 My Space writing and the 2000 overall which will be the re reading and consideration of the Alexandrian Quartet by Lawrence Durrell and the decision to write an autobiographical work, possibly for publication after my death if it is to follow the truth standard set by Saint Augustine, the self conscious explorations of James Joyce and the psychological insights perhaps more of Erich Fromm than Sigmund Freud. So that is the agenda and I will test the extent to which I stick to the plan on a regular basis.
It is 5.20am and while I write I keep one eye of the first of the seven one day 50 50 over international cricket matches between England and Australia. England are batting and are 9 runs without loss although there should have been a run out. Paul Collingwood is being rested and after his continuing poor performances with the bat. He may have had a reaction from losing the second of the 20 20 games and thus ending the world record of continuous wins to 8 rather than 9 that had been his intention. The Australian total was such that the game should have been won by England but there was some good bowling, it has to be said, and some poor stroke choices by the batsmen.
I begin with a film, The Young Savages released in 1961,based on a novel by Evan Hunter, features the good actor Burt Lancaster as a District Lawyer intent on bringing to the electric chair three youths, aged between 15 and 17 years, members of an Italian gang calling themselves the Thunderbirds, who kill a blind Puerto Rican youth, a member of a gang called the Horsemen The similarity between the subject of the musical West Side Story and this film struck from the start. It is a much better film in terms of the reality of the life of those in the neighbourhood. There are two interlinked stories within the story. The first is the lawyer Hank Bell is in fact Hank Bellini whose parents shortened the name from Bellini, an action taken by parents who wanted to break out quickly from the ghetto mentality of immigrants and establish themselves as USA Americans from the outset.
In this instance Hank has distanced himself his origins and has developed contempt for the lives of those who remained locked in the tribalism of what he wished was the past. Not so his wife, Vassar educated, middleclass background who is horrified that he is seeking the death penalty without investigating the backgrounds of the young men, accepting the claims of the Puerto Rican community as it has been presented in the media. She changes her attitude after being harassed in the lift of their apartment block by two members of the Thunderbirds. The couple have a teenage daughter who resents the restrictions about not being out after midnight but who is a normal daughter, well brought up, in education, and adjusted to the middle class environment of her parents. This contrasts with the lives of those in the racial ghettoes.
The second story within the story is that one of the three accused youths, the youngest aged 15 and therefore a minor, is the son of a former girl friend of Hank, who turned him down to marry the child’s father. The mother is played by Shelley Winters who had quickly realised the decision was a mistake after her husband commenced to beat her and who has brought up the boy as a single parent frequently telling him of her mistake as she witnessed the career of Hank through the local media. This results in a counter productive reaction by her son when Hank accepts her plea to prevent the boy from going to the electric chair and he attempts to get to know the young man who is being kept separate because of his age from the other two accused.
As a consequence of his investigation he is beaten up badly on his way home in the train and he is under pressure by his cynical police officer played by Telly Savalas as Telly Savalas and the ambitious District Attorney played by Edward Andrews with an eye on the Governorship and Presidency. Before and during the trial the true story of what happened and why emerges. The murdered boy, stabbed several times by different knives is not the innocent proclaimed by his mother, the Puerto Rican gang and community supported by the local media. Contemporary CCTV footage reveals that the boy is a member of the gang and is used by them to hide weapons on his person whenever the police are involved. The chief witness to what happened is his older sister aged 17 years who Lancaster uncovers has worked as a prostitute for two years and with the knowledge of her mother, as a means of supporting the family.
He also brings out that the leader of the trio Arthur Reardon is an explosive youth who can get quickly out of control and his sentence is a long term in prison. The second lad is known as Anthony Batman Aposto, illiterate and educational sub normal who also did stab the victim and is sent to a psychiatric based penal established to be detained until it is safe, if ever to discharge him. Hank begins to reconsider his view of Danny Di Pace. The son of his former girlfriend when mother introduces a young Puerto Rican who explains that in a previous incident he was being terrorised in the local pool (cooler) by the Thunderbirds when Danny had prevented them from drowning him. A witness to the incident, a young Italian girl admits that she got rid of the knives by dumping them in a parked car. She claims the blind boy had pulled a knife first which let to the others using knives in self defence. The “knife” is proved to have been a harmonica. The police are reluctant to devote staff to search for the knives but they are found as the trial is underway and a laboratory report is provided as the trial comes to an end. This enables Hank to establish in court that that Danny did not stab the victim but hit in with its handle. He was sticking to the story that he had stabbed out of self defence in order not to lose face. He was not a member of the gang under orders from his mother but being a typical teenager in the district wanted to be considered no different from the others. He is sent to an establishment for young people for a couple of years to the relief of his mother. Hank accepts that he had taken such a strong position at the outset because he was ashamed of his background. I would not say that the film is an outstanding picture but it was an important one and I am intrigued that I have no recollection of seeing it before or knowing of its existence.
Cricket Notes.
(England have just escaped the loss of a wicked as the player was caught but the umpire checked and found that it was a no ball with 23 runs scored 5.30am). (5.40 am Australia put down a difficult catching chance. England are 44 and shortly afterwards there is a catch behind off a ball given as a Wide. They consider an appeal but decided against, wisely as it was also a no ball. I decide it is time for breakfast and a weekend bacon roll with coffee 5.45 am and place the TV recording on hold 53 for no wicket)( the first wicket falls at 6.05am local time with Davies bowled for 41 with the total at 90. Trott is caught soon after arriving, caught behind for 6 with England 199 for 2 and new bowler Davis Hussey has taken both wickets for ten runs)( I have enjoyed a three slice bacon roll and consider coffee and doing the washing up break as soon as review of the Young Savages is completed 6.20am)( Strauss gets his 50 (52) which includes 6 fours 114 for 2 6.20am)( Andrew Strauss goes at 63 giving a simple catch with total 130). There is concern they are not making the most of the good start. I take a break for coffee and do the washing up after completing the film review. I then check and publish the film review.
The Boat that Rocked is a film celebrating the era of the off shore Pirate radio in the UK. Contemporary music was limited in the days of the BBC radio and TV during my childhood as commercial TV and Radio was something for the future. The closest to a contemporary music station was Radio Luxembourg which I learnt about from someone at school and used to listen to whenever I was allowed the opportunity. The days of the personal radio were also for the future. I had to wait until I went to work to have my own radio and record player in my room at the Malden Court/Bute Road Wallington Flat.
Commercial radio commenced with Radio Caroline 1964 broadcasting from offshore in international waters from a ships. The broadcasts were not illegal as such. The station developed Disc Jockeys each with the distinctive personalities and followings but the music was focussed on the top 40 single records of the day. By 1968 there were 21 stations from boats and sea based forts with an audience of between 10 and 15 million and then stations commenced to be broadcast from within the mainland. To combat this development BBC radio was restructured in 1967 creating four stations with Radio I set up to challenge the Pirates and recruiting some of their top DJ’s BBBC 2 also a music station but more middle ground and BBC 3 a mixture of classical music and arts programmes with 4 talk and later 5 Sport and news, and more recently 6 and 7. In 1967 the Government passed the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act which made the offshore stations illegal.
