Seven Men - Quentin Crisp (1970) [full World in Action programme]

World in Action from 1970 (Granada Television). If you like this, please consider buying the restored DVD of The Naked Civil Servant that has great extras including this and 'Mavis catches up with Quentin Crisp' from 1989. Sadly, it's only available in a Region 2 edition. Filmed in '68 as can be seen in Quentin's diary.
I remember first coming across him when I heard his quote "vice is its own reward" and I never looked back.
I have no idea how I'm allowed to keep this on here with seemingly no copyright issues. Quentin, I love you.

[@theresamorello9892]

I remember Quentin once said something along the lines of “the only way one can truly be themselves is to live alone”. Very true!

[@Lucian-mg9mw]

I live alone and I’m gay. I love living alone but I do have a partner and maybe someday we will live together.

[@Bone74838]

I have lived alone for 12+ years. I lived accordingly to myself and had of course interactions with other ppl. But as a 45 year old man now,... A scared child avoids the fire... To see myself living together with another person either for communal benefits or passion.... Are there benefits?...

[@hunterluxton5976]

​@@Bone74838There are.

[@tracylf5409]

@@Bone74838 I'd say it can be great or not so great. You're obviously someone who can live on their own, so you'd really need to find someone such as yourself otherwise they'd get on your nerves if they were too chatty, had unhealthy boundaries, etc. Lastly, you need to understand that you don't just get a roomie, you get the roomie's friends, too. And THEY may be total, using asshats &/or thieves.

[@scarfhs1]

It took the universe approximately 13.77 billion years to produce Quentin Crisp, it was worth the wait.

[@glyph241]

It🔨

[@chriss6733]

Too right.👍

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

He was a true freak. That is, a complete human being. We need a Quentin Crisp to replace Putin as Russian president.

[@tomsperduti2967]

Oh absolutely!

[@davidryan3079]

Not really

[@davidrobinson2776]

I’m not gay, but I aspire to be as brave and unique as this man. He had courage beyond imagination. He lived his life the way he wanted and isn’t that what we all want?

[@schrire39]

I have a question for you and it's a genuine, open question: Why did you point out that you are not gay?

[@davidrobinson2776]

@@schrire39 That’s ok. Because I genuinely admire Quentin, I felt the need to point out that it’s not just the LBTQ community who are inspired by him. I see the way the comment was phrased made t seem a little defensive lol.

[@schrire39]

@@davidrobinson2776 I get what you mean. It did sound a bit “no homo” but you’ve explained your intention and it’s clear what you mean is a statement of solidarity.

[@davidrobinson2776]

@@schrire39 lol, after you pointed it out I considered editing the comment but our discussion, apart from being one of the most civilised ever conducted on the KZbin comments section, explains everything from both sides very well. In future, I will choose my words a little more carefully.

[@blue3381]

@@davidrobinson2776 I’m glad you didn’t edit your comment (Crisp wouldn’t have wanted you to.) It’s perfectly valid for you to point out that you - as a straight man - aspire to Crisp’s courage. Quentin Crisp would have hated the PC mafia of today - the “thought police” whose ears prick up every time they hear a word or nuance that isn’t quite to their liking, or might imply something offensive. Although @schrire39 seemed genuine and polite, that mentality is the reason we DON’T have free thinkers, artists and writers like Quentin Crisp anymore - and it’s a shame.

[@TaraL24]

My mother was a good friend of Quentin Crisp. I remember he would visit our house in Battersea in the 70’s when I was a child, I don’t think he was that fussed about children, however I was always amazed by this man with purple hair and flamboyant clothes

[@Barnabybright]

How wonderful!

[@QuentinWalker]

As a namesake and a child of the 70s/80s in the UK I was bullied and beaten for not fitting in, for being different, gentle, quiet, artistic, soft. I was tortured, spat on, and called a queer. Queer Quentin! I was taunted with Crisp's name at every turn during those vulnerable, tender years. I had no idea at the time who Quentin Crisp was, but I cursed him, for surely he was a monster to be so reviled, and for me to be so shamed and cast out. It was only much later in life, many painful years later, that I found peace with myself and my past. I also finally learned who Quentin Crisp was and at last I wear my name with pride. I wish I had met him. I wish I had had his courage when young, to be soft in a hard world... but now will do. Aye, now willl do ❤

[@QuentinWalker]

@ListenEar-rl6sp Forgiveness. First for others, then finally for myself. It's the key that unlocks suffering

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

@Quentin Walker As an artist/writer I can thoroughly feel your pain of years gone by, no encouragement for art as a career, cast out at sixteen to fend for myself which was so hard bur gradually found friends all over the world who were endeavouring to carve out a niche in the Arts to fund my mainly writing I to did modelling and scraped by we lived in a shared house in Ladbroke Grove One Isreali,2 persian, 3 african musicians,myself and we pooled are moneys and has beautiful ethnic meals, music and dancing those were the days the best thing ironically my parents did was kick me out !❤xx

[@internationalkathy6569]

Now will absolutely do. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@benclarke1614]

@@sarahjones-jf4pr Wonderful times I grew up in Earls Court.and have to admit to being one of a gang of little oiks who took this piss out of Quintin Crisp as he walked past. Now I see what a brave and wise man he was.

