An Evening With Quentin Crisp (Complete)

[@AlexanderMccarthey87]

He's famous for being himself, just himself and nothing more. It wasn't about being gay. It was about being Crispin. It's astounding. His personality made him a celebrity, and everywhere he went people were fascinated with him.

[@johndean4727]

its crisp genius.

[@rebeccaheim8278]

Its easy to see why. He is such an enchanting character with such intelligent wit. I am so greatfull U Tube, for this opportunity, as I hadn't heard of him prior. Thankyou

[@xeokym223]

He was almost like a zen Buddhist, his wisdom could apply to anyone.

[@rogerd3051]

What really made him famous was the book he wrote about his life that was turned into a movie, it was called the naked Civil servant. They also made a sequel called The English man in New York.

[@davidanthonystone5165]

He was a natural sage

[@mariom5307]

What an inspiration. What a speaker. What a person. What clarity, what rhythm, what glory. What baffling eloquence, wisdom an humour. I am staggered. What a loss. What a gain. I am humbled.

[@evo5dave]

I grew up in a northern working class town in a time when homophobia was pretty much the norm. It was the insult you would throw around in the playground, the comedian's punchline, the bigotry that mums and dads didn't tell you off for, the 'justifiable' reason for someone to get their head kicked in. If you want to see the embodiment of bravery in the face of all of that, this man is it.

[@philipmalone4771]

How beautifully said!

[@khiggins7231]

True and well said

[@narasimha7187]

Quentin's great. I was 13 when I saw the Naked Civil Servant and swanning around Sunderland an effeminate goth. I was beaten by skinheads and forever running away from gangs at bus stations! My eyeliner only got thicker. School was a nightmare of bullying. Now I'm 50 living in the high desert of Arizona and have traveled extensively in my beloved India. Most of the straights and classmates and teachers that gave me hell haven't had a fraction of the adventure I've had.

[@khiggins7231]

@@narasimha7187 Lucky you living in Arizona

[@evo5dave]

@@narasimha7187 That's great man. I spent a few years in Sunderland too, in the late 80s, early 90s. Rough old place! I can imagine the reactions. And you've settled in one of my favourite holiday destinations!

[@nickbarton3191]

This talk isn't only for the gay community, it speaks to each one of us to become the people we choose to be. Brilliant explanation of freedom, challenging to the core.

[@Goldi3loxrox]

Thought id give it a minute or two. Next thing i knew it was over. I was utterly absorbed. Smiled and laughed all the way through. ( Actually that one line is how life should be. )

[@Sotzume]

I met him briefly in Boston when I arranged his travel to and from the city where he was lecturing. He was the sweetest and kindest person. It was an honor to meet him, even if it was such a short time.

[@MaestroGradius]

How did you come to do that for him? Please share a little of your story

[@natashasemrau3670]

This man is not just a role model for gays, but for everyone who has been bullied or hated by the majority of the people. Thanks for sharing his courage with us.🐞🐞🐞🐞🍀🍀🍀🍀🐩🐩🐩🐩

[@lolabow5421]

Wonderful💗

[@gaskellr44]

@Geoff Wode It all depends on the level and amount of bullying one has received.

[@gaskellr44]

@Geoff Wode Oh, I'll let you decide.

[@gaskellr44]

@Geoff Wode Yep, we have to make the best of things.

[@michaelamist8703]

What a wonderful soul

[@mattbod]

Homophobes may have attacked him but he was a gutsy and brave man being out at a time when it was illegal in the UK. You can't read "The Naked Civil Servant" without being deeply moved by his grit. A wonderful man and a great character.

[@junevandermark9132]

I agree. I am a heterosexual by "nature," and I never believed that homosexuality was a choice. I also read the Naked Civil Servant, and had nothing but admiration for his being out at a time when many homosexuals were being killed, simply for coming out as being who they were born to be. Quentin will always be a hero to me, as I love what he referred to as his "style."

[@greengardengreen6666]

A brave man and a gentleman, with wit.

[@junevandermark9132]

@@greengardengreen6666 I agree!

