The greatest stage performance I ever saw was Mr Newley in 1962 in his tour - de - force "Stop the world - I want to get off".
Seven years later his star was so far in the ascendant that he was given the keys to Hollywood and told "Help Yourself".
An offer he took very seriously.
The result was what can only be described as extraordinary .
Now whether this is a good "extraordinary" or a bad one is very subjective.
What is certain,however,is the warts and all portrait of the artist that is revealed.
He is by turns crude,witty,self - relevatory,secretive,charming and unpleasant.
And so is the film.
Fifty years ago it might have shocked a pre Harvey Milk America.
Today it merely represents the overindulgence of a huge ego.
But it's a "Big" film with a big budget and big themes already explored by cleverer reviewers than me.
I still admire Mr Newley's work and can indulge his childish ambition to make a T and A picture dressed up as "Art".
The film's main saving grace is that in parts it is very funny.
As a satire on the so - called "Permissive" society and its pernicious after - effects it is unmatched.
