January | 2018 | Sally Porch

You may be like Sammy Davis Junior (well, similar) and Barbara Windsor, by thinking that the late Anthony Newley was “the most consummate performer” but, sorry, neither Chris, Roland nor I would agree with you. We three each remember Anthony Newley as Matthew Mugg in the 1967 version of Dr Dolittle. Call me a fool if you must but I still recall the disappointment, when as a young child, my ears first encountered the strains of “After Today” sung in the inimitable fashion of Anthony Newley; and, of course, there was that silly giant snail!

Actually, Chris does rather a good impression of Anthony Newley singing “What kind of Fool am I?”, as I found out a couple of days ago when we were discussing Dr Dolittle for some strange reason. Our friend Roland, with whom we are staying in Brisbane at present, confessed also to be being disappointed with the much vaunted film of the time starring popular actor Rex Harrison; the sixteen-year-old Roland, wearing a groovy white denim jacket and brown flares, had thought he was going to see a wild-life documentary. Needless to say, a fake giant pink snail did not live up to his wildest expectations! And he was beaten up after the film, hopefully not because he sneered at Anthony Newley’s rendition of “After Today” (which he was to remember ever after).

And yet, it is the song, “What Kind of Fool am I?”, which stands out foremost in our minds; perhaps everyone over fifty in the Western world have vague subconscious memories of Anthony Newley singing with the stars of the time – like Shirley Bassey and Sammy Davis Junior – on those Saturday night television programmes of the sixties.

“What kind of fool am I?” Chris, Roland and I crooned, warbled and droned before bursting into fits of laughter. Then, in between hiccups, and maybe feeling a bit unkind for making fun, I said:

“I’m a nice person really.”

“Only ten percent of woman are as nice as you,” said our friend.

“Oh thank you,” I responded quite pleased.

Roland paused before adding dryly:

“The rest are nicer.”

Then we all cracked up again.

Anthony Newley What Kind Of Fool Am I? (Best Version) – YouTube

▶ 2:33

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJN7TEC0UYM

Video for what did anthony newley sing in Dr Dolittle

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gm-J2yxZog

Jul 29, 2017 – Uploaded by Erin Shoop

The joyous song “After Today,” sung by Anthony Newley, From the 1967 musical film, Doctor Dolittle …

Just because I haven’t been very active (or not at all) on my blog for a while (ages!) it doesn’t mean that I’ve been in the doldrums. Actually, a stiff and somewhat turbulent wind brought us swiftly to Australia and it seems as though we haven’t stopped since.

Chris and I recovered at Bill and Lita’s in Brisbane; bought a shiny new red bike from a garage sale for just $10 (looking foward to riding it); and went down to New South Wales – all in the first week.

Then it was “Out West” to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs for a taste of both city and country life; perhaps I’ll tell you about our adventures with Gary, our self-appointed tourguide when I have more time.

Back to Roland’s not far from the Gold Coast we did spot of fishing and enjoying the wildlife, then on to the Sunshine Coast to see my old friend Lorelle. And now I’ve run out of time… as we’re going out.

But before I go I’ll tell you what Chris said when I asked if I had spelt “doldrums” right…and I added:

“That is the place where there’s no wind – isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Chris answered, “It’s the place you want to be when you’re referring to gastric conditions.”

Ever the wit!