Undaunted, while the offshore stations closed, the service went underground mainland using small inexpensive transmitters and pre recorded programmes on cassette recorders. These stations continued even when commercial radio broadcasting was allowed in the UK concentrating on music not covered by the the rest such as reggae, hip hop, jazz, rhythm and blues and stations on behalf of ethnic minorities.
In 1989 there were some 600 stations in the UK with 60 in London. The government tried a two fold approach with harsher penalties but also an amnesty for those willing to apply for a licence. The problem is that in order to meet the licence fee the station requires regular advertising which in turn requires a stable audience and leads to moving mainstream.
Today there are said to be 150 stations mainly in parts of London with set up costs small and a transmitter £350, getting funds from nightclubs promoting events on from DJ’s wanting the exposure. One recent study in London found that nearly a quarter of the population 14 and older listened to local stations with the percentage for students 37% and 41% of the African Caribbean community. Information which I had not previously known is that Radio Free Scotland was established to promote the work of the SNP in Scotland and Plaid Cymru in Wales and there was also an anti Labour station in the 1970’s. The penalties for broadcasting have been significantly increased with prison a prospect for repeated offending. Licence stations are also able to take action for loss of revenue and one station was sued for £50000 as a consequence.
The film, the Boat that Rocked is said not to be based on a particular pirate ship or DJ’s although one character played by Philip Seymour Hoffman is said to be close to the aspects of the famous Emperor Rosco.
The film lasts just under two hours and I agree with those who say that it is 20 minutes or more too long. The film sets out to demonstrate how popular the stations were and that were only put out of business because of a psychological anal puritanical Government Cabinet Minister who became obsessed with eliminating the stations to the extent that he refuses official help when the ship gets into serious difficulties after its ancient boilers blow and cause a below waterline hole in the side.
The DJ’s and crew are rescued by a flotilla of Dunkirk style fan boats. The film contains many shots of the fans listening to music individuals and in groups. The station is run but the excellent Bill Nighy who takes in Young Carl, his Godson after a plea from the boy’s mother Charlotte, played by Emma Thompson, a former swinging chick, because we later learn she knows that the boy’s father is the eccentric red eye DJ who keeps to himself in his cabin when he is not broadcasting to an extent some of the crew do not realise he is on aboard a year after the station has been broadcasting.
The boy who has been expelled from school because of drugs and drink is still a virgin and attempts by Nighy to pair him off with his niece fail as during a brief search for a condom she is bedded by the his fat middle aged friend. The DJ’s are expected to stay on board for long shifts during which they can have female visitors once a fortnight. There appears to be no shortage of sixties dressed young people willing to come for conjugal visits and at one point a minor army of young and willing beauties arrive following an open invitation. Young Carl and the niece find true love at the end of the film. The Government Minister is played by the brilliant Kenneth Branagh who is convincing in his role as is Jack Davenport as Twatt, the Minister’s subordinate who is tasked with finding the legal formula to shut down the stations.
The music is good with some 60 records of the day covered and a two record soundtrack with 32 of these tracks featuring music from the Rolling Stones to Dusty Springfield and the Beach Boys to the Who. I blinked to read that a track from Duffy is included. It is not a good film and apart from the music does not engage. It just about made a profit from the box office.
(7.30am When uploading the film review I find a comment has been added to my review of the Kings Speech the first since the summer break other than catching up on the Chinese contingent. I am always pleased to learn that my work has been experienced by someone and more so when it make some impact, good or bad. England are now 178 for 4 with Ian Bell just out for 34. Kevin Petersen is 33 not out. Various batsman have played themselves in but one now needs to makes a good innings to allow a good hit out towards the end. Disaster Morgan is out for 8 and England now 186.5 with the Australians bowling their way back into the match.7.50 Pietersen gets his 50 with a six 204 for 5. 15 overs to go so we should reach 300. Write an email. Petersen is going well and has reached 70 with the total 234 for 5 scoring 48 of 37 runs partnership. Will start new review of the Ship that rocked 8.15 after a diet coke with ice.)( Yardy out trying a big hit much to the disgust of Pietersen for breaking up their partnership and putting at risk the prospect of a big score. 236 for 6 with ten overs to go 8.20 am).(257 for 7 as Kevin Petersen is run out brilliantly for 78 as he was controlling the innings. now with only 6 overs left 300 is unlikely and 275 must be the target) I am wrong as 270 is reached with Bresnan hitting hard calling the use of the batting power play and four overs to go having done a little fast forwarding. Decide to give undivided attention to last four overs of the innings. Alas possible mistake as Bresnan playing so well hits out off Brett Lee. 270 for 9 England look as if they are going to be bowled out before the close fo the 50 overs. A couple of sixes in last over changed things again in the first balls of the last over. 294 all out a good total but it should have been better although still the highest score against Australia in one Internationals 8.50. Break off from the cricket and writing to watch Andrew Marr Show with two excellent presenters of the best of the morning press followed by an interview with the wonderful Dame Judy Dench who going play the mother of the head of the FBI in a new film about his life to be directed by Clint Eastwood) It is just before 11am and the cricket is not going well so I have turned off the telly and went to wash, shave etc and sort out the washing up as well as commencing the weekly washing of clothing. My attention is now on the Sunday lunch with three lamb chops, roast potatoes and two fo the remaining four pieces of almond and apricot stuffing purchased for Christmas. I have not mentioned food a lot over the past weeks as I commenced to run down the freezer prior to defrost and a replan regarding what I eat and the portions. I am restricting bacon rolls for breakfast to one or two a week as I use up the remaining frozen rolls and packs of two or three bacon slices sufficient for three more mornings. However I could not resist an offer of three frozen meals of two sausages onions and mashed potato for £5, eating the first for breakfast yesterday, nearly 600 calories and way above what I should have for breakfast when coffee is added. My justification is my inability to cook sausages. I will revert to cereals but using basic cornflakes more often than the richer mixture of nuts and fruit with oats which I so much enjoy, also reducing he size of the portions. I have the recent purchase of tins of grapefruit segments which provide two portions and have some sachets of plain porridge to consume.
I am not having as much fish as before as I rarely enjoyed he meal. I am using up the breaded pieces and some half price scampi. I enjoyed the remaining frozen kipper and will but fresh from Morrison’s when I fancy in the future. I enjoyed the last piece of smoked salmon which proved a large chunk eaten with lemon an pairs of crackers as a snack which I aim to cut out. I am enjoying some tangy chutney on crackers as snacks but instead of using the prawns on shell as a snack he remaining portions have been part of a salad. There is one portion of the prawns left and I will use the packet of scampi two or three at a time with a single cut of the breaded fish. There are two pieces of white fish which I need to separate into two portions if I can.
