petula clark - as if we never said goodbye

[richl]

Those who find her no good here I think are missing the point that she brings a sad vulnerability to the song and role.

It's very cleverly done .

[pitepan]

A powerful performance, yet, a bit scary.......... no offence, i understand, Normal is supposed to be dramatic, just look at the band behind her, they got a bit scared by her too. LOL.

[linderella54]

For me this is the only version. Love it

[MyKagor]

Sorry for my English. Pivitsey admired for the first time listening to a duet with Demis Roussos.

[deldds2002]

Petula's still got it. Way to go. You soar in this interpretation.

[lumiere85]

Absolute GARBAGE!!!!!!! That Andrew Lloyd Webber allowed her to play this role is more proof he's lost his mind. Forget Love Never Dies, this is proof enough. I'm all for different takes on a character, but this is just terrible.

[bradly2007]

Stunning performance by Petula is a reminder this incredible talent thankfully goes on and on & luckily got to see her in Los Angeles Pantages Theatre production of "Sunset Blvd" and the lady was brilliant...touching clip show a timeless Petula soaring, giving a profoundly moving performance in top form...Bravo Petula!

[jamiesexonlegs]

oki first she looks hidious and yes before anyone says shes older here i know, but she still looks awful....

second, she had killed this song,

[linderella54]

love this and Pet x x

[thejonquil]

Miss Petula Clark adds a new depth and dimension to this great show. I wish I could see and hear her performance in person. What a great singer and actress. I love her.

[linderella54]

we taught the world new ways to dream Yes!!!!!!!

[linderella54]

this i the Best one for me. BIGGER. Love Her.x x

[myclocksays42O]

i dunno how i got here. i'm scared. and really happy. how beautiful.

[dryliner65]

she is a real beauty , i've seen her live shows and she can deliver anything.

[peace2baby]

I LOVE Pet Clark!

[sebastianpellegrene]

I saw her do this in the USA national tour. She got several curtan calls and was absolutly briliant in the role. Love this woman.

[linderella54]

this is the best version for me. i have heard others but ...... shes the best

[katherinebowers]

Wow! The amazing Petula Clark. I have loved her since I was a child. This performance is incredible!

[kfunkdeluxe]

God woman!! Cold of sorted out that flock of seagulls on your head!! Hahaha, seriously tho. Sort it

[stal1ng]

I've always been so greatful for people who've made enduring contributions to our lives as human beings. Petula is one such person. She's a legend in my book. Thank you so much for posting

[rosotro]

just superb! Bravo, Miss Clark!!

[aavauxhall]

Each Norma found a way to make the role work for them. When Petula ran her fingers through Joe's hair and said "Now come to bed, Darling", she was the only one to create the same wince amongst the audience that Swanson did in 1950. In an age of the 50 year old "Goldie Hawn" generation of beauties, we have lost that...

[linderella54]

i have neva seen Sunset Boulevard at the theatre although someday i hope i will but I love Petula singing this. To me this is the best..

[sensationsmag]

I saw Petula Clark as Norma Demond in the NJPAC production of "Sunset Boulevard" in Newark, NJ several years ago. Singers such as Patti LuPone, Elaine Page, and Betty Buckley can belt this song to the rafters; singers such as Petula Clark, Glenn Close, and others - who sing well, but don't have the same soaring octave range or decibel volume - bring the character to life through their stage mannerisms, pauses, hand movement, inflections - and voice. I think this was a wonderful interpretation!

[DEBOJU930]

fantastic rendition pet, you are the best .love you LIZ

[seano467]

I'll always love this lady!She looks just like a gal I ran around with as a young guy.Her Name was Carol Miller and she wound up being murdered by her scumbag live in BF!But,they could have been twins!Fantastic performance,Pet!!

[hillevifan]

She is one of the last Norma's I've listened too, and I've surveyed all of the Petula hate comments on various videos, so I was a tad wary when I started to listen to this. But, in my humble opinion, her portrayal of Norma is wonderful! Sure, the vocal style is NOT Norma, but the acting is one of the most spot-on I've seen recorded. She really has a grasp of the character. There are many better, and there are many worse, so I found the hate comments unfounded really!

[linderella54]

we taught

[jcsiegelman]

Excellent...

[saint973]

not my favourite actress in sunset but brilliant performance mind you girlfriend needs to brush her hair and get a decent frock she looks like a bag lady

[Evilqueen1985]

she gives an excellent performance... Her appearance is a little bit Grizabella meets Victoriana meets Norma Desmond... visually and emotionally shocking

[fellatio24]

Her acting here is superb. Her delivery of the line "could I stop my hand from shakiing" is heart breaking as she looks at the wrist that she previously slashed. She shows profound understanding of the character. Vocally, she is an aquired taste, but acting wise she is very fine ! x

[samiun2]

I really like this clip.

