Friday, April 13, 2012

* Writers Make the World Go 'Round *

Two nights ago, I watched a fascinating interview on TCM - Turner Classic Movies. The actor Peter O'Toole (79 years old) told riveting and charming stories of his life before and during his stage and screen career. He's probably best known for his role as writer, T.E. Lawrence, in Lawrence of Arabia. Mr. O'Toole recounted hilarious tales about himself and one of his co-stars, Omar Sharif, during the filming of the famous "charge" scene, and how both tried to stay in the camels' saddles. (Can you believe they didn't use stunt men?) He talked at length about his various roles and co-stars and was highly entertaining.


(Lawrence of Arabia - 1963)


(age 79 - 2011)


Toward the end of the interview, Mr. O'Toole spoke about his writing. He's written two memoirs; Loitering with Intent: The Child and Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice. He said he is working on his third book, but didn't specify what it was about. But, he did say this about writing:

I love it, the writing process, but I don't have to like it. It's so frustrating. You feel you've written rubbish and you tear up the papers and walk around the room in circles. But it's a love affair. I like getting down there and putting on to paper. I never wanted to write until I was 40 or 50.

I didn't use quotes with the above, because I'm sure I don't have it verbatim, but it's very close. I especially enjoyed learning he didn't think about, or want to write until he was "older." I'll definitely check out his memoirs. If his writing is anywhere near as marvelous as his acting, then he's been given more than one precious, gift of talent.


One more thing. Sometimes we forget that although it takes a very good/great actor to create extraordinary performances.....none of it can happen without superb writing.....Writers make the world go 'round.....


* Also.... Welcome to my newest follower, Karen. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *


"Writing is a kind of performing art, and I can't sit down to write unless I'm dressed. I don't mean dressed in a suit, but dressed well and comfortably and I have to be shaved and bathed." - -- Peter O'toole


15 comments:

  1. Thank you for the lovely welcome! I would have liked to have seen that interview. And I totally agree - you can have the best actor in the world, but if the writing is bad, well... that dog just won't hunt.

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  2. Love both the quotes - even the one you're not quite sure of!

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  3. Becky, great Peter O'Toole post! If I had to get fully dressed in order to sit down and write, it would freak me out!

    Lawrence of Arabia is one of my absolute favorite movies!

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  4. He still looks pretty good for his age.

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  5. I loved Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia. Two of my favorite Omar Sharif movies are Doctor Zhiavago (spelling?) and Hidalgo.

    Yes, what would the world be without writers? What would the world have been like without Madame DuFarge chronicling the French Revolution with her knitting needles?

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  6. I didn't know this actor was a writer as well. From the care he puts into his routine, I can tell he's a very careful writer.

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  7. He seems like an interesting guy...

    And I love to write too, as do you!

    =)

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  8. My husband has been watching Lawrence of Arabia. (He watches about 1/2 hour at a time.) I haven't seen that movie in years. I didn't remember that it was about a writer.

    I'm so glad writer's make the world go round. We'll keep it revolving to infinity.

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  9. Someone I once worked with had a stroke. The result of her stroke was that she lost the ability to read and write. Which struck me as one of the worst possible losses.
    I have to read, each and every day so I am reliant on writers. More reliant than I can tell them.

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  10. Talented in both acting AND writing? Not fair!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  11. Hi Becky! Thank you so much for the sweet visit to my blog! I'll stop and catch up on Robert Brault's blog tonight as well!
    I am still smiling at the quote you included at the end of this post ~ It ends my day with a smile!
    God bless you always,
    Maria

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  12. That's interesting. Loved his quote too about loving it but not liking it. LOL So true.

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  13. Interesting ! I had no difficulties to stay in a camel saddle, I like it and I love to write early mornings in my bathrobe and a cup of coffee. Fortunately we are all different.

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  14. What a rich story he must bring to the page. When he says he didn't start writing until later, oftentimes I think that it's necessary to start later, to have that life lived to draw upon and effectively put down the words.

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  15. Oh I loved Peter O'Tooles quote! here I sit, half a night gown on, sipping a mimosa, and just past noon. but then again, I am on vacation and I'm still trying to find time to read, comment and write. because I miss you when I'm gone too long!

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I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.