2:01:07
Honoured members of
the Sarah Siddons Society,
2:01:10
distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
2:01:14
What is there for me to say?
2:01:17
Everything wise and witty
has long since been said
2:01:20
by minds more mature
and talents far greater than mine.
2:01:24
For me to thank you as equals
would be presumptuous.
2:01:28
I am an apprentice in the theatre,
2:01:30
and have much to learn from all of you.
2:01:33
Let me say only that I am proud and happy,
2:01:38
and that I regard this great honour
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not so much as an award
for what I have achieved,
2:01:44
but as a standard to hold against
what I have yet to accomplish.
2:01:49
And, further, that I regard it
as bestowed upon me only in part.
2:01:55
The larger share belongs
to my friends in the theatre,
2:02:00
and to the theatre itself
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which has given me all I have.
2:02:07
In good conscience,
I must give credit where credit is due.
2:02:12
To Max Fabian. Dear Max.
2:02:16
Dear sentimental, generous,
courageous Max Fabian,
2:02:20
who took a chance on
an unknown, untried amateur.
2:02:28
To my first friend in the theatre,
2:02:32
whose kindness and graciousness
I shall never forget,
2:02:36
Karen. Mrs Lloyd Richards.
2:02:44
It was Karen who first brought me
to one whom I'd always idolised,
2:02:48
one who became
my benefactress and champion.
2:02:52
A great actress and a great woman,
2:02:56
Margo Channing.