Spoiler : As a lifetime fan of Thurber and Perelman, it was a treat to hear their voices, and in an ‘industrial’ setting. Perelman often said he had ‘no histrionic talent’ and this confirms it. He is reading from a script, written by himself, and he cannot time it for audience laughs, as a comic actor could. His script also shows his bent for writing for the eye rather than the ear. I recognise a great many of his wonderful conceits and allusions, but they may have puzzled or escaped listeners. Thurber on the other hand was always a consummate performer, or show-off if you will, and he could act it as well as he could write it. A raconteur of skill, though some found him tiresome, so often did he monopolise a gathering, and with the same anecdotes. The genius of these two men in their own field is beyond question, and their contribution to letters indelible. The announcers are painful, though of course, of their time. I know little of Broun, though the ‘New Yorker’ writers always mentioned him with reverence. I think I see why. I do not know Dawn Powell’s work, or that of Shayon.

Spoiler : Someone named ‘Chapman’ is on the panel. Shayon seems to be the producer.