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Palin Diaries #2
Halfway To Hollywood: Diaries 1980 to 1988
A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction of 2011 title The second volume of Michael Palin’s diaries covers the bulk of the 1980s, a decade in which the ties binding the Pythons loosened—they made their last film Monty Pyton’s Meaning of Life in 1983. For Michael, writing and acting took over much of his life, culminating in his appearances in A Fish Called Wanda , in which he played the hapless, stuttering Ken, and won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Halfway to Hollywood follows Palin’s torturous trail through seven movies and ends with his final preparations for the documentary that was to change his life— Around the World in 80 Days .During these years he co-wrote and acted in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits as well as spearing in Gilliam’s follow-up success Brazil . Palin co-produced, wrote and played the lead in The Missionary opposite Maggie Smith, who also appeared with him in A Private Function , written by Alan Bennett. In television the decade was memorable for East of Ipswich , inspired his links with Suffolk. Such was his fame in the US, he was enticed into once again hosting the enormously popular show Saturday Night Live . He filmed one of the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys as well as becoming chairman of the pressure group Transport 2000. His life with Helen and the family remains a constant, as the children enter their teens.Palin’s joy of writing is evident once more in Halfway to Hollywood as he demonstrates his continuing sense of wonder at the world in which he finds himself. A world of screens large and small.
621 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
102 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
137 books1,194 followersSir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 3, 2011
I would happily spend one hour every day in a papoose affixed to Michael Palin's front listening to him speak. I haven't put this plan to him yet.
May 15, 2016
January the first 1980 until the very moment Michael Palin sets off around the world in eighty days.
Palin does remain amiable company as a diarist, but I didn’t love this volume as much as I did the first. Whereas Volume One had the rush and excitement of the prime years of Python to see it through, the projects covered here are ones I’m a lot less familiar with and so don’t care about as much. Yes, there’s ‘The Meaning of Life’, ‘Brazil’ and ‘A Fish Called Wanda’; but there’s also ‘The Missionary’ (never seen), ‘American Friends’ (never seen) and ‘A Private Function’ (seen, but many years ago). There’s also a lot of projects which don’t do anywhere, which fall apart – and maybe that’s something I’m picking up on: a certain meandering, a certain disappointment.
He also has a habit, which seems more noticeable in this volume, of gushingly noting when other famous people tell him they have love his work. Okay, if Spike Milligan called you up to tell you how funny he found you, of course you’d note it in your diary (as well as tell everyone you know, repeatedly), but the fact that so many of these instances get through the editing process into the published version just makes the resulting book feel a bit vainglorious and cloying.
Still, there are some wonderful vignettes in these pages: we have a description of Maggie Smith showing up to lunch in blue jeans (a visual which, I’ll be honest, I can’t really grasp); a dinner with Jamie Lee Curtis and Carrie Fisher where they compare notes on philandering fathers and wayward mothers; Palin interrupting Dallas fan George Harrison in the middle of his favourite show; and on-going updates about a lady in a van who seems to be living in Alan Bennett’s driveway. While away from show-business he does write movingly and beautifully about his sister’s suicide, which is by far the most touching and affecting part of the book.
So I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first volume, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it – there are worse guides to take you through life in Britain in the 1980s than Michael Palin.
Palin does remain amiable company as a diarist, but I didn’t love this volume as much as I did the first. Whereas Volume One had the rush and excitement of the prime years of Python to see it through, the projects covered here are ones I’m a lot less familiar with and so don’t care about as much. Yes, there’s ‘The Meaning of Life’, ‘Brazil’ and ‘A Fish Called Wanda’; but there’s also ‘The Missionary’ (never seen), ‘American Friends’ (never seen) and ‘A Private Function’ (seen, but many years ago). There’s also a lot of projects which don’t do anywhere, which fall apart – and maybe that’s something I’m picking up on: a certain meandering, a certain disappointment.
He also has a habit, which seems more noticeable in this volume, of gushingly noting when other famous people tell him they have love his work. Okay, if Spike Milligan called you up to tell you how funny he found you, of course you’d note it in your diary (as well as tell everyone you know, repeatedly), but the fact that so many of these instances get through the editing process into the published version just makes the resulting book feel a bit vainglorious and cloying.
Still, there are some wonderful vignettes in these pages: we have a description of Maggie Smith showing up to lunch in blue jeans (a visual which, I’ll be honest, I can’t really grasp); a dinner with Jamie Lee Curtis and Carrie Fisher where they compare notes on philandering fathers and wayward mothers; Palin interrupting Dallas fan George Harrison in the middle of his favourite show; and on-going updates about a lady in a van who seems to be living in Alan Bennett’s driveway. While away from show-business he does write movingly and beautifully about his sister’s suicide, which is by far the most touching and affecting part of the book.
