Royal54-07-1441ASentimental Journey

The National Broadcasting Company present, transcribed Sir Ralph Richardson in Theatre Royal. This is Ralph Richardson. A short while ago in this series, we played for you some scenes based on sequences from Tristan Shandey by Laurence Stern.

Today, for your pleasure, we have some scenes from the second of the two books upon which his fame rests, a sentimental journey. If we can succeed in capturing the spirit of that book, we should deal in a measure of delight.

For I find it one of the most charming books I know. Two hundred years ago, Lawrence Stern paid a visit to France and anticipated much of the misfortune and the good fortune too, which is attended upon generations of tourists, right up to the present day. Come with us, won't you, as we take a step back into the France

of two hundred years ago, and take with lobster a sentimental journey. The whole circle of travelers may be reduced to the following heads. Idol travelers, inquisitive travelers, lying travelers, proud travelers, vain travelers, splendidate travelers.

Then follow travelers of necessity, the delinquent or felonious traveler, the unfortunate and innocent traveler, the sinful traveler, and last of all, if you please. sentimental traveler, meaning thereby myself. And the reason for my sentimental journey through France? It all happened very simply.

I repeat, disgraceful, sir. Yes, my lord, I am of your opinion. Absolutely no flair for these things, English. No sensibility, my lord. They ordered this matter better in France. You have been in France? No, my lord, no, I...

You mean, sir, you have not been in France? No, my lord, but... Then, sir, I have nothing further to say. Strange that one and twenty miles sailing, for it is absolutely no further from Dover to Cali, should give a man these rights.