Bernard Braden interviews Quentin Crisp (1968) | BFI National Archive

[@davicool9958]

I love this man; his vocabulary - his story - his lack of hate - his prescient philosophical viewpoint. His only problem was that he was born 200 years before his time. We will NEVER forget you Mr. Crisp... Never!

[@elspethcoogan1499]

I can’t see how it was Crisp's “problem” to have been born 200 years before his time; he hardly had a say in his conception and birth. Also, why two-hundred years? I’m not sure what the significance of this time period represents. Crisp's philosophy on life transcends the confines of history and his wisdom is timeless.

[@tootienottoofruitie1726]

For sure... I will never forget him... What a message he had for this world.. I cannot ever forget ‼️😊🌹

[@tootienottoofruitie1726]

@@elspethcoogan1499 I think maybe that person meant 100 years ago.. meaning he was transcend and totally modern and self actualized which really transcends time💖

[@geffreywinn2229]

Dear Mr Cool I reply to you because I completely agree with everything you say you worded the whole with an educated edge

[@Kath1813]

I totally agree. Fortunately for the world, though, he was born when he was and helped to move us all forward in our thinking and attitudes. What a beautiful soul he was.

[@shandalear3252]

After he moved to NYC...his demeanor completely changed...in interviews thereafter, were full of joy and happiness. He was content, at long last, for the rest of his life. And he is greatly missed. ♥️

[@vikramadoddamani]

Oh really! That is a relief. Did you have the good fortune of working with him?

[@petemc5070]

He found Americans to be tolerant and pleasant, accepting him for who he was. Unlike in Britain they didn't feel a pressing need to assault him.

[@personofinterest8731]

I am 75 years old and the most wisdom I have heard about the genders came from the mind and heart of this man. RIP beautiful soul. Your old friend Dot 🇿🇦🌻💋💔

[@philsooty5421]

This guy did so much and suffered so much for his beliefs and I'm glad he got the success he deserved in the final outcome of his life

[@roby72s]

Very true. He was very talented and smart. RIP

[@johnfenton4955]

Lovely man

[@mikehudson8884]

I concur 100 per cent.

[@andynixon2820]

He's an extremely interesting and wise man . The idea that acceptance comes eventually through boredom is brilliant .

[@bonnie3447]

I agree. Bearnad brazen was great.

[@novo611]

We need him here now. Wonderful human being 🙏🇮🇪

[@Rowlph8888]

He would be disgusted with How things have gone Full circle In the last 35 years, I think

[@2godless]

“Enlightenment does not produce tolerance; tolerance is the result of boredom.” Very true

[@Joaocruz30]

I've got that one too. Brilliant. But I think he is defeated by the world he is surrounded. The intolerance, the cruelty, the hatred he has to contour throughout is life maybe made him more cold and indifferent. If he only was born today maybe could be in total synchronization with the mindset of tomorrow.

[@Veronicababe]

He was preachn

[@simplyme8593]

This is the only interview (from those I've watched so far) that he is asked to answer unique questions and not the same and them same all the time like in every other interview. He also looks different here. More turned inside, quiet, almost melancholic.

[@shandalear3252]

I think the older he got...from interviews Ive seen...he became more flamboyant and happier. Whether or not he was indeed happier, perhaps he was more content.

[@1emmajones]

I noticed that too.

[@marcsinc]

I am never bored by the reason of this man - he made sense then as he does now. I was so glad to have met him twice - I wish it had been more!

[@waynejones750]

I could listen to this man for hours ❤

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Love his use of the English language.

[@PMS1950]

A truly remarkable and compassionate man. His humanity and humour bursts through every page of his writing and unlike so many other 'autobiographical' works, his writing has an honesty and lack of self pity, which lift him to another level of literary integrity.

[@bigboxbobby2]

This is wonderful. I met Quentin once at a book signing after his one man show. What an original talent. Thanks BFI once again.

[@JohnWest507]

He's so incredibly soft-spoken, but he accomplished so much - even if he never acknowledged it himself in interviews.

