Longford (2006 TV Movie)

Lee Boardman: Talk Show Host

Quotes 

• Lord Longford : [on a radio talk show to promote his new book about saints, is challenged by a caller to say whether he now regrets ever having aided Myra Hindley, or not]  Not at all. As a matter of fact, I consider my visiting Myra Hindley, and indeed, all the other prisoners I've visited for over fifty years, to be one of the great blessings of my life. Now, perhaps, we could get back to the subject of saints.

  Talk Show Host : But hasn't she destroyed you? She's... she's ruined your good name; she's taken all the hard work you did and thrown it back in your face.

  Lord Longford : [struggling to bare his soul in public]  Umm... yes... perhaps there's some truth in that. Forgiving her has proven difficult, very difficult. Not for what's she's done to me, that's neither here nor there; but for the terrible crimes themselves. Forgiveness is the very cornerstone of my faith. And the struggle to deepen my faith is my life's journey. In that respect she has enriched my spiritual life beyond measure, and for that, I will always be grateful to her.

  [trembling slightly] 

  Lord Longford : If people think that makes me weak... or mad... so be it. That is the path I am committed to. To love the sinner, but hate the sins. To assume the best in people, and not the worst. To believe that anyone, no matter how evil, can be redeemed... eventually.

  Talk Show Host : [barely paying attention]  Right, the time is coming up to 2:20. Lord Longford is with us for the next couple of hours. And the switchboard looks like it's about to explode! Next caller, Lionel in Sevenoaks.

• [opening lines] 

  Talk Show Host : Today, people, we are *privileged* to have with us a former Labor cabinet minister and leader of the House of Lords, a Knight of the Garter and 7th Earl of Longford, who's come to talk with us about a book he's just written entitled "Saints." Frank Pakenham - Lord Longford - welcome to the show.

  Lord Longford : Thank you very much.

  Talk Show Host : So many questions to ask you, such a long and *distinguished* career. But I'm gonna start with the book. What prompted you to write it?

  Lord Longford : As a lifelong Christian and scholar, I've always been interested in ideas of sanctity. But more than that, I think it was probably the entirely selfish desire to spend a little time with my heroes.

  Talk Show Host : Your "heroes"?

  Lord Longford : Yes, that's what the saints are - my heroes, friends, intercessors.

  Talk Show Host : [not really interested]  *Interesting!* Right, the time has just gone 2:15, the subject is saints, we're gonna take some calls. David, you're through to Lord Longford. What's your question about..."the saints"?

  Male Caller : [angry]  Actually my question isn't about the saints. I just want to know how your *esteemed* guest can look himself in the mirror each morning?

  Talk Show Host : I'm assuming this is a question about Myra Hindley?

  Male Caller : Yes it is! How could you rub salt in the wounds of the families like that? A man in your position, fraternizing and campaigning on behalf of that monster!

  Lord Longford : [polite, but brisk]  Well, I certainly take exception to that description; but I made it quite clear before coming on the program, that I wouldn't be talking about Myra Hindley today.

  Talk Show Host : Of course. Next caller is Judy, who's in Sheppey. You're through to Lord Longford.

  Female Caller : [angry]  My call is also about Miss Hindley. In view of *everything* we now know about it, don't you *regret* having supported her all that time?

  Lord Longford : [getting flustered]  Once again, madam, I'm afraid I must decline to answer questions about her.

  Female Caller : It's a simple answer, Lord Longford - yes or no? Do you *regret* it?

  [Lord Longford is agitated, speechless. Talk Show Host stares at him silently, waiting for an answer. Opening credit sequence rolls]