Observer Magazine, July 1980 Poor old Elvis couldn’t help it: his eyes glazed over when I started to speak and an expression of strained patience settled across his features. It was the same with James Baldwin and even Georgie Best, while Muhammad Ali solved the problem by steadfastly keeping his eyes closed during the whole… Continue reading…
The Making of Trick Or Treat?
The Sunday Times Magazine, September 1976 One lunchtime last summer, Michael Apted and I walked into a crowded restaurant together, sat down, and without looking at each other considered the menu. After a few moments he put his menu down, screwed up his face, and dropped his head in his hands. ‘Stephan’s gone,’ he said.… Continue reading…
Ormskirk – My Hometown
The Sunday Times Magazine, May 1976 The thing about Ormskirk was the women; they were voluptuous. For 20 years my mother and aunt between them must have clothed more bosoms and more bottoms than any other two persons in the whole town, and I grew up to admire the fulsome forms that carelessly undressed in… Continue reading…
A Funny Thing Happened to me on the way to the Maternity Ward
London Evening Standard, July 1972 A couple of weeks ago the gynaecologist suggested that my wife go into hospital a few days early to have her baby induced, as her ankles were beginning to swell and she was losing weight. Great, she thought. No more messing about waiting. Another couple of days and it’ll be… Continue reading…
