1955: J B PRIESTLEY in his ISLE OF WIGHT home | Classic Interview | BBC Archive

J B Priestley welcomes Hywel Davies into his estate at Brook Hill, Isle of Wight, for the series At Home. The Bradford-born writer elaborated on his writing process, the curious inspiration for character names, and also his less than Jolly Jack reputation.
Renowned archaeologist and author Jacquetta Hawkes (Priestley's wife) also shows us around the grounds of their home, before J B unveils his newly acquired instrument - a television set, and expresses his hopes for what it might eventually host.
Clip taken from At Home, originally broadcast on BBC One, Monday 21 September 1955.
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[@thecaveofthedead]

"I like to be high when I'm working." Relatable.

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

He should have been a rock musician then, lol.

[@stonedhenge6]

real

[@effess8698]

This is glorious. A reminder of a time now passed. Priestley was one of Britain's greatest writers of the 20th century.

[@stephenguppy3466]

From a time when the subject was the focus of the programme, not the interviewer. Priestley's entire time onscreen is via one camera, in one continuous shot. It was all that was needed.

[@petergivenbless900]

I liked the little interlude in which Mrs. Priestley passive-aggressively whinged about the dismal luxury of her estate.

[@lynnesmith5718]

Great writer, love his plays.

[@Jesse__H]

It's ok, J.B. I like to be high when I'm working too.

[@petergivenbless900]

William S Burroughs, "... hold my syringe!"

[@1258-Eckhart]

Priestley looking at his TV image on the TV image we are looking at.

[@fredo1070]

I can see where Harry Enfield got Cholmondley Warner from.

[@andydixon2980]

Ha I was just thinking the same thing.

[@chelamcguire]

Brook is mentioned in the Doomsday book, so there's some serious history to Brook. The church is well worth a visit. Great interview. I loved the BBC once upon a time. Sadly, it died for me in 2000.

[@virgo675]

2000?? Why? The BBC is still great.

[@chelamcguire]

@@virgo675 Became way too left leaning and a propaganda too Gave my tv to charity shop in 2000.

[@writeract2]

such a talented writer yet he seemed a bit nervous. Festival at Farbridge was i believe the first jb priestly novel I picked up and just from the first few pages UTTERLY hilarious and so indicative of another time - I knew it was good just by looking at it.

[@jakecavendish3470]

Good ol Preboz

[@MrSimonmcc]

Seems like a game old chap, not the dour person I was expecting. There should've been a knock at the door though.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

No « like » every other word, no yoga pants, no tattoos, no product placement. Definitely a more civilized era.

[@oliverm22archive87]

Language changes over time, fashion changes over time. It doesn’t make it any less civilised just because it’s changed. I mean, go back to that time. You had people brutally killing, lynching, attacking other men just because of the colour of their skin. But just because they talk fancy or dress fancy they’re more civilised?

[@thellbst.universe6415]

Oh my god, proof that "Take the Fool Away" really exists!

[@HARRi81_UK]

I much prefer J R Hartley.

[@SuperTed19021]

😍