There is a strong possibility that the new screen version of Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ will be a dud. The trailer is spectacular, but so what? Trailers are works of art in themselves nowadays. I cannot count the number of times I have seen a movie on the back of an appealing preview and been disappointed. And, if it is a dud, it won’t even be the fault of the creators. It is so difficult to transfer the great American … [Read more...]

“You’re wearing a tie, are you?” my friend asked. There was no surprise in his voice. He knew my proclivities regarding clothing. There was, however, a crackle of concern. It was a Saturday night. We were going out in a smart district of London. To me, a tie seemed appropriate. I informed my friend, who was tieless, that he was underdressed. “Yeah, but” he began “no one wears ties anymore, do they.” “And what would you … [Read more...]

“Dressed up in a gown that trails on the floor In a picture hat that your mother wore Living in a world that you never saw My little lady make believe.” I heard Al Bowlly sweetly croon these words as I sat looking out of the window on a grey and rainy Sunday; an ideal hour for low lamps and sentimental music. It reminded me of something my mother had always said to me; "You were born too late." Anyone who knows me well enough knows … [Read more...]

Occasionally, affianced friends and acquaintances have approached me for help and advice to input into that mutually significant but disproportionately female-influenced occasion; the event of marriage. I say ‘disproportionately’ because so many men take little or no interest in the planning of weddings. However strong-minded they are in other things, however opinionated or of a certain taste, their own wedding is an occasion which they … [Read more...]

Apparently, this Easter is colder than it normally is by 8 degrees Celsius and the British, as is their wont, have found the unseasonal cold snap utterly fascinating. It is, after all, the privilege of a nation with unquestionably appalling weather to vex about it ad nauseum. I must admit, I too have indulged in this easy and self-pitying sport. However, my reflections on the weather have been somewhat different. Why, for instance, do we not … [Read more...]