[@maggiesace389]

homophobes attacked him? Homosexuals also attacked him!! Homosexuals who don't like being told what to do, but no qualms about telling other homosexuals what to do?!?!?!?!

[@Tim1968-l9l]

@@maggiesace389 True !

[@jacarta2007]

"The only thing you have to wear is yourself", said Mr. Crisp. A powerful teaching for people from any walk of life.

[@KurtStengel]

I was lucky to see him live, at the Bath Theatre Royal performing this show. Met him briefly afterwards. A beautiful, inspirational man. We could do with more like him today.

[@rael1999]

His thoughts are as relevant today as they were when he delivered them. Intelligent, witty, confident and concise on how he views the world. A lovely man who knew what made him happy, his interaction with people. The young could do well to sit for a few hours and listen to Quentin. If they do they'll have a much better chance of being who they want to be and with that, much happier.

[@HayleyAMathiason]

Quentin Crisps life was his art. The way he lived it with his magnificent wit, his evanescent of adornment, dazzling public speaking and causing outrage in his early life. To overcome so much cruelty that was inflicted upon him and to remain so kind is truly admirable.❤. adore the man!

[@nealmehta1407]

He has a unique and cohesive philosophy which is a very rare thing indeed. Beautiful

[@JoseEduardoNZ]

Thank you. I was in London when he died and my friend Marc had bought tickets for us to go and see his show. A few days later I and my friend learnt he had died. We both understood his passing was a sad loss. He was such an interesting character and his stage presence was meant to be very special.

[@POCKET21923]

God, what wonderful logic and wisdom! I could spend my entire quarantine time watching him! I'm sorry he went through so much BS from people. They missed out on getting to know such a gentle soul.

[@swagonwheels]

A person with such brilliant wisdom.

[@samyandkitty8399]

He was and is so underrated. His philosophy and philosophical talks are absolutely honest and true.

[@tracylf5409]

No one, certainly no LGBTIQA should have to go through ANYTHING due to bigoted BS, and that human right should be obvious whether you're gentle or wise or not.

[@funjuror]

We were lucky enough to have our own Oscar Wilde for our lifetime.

[@tula1433]

Absolutely

[@guydreamr]

Oscar Wilde should've had Quentin Crisp.

[@mark-j-adderley]

The Golden, radiant, glorious, magnificent, glittering and adorable sunset of his life.

[@JasonBlackthorn]

He lived for another 20 years after this, I do believe. Til 1999.

[@princeandrey]

@@JasonBlackthorn Nevertheless...

[@joseph1980.]

Love it

[@damsonhaathi1131]

This would be so amazing to see on stage today in 2021. The script is not dated at all. What a wonderfully witty human being. Respect.

[@guydreamr]

That's an excellent point, this man really was timeless.

[@andrewoldham1]

You start to watch and you just can’t stop. Such a wonderful man. They don’t make them like this anymore. Thanks for sharing

[@booth2710]

I've watched it 3 times in a row now ..

[@kriskabin]

Alok has a similar brilliant visionary intelligence today, in our time.

[@hippyIM1]

Amazing guy and had more balls than most straight guys.Thanks for uploading this.

[@nissimlevy3762]

I don't think gay men are known for having no balls. They're gay, not transgender.

[@gaskellr44]

Sexuality is not a factor in bravery as courage comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and types.

[@maggiesace389]

he didn't have more balls. But he did have class and character!!! Stop making what Quentin was about what heterosexuals aren't. Quentin was Quentin.

[@FrankNFurter1000]

Thank you so much for uploading this. Quentin, one of the wisest men who ever lived.

[@Papermac]

I was about to write the exact same thing. :-) My deepest thanks for sharing this.

[@FrankNFurter1000]

Once again, I return to this video: an evening with my hero in its entirety. Cheers all.

[@bikerianm]

letterman has no idea what crisp is saying or how he is actually using him as his stuge hes just not bright enough to get it

[@Bonzulac]

@@bikerianm Thanks for accusing someone of stupidity by calling him a "stuge." Quintin would love the irony.

