09 September 2005

Tarred and Feathered

Last night the 7.30 Report showed snippets from a series of interviews with the late and much-admired Donald Horne. (You have to revere the man, even if he did think that the world revolved around Sydney.)

One black and white excerpt showcased a scenario unthinkable in modern TV. Prof Horne being interviewed as he sat in an armchair dressed in a dinner suit. As he addressed the interviewer one hand held a matchbox between forefinger and thumb, while his other fingers curled around an as-yet unlit cigarette. It was a grandfatherly and charming scene. I particularly liked the idea that as soon as he had finished pontificating (at length) he was going to light that cigarette and puff away, engaging in a moment of quiet reflection, a million miles from care.

Fortunately we now all know that smokers are pawns of Satan and should be crucified upside down on the nearest hillside, but I enjoyed watching this brief relic of another time, another way of living.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just when I thought I'd take up smoking. Saved again by the perspicacious HB. Who knew you felt so strongly about smokers...

hazelblackberry said...

I do feel strongly about smokers. But what is it that I really feel??

Lo is probably the voice you use when you want to announce something really important. "Lo, it doth occur to me..."

hazelblackberry said...

I'd be disappointed if my heavy-handed use of sarcasm wasn't recongised for the genius it is. Lo.

Anonymous said...

'lo Hazel, hoe are you?

Anonymous said...

sorry, did that ith a baby in my arms; that should read how are you; I am truly not trying to be rude. (T says hi).