Against all odds, Noël Coward became the most successful multi-talented artist of the 20th Century. The film features Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Harold Pinter, Frank Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, Michael Caine, and Lucille Ball. It is narrated by Alan Cumming. Rupert Everett is the voice of Noël Coward. Adam Lambert sings the title track. Directed by Barnaby Thompson.
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00 That first evening in New York, I sauntered down Broadway alone
00:04 as I dreamt of seeing, flashing in lights, my name, Noel Coward.
00:09 As an actor, playwright, songwriter, singer and director,
00:12 Noel Coward will become the most talented entertainer of all time.
00:17 He was a sensation.
00:19 I went on the stage when I was ten, so I didn't have any formal education,
00:25 which of course left me free to educate myself.
00:28 # I'm mad about the boy... #
00:32 By the age of 30, he was the highest-paid writer in the world.
00:36 # Button man, dogs in English one, go out to the midday,
00:39 # Out to the midday, out to the midday, out to the midday... #
00:42 Frank Sinatra said, "If you want to hear how songs should be sung,
00:46 "go see Noel Coward."
00:48 I was trained when I was very young as a show-off.
00:51 And I've continued triumphantly until this moment.
00:54 He was a rebel and a patriot who dared to be queer in a very straight world.
00:59 The criminal law in this matter is to preserve public order and decency.
01:04 When neither of us free to love each other, there's too much in the way.
01:07 # Lord knows I'm not a fool... #
01:10 The long cigarette head and the red silk dressing gown.
01:13 Noel's carpet slippers and baked beans.
01:16 To see Noel Coward come on the audience went nuts.
01:19 # In the glory of his fame... #
01:21 Noel Coward moulded the spirit of a nation.
01:24 So why did this astonishing man end his life,
01:27 exiled from the country he came to define?
01:30 He said this was strong-moving and an experience in the theatre.
01:33 I'd rather it was a good play.
01:35 This is his remarkable story.
01:37 What is the word for when one has terrific, prolific qualities?
01:43 Talent.
01:44 LAUGHTER
01:45 # About the boy... #
01:47 # About the boy... #
01:49 # About the boy... #
01:51 # About the boy... #
01:53 [BLANK_AUDIO]