Slim Gaillard's Civilisation

 

Episode 2: "How High The Moon"

In 1938 jazz legend and international star Slim Gaillard went to Hollywood to appear in Hellzapoppin: and then war broke out. Gaillard became one of America's first black bomber pilots; in this episode he recalls that profound and traumatic experience. With the help of Van Morrison he re-enacts a famous encounter with his beat disciple, novelist Jack Kerouac; he settles an old score with Little Richard; appears on America's craziest chat show; and meets the peanut that went to the moon.

  • Contributors:
    • Van Morrison
    • Jack Kerouac
    • Little Richard
  • Producer: Nigel Finch
  • Director: Anthony Wall

An 'Arena' special, first broadcast by BBC2 on 29 October 1989.