David Benson

Heart-wrenching little known classic, 10 July 2011

An amazing discovery: this film is making its first appearance in any publicly-available format, yet it is unquestionably one of the greatest pieces of film-making, in every aspect, you will ever have seen.

It is a deeply affecting and uncompromising tale of a desperately vulnerable man and wife, with never a day apart in fifty years, who suddenly find themselves unable to cope, in everyone's way and finally, separated.

Their plight is told with unflinching reality and little respite from the sadness: even the many comic moments make your eyes prick with tears. Every character who appears is believable and, as so rarely happens in Hollywood product then as now,… Read more

An Astaire treasure trove!, 5 Jun 2011

I was thrilled to stumble across this in Dress Circle in London today. I thought I had everything of Fred's there was to have but this ravishing collection is a double disc set of delights.
I have treasured the DRG three-disc LP set of the TV special soundtracks for decades. But these remastered versions are a revelation. The sound is excellent throughout, much better than the vinyl, with full, clear fidelity. There are many riches here, highlights including the David Rose/Andre Previn collaboration Young Man With The Blues/Like Young, deliciously moody, the Count Basie Orchestra in ripping form, with elegant banter between The Count and Astaire between numbers; and of course The… Read more

Honest, funny and moving, 17 May 2011

I loved this book, which I read in one sitting. Mr. Evans may not be a professional writer and the book is peppered with grammatical inaccuracies; but it is disarmingly honest, frank and genuinely funny. The early chapters about the author's childhood in Barnsley and the difficulties he had finding his way in life, including a foray into prostitution before unexpectedly becoming involved in his childhood hero's life, are compelling and highly readable. This book has a place in the annals of gay social history as well as being an intimate and deeply respectful portrait of a great comic artist in his declining years. It is a lesson to aspiring and experienced authors in how to address the… Read more