HENRI SALVADOR’S formula for show business success is lots of sleep. “I like nine hours sleep a night plus another three hours in which to wake up properly,” he said.

Stocky, dynamic Henri is one of two French acts giving a Continental flavour to Granada’s Chelsea at Nine on Thursday. He has been a top-liner on the continent for more than 10 years, and a star in South America before that.

It is only in the last couple of years that he has become known in this country but the Queen saw him in Paris a long time ago.

“When she was Princess Elizabeth,” said Henri, “she came to the Carrere club. I ran the band and was the cabaret. She must have enjoyed herself. She was to stay half an hour. She left after five hours.”

Everything Henri does is polished. He sings romantically or skittishly, dances expertly, and has few equals as a mime comedian (usually with a background of noises he has made and recorded beforehand).

Henri, aged 42, is a native of the French West Indies [French Guiana – Ed]. When he was three, his parents moved to Paris. He spent his childhood in a poor neighbourhood. Often the family moved — suddenly. He made money at an early age, shining shoes or selling newspapers (“usually second hand ones”).

At school he could not concentrate. He decided to learn to play an instrument and become an entertainer.

“I liked drums, but they were too bulky to carry round. Clarinet tickled my lips. Trumpet bruised them. Guitar. I fell in love with the shape — like a woman! Light to carry, too.

“Soon I found I could play the guitar well, and got a job with Ray Ventura, a leading French orchestra leader.

“I used to fool around at rehearsals and make everyone laugh. Some of the boys suggested I become a comedian. I worked up some “business” and Ray Ventura let me do it when we went to South America on tour.

“I became a star there. I left the band,” he told me in his breathless, enthusiastic way, using good English, which he says he learnt phonetically.

“When I got back to Paris, I went to a music hall owner and told him I was a star in South America. He said so what. I said I could become a star in Paris. He shrugged. I asked him for a chance — only 30 minutes to close the first half. He laughed. But in the end he gave me my chance.

“I kept my promise. I became a star overnight. That was in 1946. Since then, my job is to stay a star. That is why I work 12 hours a day, rehearsing and thinking up new material.” Unusual sounds inspire his songs and comedy. He memorises them easily (“That’s how I learn languages”).

His noisy diner sketch was a product of keeping his ears open in a restaurant, and imitating what he heard on a sound recorder.

English audiences have thrilled him. “So quick, so complimentary. They feel like flying over London without an aeroplane.”

When he can sneak away from business for an hour or two, he likes fly fishing. “I am a natural lazy man, coming from the Indies,” he admits. “Sitting by a river is fine with me. If I catch a trout, I’ll be so happy. If not, maybe I catch a tan.”

Actually, Henri is not lazy as he tries to make out. He burns up a great deal of energy when he is entertaining and replaces it with plenty of sleep and by sucking glucose and sugar.

“I wouldn’t be able to get on a stage without a sugar lump,” he told me.

Also from France come Les Ballets Modernes de Paris with one of their hits, Dans la Rue. It is the tale of a night in a big city, complete with a street-corner fight applauded by “shady ladies” and high-spirited night clubgoers returning home.

The ballet is run by a married French couple, Francoise and Dominique Dupuy. Last year they triumphed at the Edinburgh Festival with the ballet The Seventh Sacrament.

Francoise says: “That was a serious ballet but this time we will give a lighter show.” She adds: “I am very happy to go to London, since I like the town and I know the people appreciate good dancing. Also, I want to buy a lot of cardigans and cashmeres. And have a good time.”

The seven dancers in the troupe come from all over the world. A new recruit is an 18-year-old Swiss, small and shapely Marie Aubert. From Germany there is Karin Waehner; from Uruguay, Paul Darnot, and from France, Michele Andren and Roger Ribes.

Their choreographer is British — Deryk Mendel who worked in English ballet before the war and afterwards settled in Paris with the Champs Elysées Ballet before joining them.

Says Mendel: “Our technique will be new to British audiences, it may shake a few old people who are not used to modern dancing.”

Music for Dans la Rue comes from America composed by jazz genius Duke Ellington. It is part of his A Drum is a Woman which he recorded, and presented on US television, in 1957. One singer was Margaret Tynes, and she is coming to Chelsea at Nine next week to recreate her part.

Margaret Tynes has had a distinguished career both as Broadway show singer and serious operatic soprano. She was in more than 200 Broadway performances of Finian’s Rainbow and was leading lady to Harry Belafonte in another show, Sing, Man, Sing. She has sung in Moscow in a show presented by Ed Sullivan, played Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s Macbeth with the Montreal Opera Company in Canada, worked for the NBC TV Opera Company, and had five and a half years with the New York City Centre Opera Company.

