| Confession: I saw The Good Companions in London. At the time, Dench wasn't a star to young Americans seeking West End entertainment (me at 25), and as startling as this sounds, Christopher Gable was closer to one, having been so memorable in a trio of Ken Russell's heyday: The Music Lovers, Women in Love, and The Boyfriend. He was one of the reasons I wanted to see it, and he was a sweet triple threat. It was during the awful Troubles-fueled postal box bombings in London, and I remember how nervous the theater district was on that trip. Especially the night I went, which was marred by an explosion I believe near Her Majesty's. Interestingly enough, Dench mentions terrorism as a factor in the early closing. I had friends in the US who said I was foolish to go. The show was pleasant -- I loved seeing John Mills -- and made little impression. I believe I should give the score another listen, trusting Alan and others in this thread. |
