Fao Naomi (David Niven)

[retrocop]

Naomi
I recall you writing that you admired David Niven . If you haven't read his first book, 'The Moons a Balloon' then you can read extracts from it starting today in the MOSaturday.
Here's a bit of movie trivia
When Mr Niven enlisted and came out of OTC he was asked which regiment he would like to be posted to. He replied,'Any Regiment sir,I really don't mind as long as it's not a Scottish Regiment'
He was posted to the Highland Light Infantry for his cheek. He met his lifelong friend in the regiment Michael Trubshawe, who was later to act in films as well. Trubshawe was best man and God Father to Niven's children.
David Niven attempted to mention his friend's name in every film he made. On the set of Wuthering Heights (1939) the director, William Wyler warned him against trying to drop the word Trubshawe into any of the dialogue. He thwarted Niven's attempts on at least one occasion. In the end Niven convinced a prop man to write Michael Trubshawe's name on a tombstone, giving Niven a minor triumph over Wyler.

I recently watched an old DVD of the film, 'They were Not Divided' and David Niven,as main character,did indeed mention Trubshawe in the script.

[Rosie29]

That's fascinating Retro - I always liked him.

[naomi24]

Thanks Retro, I have read 'The Moon's a Balloon' - and the follow up, 'Bring on the Empty Horses'. Very funny. I thought he was a lovely man. My ideal date. Gracious, charming, intelligent, witty, and good looking. What's not to like? :o)

[dannyk13]

He was a one off.Never made a bad film.

[Ken4155]

Retro; according to our friend Wicki, he requested to join either the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders or the Black Watch, then jokingly wrote on the form, as his third choice, "anything but the Highland Light Infantry." Apparently because the HLI wore tartan trews instead of kilts.

[campbellking]

Loved both of his books, read them as a child on holiday

[The Builder]

The joke went both ways.
I watched a film recently featuring Michael Trubshawe.

He introduced guests to his housekeeper................

Mrs Niven.

[Deskdiary]

I love autobiographies, and The Moon’s a Balloon is by far my favourite.

I haven’t read the second one though - is it worth a read?

[lady-janine]

DD long time since I read it but, copy lost on one of my moves, but well worth reading.

[MargoTester]

Loved both books. Such a debonair man, he always used Acqua di Palma Essenza cologne. If you want to treat somebody special in your life (any have the money) buy some, it's divine. The female fragrances are lovely too

[piggynose]

I quite liked " a matter of life and death".

[Mozz71]

//He was a one off. Never made a bad film.//

I don't know about that. The original Casino Royale is pretty awful, but he was never bad, no matter how bad the movie was.