So I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first volume, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it – there are worse guides to take you through life in Britain in the 1980s than Michael Palin.
July 10, 2013
I enjoyed this one even more than the first volume! Sure, we all got drawn in to read behind-the-scenes stories of Python, but these books give so much more. Social commentary, rubbing elbows with famous people, the frustrations and elation of trying to create while trying to be a responsible family man and aware citizen; and it's all accomplished with great humor. This second volume is so pleasing on so many levels, I may re-read his journals from "Around The World In 80 Days," which is where this one ends, because i just don't want to be separated from him. Good grief, I love this man. His journals justify my devotion.
June 27, 2016
My life has intersected with Michael Palin’s twice; twice we were in the same place at the same time. Once was at the Monty Python concert at the Hollywood Bowl, an event we shared together along with thousands of others. The first time, though, was several days before that, when MP and various Pythons and friends visited the Universal Amphitheater to see a Paul Simon concert. I worked there as an usher - in the Orchestra Pit where all the VIPs sat - and I was gobsmacked the night I saw several Pythons arrive for the concert (unexpectedly from the front of the house, not from backstage), and hand me their tickets so I could seat them.
Now, come sundown, dew could sometimes form on the chairs in that outdoor theater, so before I could allow people to sit on the upholstered vinyl seats, I had to wipe them down with a little white towel that had been issued for that purpose. The Python party found this quite funny, and they wordlessly indicated that I might also wipe down their shoes, or the sleeves of their jackets. MP pointed to his nose, and as I made a slight move as if to comply with his request, he smiled and waved me off. I never said a word to any of them, nor they to me, but I’ve always remembered that night fondly.
So I have to admit, the main reason I wanted to read this second volume of his diaries was to see if he made any mention of this encounter, or even of the Paul Simon concert. And he did! He didn’t mention me by name of course, but he did mention how clean and tidy the amphitheater was, and that it was staffed by “bright-eyed college students.” So, that included me, right? Of course it did!
I enjoyed this volume of his diaries even more than the first, despite the fact - or perhaps because of it – that it deals much less with the Pythons and much more with his personal life and personal creative journey. I hadn’t realized how many other things MP had been involved in, both as a writer and as an actor, partly because several of them were done for British TV, and as far as I can tell were never broadcast here.
To be sure, since the book is, after all, a diary, it is full of quotidian details; salad for lunch, the weather was fine. But then you find out that the salad was shared with Maggie Smith, or prepared by Jamie Leigh Curtis. And the fine weather led to a run in the park, which led to an idea for a new screenplay. Michael Palin's diaries are just always going to be much more interesting than mine. This book covers the time period from 1980 -1988, and there are many mentions of Thatcher, Reagan, bombings, strikes, and other political features of that period of history. It took me forever to finish, but when I did I was sad that it had to come to an end. Luckily there's one more volume.
Now, come sundown, dew could sometimes form on the chairs in that outdoor theater, so before I could allow people to sit on the upholstered vinyl seats, I had to wipe them down with a little white towel that had been issued for that purpose. The Python party found this quite funny, and they wordlessly indicated that I might also wipe down their shoes, or the sleeves of their jackets. MP pointed to his nose, and as I made a slight move as if to comply with his request, he smiled and waved me off. I never said a word to any of them, nor they to me, but I’ve always remembered that night fondly.
So I have to admit, the main reason I wanted to read this second volume of his diaries was to see if he made any mention of this encounter, or even of the Paul Simon concert. And he did! He didn’t mention me by name of course, but he did mention how clean and tidy the amphitheater was, and that it was staffed by “bright-eyed college students.” So, that included me, right? Of course it did!
I enjoyed this volume of his diaries even more than the first, despite the fact - or perhaps because of it – that it deals much less with the Pythons and much more with his personal life and personal creative journey. I hadn’t realized how many other things MP had been involved in, both as a writer and as an actor, partly because several of them were done for British TV, and as far as I can tell were never broadcast here.
To be sure, since the book is, after all, a diary, it is full of quotidian details; salad for lunch, the weather was fine. But then you find out that the salad was shared with Maggie Smith, or prepared by Jamie Leigh Curtis. And the fine weather led to a run in the park, which led to an idea for a new screenplay. Michael Palin's diaries are just always going to be much more interesting than mine. This book covers the time period from 1980 -1988, and there are many mentions of Thatcher, Reagan, bombings, strikes, and other political features of that period of history. It took me forever to finish, but when I did I was sad that it had to come to an end. Luckily there's one more volume.