[@feeltheforce10]

A rare person indeed.They dont make them like Mr Crisp anymore.His wisdom is a true gift to mankind. Such a shame how he died on the eve of his one man show.Thats life ! rarely kind and injust. Crisp died of a heart attack on 21 November 1999, nearly one month before his 91st birthday, while staying at the home of a friend in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, on the eve of a nationwide revival of his one-man show.

[@chuck482]

I hate doing qualifiers, but I'm a straight guy compelled to search him out after hearing him on Letterman. As I'm all about fair play, this guy is practically a super hero to me for enduring what he did with apparently such grace. Though he couldn't have possibly felt all that gracious during the times his ass was getting kicked. Possibly that's what it takes to be a great philosopher. I'm only 12 minutes into this damned thing and all the comments about him being a philosopher are coming into easy sharp focus for me. This is gonna be one of those very rare cases where I'm gonna have to come back to this and absorb the insanely numerous nuggets of wisdom, too many to soak in immediately. I'm not even gonna talk about the humor here. Wish I could've been a next door neighbor to this guy. What rich experience that would be!

[@tracylf5409]

Struggle is what makes a human being great. That's why "silver-spoons" are ass-hats. Mr. Crisp was real, authentic, and gave no fvcks. Compare him to politicians or inherited-wealthy who are lying whores. Those lying whores try to push "others" down, because they, themselves, are devoid of human feelings.

[@reginab645]

My brother and I discovered and admired Mr. Crisp when we were in the Bronx as children. We had seen an interview he had done and were completely enamored with him. We admired even at a young age his personal freedom he expressed . Thankfully we were raised by wonderful parents who had raised free thinkers and recognizing a wonderful human being when you see one.

[@mariaschiffer3401]

Oh, darlings! I've got goosebumps reading 'Bronx, children'...and felt delirious! There is a God...and you, both, are blessed. Thank you for sharing. 😇🤗💃

[@AidanCasserlyHome]

Wonderful, remarkable and unique. Oscar Wilde would approve of everything Quentin said. I was lucky enough to meet this remarkable man here in Dublin, Ireland. Bless you Quentin wherever you are x

[@devillehall6171]

Unlike Oscar ,Quentin was a survivor...

[@mattbeer8644]

What a Wit and philosopher ! he is indeed on a par with Wilde. Saw him in the 80's and its so wonderful to see and hear this again ! x

[@joelleyendecker1536]

Thank you for uploading this marvelous film. I had seen it many years ago on British television and since then I remain fascinated by this brave and wittiest man.

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

Sounds like he found a bit of happiness late in life. Good for him.

[@arkymichael6935]

Just watched this video. Thanks for uploading this testament to his brilliance. Bloody HERO!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cupcake4177]

God, why has nobody from my generation ever heard of this treasure.

[@bikerianm]

because there was no internet or instagram or youtube its a time when people had personality and intelligence but you can make it your job to delve into the world of people who existed and didnt need a phone !

[@meansy7753]

Because your generation is the generation that thinks bringing the word 'Queer' back is acceptable, demonstrating a huge lack of understanding. But luckily I'll be dead before long and the world will no doubt descend further into the chaos in the hands of the snowflake millennials.

[@cupcake4177]

@@meansy7753 What is wrong with reclaiming a word for ourselves? The issue with the word Queer was the hate that came from behind the word. We took out the hatred and made it an inclusive positive word.

[@cupcake4177]

@J Randall I find it humorous that you liked you're own comment. It is a perfect encapsulation of your vanity.

[@alicekranyk4173]

@@cupcake4177 ok ladies, stop fighting

[@lucyhinds8102]

A lovely man. My aunt painted him at art school and she was always amazed at the bizarre poses he managed to maintain. I think of him as part of my growing up

[@carolcoates3750]

Such a lovely lovely gentle man. 'The Naked Civil Servant' was a fantastic film and John Hurt played Quentin Crisp perfectly. Thank you for allowing us a chance to see this wonderful man again.

[@ylekiote99999]

I've never seen a like/dislike ratio like this. This is one of the bravest men ever in history.

