Comments on: Comments on 21442

Post number 21442

MiguelCardoso — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 03:08:44 -0800

What Would The Good Doctor Have Prescribed? A Samuel Johnson quotation for every possible occasion, assembled by Frank Lynch. To be taken daily, along with Jack Lynch's Guide, while we wait for David Lynch's upcoming Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland. [Quicktime unrequired, as I made that last bit up]

By: madamjujujive

madamjujujive — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 04:37:58 -0800

On second marriages: "The triumph of hope over experience." "Much may be made of a Scotchman if he be caught young." "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." "A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization." Great stuff Miguel! Thanks!

By: CoolHandPuke

CoolHandPuke — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 04:47:32 -0800

"No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned." Great link.

By: BinkyF

BinkyF — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 05:13:02 -0800

This site sadly lacks my favourite Johnson quote: "Sir, your wife, under pretence of keeping a bawdy-house, is a receiver of stolen goods." - an example of the customary insults traded between Thames barge passengers. Life of Johnson (J. Boswell), Vol. IV, 1780

By: 111

111 — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 05:59:33 -0800

Marvelous!!!!

By: Man-Thing

Man-Thing — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 06:26:26 -0800

And let's not forget James Boswell. As Johnson's biographer he preserved many of these quotes for posterity and was a fascinating character in his own right. I've been reading his journals (I've finished 12 of 13 and am waiting for my local library to get me the final volume, Boswell: The Great Biographer). For the most part it's fascinating stuff. I'd love to see a movie about the relationship between Johnson and Boswell. I picture Michael Gambon (or maybe Albert Finney)as Johnson, and perhaps Ewan MacGregor as Boswell

By: BigCalm

BigCalm — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 07:29:28 -0800

Great post. Thanks.

By: lerrup

lerrup — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 08:18:44 -0800

The Beeb did something a while back with Robbie Coltrane as the Doc and John Sessions as Boswell. Pretty good if I remember rightly.

By: BigCalm

BigCalm — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 08:54:33 -0800

Are you thinking of the Blackadder episode lerrup?

By: taratan

taratan — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 09:25:50 -0800

Samuel Johnson's Last Will & Testament.

By: billpena

billpena — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 17:04:56 -0800

So wait, there's no movie by that name? Damn, my Scottish, David-Lynch-fanatic fiancee would have been so excited.

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 17:46:03 -0800

I picture Michael Gambon (or maybe Albert Finney)as Johnson, and perhaps Ewan MacGregor as Boswell That would be a proper film, that would, Man Thing! Eight hours long, if possible. Though Gambon is perfect for Johnson, Ewan MacGregor is too Hollywooded-out to play Boswell. There must be dozens of brilliant young Scottish actors but, alas, I know none. Someone inquisitive, nervy and slightly obsequious such as Tim Roth? Or even Billy Connolly as he was in Mrs. Brown with Judi Dench as Queen Victoria? Difficult casting! Oh, if only masterful, Johnsonian holgate were still with us, he'd soon put us all straight!