Pet is wonderful

[SeaTravelr123]

Wow.. what poison on here about Dear Pet... I was expecting to see Petula Clark when I was in London in 1996. I had seen Glenn Close and Betty Buckley and was excited to see Ms. Clark.. The tour guide on the boat to Greenwich announced as we sailed past her flat, that she was on Holiday!!! I was gutted.. But got to see Rita Moreno, instead. Im so glad you posted this video though, cause I wanted to see/hear Pet do it. Rita was FABULOUS. A great mix of girlish timidity and resentful star!!!

[Deadmanphantom]

yes, emlodik is houseonsunset, isnt it so sad that he has to skulk around youtube hunting "petula clark" so he can give her a bashing, maybe we should all get together find all the linda balgford vids and slag her off, does he think by slagging off all the time that he will turn the world to his way of thinking?? god this kid needs to grow up!!!!

[Deadmanphantom]

How old are you houseonsunset? your clearly young, barely out of nappies i guess! and wouldnt know a good bit of musical theatre if it came and slapped you in the face!!! not saying Petula Clark is briliant here, i saw EVERY norma in london and she brought a new side of norma out. anyway you clearly cant deal with the fact that others dont like what you want them to!! Grow up!!! (M1ckeyjoe why do you just delete this little twats comments and block him x )

[m1ckeyjoe]

do you know what, deadmanphantom, i am going to block the little shite (whom i suspect is also "Emlodik". i believed everyone is entitled to their opinion so allowed the freak to rant, but enough is enough... goodbye houseonsunset!

[Deadmanphantom]

woooohhhhh!!! good bye little anoying twat now you cant spend you time slagging everyone off, maybe you might have the time to change your nappy and grow up a bit. no sorry, A LOT!!!!

[blyan85]

@Deadmanphantom you are so lucky you got to see every norma :-)

[Deadmanphantom]

why dont you grow up and except that different, and differnent people like different things!! you clearly love linda balgord, othere dont like her as much as you clearly dont like petula, if we all liked the same thing then the world would be a very boring place. so in summary, stop being a abuse spurting little twat, grow up, and learn to except that not everyone one will agree on the same things. i mean elaine page was a great norma too, and normall i hate paige!

[emlodik]

Oh, wa, wa. Blame me for being tone deaf. :-P

[rwsandne]

I believe that no matter who played her (Glenn Close, Elaine Paige, Petula Clark) each lady brought to the role their own interpretation of the character and each did a fantastic job in making the role theirs. I agree with those who thought that Petula's performance here was exquisite for the character of Norma Desmond. I am not necessarily saying that she is the best singer or actress ever.

[onlyalittlewicked]

I saw her in london once, and one the tour 3 times. I also saw both her tour under4studies (suan emmerson and alice lynn) she was bad in london, and on the tour bad doesn't even descrtibe it. I would urge the Petfanatics to listen to the other women in the role. You will quickly realise just how painful her performance was. Her american accent was horrendous, her vocals cracked and got progressively worse as the show progressed. I love Petula, just not in this role

[HouseOnSunset]

LOL... Those losers won't admit it! They say she sings better than Linda Balgord!

[dawg9live]

I think it is interesting to see other stars interpretation of Norma. They all have their particular facets, and they all have their inclusions...I think ANYBODY who is brave enough to play the role Tallulah turned down....well...that speaks volumes.

[wonnabeastar]

why do people have to resort to petty name calling??? Two different people will perform the role differently, have their own interpretations of the characters etc...Just accept it!!

[m1ckeyjoe]

hear, hear

[GASNERO]

SO-so, I prefer Glenn Close 's version, which is much more better, technically and emotionally.

[emlodik]

Just to recap.... No matter what bitter old gay men say, PETULA CLARK SUCKED IN SUNSET BOULEVARD!!! No amount of elderly gay worship will change that!

[m1ckeyjoe]

it's not healthy for a young, heterosexual (snigger) male to be obsessing about sunset boulevard and it's actresses. it's called choice and preference, it doesn't make it wrong because it's not the same as yours. you're a film maker. you need to experience everything, see all sides. you shouldn't be so narrow minded. everything has it pluses and minuses. take it all in, an open mind is the key to a happy life and a key factor to surviving in the industry you're hoping to work in.

