The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word FLASHBACK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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More clues leading to the result FLASHBACK
- Sudden vivid memory of, say, Gordon Champion
- Vision of some past foxtrot champion retaining beat
- Briefly show sponsor reference to what happened earlier
- Recollection of showy defender
- Echo of past of showy defence player
- Flog defender after footballer’s first scene in film
- Half second dance by advocate — it could be seen in a movie
- Publicist, holding wild bash, interjected scene from the past
- Scene from the past of vulgar rugby player
- Glamorous retreat that brings the past to life
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "that brings the past to life" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that brings the past to life = flashback.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FLASHBACK mean?
FLASHBACK noun- (authorship) A dramatic device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological flow of a narrative.
- A vivid mental image of a past trauma, especially one that recurs.
- A similar recurrence of the effects of a hallucinogenic drug.
- The condition of the flame propagating down the hose of an oxy-fuel welding system.
- A query that operates against data from an earlier time, before it was changed.
- To undergo a flashback; to experience a vivid mental image from the past.