Salinger on BBC
Graham Stephen (grstephen@rsc.co.uk)
Wed, 24 Mar 1999 16:37:32 +0000
Last night the BBC broadcast a fifty minute documentary about our ellusive
hero which included interviews with family (those who would talk), ex
lovers, old army & school buddies, neighbours ( tight-lipped as ever) and
many more. It also featured what they claim was new footage of JD ...er
walking around, doing his shopping etc.
In an attempt to understand his withdrawal from public life they point to
his war experiences. Salinger changed dramatically when he returned from
Europe, his fun loving side had disappeared, he became reclusive, eventually
becoming the mystery he is today. Witnesses testify to the large safe
holding 15/16 finished manuscripts, all concerning the Glass family. He
watches TV, he writes every day, including innumerable letters, and very
occasionally he will talk to a visitor, or not, as the mood takes him.
So no major revelations, but a brave attempt to understand a man who, let's
face it, can never be understood. Some good interviews but I'd be interested
to see what was cut out, the makers did imply that they were restricted in
some respects, especially when quoting from his work.
Oh and I taped it which is no use to you NTSC people out there but does mean
I can relive the excitement of watching "Jerry" getting into his car.
Graham