39 thoughts on “Poet | Robert Graves Interview |1975”
Had no idea interviewers in the mid 70's were just as shite as they are today. He didn't ask Robert Graves a single intelligent question that allowed the great man to reveal his sublime depth of knowledge of the classics, humankind's place in the world and the poetry that he could spin out like a spider. Shameful waste
Its a shame he and his great friend at the time, Sassoon had a big falling out over "Goodbye to all that". His daughter said even as an old man he used to jump out of his chair when a door slammed shut and the telephone ringing could send him diving under his desk. These veterans were still suffering years after the war. He has a lovely speaking voice. Thanks for shaing this.
I couldn't agree more with what he said about too many foreign countries entering into swearing. I'm English and everyone I know says "ass" this and "asshole" that. No self respecting American says "arse", do they?
it was brave of him to do this when he knew that his memory was failing, but I think that the interviewer handles it well. Memory-loss is nothing to be ashamed of when you're 80.
Amazing to think here is a giant of the war poets, someone who ranked alongside Owen and Sassoon et al. Despite his memory loss, this is an important link to the era of WW1. Thank you for posting.
The host is terrible. No respect. "Is everyone going to be Irish in this conversation?" What a loaded question! Illustrates the effects of 'the Troubles' in Northern Ireland. You can see the "fuck off" in Robert's eyes.
Thanks for this, from a life-long Graves reader. Not surprising that here he often looks about 100 years out of touch with contemporary commercial culture—as he was happy to be. Try his truly delightful novel "Watch The North Wind Rise," about a future new beginning for humanity starting (again) in Crete. Hard to find but worth it. And of course, in this man's pages and shadow you find out what kind of writer you are—serious, or not.
I think we need to understand one thing, that interviewers are but an extension of the role of inquisitors from since the time of the Inquisition and before, under an inquisitorial system called the Media.
I wonder if the second friend Graves referred to as having suggested his residence in Majorca was perhaps the late gnostic master Idries Shah, known to be Graves' teacher for many years. If it is I find it beautiful and becoming of Shah's enigma that he was referred to in this program as "My Dear Friend."
Times have changed in respect to recognising and coping with dementia. One can only surmise, the production company and host were not aware of Grave's severe Alzheimer's disease before the interview, but it is surprising that they went ahead with the broadcast. I very much doubt whether the company intended to subject him to this oredeal and Graves ion his condition would have been oblivious, but it is difficult to watch.
Brilliant post thank you. I actually love seeing interviews with real people who are not playing some kind of daft game of omniscience to comply with the media process. I actually think the interviewer does a good job here given that Graves is unwilling and sometimes unable to reveal specifics.
"I don't like the word 'permissive'. If it's 'permissive' there must be the reason for the permission and therefore you must find out who does the permitting.".. drops mic…
Ooh dear a sad interview with a great poet in his declining years. Awkward Questions, eg : What's wrong with swearing ? Ans: Too many foreign countries entered in to it…. He was only 79 in this painful interview his mind is clearly not up to the task and he feels defensive …. Asked about the after life, and does one's soul going to a better place? … Response: I don't think about it. Urgh horrible … questions. The interview continues agonisingly trivial with stuttering responses, not how Robert graves should be remembered at all
Thank you for sharing. Graves is one of my favourite writer and poet. Yes, in this interwiev he had memory problems but now Ican hear his voice feel his humour and so on. He is an important writer for me and influenced me through his novels.
Okay, I see others got something out of this interview, so I won't say don't watch it. Just please understand that the person you're about to see is not Robert Graves, but his ghost. He is clearly suffering from some sort of rather advanced senile dementia and can barely remember his own name. I found it incredibly painful to watch — this great man, with his tremendous mind and poetic heart, reduced to a shell of himself. Perhaps I'm oversensitive, as watching my own father die of Alzheimer's was one of the most painful experiences of my life. Whatever, my last thought before hitting the "stop" button was: "Sure wish I could un-see this interview."
Blimey this is a great find poor old Graves was obviously suffering from memory issues,but its great to see him discussing his WW1 experiences which like so many of his generation he didnt much like to dwell on. The interviewer who I recall seeing numerous times on telly around this period but i cant recall his name is a bit scattered in his interview technique,but quite charming really,but does get a lot of interest out poor old Graves . Thankyou for sharing this is a real Gem.
Had no idea interviewers in the mid 70's were just as shite as they are today. He didn't ask Robert Graves a single intelligent question that allowed the great man to reveal his sublime depth of knowledge of the classics, humankind's place in the world and the poetry that he could spin out like a spider. Shameful waste
I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
The interviewer sat there trying to get a senile old man to say something to get himself into trouble on tv and got paid for it. Prick.
Poor interviewer has no magic! Thank you Robert; as a woman. I know you perceive us.
Incredibly impressive head.
Its a shame he and his great friend at the time, Sassoon had a big falling out over "Goodbye to all that". His daughter said even as an old man he used to jump out of his chair when a door slammed shut and the telephone ringing could send him diving under his desk. These veterans were still suffering years after the war. He has a lovely speaking voice. Thanks for shaing this.