I am also restricting the buying of the special salad mix from Morrison’s to once a week getting used to the salad basics again. I went off the cucumber for a while but have taken the special offer of two whole cucumbers for £1. Similarly I am having a spell of preferring the sweet peppers to tomatoes. I also use beetroot and pimento stuffed olives although I am out of the latter. I occasionally divide a tin of a bean salad. However I rarely enjoy just the salad on its own, I sometimes add a small tin of sardines in tomato sauce and the more expensive smoked mackerel pieces. The stable addition is pieces of processed meat bits, ham, tongue, beef, pork and gammon for the amazing price of around 50p 100 grams. In theory also use slices of chopped pork but these have proved tom inviting as a snack with crackers or neat. This must be stopped.
I found two pieces of chicken breast one of which I enjoyed yesterday with tinned tomato and corn having used the first portion of the vegetables with pork chop the previous evening. I cut a piece off the biggest chicken breast after cooking both to use with the smaller which I will slice and make into a curry with prepared Balti sauce on Monday, The are two pork chips left one a giant size. I shall try and leave the defrost until next weekend alternating the fish with the chops. I have a portion of Indian snacks which I will make into a main meal possibly with a pot noodle. I am enjoying a recording of a Bruce Springsteen concert from a Springsteen night on the Arts channel recorded from last night. It is however nearly time for the Tyne Wear Derby which requires undivided attention although I shall eat my lunch.
Finishing off food. I have not eaten as much tinned rice this winter as previously. I like to spread out and cover with cinnamon eating ether hot or cold depending on my mood rather than the season of the year. I have moved away from the increasingly expensive grapes which have moved from £1.50 to £2 a carton at Asda and more at Morrison’s onto a £1 pack of mixed melon slices from Asda but the quality as with all melons is a gamble. I have also returned to the cheaper bananas which I sometimes enjoy sliced with custard.
The 132nd Derby between my two North East teams of Newcastle and Sunderland and but with Sunderland my hope for this lunch time football on the radio. Ameobi should have scored for Newcastle in the opening minutes and then Bent who is having a poor run of opportunities to goals also had his chance. There is a lot of off the ball activity, Newcastle get the first of two corners in succession at 12 minutes played, Sunderland’s first corner at 15 minutes. Another Sunderland corner after Bent’s first touch lets him down. Shot saved and a third corner to Sunderland. All Sunderland at this point. Sunderland have a free kick. This leads to fourth corner but is a waste. 20 minutes played. The play settles but with Sunderland have more of the play but lacking the cutting edge. Alan Smith the Newcastle former captain, may still be, is being substituted after having been involved in a couple of heated exchanges. Replaced by Guthrie. Ameobi close with from quality corner by Barton at 40 mins. The difference between the sides is quality of balls into the box with Sunderland very deficient. Another Newcastle free kick just before the end of the first half. 3 mins of added time minimum. Sunderland player pulled down at edge of box but missed by referee and linesman. First half comes to an end.
Early on in the second half Newcastle score from Nolan, a back heel from another excellent corner from Baron headed on by Ameobi and take over the game with second scoring opportunity following. Newcastle continue in the ascendancy. I would bring on Zenden. As with the cricket where we eventually lost with the first ball of the last over I switch off and do some writing in the hope of some change of fortune as the minutes tick by and the next goal still looks as if will seal Sunderland’s fate. What a disappointment and let down for the full house showcase game. In the other Derby game being shown on Sky Aston Villa have equalised away at Birmingham. I switch on again more in hope than expectation and then off once more as the minutes continue to tick by. A draw would be OK defeat would be traumatic for the club at this crucial stage in the season with some tough games ahead. I move to the sofa tired to watch the final second of the midlands derby and then to Sky Sports news. Mickey Quinn former Newcastle number began to gloat about doing the double over Newcastle when wonder of wonder Gyan manages to scramble the ball over the line in the 4th minute of extra time. Phew. Next Liverpool with the return of Kenny Dalglesh as the Manager at Anfield Kenny looked in heaven as Liverpool score but then in second half Everton sore twice early on and the Kop is silenced. A penalty saves the party but Liverpool have a long way to go.
Now to some TV with the unexpected highlight a BBC arena programme on the life of Dave Brubeck. I was introduced to the Brubeck Modern Jazz quartet by a work colleague at Middlesex County Council in 1956/1957. I have one Long Play record as his music was not a major interest to me of over years as I found his unusual time formats and tonal experimentations not always easy on my ear. Consequently I knew very little of back background and subsequently life and if truth be told I was surprised to learn that he is alive and well, and still playing including the Newport Jazz festival in 2009 or last year. Born in 1920 he was 90 on December 6th. He had a good childhood with two parents whose interests strikingly contrasted, His father was a cattleman while his mother had trained with the pianist Dame Myra Hess in England hoping to become a soloist but contended herself to giving lessons for extra money as well ensuring that he three sons were musical. Being the youngest his father hoped he would also become a cattleman and went to college to study veterinary science but was soon told to switch to the music department when did will but had problems with reading music. He was allowed to graduate only on the understanding he did not teach piano. In his personal life he became friends a with a junior year at the college and they have spent 65 years together so far. They have six children with three sons all becoming professional musicians and were surprised members of band when he was one of several great personalities inducted into an award (National Medal of Arts or was it Kennedy centre?) That he make music with sons is remains a great blessing. Shortly after the marriage when his wife was 19 he was called into the army and after training sent to Europe as part of Patton’s Army. He was saved from the front line after answering an appeal for a piano player to accompany a dance and song visiting troupe. He was considered too valuable to become cannon fodder after that. On return he took part in the veterans programme and was able to study with a French classical composer who had a love of jazz and encouraged Brubeck to use his American Jazz heritage.
It was not until 1951 when aged 31 that he added Paul Desmond the Alto Sax player to his trio and the two commenced a relationship which brought him to national attention and within a few years he was only second Jazz musician to feature on the cover of Time Magazine. It was his wife who hit on the idea of writing to student bodies of colleges suggesting they book the quartet getting the music more widely known outside of club land small rooms. I have the album Jazz goes to College which includes a version of the Ellington number Take the A Train. It was not until 1956 that he hired he drummer Joe Morello who had been working with Marian MacPartland. Eugene Wright the black bassist joined the group in 1959 and what became the classic quartet wad formed. Brubeck cancelled dates when he met with racism because of the inclusion of a negro within the group, Brubeck had taken his fiancée to all black Jazz clubs which was idea of heaven and finding the girl shared his interests and views made him want to marry her on the spot!
It was in 1959 that the quarter created Take 5 which reached the national pop charts on both sides of the Atlantic and in 1963 he performed at Carnegie Hall followed by a live recorded album. He also worked on a jazz musical with his wife which was performed live at the Monterey Jazz festival in 1962 and where a soundtrack album was created with Louis Armstrong and Carmen McRae. An happily married couple with children also attracted the attention of the State department who contract the quartet to undertake a number of overseas tours. He participated in the created of all jazz format radio station. The quartet was disbanded in 1967 and he commenced working on classical pieces while continuing jazz playing to suit his time and family interests. In the later 60’s and early 70 he went on tour with a trio which also featured Gerry Mulligan. He then formed a group with his three sons, Darius on keyboard, Dan on drums and Chris on electric bass or trombone. The two generations of Brubeck continued until the late 1970’s. He has been unable to perform regularly over recent years with heart pacemaker and suffering from fatigue. He was able to do so to his 90th birthday. From documentary with excepts at the Newport playing and also a duet with one of his sons he appears to have lost none of his enthusiasm and dexterity, only the physical limitations of his body prevent him from doing more.
