Actually Laurence, your h/t ought to credit the playwright Sir Ronald Millar, who wrote that speech for MT to use in 1980. Also (since Millar was quoting its title punningly) Christopher Fry's postwar play 'The Lady's Not for Burning'. By 1980 Fry's romantic comedy was virtually forgotten, and for MT to come out with this punning reference seemed bizarre at the time: it was clear she herself didn't have the faintest idea what she was alluding to, and nor did most of her listeners. There was also a later 1980s electoral poster inveighing against 'A Diet of Brussels' that assumed a well-schooled memory for European medieval history. Those were the days.
'Anonymous' comments will not be displayed. Please use your name or a pseudonym. If you wish to comment then I ask that you maintain a measure of good will. If you are unable to do so, then please go elsewhere.
Actually Laurence, your h/t ought to credit the playwright Sir Ronald Millar, who wrote that speech for MT to use in 1980. Also (since Millar was quoting its title punningly) Christopher Fry's postwar play 'The Lady's Not for Burning'. By 1980 Fry's romantic comedy was virtually forgotten, and for MT to come out with this punning reference seemed bizarre at the time: it was clear she herself didn't have the faintest idea what she was alluding to, and nor did most of her listeners.
ReplyDeleteThere was also a later 1980s electoral poster inveighing against 'A Diet of Brussels' that assumed a well-schooled memory for European medieval history. Those were the days.
"Our Lady's not for turning"! I might have to borrow that.
ReplyDelete