January 9, 2012
There's probably an argument that this second volume of Palin's diaries is the dull one, charting the period between Palin's most memorable career highlights: Monty Python and his travel documentaries. Yet this supposedly fallow period (one where even Palin retrospectively notes that he didn't seem to know what or who he was) produced, among other things, The Meaning of Life and A Fish Called Wanda.
In some ways these uncertain times make for more interesting reading than the slightly breakneck pace of the first volume, allowing the reader to dwell on the fact that Palin was at his commercial peak, seemingly knowing almost every major celebrity (not least George Harrison who was clearly a closer friend than some of the Pythons) and offered leading roles in Hollywood films. That he never goes stratospheric seems down to a combination of bad luck and a commitment to writing his own films which, while well received were never blockbusters.
For me, what makes this more interesting still is that it charts a period I can (vaguely) remember, and one bearing alarming similarities to current times: a new Tory government attempting to demonise the poor and vulnerable, strikes across the public sector, comedy becoming - briefly - the new rock and roll. Palin reveals himself to be a hand-wringing liberal as he watches this with some dismay, and comes across as even more likable (if such a thing were possible). It's also fascinating seeing this one-time anti-establishment figure encountering the vanguard of alternative comedy (in the shape of Ben Elton, Rik Mayal et al - now themselves very much in the mainstream) and realising his act is tame by comparison.
Just as in the previous volume, the more personal stuff is largely absent (though its unclear whether this is through editing or just his diary style). This makes his account of his sister's suicide all the more moving - one entry in particular is almost unbearable, largely for what he doesn't include.
The diaries end the night before he sets off on his '80 days' voyage. His last entry is particularly poignant when you realise that the next 3 months will change his life forever; he's still wondering if he's made an awful mistake. Roll on the next volume...
In some ways these uncertain times make for more interesting reading than the slightly breakneck pace of the first volume, allowing the reader to dwell on the fact that Palin was at his commercial peak, seemingly knowing almost every major celebrity (not least George Harrison who was clearly a closer friend than some of the Pythons) and offered leading roles in Hollywood films. That he never goes stratospheric seems down to a combination of bad luck and a commitment to writing his own films which, while well received were never blockbusters.
For me, what makes this more interesting still is that it charts a period I can (vaguely) remember, and one bearing alarming similarities to current times: a new Tory government attempting to demonise the poor and vulnerable, strikes across the public sector, comedy becoming - briefly - the new rock and roll. Palin reveals himself to be a hand-wringing liberal as he watches this with some dismay, and comes across as even more likable (if such a thing were possible). It's also fascinating seeing this one-time anti-establishment figure encountering the vanguard of alternative comedy (in the shape of Ben Elton, Rik Mayal et al - now themselves very much in the mainstream) and realising his act is tame by comparison.
Just as in the previous volume, the more personal stuff is largely absent (though its unclear whether this is through editing or just his diary style). This makes his account of his sister's suicide all the more moving - one entry in particular is almost unbearable, largely for what he doesn't include.
The diaries end the night before he sets off on his '80 days' voyage. His last entry is particularly poignant when you realise that the next 3 months will change his life forever; he's still wondering if he's made an awful mistake. Roll on the next volume...
December 26, 2010
A year in the reading! Admittedly I wouldn't be able to read his diaries as novels; however Palin's diaries are easy to read and have a wonderful style that allows you to see the history of London through his un-celebrity-marred eyes.
Whereas his last installment (The Python Years) were often laugh-out-loud funny, this nearly-decade is a much more grown up affair and to be honest the peep inside George Harrison's house, John Cleese's life and Jamie-Lee Curtis's kissing style is beguiling.
The entries about his sister's depression made me cry, not just for their elegant prose, but also their honesty; these were not diaries written for the world, but he allows us in on a very private and desperate time, no doubt helping others in similar situations.
I can't wait for the travel years.
Whereas his last installment (The Python Years) were often laugh-out-loud funny, this nearly-decade is a much more grown up affair and to be honest the peep inside George Harrison's house, John Cleese's life and Jamie-Lee Curtis's kissing style is beguiling.
The entries about his sister's depression made me cry, not just for their elegant prose, but also their honesty; these were not diaries written for the world, but he allows us in on a very private and desperate time, no doubt helping others in similar situations.
I can't wait for the travel years.
