A Masterclass


I'm not a fan of the actor of Tom Hanks but after just listening to him on the podcast of Desert Island Discs I found him to be a charming and rather delightful individual.
His memory of his lonely, movie filled childhood had a certain resonance with me, especially his explanation of how, at the time, he didn't understand or had the vocabulary to explain or articulate to himself, what bothered or upset him.
The interview was a fascinating testament to how loneliness made him a great actor.
It also underlined just how good Kirsty Young is as an interviewer; she led him exactly where she wanted him to go.
Wonderful Radio

Not much happened to me today.
Oh I did slip out of my right croc and stumbled into a shop dummy in the woman's section of Marks & Spencers.

34 comments:

  1. haven't got the drugs from monday out of your system yet, eh? and WHAT were YOU doing in the WOMAN'S section? :-0

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    1. my fave tom hanks movies - sleepless in seattle and philadelphia (as if!).

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  2. I have always thought that he must be a gentleman. And frankly, I love his acting.

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  3. To hell with Hanks - Kirsty has a filthy laugh.

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  4. I too found that interview very touching!

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  5. I've always been fond of Tom Hanks, all the way from the early days. John, surely you've seen Turner and Hooch??? A kind of disasterdogsolvesmysteryandbecomesloved-kind of film where mr Hanks offers a nice piece of his: talking to himself or anybody present or not. That was one of his charmingtricks in the early days. Now he is plain talented and charming. I would have loved to hear that interview!

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    1. Try and listen to it.its old fashioned interviewing at its best

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    2. Desert Island Discs, was it?? I shall give it a try!
      By the way, thank you for that wonderful picture of the Omarshariffian character stopping the traffic!! You certainly have an eye for the treats of dailylife!!

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    3. I found it and listened in, a great moment with lots to learn!! He is an interesting and nice person but I was also impressed by Kirstie Young, she is rather brilliant.

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  6. He is a beloved actor here. He is generous with his time for causes, kind and funny to every interviewer, aand a damn good actor who has made, many good and interesting movies. He was magnificent in Philadelphia.

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    1. Philadelphia was a great movie, but too sad.

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    2. Philadelphia was a great movie, but too sad.

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    3. Philadelphia was a great movie, but too sad.

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  7. I love Tom Hanks...one of my favourite actors.....can't believe you owned up to wearing croc's at the shops.!!

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  8. Tom hanks in Splash, I love that movie.


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  9. The Green Mile, a favourite of mine, along with the ladies section in M & S, its where I buy my smarty pants ! Not keen on crocks though.

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  10. I just finished watching Olive Kittridge...Tom Hanks was one of the producers. I think you would like it...I got it from the library but however you do things there...

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  11. He's one of my favorites.

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  12. One of my favourites, too ... and as long as you didn't apologize to the dummy in the shop it's okay.

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  13. Oh dear, another Crocs incident! I hope that it was not accompanied by a Festival of Inappropriate Sharing similar to that which occurred when you were caught in the rainstorm and were offered a ride by a fellow villager. I imagine that the Ladies Department at M&S shall never be the same.

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  14. Is that a bowl of fruit on her table?

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  15. Kirsty knows how to bring the best out in everybody. She is a fantastic interviewer.

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  16. I agree with you John...I listened to this interview and he came across as such a decent chap.....her voice is very sexy too and she always manages to ask the right question.

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  17. You really should not go shopping in your crocs. I quite like Tom Hanks and Kirsty has a very seductive voice.

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  18. Anonymous6:44 am

    Tom Hanks is definitely one of my favourite actors - so versatile.

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  19. I'm not that fond of Tom Hanks though do consider him a good actor. I'm sure he's a lovely man.

    Oh John, you do make me smile over my breakfast tea xx

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  20. Attempting to have sex with dummies in M&S is not allowed. Try Primark instead. They don't mind there.

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    1. Anonymous11:04 am

      Best comment ever!

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  21. What were you doing in the women's section, eh? Those frilly knickers really don't suit you.

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  22. I liked Hanks in Philadelphia Story but not much else really. Seems like a good human being.....appears to have fallen into a Hollywood 'formula' cast actor.....seems to have lost spontaneity.

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  23. Aaah have to disagree with you there John.. Tom Hanks is one of my all time favorite actors. There are very few movies of his i haven't liked..Castaway i here alot of people didn't like but i did. And i'm a fan of his Davinci Code and Angels and Demons...looking forward to Infern.....the book was fabulous. I think he's had a pretty rock solid career.. more so than most. Hugs! deb

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