[@aboycalledvenus]

He is to be revered! ...IMO.

[@dawnydoodah]

I remember reading an interview he gave in the 1980s for Cosmopolitan, I think, and in it he is quoted as saying that "Women will only ever have equality when they stop worrying about what men think of them", and he was and still is absolutely right.

[@roleat]

A man's perspective on women's rights is valueless

[@dawnydoodah]

@@roleat Why do you think that?

[@tdirtyatl]

Because no man has ever given her any attention. That's the bitterness of being ignored in life. ​@@dawnydoodah

[@nexussever]

@@dawnydoodah hubris

[@havilahfarm1591]

A perfectly sane man in a terribly mad and sad world.

[@wolfpants]

Nearly exactly my takaway

[@francesdumaliang6132]

Indeed!

[@healingandgrowth-infp4677]

You clearly are as delusional as he is All the insane murderers also think it's the rest of the world that's the problem that the are sane and the world is not hey justify their sins and actions too You all call evil good and good evil

[@kojacksfootballshack7177]

It's all fun and games until he scares the children in the bathroom

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

There are some wonderful, quirky thoughts here. @@DaisyDuck-ib4ks

[@shepthedog4099]

You may or may not have noticed him lighting the gas fire just before the film crew came in this is very typical gesture that you made your home comfortably warm for visitors not for yourself as a gas bill was something you dreaded. An act of respect and kindness for those who visited you. A very brave human being and one that we should listen to the gentleness of his message.

[@bucklesmagee3806]

He was so compassionate regarding the effect he had on his parents. He never resented them but felt sorry for them....gaaah. I love this man.

[@Madmen604]

He reminds me of Oscar Wilde.

[@zerofox7347]

He did wait till the first cameraman arrived though. What does that tell you?😂

[@elissasangi-hd9om]

The dread of the gas and electric bill continues 😭 🤣

[@jamiecurran3544]

@@elissasangi-hd9om and now it's even worse!😱🥶😂👍

[@CineMadame]

Shane, thanks so much for this, I ordered the DVD. I had the great pleasure of meeting Quentin Crisp three times in NYC in the late1990s. The first time was at one of his one-man shows, as he was signing books. I was so shy I wasn't sure I'd approach him and ended up being the last person in the line. Then I panicked, stepped up, and asked him to inscribe the book "To a ridiculous woman". He looked surprised for a moment, then gave this wonderful smile, and wrote "To a ridiculous woman... from a ridiculous man". We laughed. A little later a friend gave a dinner party where Crisp was one of the guests. On this occasion I was encouraged to invite him too, and my then-girlfriend and I gave what was probably one of the last NYC parties he went to. Gracious and kind, his memory never fails to restore me.

[@uclcentreforperioperativem6462]

Lovely comment @CineMadame. Hope you’re keeping well

[@tuanjim799]

That last thing he says at the end is very moving and relatable: "If you're on a tightrope, when you first set off you don't know how much play there is in the rope. But when you get into the middle, between the ages of twenty and forty, the thing rocks like mad and it's too late to go back, even to look back. But if you go on as carefully as you can, you see the other platform and then you just make a dash for it, not bothering what the audience thinks, or waving your arms, or looking dangerous and difficult and prodigious. What you see when you get to the other side is, in fact, the edge of your coffin. And you get into it, and you lie down, and you think, 'My cuffs are frayed, I haven't written to my mother,' and all those other things. And then you think, 'It doesn't matter. Because I'm dead.' And this is a message of hope. It will come to an end. It will come, we cannot be blamed for it, and we shall be free.”

[@fieldsofgold775]

He’s got a take on everything. He’s an intellect and comfortable in his own skin. The lens in which he observes the world. His thoughts upon it. Are pure gold.

[@zapatastyle]

Excellent summary

[@aboycalledvenus]

He is my spirit animal. Would definitely loved to know him and existed in this time.

[@hednodsflyingoscillatorcir9827]

Best quote: ‘I can’t help it if other people are eccentric’, Spot on, Mr Crisp!

[@sirprancealott2003]

He was 60 when this was filmed and did live another 30 years like he said and its great that those 30 years where so good for him. RIP Quentin

He looks extremely well if 60...no wrinkles..full hair...he looks much younger ..in NY especially he must have had straight men attracted to him ..many...whether he accepted that attention seems a mystery

[@patrickschiller2092]

I met him on the street in San Francisco in the late 1990’s. He was charming as ever. It was a dream come true.