July 5, 2018
I read the first volume of Palin's diaries 7 years ago, having received them as a birthday present. This second set of diaries was equally fascinating - what an articulate, creative, reflective and humourous man he is!
September 11, 2016
After his engaging and amusing The Python Years Diaries, Michael Palin brings us the next phase of his working life, in which his time was dominated by writing, producing and acting.
As I writer I found this fascinating - the highs and lows of the screen and novel writing processes, the endless waiting for other people's reactions and thoughts, and the problems encountered once production begins.
This is mixed with his continuing relationships with the other Pythons, his desire to do something 'different', and his family life. The demise and death of his sister reduced me to tears, but the diaries end on an optimistic note, with the start of his fantastic 80 Days Around the World documentary trip.
As ever, Palin is witty and a delight to read - his style is fluid and chatty - and at no point was I bored during these six hundred and something pages. Python only fans will no doubt be less interested in this, but Palin fans will enjoy, and those with an interest in screenwriting would do well to read.
He's still the top of my 'must meet' list. Wish he was doing an event for this book in Edinburgh!
As I writer I found this fascinating - the highs and lows of the screen and novel writing processes, the endless waiting for other people's reactions and thoughts, and the problems encountered once production begins.
This is mixed with his continuing relationships with the other Pythons, his desire to do something 'different', and his family life. The demise and death of his sister reduced me to tears, but the diaries end on an optimistic note, with the start of his fantastic 80 Days Around the World documentary trip.
As ever, Palin is witty and a delight to read - his style is fluid and chatty - and at no point was I bored during these six hundred and something pages. Python only fans will no doubt be less interested in this, but Palin fans will enjoy, and those with an interest in screenwriting would do well to read.
He's still the top of my 'must meet' list. Wish he was doing an event for this book in Edinburgh!
November 15, 2017
Not as fast paced as the first installment of his diaries, however still very interesting. We get to know a lot about life in the 80's through MP eyes in this book, especially life in Margaret Thatcher's England.
We also get a lot of insight at the film industry, and how it works from writing a book, to produce it, film it and then finally put it out there and the endless marketing involved.
I liked this book a lot, especially because we can see how an idol is actually such a normal individual.
https://peixinhodepratablog.wordpress...
We also get a lot of insight at the film industry, and how it works from writing a book, to produce it, film it and then finally put it out there and the endless marketing involved.
I liked this book a lot, especially because we can see how an idol is actually such a normal individual.
https://peixinhodepratablog.wordpress...
July 28, 2020
I missed the first run of Monty Python and didn���t catch up with them until the early 80s, instantly falling in love with “The Life Of Brian”. A while later, the BBC repeated the TV series and, although I loved parts of it, I was getting into alternative comedy at the time so the Pythons didn’t really work for me. Years later, I saw “East Of Ipswich” and “A Fish Called Wanda”, loved both and realised Michael Palin might have been my favourite from the troupe so, after introducing my wife to “Wanda” recently, I decided to try his diaries. As a keen diarist myself (I’ve kept one since I was 12, in 1981), I was really pleased to see they’d literally transcribed it so we get the wonderful mundanity (woke up at 7.45) along with the realisation that he lives a very different life to most (going to the Albert Hall because Ray Cooper gave him spare tickets to see a Clapton gig). I picked this volume because I associated most with that era and his work in it and I’m glad I did. Palin has a lovely outlook on life, he writes about it - and the people he encounters - with warmth and wit and he’s clearly dedicated to his family (and presents a great snapshot of his children growing up). Intriguing (his various creative pursuits), warm and often quite moving, this was a lovely read and I hugely enjoyed it, though the suicide of his sister hit me hard, his writing in this period intense and emotional (the volume is dedicated to her). A wonderful evocation of a man who perhaps doesn’t realise how big a contribution he made to the lives of so many of us, this was a terrific (and very quick) read and I would highly recommend it.
May 16, 2024
Finished Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980--1988 by Michael Palin, the second of three installments of Palin’s diary. I knew of Palin from Monty Python but had no idea the breadth of his talent as an actor, writer and movie producer. I was fascinated by his take on British, world, cultural and artistic issues. Beyond Monty Python, I really liked his performance in the 1988 film, A Fish Called Wanda. His career intersected a lot of the famous and infamous in the entertainment world. George Harrison was a particularly close friend. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2019.
August 18, 2019
Surprising, jocular, amiable.
October 13, 2020
I've read his other two diaries. Interesting reading.
January 5, 2013
It was with massive regret that I finished this book. It turns out it is possible to fall in love with someone through their writing alone. Michael Palin is so immeasurably likeable, charismatic and eloquent in his writing that you can't fail to love this book.
