Letter: Stritch magic

Monday 24 November 1997 01:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: In his engrossing interview with the fabulous Elaine Stritch (22 November), David Benedict states that Noel Coward wrote Sail Away for her.

As his diary for March 1962 shows, Coward initially wanted Kay Thompson for the role, and only when she turned it down was Stritch auditioned and engaged. Which does nothing to detract from Miss Stritch's magic, and gives an excuse to repeat another Stritch/Coward story with which the eccentric actress once regaled the slightly shocked Saturday morning audience of Ned Sherrin's Loose Ends. When Stritch arrived at a cocktail party unexpectedly attired in formal wear, Coward took her to one side and delivered the reprimand: "I told you to behave yourself, but not to look like a fucking geography teacher".

PHILIP HOARE

London N3

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Stritch magic

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering