Sir Terence Rattigan by John Isaacs

SIR TERENCE RATTIGAN

I suppose I’m a bit of a nostalgic, though I don’t believe everything in the past was better. However, I do think that some of us, and I include myself, are less likely to show each other the courtesies and consideration as in the past. Terence Rattigan seems to me to embody these qualities in his writing, more than current authors. I should add that I was taught English by an outstanding schoolmaster, who encouraged our critical faculties.

Terence Rattigan was born in 1911 and attended Harrow School, an upper middle class start in life which influenced some of his work. He was an author and had sympathy with his characters, even the minor ones. In all he wrote over forty plays and other works.

He was thought of as being too middle or upper class by some of his contemporaries. None the less, he transcends these criticisms. He was also thought by the avantgarde to be too cosy, though actually his characters are often complex. His work also lends itself to radio and his contribution to this medium has proved popular with many.

Rattigan has sometimes been accused both by his peers and theatre critics of being too sympathetic, but nothing could be further from the truth. His characters have depth and sentiment, rather than sentimentality. His plays are well structured and satisfy those of us who like to see beginning, middle and end in a production.

The moving scenes in “The Browning Version” are vividly portrayed by Michael Redgrave in the film of that name, and the part of the Major in “Separate Tables” shows the sympathy Rattigan had with his characters, together with a deep understanding of human nature. Watch them! You will not be disappointed.

Despite being replaced in the public favour by Joe Orton and John Osborne, he nevertheless followed their careers with interest. There was no bitterness nor jealousy. In his personal life, his play “Flare Path” later, with suitable changes, made into the film “The Way to the Stars,” was probably based on his real experience as an air gunner in World War II, which he never mentioned in public. An air gunner’s active life was four minutes. There is no doubting his courage. He was gay, at a time when being a gay person was difficult. Happily, his plays are now enjoying a revival. He was knighted in 1971 and died in 1976.

John Isaacs