Conversations on the Art of Living - Davis Mankowitz Tapes Les Davis

Wolf shares his unique experiences of surviving the chaos of war with minimal involvement, navigating the dangerous coal mines, and stumbling upon unexpected roles in the diplomatic world. His stories, filled with humor and resilience, offer a fascinating glimpse into how one man's quiet determination and adaptability shaped his extraordinary life.

Project website - Art of Living⁠

In this episode, we have a double feature of sorts, we explore the vibrant tapestry of London's past and the glamorous yet gritty world of 20th-century cinema and theatre through the life of Wolf Mankowitz. First, we visit the East End of London, delving into the immigrant community's resilience and Wolf's early ventures in commerce. Then, we transition to his illustrious career in Hollywood, highlighting his storytelling prowess and enduring influence on cinema.

⁠Project website - Art of Living⁠

Delve deep into the cinematic and theatrical worlds that shaped the legacies of iconic figures like Orson Welles, Federico Fellini, and John Huston. Wolf shares intimate reflections and anecdotes about these towering figures, offering a glimpse into their struggles, triumphs, and the often tumultuous relationship between art and commerce.

⁠Project website - Art of Living⁠

This episode delves into the enigmatic world of iconic figures from Hollywood's golden era, exploring the complex interplay between their dazzling public personas and their private struggles. Wolf Mankowitz shares poignant insights from his personal and professional relationships with stars like Peter Sellers and Richard Burton. Through his stories, we see the psychological burdens and identity crises that often accompany stardom, highlighting the steep personal cost of fame.

Project website - Art of Living

Welcome to "Conversations on the Art of Living," where we start at the end. Wolf with decades of experiences shares poignant tales and musings about the luminaries he's encountered along the way—figures like Alexander Korda and Orson Welles. Through stories of loss, legacy, and the passage of time, this episode isn't just a recount of the departed; it's a celebration of the indelible marks they've left on the world.

⁠Project website - Art of Living⁠

In this Plains FM Feature interview Les shares the long (and winding!) road the cassette tapes his father Gerald Davis recorded with Wolf Mankowitz, took from recording, to being digitized and curated for this special project. The series focuses on Wolf Mankowitz's reflections on life and his creative journey of from impoverished East London, via the hallowed halls of Cambridge, to the Oscar winning highs of Hollywood.