An early morning raid, a house-full of Nazis, the world’s greatest harmonica player, and a dashingly handsome undercover spy. What could possibly go wrong?
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05/31/18 • 36 min
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Revisionist History - A Polite Word for Liar
Transcript Summary
In the intriguing episode titled "A Polite Word for Liar," virtuoso harmonica player Larry Adler takes us on a journey through his life and memories. Among his recollections, he reveals a passionate affair with actress Ingrid Bergman and denounces the claim that he confessed it to her husband. Delving into the nature of memories, Adler highlights their subjectivity and malleability. Enter John Whites, a successful fashion designer and former spy, who sheds light on his past as a German Jew fleeing Nazi Germany and his involvement in daring undercover operations. A clash between Adler and Whites emerges as they recount conflicting versions of a raid on a house full of Nazis. The accounts range from one featuring harmless old women to another involving armed soldiers. Adler, a compulsive storyteller, believes in memory improvement, while Whites remains tight-lipped about his war experiences due to a memo from his former boss. Both men hold principled stances, and their differing recollections of the raid perplex a historian. Eventually, Whites merges his version with Adler's towards the end of his life. As the episode unfolds, we witness Adler prioritizing experiences over memories, culminating in a poignant final concert before his passing. Don't miss this captivating exploration of personal narratives and the fascinating intricacies of memory.
Transcript
Pushkin. I always flatter myself. I think I'm gonna be able to play it that fast, and I actually can. So take it from your introduction again after the three chords a little slower. If you ever want to treat yourself to something wonderful, type in the name Adler and the word harmonica on YouTube. This is from an Australian program called four Corners in nineteen sixty one. There are a hundred videos like this. Do people take you seriously with t
A Polite Word for Liar Top Questions Answered
How famous was Larry Adler as a harmonica player?
Larry Adler was a renowned harmonica player.
Did Larry Adler have an affair with a famous actress?
Larry Adler had an affair with Ingrid Bergman, a famous actress.
Did Larry Adler acknowledge the claim of the affair?
Adler's response to the claim of the affair was unsure, suggesting that memories can be unreliable.
Who was John Whites?
John Whites was a successful fashion designer and former spy.
Did John Whites struggle with any psychological issues?
John Whites had a traumatic past and struggled with PTSD.
Were Larry Adler and John Whites involved in a raid on a house full of Nazi soldiers?
Yes, Adler and Whites were involved in a raid on a house full of Nazi soldiers after the war.
Do Adler and Whites have conflicting accounts of the raid?
Adler remembers the raid differently from Whites, with conflicting accounts of the events.
Are there conflicting memories of another raid involving Nazis?
Yes, there are conflicting memories of a raid involving Nazis and a group of harmless old women.
Does Larry Adler believe in the idea of self-deception?
Yes, Larry Adler, a compulsive storyteller, believes in the idea of self-deception and shares stories about his own false memories.
How did Adler and Whites deal with their different memories?
Adler and John Whites, both principled individuals, have different ways of dealing with uncertain experiences and memories.
Where did Adler give his last concert?
Adler gave his last concert at the Royal Albert Hall, playing from a wheelchair and receiving a standing ovation.
Did Larry Adler prioritize experiences over memories?
Yes, Adler values experiences over memories until the end of his life.
Was the story Adler tells about playing a song in Sinai true?
No, the story Adler tells about playing a song in Sinai is not true but makes for a better story.
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