Jeremy Clarkson vs Clive James

[Dr Jekyll]

I've often thought that Clive James would make a good 'reasonably priced star' for Top Gear.

From reading Clive James book about his time in TV it seems that Clive's production company was behind JC's chat show in the early 90's. The three partners, Clive, Elaine Bedell, and Richard Drewitt (now dead) had spotted Jeremy on Top Gear and decided he had potential. But then Jeremy decided Clive had offended his family and the two fell out. Though Elaine Bedell seems have worked with Jeremy since.

This presumably makes Clive's chances of getting on the show less even than Piers Morgan's. But does anyone know what Clive James is supposed to have said or done?

[Eric Mc]

I can't imagine Clive Jamers offending anyone.

In fact, he is so articulate and intelligent in his prose, I would look on any "insult" from him as a complimemt.

[Northern Munkee]

Why do I feel I've seen James is SIARPC in the past?

[Eric Mc]

JC has a track record of falling out with people I admire and rate highly.

Funny that. JC can be amusing and I often agree with his general sentiments about things, but I think he might be a bit of a pratt sometimes.

[anonymous-user]

Eric Mc said:

I can't imagine Clive Jamers offending anyone.

In fact, he is so articulate and intelligent in his prose, I would look on any "insult" from him as a complimemt.

I don't think Sartre amongst others would've taken CJ's critique of him as much of a compliment...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cultural-Amnesia-Notes-Mar...

..great read if you haven't already.

[Eric Mc]

I'm a big fan of CJ.

I can see why people with big egos might not take his criticisms lightly.

[Asterix]

Eric Mc said:

I'm a big fan of CJ.

I can see why people with big egos might not take his criticisms lightly.

Such as the Bee Gees?

[AnotherClarkey]

Asterix said:

Eric Mc said:

I'm a big fan of CJ.

I can see why people with big egos might not take his criticisms lightly.

Such as the Bee Gees?

Are you quite sure you aren't thinking of Clive Anderson?

[Asterix]

Oh yeah - bks

[BringbacktheP&P]

Asterix said:

Oh yeah - bks

[Eric Mc]

AnotherClarkey said:

Asterix said:

Eric Mc said:

I'm a big fan of CJ.

I can see why people with big egos might not take his criticisms lightly.

Such as the Bee Gees?

Are you quite sure you aren't thinking of Clive Anderson?

James has never been anything other than polite to his guests.

However, I am not a great fan of what James did as a TV presenter. I like his work as a writer and radio broadcaster far more.

[williamp]

Clive James was- and still is- a big fan of F1. There is a good fun clip of him reviewing the Brabham refuelling idea from the early 80s whioch is funny and fun.

He still likes F1 too, and it would be great if someone asked his opinions about it on TV...

[Larry Dickman]

I like Clive James & think he'd do well on top gear. The thing about him is that he can insult people in such a clever way that they don't realise they've been insulted.

Which is sort of exactly what Eric Mc said.

Edited by Larry Dickman on Sunday 5th December 04:17

[ritmo]

williamp said:

Clive James was- and still is- a big fan of F1. There is a good fun clip of him reviewing the Brabham refuelling idea from the early 80s whioch is funny and fun.

He still likes F1 too, and it would be great if someone asked his opinions about it on TV...

Didn't CJ commentate on F1 in the 80's

[Eric Mc]

ritmo said:

williamp said:

Clive James was- and still is- a big fan of F1. There is a good fun clip of him reviewing the Brabham refuelling idea from the early 80s whioch is funny and fun.

He still likes F1 too, and it would be great if someone asked his opinions about it on TV...

Didn't CJ commentate on F1 in the 80's

No - but he did work on a number of F1 documentaries and provided the voiceovers for some of the early FOCA official videos e.g. the traumatic 1982 season. One of the best pieces of F1 comment ever done - in my opinion.