[@jonhohensee3258]

I can make stuff up too.

[@brianstockwell4069]

@@jonhohensee3258I happened to come across them together that day on my way to Fulton Market to buy some fish for a meal I was preparing for The Grateful Dead. So think twice in future before doubting another's word.

[@The-Finisher]

I met him in NY in the lower east side. The last year he was alive. I said “Oh hello there I know who you are.” He was delighted and salty.

[@The-Finisher]

@@jonhohensee3258some people live in cities and it’s normal to come across famous people.

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@The-Finisher Never happened. Sorry.

[@wishfix]

Highly intelligent and articulate man. We don't see honest interviews like this on TV these days.

[@mlovmo]

We don't see people who will speak out against "the correct opinions" like this, that's for sure.

[@kwimms]

Guys a right mess and waste of space.

[@Oakleaf700]

@@kwimms Yet here you are!

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

@@kwimms Take your disrespect and go away this is not for such revolting comment ,and why did you watch it, or part of it? Wonder if you had the bottle to end up as a celebrity on the American stage?and have a film made about you?

[@tuanjim799]

@@kwimms We sorely need people like Quentin Crisp in the world to balance out the thick-heads like yourself.

[@sharonlee4773]

Watching this makes you realise what a fabulous actor John Hurt was.

[@andrewmorton395]

I totely agree, great performance, by John Hert

[@Myke-ju5lg]

@@andrewmorton395 You can't spell totally.🤣🤣🤣

[@jfk9996]

When asked what he thought of John Hurt's portrayal he said "He was even better..."

[@moyamacgregor6739]

marvellous!

[@davidtsmith33]

@@jfk9996 What's the name of the movie? I'd like to see it.

[@MB-oc1nw]

This guy was like a wise ascetic homosexual mystic or something. Everything he says is interesting, witty or profound and all deeply rooted in natural truths. I'm glad I clicked on this vid

[@jimmymalone9139]

FOR REAL?

[@terencebigballs8531]

The picture of Big lenny on a OD as your profile is so funny 😂😂😂

[@MB-oc1nw]

@@terencebigballs8531 Robert please!

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

A very good description.

[@terencebigballs8531]

@@MB-oc1nw year of the cat.. Do do dá do do do

[@luluadapa5222]

"blind with mascara.... and dumb with lipstick" Quentin Crisp. I will quote with pride. 🙏

[@matimus100]

He didn't believe in God he said that

[@luluadapa5222]

@@matimus100 And??

[@Soup-Dragon1]

Defiant.

[@matthewnewberry7275]

A real pioneer, he's owed a lot and deserves to be remembered.

[@alcorfield1157]

The most sensible conversation I've ever listened to, and what courage.

[@andyb7339]

Without people like Quentin the world would be a bore. Always admired his bravery for just being himself

[@johnfenton4955]

Your so right

[@lizlambert]

But he's the ultimate BORE ! Completely self absorbed - has a immense appreciation of dirt though.

[@rnw2739]

@@lizlambert Having endured such persecution and solitude it is hardly surprising! How you can call him a 'bore' I just cannot comprehend.

[@lizlambert]

@@rnw2739 different strokes for different folks I guess 😊

[@greenaum]

He's dead and the world IS a bore. Endlessly proferring quotes to the atmosphere in case a passer-by might write them down isn't "being yourself", he's performing, and he put on a good show but I'd like to see what there really was to him. Did he put the show on for _everyone, all the time?_

[@richardgoffin-lecar1951]

What an incredible character! Strong, brave, with the guts to be himself! We need more people like him. Total respect!

[@multipass888]

What a lovely creature...rebellion with such honest gracefulness and intelligence rarely found today...a unicorn in such a tactless world. I wish there were more Quentin Crisps in this world today. I don't know how I came across this vid, but thank you, it was perfect.

[@777jones]

Well said

[@mlovmo]

Wrong. The world is not "tactless." The world is just what it is, and partly what you make it, of which you may do so with more agency NOW than you likely ever did in the past. I agree we need more gracefulness and intelligence that Quentin modeled for us here, true. And as for rebellion, I doubly agree: The current aesthetic for people nowadays is to be so conformist as to not have a rebellious thought in their heads that might go against "the correct opinions" or "correct ideologies" of the lumpen masses.

[@Sweptundertherug]

​@@mlovmoMaybe your going through some rebellion. You just agreed with everything that was said by first starting with wrong? Ok

[@Kiinell]

Imagine being the most sane and enlightened person in a world of madness and everyone telling you that you were the mad one? The irony.

[@sarahsue4065]

Quite often the case !