[@jethrobradley7850]

It is fascinating to watch these earlier interviews with Quentin and contrast them with his interviews and appearances in the 80s and 90s. He is always articulate and engaging but here and in the early 70s, there is also an air of resignation, detachment and even -as the interviewer suggests - depression, whereas in later interviews he seems much more free and well, happy. Fame and America suited him.

[@hallerd]

You're right. A lot of people probably came up to him in the street and thanked him or some such.

[@examineislam926]

I'd forgotten how good Bernard Braden was as an interviewer. He poses very thoughtful and insightful questions. It's clear he's done a lot of preparation. Compare him with today's mindless , wittering 'personality' interviewers.

[@robinharley852]

Pure genius. Poor beautiful, scathed soul. If only for a moment I could have hugged you, embraced your intellect

[@kevgh3869]

Why do you say he is poor? I think he was so much richer than the average person.

[@frankrobinson6841]

@@kevgh3869 we.are.all.tortured Souls.,l.think.he.was.very.clever Intelligent.gentleman..

[@brunolepine6709]

I suppose that by poor or scathed you mean to be compassionate. In my opinion, he had the extreme privilege to overcome tyranny and used the experience to enrich his life as well as the lives of others. I can’t think of anything more glorious.

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

He was a grifter.

[@MrTempest77]

What a great man! A very wise and brilliant man, a light in the darkness of the world. He is quoted as saying, "It's not what you can find, but what you can unpack in your self that counts," or words to that effect. I have found him to be an inspiration and an example of how to live a full life, lived well. He is one of my greatest heros, he is very much missed from this world. To Mr Crisp with love, affection and gratitude.

[@knebworth1986]

The interviewer here is doing most of the talking. The best interviews are where concise questions are asked. Also the answers must be listened to very carefully. I love listening to Quentin talk. Need to hear more of it here.

[@Caspar33]

I agree - an inspiration. Demonstrates the value of thinking for yourself when one finds oneself on the OUTSIDE of normal society. I was on the team for Thames that made The Naked Civil Servant only spoke with him once and now the world is in such a shambles I'd urge anyone to work harder on being outside rather than in. He did it with such style. Thanks for unearthing it and posting. A gem.

[@abbamanic]

Always fascinating to listen to! His tone changed a little from this downbeat interview, after the Escape to New York and fame, but always a witty gem of a man. Great.

[@apollonia6656]

A beautiful soul. .much missed.

[@alisongrace4334]

He was a great man.

[@marywinters6974]

What incarnation did this soul flow from? Such conviction of truth about humanity, such understanding of who we are and treat our fellow beings as we all deserve. And yes his expression has taught us so much, if we can only listen with intent and humility. Thank you Quentin 😇

[@hans.z7217]

Quentin Crisp IS Brilliant!! thank you BFI for making this available

[@sebastianmelmoth685]

In his early interviews there exists a bitterness. An honest bitterness.

[@sebastianmelmoth685]

@Wintruz deep and reverent bow in response

[@RuthCampbell123]

what a lovely man i cryed watching The Naked Civil Servant God Bless Him X

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

I could watch Quentin all day. I doubt anybody who ever met him had a bad thing to say, apart from people who work in the cleaning industry 😎 A true hero.

[@markszawlowski867]

Now this is an interview. Well thought out, entertaining and probing.

[@Stephensorrentino]

Thank you for showing this clip. It is so important.

[@robertwilson123]

Quintin was always interesting to listen to . A very intelligent man, philosophical, insightful and with a sharp wit. Here Mr Crisp seems quite subdued. Quintin lived his life in a dingy bedsit with a small stove.... and on the streets of London. Good old Quintin. Well done Mr Crisp.

[@bigbandsrock1]

Here on KZbin there IS an interview with Mr. Crisp that takes place in his little room (which is says he hadn't cleaned in many years), but he briefly goes into "if only he had been born a woman," and I thought about people today who are able to happily live as a man or a woman, whichever is their true inner identity and felt sad he didn't live in times more accepting. Yet, trailblazers were necessary and terribly important and he definitely was one. A fascinating gentleman. I don't always agree with him, but, one can't help but admire his bravery and brilliance!

