Dearest Ann O'Dyne sent me some interesting extra information on Frank Thring, the subject of Sunday's quiz. There is a biography of Frank called The Actor who Laughed. I had a look on Youtube and firstly came across this amusing imitation of Frank to promote Unchain St Kilda. The actor captures his voice very well.
Then this gem, an appearance on Steve Vizard's Tonight Live along with Ian Molly Meldrum, that particular night being hosted by Craig McLachlan. Frank died in 1994 and I don't think this would have filmed long before then. He looked less than robust. There is a reference to Little Lucifer fire lighters and Ben Hur. It is a good laugh.
This reminded me of watching Barry Humphries torture a young Rove early on in his prime time career. So funny, thanks Andrew, I had a great laugh watching Frank Thring. What can you say? He was brilliant. He is on the list of people I wish I'd met.
ReplyDeleteI can well imagine that Rove interview LiD. Ann O'Dyne tells me Frank ended up living very modestly in a tiny house in North Fitzroy or was it Brunswick. He and Humphries have similarities, but they are really are quite different.
ReplyDeleteHey Andrew! :) So nice of ya to stop by my blog after a long time.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with ya mate. HUGS!
Keshi.
I always read it Keshi but usually in Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteHe was living in a Fitzroy terrace house around the time he died, I remember this from reading a newspaper interview. There was a photo of him standing in his street: black shirt, collar up, looking scandalised. He didn't like what was happening in the area: the bourgeois invasion. After sounding off a bit he took the male journo on a tour of his house. The only the part I remember about that (and won't forget) is where they paused in the bathroom doorway.
ReplyDeleteJournalist: "I suppose there's some tender memories in there, Frank."
Frank: "Yes....Let's go in and create some more."
Good anecdote Robert. But people like him moving to Fitzroy was the bourgeois invasion.
ReplyDeleteI expected that would be said.
ReplyDeletePeople like Frank can't be categorised, he cut through Class, outrageous to everyone and responsible to no one. The bourgeoisie can't claim him.
A friend told me that during one wild orgy party Frank hosted at his house - and he defined the meaning of wild orgy- a neighbour started mowing his lawn so Frank ran out of the bedroom, climbed the paling fence and ranted (words to this effect),
ReplyDelete"Stop that dreadful noise, I'm trying to enjoy the pleasures of my latest conquest and you're distracting me!"
On this Saturday 15th you could look at 3:30PM on Nine Network to see him drop the hankie to start the chariot race in William Wyler's classic Ben Hur.
ReplyDeleteI hope Jayne will tell us stories about her very interesting neighbour's social life?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blast from the past, I always enjoyed watching Thring's sharp wit and ever sharper tongue! Vik.
ReplyDeleteI've played that actor's clip over and over, superb piece of work. I give it ten out of ten.
ReplyDeleteC'mon Robert. He would have been the first to admit that he was a bitchy middle class queen.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot Jayne. Nothing like the sound of lawn mower to kill the joy.
Ann, can you please be consistent with your log in. Not Ben Hur again on tv! Jayne told a little. My mouth is closed about what she said privately.
Gosh Vik, I think of you as a kiddie, yet you are old enough to remember him.
There was one point Robert where his chest was heaving and I could see that there was a problem. He did well considering he was clearly already unwell.
How many bogans like me are fans of Noel Coward? Everyone loved Frank.
ReplyDeleteRobert, you just so do not fit the definition of bogan. Even Brian would concede that you are not a Chav if you caught him at a good moment.
ReplyDeleteIf I knew what a Chav was I might be impressed.
ReplyDeleteEnglish term, much the same as bogan. Council house and violent. Chav.
ReplyDeleteOh.
ReplyDeleteThank you Brian.
ReplyDeleteNowt to do with Brian. You are being para. It did actually require some hard work on my part to find out what Chav meant. I asked Pants and she ignored me. I did not ask Brian but found out by myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I do appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteKiddie indeed. How very dare you!!
ReplyDeleteI'll buy you a drink when I'm in town if you can tell me where that line comes from!! Vik.
Better buy me one anyway Vik, if you are going to clutter up our place with your makeup, hosiery, hair depilatory equipment etc. I have heard the expression and it sounds quite old, but no, I can't remember.
ReplyDeleteHa, I bet you have more make-up than me. And I know you have more hair removal stuff than I do!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's not an old expression at all, least I don't think so. Comes from the Catherine Tate show (3rd season?. You should check it out; very funny! Vik.
Maybe just the occasional touch of rouge Vik. Of course yes, the very obvious gay guy who says he isn't. I like the show and good to see her in Dr Who.
ReplyDelete