I shared a few laughs with him on this journey through the 80's and surprisingly a few tears. The writing is so honest and warm and open that you can't help to set aside preconceptions and just join in the journey.
Palin appeared in Brazil, A Fish Called Wanda, and is of course a Python himself - reading about these legendary subjects from a man on the inside is joyful, enlightening and enthralling. I enjoyed reading about Terry Gilliam and his battles with the studios, elements, fate as seen through the eyes of genial, easy going Palin.
Two of my highlights
* Michael Palin meeting Roald Dahl. (This happens twice)
* Realising that it was Michael Palin (one of my favourites) along with Alan Lee (one of my favourite artists) who wrote Mirrorstone which was one of my favourite childhood books.
Aww I am a lucky monkey to get my hands on this book! Straight off to the library website to order his previous Diaries: The Python Years, 1969-1979 and his newest Brazil. Michael Palin
Cannot recommend highly enough.
I shared a few laughs with him on this journey through the 80's and surprisingly a few tears. The writing is so honest and warm and open that you can't help to set aside preconceptions and just join in the journey.
Palin appeared in Brazil, A Fish Called Wanda, and is of course a Python himself - reading about these legendary subjects from a man on the inside is joyful, enlightening and enthralling. I enjoyed reading about Terry Gilliam and his battles with the studios, elements, fate as seen through the eyes of genial, easy going Palin.
Two of my highlights
* Michael Palin meeting Roald Dahl. (This happens twice)
* Realising that it was Michael Palin (one of my favourites) along with Alan Lee (one of my favourite artists) who wrote Mirrorstone which was one of my favourite childhood books.
Aww I am a lucky monkey to get my hands on this book! Straight off to the library website to order his previous Diaries: The Python Years, 1969-1979 and his newest Brazil. Michael Palin
Cannot recommend highly enough.
May 28, 2011
Everybody knows that I enjoy Michael Palin’s works – whether they be in book format, comedy or travel documentaries. This is the second book of Michael’s diaries, taking us from the end of Monty Python to A Fish Called Wanda and then onto an unknown horizon – Around the World in Eighty Days. This book also deals with some more serious issues – the death of his sister and mother moving out of the family home. However, there are some highs – Mrs Palin taking her first overseas trip to New York at age 80 and the success of various ventures (I have to see The Missionary now!).
Once again, Palin’s writing is brilliant, taking you to that era and making the everyday seem extraordinary and interesting – from parent-teacher meetings, to work meetings and travelling Concorde (okay, so that’s not so ordinary). It feels like he’s a regular, everyday Englishman who happens to act, write and perform very well. I was interested to read his trepidations before the 80 Days trip – he didn’t think it would be overly successful and Palin was a fourth or more choice. But as we all know, it started off some fantastic journeys. I loved reading about behind the scenes with Wanda and Meaning of Life (one of my favourite films) as well as ‘George H’ dropping by (that’s George Harrison of The Beatles). Ordinary man living an exceptional life.
I really enjoyed this book. I presume there won’t be any more published because the travel diaries have already been produced, but I suppose I can hope…
Once again, Palin’s writing is brilliant, taking you to that era and making the everyday seem extraordinary and interesting – from parent-teacher meetings, to work meetings and travelling Concorde (okay, so that’s not so ordinary). It feels like he’s a regular, everyday Englishman who happens to act, write and perform very well. I was interested to read his trepidations before the 80 Days trip – he didn’t think it would be overly successful and Palin was a fourth or more choice. But as we all know, it started off some fantastic journeys. I loved reading about behind the scenes with Wanda and Meaning of Life (one of my favourite films) as well as ‘George H’ dropping by (that’s George Harrison of The Beatles). Ordinary man living an exceptional life.
I really enjoyed this book. I presume there won’t be any more published because the travel diaries have already been produced, but I suppose I can hope…
July 31, 2013
Whilst devotees of Monty Python in general and Michael Palin in particular (and I am indeed among that number) will enjoy this it's difficult to see who else might.
For those who read the first volume this one covers a far less interesting period. Sure, there are several career-defining moments, not least the baby steps MP takes towards becoming a Hollywood leading man (never quite completing that journey) but not quite enough to make this a compelling read.
We learn about the aftermath of the Life of Brian which is very entertaining and the sections covering the various film projects are also well worth the effort but the overall feel is of MP slipping into a comfortable life without too many ups and downs.
