Tag Archives: Eric Sykes

Why British comic Eric Sykes didn’t become a movie star

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Eric Sykes, who was born on May 4 one hundred years ago, was one of Britain’s most treasured comedians on radio and television but he might have become a leading actor in movies too as … Continue reading

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Giggling over lunch with the great Cleo Laine

By Ray Bennett LONDON – It was lunchtime at the Hotel Pontchartrain  in Detroit and things were getting a bit silly. Cleo Laine, who turns 95 today, was talking about Kurt Weill and the Berliner Ensemble when someone mentioned Monty … Continue reading

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Recalling John Gardner, a master of the spy novel

By Ray Bennett LONDON – John Gardner, who would have been 95 today, should rank with Eric Ambler, John le Carré, Len Deighton and Philip Kerr as a virtuoso of the serious British spy novel. He is known best now … Continue reading

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Recalling … Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes in Detroit

By Ray Bennett British comedian Jimmy Edwards sauntered into the lobby of the Pontchartain Hotel in Detroit an inch or two behind a magnificent white moustache, cane in hand and a Moss. Bros. light brown bowler atop his portly frame. January … Continue reading

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Ye Olde Steak House: a fond farewell

By Ray Bennett I’ve eaten in a great number of restaurants in my life, good, bad and indifferent, but only two ever captured my heart. One is Dan Tana’s on Santa Monica Boulevard, the most enjoyable dining establishment in Los … Continue reading

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