[@FlockOfHawks]

that's generally the problem with gauss curves : that noisy huge lump in the middle

[@markdoyle2739]

That is so true he would be proud of how you worded that statement well done...

[@cyberbitus]

How I would have liked to have met him - one of the most unique people to have ever lived. His observations are pure Zen and as far as I know, he knew nothing of that philosophy. He must have suffered horrible torment, but yet, he is/was so kind. Thank you for this clip. I had never seen it before. Rest in peace, dear Quentin. You certainly left an ideliable mark upon this world.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

"But yet."

[@carlysommerstein8597]

I met him on the Bowery in the early 80s. He was very kind.

[@tnt55super]

Amen, well stated 👍🙂👍✌️☮️✌️☮️

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

Indelible*

[@FFOGHORN]

Toward the end of his career, I saw him live at a tiny venue in Dallas, Texas. He was frail and slow but he kept the audience spellbound for hours. It was a terrifically special evening that I will never forget.

[@CB-rv9kb]

Initially, I read that as livvve, not liiive, and cocked my eyebrow.

[@mrjumbarrawa9044]

most people who are great live by who they are.. x

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

Thank you for sharing that; how special a memory.

[@erflingnot]

I’m in Dallas where did you see him? What theater just asking?

[@erflingnot]

Marvelous….

[@garethoneill5676]

The thing about Quentin is his universal appeal: he just wanted to be himself, and so should you - whatever that is! He lived for another 28 years after this

[@andrewlawless9796]

i hope he was happy by the end

[@lindabishop7656]

Everyone should be who they really are and be left alone

[@edwardoleyba3075]

@@lindabishop7656 . Best comment 😉👍

[@GEricG]

@@andrewlawless9796 it sounds like he was. He loved living in America.

[@pascalguerandel8181]

What a wonderful person I agree he's got a lot of balls.

[@richardanderson9957]

I saw Quentin when he was doing his dialogues in the village in NYC. It was in a small venue...maybe 100 folding chair seats and he would just hold forth talking about his life. There was an intermission and Quentin would just remain in his chair and those who wished to speak with him were welcome to do so. I was one who gathered around but was more immersed in his personality style and listened to how he responded to his audience. He was so individualistic. Calm, self accepting and simply authentic.

[@armondlevinia9221]

Believe it or not, I was a volunteer usher for those performances in NYC. I was in college and thought it would bring me closer to the stage. Had no idea who he was then.

[@rogerlephoque3704]

The greatest wit in the English language since Oscar Wilde. As a social commentator, he challenges us to think, an activity beyond the ken of most people...

[@Lytton333]

That's rather hyperbolic, and unthinking. Wittier and more incisive than , say, G K Chesterton? Surely not.

[@rogerlephoque3704]

@@Lytton333 How do you know what I'm thinking or not? Hoisted by your own petard, don't ya know.

[@davidcripps3011]

Who's Ken?

[@rogerlephoque3704]

@@davidcripps3011 David, dear boy, d'ye ken John Peel?

[@davidcripps3011]

@@rogerlephoque3704 :-)

[@nsilver61]

I’ve known the name for decades. I knew what he looked like. I’d seen photographs of him. But I had not the faintest idea that he was a man of such towering intellect. an entire, tragic philosophy of life unto himself. I’m in awe.

[@alanoffer]

I remember seeing him once waiting for a bus in the kings road Chelsea , he was a real English eccentric , even standing at the bus stop he was striking a pose and every body noticed him , and in London in the sixties that really wasn’t easy , because everyone was dressing up

[@davidm587]

Did he ever go to the Stockpot or Partridges ? I wish so much that I had spoken with him .

[@guydreamr]

Fashion is what you are told. Style is what you tell yourself. - Quentin Crisp

[@Summerof76]

Quentin’s voice alone could still a charging bull! Wonderfully unique guy.The world needs more like him.

[@Seahorse1414]

Quentin was a truly exceptional person , a great writer and wonderful raconteur . He is missed .

[@gaycha6589]

A true individual and independent thinker. He challenged without becoming aggressively challenging, and accepted all and everything as he saw it. Genius

[@gomezaddams4347]

Quentin was a unique spirit and a polestar for all of the people who don’t fit into the dopey molds society constructs. He was a hero for individuality.

[@atbragdots8852]

"society" isn't constructing, but the controllers of societies who think they know better, and do it "because they can".

[@atbragdots8852]

@Paul Walker I'm inclined to agree with ya, but who on earth actually knows ... yet.

[@lesleybrown1583]

@Paul Walker EVERYBODY goes to hell who isnt saved and born-again-we ALL live eternally in either heaven or hell! Its NOT the good that go to heaven there are NONE! its the forgiven who recieve Christs atonement on the cross-Jesus desires that NONE shall perish but sadly many do! I pray Quentin was saved! Jesus took me to heaven 25 yrs ago 3 months after i was saved! Read the Gospel of John! Be blessed!