His role as chair of Transport 2000 is covered but fairly obliquely and the one massive event in his private life, the suicide of his sister Angela, is not given much depth at all. I can only guess that MP wanted this tragic event to remain closed for fear of upsetting his close family. Whilst I fully understand this, if one is publishing a diary then one has to really do it warts and all.
The book ends the day before MP's famous trip emulating Phileas Fogg – presumably not wanting to cover the same ground as Around the World in 80 Days Companion to the PBS Series.
Good but not essential.
For those who read the first volume this one covers a far less interesting period. Sure, there are several career-defining moments, not least the baby steps MP takes towards becoming a Hollywood leading man (never quite completing that journey) but not quite enough to make this a compelling read.
We learn about the aftermath of the Life of Brian which is very entertaining and the sections covering the various film projects are also well worth the effort but the overall feel is of MP slipping into a comfortable life without too many ups and downs.
His role as chair of Transport 2000 is covered but fairly obliquely and the one massive event in his private life, the suicide of his sister Angela, is not given much depth at all. I can only guess that MP wanted this tragic event to remain closed for fear of upsetting his close family. Whilst I fully understand this, if one is publishing a diary then one has to really do it warts and all.
The book ends the day before MP's famous trip emulating Phileas Fogg – presumably not wanting to cover the same ground as Around the World in 80 Days Companion to the PBS Series.
Good but not essential.
April 7, 2011
Palin's talents are extraordinary -- comic genius, writer, intrepid world travel documentary maker. This is his second chapter of his diaries, covering the better part of the 1980’s – a time of growth professionally and personally as his children spring up in front of him. What I most admire about Palin is he is clearly a deeply committed and loving parent. The majority of his diary entries talk of his children: Taking them to school, parent teacher meetings, etc. And he loves his wife dearly. Both are qualities you rarely see amongst the Hollywood set – exactly what Palin staunchly resists.
While Palin is obviously a bleeding heart liberal – supporting Green Peace, blasting Margaret Thatcher regularly and even and rather bizarrely writing approvingly of the non-commercialized world of Soviet Moscow – he is at least true to his convictions (I am eager to see the next installment of diaries to see if he begins to swerve to the Right…).
This was a wonderful and refreshing read. Palin’s talents have made us all laugh silly and entertain us through tough times. And he has done it again by sharing his daily life with us. Highly recommend this book whether you are a Monty Python fan or not.
While Palin is obviously a bleeding heart liberal – supporting Green Peace, blasting Margaret Thatcher regularly and even and rather bizarrely writing approvingly of the non-commercialized world of Soviet Moscow – he is at least true to his convictions (I am eager to see the next installment of diaries to see if he begins to swerve to the Right…).
This was a wonderful and refreshing read. Palin’s talents have made us all laugh silly and entertain us through tough times. And he has done it again by sharing his daily life with us. Highly recommend this book whether you are a Monty Python fan or not.
September 17, 2014
If you read this book you will find out more about the workings of TV and film production and the problems of getting a script from page to screen than you ever wanted to know. You will encounter people so famous that it sounds like name dropping and then people you've never heard of and never will again. Which probably doesn't sound that gripping.
But it is Michael Palin. All interviewers refer to his "niceness" and that really comes across but he can get a little tetchŷ which just makes him more human. Basically he is very engaging company and you carry on reading about another script, another production and then the usual family issues many of us face, and some tragic ones, we hope we don't. Throughout we have Palin's view of the world, which tries to be kind, which tries to recognise when others are having a bad day. And which recognises his own weaknesses and the silliness of his own career in the face of rampant Thatcherism and finds way tone useful and make a difference.
He is genial company so that you keep turning the pages, even though it isn't a page turner.
Here's to volume 3.
But it is Michael Palin. All interviewers refer to his "niceness" and that really comes across but he can get a little tetchŷ which just makes him more human. Basically he is very engaging company and you carry on reading about another script, another production and then the usual family issues many of us face, and some tragic ones, we hope we don't. Throughout we have Palin's view of the world, which tries to be kind, which tries to recognise when others are having a bad day. And which recognises his own weaknesses and the silliness of his own career in the face of rampant Thatcherism and finds way tone useful and make a difference.
He is genial company so that you keep turning the pages, even though it isn't a page turner.
Here's to volume 3.
October 4, 2010
I was a bit disappointed really. Not many laughs. Who wouldn't want to have been Michael Palin? From where do his best ideas spring? Not to be found in a diary of course which written contemporaniously gives no insight; I know, my next film will be about a missionary; then six months plus of agony while the thing is realised, Endless meetings with self regarding or alcoholic actors whose egos need to be constantly massaged. A good review; Champagne: a poor review then I'm useless. No you're not you fool, you're Michael Palin. Get a grip man.
