THE BRILLIANT CHARIOTS OF FIRE. Possibly Britain's greatest film.

A night in would be good occasionally but with so much going on it is a pity to miss wonderful moments that make life worth living. Last night I went to see the new better, newly modernised version of Chariots of Fire with the BFI's, Amanda Neville. It was a joy to see the men who made the industry great.  David Putnam, The Producer and Hugh Hudson the ambitious Director who won so many Oscars for this brilliant film. 
Now it has been chosen to be shown round England for the Olympics.  Starring truly iconic actors Nigel Havers, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell and Ben Cross, you cannot go wrong.

A script like this could not be written now. Too much emphasis on political correctness would mean that the snobbery would be lessened. Inverted snobbery is as bad, but nobody truly sees that yet.  
A patriotic film, that makes you feel good to be British. A real story about the ambition and brilliance of man.  Beautiful cinematography by David Watkins and excellent editing by Terry Rawlings of a damn good film. The haunting music by Vangellis which drives it on to another level mixed with the best of English church music.  It could possibly be Britain's greatest film?. 
In 1988, I had three of four private lessons with the late Ian Charleson who was an incredible singer of Elizabethan music, I learnt Music for a while.  He was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He is the reason that a word like 'inspirational' exists. It is sad he died of Aids.
Afterwards there was a dinner at the BT tower which moves slowly round London in a never ending circle. Beautiful views reaching far and wide and interesting conversations.

On another note I was unhappy to see Eva Rausling had died. Another sad story about drug abuse. I met her through friends in 2004.  Moral do not take drugs, she prepared for everything in life but not for living it.

IVOR BRAKA

One of the best ART dealers of paintings and sculture is Ivor Braka.  He has enormous style and 30 inch hips may be evan 28 inch hips.  If you find yourself with enough cash to buy yourself a decent de Lempicka, or anything else for that matter, your first stop should be his stunning house in London,  Chelsea  there you will find someone who is a master of  unique taste and culture.

1. Which Hollywood star do you find attractive?
Tippi Hedren

2. What moves you emotionally?

Watching my sporting heroes.

3.Which film director inspires you?

Hugh Hudson.

4. What food do you most enjoy?

Pasta

5. Which designer do you like to wear most?

Huntsman for suits and Dior for off the peg clothes.

6. What was your most successful moment?

Finally beating my Father at Tennis.

7. What makes you happy?

Drinking.

8. Which film director interests you?

Mike Hodges.

9. What piece of music do you like listening to?

Beethovens 7th and Bryan Ferry.

10.Where do you like to live?

Where I live now.

11.What piece of art inspires you?

Anything by Mondrian.

12.What shoes do you like to wear?

Black Suede

13.What made you most happy in your career?

Meeting wonderful museum directors mostly in America.

14.What person inspired you?.

Andre Kalman and my biology teacher.

15.What sport do you most enjoy?

Squash

16.Where do you find serenity?

All around me, its a mental state.

17.What do you like to eat?

Depends on the day

18.What is your biggest sin?

Sin implies we live in a moral universe which I don't think we do.

19.What piece of advice can you give someone?

I try not to give advice.

20.What do you like to do at the week end?

Time with my wife sport and drinking (in that order)