James is a master of language. So urbane, cultured and self-deprecating. Where have these brilliant, understated commentators gone? Loved his writing and poetry as well
James is (was) one of the most genuinely humorous personalities, especially compared to the shrill and forced contenders of today. You seldom appreciate the value of anything until it's gone.
What a treat! I see you’ve posted a lot of these. I am virtually a lifelong CJ fan and while greatly saddened by his recent demise, I’m happy that his legacy is still around to enjoy. What a great intellect, wit and all-round bloody good bloke! Thanks so much for posting all these!
Hilarious. The segment about the sexologist was the funniest. And as for the 'beautiful people' at the outdoors concert - ho hum. Great to be able to watch these postcards because they not only show Clive's skill with language and humour, but also the cities, fashions, behaviour which have changed so much since the postcards were made. Very enjoyable.
Indeed. This was shot in 1989, and it was funny to hear that broke aristocratic "decadent" guy going on about how the Rome of today (1989) was so much busier and hectic compared to the Rome of 30 years before. Having just got back from the Rome of 2023, the Rome of 1989 seemed much less crowded and was certainly less touristy.
If only the rights issues could be sorted out, it would be amazing to see these wonderful Clive James documentaries on BluRay. They were shot on film (16mm, I think) so they would clean up great.
I do recall that Vegas film footage wasn't all that good even when it was broadcast on ITV. It was certainly better quality than what is uploaded here, but not as good as it could have been. How do I recall? I was a close follower of F1 back then and as such, remember being disappointed at its quality.
This is was originally broadcast on 24 May 1990. Sadly, Leonard Bernstein, who was featured in this program, was dead less than five months later, dying on 14 October.
Great TV; Clive James is such a pro. He's also fluent in Italian, which he disguises here. Thanks for posting. Sad though that barely 9,000 views in more than three years posted on YT.
Well, the traffic is no longer like Cairo but the city seems busier and more global today. The details have been lost, or maybe just changed. One thing is for sure, Via Veneto is a not even a shadow of what is was during this film. Does anybody even hang around there any more? Certainly no Romans.
this is hilarious! sending notes to unknown girls at a street-side café. Really, in a country where I live, that could lead to some serious trouble, But this is Rome, of course!!
It's odd to see so many positive comments - but not surprising. After all, UA-cam is the place where every video incarnates the best thing ever. But in fact, despite being almost sixty, I found this dull, unhumorous, slackly narrated, and boring. It's rather like it has always been - you become a staple on a national network, and they send you off to do programmes that you have no particular feel for (or speciality in doing), and you turn in a few thousand ordinary words to accompany an otherwise unremarkable set of footage. It's tired, cheap airwaves-filling stuff, stereotypical-Rome stuff. Oh, the amazing televisual extravaganza of spending ten minutes visiting a Rome tailor! "The price of everything in Rome was starting to worry me" - like he was spending any of his own money! "Rome is full of girls on mopeds" - no, it isn't. Those who have convinced themselves that James was anything other than a journeyman writer/broadcaster write paeans in its praise as if it were a work of art. In fact it's just sub-par, extremely ordinary, perhaps sub-ordinary TV. Thirty years on, after the vicarious sentimentality at the guy's death is over ("RIP Clive!", like they knew him!), this seems obvious. This video alone should convince anyone that James was a bit of a dullard fallen on good times.
I'm half your age and I think it's not so bad, but whatever. I agree that YT userbase can't help but see everything in extremes, usually positive. It was amazing, awesome, top shelf words always.
James is a master of language. So urbane, cultured and self-deprecating. Where have these brilliant, understated commentators gone? Loved his writing and poetry as well
It's more PC nowadays!
Beautiful Rome. Goodnight Clive. RIP.
Yes, many people have passed away since then. Both of natural and unnatural causes. C'est la vie. Enjoy.!
Best episode he did. I loved seeing Clive James dance
James is (was) one of the most genuinely humorous personalities, especially compared to the shrill and forced contenders of today. You seldom appreciate the value of anything until it's gone.
Very sadly missed a great wit
Can you imagine sharing time with CJ and Barry Humphries? Utterly joyful
What a treat! I see you’ve posted a lot of these. I am virtually a lifelong CJ fan and while greatly saddened by his recent demise, I’m happy that his legacy is still around to enjoy. What a great intellect, wit and all-round bloody good bloke!
Thanks so much for posting all these!
I agree with every word mate sadly missed
Wasn't he fantastic? Genuine humor. Very funny.
Rome, so beautiful and elegant....Clive James R.I.P
He looked so smooth , that a snake with an ice axe couldn't climb him.
