Hello, I'm Kristi Young, and this is a podcast from the Desert Island Discs Archive.

For rights reasons, we've had to shorten the music.

The program was originally broadcast in 1979, and the presenter was Roy Plumley.

On our Desert Island this week is a singularly successful pair of writers for film and television and the theatre.

I only have to mention the light-clear lads and porridge.

It's Dick Clement and Ian LaFrenne.

Right, gentlemen, the rules for records each, right? Yes, and Dick.

Do you think your tastes differ to the extent that respective discs are the only depleted oppositions of the island, or do you agree fairly well musically?

We have our differences, but I think we'll come to terms, actually.

I thought at one time that I might have to choose a record that would get rid of Ian, because we might be tired of each other's comedy out awhile.

But I've decided not to be mean and beastly, and I think we can get records that will be very compatible.

Do you expect any drama?

No, I've been pleasantly surprised at Mr. Clement's favourites.

Well, let's fin a coin. Dick, will you call? This is for who goes first? Who plays a disc first?

Heads. Heads is right.

So, your first disc?

My first disc is by Count Basie.

When I was very young, I was 18, and I went to a miracle on a scholarship, and I had a year in Connecticut and New York.

And one of the first things I enjoyed doing was listening to Count Basie, which I used to do in a club called Birdland, the same Birdland, which came from Lullaby, Birdland.

And I used to go and listen to him, and he sat about as far away from me playing the piano as you are now.

And if you nursed a drink all evening, you could actually sit and listen to this wonderful band for about $1.50.

You could hear a lot of bass.

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