Wikipedia notes that four of his children are professional musicians with the eldest the pianist producer, and educator and performer. Dan is a renowned percussionist and Chris multi instrumentalists and composer. The Youngest son Matthew is cellist, composer and performer. In 2006 he joined the Catholic Church something which his family are said not to understand. I have discovered that the occasion when the sons played and Clint Eastwood, now a friend was also honoured was at the California Hall of Fame for women and the Arts. I believe the programme shown on BBC arena was created by Clint Eastwood for Turner Classic Movies in the first instance. He has created over 100 Albums.
Another unexpected treat was when I moved to the i player to see the new series of Lark Rise to Candleford and saw that the antiques road show had visit the Sage Gateshead. This provided the opportunity to visit the South bank of the Tyne river showing the Baltic Contemporary arts centre and the Angel of the North, a model of which was set to be worth about £1 million. Recently there have also been antique shows from Bolden South Tyneside and Newcastle.
Larkrise lived up to expectations including all the characters we have come to love over the previous three series. The subject in this first new episode the owner of a foundry which has been repossessed by the bank, having spent a loan for expansion on the last months of his dying wife taking her Europe and buying her extensive clothes and foods. Gabriel Cochrane blamed the bank manager but after being given work at the Smiths owned by the postmistress Dorcus Lane (Julia Sawalha). The second story is that of Laura’s mother who is struggling to cope with her husband away trying to earn their living in Oxford. In order to help Dorcus cashes a postal order sent to Emma before she has signed for it giving the money to her son. He claims to have been attacked and robbed when in fact he went into drink and loses the remainder. This creates problems for Emma when neighbours rally round and Laura cashes in her savings. Her relationship with the journalist continues and who is asked to make public the behaviour of the bank towards the foundry which during the programme is put up for auction and sold, with the former owner voluntarily handing over the keys and accepting that situation was more of his own making.
The fiancée boards with the splendid Pratt sisters (is it Pearl or Ruby who went to live with a man she had corresponded with but where it did not work out?). Dorcus is accused of meddling which she takes to heart. Her adopted son takes to the former foundry owner. Young Alf Atless, son of Dawn French who was carted off to debtors prison series one is questioned over his seriousness by his girlfriend, Minnie the maid at the post office.
On Sunday the main focus of the second programme centred on a poetry competition which organised by the local paper brings out the worst before the best of characters in both communities. Mrs Brown, Margaret Ellison that was writes an intellectual Magnum Opus, One of the Pratt sisters adapts a well known poem but manages to withdraw the item before she finds out. Her other sister upset at the relationship between her sister and Laura’s fiancée bad moths the couple claim the result is fixed before it starts. Laura the ambitious writer wants to realise the expectation upon her, then withdraws with the gossip and innuendo but competes when the rumour are squashed. Fiancée Daniel announces that he has delegated the judging to someone who will only revealed at the prize giving. This is the new arrival Gabrial Cochrane and the surprise choice is a short poem by Emma Timmins, submitted without her knowledge on her behalf by her daughter.
There are two other stories merit recording. Dorcus finds an undelivered letter which was sent by Gabrial dead wife to someone declaring her love and that he marriage had been one of convenience to man she had never come to love. What is she to do with this letter, especially when Gabrial finds that a stranger, a man has been visiting the grave of his wife later at night on a regular basis. She leaves the letter in a book which she know Gabrial will take. The second story is the development of the machine and its affect on rural crafts. Queenie Turril finds that her lace is no longer in demand at Banbury Fare where less expensive machine made lace is available in quantity and is also ordered by the Pratt sisters for their dress store. Gabrial helps her to keep going and that her skill will be recognised. Her husband finds that he cannot read anymore and become preoccupied to the extent he fails to appreciate the challenge his wife is facing, but does so at the end. Thomas Brown is jealous and resentful of the place Gabrial has taken in the life of Dorcus. Larkrise stories can appear surgery and sentimental but they always manage to present some truths about the relationships and the realities of life.
Sunday was also the third episode fo Zen which I enjoyed as I had the first two. The story is of the kidnap of a wealthy man who bank roles the governing political party. He has two spoilt children; a son who has never worked, regarded by hiss father as a disappointment. There is the suggestion of a sexual relationship with his daughter who is married to a ruthless ambitious senior executive with eh firm and who ridicules the appointment of Zen to the case, after the family privately raise the 5million required and the lawyer involved in handing over the funds is murdered. It is assumed by kidnappers although it strikes Zen as odd even when the kidnapped demand another 5 Million
Although recovered to want his job back Zen’s boss is told he should retire and his role is temporarily taken over by a puritanical man whose career is without blemish. He issues a code of conduct with bans workplace relationships which drives Zen and his secretary lover into further secrecy and her request for divorce is to be heard before court. As the couple are enjoying each other’s company in his car there is a short and the husband arrives and tries to commit suicide but survives how this means the relationship between Zen and the Secretary becomes public and Zen is suspended as also the kidnap victim is found killed despite Zen taking another 5 million of government provided funded to the kidnappers.
Direct contact with the kidnappers reveals that they did not kill either the lawyer or the kidnapped man. They only have one lot of 5 million. As his career appears to have ended in failure Zen manages with some luck to resolve the mysteries. The bankers was released but tied to a tree and his daughter and son went to recovers where the son lost his temper and killed his father. He tries to commit suicide but survives. Zen then finds that the widow of the lawyer is having an affairs with the chief executive of the kidnapped victim’s business. Zen gives chase as they try and escape but are killed when the vehicle goes off the road. They had 5M with them and Zen takes this which he donates to a children‘s charity in Africa run by nuns and previously funded by the murdered kidnapped victim. Zen is made head of the department while his boss continues to recuperate. However his girl friend has gone home to reflect on her behaviour given the actions of her husband.
In the Merseyside derby Liverpool controlled the first half an eventually scored after hitting the post and one other near miss. The home crowd were happy calling on the name of their latest manager However within in moments of the second half commencing Everton equalised and took the lead to the horror of the home crowd. Liverpool earned a penalty in the later half of the second period and game ended 2.2 which keeps both teams behind Newcastle and then Sunderland who could do with Man winning at Spurs to bring pressure on Spurs. Another draw will be OK. After the Apricot and walnut tangy snack I played games 11 to 15 of the new series of 101 second level chess and then phase two of Mahjong. It was then time for a cuppa soup, salad and Christmas pudding and custard. I skipped the salad which was prepared but will be used tomorrow.
I was able to watch a recording of the Golden Globes. This morning I struggled to make the swim after having difficulties returning to sleep around 3am but then slept through until 6.30. However I made the pool before 7 and completed 53 length on my own. One of the morning newspapers revealed that voting members of the American Academy of motion pictures were being told not to vote for the King’s Speech because of a leaked memo from the former King to the Government saying he was opposed to the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine, want displaced Jews to be able to return to their natural homelands. Ricky Gervais was the presenter and had many rude things to say which justifiably angered some of those mentioned. Alls well that ends well as Colin Firth did take the best actor award.