[emlodik]

Experienced it.... Petula still sucks.

[emlodik]

Umm... Your "snigger" [SIC] doesn't really work because I never claimed to be hetero...

[m1ckeyjoe]

gay men do not use being gay as a slur to other gay men - as you do in numerous post. including one on my page, which you didn't allow me to respond to. It was completely unprovoked and random, as I'd never had any correspondence with you, it was just because I'd uploaded a video you didn't like.... I think you need to grow up, diddums. and i will snigger, snigger, and snigger again at you - in fact as often as you leave your pathetic posts I will snigger. gay or straight you - get a life!

[emlodik]

Oh, waaa, waaa, waaa. Her performance was still an abortion. All 7 year span of it!

[m1ckeyjoe]

snigger, snigger, snigger

[HouseOnSunset]

Look, I don't care how gay you are, missy! She SUCKS.

[Deadmanphantom]

its clear what type of immature, uncultured little toad emlodik is. funny how it likes to call people gay... im thinking "does the lady protest to much" and have somthing to confess? emlodik= em-loves-dick i wonder?

[Deadmanphantom]

i saw Glenn Close, Petula Clark, Betty Buckley, and Elaine Paige in the role of "Norma" and though Glenn was superb, Petula was amazing, she touched me, i actually had a huge lump in my throat in this scene. none of the other 3 did that to me! petula was and IS the best Norma closely followed by Glenn. x

[emlodik]

Look, I don't care HOW gay you are, Petula SUCKED in the role. People who think any different are brain dead retards.

[emlodik]

Whoever thought she was an good as Norma Desmond should be sent to a death camp!

[m1ckeyjoe]

you seriously need to see petula live to really appreciate her, she wipes the floor with all the other Normas i have seen. it's not just about the singing, petula acts far better than the others and has age on her side. she is norma

[emlodik]

DEATH CAMPS!!!!!! (This'll make the gay population significantly younger, hotter, smarter and with better taste

PS - Puh-leeze. "Act?" "Sing?" In what universe? Helen Schneider and Linda Balgord walk all over Petunia le Klerk in all departments. And as depressing as it is to admit it, even Glenn Close sings the score better than this.

[KatradioNY]

If Petula Clark comes to your concert venue...I urge you to see her. Ms. Clark interprets a lyric with ALL her heart and might. ALL of her songs are timeless and three or four encores later...you'll agree!

Thanks for posting!

[emlodik]

I'll go as long as she's not butchering "Sunset Boulevard"

[LaerdBryn]

This was a finished performance in a TV studio setting. Wish I could have seen this in the context of the actual production. It must have been mesmerizing. I have to say that any negative criticism of this performance, IMHO, is only valid because of the venue of presentation.

It was nice to see this without the Norma Desmond costume.

[jwpcapili]

i watched petula during her matinee performance as norma desmond in 2000. she was magnificent. truly magnificent.

[psloveme]

not her best ! at all

[roccoh21]

I ADORE Petula Clark but this is GOD AWFUL!!!

[orioletrail]

No meat to this performance. The voice just isn't there. Too bad.

[gabsylv]

what do you mean "no meat"? don't know what you mean by that. it's a unique interpretation by a great performer.

[orioletrail]

LOL!!!

[gabsylv]

I mean, specifically, what's wrong with it?

Because she doesn't roll her r's or sneer?

[will63hooper]

I have seen Sunset 24 times and seen 7 different Norma Desmonds and P.C. was by far the worst, toe curlingly embarrassing! Patti Lu Pone, Faith Brown and Kathryn Evans all brought out Norma's vulnerabilty and did NOT play her as a gorgon in looks or manner. Elaine Paige also sang brilliantly, her Norma owed alot to Gloria Swanson's original.

[gabsylv]

I disagree if you say that this is a bad performance

[GhostWatching]

Wonderful ! 5 Stars *****

[SidFortune]

There ain't never been a canary who has taken on this song that hasn't communicated prfound hope for the come back. I love 'em all. Pet has all that any of us could ever possibly deserve. God and musical theater bless her.

[DAMECOLIN]

Is this Petula Clark or a drag Queen

[Livingallalone]

Petula was wonderful as norma!

[Brian54M]

She was much better in late 2007 in Palm Springs

[LouuHowellss]

shes ok. nothing special, but shes good enough "D

[deejayvoo]

most underated performer of all time,

[DLMBOSTON]

I saw her in London and her on the US Tour. I thought she was quite wonderful. She was my 4th Norma - Elaine Paige is still myh favourite!

