The death was announced recently of American actress Shelly Duvall.
A lot of the obituaries mentioned her role in The Shining as Wendy, and what a trial this had been for her.
But Duvall really came to attention in the ‘golden era’ films of Robert Altman. As well as appearing in, let’s say more minor offerings by the director, like 3 Women and Thieves Like Us, she had a significant role in the wonderful Nashville, a cameo in Buffalo Bill And The Indians… and of course was perfectly cast as Olive in Popeye.
Yesterday we were doing the tourist guide to London bit for a young lady mad keen on formula one and motor cars. After some discussion, we decided to visit Brooklands Museum.
It’s easy to get to. 30 minutes or so from Waterloo to Weybridge, many trains per hour, plus a bit of a walk round the houses but it’s reasonably clearly marked.
Brooklands is the site of one of the world’s first racing tracks. They were racing on it in 1907. It has had a mixed history, including at one time being the site of the biggest airplane manufacturer in the country.
Here is a very good video about it:
When he says it’s forgotten, we don’t think that’s fair. It is a very famous track, with huge banking and still largely intact. We couldn’t walk on the track when we were there as work was being done.
There are plenty of racing cars, old and new, planes, including Concorde, buses and lots of stuff relating to Barnes Wallis in the museum. Every hut had lovely people to give you the chat and there were some interactive jollies too.
If this is something you might be interested in, it’s not cheap but it is good fun.