It is 5.20am and while I write I keep one eye of the first of the seven one day 50 50 over international cricket matches between England and Australia. England are batting and are 9 runs without loss although there should have been a run out. Paul Collingwood is being rested and after his continuing poor performances with the bat. He may have had a reaction from losing the second of the 20 20 games and thus ending the world record of continuous wins to 8 rather than 9 that had been his intention. The Australian total was such that the game should have been won by England but there was some good bowling, it has to be said, and some poor stroke choices by the batsmen.
I begin with a film, The Young Savages released in 1961,based on a novel by Evan Hunter, features the good actor Burt Lancaster as a District Lawyer intent on bringing to the electric chair three youths, aged between 15 and 17 years, members of an Italian gang calling themselves the Thunderbirds, who kill a blind Puerto Rican youth, a member of a gang called the Horsemen The similarity between the subject of the musical West Side Story and this film struck from the start. It is a much better film in terms of the reality of the life of those in the neighbourhood. There are two interlinked stories within the story. The first is the lawyer Hank Bell is in fact Hank Bellini whose parents shortened the name from Bellini, an action taken by parents who wanted to break out quickly from the ghetto mentality of immigrants and establish themselves as USA Americans from the outset.
In this instance Hank has distanced himself his origins and has developed contempt for the lives of those who remained locked in the tribalism of what he wished was the past. Not so his wife, Vassar educated, middleclass background who is horrified that he is seeking the death penalty without investigating the backgrounds of the young men, accepting the claims of the Puerto Rican community as it has been presented in the media. She changes her attitude after being harassed in the lift of their apartment block by two members of the Thunderbirds. The couple have a teenage daughter who resents the restrictions about not being out after midnight but who is a normal daughter, well brought up, in education, and adjusted to the middle class environment of her parents. This contrasts with the lives of those in the racial ghettoes.
The second story within the story is that one of the three accused youths, the youngest aged 15 and therefore a minor, is the son of a former girl friend of Hank, who turned him down to marry the child’s father. The mother is played by Shelley Winters who had quickly realised the decision was a mistake after her husband commenced to beat her and who has brought up the boy as a single parent frequently telling him of her mistake as she witnessed the career of Hank through the local media. This results in a counter productive reaction by her son when Hank accepts her plea to prevent the boy from going to the electric chair and he attempts to get to know the young man who is being kept separate because of his age from the other two accused.
As a consequence of his investigation he is beaten up badly on his way home in the train and he is under pressure by his cynical police officer played by Telly Savalas as Telly Savalas and the ambitious District Attorney played by Edward Andrews with an eye on the Governorship and Presidency. Before and during the trial the true story of what happened and why emerges. The murdered boy, stabbed several times by different knives is not the innocent proclaimed by his mother, the Puerto Rican gang and community supported by the local media. Contemporary CCTV footage reveals that the boy is a member of the gang and is used by them to hide weapons on his person whenever the police are involved. The chief witness to what happened is his older sister aged 17 years who Lancaster uncovers has worked as a prostitute for two years and with the knowledge of her mother, as a means of supporting the family.
He also brings out that the leader of the trio Arthur Reardon is an explosive youth who can get quickly out of control and his sentence is a long term in prison. The second lad is known as Anthony Batman Aposto, illiterate and educational sub normal who also did stab the victim and is sent to a psychiatric based penal established to be detained until it is safe, if ever to discharge him. Hank begins to reconsider his view of Danny Di Pace. The son of his former girlfriend when mother introduces a young Puerto Rican who explains that in a previous incident he was being terrorised in the local pool (cooler) by the Thunderbirds when Danny had prevented them from drowning him. A witness to the incident, a young Italian girl admits that she got rid of the knives by dumping them in a parked car. She claims the blind boy had pulled a knife first which let to the others using knives in self defence. The “knife” is proved to have been a harmonica. The police are reluctant to devote staff to search for the knives but they are found as the trial is underway and a laboratory report is provided as the trial comes to an end. This enables Hank to establish in court that that Danny did not stab the victim but hit in with its handle. He was sticking to the story that he had stabbed out of self defence in order not to lose face. He was not a member of the gang under orders from his mother but being a typical teenager in the district wanted to be considered no different from the others. He is sent to an establishment for young people for a couple of years to the relief of his mother. Hank accepts that he had taken such a strong position at the outset because he was ashamed of his background. I would not say that the film is an outstanding picture but it was an important one and I am intrigued that I have no recollection of seeing it before or knowing of its existence.
Cricket Notes.
(England have just escaped the loss of a wicked as the player was caught but the umpire checked and found that it was a no ball with 23 runs scored 5.30am). (5.40 am Australia put down a difficult catching chance. England are 44 and shortly afterwards there is a catch behind off a ball given as a Wide. They consider an appeal but decided against, wisely as it was also a no ball. I decide it is time for breakfast and a weekend bacon roll with coffee 5.45 am and place the TV recording on hold 53 for no wicket)( the first wicket falls at 6.05am local time with Davies bowled for 41 with the total at 90. Trott is caught soon after arriving, caught behind for 6 with England 199 for 2 and new bowler Davis Hussey has taken both wickets for ten runs)( I have enjoyed a three slice bacon roll and consider coffee and doing the washing up break as soon as review of the Young Savages is completed 6.20am)( Strauss gets his 50 (52) which includes 6 fours 114 for 2 6.20am)( Andrew Strauss goes at 63 giving a simple catch with total 130). There is concern they are not making the most of the good start. I take a break for coffee and do the washing up after completing the film review. I then check and publish the film review.
The Boat that Rocked is a film celebrating the era of the off shore Pirate radio in the UK. Contemporary music was limited in the days of the BBC radio and TV during my childhood as commercial TV and Radio was something for the future. The closest to a contemporary music station was Radio Luxembourg which I learnt about from someone at school and used to listen to whenever I was allowed the opportunity. The days of the personal radio were also for the future. I had to wait until I went to work to have my own radio and record player in my room at the Malden Court/Bute Road Wallington Flat.
Commercial radio commenced with Radio Caroline 1964 broadcasting from offshore in international waters from a ships. The broadcasts were not illegal as such. The station developed Disc Jockeys each with the distinctive personalities and followings but the music was focussed on the top 40 single records of the day. By 1968 there were 21 stations from boats and sea based forts with an audience of between 10 and 15 million and then stations commenced to be broadcast from within the mainland. To combat this development BBC radio was restructured in 1967 creating four stations with Radio I set up to challenge the Pirates and recruiting some of their top DJ’s BBBC 2 also a music station but more middle ground and BBC 3 a mixture of classical music and arts programmes with 4 talk and later 5 Sport and news, and more recently 6 and 7. In 1967 the Government passed the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act which made the offshore stations illegal.