[@pennyc7064]

Yes, I watched that YT video. I think ''maybe'' he was a woman trapped in a man's body. I really feel sad for what he went through in his life.

[@tula1433]

@@Terfdom you wake up. You are ignorant that there is even different types of transexuals. Only ONE type is validated by science. Sadly I get called transphobic for saying this in today’s crazy “gender identity” world. Actual transexuals exist.

[@susansantapola]

Years ago I remember seeing this and other programs about Quentin. I always found the programs fascinating, I thought he seemed a wonderful and inspiring man and wow watch it now,yes he is.

[@EyeLean5280]

I hope he discovered that one can be just as happy after 60 as before.

[@ramasbaz]

I am watching "naked civil servant" at least once a week....sooooo inspiring

[@simonhoare2646]

Such an incredible mind and this is a great interview...

[@lindsaydenman1835]

So eloquent and fascinating. Passionate and deeply considered, experienced. Later interviews-say, on Letterman, are detached and flip, camp and wryly funny-hilarious. But this is a deeply beautiful, human being who has seen and examined so much. He almost never moves his head, and his gaze is real and intense. He's the best.

[@ninjabluewings]

Dear ole Quentin was such a special, unique and gentle soul, so intelligent and with the wisdom of many men, I really hope he did experience some happiness in his life from time to time as everyone deserves to be happy in life even if it's only fleeting they still have this right. I wish I had met this man as I am sure it would have been a unique experience and very inspirational

[@hayleyanna2625]

A sweet intelligent and a very fascinating beautiful human being. A anger bubbles underneath the gentleness. How could it not? He was treated appallingly for so very long. The humiliation he had to endure, for merely being himself. He is hugely important to me, as someone who feels very much outside of society my self. ❤️

[@paulschnyder938]

Indeed, but he reaffirms the fact that being 'outside' society is actually a blessing, once you accept that 'society' has nothing beneficial to offer.

[@blipblip88]

"Tolerance is the result of boredom" I like that grim truthfulness.

[@michaelparker2225]

Met him at a gallery in Manhattan, it was my first time in the city, being southern he said you are not from here are you? I said in my southern voice no sir, he said you would call me sir! He said he was charmed and said hold on to your innocents as long as you can because it is far and few today! He was dressed in a purple suit and I have to say he made an impression! Later that nite I watched a film where he played queen Victoria, the movie was called orlando! Still have the dvd.

[@minutegongcoughs]

Quentin was once asked to give a talk on sex. He stood up and exclaimed "Oh God, Sexual Intercourse is something I know nothing about"

[@PeterGrundy-dp8hm]

Too few Quentins and far too many Trumps !❤

[@aquilinonyc]

I remember riding my bike down West 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. And Quentin was standing in the corner. I wanted to say hello but didn't. I now wish I had.

[@johnnypalermo4620]

Fascinating man

[@alSation81]

its good to see him having that respect ... what a great mind

[@lennydylan]

aye nice one Ken...one of my favourite quotes from Quentin is....''don't try and keep up with the Jones's ..drag them down to your level....it's much cheaper'''....haaaaaaaaa

[@blakeyonthebuses]

very clever fellow indeed! knows hisstuff, a real person who shall be missed from this thin veneer of shit personality world that is today

[@christineusher6204]

Quintin and Kenneth Williams would have conversations from another planet. Great

[@altudy]

At this point in his life QC was genuinely wise with profound insights about the human condition. When he became famous he was under intense pressure to be witty and worldy wise and, I think, became rather less interesting as a result. The way he talks n this message interview could make me listen to him for hours.

[@joed1162]

Totally agree..also I think just as he aged he got a little bored with himself. He just hit the point. Still extremely valid.

[@anonb4632]

Al Tudy A common problem.

[@ZipSlipHollingbrook]

"Toleration has come in a form that is slightly insulting." Still true today.

[@marvinbnaylor]

The Naked Civil Servant is one of the very few books I can read over and over again. It's extraordinary and unique, as was Mr. Crisp.