Two other Americans, both comedians, also appear in Chelsea at Nine: Orson Bean (a return engagement) and Jack Wakefield who was born in Brooklyn, New York, but who made his name in Canada before returning to triumph in New York

Talking of Canada, the show will be compered by Canada’s Bernard Braden.

The post The Continent comes to Chelsea appeared first on THIS IS GRANADA from Transdiffusion.

BENEATH that blonde champagne bubble exterior Barbara Kelly has more driving force than a Blue Streak rocket after countdown.

As well as hostessing Criss Cross Quiz, she finds time to cope with the large demanding Braden flat in Knightsbridge and the demanding Braden family. To put the seal on her capabilities. she successfully stepped in for her husband, Bernard Braden, on The Braden Beat when he was on holiday.

But after working-hours, when she gets home and kicks off her shoes, how does Barbara Kelly relax?

When she’s comfortably settled in a chair, putting on a cigarette she’ll probably reach for a science fiction novel. “I love them,” she said. “For their sheer escapism. When I sink into the fantasy world of, say, a Bradbury book, all the cares and concerns of the day seem a million miles away.”

But this Canadian bom actress who arrived in England 17 years ago doesn’t stay idle long.

She’s soon out of that chair, pursuing her latest hobby, painting. Not houses, but pictures. Recently two of her oils were shown in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

Can anything stop this 5ft. 6in. blonde dynamo in her tracks? For a moment I thought so when I mentioned the prospect of her shortly becoming a grandmother. “It’s a bit shattering,” said Barbara, then she shrugged and finished. “But I’m sure I shall get used to it like anything else.”

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BACK on television on Thursday comes Granada’s Chelsea at nine. And with the first two shows Britain is introduced to two Canadian comedians who have rocketed to the top in North American TV.

Their names: Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster. Their hometown: Toronto. Their ages: “incredibly old.”

They look, in fact, incredibly young. Wayne, the shorter, stockier of the two, reminds me — in appearance — of Mike Todd. Shuster looks like John Wayne (the film star, that is).

They have been working together ever since they joined the Boy Scouts 25 years ago. Their first show was a play produced for a Scout jamboree — “it wasn’t the best script we’ve ever written,” said Wayne. “But then, it probably wasn’t the worst, either.” Their first professional break came years later at university in Toronto. It is said an advertising man saw one of their college shows and offered them a radio programme.

Neither Wayne nor Shuster knew anything about radio. But they bought a handbook and got down to finding out. “That book certainly taught us something,” said Shuster. “I must try and remember some day what it was.”

Individualists they have always been. With energy and ingenuity they work out satirical sketches which, frequently, require elaborate sets.

“We believe sets are important, especially in our kind of work,” said Shuster.

Unlike many comics who have an assembly line of gag writers, Wayne and Shuster work on their own scripts and produce their own shows.

“We go 50-50 in the writing and ideas for our shows. Sometimes we sit down and feel we’re absolutely dry of new ideas, but then something turns up,” said Wayne.

The first Chelsea at nine has a musical opener — words and music by, of course, Wayne and Shuster. Three sketches, interspersed by appearances by the Ray Ellington Quartet and Valerie Masters, will include a skit on boxing movies, entitled “Bell, Book and Canvas.”

“It’s a father-son tussle, but please ask don’t who plays father,” says Shuster.

Another sketch introduces The Professor (Wayne) who is the original expert. “He knows about everything and is a regular character of ours ” explained Frank.

“In this particular sketch he’s a submarine know-all.”

Third sketch, entirely mimed, concerns the leaning Tower of Pisa — any further description would be impossible.

Compering the first two Chelsea at nine shows is another Canadian, Bernard Braden, who used to work for Wayne and Muster in radio many years ago.

“We always thought that boy would go far,” they say, nodding wisely. “And he did, too … 3,000 miles.”

The post Canada comes to Chelsea appeared first on THIS IS GRANADA from Transdiffusion.

THREE top international stars head Granada’s new Chelsea at nine series, which comes back with a bang this week in a new spot on Thursday every three weeks.

And supporting them will be many old favourites among the team that has proved since the first programme in September, 1957, that top artistic talent of all kinds can be mixed — without frightening away the customers.

Headliners this week include American comedian Dave Barry, Portuguese singer Amalia Rodrigues, and San Francisco jazz and ballad singer Ruth Olay.

Dave, who after his appearance at the London Palladium some time ago was described as a “brilliant humorist,” bases his routines on the everyday happenings of “Mr Average.” The things that happen at home, the problem of money, and the usual trials and tribulations with the wife and children.

He does a great deal of his own writing. He is, too, an amateur cartoonist and his sense of satire can be detected in his drawings as well as his performances.

