Author and Publisher
OST of us can take crime or even fantasy in half-hour doses, but, when a play lasts for an hour and a
hast aS did Hdouard Bourdet’s Prize Novel (1YC), we expect something fairly substantial. This piece, however, amply justified its Selection. A skilful satire on the French literary scene and the writer’s use of real-life material, it had a rare sparkle and incisiveness. The best part, I thought, was the first act in the office
of the publisher (Moscat, unless my ears deceive me) where the award of the "Zola Prize" was rigged beforehand. This witty scene confirmed my suspicion : that the Goncourt Prize is usyally awarded by plucking a name out of a hat. Moscat’s flow of critical clichés and his aphorisms for authors ("Never kill your characters; you never know when you may need them again") were delightful. Like many playwrights, Mr. Bourdet had some trouble in following up his initial idea, and my interest faded somewhat when we left the publishers, but a neatly ironical ending caught it again. Frederick Farley gave his usual reliable performance as the embarrassed prize-winner, and Joachim Kahn was suitably self-confident as Moscat, if a thought too hearty at times.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19511207.2.47.2
Bibliographic details
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 25, Issue 649, 7 December 1951, Page 25
Word count
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202Author and Publisher New Zealand Listener, Volume 25, Issue 649, 7 December 1951, Page 25
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
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