Undaunted, while the offshore stations closed, the service went underground mainland using small inexpensive transmitters and pre recorded programmes on cassette recorders. These stations continued even when commercial radio broadcasting was allowed in the UK concentrating on music not covered by the the rest such as reggae, hip hop, jazz, rhythm and blues and stations on behalf of ethnic minorities.
In 1989 there were some 600 stations in the UK with 60 in London. The government tried a two fold approach with harsher penalties but also an amnesty for those willing to apply for a licence. The problem is that in order to meet the licence fee the station requires regular advertising which in turn requires a stable audience and leads to moving mainstream.
Today there are said to be 150 stations mainly in parts of London with set up costs small and a transmitter £350, getting funds from nightclubs promoting events on from DJ’s wanting the exposure. One recent study in London found that nearly a quarter of the population 14 and older listened to local stations with the percentage for students 37% and 41% of the African Caribbean community. Information which I had not previously known is that Radio Free Scotland was established to promote the work of the SNP in Scotland and Plaid Cymru in Wales and there was also an anti Labour station in the 1970’s. The penalties for broadcasting have been significantly increased with prison a prospect for repeated offending. Licence stations are also able to take action for loss of revenue and one station was sued for £50000 as a consequence.
The film, the Boat that Rocked is said not to be based on a particular pirate ship or DJ’s although one character played by Philip Seymour Hoffman is said to be close to the aspects of the famous Emperor Rosco.
The film lasts just under two hours and I agree with those who say that it is 20 minutes or more too long. The film sets out to demonstrate how popular the stations were and that were only put out of business because of a psychological anal puritanical Government Cabinet Minister who became obsessed with eliminating the stations to the extent that he refuses official help when the ship gets into serious difficulties after its ancient boilers blow and cause a below waterline hole in the side.
The DJ’s and crew are rescued by a flotilla of Dunkirk style fan boats. The film contains many shots of the fans listening to music individuals and in groups. The station is run but the excellent Bill Nighy who takes in Young Carl, his Godson after a plea from the boy’s mother Charlotte, played by Emma Thompson, a former swinging chick, because we later learn she knows that the boy’s father is the eccentric red eye DJ who keeps to himself in his cabin when he is not broadcasting to an extent some of the crew do not realise he is on aboard a year after the station has been broadcasting.
The boy who has been expelled from school because of drugs and drink is still a virgin and attempts by Nighy to pair him off with his niece fail as during a brief search for a condom she is bedded by the his fat middle aged friend. The DJ’s are expected to stay on board for long shifts during which they can have female visitors once a fortnight. There appears to be no shortage of sixties dressed young people willing to come for conjugal visits and at one point a minor army of young and willing beauties arrive following an open invitation. Young Carl and the niece find true love at the end of the film. The Government Minister is played by the brilliant Kenneth Branagh who is convincing in his role as is Jack Davenport as Twatt, the Minister’s subordinate who is tasked with finding the legal formula to shut down the stations.
The music is good with some 60 records of the day covered and a two record soundtrack with 32 of these tracks featuring music from the Rolling Stones to Dusty Springfield and the Beach Boys to the Who. I blinked to read that a track from Duffy is included. It is not a good film and apart from the music does not engage. It just about made a profit from the box office.
(7.30am When uploading the film review I find a comment has been added to my review of the Kings Speech the first since the summer break other than catching up on the Chinese contingent. I am always pleased to learn that my work has been experienced by someone and more so when it make some impact, good or bad. England are now 178 for 4 with Ian Bell just out for 34. Kevin Petersen is 33 not out. Various batsman have played themselves in but one now needs to makes a good innings to allow a good hit out towards the end. Disaster Morgan is out for 8 and England now 186.5 with the Australians bowling their way back into the match.7.50 Pietersen gets his 50 with a six 204 for 5. 15 overs to go so we should reach 300. Write an email. Petersen is going well and has reached 70 with the total 234 for 5 scoring 48 of 37 runs partnership. Will start new review of the Ship that rocked 8.15 after a diet coke with ice.)( Yardy out trying a big hit much to the disgust of Pietersen for breaking up their partnership and putting at risk the prospect of a big score. 236 for 6 with ten overs to go 8.20 am).(257 for 7 as Kevin Petersen is run out brilliantly for 78 as he was controlling the innings. now with only 6 overs left 300 is unlikely and 275 must be the target) I am wrong as 270 is reached with Bresnan hitting hard calling the use of the batting power play and four overs to go having done a little fast forwarding. Decide to give undivided attention to last four overs of the innings. Alas possible mistake as Bresnan playing so well hits out off Brett Lee. 270 for 9 England look as if they are going to be bowled out before the close fo the 50 overs. A couple of sixes in last over changed things again in the first balls of the last over. 294 all out a good total but it should have been better although still the highest score against Australia in one Internationals 8.50. Break off from the cricket and writing to watch Andrew Marr Show with two excellent presenters of the best of the morning press followed by an interview with the wonderful Dame Judy Dench who going play the mother of the head of the FBI in a new film about his life to be directed by Clint Eastwood) It is just before 11am and the cricket is not going well so I have turned off the telly and went to wash, shave etc and sort out the washing up as well as commencing the weekly washing of clothing. My attention is now on the Sunday lunch with three lamb chops, roast potatoes and two fo the remaining four pieces of almond and apricot stuffing purchased for Christmas. I have not mentioned food a lot over the past weeks as I commenced to run down the freezer prior to defrost and a replan regarding what I eat and the portions. I am restricting bacon rolls for breakfast to one or two a week as I use up the remaining frozen rolls and packs of two or three bacon slices sufficient for three more mornings. However I could not resist an offer of three frozen meals of two sausages onions and mashed potato for £5, eating the first for breakfast yesterday, nearly 600 calories and way above what I should have for breakfast when coffee is added. My justification is my inability to cook sausages. I will revert to cereals but using basic cornflakes more often than the richer mixture of nuts and fruit with oats which I so much enjoy, also reducing he size of the portions. I have the recent purchase of tins of grapefruit segments which provide two portions and have some sachets of plain porridge to consume.
I am not having as much fish as before as I rarely enjoyed he meal. I am using up the breaded pieces and some half price scampi. I enjoyed the remaining frozen kipper and will but fresh from Morrison’s when I fancy in the future. I enjoyed the last piece of smoked salmon which proved a large chunk eaten with lemon an pairs of crackers as a snack which I aim to cut out. I am enjoying some tangy chutney on crackers as snacks but instead of using the prawns on shell as a snack he remaining portions have been part of a salad. There is one portion of the prawns left and I will use the packet of scampi two or three at a time with a single cut of the breaded fish. There are two pieces of white fish which I need to separate into two portions if I can.
I am also restricting the buying of the special salad mix from Morrison’s to once a week getting used to the salad basics again. I went off the cucumber for a while but have taken the special offer of two whole cucumbers for £1. Similarly I am having a spell of preferring the sweet peppers to tomatoes. I also use beetroot and pimento stuffed olives although I am out of the latter. I occasionally divide a tin of a bean salad. However I rarely enjoy just the salad on its own, I sometimes add a small tin of sardines in tomato sauce and the more expensive smoked mackerel pieces. The stable addition is pieces of processed meat bits, ham, tongue, beef, pork and gammon for the amazing price of around 50p 100 grams. In theory also use slices of chopped pork but these have proved tom inviting as a snack with crackers or neat. This must be stopped.