The strong, passionate, untamed voice of Fado singer Amalia Rodrigues has taken her from the market places and cafes of Lisbon to concert programmes as a star solo artist in most of the European capitals. She explains: “Fados are Portuguese folk songs that have been handed down from generation to generation. In Portugal, if we are bored, we sing; if we are lonely, we sing. Fados tell of hopeless hearts, sadness, loneliness, passion, jealousy, love, pain and longing. Fado is all that exists.”

Ruth Olay makes her first British TV appearance in Chelsea at nine. She was born in San Francisco, the daughter of a rabbi. At one time she was secretary to a Hollywood scriptwriter.

Bandleader Benny Carter “discovered” her singing in a “jam” session and her first job was with his band. Soon after came her first recording. That was in 1953. Some years later she reached the bestseller class with Singin’ in the Rain. “I have been interested in show business ever since I can remember,” she says.

Her other interests include reading science fiction, record collecting, swimming and volley-ball.

As well as Transatlantic stars, more and more Continental entertainers are being brought over to appear in the show. Many have to be booked six or eight months in advance.

Those who decide on the balance of the programme and the selection of artists are Ann Suudi, Granada’s casting director, and producer of the show, Eric Fawcett. They have recently returned from a tour of Sweden, France and Denmark in a search for talent.

Chelsea at nine is rehearsed and staged in what was the Chelsea Palace Theatre in King’s-road, London.

After the Palace opened in 1902, patrons enjoyed in the “luxuriously appointed and handsomely decorated theatre” (to quote a 1904 bill) everything from all-in wrestling to a season of Shaw plays.

The late Yvonne Arnaud (billed as “a new French artiste”), Mrs Patrick Campbell, Gerald du Maurier and G. H. Elliott, the Original Chocolate-Coloured Coon, have all played at the Palace.

George Robey, Harry Tate, Charlie Chaplin (playing in Fred Karno’s show: Twice Nightly), Sir Harry Lauder, Gracie Fields and Nellie Wallace are some more famous Chelsea Palace names.

The Palace closed as a variety theatre in March 1957. Five months later it became officially known as the Granada.

The exclusion of the more “obvious” variety acts from the show has not narrowed the programme’s scope. In fact, the aim of the producers has always been to increase the show’s individuality by featuring artists not normally associated with variety.

Since its inception, Chelsea at nine has presented internationally famous artists from every field of entertainment. For many of them, it meant a first British TV appearance.

Douglas Fairbanks compered the first and many of the early shows, introducing such big names as Pouishnoff, the Rumanian Folk Dancers, and Richard Tucker, “Brooklyn’s Caruso.” Other comperes have been Bernard Braden, Jack Hawkins and the current host, Lionel Murton.

More scoops over the past 16 months have been comedienne Anna Russell, who came over from the US for a one-night appearance, Ram Gopal, the Indian dancer, Yehudi Menuhin, and Maria Callas.

Yehudi Menuhin was booked at two days’ notice. His appearance was scheduled at a time when there was a ’flu epidemic in England. Most of the cast, except for Charles Laughton, were affected. Menuhin, then appearing at the Festival Hall, was asked to take part. He agreed and was delighted to find that Laughton, an old friend, was sharing the bill with him.

Other famous personalities who have taken a bow in Chelsea at nine are Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sari Barabas, the Hungarian opera star, violinist Isaac Stern and Dame Edith Evans. Excerpts from successful London plays have frequently been presented and viewers have been treated to a wide variety of current comedy and dramatic productions.

“Regulars” in Chelsea at nine since it began have been The Granadiers, the song and dance group (seven boys and six girls) who work under the direction of 33-year-old Cliff Adams. The girls and boys who make up the group have achieved a reputation for clever timing and excellent singing.

Cliff Adams formed the group especially for Chelsea at nine. He decides on a song, arranges it, has a discussion with choreographer Mark Stuart and producer Eric Fawcett. When all three agree, a routine is worked out.

“There have been few changes in the group since it started,” said Cliff, “But I always audition everyone who writes to me and wants to be in the show.” Chief assets for a would-be Granadier: Good appearance and adaptability. Their dance style is a blend of movement and music aided by spirited teamwork.

By November 18 last year The Granadiers had sung and danced their 100th Chelsea at nine number.

Peter Knight and his orchestra have also appeared in every show. Peter is the tubby, ex-Inland Revenue clerk whose parents wanted him to be a concert pianist. He says: “This is one of the most interesting jobs I’ve done. Musically it has immense range, from opera to ‘pop.’ We are kept on our toes, too, because we have to cope with slick American arrangements.”

The post Chelsea top-line appeared first on THIS IS GRANADA from Transdiffusion.