[@denisehill7769]

@Paul Walker For what? Being himself, and living life on his own terms? Hell must be one busy place according to your judgement.

[@denisehill7769]

@Paul Walker Woke is the biggest insult you could have chosen lol....no, not at all, I just believe in Jesus' message of love that Mr Crisp alluded to. That's the same Jesus of inclusion and acceptance I remember from the Bible.

[@bealtainecottage]

I remember watching "The Naked Civil Servant" as a young woman and thinking, now here is a wonderful man, a true hero of how to live one's live and remain individual!

[@lizrobertson2704]

So did I. He was at home in the city and so had to deal with so many others whenever he stepped out of his front door. Those of us who live in the countryside are much more free to be eccentric, particularly as we mellow into our later years.

[@jamescullen2448]

Yes did John hurt play him ,

[@user-ld7uj9pv8e]

The book was quite sexually graphic

[@skyavalanche]

Agree!

[@philipbonner6486]

God bless you Quentin Crisp you lived your life how you wanted to.

[@kennethlong7275]

God bless

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

This iconic complicated man was in fact a shrewd survivor of prejudice and ridicule for being "different" also acutely aware of everything going on in the world around him and brave enough to exploit his persona for the theatrical, artistic talent he had, to make his life interesting, rewarding, and extraordinary, personally I think he had a beautiful face and ambiance which helped a lot in the times when surviving was the uppermost concern.Bravo Quentin R.I.P dear soul.

[@Dusty-y6b]

He was beautiful! He could be attractive as either sex.

[@vivienneandersson6019]

Amazing to think Quentin thought his life was coming to an end and he would die in that room in London but 5 years later when his book was made into a TV film starring John Hurt he became world famous, moved to New York and lived an amazing 30 more years as a celebrated person. It just shows how your life can change at any time.

[@francesdumaliang6132]

Hope for us all.

[@pjconnor8033]

@raymondo6665 Ugh! What a horrible image! Thank you for putting me off toad- in- the- hole for life!

[@guydreamr]

@raymondo6665 Oh, give it a rest you 🤡

[@MsMesem]

He died in a Bed and Breakfast in Manchester the night of his arrival from the USA.

[@Dusty-y6b]

He looked about 50--that’s young!

[@redbird9658]

What a beautiful complexion Quentin had. John hurt did a great job playing him.

[@Agathanagatha]

Yes he really did he sounded just like him.I don’t think anyone could of been better than John hurt.

[@michaelamist8703]

I watch this over and over it makes me happy to listen to a man who spoke truth and what a man who will be missed thank you yet again for this wonderful contribution to our world and its wonderful people who enriched it

[@Natalie-rc4cx]

He is an extraordinary man.Former 60 minutes Australian journalist Richard Carlton said that quentin crisp was "The most extraordinary person " he had ever met.

[@TotallyLostSoul]

I love this man; I read the Naked Civil Servant every year. His wisdom and bravery were beyond compare.

[@johnwayne3085]

A real genius.😂

[@matimus100]

Congratulations on being in love with another man Thanks for telling sharing this with everyone

[@beckymurray80]

As I child I was told about this interview by my parents (we didn’t have a television so I couldn’t watch it) but they were fascinated by it and quoted great chunks to me. Now, all these years later it’s even more fascinating than I imagine.

[@helloaunty7769]

My god what an incredibly interesting man, a very unique little movie.

[@trojanhorse5363]

Not all bum chums are as pure as QC

[@louisecook6483]

He is a very unique character, intelligent, charming and totally honest. I loved this documentary, nothing like it is made anymore, it shows him as he truly is

[@shawngarratt2887]

John Hurt. Played him in a TV film the naked civil servant !

[@GUYFAIRCLOGH88]

@@trojanhorse5363 You are ignorance personified!!!!

[@martydav9475]

@@louisecook6483 Interestingly towards the end of his life Crisp said that he was never really gay at all, and I remember him saying in the eighties that he wasn't all that keen on the gay rights movement. Actually I think Crisp was more of a dilettante than anything else.

[@colinhalliley111]

The interviewer was so wrong when he said " you have nothing really". How course and wrong. He had his own life.And its one lived on his terms. He was quite a gent. He was an individual and had great insight .

[@dodibenabba1378]

Coarse

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Why does honesty offend you?

[@mesolithicman164]

It was a question designed to get an interesting response. That's the point of a revealing interview.

