Gay History - BBC - A series of profiles of gay men and gay activists.

[Aquilla]

The BBC have been running several programs, on the progression of gay rights since the government sponsored reports of the late sixties, that led to the first changes in the law in the UK on homosexuality.

This is a profile of Quentin Crisp - he wrote a book called the 'NAKED CIVIL SERVANT', The book was a nostalgic look back at his life in the late thirties, with all its highs and many lows, the book has become a classic, mostly because it was so well written, combining humour and fact along with an astonishing historical analysis. Crisp became very famous in the UK as a result of its publication.

Quentin Crisp was flamboyent to a point almost beyond belief, he probably was the first ever openly queen (very effeninate ) type person.

Crisp took the law on many times and won, Crisp loved New York, he proclaimed it was an open almost surreal "City of controlled madness", where all accept all for what ever they are.

A docudrama was made by the BBC about his life, based on the book which was in turn written from his very detailed diarys.

The last scene in the drama, sees Crisp wondereing through a park in London in 1975, he is confronted by several youths, In the distance a policeman walks by, says one of the four youths to him!? You are a poof! give us some money or I will tell the copper you have been fiddleing with these, pointing at the two younger children in his company.

Crisp replies, do as you wish, you can hurt me no more! " I am now one of the stately Homos of England"

THE NAKED CIVIL SERVANT. J. Cape, London, 1968. Preface by Michael Holroyd. Holt, Rinehart & Winston, New York, 1977. Duckworth, London, 1977. Fontana, London, 1977. New American Library, New York, 1983. Plume, 1983. Penquin Books, 1997.

QUENTIN CRISP: I’M AN ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK [edited by Richard Connolly]. Rogner & Bernhard bei Zweitausendeins, Hamburg, in collaboration with Circumstantial Productions Publishing, Nyack, New York, 2003.

Quentin Crisp (1908–1999) is the author of the classic — and flamboyantly eccentric — coming-of-age memoir The Naked Civil Servant. The award-winning film version of The Naked Civil Servant, starring John Hurt, made him an instant international celebrity. Crisp also wrote numerous books and articles about his life and his opinions on style, fashion, and the movies. Often hailed as the 20th-century Oscar Wilde, Quentin Crisp was famous for his aphoristic witticisms. He performed his one-man show, An Evening with Quentin Crisp, "Quentin Crisp was such a unique individual that no one compares to him. There will probably never be anyone like him. If they try, they will fail."

— Phillip Ward, editor
Dusty Answers

...to acclaim in theaters around the world, all the while spreading his unique philosophy: "Never keep up with the Joneses; drag them down to your level. It's cheaper." During the second part of his one-man show, Crisp answered questions from the audience and gave advice to audience members about how to find their individual style and live a happy life. He was always in the "profession of being."

Quentin Crisp was Oscar Wilde's perfect descendant. With his calculated caustic words, open homosexuality and wittily provocative attitude toward any kind of conventionality, Crisp caused a bit of a stir in conservative England during the 1950s and 1960s, and even on through the 1970s. In 1981, Quentin Crisp moved to New York City, bringing along his familiar and witty remarks and his eccentricity. Quentin Crisp charmed everyone and became "the face of a modern rebel."

"Quentin Crisp is an international treasure."
— Jonathan Yardley
The Washington Post

Throughout his near twenty-year tenure on Manhattan, Mr. Crisp wrote a variety of books, reviews, appeared in several movies (most notably playing Elizabeth I in Sally Ann Potter's Orlando) and otherwise delighted us publicly and privately with his inimitable grace, wit and genius. Quentin Crisp died on the eve of touring his one-man show in Manchester, England, on 21 November 1999.

QUENTIN CRISP'S QUESTION TO THE WORLD!!!

When you’re dazed by the game –
muddled – stumped – at sea –

Ask: “If there were no praise or blame,
who would I be?”


Notorious Mr Crisp
I'M NOTORIOUS: QUENTIN CRISP © (FEATURE DOCUMENTARY)

http://www.*******.com/watch?v=9ROqF...elated&search=



One last gem.........
Quentin Crisp & Michael Musto discuss Holly Woodlawn (Drag Queen)

http://www.*******.com/watch?v=gRGnIemLCKo

All rights so very gratefully ackowledged thank you!.