Larry Grayson "Interviewing Michael Crawford"

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

Im amazed at how openly camp Larry Grayson was, given the prejudice of the 70's. I was only a kid back then, and never thought anything of it at the time, but I have to say, what a legend the guy was for being who he was and not giving a damn. I'm a straight bloke myself, but I admire anyone who dares to just be themselves in a calm inoffensive way. Absolute class.

[@LePubPattaya]

When Larry turns to the camera and rolls his eyes. Brilliant comedy timing. Genius.

[@Mira_Dunia]

Michael is so young here! Oohhh . . . . I love him! 😀

[@glamdolly30]

Two wonderful Englishmen and STARS together - what a treat to see this rare gem of an encounter between such much loved, legendary performers. And national treasures both - who make me proud to be British!

[@glamdolly30]

Michael Crawford starred in the title role of the musical 'Billy' (based on the book and film 'Billy Liar'), which opened at the Palace Theatre Manchester before moving to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1st May 1974, where this interview took place. 'Billy' ran for 904 performances, with Roy Castle taking over from Michael Crawford late in the run. 'Billy' got rave reviews, with most tipping Michael Crawford as a megastar in the making. The Daily Mail wrote: "There's no magic quite like being right there when a star is born", while the Sunday People enthused: "The brightest British musical for years... It's going to hoist brilliant Michael Crawford into the ranks of the superstars'. Larry Grayson certainly knew a star when he saw one - It takes one to know one!

[@iseeolly9959]

Larry was such a brilliant person....just kind, smart and warm.

[@gaggymott9159]

So very sincere and such a rapport from Larry AND Michael. Remember when we had REAL entertainers that were interesting, smart and funny? In 2021 we have Jack Whitehall.... God help us all....

[@Victor-DOOM]

Two greats

[@glenpierce777]

Loved Larry a very funny man.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Love Michael Crawford And Larry Grayson.

[@minekara6407]

What a gem

[@maxconroy3394]

Michael Crawford genius

[@MrTamiya89]

I Would Like To Have Seen These Two In An Episode Of Some Mother's Do Ave Em And In An Episode Of The Larry Grayson Show.

[@josephherron5190]

Seen like a nice boy.

[@ss2ab]

Stan Laurel was an Englishman who made it big in Hollywood. Michael Crawford is as good.

[@jessiejames7492]

charlie chaplin...

[@johnnybagwash2456]

Charlie chaplin brilliant reggae singer

[@booth2710]

and Bob Hope

[@torquay08]

How weird he even sounds like frank spencer

[@jessiejames7492]

dont you think michael crawford copied some of larrys mannerisms in Some Mothers do have em?

[@LadyPercy.]

I was thinking exactly that watching the documentary on Larry Grayson. So very wierd to find this. Both very humble and wonderful people.

[@glamdolly30]

@@LadyPercy. Agreed - Larry Grayson and Michael Crawford, two incredibly talented men, true stars who never let fame change them, and always remained kind and compassionate.

[@nkt1]

There was nothing unique about Grayson’s camp, effete demeanour. Entertainers had been doing that long before he came along.

[@kevinmassey7675]

@@nkt1They were like it off screen though . Larry , on screen

[@nkt1]

@@kevinmassey7675 Plenty were doing it onscreen well before Larry appeared on television, such as Noël Coward, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Frankie Howard etc.

[@hoorootv7266]

What year was this? I am assuming it was around 1972 b4 Some Mothers.

[@glamdolly30]

@@RussEdgar445y7tlfj Thanks so much. The Wikipedia entry for writer Ian La Frenais says he and Dick Clement wrote the script for stage musical 'Billy' with Michael Crawford in the early sixties - but it seems that's ten years out and 'Billy' was actually early seventies. Fancy Wikipedia being inaccurate - Lol!

[@glamdolly30]

Yes, it had to have been before 'Some Mothers' as there was no mention whatsoever of Frank Spencer - which is unimaginable, because that show (and character) was so huge! It is a measure of Michael Crawford's talent that he was ever able to shake the character off and not be typecast - his career after it, especially with 'Phantom', was massive and very impressive.

[@glamdolly30]

'Billy' launched at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1st May 1974.