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Interviewer: Now let's go back to your first novel, Rag Doll. When did you write that?
Writer: Rag Doll, yes. I wrote that in 1960, a year after I left school.
Interviewer: How old were you then?
Writer: Um, eighteen? Yes, eighteen, because a year later I went to Indonesia.
Interviewer: Mm. And of course it was your experience in Indonesia that inspired your film Eastern Moon.
Writer: Yes, that's right, although I didn't actually make Eastern Moon until 1978.
Interviewer: And you worked in television for a time too.
Writer: Yes, I started making documentaries for television in 1973, when I was thirty. That was after I gave up farming.
Interviewer: Farming?
Writer: Yes, that's right. You see, I stayed in Indonesia for eight years. I met my wife there in 1965, and after we came back we bought a farm in the West of England, in 1970. A kind of experiment, really.
Interviewer: But you gave it up three years later.
Writer: Well, yes. You see it was very hard work, and I was also very busy working on my second novel, The Cold Earth, which came out in 1975.
Interviewer: Yes, that was a best-seller, wasn't it?
Writer: Yes, it was, and that's why only two years after that I was able to give up television work and concentrate on films and that sort of thing. And after that ...
Shop Assistant: Harling's Hardware.
Customer: Hello. I'd like to buy a new fridge. I can't afford a very expensive one, and it mustn't be more than 140 cm high.
Shop Assistant: Right. I think I have one here. Wait a moment. Yes, here we are. It's 50 cm wide and 130 cm high.
Customer: Oh. And how much is it?
Shop Assistant: It's one hundred and twenty-nine pounds, very cheap.
Customer: I'll come over and have a look at it.
A: Good morning. Can I help you?
B: Yes. I'd like to find my perfect partner.
A: I see. Well, if you could just answer a few questions?
B: Certainly.
A: First of all, what age would you like your partner to be?
B: About twenty. Not more than twenty-five, anyway.
A: Okay. And what sort of build?
B: What do you mean?
A: Well, would you like someone who is very slim or would you prefer someone rather more plump?
B: Ah, I see what you mean. I don't think I mind, actually.
A: And what about height?
B: Oh, not too tall.
A: So, medium-height?
B: Yes, and long hair.
A: Any particular color?
B: No. As long as it's long, it doesn't matter what color.
A: Good. Now, is there anything else at all?
B: Well, obviously I'd like someone good-looking.
A: Well, we'll see what we can do. Would you like to fill in this form in the next room and I'll call you soon.
(enters C)
C: Hello. Is this the Perfect Partners office?
A: That's right.
C: I'm interested in meeting someone new.
A: Well, you've certainly come to the right p1ace. What sort of person are you looking for?
C: Oh, someone tall, dark and handsome.
A: I see. And what sort of age?
C: Oh, mid-twenties, I suppose.
A: Well, I might have just the person for you. Could I just ask how old you are?
C: Twenty-four.
A: Good. Could you just wait here a minute?
(C puzzled)
(A goes and fetches B)
A: This doesn't usually happen, but I think I've found just the person for you.
B: Oh, no!
C: Not you!
B: What are you doing here?
C: I think I should be asking you that.
B: Well, I just wanted to ... (interrupted by A)
A: Excuse me, but what's going on?
C: That's my husband.
B: And that's my wife.
A: But you're just right for each other, from what you told me.
(Pause)
B: Yes ... I see what you mean.
C: I suppose it's true. You are what I'm looking for.
B: Oh, darling. Why did we ever leave each other?
C: I don't know, but it's not too late, is it?
B: No. (they embrace)
A: Excuse me.
B & C: (surprised) Sorry?
A: That'll be twenty-five pounds please!
47 Riverside Road, London SE1 4LP.
10th May, 1989
Dear Chris,
Thanks for your letter. I'm sorry I haven't answered it sooner but writing is difficult at the moment. I fell off my bike last week and broke my arm. It isn't anything very serious and I'll be OK in a few weeks.
Your holiday sounds fantastic. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Someone at work went to Jamaica last year and had a wonderful time. When are you going exactly? I hope you'll have good weather.
There isn't really much more news from here. I'll write a longer letter in a few weeks. Send me a postcard and give my regards to everyone.
Yours
Kim
—I want to fly to Geneva on or about the first.
—I'll just see what there is.
—I want to go economy, and I'd prefer the morning.
—Lufthansa Flight LH 203 leaves at 0920.
—What time do I have to be there?
—The coach leaves for the airport at 0815.
—You must have some more chicken.
—No, thanks. I'm supposed to be slimming.
—Can't I tempt you?
—Well, maybe I could manage a very small piece.
—I expect you could do with a cup of tea, couldn't you?
—I'd rather have a cup of coffee, if you don't mind.
—Milk and sugar?
—A milky one without sugar, please,
—What would you like to drink?
—A black coffee for me, please.
—How about something to eat?
—Yes, I'd love a portion of that strawberry tart.
—Right. I'll see if I can catch the waitress's eye.
—Can I take your order, sir?
—Yes. I'd like to try the steak, please.
—And to follow?
—Ice cream, please.
—Can I help you, madam?
—Is there a bank at this hotel?
—Yes, madam, the International Bank has an office on the ground floor of the hotel.
—Is it open yet?
—Yes, madam, the bank is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am till 3 pm.
—Thank you.
—Can I still get breakfast in the brasserie?
—Yes, sir, if you hurry you can just make it—breakfast is served until 10:30.
—How soon do I have to leave my room?
—Normally it's by 12 noon on the day of your departure.
—Well, you see, my plane doesn't go till half past five tomorrow afternoon.
—I see. Which room is it, madam?
—Room 577—the name is Browning.
—Ah yes, Mrs. Browning. You may keep the room till 3 pm if you wish.
—Oh, that's nice. Thank you very much.
Conversation 1:
Mrs. Henderson has just answered the telephone. Frank wasn't in so she had to take a message for him. Listen to the conversation and look at the message she wrote.
Julie: 789 6443. Who's calling, please?
Paul: Paul Clark here. Can I speak to Mr. Henderson, please?
Julie: Sorry, he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Paul: Yes, please. Could you tell him that his car will be ready by 6 pm on Thursday?
Julie: Yes, of course. I'll do that. What's your number, in case he wants to ring you?
Paul: 2748 double 53.
Julie: (repeating) 2 ... 7 ... 4, 8 ... double 5 ... 3. Thank you. Goodbye.
