Tuesday, March 27, 2007

MIND’S EYE
Story details

Zinnia (see side bar) asked me to give ‘a teeny tiny hint about that secret scenario’ so here’s an example. Hughie Green was a discoverer of talent – following in the footsteps of Carol Levis. He wanted a pretty girl to present his show and I was sent to see him. When he told me what it involved – appearing in front of a live audience, introducing him and being televised at the same time I quailed and said I couldn’t do it. He looked somewhat surprised and said of course I could, I’d be fine. Now, I was terrified and said in any case, I thought I would be on holiday on the Broads.

‘Pat honey,’ in his mid Atlantic drawl, ‘We’re gonna film you if we have to bring a crew down to Norfolk!’

There was no way out, I had to go through with it. I went to my doctor and told him of my fears. He was very sympathetic and gave me a blue lozenge to take before the show. On the day of the show I had plenty of time alone in my dressing room to think. I had started riding in the Surrey country side and had become besotted with horses. They made me feel all gooey inside and so I decided that the front row of the audience were going to be my favourites – Bridie, Sean and the rest of the stables and I was going to introduce Hughie to them and they’d love him. The very thought brought a smile to my face and it lasted when I walked on stage and told my horsey friends what a treat they had in store. I was actually enjoying myself and swirled round in my red lace dress to announce with panache,

‘Your Master of Ceremonies – Hughie Green!’

Hughie was delighted – I was delighted and the horses laughed their heads off.
That was the first and last time I used chemical Dutch courage. From now on my mind’s eye would do it.

In recent years there was a lot of mixed publicity about Hughie Green. To me he was always a funny, charming gentleman.

16 comments:

Nea said...

I had to google Hughie Green. I thought my memory was going due to old age, but no, he was just a bit before my time, so now I feel all youthful again. Thank you.
Did the faces turn into horses because of the blue pill, or was it mind power?

Pat said...

Nea: I suspect the pill had something to do with it but then I found I could do it anyway. It wasn't always horses. sometimes nudity was involved. Not mine!!!!

Sam, Problem-Child-Bride said...

Blue lozenges? God, what would the audience have been if they'd given you green ones?

Terrific story. I love all this flashback stuff!

I only know of Huey Green because he was Paula Yates' dad and Bob Geldof's fther-in-law. Or have I got the wrong man?

Pat said...

Sam: You have the right man. It was shocking news when it came out and Paula denied it for a long time. I think it had a very detrimental effect on her. Not surprising when she had believed all her life that Jess Yates waa her father.

Pat said...

Randall:'Green became a household name in 1955, with the ITV quiz show, Double Your Money (which had actually originated some years earlier on Radio Luxembourg), and went on to host the long-running talent show, Opportunity Knocks, which began the careers of Les Dawson, Lena Zavaroni and Mary Hopkin, among others. Green was often mocked for his permanent door-to-door salesman's smile, faux-American accent, and his "I mean that most sincerely" catch phrase. He was also known for his Right-wing politics, which extended into recording the 1976 single "Stand Up And Be Counted".'
There's much more on Google. Latterly it turned out tht he waa the biological father of Paula Yates - the late wife of Bob Geldhof who you may be familiar with.

Zinnia Cyclamen said...

hahahahaHA that is a great story, thanks Pat! I had a feeling there was a tale behind the 'secret scenario'. I owe you indeed - will have to devise a suitable payback though I fear it may not be the one you asked for (or not until you have an email address on your blog, anyway)

Pat said...

Zinnia: I think it disappeared when I changed to New BLogger.
Pat@patdixmac.fsnet.co.uk

Anonymous said...

We were only talking about Highie Green the other day. What a coincidence. So, I watched you on telly all those years ago and never realised I'd come across you again on the internet.

Pat said...

Hi Sablonneuse: I didn't think you were old enough!

Anonymous said...

That's very kind of you but I was born at the end of the war!
I've just started going through your blog from the beginning. It makes fascinating reading.

Pat said...

Sablonneuse; still but a girl! Very brave of you to tackle the lot. I hope I haven't lost the thread.

Anonymous said...

Just finished reading April. Love the photos and the story of T and A reminded me that I, too was a 'bleeder'.
It's no good, I'm hooked. When am I going to get my chores done?

Pat said...

Well done Sablonneuse. I wonder if you have the delicate colouring we used to associate with 'bleeders'?

Anonymous said...

Well, I wouldn't call my skin delicate - more like tough as old boots nowadays but then, I've never looked after it. As a child I always tanned without burning (well mostly) but I might hold my hand up to the mousy hair.

Anonymous said...

i remember hughie green with fondness i watched his show every week as a child
i have been trying for years to get the song Mother Of Mine by a child that i thought was aled jones singing it but i cant find it anywhere I miss the show and anyone i ask says they dont remember the show but i will never forget it .
i am a 41 yr old grandmother and my children know all about hughie green and the show and so will my grandkids

Pat said...

Paula: I'm glad you remember Hughie. I was very inexperienced and he went out of his way to help me.