Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Forces' Sweetheart and iconic British singer who boosted troop morale with her wartime broadcasts, symbolizing hope and fortitude.
On the island
Eight records
Room Five Hundred and FourFavourite
I chose that because it was Douglas Barder's favorite song. And as you know, he was one of our heroes in the Battle of Britain pilots, wonderful man.
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra (vocal: Helen Forrest)
Harry, my husband… He was mad on all the Jazz records, naturally, and this was one of the records that I think he probably wooed me with.
Elaine Page, I'm a great fan of hers because I think she she has something that I've always wanted, and that's a wonderful big range. And she really makes the most of her voice. And I I went to the opening night of Cats, and it r that memory, I think she sings it better than anybody else, so I would like to have that.
I feel that I was in on because in the fifties, b early fifties, I went to the States to do some television and radio, and uh I stayed with Meredith Wilson, the composer, and he was writing Till There Was You.
I was doing a television show not long before he died. … he said he would like to be on the show … I was thrilled because I'd been a fan for so, so many years. And he came along, he was charming, and that is a memory I'd like to take with me.
Philadelphia Orchestra (conductor: Eugene Ormandy)
I'm very fond of strings orchestrations and um I used to hear this lovely record occasionally when I do listen to records over the air. And I would like to hear that, please.
Chi Mai (theme from BBC TV's David Lloyd George)
B B C television programme David Lloyd George. Had a lovely piece of music in it. I would like to hear that, please.
Charlie Kunz and his Casani Club Orchestra (vocal: Vera Lynn)
This is a a record that makes me feel very nostalgic, and it's a Heart of Gold.
In conversation
Presenter asks
1:08I presume it feels nothing like fifty years ago since you heard those fateful words on the radio, 'Britain is at war with Germany'?
Well, it's such a long time ago, you know, and so much has happened since then. But I can clearly remember simply sitting in the garden with my parents and Harry listening to the radio, expecting whatever was to come, because everyone was very much on edge.
Presenter asks
2:11Would you go as far as to say that in many ways you personified what the boys were fighting for?
I suppose I reminded them of their sweethearts and their sisters or young wives that they left behind.
Presenter asks
4:47But the Nazis banned your programme, didn't they, in occupied Europe?
Well, they they banned all listening to the B B C. And I remember one Dutchman telling me that they used to hide in a big hay rick right inside and they had this radio and they used to listen to secretly and listen to my programmes. And if they were discovered, they were shot.
The keepsakes
The book
a guide to edible plants on a desert island (book not specified by name)
I've got to eat, haven't I? And as I'm more vegetarian, I should think than anything else. I don't think I'd be able to catch fish or kill anything to eat. So I'd like a book that would tell me exactly on this island what I could eat the things that were poisonous or the edible fruits and roots and vegetation that would keep me alive till I was rescued.
The luxury
Watercolour paints, brushes, and paper
I like to do a little bit of painting... I think I'd settle with some watercolours... water would be no problem, and some brushes. And of course I'd need a lot of paper too
Presenter asks
15:52What's your most vivid memory of the blackout in London?
I had a little Austin ten. I remember I was doing a week at the Newcross Empire. And one night they suddenly declared f blackout, for blackout. … I had to drive home on my own in my little car, and it was pouring of rain. So I had to find my way driving all by myself through the Blackwall Tunnel … I used to get in the car and off I'd go and if there was a raid en route, you'd get out and lay in the gutter … During the evening performances, if the raid started, you didn't take any notice, you just carried on singing.
Presenter asks
20:36Surely when you got to Burma to the front … you must have been terrified.
No, no. I I really didn't think about it. The boys I knew the boys were around and they were looking after me.
Presenter asks
25:52Why do so many people still draw emotion from the songs that you sing?
A lot of the the boys, like Australians and and the Canadians, they were over here during the war they were billeted here and and they went off from here. And and it's all part of their young life and listening to the programmes and the messages and the kind of songs. Now, when they're back home with their families, it reminds them of the time. The Comrade Ship. everything that they went through. the loss of their friends … And they seemed to connect me with it.
“I was the girl next door, really, because I wasn't a glamorous type, and they didn't look at me as a sort of a pin up kind. But I did bring messages of love and hope.”
“No, no. I really didn't think about it. The boys I knew the boys were around and they were looking after me.”
“you could just for a little while you could take them back home … just in memory”
“I think all people when when there's real trouble … they are inclined to stick together and help each other, work for each other, work as a team.”
“I know it was Dougie Barda's favourite song, but I also think it was the favourite song of a lot of couples. They say, 'Oh, yes, I was home on leave, or we just got married.'”