The Black Heart Of Reginald Goodall

[Mandryka]

So, Goodall was a member of Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists. He was an outspoken opponent of the Second World War, and he was briefly arrested for his views. So, some of the Mitford Gels were also fans of Adolph. It's such water under the bridge isn't it? Either he was a good conductor, or he wasn't, that's what it comes down to when push comes to shove isn't it? It's like these endless questions about Furtwangler. Quite frankly My Dear, who gives a damn?

Goodall's case is unique: afaia, he was the only non-German/Austrian conductor to go public with his symphathies. This was bound to draw attention at a time when Britain was going to war with Germany....there is a somewhat dishonest section in The Quest documentary where Burton and Goodall glide over the fact that the latter was interned during WW2: it would have been better to ignore this episode of RG's history here than gloss it over in this way.

In the case of Furtwangler....yes, there is film of him appearing on podia festooned with swastikas, but he never joined the Party. The worst case that can be made against him is that he was too 'vain' and proud of status to 'make a stand' against the Nazis - though, again, I'd refer you to the Ashkenazy quote I gave in another thread.

[Petrushka]

So, Goodall was a member of Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists. He was an outspoken opponent of the Second World War, and he was briefly arrested for his views. So, some of the Mitford Gels were also fans of Adolf. It's such water under the bridge isn't it? Either he was a good conductor, or he wasn't, that's what it comes down to when push comes to shove isn't it? It's like these endless questions about Furtwangler. Quite frankly My Dear, who gives a damn?

My heart sank when I saw the title of this thread and I have to say I must agree with Anna's comments. I have been aware of Goodall's political views for years and wonder what the motive is for dredging up all this again. For Heaven's sake, it's 70/80 years ago!

I do sense, along with the 'Siegfried Jerusalem - Jewish?' thread that there is some provocative ****- stirring going on.

[Steerpike]

I completely agree with you Petrushka.

We've all known the Goodall story for years. Why now? And why with such a tabloid style headline?

Why Siegfried Jerusalem now? Half a minute on Google would make it clear he isn't Jewish, if anyone was concerned.

[JimD]

Yes, it's very old news. I suppose we'll all have to start debating whether we should listen to Wagner next. Zzzzzz....

[Ferretfancy]

Six degrees of separation --- An uncle of mine by marriage had a niece who married Max Mosley, who was of course the son of Diana and Oswald. Her sister Unity was supposed to have had an affair with Hitler, which connects me to him, and of course Debo, dowager duchess of Devonshire. Worrying isn't it? Did Goodall know any of my relatives? That gets me really scared!

[Cellini]

My heart sank when I saw the title of this thread and I have to say I must agree with Anna's comments. I have been aware of Goodall's political views for years and wonder what the motive is for dredging up all this again. For Heaven's sake, it's 70/80 years ago!

I do sense, along with the 'Siegfried Jerusalem - Jewish?' thread that there is some provocative ****- stirring going on.

I have to also entirely agree with you Petrushka. It seems clear to me that provacation is the motive, and then lots of backing off to make it all seem rather innocent once any questions or corrections are posted.

We also have a new poster, Peter Everest, making links and statements in his first two posts, which are trying to back up the OP. Something fishy here ...

[Pianorak]

My heart sank when I saw the title of this thread and I have to say I must agree with Anna's comments. I have been aware of Goodall's political views for years and wonder what the motive is for dredging up all this again. For Heaven's sake, it's 70/80 years ago!

I do sense, along with the 'Siegfried Jerusalem - Jewish?' thread that there is some provocative ****- stirring going on.

Not forgetting

. . . Culshaw was a prosmiscuous homosexual and an early victim of AIDS (before the disease had been recognised) and that his many visits to Australia (where he caught the disease) were for purposes of sex tourism. . . .

[french frank]

Please note that this thread has been reported for its content. Rather than expressing comments about the thread here, if members are uncomfortable they should use the Report Link facility and explain their reasons.

[Mandryka]

I really don't know what to make of some of the responses here: I did indeed 'back off', as I'm happy to admit and deleted a sentence about Goodall which was pure extrapolation on my part. Otherwise, all I've tried to achieve is a discussion of the known facts. I've apologised to Cellini - what more can I do?

Anyway, yes, by all means delete this thread if it's causing ill-feeling. But I thought we'd be able to discuss these things in reasonable, non-emotional way?

[french frank]

For the totally arbitrary and indefensible reason that I'm going out until late afternoon, I'm temporarily closing this thread. If it is closed permanently there will be a full explanation. In the meantime further comments should be made to me via PM.

But could I advise members, please, not to make assumptions about people's motives in posting, especially not those of new members.