[@rbrb288]

@@dodibenabba1378 kunnt

[@vanessawyatt]

A necessary question/statement as he merely verbalized the thought of many, most importantly was his response that educated many. 🤠🙋‍♂️💖

[@RobbyFindlay-uq2dy]

You've brought back such memories for me.I love Quentin, he was so real, nor afraid to be who he really was. I was always different, a loner, and because of it was bullied, verbally abused, and the rest. Everyone assumed I was gay, I cared, not a Jot. Quentin was a necessary hero for the outsider like myself, gay or straight. I remember a docufilm on him back then when he was in New York, and the dust their never got any worse after three years as opposed to the four he speaks of here. Have you noticed, he, has the most beautiful hands. He was amazing and a curious intellect. Wonderful ❤😊

[@pjconnor8033]

You're right - I too kept noticing his pristine hands - & he's about 60 here.

[@markwilliams5553]

A true philosopher so brave and so ahead of his time

[@deweymugyoo1707]

The question of whether he'd like to live another thirty years was prophetic. He lived thirty years exactly beyond this interview.

[@jeanannecrowley5810]

He did. And came back to London to die. He was born on Christmas Day y'know

[@thehapevillechannel]

Because he was a gift to us all!

[@pmc8119]

Someone who was just incredibly happy being himself with no bother about anyone else's opinion of him, THAT'S freedom of self.

[@lauraclark1520]

Bright, funny, interesting, intelligent, the list goes on. I am really glad that I stumbled across this little gem.

[@rafiqadarr6217]

Thanks for uploading this wonderful film, it was on my DVD of The Naked Civil Servant but I have mislaid the DVD. An absolute gem of a film, not just the John Hurt film, but this World in Action film, I watched it several times, I love it.

[@mattkaustickomments]

This guy is so eccentrically British it hurts.

[@davidbarnes241]

I was 5 years old when this was shown. I remember it so vividly as he was the total antithesis of everything that I knew of my own family. But strangely enough my friend in school was like this. He grew up to be the happiest man I’ve ever known.

[@kathleenmacfarland1817]

@@DaisyDuck-ib4ksHow would ypu know! Are you iealous! ??? 😮

[@Nine-Signs]

"The problem of the young is to my mind always the same, how to conform and rebel at the same time. And this they have now solved, they rebel against their parents and conform to one another" Still true today.

[@Thanasis_Koligliatis]

At 19:57

[@DaveSCameron]

Hear hear!

[@marcustrajan4873]

As Lisa says to Bart; "An earring, how rebellious. In a conformist sort of way"

[@kc3654]

Wow .. this is my relationship with my daughter.. literally just made sense

[@chasleask8533]

Caught that one.

[@fweiss7810]

How sad his face looked when his brother had passed him in the street and said he has ‘seen it before’.

[@ShaneBordoli]

I agree, so waste rest is such sparkling wit with which to deal with tge worlld, but that one must have really got to him. I often re-watch this little gem of a film

[@fob1xxl]

What an HONEST individual. Talk about GUTS !!!

[@CalifaJohn1]

He is 61 years old here, and saying he’s in the winter of his life and waiting for death, but he ended up living another 29 years. That is a very long winter. Part of his longevity might be due to the fact that he did not worry about the future, or dread the past.

[@Travis_22]

I think you are right.

[@peterturley1331]

Enormously intelligent, erudite and wonderfully charismatic individual. 💜😪💔

[@brinlowe3446]

I'm emotional watching it.... a very beautifull person.. and I'm an ex builder... I'm glad i have a little humanity and love in me... thanks for bringing it out Quentin....R.I.P.....

[@iainsan]

I saw him perform his live show in London in 1978. At first, he came across as being very odd, but after a few minutes everyone was on his side.

[@sontayatoemsook1266]

love is the extra effort you make with people you dont like, worthy of Oscar

[@robertcain3426]

I agree with him, this is indeed love alright. It's easy to love someone who's lovable. There's no reward in that.

[@joannajojospooner6706]

He seemed to have a fantastic ways with words, and made sense..in a complicated sort of way ..😄

[@gengisemporium]

that is exactly what unconditional love is or unconditional positive regard

[@kennethlong7275]

Truly Truly Truly.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

@@robertcain3426 Why on earth would you "love" or make the "Effort" to love someone who is not appealing or attractive in some way to oneself!!?

[@mofa9745]

With hindsight, he was a great man really. I saw him on a US chat show, interviewed by David Letterman. The audience were initially hostile to him, but soon came round. Maybe because he was so authentic and genuinely likable.

[@FlockOfHawks]

You watch the Don Giller uploads too ? They didn't make a hostile impression , more like a hesitant , uncomfortable one - i fear you underestimate the freemindedness of the US Citizen

[@mesolithicman164]

People respond to honesty.

[@Londonfogey]

Everything I've read about Mr Crisp suggests he was a very polite and considerate gentleman.

