James Thurber

Sit fireside with a master of mirth in James Thurber—also titled James Thurber, Reflections on His Boyhood—a delightful archival film where Alistair Cooke interviews the beloved humorist as he spins tales of his youth and career. This mid-century gem crackles with charm: Thurber’s wry grin lights the screen, his voice weaving nostalgia—boyhood pranks in Columbus, Ohio, a tumble down stairs sparking laughter and lore. Cooke leans in, coaxing highlights: the New Yorker’s gleam with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, doodles dancing off pages, words that tickle and sting. The camera lingers—Thurber’s hands sketch a dog mid-air, eyes twinkle recalling misadventures—a mid-20th-century portrait of wit born from whimsy and woe. With Cooke’s deft questions and Thurber’s gentle barbs, it’s a treasure of memory and craft. Archival Moments revives this literary lark—subscribe to chuckle more from the tales of history!