I found two pieces of chicken breast one of which I enjoyed yesterday with tinned tomato and corn having used the first portion of the vegetables with pork chop the previous evening. I cut a piece off the biggest chicken breast after cooking both to use with the smaller which I will slice and make into a curry with prepared Balti sauce on Monday, The are two pork chips left one a giant size. I shall try and leave the defrost until next weekend alternating the fish with the chops. I have a portion of Indian snacks which I will make into a main meal possibly with a pot noodle. I am enjoying a recording of a Bruce Springsteen concert from a Springsteen night on the Arts channel recorded from last night. It is however nearly time for the Tyne Wear Derby which requires undivided attention although I shall eat my lunch.
Finishing off food. I have not eaten as much tinned rice this winter as previously. I like to spread out and cover with cinnamon eating ether hot or cold depending on my mood rather than the season of the year. I have moved away from the increasingly expensive grapes which have moved from £1.50 to £2 a carton at Asda and more at Morrison’s onto a £1 pack of mixed melon slices from Asda but the quality as with all melons is a gamble. I have also returned to the cheaper bananas which I sometimes enjoy sliced with custard.
The 132nd Derby between my two North East teams of Newcastle and Sunderland and but with Sunderland my hope for this lunch time football on the radio. Ameobi should have scored for Newcastle in the opening minutes and then Bent who is having a poor run of opportunities to goals also had his chance. There is a lot of off the ball activity, Newcastle get the first of two corners in succession at 12 minutes played, Sunderland’s first corner at 15 minutes. Another Sunderland corner after Bent’s first touch lets him down. Shot saved and a third corner to Sunderland. All Sunderland at this point. Sunderland have a free kick. This leads to fourth corner but is a waste. 20 minutes played. The play settles but with Sunderland have more of the play but lacking the cutting edge. Alan Smith the Newcastle former captain, may still be, is being substituted after having been involved in a couple of heated exchanges. Replaced by Guthrie. Ameobi close with from quality corner by Barton at 40 mins. The difference between the sides is quality of balls into the box with Sunderland very deficient. Another Newcastle free kick just before the end of the first half. 3 mins of added time minimum. Sunderland player pulled down at edge of box but missed by referee and linesman. First half comes to an end.
Early on in the second half Newcastle score from Nolan, a back heel from another excellent corner from Baron headed on by Ameobi and take over the game with second scoring opportunity following. Newcastle continue in the ascendancy. I would bring on Zenden. As with the cricket where we eventually lost with the first ball of the last over I switch off and do some writing in the hope of some change of fortune as the minutes tick by and the next goal still looks as if will seal Sunderland’s fate. What a disappointment and let down for the full house showcase game. In the other Derby game being shown on Sky Aston Villa have equalised away at Birmingham. I switch on again more in hope than expectation and then off once more as the minutes continue to tick by. A draw would be OK defeat would be traumatic for the club at this crucial stage in the season with some tough games ahead. I move to the sofa tired to watch the final second of the midlands derby and then to Sky Sports news. Mickey Quinn former Newcastle number began to gloat about doing the double over Newcastle when wonder of wonder Gyan manages to scramble the ball over the line in the 4th minute of extra time. Phew. Next Liverpool with the return of Kenny Dalglesh as the Manager at Anfield Kenny looked in heaven as Liverpool score but then in second half Everton sore twice early on and the Kop is silenced. A penalty saves the party but Liverpool have a long way to go.
Now to some TV with the unexpected highlight a BBC arena programme on the life of Dave Brubeck. I was introduced to the Brubeck Modern Jazz quartet by a work colleague at Middlesex County Council in 1956/1957. I have one Long Play record as his music was not a major interest to me of over years as I found his unusual time formats and tonal experimentations not always easy on my ear. Consequently I knew very little of back background and subsequently life and if truth be told I was surprised to learn that he is alive and well, and still playing including the Newport Jazz festival in 2009 or last year. Born in 1920 he was 90 on December 6th. He had a good childhood with two parents whose interests strikingly contrasted, His father was a cattleman while his mother had trained with the pianist Dame Myra Hess in England hoping to become a soloist but contended herself to giving lessons for extra money as well ensuring that he three sons were musical. Being the youngest his father hoped he would also become a cattleman and went to college to study veterinary science but was soon told to switch to the music department when did will but had problems with reading music. He was allowed to graduate only on the understanding he did not teach piano. In his personal life he became friends a with a junior year at the college and they have spent 65 years together so far. They have six children with three sons all becoming professional musicians and were surprised members of band when he was one of several great personalities inducted into an award (National Medal of Arts or was it Kennedy centre?) That he make music with sons is remains a great blessing. Shortly after the marriage when his wife was 19 he was called into the army and after training sent to Europe as part of Patton’s Army. He was saved from the front line after answering an appeal for a piano player to accompany a dance and song visiting troupe. He was considered too valuable to become cannon fodder after that. On return he took part in the veterans programme and was able to study with a French classical composer who had a love of jazz and encouraged Brubeck to use his American Jazz heritage.
It was not until 1951 when aged 31 that he added Paul Desmond the Alto Sax player to his trio and the two commenced a relationship which brought him to national attention and within a few years he was only second Jazz musician to feature on the cover of Time Magazine. It was his wife who hit on the idea of writing to student bodies of colleges suggesting they book the quartet getting the music more widely known outside of club land small rooms. I have the album Jazz goes to College which includes a version of the Ellington number Take the A Train. It was not until 1956 that he hired he drummer Joe Morello who had been working with Marian MacPartland. Eugene Wright the black bassist joined the group in 1959 and what became the classic quartet wad formed. Brubeck cancelled dates when he met with racism because of the inclusion of a negro within the group, Brubeck had taken his fiancée to all black Jazz clubs which was idea of heaven and finding the girl shared his interests and views made him want to marry her on the spot!
It was in 1959 that the quarter created Take 5 which reached the national pop charts on both sides of the Atlantic and in 1963 he performed at Carnegie Hall followed by a live recorded album. He also worked on a jazz musical with his wife which was performed live at the Monterey Jazz festival in 1962 and where a soundtrack album was created with Louis Armstrong and Carmen McRae. An happily married couple with children also attracted the attention of the State department who contract the quartet to undertake a number of overseas tours. He participated in the created of all jazz format radio station. The quartet was disbanded in 1967 and he commenced working on classical pieces while continuing jazz playing to suit his time and family interests. In the later 60’s and early 70 he went on tour with a trio which also featured Gerry Mulligan. He then formed a group with his three sons, Darius on keyboard, Dan on drums and Chris on electric bass or trombone. The two generations of Brubeck continued until the late 1970’s. He has been unable to perform regularly over recent years with heart pacemaker and suffering from fatigue. He was able to do so to his 90th birthday. From documentary with excepts at the Newport playing and also a duet with one of his sons he appears to have lost none of his enthusiasm and dexterity, only the physical limitations of his body prevent him from doing more.
