Letters from a Tyrolean Landlord

[Giddy Goat]

Those of you old enough to remember Gerard Hoffnung's cartoons, usually musically themed and still found on some card racks, may know that he was also a great speaker. I hadn't ever heard him but this morning caught a broadcast on the BBC which was a wonderful tribute to him, and included the above letters.

The sound quality isn't perfect in parts, and you'll also be surprised to know that Gerard Hoffnung learned English when he was 14. He died in 1959 at the very young age of 34, of a stroke. What a waste but amazing that he was able to contribute so much in his short life.

He has the voice and slowness of delivery of someone much older but I imagine that was assumed for dramatic effect.

It's presented by Jack Dee:

It is a half hour documentary with contributions from Ian Hislop, who was a fan from an early age, and Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter, who was taught by Gerard during the Second World War..... It is a loving tribute to a unique personality who entertained so many generations.

Persevere as it winds up with another of his much loved items, the Bricklayers Lament which will have you in stitches.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... rs_Lament/

[Giddy Goat]

Both the above are also to be found on YouTube.