[@pennyc7064]

I'm thinking of buying the book. Is the book better than the movie?

[@marvinbnaylor]

@@pennyc7064 Sorry Penny, I haven't seen the film but the book is unforgettable and I'm sure you would enjoy it.

[@shawneharmer]

It's not my place to tolerate or accept someone different to me. I respect them. I love that people are different to me. Variety is a wonderful thing.

[@robertakeller7465]

I love the way thinks and expresses himself. Makes me think about my own life and beliefs.

[@Handiman544]

Brilliant man.

[@justynjonn]

Such a great style here.

[@martinsmith439]

Quentin was easy and entertaining to listen to his story is true and should never be forgotten he was born at least 100 years before his time, but in the End he did find happiness and well deserved success, he is missed by all that met him a true gentleman. ,

[@SilenceSeven]

Commentors have to remember he was born in 1908. He's been through a lot, and seen a lot of bullshit by this point. Things were a lot different back then, and slightly better now. He was one of the people who paved paths for a better future for lots of people today.

[@Patrick3183]

“Slightly” better now? Go to Pakistan u fool

[@mlovmo]

A LOT better now.

[@lucytvlucytv9416]

We could do with a Quentin here today in 2021.So much common sense has gone by the board.

[@djc2990]

Sorry, what...?

[@deweymugyoo1707]

It is exhausting being a gay man in 2023. I cannot imagine the energy this man expended jus being himself in this, the freaking year I was born.

[@JonahNobleRelationshipCoach]

A truly intelligent human.

[@fandude7]

Quentin is a truth teller. He faces reality as it is and presents it as it is.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Luv this guy, I would have had him as the perfect neighbour, but a soothing voice as well. I'd like to find out much more about Quentin Crisp. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@GypsyHunter232UK]

A true gentleman and a real friend genuine to his many caring friends...chastised and ridiculed for being homosexual...shame on u people

[@thekajalflaneur]

I think his point about the 'unworthy threshold' of society is extremely perceptive. That to me seems the reality of so called 'freedom'. A permissive society 'puts up' with anything because everything has been culturally (also socially) levelled. I suppose he is in a way indicating a movement from a society of respect to a society of permissiveness. A wonderful insight.

[@2020Bookworm]

"Come om in,the place is a mess,you'll love it."Good one.

[@MrThailik]

A wonderful man and a special mind .

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

I just discovered this man yesterday. I want to read his books. And he is very intelligent

[@mark-j-adderley]

One thing that I, as a gay man born in 1960, has learned in later years, is that sexuality has no sharp boundaries, that is has a sliding scale, as-it-were, between the genders, and cannot be neatly categorized or conveniently departmentalized. The transgender community is a particularly good example of this flexibility.

[@alisongrace4334]

True.

[@festusbojangles7027]

uhh?

[@Patrick3183]

Transgender has nothing to do with gay

[@TonyWilliampianoman]

This guy's wisdom still fascinates me in 2021. British Society attitudes to women 1968. 11 years later Margaret Thatcher. We attended a same sex male wedding two years ago as a neighbour. Surprising the numbers of others who would not even send them a card . . .

[@lowen4231]

Diminishing differences, we're still working on it!

[@volpeverde6441]

Q. C. - 'I didn't have to come OUT.... I was NEVER IN....' always himself + lightyears ahead....

[@mikehudson8884]

GREAT shot with the chair and the black jacket. Mr C would have loved this, broad shoulders...

[@MJJLWolf]

It is so true what he says about the relationship between gay men and women.

[@MarilynCarino]

I only partially agree with his observation about "legislating tolerance". Sometimes things move too slowly organically and government must take responsibility to, if not legislate tolerance, than FAIRNESS. I do agree that laws don't change minds, but sometimes following laws forces people to confront their prejudices. Would black people in the south still be using separate bathrooms today if not for civil rights legislation? He was so astute - warm intelligent, uncompromising.

[@elaineallan3374]

Interviewer seems sympathetic but oh my what a longwinded winney. If I was answering him I’d have forgotten the question. Quentin Crisp needed a forum to speak as he had something to say. So many people with forums have nothing to say.