[@FlockOfHawks]

@@Londonfogey yes : he was both Gentle and Man

[@mofa9745]

@@FlockOfHawks I didn't mean to suggest anything negative about the US. Actually the word you use (ie hesitant) is really what I meant to say.

[@havilahfarm1591]

I wish I had an uncle like Quinton. Would have been such a ball to hang out with and such a source of enlightened conversation and help.

[@Allegra11]

What an absolutely marvellous human being

[@murkydepths181]

So he’d lived there since 1940! What a gem of a time capsule - enjoyed it on so many levels 🌟🌹

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

yes how long had he lived in that bed/sit?

[@avae5343]

@@sarahjones-jf4prSince 1941 I believe.

[@maddannafizz]

We used to draw a naked Quentin in our St Albans, Hertfordshire life drawing class . He was a gentleman. 🙌🦋

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

I'm not even a homosexual but I can SO relate. I'm so eccentric and I often feel isolated because of it. I LOVE how brave and unapologetic he is.

[@j.c985]

He was male too

[@genuineperson3540]

I'm the same.

[@moyamacgregor6739]

@@j.c985 perhaps we are each and everyone of us a combination of ✨divine male and ✨divine female letting go of the debris within us to achieve this balance is the God-trick of 💖 Life some more than others draw our attention to this creative process and are the way-showers into ✨ refinement and merging ✨ igniting the third force of Divine Truth of Light and Love 🙏🏼 Quentin Crisp for the prompt in this direction and maybe you too ...

[@jota55581]

Yes You are

[@johnbarry1965]

In not of the gay persuasion but ever since childhood I have been labelled "Weird". He is so brave and really makes me feel good to be different xxxx

[@Zopf-international]

What a beautiful human being. Such honesty.

[@Gorboduc]

9:02 "The moment my father clapped eyes on me, he decided to go on as though nothing unpleasant had happened." Lolol

[@michaelrck]

I guess he was before his time. If living in today's world he would have been embraced, cherished and accepted. And Quentin would have hated that!

[@MrMiddenfacemcnulty]

That’s is funny and very true and also sad.

[@rachelw821]

@giddy yes that’s exactly what he said.... he would have been embraced because he would be the status quo now. Not sure what the smaller towns are like but in cities he would be the status quo.

[@softshallow7435]

True. I think in them times he was unique. He stood out and probably wanted to be different but still loved. Now a days he would blend in as just an ordinary person in society. But who knows he might still would of gone against the norm to stand out.

[@YoBoyMarcus]

He did go on to live another 30 years and I do believe his years in New York City were the happiest of his life.

[@independentpuppy7520]

I feel sorry for him living in such times. However he was very wise to life.

[@meansy7753]

Homosexuality had only been decriminalised for 4 years when this was filmed. He certainly was a brave man to put himself out there in the way he did.

[@garolstipock]

Alas.. the times in which we live are the only times we know. None the wiser as to the norms of the future but often have parents and grandparents to use as a reference to inform us of the undesirable constraints of the past.

[@DaveSCameron]

@@meansy7753 really? What year was sausage jockeying given the official green light here in England please?

[@peterwilkin8917]

I don't think he'd do very well in these times either. I doubt there'd be much of a place for him in the LGBTIQ on account of how little patience he would have for politically correct speech.

[@Londonfogey]

@@DaveSCameron Homosexual acts were decriminalised (for consenting adults in private aged over 21) in 1967. Before that it was never illegal to actually BE homosexual, which is why Crisp got away with what he did - the law had to prove acts took place and this was difficult unless one was very blatant.

[@1BSDjunkie]

Started watching and could not stop! Oh my gosh! There are so many things on KZbin that cannot hold my attention for more than a minute or so. Love this! ❤

[@gunner678]

Very shrewd chap, not wholly correct but certainly food for thought. His analogy of life as a tightrope walk is a frighteningly accurate one, all too often. 'Always take the time to smell the flowers', please don't rush to cross the tightrope, it's not necessary, it's strong enough to hold you. RIP Mr Crisp, a most charming character!

[@jfk9996]

How prescient that he said he may live another 30 years, he did exactly that.

[@pup1008]

Amazing guy! Those little asides are hilarious! As a straight English guy it fills me with pride & joy that we now live in a climate of acceptance & inclusion that Quentin could have only dreamt of at this time. For that we have to grateful for the patience and tolerance of him & people like him who led us out of that darkness & ignorance!

[@christinagiannaros9817]

Quentin was such a brilliant construct, I watched a doco also on you tube about his family and discussion of his 'created image of aloneness' where in fact he had several siblings and a large family he engaged with. What I find even more interesting than his personal appearance and way of life is his philosophy and words, so interesting and at time confusing but incredibly insightful and observational. 'they rebel against their parents but conform with each other' so spot on and still rings true.

[@willowmallow]

The bravery of this man - to stand in his authenticity. So ahead of his time! Wise and funny, too.