RIP Clive. Love watching these
Hilarious. The segment about the sexologist was the funniest. And as for the 'beautiful people' at the outdoors concert - ho hum. Great to be able to watch these postcards because they not only show Clive's skill with language and humour, but also the cities, fashions, behaviour which have changed so much since the postcards were made. Very enjoyable.
Indeed. This was shot in 1989, and it was funny to hear that broke aristocratic "decadent" guy going on about how the Rome of today (1989) was so much busier and hectic compared to the Rome of 30 years before. Having just got back from the Rome of 2023, the Rome of 1989 seemed much less crowded and was certainly less touristy.
unbeatable classic Clive, bravo molto bravo
Best of the postcards for sure. Thank you Clive.
Classic Clive. RIP.
timeless classic
Always good value. Long life to Clive.
A great sense of humour sadly missed
If only the rights issues could be sorted out, it would be amazing to see these wonderful Clive James documentaries on BluRay. They were shot on film (16mm, I think) so they would clean up great.
Does that mean the original is 16:9 too?
I do recall that Vegas film footage wasn't all that good even when it was broadcast on ITV. It was certainly better quality than what is uploaded here, but not as good as it could have been.
How do I recall? I was a close follower of F1 back then and as such, remember being disappointed at its quality.
Well they are on BBC4 (iPlayer) at the moment, on TV and in better quality
This is was originally broadcast on 24 May 1990. Sadly, Leonard Bernstein, who was featured in this program, was dead less than five months later, dying on 14 October.
Great TV; Clive James is such a pro. He's also fluent in Italian, which he disguises here. Thanks for posting. Sad though that barely 9,000 views in more than three years posted on YT.
Well - it's raced up-to 15,429 now - quiet a few of them mine. My how I love Mr James.
@@MichaelFlynn0 Up to 32k now! :)
Well, the traffic is no longer like Cairo but the city seems busier and more global today. The details have been lost, or maybe just changed. One thing is for sure, Via Veneto is a not even a shadow of what is was during this film. Does anybody even hang around there any more? Certainly no Romans.
Classic dancing.
AAAHHH!!! R.I.P. CLIVE JAMES. WITTY , HILARIOUSLY FUNNY !!! MIISSED GREATLY!! FROM U.K.(2021).
Hi Clive up there, Its the Italian job.
A Rome long since disappeared. What Clive would make of it today would make for another great Postcard.
RIP Mr James, you gave us a lot of good laughs over the years
Clive really was the best
You will never get those years back. EVER.
this is hilarious! sending notes to unknown girls at a street-side café. Really, in a country where I live, that could lead to some serious trouble, But this is Rome, of course!!
@SYED ADEEL HUSSAIN What country is yours?
Marina had a sad ending
That Marina woman ended up fighting a very long and painful battle against cancer, eventually dying in 2018.
"The beautiful people were too busy licking off eachother's make up" 🤣
Genius unforced
Clive James travel vlog
Lionel
Clive reminds one of LEO McKERN assaulting the walls
😅😅😅
Some rhythm...but not quite enough...
Concession arius Maximus Lol
The section at about 20 minutes is a bit toe-curling by today's standards.
It's odd to see so many positive comments - but not surprising. After all, UA-cam is the place where every video incarnates the best thing ever. But in fact, despite being almost sixty, I found this dull, unhumorous, slackly narrated, and boring. It's rather like it has always been - you become a staple on a national network, and they send you off to do programmes that you have no particular feel for (or speciality in doing), and you turn in a few thousand ordinary words to accompany an otherwise unremarkable set of footage. It's tired, cheap airwaves-filling stuff, stereotypical-Rome stuff. Oh, the amazing televisual extravaganza of spending ten minutes visiting a Rome tailor! "The price of everything in Rome was starting to worry me" - like he was spending any of his own money! "Rome is full of girls on mopeds" - no, it isn't. Those who have convinced themselves that James was anything other than a journeyman writer/broadcaster write paeans in its praise as if it were a work of art. In fact it's just sub-par, extremely ordinary, perhaps sub-ordinary TV. Thirty years on, after the vicarious sentimentality at the guy's death is over ("RIP Clive!", like they knew him!), this seems obvious. This video alone should convince anyone that James was a bit of a dullard fallen on good times.
I'm half your age and I think it's not so bad, but whatever. I agree that YT userbase can't help but see everything in extremes, usually positive. It was amazing, awesome, top shelf words always.
Boring is what you are mate
Almost sixty and based on this novella you wrote, looking forward to death
Whooosh 😮