[@talfacprez]

The dark chair makes his shoulders kiij huge.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

He laughed in conversation with me several times. I think he didn't laugh in interviews because it would have spoiled the effectiveness of what he had just said, as the person who laughs at his own jokes kind of ruins it for the listener.

[@ugottaluvutube]

brilliance. would've loved to meet him.

[@thedarthflagger]

no wonder boy george loved him.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

No wonder lots of people loved him.

[@johnfenton4955]

@Fetid Fag-Butt so true

[@BaddaBigBoom]

He was intensely intelligent and in touch.

[@marylamb1407]

Gore Vidal also said that homosexuality was an act and that people aren't born homosexual. I don't get the impression that Mr. Crisp would be happy with where we are today. There's no dignity.

[@davicool4284]

One day in the not-so-distant-future: Crisp will be regarded as the greatest philosopher of the 20th century. Look at his relfection and demeanor... Its inspiring.

[@mkptrsn]

Crisp acts so different in his earlier interviews. I recall him from the 1980s-1990s when he lived in NYC and Sting wrote Englishman in New York about him. Later on he was more of a caricature of himself. His views on gays and homosexuality were pretty old school and warped to me tho. In the 1990s I recall him saying he’s against gay marriage for all these homophobic reasons, I was in college and was like WTF are you saying. But he’s totally intriguing.

[@firmannugraha8236]

I think he says that he regrets becoming homosexual or something like that, is it true?

[@Patrick3183]

I regret being gay too. Nobody asked for this shit.

[@GG-yn6jw]

He should be in the theater, his voice is almost poetic.

[@markjameswilkes]

Perceptive and very bright

[@Powertuber1000]

"Tolerance is the result of boredom" Describes... The Overton Window.

[@drstorm]

Maybe its just me but I can't get over how much he looks like David Strathairn here. Crisp's eyebrows are quite a bit more arched though.

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

Quentin likes his toast done on one side.

[@ElHombreConDosOjos]

The dictionary says that mike stands for microphone. mike [by shortening & alter.] 1 : MICROPHONE 2 : MICROMETER CALIPER (Fr. p. 1,432 "Webster's Unabridged Dictionary," 1967)

[@steadyeddie7]

The interviewer loves the sound of his own voice and the camera operator is drunk!

[@TheWhitehall]

My sister was friends with Kelly Braden, daughter of Bernard Braden and Barbara Kelly.

[@ertomax8162]

🙄 My next door neighbour's, brother-in-law's, third cousin's, milkman's fiancé knew Prunella Scales.

[@rosu5726]

Great person

[@pianobanter]

"come in, the place is a mess... you'll love it" Well said.

[@deanbrandt2748]

Genious

[@mikkifly]

very good book and film too

[@Pieboy222]

What an amazing mind.

[@lilth501]

If this was Quintin today 2020 he would be a mega star in this universe A man ahead of his time

[@geofsharp658]

He would be a mega star because the BBC would ram him down our throats 24/7 like they do with all ‘diverse types’. The majority just switch off.

[@lilth501]

@@geofsharp658 Quinton couldn't wait to get out of Britain that short time towards end of his life spent in the u.s. was complete liberation for him. We know how today the Americans love snarky boorish opinionated Brits he would fit so comfortably in that space, unavailable in the 60s and 70s to a man like Quinton.

[@MrThecarebear]

@@geofsharp658 Bigot..

[@carabiner7999]

Timely bit around 4 mins in, about how tolerance is not the result of enlightenment; but rather, the result of boredom: Of the facts being driven in, over and over and over again, of time...

[@nsilver61]

He does not look happy here. He looks world weary. His demeanor so unusual. England must’ve taken a great toll on him.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Lovely hair n eyes. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@MaureenMaynes]

His voice sounds different in this conversation than it did in his later years. I wish he'd lived to the river of improvements that have flow as people become less disapproving of Gay people and at long last have learned to accept them as equals and without prejudice.

[@anonb4632]

Maureen Maynes I think he would be thoroughly irritated by what has happened. Younged people have become weak for one.