Conversations on the Art of Living - Davis Mankowitz Tapes

In this special companion episode of  “Conversations on the Art of Living: The Davis Mankowitz Tapes,”  we conclude our series with an intimate conversation with Gered Mankowitz, son of the renowned writer Wolf Mankowitz. Gered reflects on his father’s life, legacy, and creative spirit, offering personal insights into Wolf’s literary and cinematic journey. He also shares stories of growing up amid...

In this episode, we delve into the themes of mortality, legacy, creative evolution, and cultural reflections. Wolf shares candid anecdotes about his near-death experiences, battles with cancer, and ideological journeys during and after World War II. This episode offers a unique perspective on the interplay between personal experiences and broader historical events, highlighting Wolf's resilien...

This episode spans a wide array of topics, from the early struggles and inspirations of Wolf’s writing career to his experiences in Hollywood and reflections on artistic ambition. This episode delves deep into themes such as the practical realities of a writing career, the evolution of creative pursuits, and the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. Through candid ane...

⁠ The first conversation explores the intersection of art and commerce, examining the economic realities of filmmaking and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Wolf shares his experiences as a student, practitioner, and entrepreneur in the arts. The second conversation transports listeners to Italy, where Wolf recounts his vibrant experiences working with notable figures...

Take a deep dive into the life and contributions of Alexander Korda, a pioneering figure in British cinema. The conversation reveals Korda's influence on the film industry, his ability to nurture talent, and the indelible mark he left on filmmaking. The episode transitions from historical reflections to a candid discussion on the economics of filmmaking, comparing financial landscapes from the 195...

This episode delves into Wolf's transition from narrative storytelling to the abstract realms of Dadaism and surrealism. Highlighting how art became a therapeutic lifeline for him, the episode explores themes of mortality, creativity, and the unpredictable intersections of life and art. With vivid anecdotes and reflections, Wolf shares his late-life ventures into visual arts, emphasizing the p...

This episode takes us on a journey from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Ireland, exploring how his environment shaped his artistic journey and personal growth. Wolf shares his experiences escaping the pressures of the film industry, his reflections on class and Jewish identity, and his contributions to the Irish film scene. Along the way, we uncover personal stories, his...

Explore the trickster archetype in art and literature. Dive into Mankowitz's creative process as he shares captivating stories and insights with Gerald Davis. Discover the magic behind storytelling, the influence of historical contexts, and the pragmatic realities of living as an artist. Join us on a journey through creative evolution, artistic deception, and the enduring legacy of art. Projec...

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 Hol...

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 identit...

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 i...

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 w...

A trailer to a limited podcast series coming soon: Explore the depths of creativity and the human experience in 'Conversations on the Art of Living,' where host Les Davis curates profound dialogues between writer Wolf Mankowitz and artist Gerald Davis from their 1992 recordings. Journey through their reflections on art, culture, legacy, and the echoes of wartime, captured in a series of au...