[@Dagger13824]

The highest praise I can ever give to anyone (and I give it most freely and deservingly to Quentin Crisp): Thank You For Being You.

[@briteness]

"I'm trying to speak to anybody who feels that the band always seems to be playing in another street, who seems to be locked in his room. When I say the door is not locked, go to where the band is playing, I don't want anyone to say, 'I haven't a thing to wear.' As I see it, all you have to wear is yourselves."

[@lolabow5421]

Seriously needed to be listening to this while working into the early hours on a mind numbing document while in LA. What drew me to this I wonder indeed but I think I may listen to this every day for the next couple of weeks - wonderful therapy from such a wise soul💗 Much Love to your Spirit Quentin! Natty la Cuan xx

[@pjaayzutube]

I'm rich because I've taken my wages in people and Thankyou. Amazing😊

[@nickrobinson2023]

His talent is absolutely incredible...and I only became aware of him thanks to Sting's "Englishman in New York". Thank you very much.

[@davidanthonystone5165]

So privileged to have seen Mr Crisp in the late 70’s. Wondering what he would think of the invasion of the world since the mobile phone and the smart phone came out.

[@jbeaupre1800]

Lucky me, saw him in NYC , on stage.

[@jon780249]

Must have been memorable. What a wit he was.

[@Degjoy]

He is amazing. I adore him.

[@theretreatanimalrescuefarm2758]

Incredibly moving and entertaining at the same time. Absolutely another Oscar Wilde. Wonderful.

[@brandrider1989]

Let me start off with a qualifying statement . I am a Bible believing Christian. I don’t support the idea of homosexuality. However this doesn’t mean that I don’t love people for who they are and accept them as they are . I am an absolute fan of Quentin and wish I could have met him. He was an amazing human being. Intelligent, funny, kind and definitely sure of himself . I love listening to this talk and often come back to listen to it. I absolutely wish I’d met mr crisp and had a chance to talk to him

[@mrdarcy9379]

Oh i love this man! ❤ I so would have loved to have known Quentin Crisp. I love his sheer honesty, and his intelligence. He was well ahead of his time. R.I.P. dear Quentin Crisp. ❤

[@iancrawford4559]

My great uncle.

[@hermesokniknee7168]

Seriously? He was quite the character.

[@jessnossitercm]

I hope this is actually true!

[@ladavis1959]

He really was a great sage , teacher and seer .The initiated will appreciate his humor and recall his style of being an impression.

[@Richardgredden]

What a man we will never se thee likes of him again a real sage

[@hhairball9]

I was a very young girl when I saw "The Naked Civil Servant". I've loved him ever since! Thank you for this!

[@ezradickey505]

Thanks for uploading this gem. I'll not forget calling Quentin up one night (around 1996) and asked him how to deal w/ a couple who were late for a dinner party that a friend & I were throwing. He gave excellent advice & stayed on the phone (though obviously tired) to talk to the woman who was hosting the dinner party for a considerable time. I miss his presence on this 2018 world.

[@matthewmorgan6814]

How did you get his number?

[@gingersal8052]

Matthew Morgan he made his phone number public while living in New York and used to answer whoever was calling him apparently.

[@AllyPerrott]

That is astonishing Ezra. I think this man is an absolute hero, and I would have loved to have talked to him. You were very lucky 🍀

[@ezradickey505]

He did indeed

[@ezradickey505]

@@AllyPerrott He was one in a million!

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

One thing he said I always remember is ...he said he never dusted ever...that after the first 4 yrs it never gets worse. I am currently testing the theory.

[@craigwilson5232]

Still thought provoking today,as it was then. Unique,inimitable ,and ultimately ,a positive force for this sorry world.

[@macavitymacavity]

The year of this lecture was 1980, at the Westwood Playhouse in Los Angeles.

[@simonmclaren5013]

Thank you, that’s why I came to the comments to find out.