IN those wilderness days without television just after the war – that would be about the year 10 B.C. (Before Commercial TV) – I used to listen each week to The Alan Young Show, crackling happily over the short waves direct from New York or relayed by the American Forces Network in Germany.

A lot of other people in Britain did the same, including, as one afterwards realised on hearing their acts, some of our own comics!

Curiously, I can still recall odd fragments of dialogue from the show. One remembered sketch concerned a storm at sea. Ship’s captain’s orders concerning the mizzen mast could not be carried out.

Why not?

“It’s mizzen!” came a shout. Next a command: “Get the helm over will you,” and a swift reply: “Watch your language!” The second voice in that sketch, by the way, belonged to Bernard Braden who was then taking part in Alan Young’s programmes.

I recollect too, a fabulous character called Hubert Updyke who was “the richest man in the world.” So rich that he threw away his Cadillacs whenever the ashtrays were full!

The actor who played that part is now the voice of Mr. Magoo in the famous cartoon films.

With such memories, it was pleasant to find myself sharing a dish of kebab with British-born Alan Young, now, at the age of 36, one of America’s most popular comedians, in a Soho restaurant the other day.

On Monday he starts a 13-week series for Granada TV under the title Personal Appearance, which will be seen on all channels. He has written all his own sketches and will also introduce a glamorous guest singing star each week-among them Eve Boswell, Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark and Guylaine Guy from France.

Alan Young was born in North Shields. His family emigrated to Canada when he was five. At 13, he was already in show business, reciting monologues like “Albert and the Lion” while impersonating Stanley Holloway.

His father wanted Alan to be articled as a bookkeeper, and was opposed to his becoming an entertainer.

“He never told me that he had himself ran away from his home in Scotland to join a children’s show run by a man named Jefferson, who was the father of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame,” Alan told me. “I only discovered that from an aunt in Surrey I met on my first brief visit home to England three years ago.”

Alan took a secretarial job at a Vancouver radio station. It was a step in the right direction. By the time he was 18, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation offered him his own show and father dropped his objections.

Soon a top favourite, he was invited to New York to replace Eddie Cantor for a three-week season.

An invitation to Hollywood soon followed. Then, in 1949, The Alan Young Show opened there on TV. It ran for three years and won three Academy awards – the television equivalent of the cinema world’s “Oscars.”

Young left the Columbia Broadcasting System in 1952 to freelance and has since appeared in such successful films as Androcles and the Lion with Jean Simmons and Victor Mature, Margie with Jeanne Crain, Mr. Belvedere Goes to College and Gentlemen Marry Brunettes with Jane Russell.

Youthful-looking and happily married with four children – his wife and two of the kids Cammy (7) and Wendy (4½) have come to Britain with him – Alan Young has a home with a swimming-pool in California’s San Fernando Valley.

He is modest and likeable; quiet-mannered for a comic. But that is in keeping with his style of humour, mostly the characterisation of a shy, slightly baffled type who is always being put upon by others, and to whom the most surprising things happen. But he can be put upon so much – and then suddenly… wham!

On his arrival in London, Alan lost no time in contacting Bernard Braden and Barbara Kelly “I went to their wedding. Barbara was a shy little thing then” – conductor Robert Farnon, who used to play for The Alan Young Show in Canada, and film actor Guy Middleton – “a wonderful guy.” Middleton was one of the cast of Gentlemen Marry Brunettes.

What does Bernard Braden say of Alan Young? “He is not only a fine comedian and actor but also an outstanding writer of comedy. He was the first comedian in Canada to have any real effect upon the public despite his youthfulness. He is at his best as the little man who suddenly turns angry.”

How did Alan’s ITV assignment come about?

Eddie Pola, now Granada’s Director of Light Entertainment, was producer, both in New York and Hollywood, of Alan Young’s first radio show for several years and also produced some of his TV shows. He says: “Alan puts on a disciplined and not a helter-skelter show.”

Despite his pleasant looks, the really romantic roles are not for Alan Young. He explains: “In films I always seem to be the asthmatical lover. In Gentlemen Marry Brunettes I never got to kissing the heroine because I was supposed to have asthma. I always sneezed at the wrong moment.”

Alan’s hobbies include judo (he is a brown belt), “switching some of the jokes of that greatest of gag writers – William Shakespeare,” and reading Sir Winston Churchill, “who strings words together like a woman bakes a cake – with lovely ingredients.”

He is a soccer enthusiast and acts as “trainer, manager and lemon carrier” for the Los Angeles Scots.

While in Britain for his ITV series, he plans to visit the house where he was born in North Shields, to look up relatives on Tyneside and in Scotland and to play golf at Gleneagles.

I know you will like Alan Young.

The post Alan Young makes a ‘Personal Appearance’ appeared first on THIS IS GRANADA from Transdiffusion.