Wikipedia notes that four of his children are professional musicians with the eldest the pianist producer, and educator and performer. Dan is a renowned percussionist and Chris multi instrumentalists and composer. The Youngest son Matthew is cellist, composer and performer. In 2006 he joined the Catholic Church something which his family are said not to understand. I have discovered that the occasion when the sons played and Clint Eastwood, now a friend was also honoured was at the California Hall of Fame for women and the Arts. I believe the programme shown on BBC arena was created by Clint Eastwood for Turner Classic Movies in the first instance. He has created over 100 Albums.
Another unexpected treat was when I moved to the i player to see the new series of Lark Rise to Candleford and saw that the antiques road show had visit the Sage Gateshead. This provided the opportunity to visit the South bank of the Tyne river showing the Baltic Contemporary arts centre and the Angel of the North, a model of which was set to be worth about £1 million. Recently there have also been antique shows from Bolden South Tyneside and Newcastle.
Larkrise lived up to expectations including all the characters we have come to love over the previous three series. The subject in this first new episode the owner of a foundry which has been repossessed by the bank, having spent a loan for expansion on the last months of his dying wife taking her Europe and buying her extensive clothes and foods. Gabriel Cochrane blamed the bank manager but after being given work at the Smiths owned by the postmistress Dorcus Lane (Julia Sawalha). The second story is that of Laura’s mother who is struggling to cope with her husband away trying to earn their living in Oxford. In order to help Dorcus cashes a postal order sent to Emma before she has signed for it giving the money to her son. He claims to have been attacked and robbed when in fact he went into drink and loses the remainder. This creates problems for Emma when neighbours rally round and Laura cashes in her savings. Her relationship with the journalist continues and who is asked to make public the behaviour of the bank towards the foundry which during the programme is put up for auction and sold, with the former owner voluntarily handing over the keys and accepting that situation was more of his own making.
The fiancée boards with the splendid Pratt sisters (is it Pearl or Ruby who went to live with a man she had corresponded with but where it did not work out?). Dorcus is accused of meddling which she takes to heart. Her adopted son takes to the former foundry owner. Young Alf Atless, son of Dawn French who was carted off to debtors prison series one is questioned over his seriousness by his girlfriend, Minnie the maid at the post office.
On Sunday the main focus of the second programme centred on a poetry competition which organised by the local paper brings out the worst before the best of characters in both communities. Mrs Brown, Margaret Ellison that was writes an intellectual Magnum Opus, One of the Pratt sisters adapts a well known poem but manages to withdraw the item before she finds out. Her other sister upset at the relationship between her sister and Laura’s fiancée bad moths the couple claim the result is fixed before it starts. Laura the ambitious writer wants to realise the expectation upon her, then withdraws with the gossip and innuendo but competes when the rumour are squashed. Fiancée Daniel announces that he has delegated the judging to someone who will only revealed at the prize giving. This is the new arrival Gabrial Cochrane and the surprise choice is a short poem by Emma Timmins, submitted without her knowledge on her behalf by her daughter.
There are two other stories merit recording. Dorcus finds an undelivered letter which was sent by Gabrial dead wife to someone declaring her love and that he marriage had been one of convenience to man she had never come to love. What is she to do with this letter, especially when Gabrial finds that a stranger, a man has been visiting the grave of his wife later at night on a regular basis. She leaves the letter in a book which she know Gabrial will take. The second story is the development of the machine and its affect on rural crafts. Queenie Turril finds that her lace is no longer in demand at Banbury Fare where less expensive machine made lace is available in quantity and is also ordered by the Pratt sisters for their dress store. Gabrial helps her to keep going and that her skill will be recognised. Her husband finds that he cannot read anymore and become preoccupied to the extent he fails to appreciate the challenge his wife is facing, but does so at the end. Thomas Brown is jealous and resentful of the place Gabrial has taken in the life of Dorcus. Larkrise stories can appear surgery and sentimental but they always manage to present some truths about the relationships and the realities of life.
Sunday was also the third episode fo Zen which I enjoyed as I had the first two. The story is of the kidnap of a wealthy man who bank roles the governing political party. He has two spoilt children; a son who has never worked, regarded by hiss father as a disappointment. There is the suggestion of a sexual relationship with his daughter who is married to a ruthless ambitious senior executive with eh firm and who ridicules the appointment of Zen to the case, after the family privately raise the 5million required and the lawyer involved in handing over the funds is murdered. It is assumed by kidnappers although it strikes Zen as odd even when the kidnapped demand another 5 Million
Although recovered to want his job back Zen’s boss is told he should retire and his role is temporarily taken over by a puritanical man whose career is without blemish. He issues a code of conduct with bans workplace relationships which drives Zen and his secretary lover into further secrecy and her request for divorce is to be heard before court. As the couple are enjoying each other’s company in his car there is a short and the husband arrives and tries to commit suicide but survives how this means the relationship between Zen and the Secretary becomes public and Zen is suspended as also the kidnap victim is found killed despite Zen taking another 5 million of government provided funded to the kidnappers.
Direct contact with the kidnappers reveals that they did not kill either the lawyer or the kidnapped man. They only have one lot of 5 million. As his career appears to have ended in failure Zen manages with some luck to resolve the mysteries. The bankers was released but tied to a tree and his daughter and son went to recovers where the son lost his temper and killed his father. He tries to commit suicide but survives. Zen then finds that the widow of the lawyer is having an affairs with the chief executive of the kidnapped victim’s business. Zen gives chase as they try and escape but are killed when the vehicle goes off the road. They had 5M with them and Zen takes this which he donates to a children‘s charity in Africa run by nuns and previously funded by the murdered kidnapped victim. Zen is made head of the department while his boss continues to recuperate. However his girl friend has gone home to reflect on her behaviour given the actions of her husband.
In the Merseyside derby Liverpool controlled the first half an eventually scored after hitting the post and one other near miss. The home crowd were happy calling on the name of their latest manager However within in moments of the second half commencing Everton equalised and took the lead to the horror of the home crowd. Liverpool earned a penalty in the later half of the second period and game ended 2.2 which keeps both teams behind Newcastle and then Sunderland who could do with Man winning at Spurs to bring pressure on Spurs. Another draw will be OK. After the Apricot and walnut tangy snack I played games 11 to 15 of the new series of 101 second level chess and then phase two of Mahjong. It was then time for a cuppa soup, salad and Christmas pudding and custard. I skipped the salad which was prepared but will be used tomorrow.
I was able to watch a recording of the Golden Globes. This morning I struggled to make the swim after having difficulties returning to sleep around 3am but then slept through until 6.30. However I made the pool before 7 and completed 53 length on my own. One of the morning newspapers revealed that voting members of the American Academy of motion pictures were being told not to vote for the King’s Speech because of a leaked memo from the former King to the Government saying he was opposed to the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine, want displaced Jews to be able to return to their natural homelands. Ricky Gervais was the presenter and had many rude things to say which justifiably angered some of those mentioned. Alls well that ends well as Colin Firth did take the best actor award.
No comments:
Post a Comment