[@ms.sherlock]

Thank you so much for finding and uploading this! I so agree that he was amazingly brave to be himself in an environment of danger, scorn, and contempt. Yet he was so far above those who judged him harshly and those who attacked him verbally or physically. I think he was literally a genius in his amazingly quick wit and his incisive observations of human nature - all of which he presented sardonically, without judgment, and with quick silver speed. I think he was completely and wonderfully unìque and wise. I truly feel he was a gentle genius in the art of "being". He was a one of a kind - absolutely, wonderfully himself. ❤

[@zyxmyk]

i first saw him about 1973 on TV. My take on him was that his job as a model, having to hold completely still, functioned like Buddhist meditation and gave him a kind of beingness that most people don''t have. that's why he's so self-aware and wise.

[@fretboardmaster70]

Ask yourself why you keep coming back to this video? This beautiful gentleman was ahead of his time….

[@maroulio2067]

Love him- we are here forgetting supper time to enjoy all his marvelousness.

[@bridgetchapman5985]

Thank you for sharing! What a remarkable human being! I so admire his determination and courage to always be himself despite all the hate and abuse he suffered. Such a true message regarding looking inwards to know yourself.

[@TimelordUK]

Such an intelligent man

[@Robi6942]

Thank you thank you thank you, what an absolute treat it was to find this performance - Mr. Crisp was a man of wonderful wit and wisdom. He was, in my eyes a beautiful soul with a unique perspective,I love his work immensely. So thank you again for uploading this work.

[@PaulWallis]

Sam, thank you so much for posting this. "I know a lot of people who say that their object is to take their place in society. Don't ever do that! Stay right where you are and wait for society to form itself around you." Today people might think these words of Quentin Crisp unremarkable. Back in 1980 when this show was recorded TV interviewers were left open mouthed at his bold pronouncements. I think in hindsight it is easier to recognize the prophetic truth and courage he brought to us. His answers in the Q&A which followed the monologue section of this show are powerful and profound. His words are all the more powerful today - because the story of Quentin Crisp's courageous life and the movement of society since provide a perfect illustration of the quote above. (He is one of the icons of leadership I include on my own website.) Thanks again, Sam, for sharing this. Quentin Crisp is really inspirational to anyone wishing to live an authentic life.

[@michaelneel4828]

Totally loved it ! I don't no why he always gets the worst backlash ? I read a review where they said he was just a big cry baby who whines on & on about his pathetic life . I think he speaks the truth & they can't handle that ( Just Saying ).

[@gaskellr44]

Probably from a testosterone-ridden macho, closeted rag.

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

Read about his views on AIDS

[@georgegeorgiev3946]

@@jasonandlynnechambers3420 that was a huge mistake he did but got right later. Plus he donated monthly checks (thousands of dollars per month) to AMFAR.

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

@@georgegeorgiev3946 Yes he did but at the time his words were offensive and stupid.

[@georgegeorgiev3946]

@@jasonandlynnechambers3420 sooooo you never made a mistake? You're perfect? :)

[@jacquesmunier1199]

He is amazingly witty and funny and profound at the same time. Thank you kindly for posting this video.

[@ProfessorBear]

Thank You SO much for this..he#s a hero of mine!

[@mentallo]

When I lived in the East Village in NY in the 90s, I always saw him at his favorite diner and always with pretty young men. He was such a fixture. Seeing him made you feel calm about the world. He was like a never changing picture of old world defiance. He looked ridiculous but that's why we loved him. We should all have the courage to truly be ourselves and look as ridiculous as we would like.

[@shandalear3252]

What diner? I lived on the east side. Loved the Kiev.

[@edub9930]

Beautiful way of putting it

[@guydreamr]

I actually thought he was a great dresser, like he is here. But make no mistake, his look wouldn't work for everyone.

[@pds002]

What a wonderful broadcast! Thank you.

[@cliffjamesmusic]

What a gem; containing what some people would consider challenging views, exquisitely expressed and a wonderful stimulus for a round of subsequent discussions.

[@cheredneypharis9904]

What a hoot . Captured my mind for sure!