[@harrisonmode8046]

Met him in the late 90’s in the LES, NYC and he was just as fabulous, surrounded by two very muscular body guard friends I assumed. A great moment meeting him and Alan Ginsberg during those years.

[@jon780249]

A brilliant wit and a great sylist. Who in their right mind doesnt love Quentin?

[@GwynEllisHughes]

I do so agree with you, but for one thing, he was so lonely. I had the real pleasure of meeting him on three occasions. Even though I was young, his loneliness exuded from him, without the need for him to actually say so.

[@jon780249]

@@GwynEllisHughes agreed. In earlier interviews you can see the scars of his unhappiness and the wounds of his experiences, before he perfected the later stage persona. His wit was a defense mechanism of sorts and one shouldn’t take all he said too literally. Much of it was playing to the gallery. A complex figure, but I admire his resilience and determination.

[@lucytvlucytv9416]

I loved this man. So brave to lead his own life as he wanted. Especially during those hard early years. There is a film of his life, which made me cry. Some people were so cruel to this lovely man. R.I.P. Quentin, I wish more people had your thinking.

[@Heather-qb1xm]

John Hurt was amazing as Quentin Crisp. Such a wonderful actor. I hope Quentin was happy that such an esteemed actor portrayed him with such love and compassion for what many people thought of as a sin . As for the dust I have used that sentence many times about the dust not getting any worse after 4 years . I think Miss Haversham would have been in agreement with that !!!

[@briandelaney9710]

He always said that John Hurt was “ my Representative on Earth” :)

[@intenz59]

The casting of John Hurt to play him on film was written in stone

[@uapuat]

I saw that show when I was 14, and it hit me like a bomb. I realised then that I wasn't alone.

[@Ukedc259]

I attended a reading he gave at the Donmar Warehouse in the late 80s and had a brief chat with him afterwards. A truly lovely human being. He signed a photo for me. I’m looking at it now. What’s your name he asked, pen hovering over the photo. “David”, I said. He looked up at me sympathetically. “Never mind dear”.

[@anthonydavid5121]

In the late 1980s I lived in the East Village, New York City, and I recall seeing Quentin about town but mostly waiting in line behind him at the post office on 4th Avenue and 10th Street. He wore a kercheif around his neck and would dye his air blue/purple.

[@JulieWallis1963]

What a charming, eloquent, educated *gentleman*

[@andyhoops.6156]

'Don't try and keep up with the Joneses,drag them down to your level-It's a lot cheaper' One of my favourite Crisp quotes.

[@ShaneBordoli]

nice! I didn't know that one.

[@andynixon2820]

I really like him .

[@michaelpatterson5811]

The comments here are a fascinating tribute to Quentin Crisp - every one is tolerant and appreciative. Back in the day I took my new young wife to hear his one-man touring show, The Naked Civil Servant, at Salisbury Playhouse. Homosexuality had only recently become legalised (in private), and we were trying to come to terms with this new approach. Quentin's historical strength in the face of public moral outrage was a matter of legend - on a par with Oscar Wilde, without the play-writing talent. We were stunned, in the event. Homosexuality was not even obliquely referred to, throughout the whole two hours of fluent verbal philosophy. The buzz in the interval bar was intoxicating!

[@RonSpies-yd4gw]

What a voice, wish he could of live till 120, for the world would of said "look at me, there is hope and a glimmer of what we could be, which is love, understanding and truth without any apologies because after all what should we be sorry about".

[@gmailbox9084]

It was so lovely to be able to watch this again after more than 50 years.

[@keorbats9429]

“Love was the extra effort you make in your dealings with people whom you do not like”

[@willmoore7582]

What a beautifully dry and witty observation. Worthy of Oscar. A total British eccentric and unique character. More balls than most!

[@beedee4427]

Thank you thank you for posting this incredible piece of history.

[@bob110088]

I saw him in his one man show when he was quite old, his philosophy became irrational as he got older. Here he is wonderful. A beautiful, wonderful man.

[@guydreamr]

I've seen videos of him shortly before he died even, he spoke a little more slowly perhaps but was as lucid and luminous as ever.

[@adrienne5080]

What a privilege to listen to this wonderful human being... Bless you Quentin....xx

[@hArtyTruffle]

What a lovely man he was. R.I.P. Quentin ❤️

[@chapsnaps1]

Intelligent, compassionate and totally unique. The World is a much better place for having had Quentin Crisp in it. He should have been given an honour from the Late Queen. Quentin Crisp was much more than an old queen - he was a trailblazer. A blazing comet through a dark and often hostile night sky.

[@Kaiapoi14]

What a delightful human being. A joy of a doco. Thank you.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

A fascinating film. It's almost like an Alan Bennett "Talking Head" play.