Brian Phillis and Xanthe Sonza
Recorded
October 24, 2012
40:58 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
lsk000406
Description
Brian Phillis (73) talks with Xanthe Souza (37) about his childhood in Australia, his love of the entertainment industry, and his family.Subject Log / Time Code
Brian Phillis was born in 1939, his father was a clergyman in the Church of England, went to Australian Army. Was shipped out to the Middle East - Egypt, Libya, Lebanon. Father returned to Australia when BP was about 4 or 5.
BP was sent to a good boarding school. Traumatic, away from home for months at a time for 11 years.
BP became interested in entertainment. Met the wife of Oscar Hammerstein, Dorothy Hammerstein, went to their house for afternoon tea.
BP began traveling on ships around the world.
BP got into television production. Remembers seeing "Cabin in the Sky" as a child.
BP talks about General McArthur and FDR - very impressed by them as a child.
Xanthe Sonza (XS) says that it sounds like BP's dreams came true.
BP loved "Black Orpheus." He went to Brazil - Salvador, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro - has gone about 10 times. He has fallen in love with a woman in Bahia. He has been married twice.
BP talks about his views on marriage. He believes that people go different paths, and marriage doesn't always last.
BP talks about how he used to have a very good lifestyle. Then had problems with real estate he owned -- learned that there is more to life than money.
BP's three children - Jodie, Carrie, Benjamin. Also is a grandfather.
BP remembers the birth of Jodie, and Carrie. Carrie was born in North Ridge, CA.
XS asks BP about love. He says he is an "incurable romantic." Fell in love with music as a child.
BP's grandmother was bombed out of her house twice in London in WW2.
BP remembers meeting Duke Ellington.
XS asks BP about his work. He talks about working with Paul Bogart, a director.
BP thinks that there is not much good coming from entertainment now.
BP's mother was prone to depression, had a hard time. Remembers her threatening to kill herself.
BP remembers wanting to stay at boarding school instead of going home.
BP would tell his grandchildren to be true to themselves, quotes Shakespeare.
BP talks about being kind. Doesn't believe in regrets. Remembers his proudest moments - making the cricket team as a child.
BP hasn't planned his life out, he went one day at a time. Remembers when JFK was shot.
BP talks about last wishes that he wants to do - wants to do something for someone he loves.
Participants
- Brian Phillis
- Xanthe Sonza