Still, I never knew he was in ASLEF or whatever. The three day week. Bosom pals with Jimmy Knapp! Bugger is a socialist it transpires. Just goes to show you think a chap's a decent fellow and and it turns out he's to the left of Gordon Brown. And I thought the "Communist Quiz" was satire. "The workers control the means of production". Don't try palming him off with cheap Spanish fizz though.
Still, I never knew he was in ASLEF or whatever. The three day week. Bosom pals with Jimmy Knapp! Bugger is a socialist it transpires. Just goes to show you think a chap's a decent fellow and and it turns out he's to the left of Gordon Brown. And I thought the "Communist Quiz" was satire. "The workers control the means of production". Don't try palming him off with cheap Spanish fizz though.
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May 15, 2011This second volume of the Monty Python alum’s diaries begins in 1980 as Palin is working on Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits and, perhaps more prophetically, an episode of the BBC Television series Great Railway Journeys of the World, the first excursion into his successful career in travel documentaries. While on the surface these years are somewhat less interesting than those covered in The Python Years (1969-1979), but Palin is an exceptional writer and shares many fascinating stories: hops to New York on the Concorde to discuss television and book deals, the allure and struggles of filmmaking, hanging out at George Harrison’s estate, constantly being mistaken for Eric Idle. Palin also evocatively documents the events leading up to his sister Angela’s suicide in 1987. This installment finishes up with the release of A Fish Called Wanda, as the author is about to set off on his travels for Around the World in 80 Days.
December 3, 2014
The second installment of the diaries of actor and writer Michael Palin is an excellent continuation of Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years. Palin continues to chronicle both the successes and failures of himself and his Python cohort, but also his own family's growth, his wonderful spunky mother and the sad decline of his sister into depression. Like diarist Sir Samuel Pepys (1633 –1703) his own personal comments show Palin to be a warm, caring, colorful and brilliant man. In addition, those of us who enjoy nosing around the backstage of life will enjoy descriptions of the humdrum and everyday workings of the rich and famous. The end product of a movie, play or book may seem effortless but the energy and work going on behind the curtains is immense, demanding and never-ending. A thoroughly worthwhile read both for Python fans but also anyone with an interest in British politics, the inner-workings of the movie business or the exhausting life of a star
June 25, 2013
It is a testament to the talent and appeal of Michael Palin that I spent the last month reading his diaries, diaries which contain no sex, drugs or rock n' roll. There is nothing remotely shocking or juicy here, conversely nor are there any in depth intellectual musings or essays - this really is Michael Palin's day to day diary of his life over a decade - chronicling his work, his family and frequently, his cat. And this is the period AFTER python. Sounds boring? It really isn't! I thoroughly enjoyed this, every moment of it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the previous decade! I can't put my finger on it, I just find Michael Palin very interesting. He writes beautifully, he is thoughtful, considerate and very grounded. His insights into the people in his life are wonderful. Highly recommended for fans and those who enjoy good journaling!
March 25, 2012
A couple of years ago I read and enjoyed the first volume of Michael Palin's diaries and I enjoyed this second volume just as much. It covers most of the 1980s, the years in which he was doing more writing and acting on his own than with the rest of the Pythons, and also became involved in many other activities.
He seems a genuinely nice chap who loves his family, works hard and enjoys the life he's been blessed with. It's interesting to see the "development hell" side of film-making with years being spent scraping together the money to fund new projects, and I was equally interested in the other behind-the-scenes aspects of film and TV described.
He writes movingly of this children growing up, his elderly mother and his sister who suffers from depression. The diaries are also a great piece of social history as they include many events, both major and minor, of the era.
He seems a genuinely nice chap who loves his family, works hard and enjoys the life he's been blessed with. It's interesting to see the "development hell" side of film-making with years being spent scraping together the money to fund new projects, and I was equally interested in the other behind-the-scenes aspects of film and TV described.
He writes movingly of this children growing up, his elderly mother and his sister who suffers from depression. The diaries are also a great piece of social history as they include many events, both major and minor, of the era.