[@gsogso3444]

Thank you Mr Crisp

[@uapuat]

I saw him do this show in Liverpool. Very lucky! He was asked what he thought about the 'Naked Civil Servant,' he said that John Hurt was his 'representative on Earth.' When asked by an audience member if it was possible to have a Lifestyle while working in a shop, he told us that the secret there was to 'talk people into buying things they would rather die than have.'

[@bobbydorou8438]

The tv Film "The Naked Civil Servant ". John Hurt caught the mannerisms and character so very well when he played Quinten Crisp. Your missed so very much John and that was the very first time that I had heard of Quinten, so watching this video of him is quite a discovery, a great up load. Thank you so very much.

[@shandalear3252]

We will never see his kind again. How I regret not speaking to him when I lived in NYC. We were both on the east side. He had such star power that I didnt want to get too close...we got on the same bus frequently to go crosstown. His energy was one of a kind and I will never forget him. ♥️♥️♥️

[@eleanorkennedy669]

What a wonderful man, such a brilliant orator. I love him!

[@cBearTV-]

After hearing Quentins washing up rituals or lack of them, I think I feel an OCD cleaning attack coming on, other than that very wise words my friend RIP Quentin Thankyou for you're courage.

[@evanmax6080]

Thank you so much for this

[@reubenroo]

Saw this show twice in London. Lovely to see it again so thanks for posting. I still have several letters from Quentin...a couple from when he lived in Beaufort Street, London, but mostly from New York. Cherished.

[@christianbernardsinger]

Brilliant - a beacon, a gift, and actually, a great teacher!

[@brockelman]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this. His insight combined with his life experience is more valuable today than ever.

[@itopus1]

What a gem this man was to the world !

[@Waxadisc]

15 minutes he talks about machines collecting our data forever 🤣🤣👍👍 spot on Quentin. This man was incredibly smart.

[@mizayn]

what a charming and eloquent soul.. i've not thought of him since the 80s and now i will think of him a;; the time...Thank YOU very much for posting this...it is an important piece...

[@abbamanic]

Awesome, glad to see this back online!

[@kapple654]

I love how he describes the personification of a human living their true self and Jungian Shadow as Tallulah Bankhead as she opens at a Westend theatre in London, in a murder mystery, stepping over a dead body as the curtain opens to rapturous applause saying "hello darlings thank you so so much" then stepping back over the dead body and going "ooh" in shock as if she's just seen it. lmfao. He makes camp high art.

[@phillgreenland2390]

Another thanks for finding and uploading this - everyone who wants to see it deserves to see it. Thanks again!

[@personofinterest8731]

The most wit and wisdom packed into the most enjoyable hour I've had in a long time. Thank you so much for bringing it to us.

[@nobleroman5601]

Thank you for posting this video, I've watched all the movies and some other interviews but find this one to be one of the best,,,,,, thanks again.

[@ur1bro]

Quentin was a survivor. He took the crap that the world threw at him and he rose above it! Plus he did it his way, with style!

[@hirschowitz1]

Simply marvelous..... thank you so much for posting this gem.

[@johnellis6755]

Amazing many thanks for posting this.

[@allenraysmith6885]

Thank you for posting this wonderful program!

[@thomassperduti4500]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Peace.

[@chuck4921]

Such a marvelous human being. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jasonphillips8236]

Thanks for sharing this bro

[@fretboardmaster70]

I could listen for hours to him and I do

[@rosemaryallen2128]

Someone asked me recently to recommend someone to look up to. If I had already listened to this discourse, I should have had no hesitation in mentioning this wise and witty man.

[@Bonzulac]

I'm sure he would have been honored to know that he was finally deemed "Family Home Entertainment."

[@guydreamr]

Don't try to join society. Wait for society to form around you. - Quentin Crisp

[@loulou4148]

Absolutely Unique Man, Big Respect for Living how he wanted to Live.

[@chesnut72]

wonderful! thank you so much for uploading. He is an inspiration!

[@steadyeddie7]

One of the very few people who can evoke candid introspection.

[@ptrck99]

Thank you, @Sam Tichinoff for uploading this wonderful play.

[@ike50]

Thanks for posting this!

[@ryanmoorfell1530]

Mark Hutchinson