The diaries of Noel Coward in this book begin in 1941, continuing through December, 1969. His early years in the theatre and his war diaries have been published elsewhere. In my lifetime, Noel Coward was an icon of theatrical entertainers. Now I realize why, He gave everything of his talents and his time to his professional life and never sold out his own vision of his creations, musically and otherwise. He never envisioned being "profound"; he wanted the light touch, the deft revelations even in domestic comedy. He deplored the "kitchen sink" drama boys when they appeared in England who all seemed to take over and destroy lucidity; audibility; and compassion in the theatre thereafter. Readers will thoroughly enjoy the graceful, revealing and sincere "talking" these annual diaries convey from the mind of Noel Coward. He has a very good friend in himself, one feels. That is quite a feat in itself.
It is apparent reading his diaries- with the fascinating details of the processes- that to him, creating his musicals, his poetry and novels and his plays gave a joy to him in the making. Producing, directing and dealing with the vagaries of his stars and casts was another kettle of fish. He records them all, at their best and worst; most of them had been his friends for years. Reading about his work and weekly social calendars is enough to exhaust the reader; he rarely refused an invitation, and was usually working on a piece at the same time.
He records the joy and progress that he and his close associates made through the world, literally, seeking the perfect house, actually houses, to relax in; eventually, to find the home locales that gave him tax relief from the harsh British tax climate.
It was enchanting to learn he presented the first "special" in color, in the U.S., nationally broadcast in 1955, starring Noel with Mary Martin. Both sang their popular numbers and performed some skits, for 90 minutes, a record in those days. Noel had to restage all the camera work before the performance which was live. The crew had "no idea how to film musical theatre before a camera." The national audience response was ecstatic for this "little box" show of Big Talent. All the reports said they were hungry for the witty, sophisticated & purely lovely talented singers, bright romantic songs and dances. It is sad to realize the public is still waiting for this kind of quality entertainment from television today. 690pp.
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