[weekendin]

Petula was great on stage in this role but she has not taken it down for TV - I saw her 5 times in London in Sunset and she did not look or sound too old and she acted the part as a woman NOT a fag hag !

[discoguy20]

oh dear,not for me...terrible.

the perfect norma for me will always be glenn.

[MTGuyNE]

I have tried to like Petula Clark's performance in Sunset, but the voice just prevents it from being credible for me. If she took even a couple of singing lessons, they'd teach her to breath and support the notes properly. Most amateurs even realise you must do that for the big money notes, but she cracks and warbles on all of them here.

[HouseOnSunset]

She was actually quite good in the 2004 BBC concert performance of the show, but for the rest of the time she was gawd awful! To think she played the role for FIVE years makes my blood curdle! Gloria Swanson must be spinning in her grave...

[konig82]

this is really kitsch! I love it!

[his989]

Meh.. I dont' think Kitsch is the right word for her o_O...

[clinkclan]

petula 's comin here in d phils exciting

[bohemiawelcumsyou]

What with the questionable pronunciation, campy OTT acting, and even worse wardrobe, it almost seems like this is all a joke or a parody of Sunset Bvd...

[standup22]

I think that in her prime petula was a very talented singer and still is (though not as good obviously) but i just fink that when she played Norma Desmond she was just too old for the role and her voice didnt suit the role like it did Glenn Close, Betty Buckley, Elaine Paige etc.

[donpazer]

I thought Glenn Close did this song VERY well too. As did Barbra Streisand in her '93 Live

Concerts.

[sfbuddie]

absolutely magical

thank you petula

[rubix110]

I love Petula and her voice!

[emlodik]

...She actually sounds and look better here than she did in the actual show, though that's not saying much. AT ALL!

[scottreiburn]

It reminds me of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" video.

[yusoupoff]

Just enjoy the moment...It never can be changed, it is done. Savor the moment and the time, the love the joy that the Great Petula had given us...

[gil23456]

Thoughts for supposedly pro reviewers :

1. Petula is dressed for TV here (see "I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE") and not for the express role of Norma Desmond (as in "WITH ONE LOOK" on YouTube) ; that later performance is much more appropriate, I agree.

2. It`s not Pet`s age or talent that is argued here, but her attire (make-up and hairdo), she seems to have improvised herself.

3. As much as I like Pet, her voice is simply not up to par, even with the age factor. Her voice is "shot".

[JulietteTVChicago]

Thoughts for amateur reviewers below:

1. Petula is made up and dressed, proximally, for the stage role of Norma Desmond: a tragic, scarey looking woman.

2. This is NOT a pop song, its musical theatre, not pumped out to a steady beat but sung freely and yes, partly talked (its called "recitative"). Take in a musical, geniuses!

3. As for Petula's appearance, I wish those who cannot bear watching or listening to artists older than Leona Lewis to kindly keep their limited insights to themselves.

[pantobelle]

Totally agree. Musical theatre requires art and skill and acting ability which Ms Clark has in abundance which is obvious from this performace. Petula originally played Norma in 1995 to rave reviews.

[gil23456]

This is censorship ; I still maintain my position ; Ms Clark is not an unattractive woman ; she just fixes herself too quick before appearing on a show ; and as for the "Norma Desmond" explanation, check out the video intitled "I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE", filmed at the same occasion, you'll see the same (atrocious) look ; however, on "WITH ONE LOOK", you'll see a very effective make-over of Petula for the occasion... sorry, but this video should be taken out !

[gil23456]

Thoughts for supposedly pro reviewers :

1. Petula is dressed for TV here (see "I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE") and not for the express role of Norma Desmond (as in "WITH ONE LOOK" on YouTube) ; that later performance is much more appropriate, I agree.

2. It`s not Pet`s age or talent that is argued here, but her attire (make-up and hairdo), she seems to have improvised herself.

3. As much as I like Pet, her voice is simply not up to par, even with the age factor. Her voice is "shot".

[gil23456]

Nice enough woman in her mid-70s (egad!) ; wretched voice (understandily, after signing too high and too loud for so many years) ; excellent interpretation, but awful attire, monstrous make-up and horrendous hairdo : "DON'T SLEEP IN THE DUMPSTER, DARLING"... !

[brookes0]

even though this is a concert petula clark acts every bit of this song. we see norma's vulnerability and passion and hope it's a great performance.

[carmenpdizon]

i love the song, i love Petula Clark and that's a fact!

