At Dorset House, Gloucester Place, near Baker Street in Marylebone, I managed to witness the unveiling—by no less a personage than filmmaker Martin Scorsese—of an English Heritage Blue Plaque honoring extraordinary British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, aka "P&P" aka "The Archers", who created endearing cinematic gems The Red Shoes, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, I Know Where I'm Going!, A Canterbury Tale and A Matter of Life and Death during the 1940s.
Before the unveiling, I met Columba Powell, son of Michael Powell, and child star of Peeping Tom, the 1960 shocker masterpiece that destroyed Powell's career upon its release. Chuffed-and-a-half to have a chance to discuss his father's genius and praise The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. Over a coffee down the block, we agreed that the film, rather than skewering and satirising the British Military, actually was a tribute.
Scorsese and his longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker (Michael Powell's widow) have tirelessly championed P&P.
Columba pointing my way, noting to Thelma I'd journeyed from San Francisco. I got the chance to tell her about my San Francisco State University journalism class assignment that had me reviewing the just-released Raging Bull, which she edited. For the record, I gave the film a thumbs up!
Comedian, actor, Twitter maven, BAFTA Awards host and P&P aficionado Stephen Fry, proudly wearing an Archers pin. After the ceremony, I managed to shake his hand and suggest he host the Academy Awards as well. "Oh, too kind!" he replied.
Dorset House, Gloucester Place, near Baker Street, where the Archers had offices from 1942-1947.
Cheers to No. 1 P&P supporter Steve Crook for making this honor a reality after a 12-year campaign.
Andrea next to Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger portrait at National Theatre, South Bank, London.
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