I couldn't agree more with what he said about too many foreign countries entering into swearing. I'm English and everyone I know says "ass" this and "asshole" that. No self respecting American says "arse", do they?
it was brave of him to do this when he knew that his memory was failing, but I think that the interviewer handles it well. Memory-loss is nothing to be ashamed of when you're 80.
That interviewer is a total dick.
Very important record. As some comments below, I thought the interviewer could have been a little more tactful regarding his age and health.
Amazing to think here is a giant of the war poets, someone who ranked alongside Owen and Sassoon et al. Despite his memory loss, this is an important link to the era of WW1. Thank you for posting.
Christopher Hitchens brought me here.
The host is terrible. No respect.
"Is everyone going to be Irish in this conversation?"
What a loaded question! Illustrates the effects of 'the Troubles' in Northern Ireland.
You can see the "fuck off" in Robert's eyes.
Thanks for this, from a life-long Graves reader. Not surprising that here he often looks about 100 years out of touch with contemporary commercial culture—as he was happy to be. Try his truly delightful novel "Watch The North Wind Rise," about a future new beginning for humanity starting (again) in Crete. Hard to find but worth it. And of course, in this man's pages and shadow you find out what kind of writer you are—serious, or not.
I think we need to understand one thing, that interviewers are but an extension of the role of inquisitors from since the time of the Inquisition and before, under an inquisitorial system called the Media.
The interviewer is appalling, no wonder Graves looks more and more baffled… no wonder the interviewer is not named. A twerp.
The interviewer is absolutely hopeless. All his questions are moronic.
A great man. His 'The White Goddess' is a truly remarkable book.
I wonder if the second friend Graves referred to as having suggested his residence in Majorca was perhaps the late gnostic master Idries Shah, known to be Graves' teacher for many years. If it is I find it beautiful and becoming of Shah's enigma that he was referred to in this program as "My Dear Friend."
Interviewer: You were killed weren't you?
Graves: Well, only once.
Proud to be British.
Times have changed in respect to recognising and coping with dementia. One can only surmise, the production company and host were not aware of Grave's severe Alzheimer's disease before the interview, but it is surprising that they went ahead with the broadcast. I very much doubt whether the company intended to subject him to this oredeal and Graves ion his condition would have been oblivious, but it is difficult to watch.
the host is a dick
"I think you're asking too many questions" brilliant.
Brilliant post thank you. I actually love seeing interviews with real people who are not playing some kind of daft game of omniscience to comply with the media process. I actually think the interviewer does a good job here given that Graves is unwilling and sometimes unable to reveal specifics.
"I don't like the word 'permissive'. If it's 'permissive' there must be the reason for the permission and therefore you must find out who does the permitting.".. drops mic…
Ooh dear a sad interview with a great poet in his declining years. Awkward Questions, eg : What's wrong with swearing ? Ans: Too many foreign countries entered in to it…. He was only 79 in this painful interview his mind is clearly not up to the task and he feels defensive …. Asked about the after life, and does one's soul going to a better place? … Response: I don't think about it. Urgh horrible … questions. The interview continues agonisingly trivial with stuttering responses, not how Robert graves should be remembered at all
Quite inappropriate, considering his mental state at the time.
a wonderful gentleman.
Thank you for sharing. Graves is one of my favourite writer and poet. Yes, in this interwiev he had memory problems but now Ican hear his voice feel his humour and so on. He is an important writer for me and influenced me through his novels.
Okay, I see others got something out of this interview, so I won't say don't watch it. Just please understand that the person you're about to see is not Robert Graves, but his ghost. He is clearly suffering from some sort of rather advanced senile dementia and can barely remember his own name. I found it incredibly painful to watch — this great man, with his tremendous mind and poetic heart, reduced to a shell of himself. Perhaps I'm oversensitive, as watching my own father die of Alzheimer's was one of the most painful experiences of my life. Whatever, my last thought before hitting the "stop" button was: "Sure wish I could un-see this interview."
Blimey this is a great find poor old Graves was obviously suffering from memory issues,but its great to see him discussing his WW1 experiences which like so many of his generation he didnt much like to dwell on. The interviewer who I recall seeing numerous times on telly around this period but i cant recall his name is a bit scattered in his interview technique,but quite charming really,but does get a lot of interest out poor old Graves . Thankyou for sharing this is a real Gem.
Kind Regards
Jim Clark
poetryreincarnations at youtube
Not a single question in detail about his poems and other writings. Why are interviewers so crap? The things I would have asked him.
thanks, I love his voice!
Thank you so much for this interview!!
A remarkable find, thank you so much for posting
I'm sorry, delighted by the interview. But the interviewer's coiffure is fucking killing me.
I've read many works of Robert Graves, and a lot about him. How wonderful to see and hear him speak, old as he may be here. Thanks for posting.
you were killed were't you… well, only once
Priceless. Thank you.