[tiaratickles]

Listening to this, I'm too fond of the live performance. She shouts quite a bit. & does look a wee bit scary!

[MTA1966]

Not a patch on Elaine Paige.....who was the best Norma vocally by far.

BTW - what the hell has she got on.......one of Edith Piaf's cast offs???? as for that make up............

[tiaratickles]

I agree with the Elaine Paige comment. Although, I do LOVE this version of the song.

It's quite possibly one of my favourites!

[nlsnbebang]

dame shirley BASSEY DID THIS VERSION AND IT SOUNDS SO MUCH GOOD.

[mgb234567]

"Don't sleep in the container, darling..."

[gil234]

DAMEHOOD COMES A LITTLE LATE...

[gil234]

Hello ? Knock ! Knock ! No mention about the atrocious hairdo and make-up ? It's nice to write about the artistry and the subtleties... but what about the very obvious ? There ought to be a law... (!)

[pianoboyo]

I really felt we got to know Norma in this performance..and I feel this is very important as rather than being a rather impersonal bel canto show piece this is in fact the first time the audience meet Norma. Please dont misunderstand me I do admire Close's work..but I feel undue criticism has been leveled at ms Clarke.

[pianoboyo]

I found the way ms Clarke sung spoke the role to be infinately more satisfying and indeed realisic than Close's wildly fluctuating tone quality and poorly disguised passing from chest to head voice. ms Clarke knew she couldnt do a big sing and so as a total professional took a different approach and succeeded marvelously..

[pianoboyo]

Agreed the diction was sometimes awkward and some notes were a little 'tight'. BUT this was unmistakably a work of REAL artistry...I cannot agree that Close was in any way superior to this performance.

[rboneh]

I had often thot that music enhanced the drama, but Dame Judi & Pet Clark have shown how it is likewise possible the other way round in their ingenius use of speak-sing as an art. Pls make Pet Clark a dame all you British citizens. She is someone a people/nation can be very proud of!

[rboneh]

Funny no. 2 - Found my son watching '102 Dalmations'. Glenn Close plays Cruella De Vil (to his delight)! Saw Dame Judi's 'Send in the Clowns' - very moving speak-singing style! Thanks for the reference. And thank you for this clip.

[rboneh]

Funny, I just posted a comment elsewhere that I find Glenn Close a bit intimidating as Norma. Here's someone who thinks she has created a Norma monster! When it comes to putting it all together sensibly way, Petula is the queen of artistry!

[eli2lewy]

Yes!easily the best norma.Thanks for sharing this.

[untamededna]

I saw Petula Clark in Sunset and thought she was just extraordinary. Norma is vulnerable and we should see her becoming 20 again I don't think any other actress conveyed that as truthfully as Petula Clark. The other actresses seemed to play a monster, especially Glenn Close. And as for criticisms of 'speak singing', you've only got to see Dame Judi doing 'Send in the Clowns' to know that intention is far more important than sounding wonderful. And please let's make Pet a Dame!

[davie12]

The speaking/singing, is about emotion. Anyone can hit the notes, even me; it's not that hard. It's getting the emotion, the exhileration excitment,fear that Norma is feeling at that moment; that's the ART. That's Pet.

[emlodik]

What the hell was Andrew Lloyd Webber smoking when he hired HER? 2,500 perfomances?!?!? For WHAT?!?!?

[davie12]

Only fools make comments like that. Some people love an artiste, some hate the same artiste. Nothing constructive or intelligent in the kind of comment you're making. Just pratty.

[emlodik]

Though, I admit it's one of her better "As If We Never Said Goodbye" renditions. But WHY is she sing-speaking?

[AriesModerator]

Unfortunately, I never found her Norma to be great. Her diction is less than good and her voice hardly does justice to the role.

[daveed70]

I saw her perform this and she was fabulous. She was nearly 70 at the time. I doubt many could put on a performance this good at that age. She was much better than Glen Close! Plus she was constantly going up and down that huge staircase in those heavy sequined costumes... probably has thighs of steel from that tour.

[emlodik]

I found Glenn Close infinitely superior. At least she didn't have to sing-speak.

[37AW2ndSt]

Thanks for the memory. I saw her in Sunset Blvd. when she toured the US. She was the only reason I went to see it, and it was a tremendous evening. This song, especially, stopped the show.

[davie12]

This woman is a genius. There's nothing, it seems, that she can't make special. Brilliant (and that's from one who hates musicals).

[GordonGuggy]

Wonderful • Many thanks

[yozzerhughes]

Great but IMHO Faith Brown was the nest Ms Desmond.