November 27, 2015
I got a hefty sample from B&N on my Nook, will buy it eventually. Palin is a very prolific writer, mainly from semi-constant journaling. I want to get to this as it covers his work in “Time Bandits”, a favorite movie. I also love him in “Brazil”, have to watch that again now that I’m more mature & can look beyond Gilliam’s skewed view. I really wanted it to end with Jonathan Pryce getting the girl like the studios wanted. I now see Terry G’s point of view & how it just follows the theme more accurately. Palin writes with a genuine warmth, he sounds like the father you’d always want when he writes about his children. You also see what a good friend & collaborator he is with Terry J & Terry G. Not as much insight into the creative process as I’d like, but it’s another view of life in Britain & a Brit’s view of the States. And reading about meeting & working with George Harrison is fun.
May 20, 2017
I read this as I'm an inveterate auto/biography reader but had my reservations re author since I've never liked Monty Python nor any kind of pratfalls-substituting-for-humour movies.
Had I enjoyed this I would have bought the two others in the series, even though out of order reading but I'll pass on them.
The milieu of this man's life was boring, from the people to his manic dashing hither and yon activities. He managed to transition from a touching obscurity to acclaimed wealth by, it seems, accepting every offer of public appearance whether related to his interests or to his social justice philosophy or not.
A peculiarly shallow man that never grew up is my impression. And I'm not sure a frequently absent, indulgent father-as-a-pal style of upbringing is a benefit for children but all hail to his wife for her fortitude.
Had I enjoyed this I would have bought the two others in the series, even though out of order reading but I'll pass on them.
The milieu of this man's life was boring, from the people to his manic dashing hither and yon activities. He managed to transition from a touching obscurity to acclaimed wealth by, it seems, accepting every offer of public appearance whether related to his interests or to his social justice philosophy or not.
A peculiarly shallow man that never grew up is my impression. And I'm not sure a frequently absent, indulgent father-as-a-pal style of upbringing is a benefit for children but all hail to his wife for her fortitude.
March 30, 2011
Halfway to Hollywood is the second volume of Michael Palin's personal diaries. Here we cover the post-Python and pre-travelogue years of 1980-1988. The Missionary, Time Bandits, A Fish Called Wanda etc are all covered here and, if anything, I'm finding this more interesting than the Python-centric first volume (although Python, naturally enough, is still very prominent).
One of the things I'm really enjoying are Palin's thoughts and comments about HandMade Films. Having recently re-read Robert Sellers' excellent book about the spectacular rise and fall of that company, Very Naughty Boys, it's fascinating to match the two.
The only thing I'm not enjoying is the hideous, hideous cover. I thought we'd left the days of this sort of cut and paste jacket far behind...
One of the things I'm really enjoying are Palin's thoughts and comments about HandMade Films. Having recently re-read Robert Sellers' excellent book about the spectacular rise and fall of that company, Very Naughty Boys, it's fascinating to match the two.
The only thing I'm not enjoying is the hideous, hideous cover. I thought we'd left the days of this sort of cut and paste jacket far behind...
April 12, 2015
Nice, amiable read. I like diaries as a rule, and this is no exception. One observation? This one seems a tad too cleaned-up. Michael Palin may be the nicest man in the world, but no one writes every day without occasionally losing his temper, and Palin never does. The wife and kids are annoyingly constant sources of joy, but Helen in particular remains a shadowy figure (I suspect she vets the final manuscript). But still, I doubt it is possible to work with John Cleese without wanting to blow off. Cleese's autobiography (admittedly a different genre, but still . . .) gives a much more warts-and-all look at the interior life of a Python.
As I said, I liked it, but if you aren't already a fan, I don't much see the point in reading it.
As I said, I liked it, but if you aren't already a fan, I don't much see the point in reading it.
September 5, 2016
One of the rare books it took so long to read. I savoured every word. Came across this gem of a read in the wonderful Vibes and Scribes in Cork, Ireland earlier in the summer. I'm a huge fan of all things Python, particularly Palin so I was excited to start reading. Every time I opened the book, I felt like coming home to an old friend. He writes in such a way, you feel drawn in and part of his life and all its goings on. I've now started the third instalment of his diaries and looking forward to more of the same. The man could make his shopping list readable and interesting. He really is a national treasure. All of the stars for Michael Palin. To make up for being relegated to second funniest Palin on the planet by Sarah's antics!
November 9, 2009
I found myself skimming towards the end, much different from when I read his first volume of diaries (the Python years) which I read cover to cover. Volume 2 is still good but maybe the reason I skimmed, beginning from the 1984 entries, is because I am not so familiar with his non-Monty Python related film work other than 'A Fish Called Wanda' and 'Brazil'. This volume ends with Michael Palin getting ready to begin his career as presenter of several travel shows beginning with 'Around the World in 80 Days'. Now those I'm familiar with and am looking forward to reading his entries regarding those shows in Volume 3.
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